Wednesday, June 30, 2021

YES Legend Jon Anderson To Tour With The Paul Green Rock Academy

Legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson will be touring with The Paul Green Rock Academy starting July 30th!

This Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour is a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with the original School of Rock all stars.

These shows, over 30 in total between 2006-2008, were nothing short of magical, and now Jon Anderson returns to continue that magic with a set of Yes Classics, deep cuts, mash ups, and solo works, all with lush arrangements featuring choral singing, horns, and all the other benefits of having a backing band of 25 young musicians.

THE ONE THING ABOUT CREATING MUSIC WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS AND SINGERS IS THE ADVENTURE OF IT ALL..

I SANG AND TOURED WITH THE PAUL GREEN SCHOOL OF ROCK MANY YEARS AGO...IT WAS A MIRACLE FOR ME TO JOIN IN WITH THEIR YOUNG ENERGY...AND LEARN FROM THEM..

NOW HERE WE ARE WITH THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY …….

AND AGAIN, THEIR EXCITEMENT AND JOY FOR MAKING MUSIC REALLY MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE .... PLUS THEY ARE A REALLY TALENTED BUNCH….

THERE IS A FUTURE IN MUSIC, AND THESE YOUNG SOULS PROVE IT EVERY TIME I HEAR THEM SING AND PLAY...

I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING SPENDING TIME WITH THE FUTURE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL..

MANY BLESSINGS…JON ANDERSON..

Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour dates:

July 30 - Patchogue Theater - Patchogue, NY
Aug 01 - Blue Ocean Music Hall - Salisbury, MA
Aug 03 - Rams Head on Stage - Annapolis, MD
Aug 05 - Ridgefield Playhouse - Ridgefield, CT
Aug 07 - Colonial Theatre - Phoenixville, PA
Aug 09 - Ocean City Music Pier - Ocean City, NJ
Aug 19 - Des Plaines Theatre - Des Plaines, IL
Aug 21 - Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL
Aug 24 - Palace Theatre - Canton, OH
Aug 27 - Paramount Theatre - Huntington, NY
Aug 28 - Stadium Theater - Woonsocket, RI

photo by Deborah Anderson

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in music as the lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album “Fragile” as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as “Awaken,” “Gates of Delirium” and especially “Close to the Edge” which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including “I've Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart.” After 50 years of success in the music business, Jon has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including “Olias of Sunhillow,” “Song of Seven,” “Animation,” “Three Ships,” “Toltec” and “Survival and Other Stories” to name just a few. In 2017 Jon reformed YES with former band members Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman. YES Featuring ARW toured the world to rave reviews and released “Live At The Apollo” CD/DVD in September 2018. Never to stand still musically, in 2019 Jon released an album he started 28 years ago, now called “1,000 Hands,” a reference to the fact that numerous guest musicians perform on the album, including Ian Anderson, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Zap Momma, Chris Squire, Alan White, Steve Howe and many more.

For more information:
Paul Green official website: www.PaulGreenRock.com
Jon Anderson’s official website: www.JonAnderson.com

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

Monday, June 28, 2021

Trifecta Release Second Single and Video “Have You Seen What The Neighbors Are Doing”

Taken from the new album Fragments, due for release on 20th August on Kscope

Having announced details of their debut album Fragments and revealed the first single “Pavlov`s Dog Killed Schrodinger`s Cat”, Trifecta are premiere a new track and video for “Have You Seen What The Neighbors Are Doing”.

Nick Beggs explains how the track came about “The track, ‘Have You Seen What The Neighbors Are Doing’, was written after hearing a song by Ween titled ‘So Many People In The Neighbourhood.’ We liked the song so much we decided to construct a reply. “ the video he continues “was shot on location while on the planet of the prehistoric women. However the trip was fraught with problems after Craig and Adam both realised they had failed to pack a tooth brush. Luckily I was on hand to share mine with them.”


WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT THE NEIGHBORS ARE DOING” HERE

Trifecta, features 3 of the contemporary music scene’s most lauded and revered musicians – bassist and songwriter Nick Beggs, keyboardist extraordinaire Adam Holzman and completing the line-up, Craig Blundell – one of the world’s most celebrated drummers.

Having performed together as part of Steven Wilson’s band, the three would jam together after soundchecks, forming what they referred to as “jazz club” and from these sessions the fledgling ideas for Fragments were born.

The record primarily leans toward a fusion of jazz rock, imaginatively described by Beggs as “Fission! It’s like Fusion but less efficient and more dangerous ..with fall out.” and being mainly instrumental with the exception of one track, the wonderfully titled and first single “Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat”. The lyrics of which, Beggs states “are written from the perspective of a layman trying to understand quantum mechanics…and failing”. The track also features drum programming from Russell Holzman.

Each band member completed the recording and engineering of their own contributions in their various home studios which helped in bringing their individual production ideas to each track. Adam Holzman mixed the record at his New York home studio and the mastering was handled by Andy VanDette (Rush, David Bowie, Deep Purple, Porcupine Tree, Beastie Boys) in New York.

Fragments will be released on 20th August via Kscope on CD, black vinyl LP, ltd edition neon orange vinyl LP (exclusive to www.kscopemusic.com/store) and digitally. Pre-orders are available now HERE (https://TrifectaKscope.lnk.to/Fragments)

1. Clean Up On Aisle Five [03:07]
2. Check Engine Light [02:55]
3. Proto Molecule [02:20]
4. Auntie [02:57]
5. Venn Diagram [02:42]
6. The Enigma Of Mr. Fripp [02:44]
7. Sally Doo-Dally [02:54]
8. Have You Seen What The Neighbors Are Doing? [02:58]
9. The Mute Gospel [03:16]
10. Pavlov`s Dog Killed Schrodinger`s Cat [04:12 WATCH VIDEO ]
11. Voyage Of Discovery [03:02]
12. Nightmare In Shining Armor [02:00]
13. Dry Martini [03:13]
14. Lie 2 Me And Take My Money [03:13]
15. Hold It Like That[03:28]

Can’t wait until 20th August? Curious to hear more now?

Fans can check out an album teaser HERE

The band have new social media – for updates & news follow them here:
https://www.instagram.com/trifectahq/
https://www.facebook.com/Trifecta-Blundell-Holzman-Beggs-104063678455805
www.kscopemusic.com/artist/trifecta

Band photography by Hajo Muller

More hi-res images available here: www.kscopemusic.com/media/trifecta

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

Friday, June 25, 2021

Prog Ensemble Head With Wings To Release New Concept EP “Comfort in Illusion”

“We often start naive and green and either blossom into something remarkable, or we fizzle out - resigning to the life that we feared all along; the one we've been resisting - an uncertain path, a repetitive/menial existence, and the promise of a life without limitations. How far are you willing to go to either abandon or protect the way of life that you've been leading?”

These words paint the scene for the first act of alternative progressive rock quartet Head with Wings’ next chapter.

Amidst sweeping changes felt on a global scale, aspirations were put on hold, radiant futures dimmed, lives ended prematurely, and dreams were left to rot on the vine. For so many, the struggle was a silent one - a daily war waged alone.

On their forthcoming EP, “Comfort In Illusion,” Head with Wings draws the listener into the isolated, agonizing, and momentarily euphoric struggle for self-actualization amidst the stifling frame of an increasingly unfamiliar world.

