Thursday, April 30, 2020

Rock-Americana-Progressive Review: Euphoria-The Reverie Suite

Release Date: September 17, 2019
Label: Independent

Euphoria’s second release titled The Reverie Suite was released in September 2019. This is the kind of music that can be hard to put into a corner and stick a label on. For my ears, that is a fine start knowing that I was in for a lot of diversity and surprises.

I would call it Rock-Americana with a Progressive twist, just as the band describes it. What is initially indicative of the progressive leanings is the length of the tracks.

The band explains the album like this: It is a concept album based on the life of vocalist Saskia who delivers her story with an earnest passion that’s hauntingly beautiful. Its theme is centered around childhood and musically presented with a sound that evokes America in all its beauty – whether it be folk, rock, jazz, or Native purple mountains majesty with progressive tinges.

I think that statement puts it all into a proper perspective for potential listeners. It serves as a looking glass into what you can expect. It is everything and more than one would expect actually. Saskia has a rich powerful voice that pulls you right into the story and holds you. The music is all very tasteful and well suited to the lyrics and vocal style of Saskia. Every track is a musical carpet ride that will capture your imagination. In a word, it is all quite cinematic. Choosing the recording to be a concept album worked well.

Hoyt Binder’s guitar is fantastic. He can be powerful with some meaty chords or tone it down to sound quieter and more textured. He also utilizes a banjo and mandolin to get that Americana element in place sandwiched in between his power strokes. I most certainly appreciate all of his work with the stringed instruments. His multitude of talent leads the way, inviting Saskia’s inviting vocals to come out and play with the music making it a complete experience for a listener. Her vocals were giving me goosebumps.

The Reverie Suite is engaging, precise, diversified, exciting, and filled with the many colors of the world and cultures. I sincerely appreciate that kind of take on a recording, it is always impressive and something you cannot forget. The musicianship is stellar. Ronald Van Deurzen adds the quintessential keyboard element while The Americana Daydream Revival Orchestra delivers background harmonies, flute, percussion, harmonica, bass, and strings, which in turn gives their sound a layered effect that makes each track a real musical journey. (I have included a list of all contributors below)

Their magnum opus is ”Paradise Road,” which clocks in at a hefty 9:42. With this one track, you get the whole package and stylings that this band commands in one track. It is quite impressive to sit back and hear everything going on. I loved every minute of it. The long instrumental breaks are a testament to this band’s all-around talent. This is the one track I would call definitively progressive. The way it ends so suddenly with Saskia singing “And paradise is her name,” puts the final touch on the elements of prog as the door shuts and you get ready for the next track (or another one opens).

Then you get the full instrumental track “Remind Me.” It is a delight, bringing a distinct Americana/Celtic flair to your senses, transporting the listener to a world stage. Getting the full instrumental treatment of their sounds encourages you to paint your personal picture on the canvas of their music.

The Reverie Suite
may take a few listens to get it all into perspective, but I believe that any listener that has an appreciation for rock, prog, Americana, folk, or any combination thereof, will find great value in this album.

LINE-UP:
Saskia Binder - Vocals
Hoyt Binder - Guitars, banjo, mandolin, background harmonies
Ronald Van Deurzen - Piano, organ
Trevor Lloyd - Strings
Tollak Ollestad - Harmonica
Rebecca Kleinmann - Flute
Paulo Gustavo - Bass
Chris Quirarte - Drums
Mike Disarro - Background harmonies
Bobby Albright – Percussion

Mixed by Smiley Sean
Mastered by Howie Weinberg at Howie Weinberg Mastering

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
April 28, 2020
Founder of:

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Track List: 
01. Prelude/ She's Calling 04:54
02. Reverie 07:12
03. On My Way 07:31  
04. Heartbeat 04:53
05. Bridge of Dreams 04:38
06. Queen of Hearts 04:47
07. Paradise Road 09:42
08. Move On 05:21
09. Seasons 07:00  
10. Reprise 03:24
11. Remind Me 05:44
12. Content 05:57

Nick D’Virgilio to Release New Solo Album 'Invisible' Featuring Members of Dream Theater, King Crimson, Supertramp, Cheap Trick, The Flower Kings & Others!


Special guests Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) / Paul Gilbert (Mr Big, Racer X) / Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) / Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) / Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) / Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings / Steve Hackett) / Jem Godfrey (Frost*) and more 

Invisible is the second solo album by California born but Indiana based drummer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nick D’Virgilio and comes almost two decades after his debut solo offering. D’Virgilio describes his new record as: “a collection of songs that make up the story of a man who is unhappy with where his life has ended up. He finally decides to take the scary step of leaving everything behind so he can go and find the meaning of his life,” before continuing: “Throughout my career I have been in many different places. Over time the word ‘invisible’ kept coming to mind and it got me thinking of people that truly had the hardest jobs in the world, or no job at all. The outliers. The ones we all take for granted. The ones we will never know but if they were not there then our lives would not be the nearly the same. Over time I amassed lyric and song ideas with the idea of writing a concept record on the subject.”

