Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Progressive Music Review On Vinyl: Pink Floyd-Animals

Release Date: September 16, 2022

Label:  ‎Warner Music (Sony Music outside Europe)

Website

Release Info: Animals 2018 Remix will be released on CD, LP (with gatefold artwork), Blu-ray, SACD, and Deluxe Gatefold formats. The Deluxe Gatefold version includes LP, CD, audio Blu-ray, audio DVD, and a 32-page book. The Blu-ray and DVD audio include the 2018 remix in Stereo, 5.1 Surround (both by James Guthrie), and the original 1977 Stereo mix. The 32-page booklet features rarely seen behind-the-scenes photographs of the album sleeve shoot, along with live images and memorabilia. The album artwork has been reimagined for this release.

Animals is one of many Pink Floyd classics. I heard the album when it first came out years ago and thought it was bizarre, and I was unappreciative. I also knew it was stoner music without realizing what I was hearing was brilliant and imaginative progressive rock. For those of you newer to this musical world, this overview will give you a glimpse into one of the greatest bands and a fresh look at a timeless classic slice of progressive rock for those long ago initiated.


This most recent release comes in many flavors for the completist. I am sure the 5.1 surround sound mix is fantastic, and this vinyl version was very satisfying with the oversized colorful booklet. The sound is phenomenal, as one would expect.


Side one starts with a quick acoustic guitar introduction with waters doing the honors on vocals. Then it launches into the meat of the album with "Dogs." I call the track's lyrics backstabbing set to rock. The animals referred to are the greedy politicians and the gluttonously wealthy; at least, that is what I can ascertain based on the band's output. It starts with some dogs barking, an excellent electric solo kicks in, a lovely synth passage, and some superb guitar work from Gilmour. By the time the fourth verse starts, Gilmour's vocals are reigning supreme, and a lot of echo effects help to emphasize those words, then more dogs barking. Some wild synth parts come in, followed by some weird sound effects, then an acoustic guitar mellows things out and leads into the fifth verse. 


Waters takes over the vocals, followed by some stinging electric leads, then a tasteful lead supported by some strong bass lines courtesy of Waters. The sixth verse has a repetitive message to solidify the track's meaning. Waters consistently would deliver vocals with the needed emphasis.


On to side two with "Pigs" (Three Different Ones) with the entrance of a funky guitar intro as Waters sings, "pig man charade you are." I love the energy and how different from side one it was. The lyrics bite with cynicism like "you radiate cold shafts of broken glass" and some pig sounds, then into the third verse and more political pokes. Gilmour uses the talk box, and steady rhythms carry it through to some echoing guitar sounds. Then Water's vocals start in the fourth verse. The vocals lead out to a magnificent lead guitar break. This is vintage Gilmour complimented by another outstanding bass run with great drum fills from Mason, which bring it to a fade out with sheep chattering and on to the next track, of course, "Sheep."


A tasty jazz keyboard run from Wright starts things off, then the bass enters, and Waters begins singing, followed by keyboards and drum mixing in with a prolific explosion as Gilmour peels off some more licks to astound with some effects. Waters delivers with preciseness and impact with the lyrics as usual. A nice transition changes it to a different purposeful pace, then a switch to a mellow downswing with the bass. The third verse is a prayer with lines like "getting converted to lamb cutlets." Are we talking about the animal itself here or god's children? The track leads out with a flourish from Gilmour, then a segue with sheep once again with birds chirping this time, then on to the finale "Pigs on the Wing (Part Two)" with Waters and the acoustic guitar ending it all as it began and you get "a shelter from pigs on a wing."


Animals is cynical, satirical, and a musical masterpiece. In 1977 it was a true wonder of music, and it stands today the same, only heard with different, perhaps older ears, remastered to accentuate all of the subtilities that may have slipped by or ignored on the first run. This essential release in the Pink Floyd catalog deserves another look and listen in 2022.