The collective’s first output since 2018’s critically-acclaimed debut, “From Worry to Shame,” presents a concise summation of the group’s collective growth as artists and individuals. “Comfort in Illusion” dives deeper into the quartet’s textural and emotive sound exploration with a timely personal narrative of self-discovery and the anxiety of change.

Says lead vocalist Josh Corum, “‘The Comfort in Illusion’ EP has a two-fold meaning, but we realize that it’s subject to the listener’s interpretation and we fully embrace that. To the band, it operates in a binary fashion narratively; connecting to the protagonist of our debut album From Worry to Shame (2018), while also paving the way for an alternatively surreal story, that is told in tandem with a specific point in the protagonist’s timeline on the debut (parallel to the songs “From Worry to Shame” and “Beyond the Wall”).  Admittedly, this wasn’t my initial intention, but intuitively I wound up here some years down the line after these songs were initially conceived. The music on this EP isn’t motivically or thematically linked to the debut, but rather, connected through narrative/thematic concepts and visual interpretations through our music videos.”

“Of Uncertainty’s” hypnotic sway and surreal acoustic and electric voice-painting opens the three-movement suite in arresting fashion. A fitting bridge from the world of old to that of the new, the single embodies everything in seven crisp minutes that make Head with Wings a singular presence in a rock landscape that has been all too content to echo the hallmarks of yesteryear.

Andrew Testa’s inspired and mature drum performance radiates intention; giving the song an addicting sense of weightless movement, while Brandon Cousino and Mike Short’s soulful and dexterous lead guitars shade and illuminate the scene around the striking vocal character of Joshua Corum. These qualities are further enhanced by the single’s immersive visual accompaniment provided by Black Soil’s talented animation crew.

Cathartic and soothing, “Contemplating the Loop” exercises the group’s fluid command of abstract rhythm, leaving the listener to feel, rather than think their way through its floating, ever-shifting pulse. Anchored by Steve Hill’s silky bass runs, the song sets the constant ebb and flow of self-doubt and willful determination to sound.

Finally, the tumultuous, mathy voyage of “In a House Without Clocks” brings the concise three-track journey to a poignant coda. Bittersweet and overflowing with yearning, Corum leaves the listener with the parting questions: “Would you consider a life without a path … or would you fear it would all just fall apart—the plan that never started, the waters left uncharted?”

The odyssey feels both hopeful and grave—reckoning with an ever-fleeting sense of a gratifying future drifting further away each day, and the uncertainty of correcting course. The dark side of pursuing one’s dreams and the toll time takes on ambitions that were once so vivid are laid bare. Swelling into heart-searing vocal peaks and commanding streaks of expressive lead guitar, “In a House …” sets the tone for a pivotal moment of change, with Corum rising to the occasion as one of the eminent voices in modern alternative music.

The delicate beauty and lushness of “Comfort in Illusion” was carefully captured by Greg Thomas (END, Misery Signals) and Chris Teti (The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die) at Silver Bullet Studios. Thomas’ spacious, engrossing mix is heightened by Kris Crummett of Interlace Audio’s adept mastering - delivering a shimmering, modern sound that listeners will discover in new ways with each pass.

The themes of conviction and change, etched into the fibers of these songs, are also reflected in the band, whose own internal makeup shifted in a similarly bittersweet way. Capturing what amounts to founding drummer Andrew Testa’s most stylistically-definitive performance, the EP also serves as a fitting send off for a member who was integral to crafting the core architecture of the band’s sound. His legacy will be continued and expanded upon through the deft percussion skill of Head with Wings’ resident multi-instrumentalist, Mike Short, who shifts from his co-lead guitar role on the recording of the new songs to drums going forward.

We can never again return exactly to where we have been, and the same can be said of the distinctive lineup of performers in their designated roles on this special output—a moment in time faithfully preserved.

“Comfort in Illusion” features a unique release format, with each song being followed by a cinematic companion piece delivered by the remarkably talented Vikram Shankar. The prolific composer, who was heralded for his expressive piano interpretations of songs on “From Worry to Shame,” expands his contributions to the Head with Wings collective with fully reimagined arrangements of each movement of the forthcoming EP. These remixes transform each track’s mood into a palpable visual scene listeners can explore in their own personal way.

June 25th marks the launch of the Bandcamp pre-order for the "Comfort in Illusion" digipak CD/standard digital edition, along with the pre-order for the digital expanded edition, which contains the Vikram Shankar remixes and instrumental mixes.  As of today, all three songs from this EP are represented by animated music videos on the band's YouTube channel.  All formats of "Comfort in Illusion" will be available on July 16th.  

Says Josh, “Truthfully, each of our songs has its own message and baggage, but globally, I think the band would be in agreement that we want people to push themselves to lead a life that is self-fulfilling and not one that was either chosen for them, expected or assumed. We want people to find themselves in this world and then double down on who they are. Part of being an artist is giving yourself to the unknown and unabashedly believing in yourself, sometimes to the point of delusion. It doesn’t matter what you do, but that you love doing it. Have no regrets about believing in yourself. This band travels through darkness to find empowerment and we want people to feel that too.”

All of the music/lyrics on this EP were written before the pandemic/quarantine. However, the band was dwelling on concepts of isolation and withdrawal on “From Worry to Shame,” where coincidentally, the protagonist withdraws from society for one year and then begins his reemergence as a “new man.” This EP occurs during his year of isolation.

The band is currently in pre-production for the next album, which will be the finale to the saga that was started on their debut. There’s talk about shooting a music video with Ingwar Dovgoteles (The Black Soil) in Ukraine for the next one and that is certainly exciting. Says Josh, “We’re looking to shoot more live action music videos, as we’ve really gone down the rabbit hole with animated videos. Regarding gigs, we’re taking stock of the venues and festivals that are re-emerging, as society crawls out of the clutches of the pandemic. Though we’ve been rehearsing, we haven’t played a show since our 2019 tour in Germany (where we played Euroblast Festival).  We’ll be announcing new shows for late summer/fall on our Facebook page as they get confirmed. There is one festival on the books for us on May 20-22, 2022 which is Festival Terra Incognita in Quebec City.” Head With Wings is scheduled to perform at Space Ballroom in Hamden, CT opening for Moon Tooth on August 5th.

“Comfort in Illusion” was recorded at Silver Bullet Studios (Burlington, CT) between December 2019 and March 2020. The EP was tracked, edited, mixed and produced by Greg Thomas with additional tracking and mixing by Chris Teti. Mastered by Kris Crummett at Interlace Audio (Portland Oregon) in Fall 2020. All songs were written and performed by Head with Wings. Releasing July 16th.

