Friday, January 31, 2020

Guitar Legend Trevor Rabin To Release "Changes" 10 Disc Box Set March 16, 2020


Trevor Rabin had a hugely successful career in his native South Africa as part of what would be considered a teenybop band entitled Rabbitt. Whilst the band had much domestic success, outside of South Africa nobody knew who they were so Trevor Rabin left the band and South Africa and headed for London where he was signed up as a solo artist. He made three good and well-received rock albums before teaming up with the remnants of YES and forming a band called Cinema. Cinema with the addition of Jon Anderson would become the latest edition of YES in 1983 scoring with the massively successful album 90125. Trevor recently finished several successful tours with YES featuring Anderson, Rabin, Wakeman and, along with YES, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

His collaborations include working with Seal, Michael Jackson, Manfred Mann, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and Paul Rodgers to name a few.

He has received numerous awards including eleven BMI Film and TV Awards, a Grammy, a Lifetime Achievement Award (Los Angeles Music Awards), a Career Achievement Award (Temecula International Film Festival), and Gold Medal for Excellence in Film Music Award (Park City Film Festival).

Trevor has since become one of the most sought-after film composers in the business, with 34 films to date. He has created music that crosses barriers and genres that have made him one of the premier composers of contemporary music. As a guitarist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer or recording engineer Trevor has established himself as a leader in the contemporary music field.

Box Set Contents:

Disc 1 - Beginnings
Disc 2 - Face to Face
Disc 3 - Wolf
Disc 4 - Can't Look Away.
Disc 5 - Can't Look Away bonus tracks
Disc 6 - 90124
Disc 7 - Live in Boston 1989 part 1
Disc 8 - Live in Boston 1989 part 2
Disc 9 - Lost Soundtracks Vol. 1 - Jack Frost.
Disc 10 - Lost Soundtracks Vol. 2

also includes
Signed and Numbered Certificate
24 page A4 Photo Book, “The Making of Wolf”
24 page A4 Photo Book, “The Can't Look Away photo Session”
A3 Poster
4 x 10” x 8” Reproduction Promotional Photos
Reproduction Press Cuttings



Disc 1 - Beginnings 

Getting To Know You Better 4:12
Stay With Me 3:49
I Love You 5:01
Love Alone 2:13
Love Life 4:01
Fantasy  3:19
Painted Picture 3:36
Could There Be 4:27
Live A Bit 4:44
Red Desert 3:38

Beginnings Bonus Tracks

Getting To Know You Better (single edit) 3:20
Stay With Me  (single edit) 3:18



Disc 2 - Face to Face

I'll Take The Weight 3:56
Don't You Ever Lose 4:00
I'm Old Enough (To Make You A Woman) 4:10
The Wanderer 3:48
You 2:40
Now 4:50
The Ripper 3:48
Candy's Bar 4:02
Always The Last One 5:06

Face to Face Bonus Tracks

Don't You Ever Lose (single edit) 3:19



Disc 3 - Wolf

Open Ended 3:25
Heard You Cry Wolf 5:43
Do Ya Do Ya Want Me 3:30
Stop Turn 4:05
Lost In Love 3:45
Looking For A Lady (Wolfman) 4:41
Pain 4:35
Take Me To A Party 3:38
She's Easy 4:26
Long Island 3:41



Disc 4 - Can't Look Away

I Can't Look Away 7:19
Something To Hold On To 5:05
Sorrow (You Heart) 4:28
Cover Up 5:17
Promises 5:54
Etoile Noir 1:03
Eyes Of Love 6:53
I Don't Think It Would Last 4:05
Hold On To Me 4:42
Sludge 2:28
I Miss You Now 5:38
The Cape 2:57

Disc 5 - Can’t Look Away bonus tracks

Sorrow (Your Heart) (Edit) 3:28
I Can't Look Away (Edit) 5:04
Something To Hold On To (Demo Version) 4:15
Dan Neer Promotional Interview (Questions and Answers) 22:42
Dan Neer Promotional Interview (Answers Only) 19:05



Disc 6 - 90124

Hold On (Demo 1981) 6:19
Changes (Demo 1981) 3:11
Moving In 5:31
Would You Feel My Love 5:00
Where Will You Be (Demo 1991) 5:06
Owner Of A Lonely Heart (Demo 1981) 7:01
Walls (Demo 1990) 4:20
Promenade 1:44
Love Will Find A Way 3:29
Miracle Of Life 6:56
Cinema (Demo 1981) 4:31



Disc 7 - Live in Boston 1989 part 1 - 05 December 1989 (Previously Unreleased)

Cover Up
Sorrow (Your Heart)
Cry Wolf
Changes
Etoile Noir/Eyes Of Love
Solly's Beard
Something To Hold On To

Disc 8 - Live in Boston 1989 part 2

Carry On/Promises
Sludge
Can't Look Away
Make It Easy
Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Love Will Find A Way
Outroduction



Disc 9 - Lost Soundtracks Vol. 1 - Jack Frost (Previously Unreleased)

Frostbite
The Snowball Fight
It's Snowing
Magic Harmonica
Miss Him Too
The Cabin
Goodbye
The J Shot
Frost In Medford
Charlie Boy



Disc 10 - Lost Soundtracks Vol. 2 (Previously Unreleased)

Remember The Titans
Grace
Banger Sisters
Prague
A Beautiful Mind Trailer
Remembrance
Friendship
Sunrise
Gettysburg

Check out the newly launched Trevor Rabin shop, which as well as the box set, includes some rare and signed CDs: https://www.musicglue.com/trevor-rabin/shop

Trevor Rabin's official website: https://trevorrabin.net/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Italian Music Artist Annie Barbazza To Release Debut Solo Album "Vive"


Featuring Greg Lake, Fred Frith, Daniel Lanois, John Greaves, Paul Roland and others!

