Showing posts with label Debut Album. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debut Album. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Guitarist Ramin Partovi To Release His Breakout Album Feat. Scott Henderson, Simon Phillips, Carl Verheyen, Jimmy Johnson, Mike Stern


Featuring all-star line-up!!!

Los Angeles - Aviator and Hollywood guitar player Ramin Partovi is about to release his breakout album “27 Faces Of A Broken Heart” with a completely new concept. The album features an all-star line-up with Scott Henderson, Simon Phillips, Carl Verheyen, Jimmy Johnson, Mike Stern and several others. The double CD is a unique idea where several well known musicians demonstate peak performances on the same song structure and all align to portrait a united message.

Ramin Partovi early on in his life gravitated towards his love for music, learning guitar and other instruments and founding/playing in several original bands. To meet means end be pursued a pilot career, collected over 10000 hours in the air on large jet aircraft, became a commercial Boeing 737 Captain and recently developed an interest and passion for aerobatic flying. His heart and real passion however was and will always be in music. He studied guitar and music business at Musicians Institute Hollywood and currently resides in Los Angeles.

“Ramin's record is a concept album with an entirely new idea: twenty six guitarists playing on the same song progression. Each one provides a different approach and musical direction with a huge range of styles. Some heavy hitters for sure!” - Carl Verheyen



The music reflects several emotions, such as heartbreak and pain. Says Ramin, “The idea connecting to my musician friends and musical heroes was to having them connect to a time of broken heartedness (something most of us have been through) and now tell THEIR story in their unique musical way and showing the listeners 'another face' of a broken heart bringing the message home that one is not alone in these kind of times and that many people have been through this and eventually overcame it as time passed. We are all unique yet all connected at the same time in our journey. That's why I wanted to show different faces and yet connect them and wrap them together in a unique way.

“In the song '27' I connect with and reflect on a time 2007 where I've been very heart broken. After 9 months of a very turbulent relationship it felt as if she ripped my beating heart out alive, stepped on it with long high heels and started twitching. I moved 1550 miles away and it took me 1 and a half years to digest this emotionally. The song reflects on the moods, my pain and struggle at this time, the emotional wounds and the overcoming of this demon over the following years. Have you ever been in front of an art painting and thought 'yeh, its kind of nice but it doesn't really speak to me' and then someone explained you a few things about the artist, what he had in mind when he created the work and what he was trying to say with it, and suddenly the painting lit up and shone in a complete new light for you and you saw it with completely different eyes and loved it? I attempted to paint a picture like that with this song using music instead of a brush.”

Watch the promotional video:


Ramin recently received an endorsement by Little Walter Amps. Says Ramin, “I'm very humbled to have selected my dream amp and then having the CEO standing behind you like that.” Ramin is planning to work on new material by the end of the year. As usual it's probably going to be something completely different. In the meanwhile Ramin will be flying commercial Airline Jets this summer and  looking for musical inspiration while visiting several countries.

In closing Ramin has this to impart, “I called my friends and heroes, asked them to reconnect to a time when they found themselves in a similar situation and to tell their story with their instrument for you, on the same canvas. See what they have to say! My message for you is that no matter how hard it hits you in life, give it enough time and with a little help from your friends and inspiration from your heroes you will be fine. May this be a healing force for people going through a similar experience and remind them that they are not alone and that time will heal their wounds.”

To purchase Ramin Partovi “27 Faces Of A Broken Heart” DBL CD:
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/raminpartovi2#
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/27-ervin-toucets-version-feat-simon-phillips-jimmy/1359235870?i=1359236319

@Ramin.Partovi instagram: instagram.com/Ramin.Partovi

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

Friday, April 6, 2018

Flav Martin & Jerry Marotta Release Debut Album Soul Redemption


Peter Gabriel's rhythm section of his classic line-up, Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin, reunite for the backbone of this album!

