Los Angeles, CA - Two of the most masterful crafters of sophisticated art rock united on stage for a series of special live engagements in 2005, Joe Jackson and Todd Rundgren. Those who were able to attend in person quickly began to spread the word about the uniquely exquisite performances from these two musical geniuses, along with the incredible NY-based string quartet Ethel, and the shows promptly became one of the hottest tickets of the year. Well, if you missed your chance to see the concert in person, here's your opportunity to experience the magic on this extravagant multimedia concert album, recorded at New Jersey's State Theater!
The show features solo performances from both Jackson and Rundgren who turn in some of the most intimate and lush versions of their biggest hits including “Steppin' Out,” “Hello, It's Me,” “Is She Really Goin' Out With Him,” “Bang The Drum All Day,” “It's Different For Girls,” “I Don't Want To Tie You Down” and more! Then, for the ultimate finale, the two legends step on the stage together, backed by Ethel, for epic versions of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Black Maria.”
Joe Jackson & Todd Rundgren's State Theater New Jersey 2005 will be released everywhere June 18 on both digital and in a gorgeous 8-panel digipak that includes 2 audio discs and a DVD!
Bassist Mick Paul, best known for his work with the David Cross Band, is releasing his new album “Parallel Lives” on June 9th. The album features guest appearances by David Cross (King Crimson) and David Jackson (Van Der Graaf Generator).
Says Mick about the new album, “I’m interested in the way our lives tend to mirror each other without us realising it, hence the title ‘Parallel Lives’. Two of the songs relate to my children who are now grown up, I can see how their lives echo mine and of course how my life has parallels with my parents and the way they saw things and reacted to events- and how it goes on through the generations. It is not a concept album in the traditional sense of having a story as such but I think there is cohesiveness to the overall content of the lyrics that tell some of my story. I also feel that the moods and general feel of the album very much reflect how I felt when I was writing it.”
Initially Mick sent Craig Blundell the first couple of tracks for him to start working on. He was working a lot on tour with Steven Wilson at the time so recorded the tracks at his own studio and sent the audio files back and Mick worked closely around these to develop the rest of the parts. The next to get involved was Sheila Maloney, the original keyboard player from the David Cross Band, who has been instrumental in not just creating piano and synth parts but with overall production values and mixing decisions.
Most of Jim Wilde's vocals were done fairly early on in the recording process but he also contributed further ideas throughout as new songs were ready. “His harmonic work is very complex and I find that it complements what the bass and the keyboards are doing completely and works like another instrument within the mix,” says Mick.
With all the basic basses, keyboards and some of the drums completed Mick then worked with Steve Roberts to complete all the rest of the drum parts (and of course a fine selection of gongs). These were recorded at Mill Hill recording complex in London, with the help of the great engineer Fil Ross. Steve was able to put down all the tracks in two days which was truly amazing.
Mick then sent the files out to David Cross, David Jackson and Paul Clark for violin, flutes/whistles and guitars respectively. Says Mick, “Both Davids sent me at least three different versions of each solo and each part and allowed me to choose the ones that I liked the best. This worked really well and was such an interesting way to work editing the parts together so that their best ideas were retained. They have all added their own personal slant to the songs they play on to great effect and I really like the way that these tracks have turned out.”
The last person to be recorded was Dennis Mahon who lives in California. Mick met him at Cruise to the Edge and was so impressed with his singing on John Wetton covers that he wanted to work with him and see what he would do with an original song. His vocals were recorded by Fernando Perdomo at Reseda Ranch Studios CA USA.
The album was then mastered by 360 Mastering here in the UK.
During a career going back to the 1970’s Mick Paul has played with many established artists and done numerous tours and TV sessions
In the early eighties he was was produced by Mike Ratledge and Carl Jenkins from Soft Machine, then became an in house session bassist for a studio in London, around 1983 started writing his own material with mixed success, it wasn’t until 1995 when Mick joined the David Cross band that he found his feet as a writer, working with David Cross, Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Peter Hammill.
In 2015 whilst recording the album “Another Day” for Cherry Red records with David Cross, David Jackson and Craig Blundell that he found there was a lot of material that was very personal to him that felt more cohesive as a solo project rather than as band ideas, Mick worked closely on these with Paul Clark and Craig Blundell on the initial tracks and later on as the album developed found that Sheila Maloney, the original keyboard player from the David Cross band was instrumental in setting the ambience for later tracks.
Mick has also toured Europe with Mr. Big vocalist ‘Eric Martin’ and is also part of the recently formed ‘Fae’.
In closing Mick has this to say, “I would be very happy if everyone who listens to the album finds it a positive experience. Although the album goes through many different moods and styles, I hope the overall experience is one of exploration and hope. What I also hope is that they find out that the bass itself is such a flexible and interesting instrument and not just there for the low notes. There are some very different ways of playing the bass heard on the album that include melodies, tapping, solos, and textural accompaniments as well as all the low stuff!”
