Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear Release Third Album “Banquet of Noise” Featuring King Crimson’s Trey Gunn

Multi-instrumentalist Dario and his prog ensemble, Dario and the Clear, have released “Banquet of Noise,” the third album in his pop, rock, progressive trilogy reflecting the world’s journey politically and socially over the last several years. The album marks the return of impressive collaborations with Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Eric Person (Ben Harper), Sue Leonard (back-up vocalist for k.d. lange), and experimental guitar player, Gabriel Marin, all of whom are ideal matches instrumentally for Dario’s diverse and expressive sound palette.

Says Dario, “‘Banquet of Noise’ is the last of what I call the trilogy. First album being ‘Optic Nerve’ followed by ‘Reflective Touch.’ ‘Banquet of Noise’ was to me a perfect ending for the trilogy. I started writing ‘Optic Nerve’ at the height of covid and when I finished that recording, I thought I was done with what I had to say… But that was not the case two weeks later and went back into the studio to work on ‘Optic Nerve.’ And then the same thing happened again. I thought I was done with what I had to say but then I worked on ‘Banquet of Noise.’ And the reason and the inspiration for the trilogy was really based on current events and just a constant bombardment of news and the chaos happening in the world. It was way too much for me to write about, so I had to keep writing the alms. It was non-stop for three and a half years.”

Watch the video for “Banquet of Noise”: https://youtu.be/_ztUR4W5-XQ?si=0KUOApWtM9qOIjM6

“The song ‘Recall’ is a wonderful honor and tribute to David Bowie.” - Steve Ball, Guitarist for Robert Fripp Guitar Ensemble, Founding Member, Guitar Circle Seattle

“With his Tom Waits-like grovel, Dario Saraceno - frontman of Dario and the Clear - combines the bluesy rhythms and pop-rock textures of Talking Heads, Blondie, and The Eurythmics on his latest cut, ‘Love Has Won.’ Natasha Coward’s searing, soulful vocals carry the track through its celebratory, and very danceable, climax.” - Jon Spano, Actor, Writer

“A good intro and ‘Recall’ delivers and immediately grabs you by the ear lobes. Dario Saraceno wastes no time from there immediately crashing the party and taking over. You better listen cause Dario’s got something to say as he commemorates the man who gave us ‘Ziggy Stardust,’ ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Diamond Dogs.’” - Mike Gourley, Music Journalist

“The imagery that the song ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’ produced is absolutely brilliant. The strength, the power, the urgency, the struggles, the frustration, separation, and futility of the star-crossed lovers is conveyed magnificently both vocally and instrumentally by Dario and the legendary Sue Leonard. Their voices work in harmony, then trail off poignantly as the song ends. Truly these musicians are Masters of their Craft. More, please.” - D.J. Toby Chicago, “Rocking the Universe Weird Sisters Radio”

Dario 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 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 seven albums since 2011. After the release of his previous album, “Optic Nerve,” the creative muse continued to provide inspiration for a new body of work that he named “Reflective Touch.”

To purchase: https://darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com/

For more information:
https://darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com/album/reflective-touch
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dario-and-the-clear/430371436
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts7uemMlxXA

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

Tu-Ner Featuring King Crimson Members To Release Live Album “Tu-Ner For Lovers” and Tour North America in May 2024!

7D Media is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of “Tu-Ner for Lovers,” a new CD from the ensemble of Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn (best known for their work with King Crimson) and Markus Reuter. Scheduled for release on May 3rd, this album is a prelude to the much-anticipated US Tu-Ner tour in May.

“Tu-Ner for Lovers” is taken from their live shows in 2023. It weaves together an immersive audioscape that blends the churning rhythms of Mastelotto, the dripping touch guitar layers of Reuter, and the seductive Warr Guitar of Gunn.

“‘Tu-Ner for Lovers’ is not just music; it’s an invitation to experience love and intimacy through a progressive rock prism and a wonderful precursor to their live performances.”

SPECIAL NOTE: Each week we will be uploading a new track to this album until its final release on May 3, 2024.