Soul Redemption is the debut release from singer/song writer Flav Martin and drummer Jerry Marotta. The duo harmoniously blends modern adult rock with traditional world pop. Whether performed in a cafe in Italy or on the polo fields of Indio, these songs would feel comfortably at home in either environment.

Soul Redemption is a harmonious blend of modern adult rock and traditional world music.

Credited as one of the most innovative acoustic guitar players on the scene today, Flav Martin blends beautiful melodies with intricate technique, voicing, and a percussive style that leaves people saying “How does he do that?”. Throughout his career Flav has performed with David Crosby, Al Stewart, Suzanne Vega, Tommy Emmanuel and more. Flav’s many writing credits include Saturday Night Live, PBS, Canon Films. All but two of the songs on this album were written
by Flav.

World renowned drummer, touring and session musician/producer Jerry Marotta has left his mark on countless recordings by Paul McCartney, Hall & Oates, The Indigo Girls, Marc Cohn, Sarah MacLachlan, and John Mayer to name but a few. He first entered the music scene as the drummer for Orleans with the hit single “Still the One” followed by a decade of performing and recording with Peter Gabriel. His rhythmic drumming and world music inspired percussion complement the acoustic flavor of Flav’s guitar.

Fans of Peter Gabriel will delight as Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin, the rhythm section of his classic line-up, reunite for the backbone of this album. Also backing up the duo are their long time friends Peter Primamore (piano), Thor Jensen (guitar), Marc Shulman (guitar), and Gary Schreiner (harmonica/accordion).

Watch the official Soul Redemption video: 


Tracklist:
1) Soul Redemption
2) Please
3) Drinking You
4) I Knew It Was You
5) Tell Me To My Face
6) Rio De Janiero
7) Wild Moon
8) Coffee Song
9) How Could You Leave Me Now?

Produced by Jerry Marotta

For more information:
www.jerrymarotta.com ;
www.flavmartin.com ;

To purchase Flav Martin & Jerry Marotta's Soul Redemption:
Bandcamp: https://flavmartinjerrymarotta.bandcamp.com/releases
PledgeMusic: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/martin-marotta-soul-redemption
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/soul-redemption/1342410635
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Redemption-Martin-Jerry-Marotta/dp/B07B5THYL8/

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

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Flash Vocal Legend Colin Carter To Release Debut Solo Album "ONE"


Best known as the lead vocalist for Prog icons Flash featuring guitar legend Peter Banks, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album titled “ONE”; A diverse collection of light and dark electric rock, with a little funk, some nightclub swing, an angular Dylanesque shuffle, a 30's Berlin cabaret song, a grand dramatic rock ballad, a Lennon-like lullaby and some flat out driving rock and more.

Says Colin, “After years of living in some of the major cities of the world, I decided to head north to escape city life for a while. Now I'm in the coastal range of Oregon, 15 miles from the Pacific where the maritime climate, the cliffs and coastlines, remind me of the Cornish coast in the UK.”

WRITING AND RECORDING.

 “Without the noise and distractions of the city, I've been able to focus on the songwriting and recording process here. I do a lot of my writing on multitrack recorders, building layers of overdubs, trying to sculpt the sounds and ideas I have in my head. I never planned to make this CD, I just kept writing and recording my song demos. Eventually, however, I decided it was time to share them with the world.

“I usually begin with a simple guitar and vocal phrase, and throw it down quickly on the recorder while it still has the idea and concept that I am imagining. Then I walk away and come back in a day or so to see if it still holds up. If it does, I then begin to add parts to build and strengthen the idea. Later, I take the guitar/drum machine demo track and add live drums and bass, a that really moves the song into a whole new realm. It breathes life into it. That then gives me fresh ideas and inspiration to do more with the song and track.

“I've worked on this CD project with musicians from the UK, New York and Oregon, old friends and new. Their names are on the package. Many of influences that I've picked up along the way, like blues, rock, soul, folk and more, including some later somewhat atypical ideas, can be found sneaking their way into my songs and lyrics and arrangements. I am the sum of my experiences. I am to blame!