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Progressive Music Reviews Founder

July 18, 2022


Tracks:


Side One:

1. Pigs on the Wing (Part One)

2. Dogs


Side Two:

3. Pigs (Three Different Ones)

4. Sheep

5. Pigs on the Wing (Part Two)


Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Progressive Rock Guitarist Dallas Perkins Releases New Album “Experimental Truth”

Los Angeles, CA – On Dallas Perkins’ latest release “Experimental Truth” his stellar technical proficiency and dexterity are on full display. We are now hearing six-string wisdom come to full fruition. Showcasing a guitarist that is clearly steeped in melody, the music allows us to join the conversation with breathing room, suspense, and brilliantly placed pauses in these layered compositions. Perkins is not just a guitarist with attention grabbing technique, he is a composer reflecting influences spanning centuries of music history absorbed and personalized over decades finally distilled into a singular artistic statement.

Dallas said of “Experimental Truth”: “With this album, I really wanted to grab the listener’s attention with harmonic complexity and melodic simplicity. My hope is that it will satisfy fans of my previous work. But beyond that, my goal was to create a cohesive theme connecting each composition as in the spirit of the concept album. With the absence of lyrical content, I wanted the music to stand on its own and perhaps evoke a visual dimension. In short, I hope to inspire each listener’s imagination to create their own interpretation and imagery.”

Hailing from Pittsburgh, Dallas cites his original six-string inspirations as Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Howe and Ritchie Blackmore, among other heavyweights from the era. After paying his dues in clubs and festivals, lending his chops to various cover bands and original acts, he headed West.

In Los Angeles, Dallas became a respected member of the emerging wave of technically proficient players as well as an in-demand instructor at famed Hollywood music school Musician’s Institute and National Guitar Summer Workshop.

Taking on a few hired gun gigs, he eventually found himself relocated to the Tampa Bay area of Florida. During that time, he began releasing a series of critically acclaimed instrumental material. His debut release, “Looking Glass,” was hailed by critics in both Guitar World and Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazines. He was quickly recruited into Virgin recording artists Roxx Gang, both in the studio and on the road.

Dallas’ style has continued to evolve and broaden since the release of his self-produced, acclaimed solo CDs, including the breakout smash “Emergent Behavior” and the follow up “Unbecoming.”

Dallas currently performs live with his own solo band throughout Southern California. He is also a staple in the Los Angeles music scene, a sought after touring and session musician and a regular on Hollywood’s promo buzz show, Ultimate Jam Night.

Track List:
1. Beck Street
2. Deus XM
3. Dynamic Equilibrium
4. Mexican Puppets
5. Monolith
6. Intermeshing Spectra
7. Azul
8. In Via Domum
9. Jagwired

Produced by Dallas Perkins
D Mania Records

Listen to the entire album here: https://etpromo.dallasperkins.com/

To purchase:
Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B6QHMG8Y/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/experimental-truth/1635385722
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4k7tY53Crcp0cToAoGD1NI
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/dallas-perkins/ARcPh5PjVtt9knm
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCLL1dnwQNmn4YVd-hOmiuYA

For more information:
www.DallasPerkins.com
https://www.facebook.com/dalchemy
https://www.instagram.com/dallasdperkins
https://twitter.com/dallasperkins
https://www.youtube.com/dalchemy

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

Monday, September 12, 2022

YES Keyboard Legend Tony Kaye Celebrates the Anniversary of His First Solo Album 'End Of Innocence'

Twelve months on from the release of this hauntingly beautiful album, another event is changing our world.

The music is poignant for another host of reasons, showing that Kaye, writing from the heart, speaks for us all when words just cannot express the emotions we all feel when tragedy strikes.

An album 20 years in the making, the first solo work from former YES member Tony Kaye.

Conceived to commemorate the events and the journey that followed the world changing moments of 9/11, End Of Innocence is designed to be listened to in its entirety and to take us on a journey.

Featuring Dani Torchia who Kaye met in the wake of 9/11 has written and performed on the album. Tony Kaye retired from Yes in 1996, and came out of retirement the week following the events of 9/11 and began to write this album, the power of music helped Tony to process the day that became the End Of Innocence.

