Prog Ensemble The Far Cry Releases Debut Album “If Only”

Prog ensemble The Far Cry has released their debut album “If Only.” Though not intended in any way to be a “concept” album, “If Only” very much exhibits a connecting common thread of human emotion and perspective meeting real human conditions.

Apparently, some people just won’t give up on long held goals and aspirations. Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson, co-conspirators behind the inception of what was to become The Far Cry, can vividly recall the musical awakening that occurred in their younger days when The Beatles landed and with all that followed. Soon thereafter, they each were even more deeply moved by the emergence of the Progressive Rock bands of the early 70’s, most notably King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Gentle Giant.

Jeff and Hutch first crossed paths around 1976 with the formation of a short-lived rock covers band. Common ground occurred later, though not simultaneously, when both were members of Connecticut prog-rock band Holding Pattern, Hutch as co-founder from 1980-83 and, after Hutch left the band, Jeff joined as lead vocalist & percussionist from 1984 to 1993 when the band ceased operations.

Fast forward to 2013 when Hutch purchased a speaker cabinet Jeff had for sale. In the attendant dialogue, the pursuit of the likely impossible was quickly broached and a decision was made to chase the dream just one more time. Thus the seeds for The Far Cry were sown.

Unfortunately, due to the ambitious and stylistic nature of the music they were pursuing, connecting with suitable personnel to complete the band lineup was met with recurring difficulty and disappointment.

Eventually, the duo decided to enter the recording studio to get the material up and running. Guitarist Bryan Collin had already been in contact, having answered a Craigslist ad, and was amenable to playing on the recordings. As he did so, he became intrigued and more strongly connected to the music and the band concept. Certainly his stellar contributions and playing on the “If Only” CD demonstrate that. Bryan Collin was now The Far Cry guitarist.

Still, a highly competent keyboardist was required. Studio owner and master engineer John Bolduc was asked if he knew of any keyboard man who could properly interpret and perform the music he was hearing.

John responded instantaneously: Chris Dabbo. No time was wasted in contacting him. At first, Chris came on as a session man but very quickly demonstrated his impressive skill set as well as a connection to and understanding of the music. All involved were highly enthused and Chris was drafted in as keyboardist for The Far Cry.

Hence, the “If Only” CD is a result of a step by step evolution by what has now become a fully formed membership. Robert Hutchinson, Jeff Brewer, Bryan Collin and Chris Dabbo are the artists that comprise The Far Cry. The future awaits

Says the band, “Our fondest wish and recommendation is that this music should be listened to from beginning to end uninterrupted through a great set of headphones.”

The Far Cry is now formulating plans for the creation of videos to support the music from the CD. Certainly, live performance will be part of the near future and into 2022. Also, work on the next CD to follow “If Only” will begin within the next couple of months.

The Far Cry:
Chris Dabbo: piano. keyboards, vocals
Robert Hutchinson: drums, percussion, bells, spoken word
Jeff Brewer: lead vocals, bass, bass synth, bass pedals, guitar.
Bryan Collin: lead guitar, Electric and acoustic guitars.

To purchase The Far Cry “If Only.”:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-only/1574868556?uo=4&app=itunes
https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-only/1574868556?uo=4&app=apple+music
https://open.spotify.com/album/1Lm9OsAksc7miRffkvEpe2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098JRGWF4
To purchase physical CD from outside the USA.
https://www.lasercd.com/

For more information:
www.thefarcrygroup.com
www.facebook.com/thefarcry

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

New Atomic Rooster Tribute Nuclear Bird “Tyrannical Megalomaniac” Now Available!

Nuclear Bird was inspired by the 70’s band, Atomic Rooster which was led by extraordinary keyboardist Vincent Crane who is also known for his signature organ work on The Crazy World of Arthur Brown’s “FIRE.” Tyrannical Megalomaniac was Vincent Crane’s nickname.

Drummer/songwriter, Mark Murdock was influenced by Atomic Rooster and other early 70’s progressive-psychedelic bands from England, recently composed a batch of original songs with the intent of capturing Atomic Rooster’s spirit musically, but also telling an interpretation of the band’s story.

Mark invited Atomic Rooster drummer, Ric Parnell to the recordings. “Ric gave the music that authentic Atomic Rooster feel with his exceptional drumming on five of the eight songs. Thrilled to have him on board,” says Mark. Ric shared some of those interesting stories of the band which were incorporated into the lyrics. Also, lyricist/music reviewer, Dmitry M. Epstein contributed on a few of the songs.