“Working with some good musician friends, and skilled support in the studio at Inner Sanctum in Coos Bay, I’ve taken this collection of song ideas from basic sketches to fully fledged recordings, trying to keep the essence of the original concept alive as I go. Here they are, in a ten song CD, Colin Carter 'ONE'.”

Two of Colin's long time friends play most of the bass and drums on these tracks. Drummer Mike Hough, who's played  in Flash and various lineups since, that featured musicians from Yes, Foreigner, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Johnny Winter etc., and bass guitarist Clint Bahr, who's played and recorded with musicians from The Rolling Stones, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and many more. Joining Colin on several tracks are new musician friends from the Oregon Coast. Doro Reeves on keyboards, Tom Beckstrom on drums, and Michael Cardell on hand drums.

Colin Carter and former Yes guitarist Peter Banks formed the British progressive rock band Flash, with bassist Ray Bennett, and drummer Mike Hough. The band released three albums, “Flash”,  “ Flash In the Can” and “Out of Our Hands”.

Flash was signed to Sovereign/EMI  in the UK and Capitol Records in the USA. Their self-titled debut album “Flash”, sold in excess of 100,000 copies. Flash toured multiple times across North America, Continental Europe, Australia, and their native UK, before disbanding.

Colin Carter and Ray Bennett reformed Flash in 2010, with Bennett on guitar, Wayne Carver (bass, vocals), Mark Pardy (drums), and Rick Daugherty (keyboards). They made their official reunion debut headlining the International ProgDay Festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2010.

Peter Banks' passing in March 2013 occurred just as he was finishing up production of a live Flash album featuring Colin Carter and the original line up - “Flash In Public”, released on AdequateSounds.

Also in 2013, Colin Carter and Ray Bennett were completing the album “Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”,  released on Cleopatra Records.

Now, much to the excitement of mainstream rock fans and prog aficionados worldwide, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album “ONE”!

To purchase Colin Carter “ONE”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/colincarter1
Also directly available from Colin Carter Music: colincartermusic@mail.com

For more information: Colin Carter Music. colincartermusic@mail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ColinCarterONE
https://www.facebook.com/colincarterflash

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

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Gleb Kolyadin, The Virtuoso Iamthemorning Pianist, Releases His Debut Self-Titled Solo Album and Premieres First Track "The Best of Days" Feat. Steve Hogarth of Marillion


Debut features guest performers – Steve Hogarth, Gavin Harrison, Nick Beggs, Mick Moss, Jordan Rudess

Following the success of two highly-praised albums with Iamthemorning, Russian virtuoso pianist Gleb Kolyadin affirms his musical authority with his debut, self-titled album on Kscope, on 23rd February 2018.

The record features a staggering who's-who of performers, including: Gavin Harrison (King Crimson / Porcupine Tree) on drums; Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson) on bass; Theo Travis (Robert Fripp / Porcupine Tree / Steven Wilson) on flute and saxophone; the unmistakable voice and lyrics of Steve Hogarth (Marillion) alongside Mick Moss (Antimatter); and Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) on additional keys.

“Gleb is an extremely rare talent as a pianist and as a composer. His compositions are very inspiring as he breaks new ground on the instrument.” - Gavin Harrison (King Crimson / Porcupine Tree)

The first track to be revealed entitled “The Best Of Days” features the instantly recognizable vocals from Marillion's Steve Hogarth. On the collaboration Steve comments, “Gleb is a beautiful pianist and a great musician. I was invited to collaborate on his new solo album and my mind was made up as soon as I heard the music.”

Watch the lyric video for “The Best of Days” Featuring Steve Hogarth:



Gleb Kolyadin, Album of the Year winner with Iamthemorning for “Lighthouse” at the Progressive Music Awards 2016

“Gleb Kolyadin” is an emotive exploration of self-identity; a story of two parts with interweaving leitmotifs. The album's central concept weaves through an elaborate tonal and thematic structure, built around the extraordinary rhythm section of Gavin Harrison and Nick Beggs, which is accented at its focal points by guest appearances from Steve Hogarth, Jordan Rudess, Mick Moss and Theo Travis.