Keen to establish that: “This is not your typical drummer record,” D’Virgilio describes Invisible as “a rock record with various musical flavours thrown in because the songs were formed with the story in mind. A classical prelude that uses various themes from the whole piece sets the stage. From there comes a mellow ballad outlining the story and then it is onto the adventures of the central character. The main thing making this record did for me was to reaffirm my strong belief that we are all here for something. We all have a purpose.”

With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).

Watch “Where’s the Passion” lyric video:


Nick D’Virgilio’s “Where’s the Passion” lyric video and NDV’s new website are both scheduled to go live on Friday May 1st at 9am PST / noon EST, 5pm UK, 6pm central European.



D’Virgilio’s debut solo album, Karma (2001), had appeared midway through his tenure with US progressive rock titans Spock’s Beard, with whom he started out as drummer upon their inception in the early 1990’s before taking on additional lead singer and live frontman duties in 2002 for four studio albums prior to his departure in 2011. At the time, this was partly in order to continue touring as drummer, singer and assistant bandleader with Cirque du Soleil, with whom he performed over 1400 shows over a five year period until 2014. He has also been the drummer with the award winning UK band Big Big Train since 2007 and performed with world renowned acts such as Genesis (appearing on the Calling All Stations album) and Tears For Fears (with whom he toured for over a decade).

Upon ending his stint with Cirque du Soleil, D’Virgilio relocated to Fort Wayne to become the face of the drum division of world leading music technology and instrument retailer Sweetwater Sound and states: “The drum division at Sweetwater has exploded and I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of very interesting people while building some new life-long relationships. I’ve also had the chance to play on so much great drum gear – it really is Disneyland in that regard! Many of my old bands and music compatriots have been there to record or do workshops, which is icing on the cake.”

The release of Invisible now begins yet another fascinating chapter in D’Virgilio’s multi-faceted career, which he concludes “has taken many twists and turns. I have been able to live out some major musical fantasies. I have seen some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It has been a wild ride that is not over yet!”

Nick D’Virgilio’s Invisible will be released on June 26, 2020.

To purchase: www.nickdvirgilio.com/shop/

For more information: nickdvirgilio.com

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

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

DGM Records Launches Robert Fripp "Music for Quiet Moments" Series


DGM Records is launching the Robert Fripp “Music for Quiet Moments” series. They will be releasing a soundscape every Friday on DGMLive, Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music and all the main online music platforms.

Says Co-producer David Singleton, “Hopefully something that will nourish us, and help us through these Uncertain Times. I have certainly enjoyed the peace that comes with editing and mastering them. Turning a seeming disadvantage to our advantage, a year at home without touring offers the chance to listen for the first time in many cases to existing live recordings. And there are treasures to be found!”

Music For Quiet Moments…

I
A Quiet Moment is how we experience a moment: the moment which is here, now and available.

Quiet moments are when we put time aside to be quiet; 
and also where we find them.
Sometimes quiet moments find us.

Some places have an indwelling spirit, where quiet is a feature of the space:
perhaps natural features in the landscape; 
perhaps intentionally created, as in a garden; 
perhaps where a spirit of place has come into being over time, as in an English country churchyard.

Quiet may be experienced with sound, and also through sound;
in a place we hold to be sacred, maybe on a crowded subway train hurtling towards Piccadilly or Times Square.

A Quiet Moment is more to do with how we experience time than how we experience sound.

A Quiet Moment prepares the space where Silence may enter.

Silence is timeless.

II
My own quiet moments, over fifty-one years of being a touring player, have been mostly in public places where, increasingly, a layer of noise has intentionally overlaid and saturated the sonic environment. 

III
Quiet Moments of my musical life, expressed in Soundscapes, are deeply personal; yet utterly impersonal: they address the concerns we share within our common humanity.   

Paradoxically, they have mostly taken place in public contexts inimical and unsupportive of quiet.

Some of these Soundscapes are inward-looking, reflective.
Some move outwards, with affirmation.
Some go nowhere, simply being where they are.

Robert Fripp
Tuesday 28th. April, 2020;
Bredonborough, Middle England.


For more information: www.dgmlive.com

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

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Filmmaker Deborah Anderson Starts Fundraiser Campaign For Award-Winning Documentary "Women Of The White Buffalo"


Featuring theme song and voice of YES legend Jon Anderson!

Filmmaker/photographer Deborah Anderson has started a fundraiser campaign to help get her Award-Winning Documentary “Women Of The White Buffalo” out into the world via a streaming platform. The film's theme song is written and performed by YES legend Jon Anderson who's voice is also heard throughout the documentary.