First Track & Video Premiered “Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat”
Trifecta, a new addition to the Kscope roster, features 3 of the contemporary music scene’s most lauded and revered musicians – bassist and songwriter Nick Beggs, keyboardist extraordinaire Adam Holzman and completing the line-up, Craig Blundell – one of the world’s most celebrated drummers.
Having performed together as part of Steven Wilson’s band, the three would jam together after soundchecks, forming what they referred to as “jazz club” and from these sessions the fledgling ideas for “Fragments” were born, Nick Beggs comments “after the last tour with Steven finished, we had a handful of tracks ready to work on and as we moved through our various separate projects we agreed to work on Trifecta.”
The record primarily leans toward a fusion of jazz rock, imaginatively described by Beggs as “Fission! It’s like Fusion but less efficient and more dangerous with fall out.” and being mainly instrumental with the exception of one track, the wonderfully titled and first single “Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat”. The lyrics of which, Beggs states “are written from the perspective of a layman trying to understand quantum mechanics…and failing”. The track also features drum programming from Russell Holzman.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “PAVLOV’S DOG KILLED SCHRODINGER’S CAT” HERE
The brilliantly animated video was devised and created by Beggs himself – he comments “The film clip is a new take on the lyric video concept I guess? I made it one afternoon in my home studio using my i-phone and a writing pad!”
Each band member completed the recording and engineering of their own contributions in their various home studios which helped in bringing their individual production ideas to each track. Adam Holzman mixed the record at his New York home studio and the mastering was handled by Andy VanDette (Rush, David Bowie, Deep Purple, Porcupine Tree, Beastie Boys) in New York.
The title for the debut came about as Nick Beggs explains “We discussed early on, the idea of each piece having a Fragment number and track title, for example – ‘Fragment 10 - Pavlov’s Dog Killed Schrodinger’s Cat’. As all the compositions were written as jams or in our home studios this idea seemed even more prescient. So, we titled the album ‘Fragments’”.
“Fragments” will be released on 20th August via Kscope on CD, black vinyl LP, ltd edition neon orange vinyl LP (exclusive to www.kscopemusic.com/store) and digitally.
Track List 1. Clean Up On Aisle Five [03:07] 2. Check Engine Light [02:55] 3. Proto Molecule [02:20] 4. Auntie [02:57] 5. Venn Diagram [02:42] 6. The Enigma Of Mr. Fripp [02:44] 7. Sally Doo-Dally [02:54] 8. Have You Seen What The Neighbours Are Doing? [02:58] 9. The Mute Gospel [03:16] 10. Pavlov`s Dog Killed Schrodinger`s Cat [04:12] 11. Voyage Of Discovery [03:02] 12. Nightmare In Shining Armor [02:00] 13. Dry Martini [03:13] 14. Lie 2 Me And Take My Money [03:13] 15. Hold It Like That[03:28]
Can’t wait until 20th August? Curious to know more now? Fans can check out an album teaser HERE
First single & video for track “Departure Tape” premiered
UK based Italian composer, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist Giancarlo Erra will release his new album “Departure Tapes” on July 2, 2021 through Kscope.
“Departure Tapes” is an album consisting of 6 contemplative recordings, written while travelling between the UK and Italy. The majority of these 6 tracks were improvised in the studio by Erra, so for the most part, are totally unique and hold a sincerity which cannot be replicated. It is the follow up to 2019’s acclaimed album “Ends I-VII”, with the new recordings reflecting what has been an extremely difficult year for Giancarlo, with the loss of his father to cancer. Erra comments “In 2019 my first solo album was just being released, and I already had the view that I wanted to be more experimental with the second one, but no precise idea how at that point. Then my father suddenly got ill with cancer, and everything changed.”
Erra, having had a fractured and conflicted relationship with his father since his early teenage years found a way to turn this distressing time into a cathartic experience, “He left when I was 14 and since then he wasn't really part of my life. Then I received the news of his terminal illness and somehow, I found myself in a situation where I was taking care of this man, someone who I have been distanced from for so long. During this period, I realized it had become a time for both of us to come to terms with many things. I wanted to get closure, but a positive one, for him and for me, and I think he was the same even though he maybe didn't know it; this was hard but at the same time 'healing' and in a painful twist, it was possibly the most close and positive few months I had with him since I was a small child.” He explains the influence this had on him creatively “It's the first album I have created without realizing I was actually writing it, as it is so intrinsically linked to one of the hardest and yet more healing parts of my life. The end result is the most experimental, and at times, the darkest material I have ever written, without compromise or set plan. It contains all the elements of my music in a very unconscious free flowing way.”