“The single greatest pianist I've ever met in my life.” - Daniel Cavanagh (Anathema)

The album is a collaborative piece with each musician recording their own parts separately, starting with Gleb recording himself on grand piano in Moscow Winter-Spring 2017 at the famed Mosfilm studio. The album was mixed and engineered by Vlad Avy, who also previously worked on the two Iamthemorning records. Gleb Kolyadin will be released on CD / LP and digitally and is now available to pre-order: http://smarturl.it/GLEB_KOLYADIN_ALBUM

“Gleb Kolyadin is a rare talent. A virtuoso classical pianist with tremendous compositional skills… believe you will find the listening experience quite breath taking.” - Nick Beggs (Steven Wilson)

“Gleb Kolyadin” Tracklisting
1 Insight [04:12]
2 Astral Architecture (featuring Mick Moss) [06:30]
3 White Dawn [02:33]
4 Kaleidoscope[05:52]
5 Eidolon [02:12]
6 Into The Void [01:46]
7 The Room [04:13]
8 Confluence (featuring Steve Hogarth) [10:22]
9 Constellation / The Bell[03:23]
10 Echo / Sigh / Strand [02:29]
11 Penrose Stairs[05:04]
12 Storyteller (featuring Jordan Rudess) [03:20]
13 The Best Of Days (featuring Steve Hogarth) [03:24]

Follow Gleb Kolyadin: https://www.facebook.com/iamthemorningpage/ ;

Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Indo-Fusion Guitarist Rahul Mukerji's Debut Album "Ma De Re Sha" Receives Rave Reviews!


One of the most impressive albums of this year by Indo-Fusion guitarist Rahul Mukerji has been garnering enthusiastic reviews from the music press and fans alike worldwide! “Ma De Re Sha” was released in May 2017 and the response has been no less than astounding!

Says Rahul, “It has been an exhilarating experience seeing the positive reviews flood in and to see the album featured in prominent magazines and music outlets. I'm very grateful to the fans and people who helped make this album the success it has become.”

Rahul is a guitarist/musician based in Maryland, USA. Born in India, he has been performing live for over fifteen years. From dive bars and weddings, to crowds of thousands opening for the B-52s, he has had a varied performing career that has included gigs in Chicago, Boston, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and India.

Rahul has been featured on a wide array of recordings. His original pieces were featured in the short indie film “Tokyo Confidential.” His music was also featured on international and national radio stations and his compositions have been featured in various fractal and traditional animations videos and used in the official score for the Fractal Forums web episodes.

Rahul was featured in various publications like Songlines magazine, Pipeline magazine, and in 2008 Guitar Player Magazine Editors' Picks. He is also a guest Guitar Instructor on the Shred Academy website. In addition to music, Rahul is also an accomplished visual artist and regularly exhibits his work in the Washington metropolitan area. From the traditional to the digital domain, Rahul utilizes a wide array of mediums such as wood engraving, spray painting, pencil sketching, and computer fractal renderings.

From the source inspiration, to the concept, writing, arrangement, and its actual making, this project is truly a reflection of unity in diversity. This world fusion rock guitar album brings together flavors of Indian music, Middle Eastern percussion, jazz, ambient, rock, and metal. The compositions and the arrangements were inspired by interactions with people from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life, all filtered through the prism of Rahul's own multicultural upbringing between East and West. The actual making of the music involved coordination with musicians and mixing/mastering engineers living in the US, Germany, Spain, and France.