For updated tour info go here: Tu-Ner.com
May 9 - Phoenix, AZ (The Rhythm Room)
May 10 - San Marcos, CA (The Bornemann Theater)
May 11 - Los Angeles, CA (The Baked Potato)
May 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Baked Potato)
May 14 - Mill Valley, CA (Sweetwater Hall)
May 16 - Stockton, CA (Haggin Museum)
May 18 - Arcata, CA (Arcata Playhouse)
May 20 - Eugene, OR (WOW Hall)
May 22 - Portland, OR (Alberta Abbey)
May 23 - Seattle, WA (Triple Door)
May 25 - Vashon Island, WA (Open Space Arts Center)
May 26 - Vancouver, BC - (BlueShore Financial Centre for Performing Arts)
May 30 - Redding, CA (The Dip)

Pat Mastelotto - Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Dave Grohl have managed it, and so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self-taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 25 years with King Crimson and Stick Men.

Markus Reuter is a composer, guitarist, and producer. He began his musical journey as a composer before delving into Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft, mastering the Chapman Stick, and eventually transitioning to the U8 Touch Guitar. Reuter has released numerous solo albums and has collaborated extensively with various musicians. He holds a prominent position in the experimental band Anchor and Burden and forms the duo Tuner with Pat. Additionally, he was a member of Europa String Choir and has worked alongside notable artists such as Gary Husband, Robert Rich, J. Peter Schwalm, Mark Wingfield, and many others. Reuter's versatility is evident through his involvement in Devin Townsend’s touring band. Notably, he also performs in power trios including Stick Men with Pat and Tony Levin, TRUCE with Asaf Sirkis and Fabio Trentini, and Markus Reuter/Tim Motzer/Kenny Grohowski.

Trey Gunn, the extraordinary Warr guitarist and musician, has left an indelible mark on the world of progressive and experimental music. Renowned for his virtuosic talent, he has graced the stages and recording studios with legendary acts such as King Crimson, David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Brian Eno, Happy Rhodes, Puscifer, Tool and John Paul Jones, contributing his unique blend of mesmerizing and innovative playing. As the founder of the esteemed 7D Media record label, Gunn continues to be a guiding force in curating exceptional musical experiences. Trey Gunn’s visionary artistry and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound make him a true luminary in the realm of progressive music.

TREY GUNN - Warr guitar
PAT MASTELOTTO - drums, electronics
MARKUS REUTER - touch guitar

All pieces by Gunn/Mastelotto/Reuter
Recorded live 2023

Mixed & Mastered by Erik Emil Eskildsen
Recorded by Robert Frazza
booking by Leonardo Pavkovic (MoonJune)

Released May 3, 2024

To pre-order: https://7dmedia.com/tuner-4-lovers

For more information:
Band website: https://tu-ner.com/
Album url: https://7dmedia.com/tu-ner-t-1

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

Tu-Ner Featuring King Crimson Legends Trey Gunn and Pat Mastelotto With Markus Reuter To Release Debut Double Album “T-1 Contact Information” August 14, 2023!

From the kitchen of the original King Crimson R&D fraKctal units & Stick Men comes Tu-Ner featuring touch guitarist Markus Reuter, alongside the powerhouse rhythm section of Pat Mastelotto on drums and Trey Gunn on Warr guitar.

Defying logistics to grab four days together, the immersive session included repertoire rehearsal; as well as recording semi-prepared pieces and several full improvisations. The band’s chemistry has deep roots and connections are made quickly so large slabs of music appear unedited.

These two hours of recordings are the outcome of their debut double disc album “T-1 Contact Information” coming August 14th.

disc:ONE
1. Crowfin
2. 31
3. Apple Turtle
4. On The Other Side
5. Contact Information

disc:TWO
1. Forcibly Taken Into The Future
2. Moses
3. Poodles
4. Poem About A Sad Horse

Pat Mastelotto – Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Dave Grohl have managed it, and so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 25 years with King Crimson and Stick Men.

Markus Reuter is a composer, guitarist, and producer. He began his musical journey as a composer before delving into Robert. Fripp’s Guitar Craft, mastering the Chapman Stick, and eventually transitioning to the U8 Touch Guitar. Reuter has released numerous solo albums and has collaborated extensively with various musicians. He holds a prominent position in the experimental band Anchor and Burden and forms the duo Tuner with Pat. Additionally, he was a member of Europa String Choir and has worked alongside notable artists such as Gary Husband, Robert Rich, J. Peter Schwalm, Mark Wingfield, and many others. Reuter’s versatility is evident through his involvement in Devin Townsend’s touring band. Notably, he also performs in power trios including Stick Men with Pat and Tony Levin, TRUCE with Asaf Sirkis and Fabio Trentini, and Markus Reuter/Tim Motzer/Kenny Grohowski.