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE NEW SINGLE “DEPARTURE TAPE” HERE
The first single to be taken from the new album is the extremely poignant and personal “Departure Tape” with the video dedicated to Erra’s father, he explains “This track was written I think when I came back from my first visit to Italy to see my father after he had been diagnosed. It really just began as a live experiment - born and finished within one afternoon. I remember I didn't really want to do anything; I was exhausted and down, but then, when I started playing the track took shape. I discovered there was much more going on inside my head that needed to be faced. For me, music has always been the only way I can do that, and from this introspection ‘Departure Tape’ was born. It's almost like a free subconscious stream of thoughts and feelings while recording everything that was happening.”
Giancarlo Erra began his musical career in 2005 with one man studio project Nosound. 2008 saw him signing with Kscope and released a string of albums under the Nosound banner before recording his debut solo “Ends I-VII”. “Departure Tapes” sees Erra play and record every instrument himself along with taking on full production responsibilities at his own studio (https://widescreen.studio). Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and the more electronic / ambient recordings of Brian Eno may offer a reference point by which to enter Erra’s world, but the depth within his recordings is truly original.
“Departure Tapes” track list:
1. Dawn Tape [06:15] 2. Previous Tape [01:48] 3. 169th Tape [02:51] 4. Unwound Tape [08:24] 5. Departure Tape [16:51] 6. A Blues For My Father [07:31]
“Departure Tapes” will be released on the following formats and is available to pre-order HERE (https://GiancarloErra.lnk.to/DepartureTapes) • A gatefold LP on oxblood coloured 180g vinyl • 2-disc CD/DVD with the DVD-A/V including high resolution stereo & 5.1 mix: DVD-V: stereo 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS 96/24 5.1 Surround and DVD-A: 5.1 Surround 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes • Digitally (with digital pre-orders receiving the single “Departure Tape” as an instant download from 22nd April)
WITH FEATURED GUESTS TONY LEVIN, MARTY SCHWARTZ, PAUL WOLSTENCROFT, TOM GRIESGRABER, AND FARZAM SALAMI
Slightly Stoopid drummer Rymo (Ryan Moran) has released his new solo album “Kinetic” out now on all digital platforms here via Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Featured guests include progressive rock legend Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, ABWH, Pink Floyd, King Crimson), YouTube guitar sensation Marty Schwartz, Tom Griesgraber, Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), and film composer Farzam Salami. The album “Kinetic” arrives on the heels of his two singles “Kinetic” and “Skooby Snax” previously released this Spring.
“‘Kinetic’ represents some of the many influences and musical genres that I enjoy. Most of the songs were written and refined in a studio setting over a period of time. I was fortunate to have a bunch of great guests join me and add their talent to this project.” - Rymo
Rymo’s bandmates from Slightly Stoopid, OG, Dela, Paulie and AG all contributed to the album, playing multiple parts on songs and solos. Farzam Salami contributed tasteful Middle Eastern percussion and stringed instruments on several tracks. Tom Griesgraber helped record, produce, perform and engineer the album. The entire album was recorded at his studio with the exception of a few guest artists that recorded remotely.
“This album is a sonic journey. The music touches down in various sounding regions around the globe and takes the listener on a ride.” - Rymo
ABOUT RYMO: Born in San Francisco and raised in San Rafael, Ryan was bitten by the music bug shortly after his 10th birthday. He had two older sisters that provided a wide range of listening opportunities. One sister was full on punk rock and the other, a Deadhead. Sprinkle in generous amounts of 80’s top 40 radio and you have Ryan’s musical recipe. As far as early influences go, Ryan chooses Led Zeppelin and their drummer, John Bonham and Rush’s Neil Peart as particularly influential.
Inspired by his High School music teacher, Mark Peabody, Ryan continued his pursuit of knowledge by earning a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in 1993 for their 5 week Summer program. There he met musicians from all over the U.S. His continuing education led him to apply to several different colleges, but San Diego State University had all the right factors. Ryan attended SDSU beginning in late 1994 until 2000, when he earned his BA in Music. Since his graduation, he has continued his pursuit of the groove, which has led to involvement in several projects.
Ryan Moran has been a full-time member of the stylistically diverse band, Slightly Stoopid since 2003 and has recorded 7 albums with the band. They have toured internationally, and shared the stage with many legendary artists. Described by themselves as “a fusion of funk, rock, reggae and ska with hip-hop, metal and punk,” Slightly Stoopid gives Ryan a wide palette to paint his percussive contributions. “It’s been an incredible ride…We have done things I could only have dreamed of as a kid.” The band has all types of content on every major social media channel, and has achieved many landmark goals, such as headlining a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, 10 years in a row.
In the studio, Moran has contributed to over 40 albums playing drums primarily, but also vibraphone, piano, didgeridoo, and world percussion. He has worked with various producers in a wide range of styles and projects. This has led him to recording studios all across the U.S., from sessions in New York City to Circle House in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to the legendary Sound City in Hollywood, CA.