Italian music artist Annie Barbazza is releasing her first solo album “Vive” on February 29, 2020 on Dark Companion Records. She was a young drummer in love with progressive rock when Greg Lake discovered her talent as a singer and wanted her on stage with him for the concert which would later become the posthumous “Live in Piacenza”. Again Lake produced “Moonchild”, the duo with pianist Max Repetti for Manticore Records where she sang many songs formerly sang by Lake with ELP and King Crimson. If these were the beginnings of Annie’s career, now she is a rising star of the international Avant/Prog scene. Her friendship with John Greaves (Henry Cow, National Health) leads her to collaborate permanently live with the Welsh musician and to collaborate on his latest albums (“Piacenza” for Dark Companion and “Life Size” for Manticore).

Another one of her stable collaborations is the one with legendary writer-singer-songwriter Paul Roland with whom Annie regularly performs live as a bassist and singer and in the studio also as a drummer. Of extraordinary success both with critics and audiences is the recent collaboration with the North Sea Radio Orchestra as main vocalist in “Folly Bololey” (Dark Companion), the tribute to Robert Wyatt which triumphed at Rock In Opposition festival and at Cafe Oto in London, the cradle of new music. In studio she collaborates, among others, with Giorgio Fico Piazza and with Warm Morning Brothers, while live she performs together with artists such as Eugenio Finardi, Osanna, Robyn Hitchcock and many more, in addition to the ones afore-mentioned.

This album has a long history: Greg Lake originally wanted Annie to played all the instruments, but the record slowly turned into an all-star friends collaboration for most of them asked Annie to be part of it, from Fred Frith to John Greaves, from Lino Capra Vaccina to Daniel Lanois and Paul Roland. All tracks are original with the exception of two tracks written for her by John Greaves and Paul Roland and a cover of the splendid Blegvad / Greaves classic, “How Beautiful You Are”.

Who know Annie is aware of her elusive, shy nature. By these songs she gave voice to her inner ghosts and dreams, desires and fierce creativity.

An intimate, courageous, innovative album in which the many influences and musical styles of Annie melts together. Producer Max Marchini wanted to keep as immediate as they were conceived and played, avoiding overengineerings and over arrangements. The result is a collections of songs that span over the years working on which the many sides of the sparking, incredible voice of Annie Barbazza are the main character.

The album cover is visual artist William Xerra’s design. The album was recorded and produced at legendary Elfo Studios in Tavernago (Italy), in audiophile quality.



“I think if you can have any gift in music, the greatest gift is to be a singer. Annie’s unique voice is at the same time beautiful, brave and heartfelt.” - Greg Lake

“Annie is a phenomenon. She has a big voice and big heart and she’s eager to learn. Those are the characteristics of all the great musicians I’ve worked with. I can’t wait to see what she does next!” - Fred Frith

“I am in awe of Annie’s numerous gifts; her mellifluous voice, her mastery of so many instruments and most surprising of all - her incredibly diverse range of influences from classic rock to ambient and beyond. Not to forget her impeccable taste in cover versions!” - Paul Roland

“I’m very proud to know Annie as a dear friend. One day, on stage, on the radio in your kitchen, on the net or wherever you chance to hear her, you will know how great she is.” - John Greaves

Tracklist:
01. Ys (Barbazza) 4:12
02. June (Barbazza) 3:52
03. From Too Much Love Of Living (Greaves/Swinburne) 2:39
04. Time (Barbazza) 1:25
05. Nebulæ (Barbazza) 3:00
06. Wrote Myself A Letter (Roland) 6:23
07. How Beautiful You Are (Greaves/Blegvad) 4:22
08. Lost At Sea (Barbazza) 2:35
09. Phantoms (Barbazza) 3:20
10. Tide (Barbazza ) 2:10
11. Les Ruines Du Sommeil (Barbazza) 4:10
12. Lotus Flower (Barbazza) 3:33
13. Boîte à Tisanes (Barbazza) 3:42

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Alberto Callegar at Elfo Studios, Tavernago (PC).
Produced by Max Marchini

Annie Barbazza
with
Camillo Mozzoni
Daniel Lanois
Franz Soprani
Fred Frith
Greg Lake
John Greaves
Lino Capra Vaccina
Max Marchini
Michael Tanner
Olivier Mellano
Paolo Tofani
Paul Roland
William Xerra

Annie Barbazza
Vive
Dark Companion Records
DC 013 - Limited edition first press golden gatefold mini LP CD
DCLP013 - Limited edition gimmix cover colored audiophile Vinyl and golden CD with an original artwork insert by William Xerra
first press of 500 CDs and 300 individually hand numbered vinyl
Released  February 29, 2020

To purchase: http://store.maracash.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=annie+barbazza+vive&search_in_description=1&x=0&y=0

The vinyl first press will be available worldwide only directly from the website here: http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=528

Exclusive International Distrubution and Mail Order: www.maracash.com


www.darkcompanion.com
info@darkcompanion.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, January 27, 2020

Prog Rock Review: DBA-Geoffrey Downes/Christopher Braide-Live In England

Release Date: November 29. 2019
Label: Cherry Red Records
Geoff Downes and Christopher Braide are DBA. DBA stands for Downes Braide Association. Both gents are well known in musical circles and Downes has carved out a legendary slice of time with Asia and Yes and several other projects over the years, with his keyboard wizardry. Braide is a multi-talented artist, vocalist, musician, producer, and collaborator.