The album takes you on a journey from the peace of the night before, to the emerging hopeful looking to the future. This album has been interwoven with the growth of their relationship. Today the album throws light and solace following the death of Queen Elizabeth, which changes the landscape of the world for every person whose lives she touched in her 70 year Reign.

The artwork is painted by Roger Dean, the artist best known for his work with YES and Asia. It was created after Roger had heard the music and the images reflect the journey the music takes.

On the 21st Anniversary of 911, a reminder to our leaders to stay vigilant. NEVER FORGET!” - Tony Kaye

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 its 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.

Order Tony Kaye End of Innocence 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

Friday, September 9, 2022

RICK WAKEMAN, GEOFF DOWNES, L. SHANKAR & More Join FERNANDO PERDOMO On Soundtrack For Chilling New Thriller FROST!

Los Angeles, CA – Superstar musician/producer Fernando Perdomo is following up last year’s blockbuster collaboration with drum legend Carmine Appice, “Energy Overload,” with not one but two exciting new projects. First, Perdomo produced the high-profile single “Lucifer Sam” for theatrical rock legend Arthur Brown, which was released on Tuesday, and today marks the release of the first single from Perdomo’s film score for the new theatrical thriller Frost!

“The Crash” is a haunting piece that scores the Frost film’s central incident, an auto accident that leaves the two main characters, a father and daughter, stranded in an icy mountain wilderness where they have to fight for their survival. Joining Perdomo on the track is none other than keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, just one of the many guests featured on the Frost soundtrack alongside Asia/Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, electric violinist L. Shankar (Peter Gabriel/Frank Zappa), guitarist Terry Reid.

Listen to the single: https://orcd.co/fernando_perdomo_rick_wakeman_the_crash

The soundtrack is being released on vinyl on September 23 while the CD will be part of the special Blu-ray package released on October 11.

Pre-order the vinyl soundtrack: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-white-vinyl/

Pre-order the Blu-ray: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-blu-ray-cd/

Pre-order the DVD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/frost-dvd/

Pre-order/pre-save the digital soundtrack: https://orcd.co/frost_soundtrack

Track List:
1. The Crash feat. Rick Wakeman
2. Fading Heartbeat feat. Terry Reid
3. Helicopter Rescue feat. L. Shankar
4. First Sign Of Impending Snowstorm feat. L. Shankar
5. Orchid Dreaming - Big Electric Cat
6. Photo Album feat. Terry Reid
7. Hoodoo Man Blues - Junior Wells feat. Joe Louis Walker
8. Desperation feat. Geoff Downes
9. The Bonening - Front Line Assembly
10. Not Alone feat. Rick Wakeman
11. Snowy Landscape feat. Geoff Downes
12. Dad Finally Answers The Walkie feat. L. Shankar
13. Family Tragedy feat. Terry Reid
14. Frosted Blonde feat. Rick Wakeman
15. Intruder - Front Line Assembly [CD/DIGITAL ONLY]

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
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Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The God Of Hellfire ARTHUR BROWN Invites You To His MONSTER’S BALL, Releases New Single LUCIFER SAM With DEEP PURPLE’S IAN PAICE & STEVE HILLAGE!

Features performances by James Williamson, Ian Paice, Mark Stein, Nik Turner, Shuggie Otis & More

Los Angeles, CA – Fans of dark and ghoulish rock & roll are all cordially invited to attend what is sure to be the biggest party of this year’s Halloween season, Monster’s Ball, the new album from the one and only God Of Hellfire and theatrical rock visionary, Arthur Brown! For his latest macabre-themed masterpiece, Brown is joined by a murderer's row of talented co-conspirators including the album’s producers Alan Davey, who also co-wrote several of the songs, and Fernando Perdomo, all of whom have helped Brown craft one of the most energetic and thrilling albums of his long and distinguished career. From The Stooges’ guitarist James Williamson, who brings the heat on a new version of Brown’s iconic 1968 hit “Fire” to the killer collaboration with Vanilla Fudge's Mark Stein on “Zombie Yelp,” Monster’s Ball promises to be one hell of a good time!