In addition to his performing and recording credits Ryan is also an educator, being active in giving lessons as a private teacher both online and in person. His YouTube channel ‘rymostoopid’ has over 60 drum lessons posted and has over a million views. Ryan has also been involved in The Rios Music Project, a private music school in Carlsbad, CA. In the past, he has also taught at the A.R.T.S. music non-profit organization, also in San Diego. He has appeared several times at Notes for Notes music non-profit organization in Nashville, TN and Santa Barbara, CA.
In August of 2015 Moran was featured in DRUM! Magazine and was also included in the book, “Sticks ‘N’ Skins” by Jules Follett.
Some of Rymo’s personal influences include John Bonham, Danny Carey, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Stewart Copeland, Peter Erskine, David Garibaldi, Neil Peart, Simon Phillips, Thomas Pridgen, Steve Smith, and many more.
Slightly Stoopid has performed live with many guest artists, ranging from Snoop Dogg and Chali 2na to Barrington Levy, Don Carlos and Stephen Marley, to Fishbone’s Angelo Moore and Dumpstaphunk’s Ian and Ivan Neville, to name just a few.
• New collaborative album from electronic duo The Grid (aka Richard Norris & Dave Ball of Soft Cell) and Robert Fripp
• Combining Fripp Soundscapes with synth, drums, programming and effects by The Grid
• Available on Double disc CD/DVD-a, 2LP 200 gram super-heavyweight vinyl and Digital album
“Robert (Fripp) turned up with a truck load of amps and effects, two great big stacks including delay units with a 76 second delay and played and played and played.”
Though not intended as such, in some respects Leviathan and its creators represent between them one version of the history of British electronic music. In 1973, the curiosity of a significant chunk of the King Crimson and Roxy Music fan bases, along with an attractive price, propelled Fripp & Eno’s “No Pussyfooting” into many thousands of homes where no such recording had previously registered a single sleeve, much less a gatefold. By the early 80s Dave Ball & Marc Almond’s Soft Cell were at the forefront of a wave of synth based bands who dominated the singles and albums charts. In the 1990s, The Grid – Dave Ball (again) & Richard Norris formed a key act in what was sometimes referred to as Electronica, sometimes herded under the (almost meaningless) “Dance music” category, occasionally (equally inaccurately/narrowly) described as “ambient” music, the struggles of music industry name-taggers never quite catching either the breadth of the music involved, nor recognizing – until much later – the scope of its influence.
The Grid’s success - a number of hit singles and albums, including the million selling “Swamp Thing”, world tours, remixes for Eno, Pet Shop Boys, Yello, Sylvian/Fripp – could find a ready audience among those for whom, by now, electronic music was part of the everyday musical fabric and commonality of experience, even as it continued to evolve and develop as a form in itself.
The Grid were managed at the time (1992) by David Enthoven who had also managed King Crimson and Roxy Music from inception for many years and by now with a Sylvian/Fripp remix among their producing credits, it is no surprise that the duo and Fripp were keen to see if mutual recordings would produce interesting results – hence the arrival of the equipment described by Richard Norris above at Eastcote Studios in West London.
As Norris further notes: “Robert’s craft and musicianship was slightly daunting to us at first, being from a more DIY, post punk electronic background, but we soon worked out a language to communicate in. ‘Make it sound like a thunderstorm…’, ‘I’m going to make a sound like a bomb’, that kind of thing. After every track, Robert would say ‘Have you got any more?’ and seemed to be greatly enjoying himself. He was a very generous guest”.
The resulting Fripp recordings provided material for much of The Grid’s second album “456” and their Top 20 follow-up album “Evolver”.
But there was more, much more….
A few years ago, The Grid rediscovered tapes from these sessions, including unreleased tracks they’d worked up but never completed or mixed. A set of long solo drone pieces from Fripp was discovered along with a lost track that was then remixed to become “A Cabala Sky” by The Grid / Fripp and released as part of Bill Brewster’s acclaimed “Late Night Tales” compilation series in 2014.
Further Fripp Soundscapes from the same period were added to the mix by DGM’s David Singleton, which inspired The Grid to add new synths, drums, programming and effects to create the album “Leviathan” a 2LP and CD/DVD-a set.
Inspired by the mythical whale ‘Leviathan’, the biggest prehistoric whale that ever lived, Norris adds “I like Philip Hoare’s book ‘Leviathan’, which is about his obsession with whales and whale watching and the awe of coming into contact with such massive creatures. They are quite mysterious. Their brains are enormous, and we don’t quite know what all the brain power is doing… A bit like Robert, really”.
Having completed the album’s stereo mixes, DGM suggested the music as ideal for a full 5.1 surround mix by The Vicar. Electronic music lends itself very well to Surround Sound mixing as the listener has no fixed notion as to where any sound should emerge from. This mix features on the CD/DVD-a edition (alongside the stereo mix) and while Surround Sound is sometimes regarded as “niche” in terms of audience, the same would have been said about any form of electronic music when Fripp turned up, guitar in hand, at Eno’s place in 1972.