This matchup is one to die for with excellent musicianship and vocals beyond compare. Besides those two key players, there are important parts of the whole to make all this music complete, including Andy Hodge (bass), Dave Colquhoun (lead guitar) and special guests David Longdon (vocals and flute) and narration by Barney Ashton Bullock.

Live In England folds out into four sections holding two CDs and one DVD and an informative booklet.

I have always loved Yes and Asia including the 80s version of Yes with Downes. As all fans know that is why Asia was born. What you will hear in this immense set are 16 audio tracks then the same in the DVD. So, you get the best of both worlds. I watched the DVD first, of course, to get the full in-house impact when it was recorded at Trading Boundaries in East Sussex on September 28, 2018. The stage was normal and no-frills, just straight-ahead great music which suits me just fine thank you very much.

Christopher has an amazing voice, there is no other way to explain it. For me, it was goosebump time when the lead-off track “Prelude/Skyscraper Souls” kicked in. He has a smooth voice that can hit those high notes and perfectly enunciated for every part of each song. I did notice that when he sings in the lower register it reminded me somewhat of David Gilmour. When he goes high forget it, there are not too many vocalists that can pull off a performance as Christopher did on so many songs in one performance. I particularly appreciated that I could understand all the lyrics thanks to Christopher’s pinpoint vocal style. So enough about the vox humana.

Where would all of those beautiful vocals be without an amazing soundtrack to sing along to? That is exactly what Downes and company provide from start to finish on this performance. Downes is and was the musical centerpiece of the presentation and he even gets the stage all to himself to perform some familiar music instrumentally for the audience.

This is not just progressive rock its prog! And with some of the best-seasoned talent on the planet to present it all, fans of this kind of music will find a lot to enjoy on this set. The music covers their studio releases with precision and energy that will greatly be appreciated even with the most particular listeners.

If you don’t have the three studio albums, after hearing Live In England you will likely seek out all of those releases, I know I will.

Watch for the vinyl version of Live In England to be released on February 14th!


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 26, 2020

Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks

DISC ONE:

 1. SKYSCRAPER SOULS
2. MACHINERY OF FATE
3. LIVE TWICE
4. VANITY
5. SUBURBAN GHOSTS
6. BOLERO / VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR
7. GLACIER GIRL
8. ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDER


DISC TWO:
 

1. TOMORROW
2. LIGHTHOUSE
3. SKIN DEEP
4. DARKER TIMES
5. FINALE
6. HEAT OF THE MOMENT
7. THE SMILE HAS LEFT YOUR EYES
8. DREAMING OF ENGLAND


DISC THREE – DVD (NTSC REGION 0)

1. SKYSCRAPER SOULS
2. MACHINERY OF FATE
3. LIVE TWICE
4. VANITY
5. SUBURBAN GHOSTS
6. BOLERO / VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR
7. GLACIER GIRL
8. ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDER
9. TOMORROW
10. LIGHTHOUSE
11. SKIN DEEP
12. DARKER TIMES
13. FINALE
14. HEAT OF THE MOMENT
15. THE SMILE HAS LEFT YOUR EYES
16. DREAMING OF ENGLAND
 

Italian Prog Ensemble MANGALA VALLIS To Release 4th Album "VOICES"


“VOICES” is the fourth album by the Italian new prog band MANGALA VALLIS. An album that, once again, moves out of the path marked by the previous one, this happens because every creation of the band is the result of an ever changing journey, accelerated, mostly, by the events that occur inside the same band. It happened that the old members Cavalli Cocchi, Consolini, Milazzo and Tiranti were joined by an old friend of the band, Gianfranco Fornaciari, as a keyboard player and song writer.

The common thread of the songs in “Voices” is represented by the voices we hear from our deepest inner self, coming from our head, our heart or our soul. Voices that become louder and louder, and that need, as time goes by, the urge of coming out: to scream !! Voices that increase, little by little, their intensity, because the positive aspect  of aging is that we understand better who we are and what we want. The time has come to say stop compromising and no more suffocating our real personality. The album´s cover represents this concept: we are that planet, and those speakers represent our Voice exploding with all its self consciousness towards the rest of the world.

Mangala Vallis is an Italian rock band formed in 1998 thanks to an idea of Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (drums and percussion), Mirco Consolini ( guitar and bass) and Enzo Cattini (keyboards). The band´s name is a canyon on Mars, which appears in the novel Sphere by Micheal Crichton. Their main genre is progressive rock, influenced by other kinds of music coming from the background of the musicians´ past artistic experiences. Major elements of their production are the care and the quest of the best sounds and nuances.

On February 8th 2002 their first CD is released, “The Book of Dreams”, a concept album inspired by the fantastic adventures created by the great French writer Jules Verne, special guest is Bernardo Lanzetti (former vocalist of Acqua Fragile and PFM ).