Trey Gunn, the extraordinary Warr guitarist and musician, has left an indelible mark on the world of progressive music. Renowned for his virtuosic talent, he has graced the stages and recording studios with legendary acts such as King Crimson, Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Happy Rhodes, Puscifer, Tool and John Paul Jones, contributing his unique blend of mesmerizing and innovative playing. As the founder of the esteemed 7D Media record label, Gunn continues to be a guiding force in curating exceptional musical experiences. Trey Gunn’s visionary artistry and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound make him a true luminary in the realm of progressive music.

Markus Reuter – Touch Guitar, Soundscapes
Pat Mastelotto – Drums, Electronics, Vocoder
Trey Gunn – Warr Guitar, Fretless Warr Guitar, Vocoder

All pieces by Gunn/Mastelotto/Reuter

recorded June 7-11, 2023
recorded by p@ & Bill Munyon @ p@’s place
mixed & mastered by Erik Emil Eskildsen
cover design by A.J. Chippero
booking Leonardo Pavkovic (MOONJUNE)

Band photo by Julia Hensley

Tu-Ner on Tour

August 14 - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
August 15 - Allentown, PA (Rodale Room, Allentown Symphony Hall)
August 17 - Hudson Falls, NY (Strand Theater)
August 19 - Rochester, NY (Loving Cup)
August 20 - Buffalo, NY (Mohawk Place)
August 22 - Cleveland, OH (Beachland Ballroom)
August 23 - Detroit, MI (Joy Manor Westland)
August 24 - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
August 25 - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
August 26 - Chicago, IL (Reggies Rock Club)
August 27 - Benton Harbor, M (The Livery)
August 29 - Columbus, OH (Woodlands Tavern)
August 30 - Cincinnati, OH (The Ludlow Garage)
August 31 - Asheville, NC (The Grey Eagle)
September 1 - Charlotte, NC (The Milestone)
September 2 - Chapel Hill, NC (Storybook Farm)
November 29 - Brno, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at SONO Music Club)
November 30 - Prague, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at Archa Theatre)

To be continued in 2024!

For more information:
Band website: https://tu-ner.com/
Album url: https://7dmedia.com/tu-ner-t-1

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

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

Unquiet Music LTD Releases New Concept Album “In The Name Of... (A Prayer For Our Times)” Featuring Trey Gunn of King Crimson

“Everything in this work sounds like it could have come from another planet.” – Trey Gunn

Unquiet Music LTD has released a new concept album titled “In The Name Of... (A Prayer For Our Times)” and features Trey Gunn of King Crimson, Markus Reuter of Stick Men and Frédéric L’Epée of Yang among others.

The overall spirit behind this album is rock ‘n’ roll - keeping a popular access to an uncompromised way of approaching things. However, it also has the ambition of providing something different for adventurous ears.

So the styles of music used are diverse, and influences can be traced from concrete music, minimalism, ambient, electronic, progressive rock, contemporary classical… A few names can be cited as inspirators: Olivier Messiaen, Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, John Zorn…

Watch the video teaser:
YouTube: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1255145625/videos/10224431680360304/

Watch the video for “In The Name Of The Son (Atomisation)”: 

Download the free single (It is a FREE DOWNLOAD and it comes together with a previously unreleased track (a choir work): https://unquietmusicltd.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-name-of-the-son-single-free-download

Unquiet Music Ltd is both a concept and a company funded in 2019  by  JP Rossi. JP grew up in the late 70’s and 80’s, and founded different bands by the end of the 80’s, early 90’s, inspired by both British epic and dark rock and French ‘chanson’, bands such as Genesis, Simple Minds, Joy Division, and in France Alain Bashung, Alain Souchon etc… He had a notable act in the 90’s called “L’Air de Rien” with the drummer Karim Ziad, and guitarist Khliff Miziallaoua, from the then ‘rai’ scene (Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami) who contributed to the album as well. In the mid 90’s the band split and it was only 20 years later that JP returned to the music, with a wealth of musical education and worldwide experiences.