But then inquisitive musicians, even (perhaps especially) when they approach music from very different perspectives, often arrive at places that are as intriguing to an audience as they were to the participants.
“Leviathan” Tracklist:
1. Empire 2. Milkwood 3. Pulse Detected 4. Loom 5. Leviathan 6. After The Rain 7. Fire Tower 8. Zhora 9. Sympatico
The Grid / Fripp “Leviathan” Released 25th June 2021 and Distributed by AMPED Distribution
Album features performances by Rick Wakeman, Ian Paice, Todd Rundgren, Geoff Tate, Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Steve Hillage, Edgar Froese, Tony Levin, James LaBrie, Bootsy Collins, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble, Carmine Appice and more!
Los Angeles, CA - Pink Floyd’s 1975 album, Wish You Were Here, surely counts as one of the greatest rock albums of the 20th century. A musically and emotionally complex tribute to the band’s former leader, vocalist Syd Barrett, whose deteriorating mental health had caused the band to oust him in 1968, the album has become a touchstone for a generation of artists who sought to achieve the synthesis of brilliant, multi-part suites, poignant ballads, and heady melodic rockers that Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, & Nick Mason realized on this album.
And now, a stunning all-star line-up of rock and metal royalty have gathered to recreate this epic masterpiece as a testament to its long-enduring legacy. Still Wish You Were Here includes awe-inspiring performances from keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, Rock Hall of Fame nominee Todd Rundgren, ex-Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate, guitar god Joe Satriani, Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, spacebass super genius Bootsy Collins, The Damned’s Rat Scabies, PiL’s Jah Wobble and lots more! Get ready to fall in love with this classic record all over again.
Still Wish You Were Here will be available on both CD in a beautiful 6-panel deluxe digipak and a stunningly gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors!
Track List: 1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5) - Geoff Tate, Steve Hackett, Billy Sheehan, Mel Collins, Geoff Downes, Ian Paice 2. Welcome To The Machine - Todd Rundgren, Rick Wakeman, Tony Levin 3. Have A Cigar - James LaBrie, Steve Stevens, Patrick Moraz, Rat Scabies, Jah Wobble 4. Wish You Were Here - Rik Emmett, Joe Satriani, Edgar Froese, David Ellefson, Carmine Appice 5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9) - Rod Argent, Steve Hillage, Ian Paice, Bootsy Collins
“Destinations 2” is a follow up to his critically acclaimed album “Destinations”, which was voted number 3 in Goldmine Magazine’s top 100 albums of 2020. Prog Rock said of this album: “This is ‘Guitar Hero’ as arch-melody maker, putting his chops in service of each song’s mood. This is an artist searching for and finding a fresh way to express his unquestionable talent.”
Talking about his new album Darryl says:
“Like ‘Destinations’, ‘Destinations 2’ sets out to take the listener on a journey to far off and exotic locations, something that in reality is very difficult for us to do at the moment. These tracks are journeys of the mind and are my interpretation of the atmosphere's and music of each different location, from Sun Baked Mexico to Bohemian Budapest.
Set mostly in a ‘Rock’ format, the tracks are tempered by my new found love of playing the Guitar and my continuing love for playing the Violin. So the pieces themselves lean towards genres where the Guitar and Violin are features of that particular style. However, when the music needs to be more expansive, I have not been able to resist orchestrating it for full orchestra, giving the piece more cinematic depth.
As this music is essentially ‘Program Music’, I've also included in the sleeve notes of this album my descriptions of the pieces. As with works like Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ and Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie Fantastique’, it's sometimes helpful for the listener to know what the composer’s original intentions were.
Having said that, I’m just as happy for the listener to make up their own stories for the music.
Finally, I hope you enjoy this album as much as I did creating it.”
Laura Meade’s new studio album, The Most Dangerous Woman in America, due on May 21, 2021 on Doone Records, marks Meade’s follow up to her solo debut, 2018’s Remedium and 2019’s Don’t Panic with New York progressive rock septet IZZ.
The Most Dangerous Woman in America, co-written with IZZ bandmate John Galgano between March and December of 2020, explores the story of a woman whose voice was silenced and whose story was all but forgotten by her own country.
“As we wrote the music and lyrics for this album, John and I realized that the concept and story that inspired us was not just the story of one woman, but also the story of all of those who stay true to themselves regardless of the cost,” says Meade.
“There have been so many people throughout history – many of them women – who stand up for themselves, stand up for what they believe in, and experience great pain and suffering for doing so, their memories and voices lost along the way to gossip and rumor. I hope that this album, in some small way, honors and gives voice to the forgotten.”
From the pulsing forward-momentum of “Leaving” to the majesty of “Iconoclast” to the mystery and passion of “Forgive Me,” The Most Dangerous Woman in America explores the sincerity, emotion, and authenticity that so often lie beyond the gossip and sensationalism of fame and celebrity.