During the next two years Mangala Vallis played in major prog rock festivals in Belgium, Germany and Holland. “Lycanthrope” is the band´s second album, released in November of 2005. Bernardo Lanzetti is now officially the band´s vocalist and becomes the writer of the lyrics. David Jackson, ex saxophone player with Van Der Graaf Generator, is the special guest of this new concept album inspired by the modern human being,  who is confused and struggling between the modern society´s constraints and his own instinctive nature.

The third album comes out in 2012, and is called “Microsolco”, a new concept album, virtually a follow up of the former album. On this cd songs about the fast pace of modern times and the idea of returning to a quieter and more natural dimension are the main elements of the story. It talks about what happens on 21st December 2012, and the theory that that would be humanity´s last day. Actually in Microsolco there is ´the end of a certain kind of world´ when a hacker, on that exact day, infects the whole internet with a virus capable of destroying all the digital memories of the planet. This act will force everybody into thinking deeply about life and lost values, and make people retrieve ways of life lost in time. Basically a reconciliation between Mankind and Mother Earth.

In 2018 the band started to work on the new project called “Voices” which will be released and distributed worldwide by Maracash Record on February 8, 2020.

MANGALA VALLIS
ROBERTO TIRANTI : vocals
GIGI CAVALLI COCCHI : drums and percussions
MIRCO CONSOLINI : electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, vocals
NIKY MILAZZO : electric guitar
GIANFRANCO FORNACIARI : keyboards and vocals

To pre-order:
CD: http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=523

LP: http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=524

For more information: www.mangalavallis.com

Maracash Records: http://store.maracash.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Prog Rock Review: Nektar-The Other Side

Release Date: January 24, 2020
Label:  Independent
Website



Early influencers of the ’70s prog-rock movement, Nektar has returned with a satisfying new release. The Other Side reaches into the past and skillfully carries the band’s groundbreaking sound into the modern age. Like many prog-rock pioneers, Nektar took chances. Their debut album, for example, contained a single 40-minute song. As with any early 70s band that is fortunate enough to remain together, Nektar has gone through changes. Today, Nektar consists of three original members (Mo Moore, Ron Howden & Randy Dembo), a returning stint player (Ryche Chlanda), and a new keyboardist (Kendall Scott).

These are experimental rock songs with driving, complex rhythms supporting flights of fancy on keyboard and guitar. Think of Jones & Bonham of Led Zeppelin meeting Rick Wakeman of YES meeting Steve Hacket of Genesis. The most enjoyable moments on this album come when the band flies away from the derivative and predictable choruses and allows Chlanda and Scott to take the listener to new heights.

Case in point is the opening track, “I’m on Fire.” The lyrics Mo Moore wrote in 1978 for his fiancé fall flat against the imaginative underlying sonic texture. “SkyWriter” is a more accessible and reminiscent of an Asia track bridging prog with pop. On the other side of the coin, “Love Is/The Other Side” is a masterful progression of melodies and tempos taking off mid-way and not relenting until the end. “The Light Beyond” and “Look Through Me” are slower, more orchestral, and introspective songs heavy on keyboard with strains of Alan Parsons.

At times it feels as if The Other Side is attempting to combine the experimental and ethereal nature of progressive rock with down-to-earth hard rock sensibilities. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. As a listener, I found myself tuning out for the chorus and turning in for the jams. Overall, the offering is strong, and the experience is worthwhile. The better news is that Nektar is still producing quality albums and is still touring. Legend has it that they do not let their live audiences down, so check out their tour list and go see this iconic band while you have the chance.

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff
January 23, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:
Rate the Tracks

Tracks:
1. I’m On Fire
2. SkyWriter
3. Love is/The Other Side
4. Drifting
5. Devil’s Door
6. The Light Beyond
7. Look Through Me
8. Y Can’t I B More Like U

Friday, January 24, 2020

YES and KING CRIMSON Members Collaborate on the New Album by Peter Banks and David Cross – Crossover is OUT NOW!


David Cross was a member of King Crimson during the 1970s and the late Peter Banks was the original guitarist in YES.

The guitar and violin parts for this NEW STUDIO ALBUM were recorded on the 10th August 2010 in an afternoon of improvisation.

Of the release David Cross said “The response from the guest musicians was truly wonderful in the way that they gave their time and talent to this project and I would like to thank them on behalf of Pete and myself. They were asked to ‘interpret the music as freely and creatively as you wish’ and they have turned in incredibly skilled and inspiring performances which were not easy given the improvised nature of the starting material and the spontaneity of the structures.”

The resultant album was produced by Tony Lowe and David Cross and the guest appearances were recorded during 2018 and 2019 and Crossover features:
Pat Mastelotto
Tony Kaye
Billy Sherwood
Randy Raine-Reusch
Andy Jackson
Oliver Wakeman
Jay Schellen
Jeremy Stacey
Geoff Downes

David Cross added: “When I recall the original recording session with Pete I remember his fresh almost naïve approach, his positive energy and his constant and restless search for something new. It was a joy to know Pete Banks and an honour and a privilege to play with him: I think he would be pleased with the way our album turned out.”

This is the last new album of material from the late Peter Banks, who passed away in 2013, and had wanted to see this material released.