On this EP, Head with Wings is:
Andrew Testa - Drums
Brandon Cousino - Guitars
Steve Hill - Bass
Mike Short - Guitars
Joshua Corum - Lyrics, Lead & Backing Vocals

Comfort in Illusion” Track Order:

1) Of Uncertainty (7:00)
2) Contemplating the Loop (4:52)
3) In a House Without Clocks (6:02)

Run time: 17:54

Art Direction & Layout - Darcy Kelly-Laviolette // darcykellyl.myportfolio.com
Album Design Concept - Joshua Corum & Darcy Kelly-Laviolette

Here’s what the press has said about Head With Wings:

From the moment the picked guitars of opener ‘Goodbye Sky’ make their sun-kissed presence felt, it's clear this is an album boasting an embarrassment of riches on the melody front.” - Planet Rock Magazine

There are more than enough points of melancholic majesty to make this well worth a listen.” - PROG Magazine

There's a passion in the vocal delivery that matches the subject matter.” - Powerplay Magazine

Although at times melancholic and stark with lyrics to match, Head With Wings have put out a winner with ‘From Worry To Shame.’ I also commend the band for tackling some societal issues that many bands wouldn’t touch. A thought provoking and rewarding listen, both lyrically and musically. Recommended.” - Sea of Tranquility

The music is delicate and flows organically from the deep lyrics and obvious passion that the band has for both art and humanity.” - The Prog Mind

With this delicate subject, Head with Wings achieved a masterful debut album of maturity and emotion. This album is proof that the prog does not have to be outrageously technical to succeed in touching.” - Koid'9 Magazine Rock & Progressif

It is an incredibly intense album, both lyrically and especially musically, so much so that at times it feels there is a weight, a physical pressure, being delivered. It is all part of the presence and forethought which has gone into it. Overall this is a wonderful debut, and I for one am certainly looking forward to the next one with great interest.” - Kev Rowland, Progressor


Pre-order link on bandcamp: https://headwithwings.bandcamp.com/album/comfort-in-illusion

For more information:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HeadWithWingsband/
Twitter https://twitter.com/HWWMusic
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/headwithwingsmusic/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb6XXjwB_IUzCp6j-jy1g-g
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1D64KNUd1VVqKMe5F1fUEF
Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/head-with-wings/635032165

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

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mothers of Invention Keyboard Legend! The Don Preston Trio To Play Virtual Concert at The World Stage on July 2, 2021

Mothers of Invention keyboard legend Don Preston and his Trio will be performing a free-form Virtual Concert at The World Stage on July 2, 2021!

Don Preston leads a life filled with music, innovation, and experimentation. “Groundbreaking” is a phrase that is clearly overused…with Don it rings true. One of the first performers to drag a pile of oscillators and filters onstage, he brought his classical training to the avant-garde. In the early 60s a weird guy named Frank Zappa would come to see Don’s “electronic music with films of bacterial life” shows in Los Angeles. Don was soon in Zappa’s radical new group The Mothers Of Invention, touring and playing on classics like “We're Only In It For The Money” and “Roxy & Elsewhere” from 1966 to 1973.

Don’s played with everyone from Elvin Jones to The Residents, Jack Bruce and Robbie Krieger.  His keyboard solos on Zappa albums, as well as countless soundtracks like Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, are considered ground-breaking moments in synthesizer music history.

Still very active in his 80’s, Don was there for the dawn of electronic musical performance, and today grafts new technologies into his experimental palette with software synths & iPhone apps, blending jazz, rock, comedy, magic and ambient synths into a captivating performance.

Don has performed with artists like: Frank Zappa, Lou Rawls, Al Jarreau, Nat King Cole, Billy Daniels, Johnnie Ray, Vaughn Monroe, Connie Francis, Herbie Mann, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Art Davis, Paul Bley, Carla Bley, Joe Beck, Shorty Rogers, Leo Sayer, Charles Lloyd, Nelson Riddle, J.R. Monterose, Flo & Eddie (Howard Kaylan & Mark Volman of The Turtles) Yusef Lateef, Don Ellis, Meredith Monk, Bobby Bradford, Michael Mantler, John Lennon and Yoko Ono.


The Don Preston Trio:
Don Preston - pianoforte, prepared piano, synths, and what knots
Anders Swanson - acoustic bass
Christopher Garcia - El Monstro, percussion

Friday July 2, 2021
THE DON PRESTON TRIO@THE WORLD STAGE

THE WORLD STAGE SITE: http://theworldstage.org/events.html
THE WORLD STAGE ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theworldstage/
THE WORLD STAGE YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWorldStage/featured?app=desktop

The guy that really impressed me was Don Preston, I didn't know what that stuff was when I heard it on Frank Zappa's records. I said, ‘Man!’” - GEORGE DUKE

Revisiting choice moments of weirdness and glory, as well as dig into original works and unlikely standards, is not to be missed. The range of the program is somewhat camouflaged by the seamless interplay of Preston and cohorts. They possess a cohesion born of fluidity that is reminiscent of Paul Bley’s 60’s trios, but they have their own crisp edge. It is a high common denominator for such a diverse program.” – JAZZTIMES

Best known as the first synth wielding Mother of Invention - Frank Zappa’s keyboardist aide de camp, to others he is an avowed New Music experimentalist, whose work in theatre, and with assorted sonic daredevils is the stuff of underground acclaim…in the jazz orbit Preston’s credits have included Gil Evans, Carla Bley, Buell Niedlinger, Michael Mantler, John Carter, and Bobby Bradford” - DownBeat

Preston demonstrated anew that he is one of the most consistently exciting keyboardists anywhere, he plays with an intensity and a rhythmic vitality that approached the demonic, at climactic moments smashing the keys with a forearm and elbow, as if the piano were just not instrument enough for him” - LA JAZZ SCENE

Bassist Anders Swanson and drummer Christopher Garcia have a tough tensile strength to their rhythm with flexibility that allows for metric disembodiment…” - GLENDALE NEWS PRESS

Christopher ‘Chris’ Garcia, born in East Los Angeles, California, plays countless percussion instruments and is a composer in many musical ethnological environments such as his family home Mexico…he has made a living as a world musician and has drummed for the ‘Grand Mothers of Invention’ as well as for the classical conductors Kristjan Järvi or various chamber music ensembles.” - ZAPPANALE.DE

For More information:
DON PRESTON ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/don.preston.54540MAking
EL MONSTRO LINK
https://christophergarciamusic.weebly.com/el-monstro-faqs-and-facts.html

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

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Be-Bop Deluxe “Live! In The Air Age” Deluxe 16 Disc Limited Edition Boxed Set Available For Pre-order

Esoteric presents Be-Bop Deluxe “Live! In The Air Age” – an expanded edition of the classic 1977 live album!

• A DELUXE 16 DISC LIMITED EDITION BOXED SET OF THE CLASSIC 1977 LIVE ALBUM BY BE BOP DELUXE
• THE ORIGINAL ALBUM IS NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES RESTORING THE CORRECT ALBUM
RUNNING ORDER
• WITH AN ADDITIONAL 14 CDs FEATURING EVERY CONCERT RECORDED ON THE BE BOP DELUXE UK TOUR OF
FEBRUARY & MARCH 1977 ALL NEWLY REMIXED FROM THE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK TAPES BY STEPHEN W. TAYLER
• INCLUDES A BBC RADIO ONE JOHN PEEL SESSION FROM JANUARY 1977
• ALSO INCLUDES A DVD (NTSC / REGION FREE) OF THE STAR RIDER IN CONCERT TV FILM FIRST SCREENED IN 1977,
RELEASED HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME
• INCLUDES A LAVISHLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK WITH MANY PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHS & NEW ESSAY BY BILL NELSON
• ALSO INCLUDES POSTCARDS AND A REPLICA POSTER

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce a new re-mastered super-deluxe expanded boxed set limited edition release (comprising 15 CDs and a DVD) of “Live! In The Air Age” by Be-Bop Deluxe. This legendary live album was released in July 1977 and would prove to be the band’s most successful album, peaking at number 10 in the UK charts. The album was issued at a time of growing commercial success for the band and followed on the heels of two highly acclaimed studio albums in thirteen months, Sunburst Finish and Modern Music, both of which reached the top twenty of the UK album charts. Live! In the Air Age would be the band’s only live record and was recorded on a series of dates in the UK in February and March 1977 on the Rolling Stones mobile unit with John Leckie, who had engineered and co-produced the band’s previous two albums, supervising the location recordings.

