THE NEW STUDIO ALBUM FROM THE AWARD-WINNING GUITARIST, VOCALIST & COMPOSER
FEATURING CHAD WACKERMAN (FRANK ZAPPA), ADAM HOLZMAN (MILES DAVIS, STEVEN WILSON), ALEX SKOLNIK (TESTAMENT), STU HAMM PLUS SPECIAL GUEST VERNON REID
Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the superb new studio album by JANE GETTER PREMONITION, “Anomalia.” Jane’s band has carved out a niche at the intersection of jazz, rock, metal, and singer-songwriter styles with her masterful playing and complex and dynamic compositions and has dazzled audiences internationally on stage.
Citing musical influences such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, and Wes Montgomery, Jane has played with many luminaries in the worlds of jazz and rock and formed her band JANE GETTER PREMONITION to present her sophisticated compositions on record and on stage.
Assembling musicians Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa), plus Mark Egan (Pat Metheny), Gene Lake (David Sanborn), Stu Hamm (Joe Satrianni), special guests Vernon Reid and singers Randy McStine and Chanda Rule, the album “Anomalia” is the stunning result of a series of magical recording sessions and is her finest work to date.
Adorned with a striking cover image by artist Lasse Hoile, Anomalia is a fine work by a fine and truly progressive musician and her band.
Track Listing:
1. KRYPTONE 2. LESSONS LEARNED 3. DISSEMBLER 4. ALIEN REFUGEE 5. STILL HERE 6. ANSWERS 7. QUEEN OF SPIES 8. DISAPPEAR 9. SAFE HOUSE
Los Angeles, CA - From ‘60s legends the Grateful Dead to Grammy winning flautist Paul Horn, industrial band Killing Joke, and Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner, Egypt’s Great Pyramids have been a powerful source of inspiration for many musical adventurers over the years. Some, like Turner, have even gone so far as to record their instruments inside the ancient wonders, capturing the unique resonance of these mystical spaces and blending them with modern techniques and sensibilities to create a truly innovative work of art. Shortly after his abrupt departure from Hawkwind in the late ‘70s, Turner recorded nearly a half an hour’s worth of improvised flute melodies within the Egyptian pyramids, which he then used as the basis for his incredible 1978 experimental ambient masterpiece Xitintoday. The album, which is officially credited to Nik Turner’s Sphynx, is an adventurous, groundbreaking collaboration with several alums from prog rock legends Gong including Steve Hillage (who produced the album), Miquette Giraudy, Harry Williamson, Mike Howlett, Tim Blake and more.
For Turner, the album has a more personal meaning as he explains, “Xitintoday was a very necessary source of catharsis and healing for me, not only from being fired by my former band but also from the death of my father.”
Now this superb project is being reissued in a deluxe collector’s edition on gorgeous picture disc vinyl housed in a gatefold jacket with 16-page booklet insert that meticulously recreates the distinctive artwork of graphic design icon Barney Bubbles. The package also includes the entire album on CD with a special bonus track of Turner's raw 30-minute flute recording from deep within the pyramid.
Track List: VINYL SIDE A 1. The Awakening (Life On Venus) 2. The Pyramid Spell 3. The Hall Of Double Truth 4. Anubis 5. Thoth
SIDE B 1. Horus 2. Isis And Nephthys 3. Osiris 4. God Rock (The Awakening)
CD 1. The Awakening (Life On Venus) 2. The Pyramid Spell 3. The Hall Of Double Truth 4. Anubis 5. Thoth 6. Horus 7. Isis And Nephthys 8. Osiris 9. God Rock (The Awakening) BONUS TRACK 10. Pyramidflutenik
“One can take the album WATER FINDS THE WAY as a coded story. Instrumental music has the power of imagination. It doesn't say directly, the hidden meaning behind the title may be something else. I call this ‘coded.’ It carries a secret which I can't open up to the end. I’m sure that a sensitive listener will find his/her own way into this complex world of music and art.” – Robert Jürjendal, Aaviku Farmstead Studio, Estonia
“Water Finds A Way” continues the colorful guitar/effects-based conception that Jürjendal began with his previous three solo efforts. With rich harmonies and melody lines, his musical language takes influence from the particular guitars and effects he uses. A graduate of Robert Fripp’s Crafty Guitar School, Jürjendal became a member of Toyah Wilcox’s band as well.
On the new album, Robert plays his new custom-built electric guitar - a fully equipped system containing a Sustainer pickup which gives a life for the long-sustained notes. Using a guitar synth (though it's hard to recognize) mixed with natural guitar sounds creating a unique hybrid.
Robert’s previous release, “Simple Past” (Strangiato Records, 2016) was more rock-oriented, featuring one of the best Estonian drummers, Andrus Lillepea. “On Water Finds A Way” Robert doesn't use drums, except some percussion played /programmed by himself. WFAW is also a “family-affair,” as Robert’s wife, Signe, joins him for background vocals and there are beautiful themes and improvisations played on cello by Robert's son Anti Jürjendal.