Unquiet Music Ltd is meant to be self-explanatory:
… Since we are living in unquiet times…

… Since we need to pass through commercial paths to reach each other and the world…

Says JP, “The idea is to create an uncompromising sound, basically something that would not be heard anywhere else – at least as such, since we all only recycle…The form is a musical mandala in 4 pieces, based on the traditional prayer “In the name of the father etc”… The music should really be considered as a single piece, a prayer, a vessel to be embarked in a travel through our modest but also ambitious condition.”

The music was elaborated as a tentative transcription of aural dreams. The process developed over a couple of years, and was only possible through the patient collection of the dreams remnants into a digital audio workstation. Some of the themes needed live performances, and musicians gradually integrated the project. An important step was passed when Markus Reuter joined for the production by the end of 2018.

There is a full length video to support the music. It is not a ‘contemplative’ work in any way, it rather aims at creating a story in parallel with the music. It should add a different and hopefully interesting dimension to the experience. There are also close to 2 hours of demo work, some quite advanced, some quite different, that Unquiet Music Ltd intends to release gradually, including bonuses for fans.

This is an Unquiet Music Ltd release

Recorded at various locations between 2017 and 2020.
The drums were recorded at Khliff’s place, Ollainville (10 September 2018)
The strings were recorded at NoJoke Studio, Paris by Dominique Sablier (19 September 2019)

Musicians:
Khliff Miziallaoua: Percussion (The father), Acoustic Guitars (The father), Electric Guitar (The son), Bass Voice  (Amen)
Frédéric L’Epée: Gibson Les Paul Custom & Parker Fly Guitars Guitars (The father’s quartet) Cédric Theys: Touch Guitars® AU8 (The father, The son)
Samira Brahmia: Voice (The son, The holy spirit, Amen)
Trey Gunn: Warr Guitars® (The father, The son, The holy spirit)
Markus Reuter: Touch Guitars® AU8 (The holy spirit)
Karim Ziad: Acoustic Drums (The son)
Gauthier Dymon: Voice (The son, Amen)
Elea Barta: Soprano Voice (Amen)
Raphaël Terreau: Tenor Voice (Amen)
Brice Modard: Bass Voice (Amen)
Alyssa Ait Hammou: Violin (The father)
Caroline Berry: Viola (The father)
Christophe Jeannin: Cello (The father)
Lukas Carillo: Double Bass (The father)

Groove design on "The son" by Karim Ziad
Lullaby improvisation on "The holy spirit" by Markus Reuter
Solo improvisation on "The holy spirit" by Trey Gunn
“The father”, “The holy spirit, “Amen” mixed by Markus Reuter
“The son” mixed by Benjamin Schäfer
Produced by Markus Reuter for Unquiet Music Ltd
Mastered by Lee Fletcher
Cover painting by Gérard Rossi
Graphic design by Bernhard Wöstheinrich
Text review by Dann Chinn

“I’m glad that I live in a world where music and sound art like this are a reality. So much detail, a lifetime of creativity incorporated into an insane long-form opus. This is the musical place where ideas and idealism meet. You all should treat it with respect” - Markus Reuter

“A crazy and extraterrestrial music! Check it out!” - Frédéric L’Epée

“For folks who are into stretching their ears beyond where they have ever gone before, you really need to check out this recording from Unquiet Music Ltd. It is strikingly strange, imaginative and superbly executed. Electronica meets Messiaen meets...Gentle Giant? Magma? Stockhausen? Borge? Lynch? Cortazar? Everything in this work sounds like it could have come from another planet. This is an extra-terrestrial composition/work.” - Trey Gunn

To purchase:
Bandcamp: https://unquietmusicltd.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-name-of-a-prayer-for-our-times

For more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnquietMusicLtd
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ayySw5v5jY1zL18mGolZw

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

Prog Ensemble Staring Into Nothing To Release Second Album "Love" With Guest Appearances By King Crimson's Trey Gunn & Zappa's Mike Keneally

Produced by Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, GWAR, Steve Morse, Bozzio/Levin/Stevens)

Southern California based Staring Into Nothing wields a foundation of melodic progressive rock to explore new musical and thematic terrain. Founders Steve Rogers (keys and vocals) and Kurt Barabas (bass, vocals and guitars) take a Steely Dan-esque approach to music creation, using the studio and a revolving cast of world class collaborators to create music that observes and scrutinizes the human experience.