The band’s UK tour began in late January and was an audio-visual extravaganza that featured the use of projection screens and excerpts from the 1927 German silent film Metropolis, director Fritz Lang’s striking science fiction masterpiece. Continuing into February, the first concert to be recorded was at the De Montfort Hall in Leicester on the 12th of that month. The following two nights saw concerts at the Grand Theatre in Leeds which were both captured on tape and saw Bill Nelson perform to an enthusiastic home audience. However, at this juncture fate would intervene to cause a postponement to the remainder of the tour. Travelling to a concert in Bristol on 15th February 1977, Bill Nelson and John Leckie were involved in a car accident which resulted in them being hospitalized at Huddersfield Infirmary. Thankfully, all involved recovered quickly from their injuries, but as a result of the accident, the remaining concerts were postponed until the end of March. The tour began again with two concerts at Hammersmith Odeon in London on March 25th and 26th 1977 which revealed the band to be on top form, feeding off the tremendous warmth of the audience. Further shows in Bristol and Bournemouth on the 27th and 28th March respectively also contained many fine moments. Bill Nelson and John Leckie selected the best performances for mixing at Abbey Road and Advision studios in London and “Live! In The Air Age” was released in July 1977.

Research of all of the Be-Bop Deluxe master tapes revealed that multi track tapes of all the shows recorded on the UK tour of 1977 had survived. After digitizing and listening through to all of the Rolling Stones mobile unit 24-track tapes it was decided to include each concert in its entirety in this expanded boxed set. The concerts were mixed over a period of several months by Stephen W. Tayler and are presented here for the very first time. They reveal the improvisational side of Be-Bop Deluxe, particularly on pieces such as “Shine” and “Blazing” Apostles which made each concert unique.

This set features the original album, newly remastered from the original master tapes, and restores the correct running order of the original LP release and has three bonus tracks drawn from a BBC Radio One JOHN PEEL SHOW session from January 1977. This box also adds an NTSC / Region Free DVD of STAR RIDER IN CONCERT – BE-BOP DELUXE, which was first screened on television in 1977 and appears exclusively in this boxed set for the first time. Finally, this limited-edition boxed set includes an illustrated 68-page book with many previously unseen photographs and an essay of recollections by Bill Nelson. Additionally, the set includes postcards and a replica poster. This special deluxe limited-edition boxed set of “Live! In The Air Age” is a fitting tribute to a fine live band and the creative vision of Bill Nelson.

Released August 27, 2021


To pre-order:
Be-Bop Deluxe “Live! In The Air Age” 15CD/1DVD Limited Edition Box Set: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/be-bop-deluxe-live-in-the-air-age-15cd-1dvd-limited-edition-box-set/
Be-Bop Deluxe “Live! In The Air Age” 3CD Remastered & Expanded Edition: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/be-bop-deluxe-live-in-the-air-age-3cd-remastered-expanded-edition/

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

Monday, June 14, 2021

Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear Release New Album “Optic Nerve” Featuring Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta and Trey Gunn


Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear has released a new album titled “Optic Nerve.” The release features an impressive collaboration of musicians that have worked with Dario on previous recordings and several new musical guests. He was reunited with keyboardists, Jamie Peck and Natt Kerr, as well as his Woodstock friends, Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jerry Marotta (Orleans, Peter Gabriel & Paul McCartney). Trey Gunn (King Crimson) is on Warr guitar. Music engineer, Eric Dalton, joins Dario for the first time on bass and backing vocals and Robert Kopec on upright and electric bass. Adam Siegel joins on alto sax. “Optic Nerve” is a combination of progressive, ambient and rock.

Says Dario, “The message is to find yourself not just as an artist but a human being. Through all the craziness in the world I had to keep reminding myself that after the Dark Ages came the Renaissance, I really think that will happen. We’ve had so much time to reflect and dig deep into ourselves. For the recording process I was really concentrating on what I call the ‘three I's.’ Instinct, Intuition and Intent. As a result the creative process was so much freer.

Watch the Video for “This Moment”: 

Biography
Dario Saraceno was born in Ripacandida, Italy and moved to London, England during the height of Beatlemania. After his mom took him to see the Beatles at an outdoor concert, he was profoundly influenced and became infatuated with becoming a musician. Fast forward to his teenage years and music became a reality when he purchased his first guitar.

Dario took an unusual approach. When most musicians were aspiring to play covers, Dario was immediately drawn to writing original music and spent time learning multi-track recording.

After graduating Berklee College of Music, Dario toured with his band, Decoy and worked as a session guitarist, touring and teaching. His instructional book, “The Shapes Remain the Same” was published in 2010.

After his Decoy project came to a close, Dario went solo, starting a new band he named Dario and the Clear. Dario and the Clear has released five albums since 2011. His recent album “Optic Nerve” was born out of a creative burst during the coronavirus pandemic when there was time for a great deal of self-reflection.

Track list:
1. Deities and Splendor
2.Smile/Lies
3. Sustained and Distorted
4. Saint Street
5. This Moment
6. Designated Skin
7. Tattooed Prophet.

Amazing variety of timbres and depth.” Steve Ball, Guitar Craft League

Fantastical…Cool and iconic voice…and the mood is great. I see it as a thought-provoking and passionate recording.” Joe Battista, Director, The 13th Street Theater

To purchase:
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dar...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CcS9...
darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com

For more information:
Darioandtheclearfacebook.com
Darioandtheclear.Instagram.com

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

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Neo Prog Review: Cosmograf-Rattrapante

Release Date: March 26 2021 (CD/Digital), May 28 2021 (Vinyl)

Label: Gravity Dream music

Website

 

Cosmograf is the creative vehicle of Robin Armstrong, a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, keyboards, bass, drums and vocals), who also records and produces his music in his home studio. Robin has released 8 albums, from the debut, End Of Ecclesia in 2009, to the album under review, Rattrapante, released earlier this year.

To quote Robin, "Rattrapante is a French word which has its root in rattraper, meaning to catch up or recapture. A Rattrapante chronograph watch can simultaneously time two events, such as a lap split time and a final race time. As such it was the perfect metaphor for our interaction with time.

Cosmograf albums tend to be either concept albums, or at least, themed in some way. The sound of Cosmograf is rooted in 70's classic rock with a progressive twist, and although I have used the term neo-prog (from Progarchives) to indicate the musical style, there are straight metal passages as well as classical styled themes.

Rattrapante is a 5-track album with a total playing of around 51 minutes (50:34) and the opening track, “In 1985” is the longest track at 12:46 min, with the third track, “I Stick To You” the shortest at 6:52 min.