For the first time on one of his solo albums, Jürjendal requested a track from an outside composer, Venezuelan synthesist Miguel Noya. Noya contributes Grey and Blue. The two had previously collaborated on the 2019 NEWdOG album, “The Power of Distance,” as well as (with Paul Godwin) “Samliku” (NEWdOG 2018). They are also members of the new international ensemble project from Eternal Return “Once Only,” due out February 23, 2021 on NEWdOG.
Photo by Kaupo Kikkas
ABOUT ROBERT JÜRJENDAL Robert Jürjendal is an Estonian guitarist and composer, studied classical guitar and composition (Anti Marguste) at Tallinn Georg Ots Music School. During 1992-1997 he participated in Robert Fripp Guitar Craft Courses. Robert has composed for classical and contemporary guitar, cembalo, mixed ensembles, choirs; documentaries, art exhibitions and theater, across genres from folk to post-rock to ambient-jazz. With more than 50 albums, his recordings and performances include: Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Celia Roose, Kaido Kirikmäe, Weekend Guitar Trio, Fragile, UMA, Markus Reuter, Tim Bowness, Jan Bang, Colin Edwin, Arve Henriksen, Jon Durant, Paul Godwin & Miguel Noya, Five Seasons, Vox Clamantis, Estonian Philharmonic Choir, Ellerhein Girls Choir etc.
About NEWdOG Records NEWdOG Records releases fresh musical works by career ambient, progressive, post-rock, dream-pop and experimental artists from Europe, North and South America. Founded as a home for progressive ambient in the mid-'90s in San Francisco, the label found critical acclaim and a distribution home with Dave Allen's World Domination Records (WEA). Now available through Burning Shed worldwide.
The international progressive ensemble Eternal Return is a five-piece combining various duos/trios that have previously recorded and toured together. Notably, Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree, NoMan, O.R.k.) on bass with his frequent collaborator, Estonian guitarist Robert Jürjendal (Toyah Wilcox, Fripp’s Crafty Guitar School). At the heart of the band is Dogon, the duo of Miguel Noya, (Venezuelan electronic music pioneer, Phantom Limb Recordings) and Paul Godwin, (California-based composer/singer). Dogon have been widely celebrated and aired since the late ‘90s - “the best of progressive ambient”- WIRED Magazine. Holding down this aerial act is Miguel Toro, Venezuelan-born, Berlin-based drummer (Royal Dust). It seems like a distant past when five musicians from around the world could meet in a foreign city to record an album in-person, but that’s just what they did. They came from Venezuela, England, Estonia, California & Spain to meet in Berlin and form this band. The result is something flowing and hypnotic, mysterious yet comforting.
“Colin Edwin's tasteful fretless bass combined with atmospheric textures, and voice from ETERNAL RETURN unveils songs built on air. A special and sensitive offering.” - Bill Laswell, Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, January 2021
“Once Only”
The debut album was recorded in Berlin in late 2019 by Bob Spencer at The Famous Gold Watch Studio (a former munitions factory and Stasi HQ) and mixed at Pete Townsend’s Grand Cru boat studio in London’s St. Katherine’s Docks by Jonathon Hucks. The album is concerned with “nomadism” in a time of lockdown inspired by Noya’s status as part of Venezuelan economic and political diaspora (currently living in Europe.) Musically siting progressive ambient and dream-pop influences such as Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden, David Sylvian’s solo work, or the mysterious and finely wrought 4AD project, This Mortal Coil - - the album is something fresh, darkly intimate and beguiling.
About NEWdOG Records NEWdOG Records releases fresh musical works by career ambient, progressive, post-rock, dream-pop and experimental artists from Europe, North and South America. Founded as a home for progressive ambient in the mid-‘90s in San Francisco, the label found critical acclaim and a distribution home with Dave Allen's World Domination Records (WEA). Now available through Burning Shed worldwide.
For the first time, Jethro Tull founder, singer, songwriter and photographer Ian Anderson has gathered together the complete lyrics from all of the Tull and solo albums in one volume. This deluxe hardback book is illustrated throughout with new, original and previously unpublished photographs taken by Ian to accompany certain lyrics.
Ian has combed through everything from This Was in 1968 to 2021, taking in all of his solo albums and tracks released only on box sets and compilations, to collate more than 300 song lyrics. After listening to original masters, checking notebooks and song sheets, Ian is confident that this book represents the complete, collected lyrics of his more than six decade-long career.
Rock Hall Of Fame nominee and revered musician/producer/songwriter, Todd Rundgren performs a very special live concert featuring the entirety of his classic 1973 album A Wizard, A True Star!
Recorded 2009 in Akron OH, this special concert was released on crystal clear DVD and CD last year and now has been pressed on deluxe RAINBOW SWIRL vinyl! 2LPs in a gorgeous gatefold jacket featuring images from Todd Rundgren’s truly epic multi-media concert event - a front-to-back recreation of his enormously popular and influential 1973 album, A Wizard, A True Star!