Here's what the press have been saying about Rahul Mukerji:

“His expressive guitar playing through 'Ma De Re Sha' demonstrates a dizzying range of technique and tone, while the compositions make a highly electrified fusion mix that borrows from Joe Satriani as much as John McLaughlin. These dynamic instrumental pieces stay most firmly rooted in rock mode, though it's an adeptly malleable one that always has room for exotic motifs. Mukerji's fretwork in any mode is fluid and buoyant enough to make his excitement contagious, and the result is an album happy to weave and blend all those elements until it's easy to forget they're so different at all.” - All About Jazz

“Indian born / Maryland-based guitarist Rahul Mukerji is making waves with his 2017 CD called 'Ma De Re Sha.' Rahul's music is very cinematic and his fleet fingered guitar work sounds influenced by masters such as Jeff Beck, Jan Akkerman and Al DiMeola.” - Pipeline Magazine

“Ambitious, varied and at times full of energy, 'Ma De Re Sha' has the feel of Indian cinematic music more so than Indian classical music.  And it is really good...the breadth of his interests and potential that makes this an exciting debut.” - Amardeep Dhillon, Songlines Magazine

“This cat can play. Many influences can be heard, but I want to give Mukerji more credit than that. He takes those influences, and in some cases, is an improvement over them. I highly recommend 'Ma De Re Sha' be listened to immediately and often thereafter.” - Walter Kolosky, Author and host of the Jazz Rocks Podcast

“...Perhaps the best parts of Mukerji’s playing are the emotional buoyancy and lightness of being that run through his writing and playing, even the heaviest parts. His melodies and grooves flow through the ears and leave behind a sense of bold and positive creativity. This makes him an emerging artist to contend with, one who should do well even beyond the guitar community. Buy this record tonight!” - Mike O’Cull, IndieBandGuru

“...a vertiginous mix of tasty colors. 'Ma De Re Sha' is a rapture throughout announcing the advent of a new force on the fusion scene.” - Dmitry M. Epstein, Let It Rock

“... twelve succinct tunes that showcase his compositions and chops, brilliant melodies and inventive arrangements, one foot in his Indian culture and the other foot firmly in American instrumental rock, drawing influences from both and freely superimposing them on each other...There's a lot of variety among these dozen cuts to absorb, all performed with impeccable power and precision.” - Peter Thelen, Exposé Online

“Mukerji combines powerful rock guitar hero licks with jazz-rock fusion, Middle Eastern beats and Indian music influences. He also uses a note bending technique that gives it a South Asian flavor and sets him apart from western guitar players.” - Progressive Rock Central

“Mukerji is an amazing guitarist and instrumentalist who is drawing comparisons to players as diverse and acclaimed as Joe Satriani, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola and Steve Vai on his 13-track debut 'Ma De Re Sha.'” - Sights and Sounds of Note

“...an effective set with some impressive guitar playing” - Gary Hill, Music Street Journal 
 
“...a fusion album of the highest quality of musical excellence.” - Exclusive Magazine

To purchase Rahul Mukerji's “Ma De Re Sha”: 
https://rahulmukerji.bandcamp.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RahulMukerji

For more information: http://www.mukerji.us

Video links: 
Youtube Channel Shortlink: https://goo.gl/GfCfj0
Album teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtlsgYBEBeI
FB page Shortlink: https://goo.gl/YYbPUe

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

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Instrumental Prog Ensemble Podd Release Debut Album "Cosmic Forces"


Podd, the new instrumental, progressive rock band, presents their debut album “Cosmic Forces,” drawing inspiration from the flood plains of the Mississippi Delta, the mountains of Macedonia, to the foothills of the Himalayas. Podd's original compositions are born from personal introspection. It is a kind of musical storytelling without words, told with the impressions and colors only sound can evoke. Featuring Peter Olsen; guitars, Dejan Dejkoski; drums and percussion, Eric Olsen; keyboards, Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar.

Podd is the brainchild of Peter Olsen. His eclectic compositions, born from his years as an ever searching guitarist, are made manifest by his musical compatriots Dejan Dejkoski, Eric Olsen and Takashi Otsuka. The Podd sound is intense, complex, and variegated, but always funky. Podd's music is intended as a visceral experience that takes the mind on a journey.