The guest musicians involved with Robin, who plays guitar, keyboards, bass and provides vocals, are Kyle Fenton (drums and backing vocals), Chrissy Mostyn (vocals on track 3) and Tommy McNally (spoken words on track 5). NASA is also credited for the use of some sound clips on the album.
 
The opening track from Rattrapante, "In 1985" (12:43), starts with a very distinctive nod to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, with some superbly atmospheric guitar over a gently building background before Robin’s shout of “Are you ready?” sets us off on an autobiographical journey which manages to veer from the poignant to the angry. There is an insistent driving beat and a Middle Eastern influence before the guitar wielded by Robin soars above all. With references to Concorde, Spectrum, and Amstrad computers, the Back To The Future film, Live Aid, Queen, Bowie, Life On Mars and the Heysel Disaster, this opener certainly catches the listeners interest and draws them into the nostalgia, before bringing things up to date as the track progresses. The sound of crowds cheering through the music adds to the atmosphere of this being a "live" track. A different middle section leads back into the driving style on show at the start, and thus, ends a very stunning opening track to commence a superb album.

The closing track of the album, “Time Will Flow” (12:42) is a different style to the opening track, especially the moodiness of the music. There is a relatively long scene-setting start, in some ways similar to the opening of track 1. As the moody aural landscape builds, there is a voice that appears, but not that of Robin, but Tommy McNally, narrating the fact that time is a very precious commodity that should be used, but carefully. Lines such as "Time shapes. Time Destroys. Time brings an end to all your joys." And "We measure time, but waste it more, equally bound, the rich and poor. Use it well for it can’t be made. Do it now, don’t be afraid,” include atmospheric music behind the narration which builds continuously until around the halfway point in the track, when after another excellent guitar section, vocals appear, courtesy of Robin. There are superb lyrics and masterful music in this stunning track and towards the end, a question is asked. "Look back upon what is done. A life well-lived. But did you think, what did you give?" As the track closes out, Robin's voice can be heard in the distance drifting away.

Rattrapante
is a stunning album that settles into your grey matter within a couple of plays. Cosmograf has a superbly high standard of music across all previous 7 studio albums and Rattrapante is no exception. My advice is to grab a listen to this album and then clear a space on your CD shelf to slot it into.

(If you have not heard much of Cosmograf, check out one of my radio show podcasts ("Podcast: The Ancient One - Edition 161 - Progzilla Radio ) which is “A Brief History of Cosmograf” and takes a couple of tracks from each of the 8  studio albums.)


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
June 2, 2021 

Tracks:
1. In 1985 (12:46)
2. Rattrapante (9:44)
3. I Stick To You (6:52)
4. Memories Lie (8:29)
5. Time Will Flow (12:43)

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Italian Prog Ensemble Syndone To Release New Concept Album “Kāma Sūtra”

Italian Prog ensemble Syndone will be releasing their new concept album “Kāma Sūtra” on June 10th.

The sacred text “Kāma Sūtra” is the “Bible” of how to achieve pleasure in sexual intercourse.

The Kāma Sūtra (aphorisms on pleasure) therefore constitutes for Hindus a compendium on the art of loving and achieving sexual pleasure, in a way consistent with the ancient rural and pastoral origins of their religious culture. This culture still considers love in all its most natural manifestations, from poetry, to singing, dancing, painting, sculpture to enhance its divine sanctity of procreation and the adoration of the principle of life, also through erotic pleasure.

Even in modern India, as in ancient India, the dominant impression offered by Hindu culture is still that of a world in contact with all the natural forces that transfer the richness of life into an existence permeated by tenderness, by pleasure and beauty in all its manifestations.

Like the movements of sex, music and lyrics go in and out of the different variations of the concept of Kāma Sūtra in history and in the contemporary; Kāma Sūtra is here intended only as the sound of a word already heard from which people begins to wonder.

For Syndone it becomes text and pretext to sink the nails with passion in the love between two people, in today’s real prostitutes, in provocation. Images, symbols, roles and people; among all a true story, the one of Giorgio Perlasca, hero against Nazism and many other common stories, among which, maybe, the ours, with invented characters, divinities, erotic symbols and much, much love.

“Kāma Sūtra,” the eighth album of Syndone, is a key to unhinging the menageries of progressive doctrine. In fact, it is the least progressive album of Syndone, but the news is not bad for this at all: the forays into more rock material are interspersed here and there by the scratches and sweeps of the Hammond that refer to Brian Auger and John Lord, from choral fragments where you can feel the smell of Queen. If “Mysoginia” was Géricault's Raft of the Medusa, “Kāma Sūtra” is a painting by Kandinsky. To be fascinated, the wonderful “We Are the World We Created” is enough. Finally, David Jackson’s saxes and the beautiful vocal duet with the singer Annie Barbazza are a certificate of authenticity of a new masterpiece.

Syndone’s music, supported by the analytical and deeply cerebral texts of Riccardo Ruggeri - a front-man with great theatrical and an amazing voice - is something truly surprising: next to small jewels that shine with joy and pain, sweetness and of bitterness, it burns the fuel of the most genuine rock.

Watch the making of the album teaser: 

BIO

Born in 1989, in the wake of the second progressive wave, Syndone – led by Nik Comoglio – have delved into every aspect of niche music during their first quarter of a century.

Seven excellent albums (Spleen/1990, Inca/1992, Melapesante/2010, La Bella è la Bestia/2012 and Odysséas/2014, Eros & Thanatos/2016 and the new Mysoginia/2018) have come out of this collaboration, contaminated with tones that, more often than not, have gone beyond all codes and frontiers.

Their sound – which reflects the moods of Emerson Lake & Palmer to a certain extent – is not restricted to a slavish reading of the British band though. It tends to revitalize their spirit with formulas that have little to do with the style per se and move towards new shores, new sounds characterized by a rock background with extensive classical openings (sometimes played on strings), all tied together by a very expressive, sometimes theatrical, voice which brings everything together in an original, cultural and innovative product.

While their name might elicit thoughts of the Holy Shroud or Sindon (and all the rules and regulations surrounding it) kept in Turin, we could say that, in the meantime, it also brings to mind the provocative magic of this subalpine capital. Nik explains, “We wanted a name that would evoke all together ‘Sacredness,’ ‘Turin,’ ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Scored Grooves’ (like an old vinyl LP) so I thought of Syndone, with the ‘Y’ to distinguish it from the famous relic and make it International at the same time, without being blasphemous. This name in fact immediately evokes Turin in any part of the world... and I liked this!”


Syndone
Riccardo Ruggeri: composition, vocal, lyricist
Gigi Rivetti: composition, acoustic and electric pianos, clavinet, keyboards
Marta Caldara: composition, vibraphone, timpani, keyboards
Simone Rubinato: composition bass, taurus bass e keyboards
Eddy Franco: drums and percussions
Nik Comoglio: composition, orchestration, arrangements,  Hammond, Moog, Juno dist., Mellotron and keyboards

To purchase: https://www.manticorerecords.com/syndone-kama-sutra?fbclid=IwAR344YhX_jfNot5l-mJoMm0cSDotpg6iDIkfWE5QvoiTR8Fquf9tT8HQnCA

For more information:
Website: www.syndone.it
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=188463544523800&ref=content_filter

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

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Bass Icon Jeff Berlin Launches GoFundMe Campaign For New Tribute Album To Legendary Jack Bruce

Nashville, TN - Bass icon Jeff Berlin has launched a GoFundMe Campaign for a new tribute album to legendary Jack Bruce titled “Jack Songs - An All-Star Tribute To Jack Bruce”! Jack Bruce, best known for his work with classic rock legends Cream, as well as his critically acclaimed solo work, passed away in 2014. Jeff Berlin, who has been called “the greatest bass player in the world”, was a personal friend of Jack's and wanted to record Jack's songs in remembrance of how Jack helped Jeff to find his own musical path.