Vinyl
Track List: LP1 SIDE A 1. International Feel 2. Never Never Land 3. Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off 4. You Need Your Head 5. Rock and Roll Pussy 6. Dogfight Giggle 7. You Don't Have To Camp Around 8. Flamingo
LP1 SIDE B 1. Zen Archer 2. Just Another Onionhead-Da Da Dali 3. Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel 4. Does Anybody Love You
LP2 SIDE A 1. Medley: I'm So Proud / Ooo Baby Baby / La La Means I Love You / Cool Jerk 2. Hungry for Love 3. I Don't Want to Tie You Down
LP2 SIDE B 1. Is It My Name 2. When the Shit Hits the Fan / Sunset Blvd 3. Le Feel Internacionale 4. Just One Victory
CD
Track List: 1. International Feel 2. Never Never Land 3. Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off 4. You Need Your Head 5. Rock And Roll Pussy 6. Dogfight Giggle 7. You Don't Have To Camp Around 8. Flamingo 9. Zen Archer 10. Just Another Onionhead - Da Da Dali 11. Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel 12. Does Anybody Love You? 13. Medley: I'm So Proud, Ooh Baby Baby 14. Medley: La La Means I Love You, Cool Jerk 15. Hungry For Love 16. I Don't Want To Tie You Down 17. Is It My Name? 18. When The Shit Hits The Fan - Sunset Blvd 19. Le Feel Internacionale 20. Just One Victory
About Todd Rundgren:
A Wizard, A True Star. The title of Todd Rundgren's 1973 solo album aptly foreshadows the contributions of this multifaceted artist to state-of-the-art music. As a songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, computer software developer, conceptualist, interactive artist, and author, over the past 50+ years Rundgren has made a lasting impact on the form, content, and delivery of popular music. His seminal album Something/Anything? (1972), on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts and acted as his own producer, catapulted Rundgren into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him “Rock's New Wunderkind.” His 21 solo albums, plus 14 with his prog rock/power pop ensemble Utopia, spawned such hit singles as “I Saw The Light,” “Hello It's Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” “Bang The Drum,” and with his band Utopia, “Love Is The Answer.” As a producer, Rundgren has brought his creativity to bear on nearly one hundred albums, including with Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, The Psychedelic Furs, The Tubes, XTC, Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, The Band, and Meat Loaf’s 50-million-selling Bat Out Of Hell.
Morpheus Project are set to release their hugely anticipated debut album 'Mozaick' out March 19th. Already receiving support from Prog Magazine, Scala Radio, and the BBC, this enchanting collective is a project filled with some of the most talented musicians on Earth. Armed with progressive, classical, world and experimental elements, Morpheus Project is led by the mastermind that is Mustafa Khetty. Mustafa's musical influences are heard throughout the release, and are as far afield as the Far East and South America to name a few.
"Mozaick" features 9 tracks of talent. From previous singles such as 'Cry for Freedom' showcases Morpheus Project's delicate side, to the explosive anthem that is 'Nights to Remember' exceeding all expectations - there is literally something for everyone within this release. Composed, arranged and Master of Ceremonies Mustafa Khetty leads the project through tunnels of visionary sounds. An experience both auditory and visually, the release is best played loud. An expansive album that will let your imagination run wild, 'Mozaick' features complex arrangements armed with beauty.
1. Cry For Freedom (4:19)
2. Dancing with Elves (6:18)
3. Istanbul Swing (4:17)
4. It's Who We Are! Mozaick (8:43)
5. Nights to Remember (3:52)
6. Rage Before The Storm (2:44)
7. Shrill (5:55)
8. Tomorrow Never Comes (7:15)
9. Waiting (3:28)
Mustafa Khetty: Composer, Arrangements and Master of Ceremonies
Matias Chapiro: Piano
Manuel Villar Lifac: Cello
Arda Keremo?lu, emircan unsev: Guitars
Gustavo Eiriz: Violin
Sebastian Fahey: Keyboard / synthesizer and programming
Joe Macre is best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”, whose debut was voted album of the year in Rolling Stone Magazine and is still included in the top 50 progressive rock albums of all time.
The new release from Joe Macre is a collection of ten songs written and recorded at Joe Mac's American Garage. Scheduled to drop March 1, 2021, “Bullet Train” is one of two albums written and recorded by Joe with friends who visited his American Garage studios. Made famous for housing cars, the garage has become a recording studio for musicians all over the world.
This album was written and recorded from 2019 to 2021. Many friends brought their talents to the garage and those shut in during the pandemic were recorded via the internet. The recording was recorded, mixed and mastered by Joe utilizing Pro Tools, of which Joe is an instructor. Visit Joe’s blog at joemacre.com for details on instruments and software incorporated on this album.
Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–1980 and 2004-2009. Joe has also worked with The B. E. Taylor Group, Wild Cherry, King Friday, Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Grammy Award Artist, Oliver Wakeman (and Eddie Offord Yes), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Madukwu Chinwah (Erikah Badu), Keith Green, Clint Brown, and others.
Joe’s award-winning Mixing/Composing credits in films and commercials include “Monster in Law,” “House of D” and “Fire Down Below.” Super Bowl Tabasco’s “Mosquito”, Corona’s “Ship in a Bottle”, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonald’s, Corona, Hyundai, and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.