An ancient, Native, matriarchal society has been upended by centuries of genocide and colonialism. This has resulted in culturally sabotaged and isolated communities that are in a constant struggle to save what remains of their sacred identity. The Lakota women living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, are rising up against the forces that continue to suppress them. By preserving and protecting their ancestral values and wisdom, they provide a source of hope to their people.

With exclusive access to the lives of 8 women, ranging in age from 10 to 98, the documentary explores powerful testimonials of loss and survival as we gain insight into the experience of a modern Indigenous American living on a reservation. Gripping historical accounts and startling timely statistics guide viewers down the path that has led to these present day conditions.

The indelible voices of these determined women inspire us with their strength, gifting us with ancient insights that speak to our current global, environmental and cultural crises. These are the powerfully rich stories of the brave women and children living in the poorest county in the United States.

Says Deborah,“Dad (Jon Anderson) has created a beautiful theme song for the film 'Women Of The White Buffalo' which he sings with Delacina Chief Eagle. His voice is also featured throughout this important documentary film which I am currently looking to self-distribute. I am raising the final funds to make this a possibility during these challenging times, because the poorest regions of the country will be some of the hardest hit by this pandemic. Please check out my Facebook fundraiser page to make a donation and help support getting this film out into the world.

Your donation will support this film in getting it out into the world via a streaming platform that will be available to all as I believe this is an important time to hear the wisdom of the powerful Native women featured in the film. It is time we understood the current situation of the Natives so we can raise their voices and stand with them in this much needed time of change on our planet.

Thank you for your support, thank you for helping raise the voices of our Native peoples. Native understanding is the true medicine for the healing of this planet.”

To donate: 
https://www.facebook.com/donate/926851331100866/926851347767531/
www.womenofthewhitebuffalo.com

CREATIVE OBJECTIVE
The intention of this film is to shine a light on our Native sisters, to ensure that their voices are included in this current wave of global Women's empowerment, and to inspire the next generation of Native youth to utilize their own ancient wisdom in the much needed healing of their communities. For all viewers, this film is an opportunity to learn from this intensely beautiful and powerful culture about some of the forces that perpetuate racism, abuse, and inequality. As they say in Lakota, Mitákuye Oyás'in, “We are all related.”

THE LANDSCAPE
Mother Earth is weeping, which we see and feel in many of our imminent ecological crises. The centuries-long murder and rape of indigenous women in the west parallels humanity's destruction and betrayal of this precious planet. We must each learn to accept responsibility for our part in the recovery and preservation of our shared home.

The Lakota people have a tradition of considering the following 7 generations when making any big decision, ensuring an abundant future for those that would come after them. The women featured in “Women of the White Buffalo” have been compelled to use their voices and many gifts in order to shift the consciousness of all those whose lives they touch. They will not be silenced. Their wisdom is essential to our survival.

THE POWER OF FILM
Documentary film is a vital tool for holding people, governments and corporations accountable and for spreading awareness about important issues. To date, there has not been a film that has focused primarily on the women currently living on the second largest and one of the most impoverished Indian Reservations in the United States. The voices of the Lakota women have been documented by Deborah Anderson, who worked intimately, compassionately and artfully to capture not just these women's words, but their very essence.



DEBORAH ANDERSON brings together her achievements in every area of her creative body of work from over the past 16 years as a world-renowned photographer, artist and art director to delve into the world of documentary film-making.

Deborah Anderson is best known for her work as a wide-ranging photographic and film artist. She has released three fine art books to date - “A photographer whose distinctive sensuality is located somewhere between classic French erotica and Helmut Newton” (Los Angeles Times).

Her work has graced the covers of albums and magazines, the walls of iconic hotels and private homes around the world with an expansive A-list clientele.

As art director for the Gansevoort Hotel Group, her original art appears throughout the property and showcases her first fine art book of sensual black-and-white photography, “Paperthin” (Verlhac), in each guest room. For the Gansevoort Park Avenue location, Deborah photographed the1960's-inspired, interior artwork. The hotel features her second book, Room 23 (daab), in each of the 249 guest rooms. For Room 23, Deborah photographed 100 celebrities (George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Sharon Stone) in a single suite at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. The book was very well-received and sold out worldwide.

Deborah's first feature documentary film project “Aroused”, also a fine art book, features 16 successful female, adult, film stars. It was released theatrically and is currently available on Showtime and Amazon in the United States.

Deborah has created short film pieces for other artists including award-winning writer and activist Eve Ensler and her 1 Billion Rising organization, featuring Rosario Dawson. Poet, Gina Loring, collaborated with Deborah on the short film “Walking Prayers”, which went viral and was picked up by the New York Times. She is currently working with Eve Ensler on the new RISE 2020 campaign.

Deborah has spent the past two years working on a feature documentary film called “Women Of The White Buffalo”, about the Lakota women living on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The film has already won many awards including: Best Feature Documentary at the 24th Red Nation International Film Festival and Best Director of a Feature Documentary at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.