“There was also an attempt to invite other former Atomic Rooster cast onboard; Peter French, Steve Bolten, Carl Palmer, Arthur Brown and Preston Heyman to participate but unfortunately could not participate for various reasons - scheduling, conflict of interest and lack of studio access, to name a few. “Perhaps I’ll try knocking on their door on the next Nuclear Bird works,’’ laughs Mark.

Vocalist Tim Pepper not only captured a flowing vocal on the songs but did the concept cover art of a Quetzalcothus (dinosaur bird) playing a Hammond organ with a nuclear power plant burning in the background. Thus, the title Nuclear Bird, not to be confused with Brand X’s “Nuclear Burn.” Speaking of which, former guitarist John Goodsall played on two of Mark’s Cymbalic Encounters works.

Additional musicians who contributed to the tracks are guitarist, Ken Hall who played with Mark in Phoenix, Arizona from the 70’s who captured an authentic 70’s era guitar and Broadway drummer, Jon Berger who guested on drums for two songs.

Nuclear Bird “Tyrannical Megalomaniac” Track List:
1. Exposition of Fools
2. Tyrannical Megalomaniac
3. Addicted to the Water
4. Fascination with the Afterlife
5. The Revolving Door
6. The Harvester of Organs
7. Haunted Chords
8. Locked in a Graveyard

Music and Lyrics by Mark Murdock
*Lyrics on songs 6 & 8 by Dmitry M. Epstein

Mark Murdock - organ and drums
Ric Parnell - drums and percussion on songs 1, 2, 3,  7 and 8
Tim Pepper - vocal
Ken Hall - guitar
Jon Berger - drums on songs 6 & 8 *Ric Parnell- percussion on song 6

All compositions by Mark Murdock
Produced by Mark Murdock
Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock
Recorded at Off-Shore Studios, Tokyo and various remote locations
Artwork by Tim Pepper

Available as digital download: https://nuclearbird.bandcamp.com/album/tyrannical-megalomaniac

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

Jon Anderson with the Paul Green Rock Academy - HEART OF THE SUNRISE new promo video

PFM/Aqua Fragile Vocal Legend Bernardo Lanzetti Releases Solo Album “Horizontal Rain”

Featuring Tony Levin, David Cross, David Jackson, Derek Sherinian, Tony Franklin, Jonathan Mover and others!

Conceived and recorded over a few years with outstanding musicians and special guests, Bernardo Lanzettiʼs new work is presented as a collection of musical episodes that sail from Progressive Rock to Vanguard, making port of call at Modern Opera, Art Rock, Rock & Soul and Classix 2 B.

Eight songs in English, two lyrics written by friend Peter Jack Marmot, wordsmith and coach manager between London and Marbella, plus an Italian text for the song “Ero un num Ero”, built on an elementary and random numerical progression as if to point out that the so-called “inspiration”, at times, can only be a fairy tale to deceive the unwary listener.

Without exaggerating or forcibly imposing his vocal range exceeding three octaves, the vocalist makes available the complete range of his voice, including the one processed by his Glovox device and those written for a choir that, in “Different”, move on articulated bars, always different in their division and imperceptibly delusional succession.

In the album, passion, detached nostalgia, fury and irony unfold track after track with a mix of sounds that are as unpredictable as they are effective: David Jackson’s baritone sax replacing the double bass in “Lanzhaiku” or Tony Levin’s unmistakable stick in “Heck Jack”. The pressing guitars of Marco Colombo in “Genial” where not even Andalusia is neglected or those of Andrea Cervetto, excitingly painful in the desperate appeal of “Walk Away”, which finds Tony Franklinʼs precise fretless bass and, in contrast, the hectic synth of Derek Sherinian and the poignant violin of David Cross. Alternating solid and frantic episodes, Jonathan Moverʼs drumming stands out on four strong selected tracks.

With more than 120 songs already published to his credit, Bernardo also celebrates his being an author/composer with this new album where almost everything, including the artwork, is due to his talent and attitude. Including the above mentioned special guests, in all 19 musicians and a choir of 7 from Italy, UK, USA and Spain, numerous sound engineers and the careful and patient work of the producer Dario Mazzoli, make this work precious and unique.