Today, Brown is proud to share another song from the album, the psychedelic opener to the album “Lucifer Sam,” penned by none other than Syd Barrett and featuring ripping performances by Gong guitarist Steve Hillage and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. Brown had this to say about the song, “As a prelude to the album launch on October 21st here’s a mysterious track by the enigmatic Syd Barrett. Fernando Perdomo’s bold production, the song’s adventurous structure, and the input of Steve Hillage and Ian Paice make this a delight of spooky fun. Shadows flickered and felines howled as I sang this portrait - Happy Halloween!”

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/arthur_brown_lucifer_sam

Monster’s Ball will be available on all formats starting October 21 but you can pre-order your copy now!

Pre-order CD/VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=arthur+brown+monster%27s+ball&post_type=product

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/arthur_brown_monsters_ball

Track List:
1. Lucifer Sam feat. Ian Paice & Steve Hillage
2. Screamin' Ball (At Dracula's Hall) feat. Alan Davey
3. I Feel Free feat. James Williamson & Rat Scabies
4. Bucket O' Blood feat. Nik Turner
5. Zombie Yelp feat. Roye Albrighton & Mark Stein
6. Whistlin' Past The Graveyard feat. The Sinclairs
7. Fire feat. James Williamson, Brian Auger & Carmine Appice
8. The Monster Hop feat. Shuggie Otis
9. Curse Of The Hearse
10. Mad Witch
11. The Vampire feat. The Coffin Daggers
12. Late Last Night feat. Steve Hillage, Roye Albrighton, Gilli Smyth & Joel Vandroogenbroeck
BONUS TRACK [CD ONLY]
13. Karn Evil #9 feat. Jordan Rudess

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com
Facebook @Cleopatrarecords
https://www.facebook.com/CleopatraRecords/
Instagram @cleopatrarecords
https://www.instagram.com/cleopatrarecords/
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Youtube @Cleopatrarecords
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Spotify @cleopatra_recs
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Linkedin @cleopatra-records
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Thursday, September 1, 2022

French Music Legends Magma To Release New Studio Album “Kartëhl” on September 30, 2022!

2020/2021. More than 18 months without being able to do a concert. This space of time, this imposed “pause”, was used to prepare a new album, a group album, like Magma hadn’t done for a long time.

Following the creation of a new line-up in 2020, Magma once again offered to musicians to bring compositions, Christian Vander having never made the deliberate choice to be Magma’s sole composer. But de facto, none of the dozens of musicians who participated in this adventure had offered a new song for decades!

After “ZËSS”, which hinted at a rather bleak future, this luminous and resolutely optimistic new album is the result of collective work, an “Operation Kartëhl”.

In addition to the 6 tracks recorded in 2022, the album contains as a bonus, two demos recorded “at home” from Christian Vander’s personal collection.

Hakëhn Deis 7:12 (Christian Vander)
Do Rïn Ïlï üss 4:38 (Hervé Aknin)
Irena Balladina 5:11 (Christian Vander)
Walömëhndêm 7:36 (Thierry Eliez)
Wiï Mëlëhn Tü 8:54 ( Simon Goubert)
Dëhndë 6:55 (Christian Vander) *

Bonuses
Hakëhn Deis 6:11 (Christian Vander)
Recorded in 1978 - Christian Vander: Piano, vocals – René Garber: vocals

Dëhndë 6:38 (Christian Vander) *
Recorded in 1978 - Piano, vocals: René Garber

“Kartëhl” was recorded and mixed by Francis Linon at UZ studio between March 7 and June 12, 2022. Mastered at Greasy records studio by Marcus Linon. Produced by Stella Vander Linon.