“This album was written to honor the forgotten: those whose stories remain untold, whose lives have been neutralized by those with unchecked power,” says Meade.
Meade’s new album features the songs “Burned at the Stake” and the title track, both available on April 23, 2021 for purchase by pre-ordering the full album at izzmusic.bandcamp.com and for streaming on Spotify.
Meade is joined on the album by IZZ members Tom Galgano (Keyboards, Production), Brian Coralian (V-Drums), John Galgano (Bass).
Laura Meade’s The Most Dangerous Woman in America is available for pre-order now on the IZZ Bandcamp page: izzmusic.bandcamp.com (download) and will be available for streaming on all platforms on May 21, 2021. CD and Vinyl versions of the album are also available for pre-order now.
Watch the video for “Burned at the Stake” here:
Track Listing: 1. On the Shores of the Seine 2. Leaving 3. Burned at the Stake 4. Iconoclast 5. End of the Road in Hollywood 6. Doesn’t Change a Thing 7. The Most Dangerous Woman in America 8. The Shape of Shock 9. Forgive Me 10. Tell Me, Love
Featuring Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius
Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass,” simply put, it’s bass heaven.
After the success of his latest prog rock album “Odd Times,” Italian bassist & composer Alberto Rigoni (BAD As, Natural Born Machine, The Italians, Vivaldi Metal Project), now releases his 10th solo album. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is exclusively electric bass, spanning ambient, fusion, jazz and new age styles.
“It has been really challenging but the special guests contributed some gorgeous playing and we are all proud of the result,” says Alberto. “For The Love of Bass” is an all-star bassists album featuring some of the best players anywhere: Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius,
Are you ready to face a new bass experience?!
Watch Alberto Rigoni's new video for “Masked Souls” feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring:
Other distributors: Disk Union (Japan), MVD (USA), Burning Shed (UK), Plastic Head (UK), Digital Platforms (Apple Music, Spotify etc.)
Tracklist: 1. Drops of Memories (feat. Tony Franklin) 2. In the Loop (feat. David Pastorius) 3. Dreamers (feat. Michael Manring) 4. Alone in the Dark (feat. Doug Wimbish) 5. Paranoia (feat. Cody Wright) 6. The Maze (feat. Mohini Dey) 7. Masked Souls (feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring) 8. Social Distortion (feat. Adam Nitti) 9. Mad World bass cover (feat. Leland Sklar) 10. Killers (feat. Lars Lehmann) 11. Misirlou bass cover (feat. Lars Lehmann) 12. Lost (feat. Adam Nitti)
Biography
Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines Lady & THE BASS, co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).
Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.
Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”
Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.
In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.
On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.
In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.
Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.
His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.
DarWin first grabbed attention with the epic 17 track double album “Origin of Species” in 2019. It won over fans and critics alike with its mix of virtuoso playing, heavy guitars, and symphonic rock, co-produced by Simon Phillips. The punchy follow up album “DarWin 2 : A Frozen War” took the concept a stage further, adding musicians Billy Sheehan, Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe and Derek Sherinian to the mix.
Now comes “DarWin 3 : Unplugged,” a collection of orchestral and stripped back versions of tracks from the first two albums.
Highlights range from the sweeping instrumental takes of “Escape The Maze” and “The Last Chance” recorded at Abbey Road Studios, ”Nightmare of My Dreams” recorded in Iceland, to a poignant acapella version of “Another Year.”
The album, once again produced by Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who, Santana), features DarWin (guitars), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, Jeff Beck) on bass and vocals, The Chamber Orchestra of London, and The Reykjavik Quartet across its eight tracks. Phillips also adds his signature percussion and effects to the album.
The songs first appeared as a bonus addition to the limited edition “DarWin 2 : A Frozen War” double vinyl LP, and are now being given a stand-alone release in “DarWin 3” on April 16th 2021.
DarWin says, “Upon completing our first and second albums, we quickly realized that completely different interpretations of the songs were possible by isolating the strings or acoustic instruments as much as possible. Indeed, they sounded like completely different songs, although the fundamental concepts and spirit of the songs remained intact. Simon went to work on doing new mixes with the exact same instruments and tracks from the recordings in the earlier albums to create these ‘unplugged’ versions of the songs. Matt Bissonette also recorded two new solo versions of ‘Slowly Melting’ and ‘One Horizon,’ with just his voice and bass. Simple and pure. ‘Slowly Melting’ was recorded on a live take with the voice and bass parts simultaneously. Many of these songs were deeply emotional journeys, and that character tends to shine through in these unplugged versions.”
DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species” was the first instalment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in. Classic Rock praised it on release “At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” Prog Magazine compared it to “Dream Theater at their most melodic meeting a harder-edged Toto.”