Staring into Nothing’s latest album “Love” probes the multiplicity and evolution of romantic love. The album was produced and mixed by Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Steve Morse, Ulver) and features an awesome line up of collaborators including Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Santana, Ringo Starr) on drums, Victor Bisetti (Los Lobos) on percussion, Mike Keneally (Zappa, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani) on guitars, Trey Gunn (King Crimson, John Paul Jones) on Warr Guitar, Dave Nachmanoff (Al Stewart) on background vocals/acoustic guitar and Danny T. Levin (Iggy Pop, Twenty One Pilots, Vampire Weekend) on horns. With this album, Murphy and the band sought to refine the melodies and structure of the songs even further than the previous album and provide ample room for the various collaborators to bring their voices to the album. While the compositions by Rogers and Barabas make up the core of the music on “Love,” the music was completely transformed by all the collaborators. The creative process allowed everyone involved to mold its final sound and spirit, and created space for stunning contributions, most notably several remarkable solos by Keneally and Gunn.

Says Steve, “We were trying to explore the varieties of romantic experience from a mature perspective that recognizes its not all good and not all bad, but its all we have. In the end, the message is uplifting because over time love endures and transitions into something even more fulfilling when it becomes legacy and a common set of memories and values. We recorded this album differently than our first one. We worked more closely with the producer, Ronan Chris-Murphy, during the actual arrangement of the songs and benefited from his insights, ideas and contributions. Ronan also brought a commitment to making the best album we could by bringing top shelf musicians to the project like Mike Keneally, Trey Gunn, Gregg Bisonette and Dave Nachmanoff. Also most of this album was recorded in our own studio in Costa Mesa California.”

Watch the video for “Ashes”: 

“It was a real pleasure to be involved with this project, working with the band and Ronan to find ways to tastefully enhance the impact of these beautifully melodic, emotionally charged songs. I found the songs inspired and inspiring, and I loved the experience of playing on the album.” - Mike Keneally

“Super day and a half of recording. I loved being in the room with these guys stretching out on these songs. Great to hear it all come together.” - Trey Gunn

“A project like this is really exciting as a producer. The band already had strong material with a lot of emotional depth before I got on board, so we had a lot of great raw material to work with. The fact that the band is just two guys, that are open to new ideas, meant we were able to have a lot of fun developing the material and bringing in the right players to explore those ideas. I very intentionally brought in guest musicians that are more known as artists in their own right than being session guys. I knew from working with all of them before, that if I gave them a platform to explore they would bring great things to the project. They did not disappoint. They all brought the musicality we were all hoping for, while enhancing the emotional aspects of Steve and Kurt’s compositions.” - Ronan Chris Murphy, Producer-Engineer (King Crimson, GWAR, Steve Morse, Bozzio/Levin/Stevens)

Staring Into Nothing have crafted their own sound, but their love of strong melody and virtuosic musicianship has drawn comparisons to artists such as Marillion, Porcupine Tree, Flying Colors, early Genesis, Pink Floyd and Rush. Bassist Kurt Barabas is a veteran of the progressive rock scene. He was a founding member of Magna Carta Records artist Under the Sun as well as Amaran’s Plight with Nick D’Virgilio (Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Spock’s Beard). Kurt was also a founding member of Roswell 6, who recorded the album “Terra Incognita” that accompanied a science fiction novel of the same name written by Kevin J. Anderson. “Terra Incognita” featured a who’s who of musicians, including James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Michael Sadler (Saga), John Payne (Asia), and David Ragsdale (Kansas).

Following the break-up of Under the Sun, Barabas starting wring new material with longtime Under the Sun fan Steve Rogers. The two found they had instant and synergistic creative chemistry and set to work creating a trilogy of concept albums that delve into the complex facets of the human experience.  They released their first album “Power” in 2017, which explores the many ways power is used to manipulate, control and subjugate people. It was produced and mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, Elton John) and features drumming by Matt Chamberlin (A Perfect Circle, David Bowie, John Mayer).