Says Jeff, “Recording the music of Jack Bruce has been the most emotional recording project of my career. Jack was the greatest musical influence I ever had. In the center of his music were these strange and wonderful bass lines weaving in and out of the key, reaching for resolutions and finding them, again, and again. Jack's playing was a living evolving improvisation.

'Jack Songs' isn't a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack's musical life before and after Cream. Jack's solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years.”


Guest performers are:

1. Alex Lifeson
2. Sammy Hagar
3. Tony Levin
4. Billy Sheehan
5. Brian Auger
6. Scott Henderson
7. Eric Johnson
8. Nathan East
9. Gary Husband
10. Mark King
11. Geddy Lee
12. Ron Carter
13. Albert Lee
14. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
15. Marcus Miller
16. Michael League
17. Alex Ligertwood

Guest list is still being expanded.

JACK BRUCE, BASSIST FOR THE ICONIC BAND CREAM, ONCE DESCRIBED JEFF BERLIN AS THE “THE BEST BASS PLAYER I’VE EVER HEARD.”

For over 40 years, he has stood as one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his one-of-a-kind tone, jaw dropping technique and highly advanced harmonic approaches to the bass, Jeff has been one of the major figures in firmly establishing the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its own distinct place in modern music.

Jeff’s recording and performance credits include a who’s who of jazz and rock. They include: Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Yes, Frank Zappa, Patrick Moraz and many more.

GoFundMe Campaign Link: https://gofund.me/8c50584e
Your investment contribution will get you a CD, T-shirt, or Bass Mastery lesson book. The details are listed on the Jack Bruce GoFundMe page.

Jeff Berlin's official website: www.jeffberlinbass.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JEFFPLAYSJACK
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jbplaysjb

Contact:
Project Management:
John McCracken
Phone 646-470-6842
email: john@johnmccrackenmusicgroup.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

Monday, June 7, 2021

Prog Legends Nektar’s “Vinyl Sides Live” Tour to Kick Off September 2021

When the vinyl meets the road!

For more than 50 years, Nektar has taken legions of fans on audio-visual journeys to far reaches of the universe and the depths of the ocean with their immersive blend of sight and sound. These prog-rock pioneers have been champing at the bit to get back on the road and are excited to announce they will tour America’s Northeast and Midwest this autumn, with many more dates scheduled through Spring 2022.

The “Vinyl Sides Live” Tour marks Nektar’s eagerly awaited return to the road, spotlighting some of the best-loved “album sides” from their evergreen catalog, as well as 2020’s acclaimed release, “The Other Side,” plus new material. Nektar changes their live show every single night; fans love to follow along on the journey.

Founding member Mo Moore says, “After doing 31 dates at the beginning of 2020 and getting into tour shape, we were stopped in our tracks by COVID.”

The band made the most of this ‘down time’ by preparing for their upcoming tour, adding another 90 minutes of music to the 3 hours of repertoire they performed on the previous tour. Audiences will be treated to entire album sides from some of Nektar’s epic recordings – including “A Tab in the Ocean,” “Remember the Future” and “Recycled,” as well as “The Other Side.” Rounding out the shows will be expanded offerings from other albums; unfinished tunes from 1978 that the band has rediscovered; as well as brand new compositions the band has created during their weekly online and in person get-togethers.

“I think the next shows are going to be even more exciting, as we will continue our direction of not doing the same set twice if we have multiple dates at one venue or are playing two gigs that are drivable,” says Mo. “This keeps the music fresh and gives incentives to our ‘Nektarines’ to attend more than one show, knowing they will be different.”

Nektar has captured the imagination and admiration of listeners the world over with their multimedia concerts, melding a jam-band vibe with superb musicality and a visual cornucopia that perfectly complements the performance. A Nektar show is an unparalleled feast for the senses.

Formed in Germany in 1969 by British expats, Nektar soaked up the musical freedom they found in their new home, favoring extended compositions and concept albums over the constraints of pop. They were among the progenitors of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s as well as the jam-band scene that arose in the late 1990s. Their sound traveled well to the States, where they enjoyed Top 40 success with “A Tab in the Ocean” (1972) and “Remember the Future” (1973). Nearly 20 albums and a half-century later, the band’s artistic and personal charisma has earned them masses of devoted fans, who have flocked to festivals such as NearFest and ProgStock, and venues like the Wildey Theatre (where they perform multi-night sold-out shows) to indulge their passion for the Nektar experience.

Currently, Nektar features three of the original members – Derek ‘Mo’ Moore (bass guitar, vocals), Ron Howden (drums, percussion, vocals) and Mick Brockett (visual environment). Ryche Chlanda (guitar, vocals) and Randy Dembo (bass guitar, bass pedals, 12-string guitar, vocals) are alums of previous Nektar incarnations. World-class multi-instrumentalist Kendall Scott completes the lineup on keyboards; his performance credits include Project/Object and Ryche Chlanda’s Flying Dreams. They will be joined onstage by Maryann Castello on backing vocals, and Maryann will also oversee merchandise sales and VIP events.

“The Other Side” has been hailed as “an epic concept album” and “the best recording by Nektar since ‘Recycled.’”

“The whole album is a love song,” says Mo. It’s also a memorial to friends the band has lost, including fellow founding member Roye Albrighton, who passed in 2016, and their long-time sound mixer Vinny Schmid.

Mick Brockett, whose visuals are integral to Nektar performances, is upgrading his renowned light show with assistance from the band’s digital wizard, Jay Petsko. The update will incorporate additional film clips plus a rich trove of previously unseen photos of the band on and off tour.

Mick creates a visual environment that directly reflects what the band is playing on stage. “I’m like the Wizard of Oz, behind the curtain,” Mick says. “I’m ‘playing’ this all in real time.”

NEKTAR ‘VINYL SIDES LIVE’ TOUR DATES

SEPT 22 - DARYL’S HOUSE CLUB - PAWLING, NY
SEPT 23 - THE LINDA/WAMC - ALBANY, NY
SEPT 24 - HAMBURG PALACE THEATRE - HAMBURG, NY
SEPT 25 - BEACHLAND BALLROOM - CLEVELAND, OH
SEPT 26 - TOKEN LOUNGE - WESTLAND, MI
SEPT 29 - IRVING THEATER - INDIANAPOLIS, IN
SEPT 30 - THE WILDEY THEATRE  - EDWARDSVILLE, IL
OCT 01 - THE WILDEY THEATRE - EDWARDSVILLE, IL
OCT 02 - THE WILDEY THEATRE - EDWARDSVILLE, IL
OCT 06 - PABST THEATER - TURNER HALL - MILWAUKEE, WI
OCT 07 - ARCADA THEATRE - ST. CHARLES, IL
OCT 08 - DES PLAINES THEATRE - DES PLAINES, IL
OCT 29 - NEW JERSEY PROGHOUSE - RAHWAY, NJ
OCT 30 - THE BEARSVILLE THEATER - WOODSTOCK, NY

MANY MORE SHOWS TO COME! VISIT WWW.NEKTARSMUSIC.COM FOR UPDATES

Check out https://nektarsmusic.com/epk for more information about the band, high-resolution images, video and more.