2018 Joe began work on his latest project Joe Mac’s American Garage with the debut album, “Bullet Train” featuring a cast of musicians including Chris Elliott and Jerry Oxendine of 86 Bullets, Pete Hewlett (Billy Joel), Jeff Adams (Facedancer), John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski, Jimmy Griffiths, Bobby Hird and Joey D'Amico (Crack The Sky) and many talented friends who visited Joe’s American Garage Studios.
Joe was inducted into the board of directors for SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) with Leslie Ann Jones, Audio Director at Skywalker Sound, Kevin Mills at Larrabee West Studios, Tim Butler at Chicago Recording (CRC), Jeff Greenberg at The Village Recorder and Steve Davis at Crawford Communications Atlanta. Joe is an active member of AES and the American Federation of Musicians.
Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a spring release. Also, tours are currently in the works.
Discography: Joe Macre - Bullet Train (2021) Joe Mac’s American Garage (2016) King Friday - Let the song begin (2014) Crack the Sky – The Machine (2010) Crack the Sky – All Access DVD (2009) Crack the Sky – The Sale – (2007) Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin’ Ass – (2005) Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin – (2005) The Precious Brothers – The Precious Brothers (2005) Crack the Sky –Dogs From Japan (2004) B.E. Taylor Group – Love Won The Fight (1983) B.E. Taylor Group – Intermission – (1982) Crack the Sky – Classic Crack – (1980) Crack the Sky – Live Sky – (1978) Crack the Sky – Safety in Numbers – (1978) Crack the Sky – Live on WBAB – (1976) Crack the Sky – Animal Notes – (1976) Crack the Sky – Crack the Sky – (1975)
• A NEWLY REMASTERED & EXPANDED 2 DISC EDITION OF THE LEGENDARY 1976 SOLO ALBUM BY YES VOCALIST JON ANDERSON • NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES • FEATURES A DVD WITH A HIGH RESOLUTION 96 kHz / 24-BIT REMASTER OF THE ORIGINAL STEREO MIX ALONG WITH A 5.1 SURROUND SOUND UP-MIX DERIVED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES • WITH FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK AND AN ESSAY WITH AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JON ANDERSON • INCLUDES ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH NEW ESSAY
Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a new expanded and remastered 2 disc edition of the classic debut solo album by YES vocalist JON ANDERSON, “Olias of Sunhillow”. Released in July 1976, the album was a conceptual work recounting the story of an alien race on a journey to find a new world following volcanic destruction on their home planet. All music on the album was written and performed by Jon Anderson and the recording took place at Anderson’s Buckinghamshire home studio whilst Yes were on hiatus following the tour to promote the album “Relayer”. Initially recorded on an 8-track tape machine, the arrangements were then re-recorded on to a 24-track tape machine. The album saw Jon perform the music entirely alone, teaching himself to play keyboards and acknowledging the influence of such legendary musicians as Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz and Vangelis on his work.
“Olias of Sunhillow” was released by Atlantic Records in the summer of 1976 in an elaborate gatefold sleeve designed by David Fairbrother-Roe and was a top ten album in the UK. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly remastered from the original album master tapes and fully restores the stunning original artwork and also features a booklet with a new essay and exclusive interview with Jon Anderson.
Over the ensuing years the excellence of the album has led to many calls for the album to be remixed in a 5.1 Surround Sound format. Alas, despite extensive research, the multi-track masters of the album cannot be found. However, this expanded edition of “Olias of Sunhillow” features a DVD featuring a high resolution 96 kHz / 24-bit re-master of the stereo mix and also includes a high resolution 5.1 Surround Sound up-mix derived from the original stereo master tapes as an additional feature.
The more I realize that time flies when you’re having fun...boy oh boy, the fun I’m having listening to my early solo work....
OLIAS for me was like going to music school for Three Months solid without breathing...
Totally captivated by making a true SOLO album...every sound, vocal, instrumental and whatever came from the cosmos is there on the album...a dream made reality...
I never really listened to it all the way through after it was released, I must have listened to every sound a zillion times while mixing it....
So, a month ago I listened to the whole album again...and felt such joy and gratefulness to have gone through that experience, and here I am so many years later going through a similar musical journey…
Time flies by when you’re having fun....
cheers…love and 'light'...Jon
Track Listing:
DISC ONE: OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW REMASTERED EDITION
1. OCEAN SONG 2. MEETING (GARDEN OF GEDA) SOUND OUT THE GALLEON 3. DANCE OF RANYART OLIAS (TO BUILD THE MOORGLADE) 4. QOQUAQ EN TRANSIC NAON TRANSIC TO 5. FLIGHT OF THE MOORGLADE 6. SOLID SPACE 7. MOON RA CHORDS SONG OF SEARCH 8. TO THE RUNNER
DISC TWO: OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW HIGH RESOLUTION 96 KHZ / 24-BIT 5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX & STEREO REMASTER
1. OCEAN SONG (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 2. MEETING (GARDEN OF GEDA) SOUND OUT THE GALLEON (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 3. DANCE OF RANYART OLIAS (TO BUILD THE MOORGLADE) (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 4. QOQUAQ EN TRANSIC NAON TRANSIC TO (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 5. FLIGHT OF THE MOORGLADE (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 6. SOLID SPACE (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 7. MOON RA CHORDS SONG OF SEARCH (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX) 8. TO THE RUNNER (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)
The new, and final studio album from Fish (David Dick), is the superb Weltschmerz, which is album No 11 from the ex-lead singer of Marillion (1981-1988). The debut release of Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors was issued 30 years ago (1990) and we have now reached the end of the line.