Photographic stills from the film project were exhibited at the Leica Gallery in Boston and Los Angeles, with additional Leica Gallery shows unveiling throughout the year at locations around the world.

“Women Of The White Buffalo” Awards:

2019 - Los Angeles Independent Film Awards
BEST DIRECTOR FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

2019 - 24th red Nation Film Festival
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

2020 - Native Women In Film Festival
BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

2020 - Idyllwild International festival of Cinema
BEST DIRECTOR  FEATURE DOCUMENTARY - BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY - GOLDEN ERA HUMANITARIAN AWARD - SUMMERHAWK NATIVE AMERICAN AWARD

Team

Director/Producer/Writer/Editor - Deborah Anderson
Producer/Cinematographer - Kumiko Hayashi
Producer - Adam Schomer
Co-Producer/Writer - Charlotte Chatton
Director Of Photography/Cinematographer - Rama Miguel Torres
Co-Producer - Matthew Rebula
Co-Producer - Rachelle Garzia Stone
Associate Producer - Carol Iron Rope Herrera,  Linda Livingston
Executive Producer - Lekha Singh - Julian Lennon - Angus Mitchell - Tamara Mellon - Eve Ensler - Keely Shaye Brosnan - Alice Bamford

For more information: 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womenwhitebuffalo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenwhitebuffalo/
Website: www.womenofthewhitebuffalo.com

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

Friday, April 24, 2020

Hawkestrel's ALAN DAVEY Project PRE-MED Gets A Special 3CD Reissue Of Their Previous Albums!


Los Angeles, CA - Hawkestrel, the project headed by former Hawkwind bassist Alan Davey, proudly presents a very special triple album collection of recordings by Davey’s prog rock side project, Pre-Med, led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Danny Faulkner! Based in the UK, Faulkner and Pre-Med have been drawing rave reviews from critics who called their debut album “a killer album jam-packed with lush, swirling synths, hypnotic instrumentals, and classic Hawkwind ballads!” This 3CD set, entitled Hawkestrel Presents Pre-Med, comes packaged in a deluxe 8-panel digipak with ultra cool retro sci-fi artwork plus a full booklet with liner notes and photos. It collects together for the first time ever 3 previously released albums, 2006’s Medication Time, 2008’s The Truth About Us and 2013’s Einstein’s Day Off. The release will be available everywhere on May 8 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records, the prog rock imprint of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

And in welcome news, this special collection will be paving the way for a brand new studio album from Pre-Med expected later this year. Davey shares these thoughts on the forthcoming project, “The new Pre-Med album has begun with original members Danny, Steve, Eamon and myself back in the circle. It’ll be an emotional album and will touch your soul cause it’s gonna be real. In the meantime, here’s a great new anthology to get to know the amazing Pre-Med music!”

To purchase: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel-presents-pre-med

Tracks:
DISC 1: Medication Time
1. Detox Train
2. Up All Night
3. No Smoking
4. Invisible Spies
5. Man Eggs From Mars
6. Higher
7. Inner Doors
8. What's Your Name
9. Once Upon A Line
10. Medication Time

DISC 2: The Truth About Us
1. Cerebral Escape
2. Wallpaper Warriors
3. The Crowning Of The Acid King
4. 5HTP
5. Death Of A Star
6. The Truth About Us
7. The Demented Man
8. Has The Whole World Gone Insane
9. Debouch

DISC 3: Einstein's Day Off
1. Bang Goes The Theory
2. Cern
3. The God Particle
4. The Robonaut Project
5. Fear Is Temporary
6. Einstein's Day Off
7. Biosphere
8. The Stargazer's Apprentice
9. Energise
10. Fragile Ship
11. The Event Horizon

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


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https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
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https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/
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https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
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Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

Friday, April 17, 2020

Interview With Phideaux From The Final On Vinyl Podcast

Celtic Prog Rock Pioneers IONA to Release 17 Disc Box Set THE BOOK OF IONA Featuring Hours of Unreleased Material


Available for pre-order now and will be released Jun 20, 2020

This amazing 17 disc set, captures not only all the studio albums from IONA but features almost the same amount of music again on a Companion Disk for each album. These companion discs, which Dave Bainbridge has personally overseen the assembly of are included; rare and unreleased studio recordings, different mixes, original demo recordings from when the songs were first written, plus new (mainly instrumental) recordings of many Iona songs featuring all Iona band members from each era of the bands history. Below is the provisional track listing to the “companion disks”. Additional tracks still being added at the time of writing.

In addition to the extra audio content of the box, also included is:

24 page A4 Booklet (full of previously unseen photos of the band and recently written sleeve notes to accompany each disc) Signed and Numbered certificate Reproduction memorabilia, Reproduction publicity photos, Poster.