Second album “DarWin 2: A Frozen War” picked up rave reviews across the board: “A rock tour de force with melody, shredding, and orchestral flourishes” - Progrock.co.uk “Near perfect prog, 9/10” - Powerplay “Highly interesting and mesmerising” - RRRR Rockunited “Wow! More please soon!” - AORMusic “A triumph” - At The Barrier Magazine “A progressive rock album that is crafted, polished and at times simply breathtaking in its composition” - The Razor’s Edge
“DarWin 3 : Unplugged” Track list: 1 Escape the Maze (Orchestral) 2 Nightmare of My Dreams (Orchestral) 3 Slowly Melting (Unplugged) 4 Forever (Orchestral): 5 One Horizon (Unplugged) 6 Rise (Orchestral) 7 Last Chance (Orchestral) 8 Another Year (Acapella)
Working at the highest international level of quality has always been a fundamental characteristic of the Gerald Gradwohl Group. He collaborated with Bob Berg, Gary Willis, Kirk Covington, Adam Nitti amongst others. Rooted in the quartet’s own unique approach to instrumental fusion, their sixth album “Episode 6” is a celebration of improvisation set within an exciting and colorful, sonic landscape of imposing compositions. As we have come to know from guitarist and composer Gerald Gradwohl, he continues to work with musicians who, aside from their extraordinary instrumental skills, also bring maturity and creative drive into both concert and recording situations.
“Episode 6” is no exception. Gradwohl’s sophisticated and stylistically diverse instrumental compositions conceptualize exciting musical interactions, and his approach not only continues to keep live recordings fresh and challenging but also fosters the intuition and spontaneity of the musicians, all consolidating the band’s highly dynamic sound. Gerald Gradwohl (g), Thomas Kugi (sax), Jojo Lackner (b) und Harald Tanschek (dr) have once again proved themselves to be an exceptional ensemble, unifying dynamic and intimate musicality with artistic intuition and emotional depth.
Says Gerald, “Goal of the album was to capture the live sound of this steadily gigging band. We play live with this line up since years which of course influenced my writing a lot. The sound of the live band was the main inspiration, but I also tried to capture the existing vibes during the lockdown. My plan was to work on an album in 2021, but as the pandemic changed all plans and schedules, I preponed this project and finished the song ideas I already had during April/May…We recorded 2 days live as a quartet in one room and added a few overdubs later, so the result is as it would sound live. Recording live is one of my main concepts since years as all the records I made are some kind of snapshots. Moreover, I don’t like to make everything perfect - I love the idea that the listener can feel the energy and spirit of playing together as it would be onstage.”
When looking for terms and names to describe the band, the attempt will leave you with a wide spectrum between jazz and fusion music focusing on grooving funk with a strong “Rock ‘N’ Roll Attitude” mixed with Jazz harmony to fierce discharging jazz rock storms. There is no arbitrariness in this wide array of musical styles and influences, as the band selected team players from the international jazz/fusion scene – renders the stringent compositions in a committed and playfully individual manner, putting its high-quality inventive signature to the music and derives its uniqueness and independence from a sure, pro-active and listening interaction of experienced musician personalities. Gradwohl can jump into and out of the stylistic changes like a true chameleon. He has ventured further into exploratory fusion on this effort than on any of his previous efforts. Having the support and backing of the great rhythm section has really made this venture for Gradwohl into tribal funk fusion a viable effort of world class caliber. GG pulls all the stops of his musical skills. “As much composition as necessary and as much improvisation as possible” seems to be the dogma and the point of view of fusion-music of today for this worldwide known and acknowledged composer and performer, living in Wr. Neustadt, Austria. The great variety in composition and playing will not only fascinate Jazz and Fusion lovers - watch out for exciting live gigs!
The album “ABQ” (2003) feat. Bob Berg, Gary Willis and Kirk Covington was a big step in Gerald’s international career. Several albums and live tours have been the result of his continuous work. 2007 “Tritone Barrier” is released. On this album Scott Henderson contributes a guest solo on the track “Jeff's Back.” This album is followed by “Sally Beth Roe” in 2009 which he recorded with his Trio - this is a real guitar trio record! In 2013 Gerald released “Big Land” feat. Tribal Tech drummer Kirk Covington on drums. “RAW” (2016) is a critically acclaimed masterpiece of Jazz and Rock music and is the first release with his current band. The band is touring regularly and releases the new album “Episode 6” in April 2021!
Says Gerald, “I hope we can present the album live as soon as possible. My main goal is to bring the Quartet to as many festivals as possible, as we really ‘burn’ onstage. My next project is already in the works - I want to prove that it is possible to do a ‘remote’ recording by sending files back and forth and still creating a live atmosphere almost as we would play together in a room. I already did a few tunes with Kirk Covington and Adam Nitti and hope that I can finish this in 2021!”