The album is available as a 2CD, 2CD and Blu-Ray deluxe edition, a digital version and a 2-album vinyl version.
The band on Weltschmerz is Fish (Vocals), Steve Vantis (bass/keyboards and guitar), Robin Boult (guitar), John Mitchell (guitar), Craig Blundell (drums), Dave Stewart (drums), David Jackson (saxophones), Liam Holmes (keyboards), Foss Paterson (keyboards), Doris Brendel (vocals), Mikey Owers (brass) and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (strings). Many of these musicians have been long term members of the Fish band and hence the band members are comfortable with what is required of them.
I have at this point to state that I preferred the Fish led Marillion rather than the post-Fish band, but I was never “blown away” by his solo material. There were some great tracks, but I tended to feel that the consistency of the music could be variable. That state of affairs however changed with the release of Feast Of Consequences, album No 10, which was a superb piece of work, especially the 5 part "High Woods Suite." I have looked forward to this final studio release from Fish for several months before the release.
The title, Weltschmerz, translates as world pain or world-weariness and may well sum up the feelings of the artist at the time, but the contents of this superb double album certainly are a long way from that downbeat title.
The Fish voice has been described as both distinct and also as a fusing of Roger Daltrey (The Who) and Peter Gabriel (Genesis), but it is his lyrics, classed as “poetic prose” that add an additional facet to the mans’ music. Fish can and does, interject spoken word lyrics into his music which seem to accentuate the storytelling aspect of his work.
Weltschmerz is a 10 track release with a total playing time of 84:30 minutes, track 5 “Rose Of Damascus” being the longest track at 15:45 minutes and track 4, “This Party’s Over” being the shortest at under 5 minutes (4:22).
The opening track, “Grace of God” (8:19), is exactly what I want to hear when listening to a new album, and that is something that immediately grabs the interest of the listener. There is a sparseness about the music behind the voice of Fish as he ventures into his storytelling, which is somehow very compelling. The lyrics paint such detailed scenarios that the listener becomes immersed in that storytelling.
The longest track, “Rose Of Damascus" (15:45) brings together the aspects that make the area in question such a volatile area to exist in, as seen through a young woman (Rose) who is trying to flee the war-torn area. In under 16 minutes, the listener is taken on a long journey through different sections with those superb lyrics tying everything together and trying to make sense of the problems that exist. The music twists and turns and holds the listener almost spellbound as the storyline unfolds.
Starting the second album is track 6, "Garden of Remembrance" (6:07) and is, for me, the most powerful, emotive track on Weltschmerz. Based on the changes in a relationship due to Alzheimer's, the lyrics are simple but literally oozing emotion as Fish relates the interaction, or rather, the lack of interaction between husband and wife. Musically there is a beautiful melody on piano behind his voice which underpins those lyrics, and latterly, a superb orchestral theme.
As a final studio album, Weltschmerz is an excellent way to bow out of further studio recording. Early in the review, I suggested that with the title translating as world-weariness, that could sum up how Fish must have felt with the personal situations that he had to confront during the recording process. Over the 5 years that Weltschmerz took to get to completion, he has touched on these moments throughout the ten superb, if very different, tracks and has produced a stunning swan song.
If you haven’t already purchased the album, I would humbly suggest that you give Weltschmerz a listen from start to finish and then part with some of your money to add the album to your collection.
Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson Prog Rock Music Staff
February 9, 2021
Tracks:
CD 1: 1. Grace Of God (8:19) 2. Man With A Stick (6:27) 3. Walking On Eggshells (7:18) 4. This Party’s Over (4:22) 5. Rose Of Damascus (15:45)
CD 2: 1. Garden Of Remembrance (6:07) 2. C Song (The Trondheim Waltz) (4:41) 3. Little Man What Now? (10:54) 4. Waverley Steps (End Of The Line) (13:45) 5. Weltschmerz (6:51)
Intelligent Music Project VI “The Creation” Feat. Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Rainbow), John Payne (ex-Asia), Todd Sucherman (Styx), Carl Sentence (Nazareth) and Richard Grisman (River Hounds)
After the great success of the previous album of the band Intelligent Music Project V “Life Motion”, the expectations of the rock fans for the new one are logically high and we dare say that they will be fully justified!
This was said by the creator, producer and author of the music and lyrics of Intelligent Music Project Milen Vrabevski, MD.
“The Creation” is the newest piece of rock art by the Bulgarian businessman, philanthropist and patron of arts. In his own words, this is an album about the creative approaches, a key to success in a meaningful life.