Watch the promotional video:


IONA COMPANION AUDIO DISK

Turning Tide (remastered from original 2 track DAT master tape)
Flight of the Wild Goose 1 (Dave's original demo)
Flight of the Wild Goose (original album version - remastered from original 2 track mixtape).
The Island (Jo’s original demo)
The Island (original album version - remastered from original 2 track mixtape)
White Sands (Dave's original demo)
Dancing on the Wall (original demo)
Dancing on the Wall (original album version - remastered from original 2 track mixtape)
A'Machair (original album version - remastered from original 2 track mixtape)
Vision of Naran (original demo)
Vision of Naran (remastered from original 2 track DAT master tape)
Beijing (Dave original demo)
Iona (Jo’s original demo)
Iona (remastered from original 2 track DAT master tape)
Trilogy (first Iona studio demo version, which includes some sections not used on the album)
Here I Stand (original version with piano)
Columcille (with Electric guitar playing the melody!)

THE BOOK OF KELLS COMPANION AUDIO DISK

Kells Opening Theme (original demo)
Revelation 1(early demo)
Man - Vocal section 1 (demo, wordless vocal)
Man - Vocal section 2 (demo, wordless vocal)
Tree of Life (which became Mark the Lion)
The River Flows (early demo)
Faithful Heart (remastered from original 2 track mixtape)
Virgin & Child (solo harp version)
John the Eagle (demo, recorded on the Isle of Mull 1991)
Kells Theme (Dave original demo)
Kells Theme Jig! (Dave original demo)
Eternity (Kensington Temple heavenly choir with new keyboards)
Warrior of the Wasteland (studio recording with additional overdubs)
Lost Tribe (demo March 1991)
Harp & Whistle idea (demo March 1991)
Watching You (demo).
Sax / Keys Improvisation (demo September 1990, plus new additional keys).
My Town (studio demo with new additional overdubs)
Hard Way to Learn (demo with Frank violin - recorded on the Isle of Mull. in 1991)
Reilig Orain (demo)
Whistle & Keys Atmospheric (recorded on the Isle of Mull 1991)

BEYOND THESE SHORES COMPANION AUDIO DISK Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

Bird of Heaven (alternate vocal section - demo early 1993)
Bird of Heaven (2007 remix)
Machrie Moor (solo harp version)
Burning Like Fire (rehearsal, Acton, London, early 1993)
Beachy Head (rehearsal, Acton, London, early 1993)
Murlough Bay (Jo's original demo, early 1993)
Frippertronics (with Robert Fripp)

JOURNEY INTO THE MORN COMPANION AUDIO DISK Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

Bi-Se I Mo Shuil Part1 (Dave's original demo Feb 1995)
Everything Changes (original completely different version, recorded during Kells album sessions)
Journey into the Morn (2007 new arrangement & recording, featuring Roine Stolt)
Frippertronics (with Robert Fripp)
Moya Brennan & Joanne Hogg Vocal Loops

OPEN SKY COMPANION AUDIO DISK Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

Woven Cord (rehearsal take, including slow section not on the album version. Recorded at Joanne’s, Ireland 10/98)
Wave after Wave (Dave & Jo's original demo Otley 3/99)
Hinba (Jo’s original demo)
Songs of Ascent Part 1 (Dave's early demo)
Lament for the World (Dave & Jo's demo of this piece)
Jo Hymn Tune idea (demo)
A Dhia Gheigil (Angel of God) (Beautiful vocal version of this track, originally considered for inclusion on the album)
Jo Song of Hope Vocal loops (from Open Sky album studio recording)
I Cannot Understand (Dave & Jo song idea)
Columba Poem song idea (Jo & Dave improvising around Columba’s 6th century creation poem)
The Spacious Firmament (Jo & Dave working on a song idea which ended up on Jo’s first solo album)
Voices (Jo Layered Vocals)
Vocal Harmonies & Keys (nice layering of Joanne’s vocals over Dave’s chord progression)

THE CIRCLING HOUR COMPANION AUDIO DISK Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

How Wonderful (original Jo & Dave demos, recorded late ’90’s in Ireland)
Spirit of God (this version recorded in 2006 for BBC's Songs of Praise)
Almighty Father Who Dost Give (this version recorded in 2006 for BBC's Songs of Praise)

ANOTHER REALM COMPANION AUDIO DISK Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

All that we Have ever dreamed (recorded in July 2011. Troy plays low whistle on this demo, Jo piano, Dave keys & mixing)
Jo & Dave Improvisation (Spontaneous improvisation, recorded at Open Sky Studio on 11th January 2011)
Don’t Look Back (recorded October 2009 at Joanne’s, this was the original demo of what became White Horse)
Dave & Martin Improvisation 1 (Spontaneous improvisation, recorded 14th December 2010)
Gotta Lift Our Eyes Up (recorded in October 2009 at Joanne’s, another song considered for ‘Another Realm’)
Dave & Martin Improvisation 2
Valley of Decision (recorded in October 2009 at Joanne’s, another song considered for ‘Another Realm’)
Dave & Martin Improvisation Pipes Free
What a Day (recorded in February 2010 at Joanne’s, another track considered for ‘Another Realm’)
Dave & Martin Improvisation Pipes Hymn-like
And the Angels Dance (single mix)
Slow Air ( Martin & Dave - Recorded in February 2010 at Joanne’s)