Watch the video for “Heck Jack”: 

(*) Alesia Baltach, Cello on 7// Marco Brioschi, Trumpet on 2// Andrea Cervetto, Gtrs, Bass, Keys, Arranger for 2 and 4// Kim Chandler, Backing Vocals on 1 and 2// Marco Colombo, Gtrs on 5 and 8 // David Cross, Violin on 1// Tony Franklin,  Bass on 1// Pier Gonella, Gtrs on 6// Franco Grandoni, Choir conductor ** on 9 // David Jackson, all Saxophones and Flutes on 3//Bernardo Lanzetti: Lead and Backing Vocals, acoustic Gtr, Harmonica, pre production and programming // Tony Levin, Stick on 2// Dario Mazzoli, Bass on 5// Sara Wilma Milani: backing vocals on 3// Carlo Napolitano: Trombone on 2// Jonathan Mover, Drums on 1, 2, 5 and 8// Alex Polipo, Drums on 4// Giancarlo Porro, sax and horn section arrangements on 2// Derek Sherinian, Keys on 1// Pier Vigolini, Keys on 6. (**) Chorus on “Different”: Luisa Baiocco, Federica Bastianelli, Silvia Metelli, Michelle Rainone, Gabriele Santoni, Teo Tiburzi, Gabriele Serano.

Track List:
01-Walk Away
02-Heck Jack
03-Lanzhaiku
04-Time Is King
05-Genial!
06-Conventional
07-Ero un num Ero
08-Horizontal Rain
09-Different

All music and lyrics by B.Lanzetti except 02 and 05, lyrics by P.J.Marmot.

To purchase:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/0CX7kn753qMkUt7oZDiYxI
iTunes Italy: https://music.apple.com/it/album/1565842423?app=itunes
iTunes USA: https://music.apple.com/com/album/1565842423?app=itunes
iTunes UK: https://music.apple.com/uk/album/1565842423?app=itunes
AMAZON CD & DIGITAL STREAMING & MP3: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09437RKHK/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp

For more information:
http://bernardolanzetti.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BernardoLanzetti

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

YES Keyboard Legend Tony Kaye To Release Solo Album “End Of Innocence” - Out September 10, 2021!

20th July 2021: Keyboard legend Tony Kaye announces the release of his debut solo album “End Of Innocence,” on 10th September 2021 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music (distributed via Cherry Red Records) to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.   

Having retired from music in 1996, Kaye was moved, by the events of 11th September 2001, to commit his thoughts and feelings to a heartfelt personal musical interpretation.

“End Of Innocence” is a requiem for those who lost their lives and all those touched by the horrific events of 9/11. Primarily orchestral, “End Of Innocence” is a powerful and emotional suite that is both beautiful and sinister, reflecting the dark forces at work that day. It guides the listener through the day and touches on the response, to reach a hope that peace and calm may prevail.

As did many millions, Kaye watched the horrors of 9/11 unfold on his TV screen. “The next day I unpacked my keyboards for the first time in a long time,” Kaye recalls. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was one of those things that happened, inspiration on a musical level.”

The suite begins the night before 9/11 but, as Kaye’s wife Dani Torchia sings an innocent lullaby, menacing storms are gathering. The beautiful “9/11 Overture” was the first piece Kaye composed, the following day. “I had no recording equipment, just an 8-track cassette recorder and some of those recordings became what you hear now.”

Kaye continues to create vivid images of New York City life and a vibrancy around The World Trade Centre (285 Fulton Street) before the terror begins and captures the fears of those on the planes, “Flight 11” depicting the conversations stewardesses had with the tower. The track includes a powerful drum solo by Kaye’s friend Jay Schellen (CIRCA, YES) reflecting the struggles onboard.

Following the collapse of the towers, Dani Torchia sings her lament “Sweetest Dreams” and the album looks at the “Aftermath” and the “Heroes” before focusing on the response. “I wanted it, musically, to be about that day,” Kaye says, “but I felt compelled to extend it to deal with the repercussions of what happened. Musically, it was quite challenging to do the battle scene and then the 'Hope And Triumph,' a patriotic anthem and the consequences of war. 'Ground Zero' is the hope for the future, the rebuilding.”

The artwork for the album has been created by Roger Dean, known for his work with YES and ASIA, powerful imagery reflecting the journey the music takes.