The album showcases the chemistry and the creative style of all five previous albums of the supergroup. The musical diversity and the positive messages of the twelve songs from “The Creation” make it exclusively interesting and attractive to listen. Moreover the 6th album again features well-known, world famous, rock singers – Ronnie Romero (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Vandenberg, Lords of Black), John Payne (ex-Asia) and Carl Sentence (Nazareth).
Watch the promotional video:
“I think that ‘The Creation’ album is a second part of the first we did with Milen, which is the ‘Life motion’ album. It’s a good way to keep going with this positive message, with this creative way of telling the people that we can go through all this ‘modern life’ and the problems, and sadness. We’re trying to show the way of how to do it,” said the lead vocalist of The Intelligent Music Project, Ronnie Romero.
“The Creation” is the 4th Intelligent Music Project album in a row in which the fans of the band can enjoy the beautiful voice of the ex-Asia lead singer John Payne. He says about the album:
“‘The Creation’ continues the conceptual album work by the Intelligent Music Project. The team is amazing – from the songwriting to incredible musicianship, the production. This is a fantastic album and I am proud to be part of it!”
And while Ronnie and John are well known members of Intelligent Music Project from the previous albums, here comes the big surprise for the old hard rock lovers. The drums on the album are played by two brand new for the band, but otherwise legendary drummers – Bobby Rondinelli (Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, Black Sabbath) and Todd Sucherman (Styx).
Bobby Rondinelli: “When Milen sent me the material I couldn’t believe how good it sounded and the demos sounded like a record already! I think ‘The Creation’ is an absolutely great album with all name players, all world class guys!”
Todd Sucherman: “It’s a very diverse record and has many different styles. It was really fun for me to play!”
This is the third album with the band also for the warm, progressive voice of Richard Grisman (River Hounds).
“The Creation” talks about the fear, the inner signals, voices and the techniques to cope with everyday life’s challenges. It is about the status of an empathetic witness of your own life.
“You should give ‘a hug to yourself,’ not to take life so seriously, and try to observe your own development from above. This is your spiritual part that rises above the hurdles of your own existence on Earth. You become an empathетic witness of your being. Any pain is to be wrapped up in your caring, but subtle attention of a witness, not a part of any problem. And you are a source of balance, love and harmony to the whole world, yourself included, so in this manner you open space for some new energy to be generated in your soul. It serves you to find solutions,” said Milen Vrabevski.
The good messages continue in the next songs talking about the anger which often approaches us, but we need to remember that this is a world of injustice and if it is fair the way we imagine it, maybe it wouldn’t exist.
“Let your humbleness dominate, instead. Try not to judge anyone, in spite of the challenges. This is how you generate energy to overcome the troubles. Your brain functions properly when not under the pressure of negative emotions,” added Dr. Vrabevski.
All those messages, combined with a good progressive rock and all the stars participating in it, makes “The Creation” a must-listen masterpiece!
Along with Ronnie, John, Todd, Bobby, Carl and Rich on the recordings, some of the best Bulgarian musicians take part – Bisser Ivanov (guitars), Ivaylo Zvezdomirov (bass guitar), Vasil Vutev (drums, percussions) and Ivo Stefanov (keyboards).
“The Creation” is recorded, mixed and mastered by Ivo Stefanov at Intelligent Music Studios, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Intelligent Music Project VI – “The Creation” Author and producer: Milen Vrabevski, MD Featuring: Ronnie Romero (lead and backing vocals), John Payne (lead and backing vocals), Bobby Rondinelli (drums and percussion), Todd Sucherman (drums and percussion), Carl Sentance (backing vocals and adlibs), Richard Grisman (lead and backing vocals)
Previous albums by the same author, featuring Simon Phillips, Ronnie Romero, Joseph Williams, John Payne, Nathan East, Tim Pierce, Carl Sentance & John Lawton are Intelligent Music Project I, II & III, IV, V respectively titled “The Power of Mind”, “My Kind O' Lovin’”, “Touching the Divine”, “Sorcery Inside”, “Life Motion”.
For more information: Website: www.intelligent-music.com Facebook page: Intelligent Music Project Instagram: @intelligentmusicproject YouTube channel: intelligentmusicrec
“Everything in this work sounds like it could have come from another planet.” – Trey Gunn
Unquiet Music LTD has released a new concept album titled “In The Name Of... (A Prayer For Our Times)” and features Trey Gunn of King Crimson, Markus Reuter of Stick Men and Frédéric L’Epée of Yang among others.
The overall spirit behind this album is rock ‘n’ roll - keeping a popular access to an uncompromised way of approaching things. However, it also has the ambition of providing something different for adventurous ears.