THE SOUND WORLD OF IONA Complete running order to be confirmed, but including:

Featuring newly recorded, mainly instrumental tracks, with contributions from all past Iona band members

White Sands (Nick Beggs & Dave Bainbridge)
Shell of Speech (Tim Harries with Dave Bainbridge. Based on sound samples from the Journey into the Morn album)
I Will Give My Love and Apple (Dave Bainbridge solo piano version)
Edge of the World (Mike Haughton & Dave Bainbridge)
Air from France (Martin Nolan & Dave Bainbridge)
Luke - the Calf (Dave Bainbridge guitar version)
Táimse im Chodladh  (Martin Nolan & Dave Bainbridge)
Today (Dave Bainbridge solo piano version)
Beyond These Shores (with special guest Sally Minnear)
Beijing (widescreen remix)
Plus other new recordings tbc, featuring David Fitzgerald, Terl Bryant, Frank Van Essen, Troy Donockley, Martin Neil, Phil Barker & Sally Minnear

To pre-order: https://www.musicglue.com/iona/products/the-book-of-iona

For more information: http://www.iona.uk.com/

Formed in 1989, IONA took their name from the small island off the west coast of Scotland. From the beginning, their aim was to write spiritual, atmospheric, yet uplifting music that would stir the emotions, weaving complex patterns that echo the intricate knot work of the great Celtic artists. Often inspired by the great figures of the Celtic Golden Age such as Columba, Aidan, Brendan and Patrick, IONA's music is as timeless as the message that reaches out to us across the centuries.

Uniquely combining rock / folk / progressive / ethnic and ambient elements with the crystalline voice of Joanne Hogg as their focus, IONA created 'a blaze of colours and textures...all the sounds fusing into a single, yearning, heartfelt beautiful cry.'

IONA built up a formidable reputation as a great live band with their incredible musicianship and disarmingly humorous banter and were noted for their timeless and innovative studio recordings. They released 7 acclaimed studio albums, four live albums (three doubles, plus one with The All Souls Orchestra), a beautifully illustrated 4 cd box set and two DVDs. Their last album, the 2cd ‘Edge of the World - Live in Europe’ was released in 2013.

Five years on from the bands last live performance and the decision to cease touring and recording “for the foreseeable future” comes ‘The Book of Iona’, the first of a series of Iona box set releases from Gonzo Multimedia. Including all the bands official studio albums, ‘The Book of Iona’ also features companion disks unique to each album, containing previously unreleased songs, original demos, alternate mixes and much more, all personally collated by founder member and band producer Dave Bainbridge. On top of this is included a cd of newly recorded (mainly instrumental) versions of Iona songs featuring performances from all previous Iona band members.

The band are thrilled that Iona’s music will once again be available to reach new listeners in search of innovative and emotive words and music that touches the soul. The ’wild goose' is indeed flying again.

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

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Prog Legends Nektar Release "Live at The Wildey Theatre"


Nektar is pleased to announce Live at The Wildey Theatre! A digital download. From our sold out show on March 7, 2020. Both video and audio are available now to download from our website.

Nektar Live From The Wildley Theatre was filmed on Nektar's Up Close and Intimate Tour of North America. The show focuses on new and classic Nektar tracks spanning their 50 year career. With Mick Brockett's stunning visual concepts this is not to be missed. Nektar have always been great live performers and this latest release is a great addition to any fan's collection.

“This is 100% pure, genuine Nektar - easily the best video of the band ever captured, it's raw, it's real, and it's exactly as it felt being there.”



Track List:
The Light Beyond
A Tab In The Ocean
Devils Door
The Dream Nebula
It’s All In The Mind
Driftin’
Love Is/The Other Side
SkyWriter
Remember The Future Pt. 1
It’s All Over
Remember The Future Pt. 2-3
Look Through Me
I’m On Fire
Fidgety Queen
Good Day

You have three options for purchase:
Audio only FLAC and 320kbps mp3 format. Minimum $10.00 Donation
Video only .mp4 1080 HD format. Minimum $15.00 Donation
Purchase Both Audio & Video Format. Minimum $20.00 Donation.

To Purchase:
https://nektarsmusic.com/nektar-live-at-the-wildey-theatre/

And don't forget Nektar's new album The Other Side



The Other Side – The new double vinyl LP by Nektar.
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 Cant I B more like U (2020)

And while you're at it, check out the rest of our website and web store! There you will find all the classic Nektar lp's. All in stunning remastered, multi colored vinyl.