Official Facebook page: Nektar – The Legendary Rock Band (Official):
https://www.facebook.com/nektarRocks

Fan Pages:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2213439438
Nektar Appreciation Society (private group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nektarfans

Instagram: @nektar.official

Nektar YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoEd-HQa3RmFXHUEQ9j_PJA

Nektar tour publicity: Kate Goldsmith, kate@nektarsmusic.com
Booking: Ozark Talent, Steve Ozark (785) 760-3143, OzarkTalent@gmail.com

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

King Crimson Announce “Music Is Our Friend” North American Tour Dates 2021

When King Crimson returns to action this July, it will be the seventh year that the band has toured since returning to performing live in 2014, a run only interrupted by the lockdown in 2020. In that time, the audience has been reinvented, as much as the band itself, something Robert Fripp noted after the band’s performance in Pompeii, Italy’s famous amphitheater:

In Pompeii, a large percentage of the audience was young couples; KC moved into the mainstream in Italy. I walked onstage knowing that this band's position in the world has changed level.” - Robert Fripp

The band’s shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many songs from their seminal 1969 album In the Court of the Crimson King, described by Pete Townshend as an “uncanny masterpiece.” The 7-piece line-up play many historic pieces, which Crimson has never previously played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written.” There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where seven of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment.

Robert Fripp celebrates a new tour:

The Crimson Beast Is in Go! Mode. Totally excellent news! Much hooraying! Glad times are here!

The Crimson Beast Of Terror has woken from its enforced slumbering and is venturing out to stomp flat the psyches of innocents not yet experienced in the hammering onslaught of King Crimson’s uncompromising pounding – bish! bish! bish! – before turning on a beat to jellify hearts with gut-wrenching passion and soul-squeezing epic unfoldings to remind us that we are all mere subjects in the unfolding drama of the universe’s unfathomable mysteries while simultaneously rocking out and having a great time bopping about with Tony and Bobby and Gavin and Jakko and Mel and Pat and Jezza too.”

ROBERT FRIPP, though best known for his work in King Crimson, has contributed to numerous albums by players as diverse as Brian Eno, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Blondie, Talking Heads, Daryl Hall, The Roches, Peter Hammill, Keith Tippett, David Sylvian, The Orb, and The Grid. His 1979 solo album, Exposure was described as “the Sergeant Pepper of avant punk.” He has appeared twice in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time poll, although Fripp claims these are likely to have been mistakes by the typesetter.

TONY LEVIN has been a member of King Crimson since 1981. Internationally renowned and constantly in-demand for his distinctive bass work, he also tours with Peter Gabriel with whom he has worked since 1977. He has appeared on albums by Paul Simon, John Lennon, David Bowie and countless others and recently formed his own band, Stick Men alongside Crimson drummer, Pat Mastelotto.

JAKKO JAKSZYK was a member of Level 42, before working with Mel Collins as part of ex-KC alumni group, 21st Century Schizoid Band between 2002 - 2004. His solo album, “The Bruised Romantic Glee Club” (2006) was his first recorded collaboration with Fripp, followed by “A Scarcity of Miracles” in 2011. An acclaimed producer in his own right, Jakszyk has recently mixed Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson’s UK Top 20 album, “Homo Erraticus.”

MEL COLLINS was previously a member of King Crimson 1970 - 1972 appearing on “In The Wake Of Poseidon” (1970), “Lizard” (1970), “Islands” (1971), “Earthbound” (1972) as well as a guest appearance on “Red” (1974), the final King Crimson album of the 1970s. He subsequently worked with The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton and many others, before returning to King Crimson in 2014.

GAVIN HARRISON joined King Crimson in 2007, playing a series of dates in the USA the following year. A respected author and tutor, he has also recorded three albums with The Pineapple Thief, though Harrison is probably best-known for his work with Porcupine Tree. Modern Drummer magazine placed him in their Top 50 Drummers of All Time.

PAT MASTELOTTO joined King Crimson in 1994 after working with Robert Fripp and David Sylvian. A member of the hugely successful American 1980s group and MTV favorites, Mr. Mister, he is at home in both experimental music working with KTU as well as pop and rock appearing on albums by The Rembrandts, Hall and Oates and XTC.

JEREMY STACEY is a British drummer. His early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees (with twin brother Paul Stacey on guitars, Guy Chambers and others) and Denzil. He has also played with Sheryl Crow, the Finn Brothers, Nick Harper, Noel Gallagher, and many more. On March 7, 2016, it was announced that he would be taking the place of Bill Rieflin as the center drummer on the 2016 King Crimson European tour, a position he retained even after Rieflin’s all too brief return to the band as a keyboard player.

King Crimson tour dates:

July 22, 2021 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
July 23, 2021 - Delray Beach, FL - Old School Square
July 24, 2021 - St. Augustine, FL - St Augustine Ampitheater
July 26, 2021 - Orlando, FL - Dr. Phillips Walt Disney Theater
July 27, 2021 - Atlanta, GA - The Fox
July 28, 2021 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
July 30, 2021 - Fort Worth, TX - Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium
July 31, 2021 - Cedar Park, TX - H-E-B Center
August 2, 2021 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddlers Green Amiptheater
August 3, 2021 - Sandy, UT - Sandy Ampitheater
August 5, 2021- Concord, CA - Concord Pavilion*
August 6, 2021 - Los Angeles - The Greek Theatre*
August 7, 2021 - Scottsdale, AZ - Talking Stick Ballroom
August 23, 2021 - Saratoga Springs, NY - SPAC*
August 24, 2021 - Northampton, MA - The Pines Theater*
August 26, 2021 - Canandaigua, NY - CMAC*
August 27, 2021 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark Ampitheater*
August 28, 2021 - Rochester Hills, MI - Meadow Brook Ampitheater*
August 29, 2021 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia*
August 31, 2021 - Milwaukee, WI - Miller High Life Theatre*
September 1, 2021 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica*
September 2, 2021 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center @ The Heights*
September 4, 2021 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center*
September 5, 2021 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl*
September 7, 2021 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center*
September 9, 2021 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium*
September 10, 2021 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion*
September 11, 2021 - Washington, DC - The Anthem*

(*Support “The Zappa Band”)

As well as standard tickets, the band's label, DGM, also has announced sale of VIP Royal Packages, limited to just 72 per show. The Royal Package gives priority seating at the front of the venue, early access, special merchandise, and personal insights and answers from David Singleton and one of the band members. These are on sale now from DGMLive.com. https://www.dgmlive.com/tours?liveshow=on.

For more information: www.dgmlive.com
painting by Francesca Sundsten

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

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Prog Ensemble Potter’s Daughter Join Forces With Drum Legend Simon Phillips For Their explosive New Full-Length Album “Close to Nearby” To Be Released On September 30, 2021!