CD Edition: https://geni.us/DCPBcrossover

iTunes: https://geni.us/DCPBcrossoveriTunes

GooglePlay: https://geni.us/DCPBcrossoverGP

Spotify: https://geni.us/DCPBcrossoverSpotify

A YouTube trailer can be seen here:


Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Award Winning Documentary "MELODY MAKERS The Bible of Rock 'n Roll" Companion Interactive Apple Book Now Available


Featuring ERIC BURDON (The Animals), IAN ANDERSON (Jethro Tull), YES (Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White), DAVE COUSINS (The Strawbs), JUDY DYBLE (Fairport Convention), Nazareth (PETE AGNEW & DAN MCCAFFERTY) and STEVE ABBOTT (UK Decay)

In tandem with the theatrical and home entertainment release of the film MELODY MAKERS (December 17. 2019) comes the release of the Melody Makers Companion Apple Book. An immersive experience, this interactive book takes users through the rise of Melody Maker magazine through a series of rock trivia games, photo puzzles, embedded interviews, and a photographic gallery full of Barrie Wentzell's Legends Series from his iconic rock photographic archive (1965-1975). The book is a robust partner to the film that offers viewers an added music history experience. The book was “invented” - designed, curated and created - by Canadian filmmaker, and film festival producer Leslie Ann Coles.







For more information:
http://www.melodymakersmovie.com/ibook
https://books.apple.com/au/book/melody-makers/id1471754506?mt=11&app=itunes

MELODY MAKERS is not just another music doc. It chronicles the birth of music journalism and the world’s oldest and longest standing seminal music magazine; Melody Maker. Through a series of interviews from artists (Ian Anderson/JETHRO TULL, Eric Burdon/THE ANIMALS, Alan White, Steve Howe and Chris Squire/YES, among others) and journalists of the time, the film tells the true story of the rise and fall of the world’s most influential music publication and uncovers an era of tremendous creative freedom.

At the heart of the story is Barrie Wentzell, Chief Contributing Photographer of Melody Maker Magazine (1965-1975) and his iconic photographic archive of legendary musicians during the birth of the rock 'n roll era, who along with his journalist colleagues gained unprecedented access to bands and musicians that would go on to become the legends of rock n' roll. Wentzell's photos are the touchstone of this documentary as the photographer and others recount the many untold stories from behind the pictures. Barrie recalls a Peter Townshend telling him about an idea he had for a rock opera when Tommy was a concept. Melody Maker journalist, Chris Charlesworth recalls when the magazine tried to expand into the US market without paying off the mobsters who controlled magazine distribution in key cities such as New York, and PR Keith Altham shares an anecdotal story about a publicity stunt gone awry involving the notorious drummer, Keith Moon and a hovercraft.

Beyond the visual stories told, Melody Maker includes interviews ERIC BURDON (The Animals), IAN ANDERSON (Jethro Tull), YES (Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Alan White), DAVE COUSINS (The Strawbs), JUDY DYBLE (Fairport Convention), Nazareth (PETE AGNEW & DAN MCCAFFERTY) and SEVE ABBOTT (UK Decay); journalists CHRIS WELCH, CHRIS CHARLESWORTH, ALLAN JONES (Senior Editor UNCUT Magazine); ALAN LEWIS; and other notable subjects PETER WHITEHEAD (filmmaker Charlie My Darling), ROGER DEAN (artist), JEFF DEXTER (DJ/ Promoter), KEITH ALTHAM (PR for The Rolling Stones, The Who) and GLEN COLSON (Stiff Records) to name a few.

BIOGRAPHY
Leslie Ann is thrilled to launch her debut feature documentary MELODY MAKERS with the enhanced Apple Book made possible with the generous support of Telefilm Canada’s Marketing and Promotions Program. As the executive producer and director of LA Coles Fine Art Films she is currently engaged in a wide variety of works which include theatrical features, non-scripted TV, documentaries, shorts and interactive digital media. Her company is committed to producing films and cross platform projects that combine art, entertainment and social justice. Coles is a Women In the Director’s Chair alumni, and a recipient of three CTV Banff Fellowships for original series. Founder of the Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) in 2001 to address gender parity in the film industry, she has executive-produced 46 short films directed by at risk female youth through the Young Filmmaker Development Workshop (YFDW), a program established under the auspices of the FeFF.  In her capacity as Festival Director for the past 17 years, she oversees the rigorous evaluation and selection of independent films for FeFF from over 2,500 entries every year. Intimately familiar with the local and international filmmaking community since 2001 with the inaugural festival and her debut multiple-award-winning film “In The Refrigerator: Spirit of a Haunted Dancer,” Leslie Ann’s strength is her ability to creatively strategize projects and determine market potential during the development process, always with a critical understanding of a film’s milieu, be it social, cultural, or art-focused.

MELODY MAKERS will see a limited theatrical release on November 29, 2019 at the Arena CineLounge Sunset, 6464 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood CA,  followed by the Apple iBook on the same day and the DVD Release on December 17, 2019.