For more information: https://nektarsmusic.com

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

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Potter's Daughter to Perform at Uncancelled Music Festival


NYC - Art Rock & Jazz Folk Fusion artist Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Potter's Daughter will perform at The Uncancelled Music Festival on Sunday April 19th, 2020 at 5pm. The virtual stage is hosted by The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway NJ.

Proceeds from the festival go to the artists and venues to help keep them going during this unprecedented crisis. A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to the Recording Academy’s emergency financial assistance program, MusiCares. Dyanne is donating 100% of her proceeds to MusiCares.

https://www.stageit.com/potter_s_daughter_dyanne_voegtlin/uncancelled_music_festival_day_18/77239
https://uncancelledmusicfestival.com/enter-festival
https://www.facebook.com/events/650268175538242/

Dyanne is a classically trained virtuosic pianist and keyboard player, her vocals are hauntingly ethereal. Potter’s Daughter, a Melodic Revolution Records Artist, is known for their unique mix of Progressive Folk vocal music and instrumental Prog Fusion. They recently completed a tour of the northeastern United States with fellow MRR Artist, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, and Dark Beauty. One of today’s most interesting artists, Potter’s Daughter is comprised of Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (piano, keyboards, vocals), Amit Chatterjee (guitar), Jan-Christian Voegtlin (bass), and Patrick Carmichael (drums).

Quotes:
“…just beautiful..I love your voice, and chord progressions are sublime” - Jon Anderson (lead singer of progressive rock band, Yes)

“…Great writing and performing. Absolutely beautiful and rich music…brilliant, poetic, fresh…” - Grammy Award winning composer and arranger Lee Johnson (The Grateful Dead Symphony)

Potter's Daughter Online: 
Website: https://pottersdaughterband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/
MRR Artist Profile: https://mrrmusic.com/potters-daughter/

Listen // Buy // & Share:
Amazon: amzn.to/2qsUdKn
Bandcamp: bit.ly/2Mqk1PM
CD Baby: bit.ly/33JPG4E
iTunes: apple.co/2P1hTQm
Spotify: spoti.fi/35O57uo

Media & Booking:
pottersdaughterband@gmail.com

Label Contact:
Nick Katona
nick@melodicrevolution.com
Melodic Revolution Records ● 1705 Edgewater Drive ● Box 540212 ● Orlando, Florida ● 32854-0212

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

Monday, April 13, 2020

Crossover Prog Review: Kaprekar’s Constant-Depth Of Field

Label: Talking Elephant
Release Date: October 21, 2019



Kaprekar’s Constant was formed in London in 2016. To be honest, it was more of a rock commune than a simple band, as it involved multi-instrumentalists, specific instrument musicians, vocalists (singing and spoken word), a painter, a photographer, and a web designer.

Songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Al Nicholson and Nick Jefferson started the ball rolling and the commune grew with Mike Westergaard (keys), Bill Jefferson (voices), Dorie Jackson (voices), David Jackson (saxophones, flutes, whistles, and bells), Phil Gould (drums, percussion, and djembe), Paul Gunn (spoken word), Sean Jefferson (painting), Will Hess (photography) and Sophie Butters (web design).

As I said, this group of individuals is so much more than a simple band. Keen-eyed prog aficionados will have noticed the presence of a name that has a real prog pedigree from way back, David Jackson, from the superb Van Der Graaf Generator, and Dorie, is his daughter.

The debut album, Fate Outsmarts Desire was issued in March 2017 and was a huge hit with the music critics, and indeed, for a debut, it was a stunning collection of tracks. Album No. 2 has now appeared, Depth Of Field, and picks up where the first album left off.

Depth Of Field is a 7 track album running to just under 68 minutes, with “White Star Sunrise” the longest track on offer at 23:43 minutes, and the final track, “Depth Of Field,” clocking in at just over 2 minutes (2:09), the shortest.

Kaprekar’s Constant play a very gentle, enveloping style of prog which encompasses folk elements and can be multi-layered and bring in beautiful arrangements. To try to make a comparison is difficult but the closest band is probably Big Big Train, but Kaprekar’s Constant has a uniqueness about them. The members involved in the new album are Bill, Dorie, Al, Mike, Nick, and David.

“Ghost Planes” (10:40) is track 3 on the album and is a superb piece of music together with some thought-provoking lyrics. Making use of the stunning musical abilities on offer, this track starts with the band grabbing the listener before using old audio clips and spoken phrases backed by a very simple piano passage that takes over. Enter the male vocal (Bill) to set the scene and the listener is transported back in time to when the German “Doodlebug” bombs rained down on London and other areas. The use of the female voice (Dorie) simply adds to the overall aural soundscape. By this point, around the halfway point in the track, the listener has been pulled in, hook, line, and sinker. The tempo builds up into a driving instrumental passage, maintaining the listener's interest before the music drops into the background allowing some more audio clips to be used. Not only do you get a superb melodic piece of music, but also a snapshot of a moment in history.