So the styles of music used are diverse, and influences can be traced from concrete music, minimalism, ambient, electronic, progressive rock, contemporary classical… A few names can be cited as inspirators: Olivier Messiaen, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, John Zorn…
Unquiet Music Ltd is both a concept and a company funded in 2019 by JP Rossi. JP grew up in the late 70’s and 80’s, and founded different bands by the end of the 80’s, early 90’s, inspired by both British epic and dark rock and French ‘chanson’, bands such as Genesis, Simple Minds, Joy Division, and in France Alain Bashung, Alain Souchon etc… He had a notable act in the 90’s called “L’Air de Rien” with the drummer Karim Ziad, and guitarist Khliff Miziallaoua, from the then ‘rai’ scene (Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami) who contributed to the album as well. In the mid 90’s the band split and it was only 20 years later that JP returned to the music, with a wealth of musical education and worldwide experiences.
Unquiet Music Ltd is meant to be self-explanatory: … Since we are living in unquiet times…
… Since we need to pass through commercial paths to reach each other and the world…
Says JP, “The idea is to create an uncompromising sound, basically something that would not be heard anywhere else – at least as such, since we all only recycle…The form is a musical mandala in 4 pieces, based on the traditional prayer “In the name of the father etc”… The music should really be considered as a single piece, a prayer, a vessel to be embarked in a travel through our modest but also ambitious condition.”
The music was elaborated as a tentative transcription of aural dreams. The process developed over a couple of years, and was only possible through the patient collection of the dreams remnants into a digital audio workstation. Some of the themes needed live performances, and musicians gradually integrated the project. An important step was passed when Markus Reuter joined for the production by the end of 2018.
There is a full length video to support the music. It is not a ‘contemplative’ work in any way, it rather aims at creating a story in parallel with the music. It should add a different and hopefully interesting dimension to the experience. There are also close to 2 hours of demo work, some quite advanced, some quite different, that Unquiet Music Ltd intends to release gradually, including bonuses for fans.
This is an Unquiet Music Ltd release
Recorded at various locations between 2017 and 2020. The drums were recorded at Khliff’s place, Ollainville (10 September 2018) The strings were recorded at NoJoke Studio, Paris by Dominique Sablier (19 September 2019)
Musicians: Khliff Miziallaoua: Percussion (The father), Acoustic Guitars (The father), Electric Guitar (The son), Bass Voice (Amen) Frédéric L’Epée: Gibson Les Paul Custom & Parker Fly Guitars Guitars (The father’s quartet) Cédric Theys: Touch Guitars® AU8 (The father, The son) Samira Brahmia: Voice (The son, The holy spirit, Amen) Trey Gunn: Warr Guitars® (The father, The son, The holy spirit) Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® AU8 (The holy spirit) Karim Ziad: Acoustic Drums (The son) Gauthier Dymon: Voice (The son, Amen) Elea Barta: Soprano Voice (Amen) Raphaël Terreau: Tenor Voice (Amen) Brice Modard: Bass Voice (Amen) Alyssa Ait Hammou: Violin (The father) Caroline Berry: Viola (The father) Christophe Jeannin: Cello (The father) Lukas Carillo: Double Bass (The father)
Groove design on "The son" by Karim Ziad Lullaby improvisation on "The holy spirit" by Markus Reuter Solo improvisation on "The holy spirit" by Trey Gunn “The father”, “The holy spirit, “Amen” mixed by Markus Reuter “The son” mixed by Benjamin Schäfer Produced by Markus Reuter for Unquiet Music Ltd Mastered by Lee Fletcher Cover painting by Gérard Rossi Graphic design by Bernhard Wöstheinrich Text review by Dann Chinn
“I’m glad that I live in a world where music and sound art like this are a reality. So much detail, a lifetime of creativity incorporated into an insane long-form opus. This is the musical place where ideas and idealism meet. You all should treat it with respect” - Markus Reuter
“A crazy and extraterrestrial music! Check it out!” - Frédéric L’Epée
“For folks who are into stretching their ears beyond where they have ever gone before, you really need to check out this recording from Unquiet Music Ltd. It is strikingly strange, imaginative and superbly executed. Electronica meets Messiaen meets...Gentle Giant? Magma? Stockhausen? Borge? Lynch? Cortazar? Everything in this work sounds like it could have come from another planet. This is an extra-terrestrial composition/work.” - Trey Gunn
Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 will be releasing a new live album called “Screenplay” featuring well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs on March 26, 2021! The album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of additional live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.
Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.
As a special bonus, a brand new song recorded in quarantine called “Divided We Fall” is included on the new album!