Here's what the press has said about Staring into Nothing:

“Staring into Nothing melds the epic structure of prog rock with the tuneful moodiness of new wave.” - Huffington Post

“With, perhaps, a little further polish or fine-tuning, many of these songs wouldn’t be out of place on an album like Pink Floyd’s The Wall.” - The Big Takeover

“The nice blend of melody and atmosphere will please fans of prog classics like Rush and Yes, as well as modern titans like Steven Wilson and Opeth” - Alternative Nation

“...should appeal to anyone with an interest in prog rock and even casual fans of the genre could find things here to love about it.” - Sputnik Music 

“Staring Into Nothing is a trio from California who have a very modern prog sound. Musically, they remind me a bit of a mix of Steven Wilson and Roger Waters.” - Progressive Music Planet

“The Prog-Rock-esque powerhouse brings down the house with an eclectic and unique record that will blow your mind.” - Modern Mystery Blog

In support of their new album, Staring Into Nothing has budgeted four videos for the album and have completed the first two. They continue to work on the final two, but they got caught up in the virus lock-down that shut down the video shoots in March.

In closing Steve has this to impart, “That relationships matter even though they can be hard to maintain at times. Also that there is redemption for any of us who stray from the past. That redemption often comes to us through the people we love.”

To purchase Staring Into Nothing's “Love”: 
https://staringintonothing.bandcamp.com/merch



For more information: https://www.staringintonothing.com/

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

Swiss Minimalistic Jazz Ensemble Akku Quintet To Release Fourth Album "Depart" On Trey Gunn's 7dMedia Label

Featuring Sonar drummer Manuel Pasquinelli

The Akku Quintet was founded by drummer and composer Manuel Pasquinelli. Says renown writer Sid Smith, “Best-known for his work in Swiss post-rock minimalist outfit, SONAR, Pasquinelli's writing contains an almost cinematic dimension that encompasses bittersweet moods and moments of unfolding drama.” The band is based in Switzerland, from where they dispense a minimalistic jazz groove to great effect.

Since their first concerts in 2011 the band gained more and more international attention (North-America tour in autumn 2018). Their debut album “Stages of Sleep” was released in May 2013 (Morpheus Records). The quintet then set the different phases of sleep to music. Following their acclaimed 2015 album “Molecules” Akku Quintet released their third record “Aeon” in 2017. In October 2018 the band toured Canada and USA.

Their fourth album “Depart” is the first to be released on Trey Gunn's (King Crimson, Security Project) 7d Media label on May 17th.

Says Manuel, “We have chosen 'Depart' as the album title because it describes very good the general feeling/spirit of the album. I'd say compared to our previous albums, 'Depart' is more driving and expressive. I think one can hear a forward-moving undertone on all the tracks. The title track 'Depart' comes along in a courageous and at the same time doubting and mysterious mood, performed with lots of playfulness. 'Depart' was the best word to describe the mood of this track and the album in general.”

“The group connect and lock together yet remain constantly in motion, maintaining a balletic poise and grace that skilfully builds and adds line upon line of long, sonorous notes. Though each one on its own might be gossamer-thin, when combined, they create something strong and enduring, something substantial and memorable.” - Sid Smith  

Akku Quintet's new album still has a minimalistic touch, but you'll hear more of the soloistic qualities of the group members. It's a colourful, powerful album of a well attuned band. Recorded live in the studio April 16-19, 2018, the compositions were written by Manuel Pasquinelli.

Says Manuel, “We recorded the album within 4 days. All the songs were performed live in the studio, playing all together as a band. We rehearsed/developed the music in a short but intense rehearsal phase. At the weekend before the studio we played one concert with the new material. In the studio we were well prepared but the songs were still new for us. The music was finally shaped while playing as a group in the studio. I've written the music over a period of several months. Some sketches I already had long before, but there are also parts or songs that I've written just one or two weeks before the studio session.”

Line Up:
Michael Gilsenan: Sax
Maja Nydegger: Keys
Markus Ischer: Guit
Andi Schnellmann: Bass
Manuel Pasquinelli: Drums

Manuel Pasquinelli is also known as drummer of the band Sonar which is currently collaborating with David Torn and Bill Laswell. Andi Schnellmann is regularly touring with Schnellertollermeier (Cuneiform Records). In support of the new release the Akku Quintet will have some album-release gigs in Europe in May and will be touring in Europe and Russia in autumn. The band also hopes to play North America again soon.