Dejan Dejkoski brings the perfect expression of a driving rock-fusion sound combined with the quirky world beats of his native Macedonia. Takashi Otsukas jazz-steeped finger-style bass playing and advanced theoretical background adds emphasis and counterpoint. Eric Olsen, his arch musicianship in both the jazz and classical music scenes at play, lends chordal and melodic depth to the music.

Podd as a name, is an amalgam of Peter Olsen (PO) and Dejan Dejkoski (DD) who form the core of the band. Peter and Dejan codified the overall feel and arrangements of the tunes. The album was recorded at Peter Olsen's Aqua Velour Studio with Peter as the recording engineer. Mixing of the album was by Dave O'Donnell with mastering completed by Scott Hull of Masterdisk.

Podd is currently working on a feature video for “Beyond Beyond” off of the “Cosmic Forces” album. The band has written all new material for their second album (title unknown) and has already begun the recording process.

Podd band bios:

Peter Olsen; guitarist, composer, producer - A self taught guitarist Peter has fronted bands playing his original music since the age of 16. He has composed and played guitar in various acoustic and electric ensembles. Past efforts include his world fusion duo Advaita with Dan Johnson, collaboration and support with Prasanna Thokchom (classical Indian sitarist), Saida Fikri (Morocco) and Ustad Shabbir Nisar (India). Podd represents the apex of Peters guitar and compositional style. Peter has two other CD releases: “Arcadia” with Eric Olsen, 2010, and “The Portal” in 2011. His production company website Holus Bolus Productions can be found at www.holusbolusproductions.com.

Dejan Dejkoski; drums & percussion - Dejan comes from a musical family steeped in the rhythms of his homeland Macedonia. His father, a professional musician, exposed him at an early age to the drums. Dejan played drums with multiple outfits growing up until he moved to the USA to pursue a career in music. His interests know no boundaries with Podd representing his current state.

Eric Olsen; keyboards - Eric has crafted a distinguished career in both jazz and classical music, as a pianist and composer, harpsichordist, synthesist, organist, conductor, and accompanist. He has recorded twenty albums to great critical acclaim, with artists Randy Brecker, Ted Nash, George Garzone, Don Braden, Ratzo Harris, Tim Horner, Peter Olsen, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lou Caimano, Jan Carden, Kevin Maynor, and Larry Newcomb, and performed with jazz luminaries Billy Hart and Eliot Zigmund. He has appeared in concert from Carnegie Hall to Birdland, with orchestra in Taiwan, throughout the United States, and overseas in France, Germany, India, the Fiji Islands, and New Zealand. He teaches at Montclair State University and the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, and is Director of Music and Organist at Union Congregational Church in Montclair, NJ. More information is available at www.ericolsenmusic.com and www.dyadplays.com.

Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar - Takashi studied composition, arranging and improvisation theory at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with various artists such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Ben E. King, Swing Express, Composer's Workshop Big Band, Latin Jazz Orchestra and many other jazz musicians. Takashi worked as a bass instructor for four years at Professional Music studios, Inc. and has been teaching privately for the last ten years.

To purchase Podd's “Cosmic Forces”:
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/podd
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cosmic-forces/id1254506610

For more information:
www.poddmusic.com
www.facebook.com/poddmusic/

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

Monday, September 18, 2017

UK Prog Ensemble CAIRO Releases Debut Album "Say" - Available Now!


“Intriguing arrangements with amazing layers, strong vocals and blazing guitar work. I recommend this to all…” - Steve Hackett

London - Touchstone founder Rob Cottingham's latest new band project CAIRO combines keyboard wizardry and electronica with modern rock values, dynamic guitar work and soaring vocals. This creates an enthralling sound that will capture the hearts and minds of modern music fans, as well as traditional and classic progressive rock aficionados. CAIRO has released their highly anticipated debut album “Say” available now on Heavy Right Foot Records via Cherry Red, and is available from all popular retailers around the world.