“The world has changed in ways we never could have foreseen since we released Screens in October 2019. Touring has been rendered impossible, and thus we have been unable to share this music live with many of our wonderful fans. Before covid-19 struck, we embarked on our UK & European Screening Tour. The centerpiece of each night was Screens performed live in its entirety. Fortunately, our show at Holland’s legendary Boerderij Cultuurpodium was beautifully recorded, and we are thrilled to present it now as part of ‘Screenplay.’ There’s much more to this collection though: live performances of other D97 favorites, tributes to our musical icons, a BRAND NEW SONG recorded in quarantine, and even a couple ‘encores’ (if you applaud long enough). Until we can be physically together again, please join us for ‘Screenplay’” - Jonathan Schang
“Since I joined this band in 2008, one consistent bit of feedback I’ve received is that our live shows capture our essence as a band in ways that studio albums are not as able to, given the visual component of seeing us perform live mixed with the spontaneous musical ideas bouncing around on stage. We have been diligent about recording our live shows over the years and have been sitting on a mountain of live performances that we cannot wait to share with the rest of the word. Each song is an organism unto itself and in each performance we bring with us the culmination of the tour thus far and lessons learned about each song in the process. We throw in tiny moments to keep each other on our toes, try new interpretations based on our current emotional state and communicate on stage in ways that are seemingly mystical at times. Being a band for as long as we have creates a certain freedom to branch out on our respective ledges and see what happens when we put a twist on the familiar. I believe that our fans are in for a treat with ‘Screenplay,’ both for the live performances and the brand new song we recorded remotely as the pandemic rendered us isolated from one another.” - Leslie Hunt
TRACK LISTING CD 1 1. Forest Fire 2. Sheep 3. Sea I Provide 4. Bread & Yarn 5. Trigger 6. After Orbit Mission 7. Shapeshifter 8. Blueprint 9. Ghost Girl CD 2 1. Divided We Fall 2. Jealous Guy 3. Snow Country 4. Takeover 5. The Actual Color 6. A Lottery 7. Termites 8. Presto Vivace 9. Back in N.Y.C 10. Travels with Myself-And Someone Else 11. Fainting in Coils 12. Long Distance Runaround 13. Red 14. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Live w/John Wetton) 15. Out on the Tiles
DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.
DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.
The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822-tra5DA4
Epic Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion Collection Features 63-Piece Orchestra recorded Live At Abbey Road Studios
Known both as a first-call sideman/session musician and a top-shelf film composer with credits including “Superbad,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” prolific guitarist Lyle Workman will release “Uncommon Measures,” his first solo album in a more than a decade, on February 19, 2021, via Blue Canoe Records. Featuring a 63-piece orchestra recorded live at Abbey Road under the direction of orchestrator extraordinaire John Ashton Thomas (“Black Panther,” “Captain Marvel”), the collection plays like the score to some epic film from an alternate dimension, mixing elements of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and romantic classical music with gleeful abandon.
“This record ties together all the different threads of who I am,” explains Workman. “It was four years in the making due to my film and TV schedule, but it’s really the culmination of a lifetime in music.”
Bursting at the seams with soaring arrangements and virtuosic performances, “Uncommon Measures” showcases not only Workman’s unparalleled musicianship, but also his profound empathy and expansive emotional vocabulary. The songs here are living, breathing entities, constantly growing and evolving in ways both subtle and drastic, and the production is similarly unpredictable, veering from larger-than-life bombast to whispered intimacy and back, sometimes within the very same track. The result is a record as extraordinary as it is unexpected, a captivating, transportive song cycle that manages to scale the dizzying heights of joy and sadness, love and friendship, self-discovery and celebration, all without a single word.
“Lyle Workman is a completely accomplished and inspired guitarist, musician and composer,” says Steve Vai. “He has a wicked command of the instrument and is perhaps one of three players I know of that can wield exotic orchestral compositions with either a screaming or whispering guitar. ‘Uncommon Measures’ is the masterful evidence of this.”
A California native, Workman’s musical journey began in the mid-1980s, when he joined the Sacramento-based band Bourgeois Tagg. The group landed a deal with Island Records and gained international acclaim for their hit single “I Don’t Mind At All,” a Workman co-write that helped earn performances on the Tonight Show, Top Of The Pops, American Bandstand, and their European equivalents. The band proved to be a launching pad for Workman, who soon began picking up gigs in the studio and on the road with the likes of Sting, Beck, Frank Black, Jellyfish, Todd Rundgren, Norah Jones, Bryan Adams, and jazz icon Tony Williams, who included Workman’s “Machu Picchu” on his final album, “Wilderness,” with Stanley Clarke and Herbie Hancock. Workman’s skills as a sideman turned out to make him ideally suited for the world of film and television, as well, and work writing commercial jingles soon gave way to jobs composing for indie films, which opened the door to major studio releases and a connection with Judd Apatow, who began hiring Workman to score many of his projects. To date, Workman has composed music for films that have generated over a billion dollars at the box office worldwide.
"Cry for Freedom" is the latest instalment into the mind of Mustafa Khetty & Morpheus Project. An expansive prog meets classical project that's taking the world by storm, the latest single is the final track before the release of highly anticipated debut album 'Mozaick'. Returning after the huge success of last single 'Nights to Remember', 'Cry for Freedom' may feature a more mellow side to Mustafa's attire, but showcases how diverse his influences truly are.
A return to Mustafa's great love for Classical, 'Cry for Freedom' still features strong progressive and experimental elements throughout. In fine company on the release, the single features virtuoso piano player Matias Chapiro, celloist Manuel Villar Lifac, guitarist Arda Keremoğlu, violin player Gustavo Eiriz, keyboardist Sebastian Fahey and vocalist Zilan Küçükbalaban.
Gaining support from Scala Radio, BBC Introducing, Prog Magazine and Classic FM, Mustafa Khetty is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the progressive world, and 'Cry for Freedom' certainly deserves a throne.