MELODY MAKERS,  English, Color, Stereo, 5.1 HD, 78 min., Canada 

“A cinematic love letter to late British weekly music magazine Melody Maker — captures a vital passage in 20th century music history.” - Kim Hughes, Original Cin

“This cheerful history of the music weekly Melody Maker has enough inside dope to maintain interest.” - Adrian Mack, The Georgia Straight

“Whimsically titled Melody Makers leans heavily on Barrie Wentzell, chief photographer from 1965-1975, both for his recollections and his amazing collection of images.” - Chris Knight, The National Post

“Melody Makers is charming, informative, and highly entertaining.” - Andrew Parker, The Gate

“The narrator-less film rattles along to the extent that I couldn’t believe it was over, so enthralled was I by the anecdotes, analysis, pictures and film of such an extraordinary ten years of music.” - Martin Webb, A New Day

“The tunes and the images, combined with countless inspiring and entertaining first-hand recollections brilliantly resurrect a time that produced some of the most remarkable artists that have ever lived.” - Amy Balog, 60’s Today

FESTIVAL AWARDS FOR MELODY MAKERS
WINNER Best Music Documentary, 18th Bare Bones International Film Festival 2017
WINNER Best Documentary, 8th Fort Myers Film Festival 2018
WINNER Best International Documentary, 16th Garden State Film Festival 2018
WINNER Audience Choice Award, Hot Springs Women’s Film Festival 2018
WINNER Gold Award Best Documentary, Spotlight Film Festival 2018
WINNER Best International Documentary, Color Tape Film Festival 2018
WINNER Best Documentary, Meraki Film Festival  2018
WINNER Best Director, Borderlands Film Festival 2018
WINNER Best Feature Documentary, Nice IFF 2018
WINNER Best Documentary, MedFF 2019

To purchase “MELODY MAKERS The Bible of Rock 'n Roll” documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Melody-Makers-Ian-Anderson/dp/B07WGJKDNK/








Copyright © Barrie Wentzell

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


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Wednesday, January 22, 2020

THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT: AMMONIA AVENUE Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set To Be Released March 27, 2020


 3CD / 1 Blu Ray / 2 X 12-Inch Vinyl Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set

**ALL PRE-ORDERS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW TO WIN ONE OF THREE DOUBLE VINYL TEST PRESSINGS **

• A DELUXE LIMITED EDITION BOXED SET OF THE CLASSIC ALBUM BY THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT
• NEWLY REMASTERED & REMIXED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES BY ALAN PARSONS
• FEATURING 3 CDs, 1 BLU-RAY DISC (NTSTC/ REGION FREE) & 2 x 45 RPM 12-INCH VINYL IN GATEFOLD SLEEVE
• FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL 53 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM ERIC WOOLFSON’S SONGWRITING DIARIES, STUDIO SESSION OUT-TAKES AND STUNNING NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND & STEREO MIXES FROM THE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK MASTER TAPES BY ALAN PARSONS AND THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS OF ‘DON’T ANSWER ME’ & ‘PRIME TIME’
• INCLUDES A LAVISHLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK WITH NEW ESSAY FEATURING RECOLLECTIONS FROM ALAN PARSONS, THE WOOLFSON FAMILY, DAVID PATON & IAN BAIRNSON, A REPLICA POSTER & A REPRODUCTION PRESS KIT FOLDER.

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a new re-mastered limited edition deluxe expanded boxed set of the classic album AMMONIA AVENUE by THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT.

First released in February 1984, AMMONIA AVENUE was the seventh album by THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, the brainchild of composer, musician and manger ERIC WOOLFSON and celebrated producer and engineer ALAN PARSONS. The inspiration for the album title came from a visit Woolfson had made to the ICI Chemical plant in Billingham, England after meeting ICI chairman Sir John Harvey-Jones on a flight from New York. Upon visiting the plant, Eric Woolfson noticed a long street called Ammonia Avenue, devoid of people and trees and dominated by miles of pipes.

The album sessions featured the contribution of musicians such as Ian Bairnson (guitars), David Paton (bass), Stuart Elliott (drums) with Eric Woolfson playing keyboards and lead vocals on four of the album’s nine songs. Colin Blunstone, Chris Rainbow and Lenny Zakatek also provided lead vocals on the remaining songs. AMMONIA AVENUE would become one of the biggest selling albums for THE ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, attaining gold status in many European countries and the USA. The album featured such classic compositions as DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE, SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE and the stunning title track. AMMONIA AVENUE also spawned the hit singles ‘DON’T ANSWER ME’ (a Top Ten hit throughout Europe and in the USA) and ‘PRIME TIME’.



This deluxe edition comprises 3CDs, a Blu-Ray disc (NTSC / Region Free) and vinyl edition of a new stereo mix of AMMONIA AVENUE as two 12-inch 45rpm discs (cut at ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS). The set has been newly re-mastered from the original master tapes under the supervision of ALAN PARSONS and features an additional 53 bonus tracks drawn from ERIC WOOLFSON’s song-writing diaries, studio session out-takes and stunning new 5.1 surround sound & stereo mixes from the original multi-track master tapes by ALAN PARSONS plus the promotional videos of ‘DON’T ANSWER ME’ & ‘PRIME TIME’.

This stunning set also houses a lavish illustrated book with a new essay with unseen photos and features recollections from ALAN PARSONS, the WOOLFSON family and from musicians IAN BAIRNSON and DAVID PATON. It also includes a reproduction poster and a reproduction press kit folder. This deluxe edition of AMMONIA AVENUE is the definitive treatment of a special album.