“I very much enjoyed listening to songs from the album ‘Say’ by Rob Cottingham and his new band, CAIRO. Intriguing arrangements with amazing layers, strong vocals and blazing guitar work. I recommend this to all…” - Steve Hackett

Watch the promotional video: 


After only a few months from launch, CAIRO was featured in the Prog Magazine Readers Poll Top Ten “Tips for 2017.” In March 2017 CAIRO won the prestigious “Best Newcomer” award at the Classic Rock Society's Best Of The Year 2016 ceremony, demonstrating that their sound reaches out to all across the broad rock spectrum.

“A stellar debut...jam-packed with epic moments, memorable hooks and heart-warming melodies!” - John Mitchell (Lonely Robot, Frost*, It Bites, Arena, Kino) 

CAIRO features:
Rob Cottingham on keys & vocals
Lisa Driscoll on vocals
James Hards on guitars
Paul Stocker on bass
Graham Brown on drums

Track List:
CAIRO
SHADOW’S RETURN PROLOGUE
SHADOW’S RETURN
WIPED OUT
SAY
NOTHING TO PROVE
NOTHING TO PROVE REPRISE
KATRINA
SEARCHING
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS PART 1
BACK FROM THE WILDERNESS
DANCING THE GOSSAMER THREAD
KATRINA (BREATHE MIX)

To purchase CAIRO's “Say”:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/Cairo
iTunes: http://geni.us/CairoDigital

In other news:
CAIRO is thrilled to announce that they will be playing the PROGDREAMS VII Festival at the Boerderij in Holland in the first weekend of March next year.

On behalf of the band, Rob stated: “At a personal level, I have wanted to play this venue for many years, having heard such great things about it – but never managed to get over there, so I am really looking forward to this. For the band, our Dutch market is the second biggest market for our CD sales in Europe after the UK. We have also had some stunning reviews in IOPages and Progwereld, so our music seems to be going down well over there, and we have been keen to find just such an opportunity. It will, therefore, be an absolute pleasure for Lisa, James, Paul, Graham and I to get over to Holland, make new friends and blow the roof off. We are all tremendously excited as this will also be the band’s first ever foreign jaunt – what a fantastic way to get our international gigs started.”

Listen to samples from the album: 


Watch the album's title track video: 


For more information: http://cairorocks.com/

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

Monday, July 10, 2017

Frontman From Progressive Rock Band Mars Hollow Announces New Album, New Line-up, and New Name - Life After Mars


Progressive rock band Mars Hollow has announced that they will be recording a new album after a nearly 5-year hiatus. The announcement was made during a semi-reunion show and subsequent radio interview in June, and came on the heels of a show billed as “John Baker and Steve Mauk Perform the Music of Mars Hollow” in Chicago. The show was the first time Mars Hollow has performed live since May, 2012. The most recent studio effort from the group was the track “So Far Away,” which also had a video release and was included on the Mars Hollow Live album. The album, also available on DVD, documented the band's 'Church of Prog' spot at RosFest, 2011 and was released in Fall of 2012.

However, guitarist and lead vocalist John Baker says that the new band will update both its name and line-up to fit the spirit and music of the new incarnation, and will be called “Life After Mars.” The band's debut album release is tentatively scheduled for Summer, 2018.

Says John, “As Life After Mars is the newly reformed incarnation of Mars Hollow, the best way to explain it is 'Mars Hollow…the Next Generation.”

Mars Hollow landed on the progressive rock scene in 2010 with their self-titled debut album, produced by Ronan Chris Murphy, and followed up in 2011 with “World In Front of Me,” co-produced by Mars Hollow's John Baker and Billy Sherwood, now of Yes. Playing festivals and numerous gigs in the USA, Mexico and Canada, the band also played and toured with Billy Sherwood's Circa, and received accolades and positive reviews for several years.  In the spirit of progressive rock, “Life After Mars” seems a natural progression.