The album will be available digitally, CD, and limited-edition vinyl with accompanying Art Book!

Prog ensemble Potter's Daughter will be releasing their second full-length album “Close to Nearby” featuring legendary drummer, Simon Phillips, on September 30, 2021! The album will be available digitally, CD, and limited-edition vinyl with accompanying Art Book!

The album features 8 tracks, 3 virtuosic instrumentals and 5 captivating vocal songs. All compositions arranged and Produced by Jan-Christian Vögtlin.
1. Movement I (Ginastera)
2. Rosewind (DPV + JCV)
3. Night Sky (DPV + JCV, lyrics by DPV and Ronda Dubiel)
4. The Mask (DPV +JCV)
5. 5 and 5 (DPV + JCV)
6. Midnight (DPV + JCV, based on the poem by Edgar Allen Poe)
7. Seven Meets Five (Julia Schwartz)
8. Hold (DPV + JCV, lyrics by Ronda Dubiel and DPV)


Potter’s Daughter (MRR) was formed in NYC while Dyanne was studying classical piano performance at the Manhattan School of Music. The group performed regularly in NYC, as well as in northeastern PA. Potter’s Daughter has been featured on radio, TV, and in national and international magazines and blogs. Potter’s Daughter released their debut album, “The Blind Side,” in August 2018. In 2019 they released two singles; “Blood and Water,” featuring Annie Haslam (Renaissance) as guest artist, and the holiday single, “This Winter’s Child,” which was composed for the MRR Holiday album.

In March 2020 they went on tour with MRR labelmate Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, and Dark Beauty. They were also invited to participate in several online festivals, including The Uncancelled Music Festival (April), The WorldWide Prog and Rock Virtual Festival (May), and the ProgStock Presents Festival. (August).

In October 2020, Potter’s Daughter released their Covid Quarantine EP, “Casually Containing Rage.” The single from the EP, “We Could Be,” was released as a video, directed by filmmaker Serena Kunzler.

In December 2020, Potter’s Daughter was featured in the Limelight section of Prog Magazine, and in the same edition, voted #2 in the Reader’s Poll Unsigned Band Category.

In February 2021, Potter’s Daughter enjoyed the privilege of participating in the debut release (Pyrrha’s Song) for Nick Katona’s “Troubleshooting Pandora’s Box,” together with drummer Jimmy Keegan.

In April 2021, Potter’s Daughter’s music video, “We Could Be,” was chosen as a finalist to compete in the annual American Golden Picture International Film Festival.

They are scheduled to open the prestigious music festival, Prog On the Ranch, (Florida) this October.

Now, joining forces with the world-renowned drummer, Simon Phillips, they plan to release their heaviest work to date. The Artwork for the album cover was created especially for this project by the master artist, Armand Cabrera.

It has been an absolute pleasure to play on your music. Very challenging and ever so much fun.” - Simon Phillips (drummer with Protocol, Toto, Hiromi, Mike Oldfield, The Who, Jeff Beck etc)

Say Dyanne and Jan-Christian of Potter’s Daughter, “The huge contribution of Simon’s playing to our music, together with the depth of his artistry and vision simply cannot be understated or exaggerated. He added a completely new dimension to each song. He is also down to earth, such a joy to work with!”

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

On first hearing of Blood and Water I was struck by its unusual and haunting melody and Dyanne's exquisite voice. To be a part of it was truly a wonderful experience.” -  Annie Haslam (Lead singer of progressive rock band, Renaissance)

For more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pottersdaughterband
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/PottersDtrBand

Purchasing:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2qsUdKn
Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/2Mqk1PM
iTunes: https://apple.co/2P1hTQm
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35O57uo

YouTube: 

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

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Prog Legends Caravan’s “Who Do You Think We Are?” 37 Disc Deluxe Box Set To Be Released On Madfish On August 20, 2021!

The ultimate tribute to the legendary Canterbury band – 2500 copies only worldwide!

The Canterbury scene combined elements of jazz, folk, rock and melodic pop into a sound that bridged the gulf between psychedelia and progressive rock, and ultimately shattered all genre barriers. At the heart of the Canterbury scene was a group of musicians whose career has now spanned more than half a century: the legend that is CARAVAN.

“Who Do You Think We Are?” is the ultimate tribute to the ultimate Canterbury band. This deluxe box set runs to a staggering 37 discs. All the official Caravan albums – studio and live recordings among them – are joined by eleven discs of previously unreleased live performances. A Blu-ray includes remixer extraordinaire Steven Wilson’s 5.1 surround sound mix of the classic In the Land of Grey and Pink album. In addition, a DVD includes vintage European TV performances from 1971 – 1981 (London Marquee, German TV’s Swing In, Bataclan, Paris & French TV show ‘Pop 2’).

The lavish packaging of the set reflects the band’s stature. A hardback coffee table book features rare Caravan photos and memorabilia, and a full discography. A second Fan Club book assembles historic press articles from across the band’s career, alongside a new interview with founder member Pye Hastings. Every copy of the box includes a photo signed by the three surviving members of the original Caravan line-up: Pye Hastings, Richard Sinclair and David Sinclair. The celebration continues with a selection of memorabilia: a Caravan-centric map of Canterbury; a specially commissioned Caravan family tree poster, charting their long and circuitous progress; and two replica 1970s gig posters.

Put together with the band’s full cooperation, the full list of contents is as follows:

• 16 NEWLY REMASTERED STUDIO ALBUMS & 4 OFFICIAL LIVE ALBUMS
• 11 DISCS OF PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED CONCERT RECORDINGS
• ON BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME 48/24 STEREO & 5.1 MIX BY STEVEN WILSON OF IN THE LAND OF GREY & PINK
• DVD INCLUDING RARE FOOTAGE FROM THE MARQUEE 1971, ROCK EN STOCK 1972, BATACLAN 1973 & FRENCH TV PERFORMANCE 1981
• INDIVIDUALLY SIGNED PHOTO BY THE THREE SURVIVING MEMBERS PYE HASTINGS, DAVE SINCLAIR, & RICHARD SINCLAIR
• 144 PAGE HARDBACK COFFEE TABLE BOOK FEATURING RARE PHOTOGRAPHS & MEMORABILIA
• A4 FAN CLUB MINI BOOK FEATURING ARCHIVE ARTICLES & AN UP TO DATE INTERVIEW WITH PYE HASTINGS
• A4 REPLICA TOUR PROGRAMME FOR BLIND DOG AT ST DUNSTANS
• “FOR GIRLS THAT GROW PLUMP IN THE NIGHT” REPLICA PRESS PACK
• CARAVAN’S TRIP DOWN MEMORY LAIN MAP OF CANTERBURY
• ILLUSTRATED FAMILY TREE
• 2 REPLICA POSTERS


WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “WHO DO YOU THINK WE ARE?” HERE

This box set will be limited to 2500 copies worldwide and released on August 20th 2021 on the Madfish label. This deluxe box set is available to pre-order HERE https://CaravanBand.lnk.to/WDYTWA

Follow Caravan:
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCaravan
https://twitter.com/officialcaravan  
https://www.youtube.com/user/officialcaravan
https://www.instagram.com/caravancanterburyband/

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