DISC ONE: CD

“AMMONIA AVENUE” ORIGINAL STEREO MIX –
NEWLY RE-MASTERED
1. PRIME TIME (2020 RE-MASTER)
2. LET ME GO HOME (2020 RE-MASTER)
3. ONE GOOD REASON (2020 RE-MASTER)
4. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE (2020 RE-MASTER)
5. DON’T ANSWER ME (2020 RE-MASTER)
6. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE (2020 RE-MASTER)
7. YOU DON’T BELIEVE (2020 RE-MASTER)
8. PIPELINE (2020 RE-MASTER)
9. AMMONIA AVENUE (2020 RE-MASTER)
BONUS TRACKS
10. DON’T ANSWER ME (EARLY ROUGH MIX)
11. YOU DON’T BELIEVE (DEMO)
12. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE
(CHRIS RAINBOW VOCAL OVERDUBS)
13. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE
(ERIC GUIDE VOCAL – ROUGH MIX)
14. YOU DON’T BELIEVE (INSTRUMENTAL TRIBUTE TO THE SHADOWS)
15. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE / SPOTLIGHT (WORK IN PROGRESS)
16. AMMONIA AVENUE PART (ERIC DEMO VOCAL)
17. AMMONIA AVENUE (ORCHESTRAL OVERDUBS)

DISC TWO: CD

ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARIES

1. PRIME TIME (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 1)
2. ONE GOOD REASON (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 1)
3. ONE GOOD REASON (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 2)
4. ONE GOOD REASON (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 3)
5. ONE GOOD REASON (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 4)
6. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
7. DON’T ANSWER ME (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
8. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 1)
9. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 2)
10. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 3)
11. AMMONIA AVENUE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 1)
12. AMMONIA AVENUE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 2)
13. AMMONIA AVENUE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 3)
14. AMMONIA AVENUE (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY 4)
15. DON’T TAKE CHANCES WITH ME (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
16. YOU’LL BE SURPRISED (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
17. WISH I WAS MILES AWAY (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
18. TOBY’S THEME (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)
19. AMELIE’S THEME (ERIC’S SONGWRITING DIARY)

DISC THREE: CD

STUDIO BONUS TRACKS

1. AMMONIA AVENUE RADIO ADVERT
2. PRIME TIME (ERIC WOOLFSON DEMO VOCAL ON ROUGH MIX)
3. PRIME TIME (MUSO’S EXPERIMENTING)
4. LET ME GO HOME (ROUGH BACKING TRACK)
5. ONE GOOD REASON
(ERIC WOOLFSON VOCAL WITH ROUGH MIX)
6. ONE GOOD REASON (ROUGH BACKING TRACK)
7. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE (ROUGH BACKING TRACK)
8. DON’T ANSWER ME (ERIC WOOLFSON VOCAL WITH ROUGH MIX)
9. DON’T ANSWER ME (MUSO’S EXPERIMENTING)
10. DON’T ANSWER ME
(BACKING TRACK – BEFORE PHIL SPECTOR
TREATMENT AND ALTERNATIVE SAX SOLO)
11. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE
(ERIC WOOLFSON DEMO VOCAL ON ROUGH
BACKING TRACK)
12. YOU DON’T BELIEVE
(ALAN PARSONS DEMO VOCAL ON ROUGH MIX)
13. AMMONIA AVENUE
(ERIC WOOLFSON DEMO VOCAL WITH
ORCHESTRAL ROUGH MIX)
14. AMMONIA AVENUE (CHRIS RAINBOW BACKING VOCALS)
15. AMMONIA AVENUE (INSTRUMENTAL SECTION ROUGH MIX)
16. AMMONIA AVENUE (ERIC WOOLFSON PIANO TAKES)
17. AP 1 (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED BACKING TRACK)

DISC FOUR: BLU RAY
5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX (2019) &
HIGH RESOLUTION STEREO REMIX (2019)
BY ALAN PARSONS

1. PRIME TIME
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
2. LET ME GO HOME
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
3. ONE GOOD REASON
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
4. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
5. DON’T ANSWER ME
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
6. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
7. YOU DON’T BELIEVE
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
8. PIPELINE
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)
9. AMMONIA AVENUE
(5.1 SURROUND MIX / NEW STEREO MIX)

THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS
1. DON’T ANSWER ME (PROMOTIONAL VIDEO)
2. PRIME TIME (PROMOTIONAL VIDEO)

45 rpm 12” VINYL

“AMMONIA AVENUE”
THE NEW STEREO REMIX
BY ALAN PARSONS
(2 x 45 RPM 12-INCH)

SIDE ONE
1. PRIME TIME
2. LET ME GO HOME
3. ONE GOOD REASON

SIDE TWO
1. SINCE THE LAST GOODBYE
2. DON’T ANSWER ME

SIDE THREE
1. DANCING ON A HIGHWIRE
2. YOU DON’T BELIEVE

SIDE FOUR
1. PIPELINE
2. AMMONIA AVENUE

To pre-order:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-alan-parsons-project-ammonia-avenue-3cd-1-blu-ray-2-x-12-inch-vinyl-limited-edition-deluxe-box-set/



Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Monday, January 20, 2020

Is Prog Rock Really Progressive? A New Book Discussing the Progress in Progressive Rock Music


Is Prog Rock really progressive anymore? How do the current Prog bands feel about the genre and its legacy? Do they feel that there is progress in the music they perform? Different Prog artists/bands are being interviewed and answer 5 questions about the current status of the Progressive Rock and its culture. This exploratory research focuses on exploring the present and the future of a music genre that survived through the years due to its innovative nature.