In closing Manuel has this to impart, “My goal is to impart a specific mood to the listener. Not a concrete story, but a mood and a progression with changing conditions/colors to dive in as a listener. And I hope one can listen a tune on the album several times and discover always new things in the song and look at it/listen to it with a different focus/perspective.”

To purchase: https://akkuquintet7d.bandcamp.com/album/depart

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


www.7dmedia.com

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

King Crimson Guitar Legend Trey Gunn Presents "Intro to Modes" 8-Week Music Course - October 15 to December 8, 2018

Work directly with Trey Gunn on a weekly basis in this group course.

King Crimson guitar legend Trey Gunn is presenting “Intro to Modes”; an 8-week music course that runs from October 15 to December 8, 2018. 

For all instrumentalists and singers. 

In this course we will break down one of the basic building blocks of music - the modes - into digestible parts, both sonically and theoretically, so they can be used with ease.

www.originalvoice.coach/modes-course/

This course will:

Help you to immediately find your ground in a piece of music

Give you flexibility when improvising

Give you greater color choices when developing your own compositions

Help you grasp command of the core material of music

Give you a long-term pathway to hear deeper into the relationships of the notes 

This course is designed to work for all players:

Beginning players - We'll start with the basics.

Intermediate players - Hone the fundamentals in your hearing for improved playing and writing

Advanced players - Find the gaps in your melodic hearing. Apply practices to close the gaps and take your playing further

Learn to play confidently while capturing the unique quality of each mode in your improvisations and compositions. This ease only comes from the deep exploration based on how you hear, in your own particular way. This course breaks down that exploration into its core essence, step-by-step.

- - -

When most musicians play by thinking in modes, or scales, they tend towards using all the tones equally and without their full meaning. This results in bland musical lines. Lines that come across like white light where, instead, there could be gorgeous color.

How a painter uses color is a useful analogy for working with the modes. Any musical idea can be tinted with one of the modes. The idea remains essentially the same; but the color of the music changes based on which mode you are using.

This course is designed to establish these “modal” differences in your ear so you can use them as you need to, much as a painter pulls from his or her palette of colors.

- - -

Learning about modes isn't about the information. The information is easy. Learning this material, the way I think we should, is about getting to know each tone intimately within its context - the mode's center of gravity, or tonal center.

This course will use a progression of practices to develop our sense of each note and how that note fits into its mode.

This is an oversimplification; but based on many years of practice, study and playing I have honed an approach to go directly into the sounds.

First, we learn the sounds. The information can come afterward, simply to help us organize.

- - -

This will be a type of correspondence course with info/practices being presented each week and all of us digesting it together via a Google Group. There is no real-time participation, so any time-zone or personal schedule will fit with our work together.

The course will adapt to the people participating and how things develop as we go along. But the general curriculum will be based on the following progression:

Week 1

General Concepts of Modes

Language And Method For The Course

Root, Fifth, Octave (+ listening/singing)

Week 2

Thirds (+ listening puzzles)

Week 3

Sevenths (+ extra singing)

Week 4

Sixths (+ playing)

Week 5

Seconds (+ composition)

Week 6

Fourths (+ audiation/memorization)

Week 7

Full Modes (+ pentatonics/hexatonics)

Week 8

Locrian/Pathway to Exotics (+wrap-up)

Cost: $299.00

50% discount for Early Registration before October 1, 2018

For more information: www.originalvoice.coach/modes-course

Press inquiries: 

Glass Onyon PR

PH: 828-350-8158

glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Bassist Jason Everett to Release New Live Album With Deep Energy Orchestra Feat. Trey Gunn of King Crimson & Selvaganesh of Shakti

World-class musicians record intimate performance concert blending classical music, jazz, rock, and Indian fusion

During the first week of October 2017, world-class musicians from many genres came together in an ambitious project…to record and perform a full night of music…in a week. The Deep Energy Orchestra were brought together by local composer and fretless bassist, Jason Everett who had been named an “Artist in Residence” by the prestigious non-profit Jack Straw Cultural Center in Seattle, WA. The project captured high-quality audio and video performances of his compositions which are inspired by his love for classical, jazz and Indian Fusion music. The live recording took place at Jack Straw Cultural Center, located in the University District, over a two day period.

Says Jason, “I love instrumental music, and started as a classical musician at eight. I was playing jazz clubs professionally at sixteen, and feel in love with Indian music at eighteen. This project is an exciting culmination of that history and my love for those musical styles.”