The epic track No 5, “White Star Sunrise” which stretches out to 23:43 minutes, traces the story of the vessels which comprised the Olympic class of the White Star Line. There were three ships, Olympic, which had a successful career as a large luxury ship, Titanic, which dramatically was lost on its maiden trip in 1912 and Brittanic, which was used as a hospital ship in WW1, which hit an underwater mine and sank in 1916. Each part of the 3-part story works wonderfully well and provides the listener with another glimpse into history. Musically, this suite is majestic, from the intro music to the sound effects of the sea and then onto the first main passage in such a way that the listener has already become immersed in the track. The male and female vocals again take turns and this adds another dimension to the superb flow of this track. Small guitar passages adorn the main theme and provide little hooks before a complete change of style, around the 6:30 minute point, when the music becomes folky with flute and whistles expertly interspersed by David J. The suite continues to ebb and flow taking the listener along on the voyage.

I was blown away by the debut album, but this release, Depth Of Field, has taken the band up a few more rungs on the excellence ladder. I have been asked a few times, in my alter-ego as a radio presenter, if I have come across an album I would describe as a “perfect 10,” and I still haven’t, although this release comes very close. As I have said, Kaprekar’s Constant is a mellow pastoral sort of bunch, but I would suggest getting hold of this album, settling down comfortably with the lyric sheet and you will discover a majestically crafted album worthy of inclusion in anyone’s collection.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
April 10, 2020

Tracks:
1. Rosherville Pt 1 (10:34)
2. Holywell Street (4:38)
3. Ghost Planes (10:48)
4. The Nightwatchman (6:10)
5. White Star Sunrise (23:43)
6. Rosherville Pt 2 (9:37)
7. Depth Of Field (2:09)
 

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Jazz Rock Supergroup MANDOKI SOULMATES Say "THANK YOU" To The COVID-19 Helpers With Their New Single!


Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandoki Soulmates mastermind and leader Leslie Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “Thank You,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times. Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”

The song is being released through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional releases are set to follow later this year.

Stream the song here: https://orcd.co/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you

Read the complete essay written by Leslie Mandoki to complement the single: http://cleorecs.com/home/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you/

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
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Purple Pyramid Store @
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Wednesday, April 8, 2020

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA Benefit For Moogy Klingman 2011 Reunion Concert Recordings Now Available In A Special Limited Edition 6-Disc Box Set!


Los Angeles, CA - Todd Rundgren’s cult prog/art rock outfit Utopia released a mere handful of studio albums in several incarnations starting in 1974 before retiring in the early ‘80s. Yet the band has managed to maintain an intensely devout fanbase that enthusiastically flocked to sold out performances when Rundgren revived the act for a national tour in 2018. The seed of that extraordinarily successful reunion lay in a charitable act years earlier when Rundgren’s longtime friend, songwriting partner and founding member of the original Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Moogy “Mark” Klingman, fell ill. As Klingman’s health deteriorated and his medical bills began to pile up, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia reformed for special benefit engagements to raise money for their dear friend. The result was an astounding coming together in music and a spirit of compassion as former Utopia members, including Mr. Klingman himself, stepped on the stage behind their leader, Todd Rundgren, and gave the fans an incredible concert, one they wouldn’t soon forget.

Now, a new box set collects together both the audio and video of the January 2011 Todd Rundgren’s Utopia reunion show as well as the November show later that year recorded just a few days after Klingman’s passing. The entire box, titled Benefit For Moogy Klingman, is a multi-media treasure trove featuring 4 audio discs and 2 DVDs with special features that include interviews with the band members and a gorgeous booklet with extensive liner notes and photos. The box is set to be released on May 1 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

To purchase: https://orcd.co/benefit-for-moogy-klingman

Track List:
DISC 1: CD Highline Ballroom - New York, NY - January 29, 2011
1. Moogy's Boogie
2. Never Never Land
3. Crying In The Sunshine
4. Lady Face
5. Dust In The Wind
6. Utopia Theme
7. Freak Parade
8. Another Life
9. The Ikon

DISC 2: CD Highline Ballroom - New York, NY - January 29, 2011
1. Heavy Metal Kids
2. The Wheel
3. Set Me Free
4. Do Ya
5. Last Ride
6. Just One Victory
7. Sons Of 1984
8. (You Got To Have) Friends

DISC 3: CD Peekskill Performing Arts Center - Peekskill, NY - November 18, 2011
1. Utopia Theme
2. Freak Parade
3. Heavy Metal Kids
4. Another Life
5. Something's Coming
6. The Seven Rays

DISC 4: CD Peekskill Performing Arts Center - Peekskill, NY - November 18, 2011
1. Do Ya
2. The Wheel
3. The Ikon
4. Freedom Fighters
5. Just One Victory

DISC 5: LIVE CONCERT DVD from Highline Ballroom
DISC 6: LIVE CONCERT DVD from Peekskill Performing Arts Center

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
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Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiCec6bS6mX3c7dpitfYRQ
Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/