While most of the previous Prog books focus on historical facts of the genre, this journalistic effort is a self-criticism of the genre through the looking glass of modern and active Prog musicians. The book starts with an introduction to Prog Rock by VIAJERO INMÓVIL Records (Argentina) and the rest of the material is divided into chapters that include the musicians’ answers to the following discussion themes:

1. What is progress in Progressive Rock?
2. Is Progressive Rock really progressive?
3. Accepting other music genres as progressive music
4. Next step for the progress of Progressive Rock
5. Technology and Progressive Rock

The participating Prog artists/bands that are being interviewed: Aisles, Anubis, Ant-Bee, EchoTest, Evership, Karakorum, Kotebel, Life After Mars, Light Freedom Revival, Lars Eric Mattson, Liquid Orbit, Magenta, Mouth, Process of Illumination, RTFACT, Robert Berry, Seven Impale, Soul Enema, Sproingg, Terra Collective, Time King, Wobbler, Yang.

The book was written by Vasileios Yfantis who has also authored other thematic books on Punk, Metal and music technology. Next plans for Vasileios Yfantis include the release of a Prog musical album in 2020 and a new book on melodic rock scheduled for release during the early 2021.

Product details
Paperback: 119 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 11, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1548614416
ISBN-13: 978-1548614416

Book Distribution
Paperback version: https://www.amazon.com/Prog-Rock-Really-Progressive/dp/1548614416/
E-book version:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083RK8N59

About the author
Vasileios Yfantis has been working in the music industry for more than 20 years as a freelance music journalist. Moreover, he holds 2 Master Degrees in Information Technology and he is a Phd candidate in University of West Attica in Greece. Vasileios has presented conference papers in both Europe and Africa. The main areas of his research interests feature: Musicology, Marketing, Information Communications Technology, Digital Entertainment Industry.

Bibliography
1. V. Yfantis, “The Commercial Exploitation Of Color As A Consumer Stimulus” (Greek Edition), Createspace, 2013.
2. V. Yfantis, “The Lost Lyrics” (Greek Edition), Createspace, 2013.
3. V. Yfantis, “Punk Goes Science: The Academic Punk Bibliography”,CreateSpace, 2014.
4. V. Yfantis, “City Streets Of Europe”, Lulu, 2017.
5. V. Yfantis, “Metal Goes Science”, Createspace 2017.
6. V. Yfantis, “Disadvantaged Populations And Technology In Music”, Createspace 2017.
7. V. Yfantis, “Hip Hop Goes Science: Volume I”, Createspace 2019.

For more information about Yfantis books, check out here: https://www.amazon.com/Vasileios-Yfantis/e/B00JNNL306

For more information about Yfantis music, check out here: https://billyyfantis.bandcamp.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Hard Rock/Prog Review: Magnum-The Serpent Rings

Release Date: January 17, 2020
Label:  Steamhammer

UK-based rock veterans, Magnum, are back with their 20th studio album, The Serpent Rings. Founders and driving forces, Tony Clarkin (guitars) and Bob Catley (vocals), have forged a unique melodic hard rock sound and have worked hard to evolve that sound. They’ve released studio albums every two to three years since 1979, each album borrowing from and building on the prior. Keyboardist Rick Benton joined the band in 2017, and together with a new bass player, Dennis Ward joining Lee Morris on drums, the rhythm section and the group as a whole seems invigorated. 

The sound is rich and textured with hard rock, art-rock, and prog-rock undertones. Think of Traffic meeting Queen, meeting Metallica. Magnum steers the listener in and out of these atmospheres flawlessly, creating a dramatic and cinematic sonic experience. While the landscape is rich, the driving force is the guitar work of Tony Clarkin. Fear no more the demise of the almighty guitar solo. You’ll find one on almost every track. Clarkin appears to pause to take a breath before launching into his solos. This provides a dramatic calm before the storm, and once it hits, it sounds like an army crashing through the forest on their way to storming the castle. 

Of equal importance is the attention to lyrical depth. If you listen as much to the lyrics as you do to the music, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the wisdom conveyed in these songs. The galloping opening track “Where Are You Eden?” is no exception. “A picture hangs. It’s always been there to celebrate the news. Though people talk, they don’t understand. It only serves to confuse.” 

“Not Forgiven,” chosen as the first single and lyric video, is a powerful and captivating rock song. It is somewhat formulaic, however, and there are better, more envelope-pushing tracks on the album.  
“Madman or Messiah” breaks that envelope open with inspired guitar flourishes and haunting atmospheric keyboards. Other standouts include “You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets,” and “The Serpent Rings.” 

These are carefully crafted songs that don’t merely shout a mantra but tell stories, leaving the listener to use their imagination and relate those stories to their own lives. On The Serpent Rings, Magnum continues its consistent and impressive run of high-quality, distinctive hard rock. 

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff
January 16, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:
Rate the Tracks

Tracks:
01. Where Are You Eden
02. You Can’t Run Faster Than Bullets
03. Madman Or Messiah
04. The Archway Of Tears
05. Not Forgiven
06. The Serpent Rings
07. House of Kings
08. The Great Unknown
09. Man
10. The Last One On Earth
11. Crimson On The White Sand