Line-up – Christian Vander : drums, solo vocals, tambourine / Stella Vander : solo vocals, vocals, chime / Hervé Aknin : solo vocals, vocals / Isabelle Feuilleboi s: vocals / Sylvie Fisichella : vocals / Caroline Indjein : vocals / Laura Guarrato : vocals / Rudy Blas : guitar / Thierry Eliez : piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards / Simon Goubert : piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards / Jimmy Top : bass

*The royalties will be donated in full to the Fondation Initiative Autisme

Magma’s “Kartëhl” will be released on CD (Sept. 30) and 3-sided DBL vinyl LP (Oct. 7)

To purchase:
CD: https://www.seventhrecords.com/magma-19/kartehl-1316.html
Vinyl: https://www.seventhrecords.com/magma-19/kartehl-edition-vinyle-double-3-1317.html

For more information:
Magma's official website: www.magmamusic.org
Seventh Records: www.seventhrecords.com

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

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Rocking Horse Music Club Releases New Concept Album/Rock Opera “Circus of Wire Dolls” Featuring Members of Squeeze, King Crimson, Brand X, The Cars and Others!

Plane Groovy and Rocking Horse Music are proud to announce the 2022 release of Rocking Horse Music Club’s genre-defying new concept album/rock opera, “Circus of Wire Dolls.” The album will be released on double CD on 16th September, with double vinyl to follow on 21st October.

“On the surface, the record tells the story of a man who creates a miniature circus out of wire, string, and cloth,” explains producer/songwriter Brian Coombes, “but it’s really about a man looking back at his life, his work, the people who entered and exited his world, his successes, his failures, his regrets.”

“Circus of Wire Dolls” is the follow-up to the band’s Anthony Phillips tribute album, “Which Way the Wind Blows” (2019). “After the Ant Phillips tribute, which was a true labor of love for me, I wanted the band to get back to doing what we do best,” states Coombes. “We’re primarily songwriters, so I wanted the band to get back to showcasing our own material.”

With its theatrical presentation, “Circus of Wire Dolls” required a number of singers to voice the characters in the story. In addition to the band’s three singers/songwriters Justin Cohn, Patrik Gochez, and Brian Coombes, the characters are brought to life by: Ms Amy Birks, Tim Bowness, Caroline Carter (Miss New Hampshire 2017), Evelyn Cormier (American Idol), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Noel McCalla (the voice of Mike Rutherford’s Smallcreep’s Day), and Sing Gospel Choir of London.

In addition to the in-house instrumental talent of the Music Club, the project also features special guest musicians, including: David Cross (ex-King Crimson) on violin, Kenwood Dennard (ex-Brand X) on additional drums, Melvin Duffy (Squeeze) on pedal steel, John Hackett on flute, Greg Hawkes (the Cars) on alto saxophone, Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett) on soprano saxophone, Kate St John (Dream Academy) on oboe, cor anglais, and accordion.

While progressive rock was the album’s primary influence, the band also drew inspiration from 1960’s baroque/symphonic pop (the Beatles, the Zombies, and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys), art rock/glam (Roxy Music, David Bowie, Queen), 1980’s new wave (Tears for Fears, the Cars, Squeeze), and touches of gospel, jazz fusion, folk/americana, and modern musical theatre.

The album’s sound is warm and lush, with orchestral instrumentation and backing vocal arrangements augmenting the band’s sound. Vintage keyboards, including mellotron, optigan, celeste, and the famous Mrs Mills and Challen pianos from Abbey Road, also contribute to the album’s sonic identity.

The album was recorded at Rocking Horse Studio in New Hampshire USA, with additional recording at Abbey Road in London.

Rocking Horse Music Club will be performing the album on March 17 & 18, 2023 at Trading Boundaries, Sheffield Green, Fletching UK.

To purchase “Circus of Wire Dolls”:
UK & Rest of World: https://burningshed.com/store/rocking-horse-music-club_store

USA: https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/shop

USA (CD): Rocking Horse Music Club “Circus of Wire Dolls” 2CD (PRE ORDER ONLY) – The Band Wagon USA: https://thebandwagonusa.com/products/rocking-horse-music-club-circus-of-wire-dolls-2cd

USA (Vinyl): Rocking Horse Music Club “Circus of Wire Dolls” 2LP (PRE ORDER ONLY) – The Band Wagon USA:
https://thebandwagonusa.com/products/rocking-horse-music-club-circus-of-wire-dolls-lp

For more information: www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com

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