Says John, “I think of this as good timing. A perfect time to rethink your mindset, and have a new jumping off point. At one time, walking on the moon, or landing on Mars was the future. Everyone wondered if there was life on mars, and now they are talking about colonization of Mars. Truly, the FUTURE is life AFTER mars.”



Life After Mars features:
John Baker – lead vocals and guitars
Don Schiff – NS stick, various basses and string instruments
Lisa LaRue – keyboards
Emily Dolan Davies – drums

Bios:
JOHN BAKER
Throughout the years, John Baker has held stints as guitarist and backing vocalist for various original bands and musicians, including Christian Love of “The Beach Boys” and bassist for The Little Girls. Since 1995, John has been operating a successful studio business, comprised of music projects, audio drama, and dialogue work. In the music field, John has worked with many musicians and producers, including Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones) and Richie Zito (Elton John, Tina Turner, Heart). In the dialogue field, John has directed, engineered, and edited hundreds of audio books including works by authors such as Robert Ludlum, Danielle Steele and Deepak Chopra. John Baker, an original member of Mars Hollow, is also the lead vocalist for the LA-based progressive rock band, Forever Twelve, who has just completed their 4th studio album, Home, on Melodic Revolution Records.

DON SCHIFF
Don Schiff has worked with some of the best - including Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow, Sammy Davis, Arjen Lucassen among many others. Don is also a member of Rocket Scientists. Having scored soundtracks as well as acted in TV shows and films such as “Live From Death Row” and “84 Charlie Mopic,” he has also received gold records for co-writing for Pat Benatar's “Wide Awake in Dreamland” and Winfield/Schiff's “Cerebral Man.” Don is internationally known for his expertise with the NS/Chapman stick. He was also a member of Lisa LaRue's former band 2KX.

LISA LaRUE
Keyboardist Lisa LaRue has worked with many musicians including: John Payne (Asia), Don Schiff (Rocket Scientists, Tina Turner, Elvis, and more), Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard), Michael Sadler (Saga), Oliver Wakeman (Yes). Esquire (Nikki Squire) and others. Lisa has been awarded Oklahoma Native American Artist of the Year and nominated for other awards including the Hollywood Music Awards, Los Angeles Music Awards, and the Native American Music Awards. She collaborated with Gilli Smyth of Gong on a self-released album titled “Dreamscapes,” and has released 5 solo albums, 1 album with Lisa LaRue Project 2K9, 2 albums with Lisa LaRue 2KX, and 1 album with Federico Fantacone (Fantacone/LaRue – Sonic Landscapes).

EMILY DOLAN DAVIES
Emily Dolan Davies is a British drummer who has been playing since age 11, with full time gigging beginning at age 18. She has extensive experience in many genres as a session and live drummer, in addition to playing with artists such as Bryan Ferry, The Thompson Twins, The Darkness, and many more. She is currently touring with Howard Jones.

Here's what the press have said about Mars Hollow:

“It's quite clear that Mars Hollow is a band to be reckoned with. This is no garage band, but a very serious group of players with some serious chops.” - Rok Podgrajšek - The Rocktologist 

“If you take a little bit of Yes - mostly in John Baker's vocals - and a little bit of Rush (also there in the vocals), that's a bit what Mars Hollow sound like.” - Stephanie Sollow - ProgressiveWorld.net 

“Each member of the quartet is a star player in his own right. Their sound is a rocking and melodic mix of the best of Yes & Genesis with a bit of latter-day King Crimson.” - Mike Flavin - USA Prog Music 

“I would consider Mars Hollow to be a band that will withstand the test of time for the advancement of the progressive genre.” - Grant Hill - Music Street Journal 

For further details and to watch the project progress, please follow the Life After Mars Fan Page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lifeaftermarsmusic or www.lifeaftermarsmusic.com ;

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