“End Of Innocence” Track Listing:
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star/Twilight Time
2. 911 Overture
3. NYC Blues
4. Battle Cry
5. 285 Fulton Street
6. Let’s Roll
7. Tug of War
8. Flight 11
9. Towers Fall
10. Sweetest Dreams
11. Aftermath
12. Heroes
13. The Battle
14. Hope and Triumph
15. Homecoming
16. Ground Zero

Produced by Tony Kaye

All tracks composed by Tony Kaye except “Sweetest Dreams” by Dani Torchia.

Tony Kaye, Spirit of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records are donating 10% of all profits from “End of Innocence” to https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ The charity supports veterans, defenders and first responders in times of hardship.

About Tony Kaye
Tony Kaye is best known as the original keyboard player with prog legends YES, his Hammond organ giving their groundbreaking “The YES Album” it’s most distinctive sound within the YES catalogue. Following his departure from YES in 1971 Kaye was involved with a number of other bands including David Bowie, Badger, Flash and Badfinger before returning to YES for their greatest commercial success “90125” in 1983. Kaye remained with YES for several albums and tours before retiring from the music business in 1996.  

Following the re-awakening of his musical inspiration in 2001, Kaye accepted an invitation from current YES bassist Billy Sherwood to work on projects which led to the formation of CIRCA, in 2007, and has yielded four albums to date.

Tony Kaye – “End of Innocence”
Released on 10th September  through Spirit of Unicorn Music Formats: Standard CD Jewel case

Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tony-kaye-end-of-innocence/
www.yesworld.com

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

exo-X-xeno Releases Adventurous Second Single, “Reaching for Beyond,” Featuring Craig Maher, Billy Sherwood, Jay Schellen, and Legendary Keyboardist Patrick Moraz

On July 15, 2021, progressive rock project exo-X-xeno launches its anticipated second single filled with fluid proggy riffs and elevated harmonic vocals that break through the stratosphere, called “Reaching for Beyond.” This epic song release, along with a companion conceptual promo video, continues the band’s musical journey with a polychromatic tapestry of celestial rock sounds.  

“Being part of the collaborative ‘exo-X-xeno’ project, along with Craig Maher, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen, is an ongoing musically uplifting and inspiring experience for me,” says Moraz.  

About exo-X-xeno

The exo-X-xeno band, which launched at the beginning of 2021, pushes the prog rock boundaries of space and time with expansive, melodious vocals and sonic instrumental layering—all accomplished with a star-studded roster of musical greats.  

Founded by composer, vocalist and guitarist Craig Maher, exo-X-xeno is a musical constellation consisting of bassist and backing vocalist Billy Sherwood (Yes, Toto and Conspiracy with Chris Squire), drummer Jay Schellen (Hurricane, Yes and Asia), and legendary keyboardist Patrick Moraz (Refugee, Yes and The Moody Blues). The group’s release of several singles this year will be fused into the final conceptual album (designed by Maher), entitled, Luminous Voyage.  

The band’s first single, “Onward, Love,” successfully debuted on January 15, 2021 to an enthusiastic global prog rock audience.  

About Craig Maher, Founder of exo-X-xeno  

Craig Maher’s musical journey as a composer, guitarist, vocalist, and recording and visual artist is sprinkled with celestial eclecticism. Throughout his 30 years of playing, studying and composing guitar-based music, he released two records, Through the Garden of Temptation, and Propel (2009). He composed the music score for the film Brooklyn Lobster, with Danny Aiello and Jane Curtin (2005). Maher has performed in a plethora of venues spanning from the U.S. to Europe and is looking forward to touring with exo-X-xeno in the near future.

“Craig’s exceptional talent for composing, authoring, guitar playing and singing are at the highest level of an amazing creativity,” says Moraz.  

What’s Ahead  

Stay tuned for the upcoming release of another exo-X-xeno single entitled, “Vitruvian Man,” featuring the Maher/Schellan/Moraz lineup, to be accompanied by another video launch. The single “Reaching for Beyond” will be available for digital download on the official exo-X-xeno website and on Bandcamp on July 15, 2021, with limited CD printed versions released on Shine-ON Records.

Contact, Purchase and Follow info:

exo-X-xeno website store: https://exo-x-xeno.com/store
Bandcamp Page: https://exo-x-xeno.bandcamp.com  
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/exoXxeno  
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC65FzNYu83Bzj2XpRlZRi5Q  

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