Another well-known musician in the project who plays an unusual instrument is Trey Gunn, who is best known for his work with King Crimson and the Security Project. “I was really excited to play with Trey…we are both bassists with extended range instruments who play melodically; so we were able to trade off roles as lead and rhythm players,” explained Jason. “Trey is really exciting to watch as he is performing on his Warr Guitar which is a 12-string instrument that he plays almost like a piano.”

“I was surprised how easily these pieces flowed out of us when rehearsing and recording. It is a clear testament to Jason's writing that music this challenging felt so natural.” - Trey Gunn

Also featured on the album is Indian musician Selvaganesh, best known for his work with Shakti, John McLaughlin and Jonas Helborg, who plays kanjira and his custom drum kit.

“It is my pleasure to be part of Deep Energy Orchestra, everyone was flying, especially Trey!  I had a great time playing the music and was impressed with Jason’s pieces, especially those in odd-meters. This is one of my favourite groups!” - Selvaganesh

More-strings-than-usual might be a theme for this group as lead violinist Radhika Iyer, from San Francisco played her seven-string electric violin and Everett himself is known for his unique seven-string fretless bass. Other local musicians who rounded out the sound included tabla player Anil Prasad, and classical musicians, Rachel Nesvig on violin, Aleida Gehrels on viola, and Phil Hirschi on cello.



 Jason Everett, Trey Gunn & Selvaganesh

Jason Everett (aka Mister E) is a performer, composer, and producer who plays a variety of stringed and percussive instruments with his primary instruments being his seven-string fretless bass and acoustic six-string bass. Jason attended Northern Arizona University on a full scholarship for bassoon and started playing jazz professionally at sixteen years old.

Jason has played music outside of the mainstream for most of his career including with the avant-garde space-jazz ensemble, Little Green Men; Flamenco fusion groups, Machete’, Deseo Carmin, and Acoustic Fantasy; world fusion groups, Avaaza, Tarana, and Andre Feriante; and Kirtan artists, Gina Sala’ and Girish. Jason has also been recently performing and recording with Bay Area world jazz fusion groups, Facing East and Ancient Future. Jason has created his own groups including Taal Maya, a Shakti inspired Indian fusion project and Pandamonium, which is described as “Prog Rock Jazz Funk.”

“Jason Everett's intonation on his signature 7-string fretless bass is exemplary, and he is a well-spring of melodies and musical ideas. Keep your eyes and ears out for Jason Everett aka Mister E!” - Stu Hamm

Jason's recording work has recently included producing a four-movement, 20-minute composition called “Moksha: The Elimination of All Duality” that features world-class artists including Selvaganesh (Shakti, Masters of Percussion), Fareed Haque (director of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University), Suhail Yusuf Khan, Radhakrisna Neyvili, Vishal Nagar, and Ujwal Nagar.

Jason is also performing as a solo bass artist and has recently performed at NAMM (the National Association of Music Manufacturers) convention in LA, the International Solo Bass Competition hosted by bass amplifier manufacturer, Phil Jones Bass in NY, and as a headliner for Bass Bash in Denver, CO for the last several years.

Finally, Jason was name an Artist in Residence by Seattle non-profit, Jack Straw Cultural Center for 2017 and recorded his new album, “Playing With Fire” which is due for release October 2018 and has recently started a new collaboration with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra who have commissioned Jason to arrange his music from the “Playing With Fire” album for their full chamber orchestra. Jason is an endorsed artist for Bartolini Pickups, Kalium Strings and Conklin Guitars, who have created a signature model instrument for Jason called, the “OM Bass.”

“Jason's impressive bass work will dazzle, but his playing transcends the instrument to become a pure source of expression. His compositions are equally full of wonder and atmosphere for a sonic journey. A top-notch musician!” - Kevin Johnson No Treble Bass Magazine

In closing Jason has this to impart, “My music is a combination of the styles that move me. Classical, Jazz, Groove, Funk, Prog Rock, and World music (particularly Indian and Flamenco). Music is a language and it is always amazing when musicians from different genres and training can come together to create something new, unique and beautiful. My music is nearly always instrumental, and often in odd-meters.”

To purchase Deep Energy Orchestra's “Playing With Fire”: https://deepenergyorchestra.bandcamp.com/

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

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