Gerald Gradwohl Group: Gerald Gradwohl - guitar Thomas Kugi - sax Jojo Lackner - bass Harald Tanschek - drums
Here’s what the press has said about Gerald Gradwohl:
“Gerald Gradwohl is a serious, progressive jazz guitarist who spans a range of styles and influences within multiple jazzish genres from silky smooth jazz to rip-roaring fusion, always with intensive guitar work.” - EER Music
“A guitarist of extraordinary depth and sensitivity. Gradwohl plays with the same kind of abandon as Scott Henderson, and is able to portray the same gracefulness as Frank Gambale, showing a solid command for his jazz meets rock guitar stylings.” - Jazz.com
“If you want your jazz rock fusion hard hitting and rough, yet well balanced and without the blinding restlessness of shredding, look no further.” - FUSENET
“A highly skilled soloist, Gradwohl’s style combines the hip lines of a jazz player, with the technical proclivities of a shredder.” - The Guitar Channel
Gerald Gradwohl Group “Episode 6” Released on April 6, 2021 Label: gtone211
Mixed by Steve Smith (Supertramp, Heart, Cheap Trick)
Mike Tiano is known for his bringing Yes into the Internet age. After helming one of the first online fanzines Notes From the Edge Mike created their official web site YesWorld, and for well over a decade was their web site manager.
Mike is also a musician and songwriter in his own right, now releasing “Creétisvan” which he characterizes as his life’s work and is informally calling the album his “audiobiography”. As he explains, “This album is culled from many of my best compositions, written throughout my adulthood. I’ve rarely performed these, and had only recently produced them.”
What is evident is Mike’s being inspired by the likes of the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Rush, and of course Yes. “The tunes are in the vein of early progressive rock: lots of heart along with catchy melodies, recurring themes, sonic instrumental flights, shifting dynamics, and the kind of tuneful content which is sorely missing in today’s popular musical scene. Many who miss ‘classic’ rock in general will find much to enjoy here.” Mike’s influences are apparent throughout the album, including the Zeppelin-esque “Automaton”; the Yes-like “Triad”; the Beatles-inspired “(Because) You Win”; the surprising Buffalo Springfield vibe of “A Natural”; and Mike’s prog influences in general on the epic “Emerge Triumphant”, which features a live orchestra.
Every track was written and arranged by Mike, who is lead vocalist and handles the lion’s share of the guitar work. While he also produced ten of the twelve tracks the remaining two were handled by Yes member Billy Sherwood on “Different Drummer” while the instrumental “Dance of the Little Guys” is the work of Randy George, bassist for the Neal Morse Band. Both musicians perform on those respective songs.
Other accomplished musicians gracing “Creétisvan” include David Sancious (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Jon Anderson’s album “Animation”); keyboard wizard and orchestrator Jonathan Sindelman (Keith Emerson Band, The Magic Band/Captain Beefheart); guitarist Steve McKnight (Cry Wolf, GayC/DC); keyboardist Rick Daugherty (the reformed Flash); vocalist Joanne Perica; and a host of notable Seattle-area talents.
Mike attributes the album’s “exquisite mix” to Grammy winner Steve Smith. Steve began his career as assistant engineer on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” and was a member of legendary Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick’s production team for Supertramp’s “Even in the Quietest Moments”, where Steve participated on the hit “Give a Little Bit”. Steve would go on to apply his talents on projects for Heart, Cheap Trick, Donna Summer, Garth Brooks, and video game orchestrations for Michael Giacchino to name a very few.
But what the heck is Creétisvan? When he was young Mike aspired to be a cartoonist; in his late teens and early 20s he created spacey cartoon collages. To title this style of art he used a word unique to his own history—one that you won’t find in a dictionary (yet). Mike would use “Creetisvan” (no accent over the second ‘e’) for that art and later for his musical performances, and when he decided to retain it for the title of the album he added that accent to include the word “create”—denoting his devotion to artistry and creativity. Bringing his artistic journey full circle some of the original artwork he created as a young adult will be found on the inside cover.
Here's what’s being said about Mike Tiano’s “Creétisvan”:
“Mike Tiano’s project is adventurous, sonically rich and both enjoyable and refreshing.” – Lee Abrams
“Mike has crafted an album that is true to his progressive rock influences as well as pop sensibilities in the style of the Beatles.” – Randy George (The Neal Morse Band)
“‘Creétisvan’ is a lovely, creative album that pulls at my heartstrings with a revitalized British rock sound, very much in the mold of the later Beatles and earlier progressive rock. Tiano’s voice takes me back to Peter Gabriel’s in the earlier Genesis albums, and the sonic landscape is lush and dreamy. The album is a wonderful work, a rich vein where musical miners will hit the motherlode and be splendidly rewarded.” – Bill Martin: Philosopher, musician, author (‘Music of Yes’ & many others)
“‘Creétisvan’ harkens back to that creative time period of the late 1960s, early 1970s: impactful with certain amounts of melodic content permeated throughout. It’s very authentic.” – Steve Smith, Grammy-Winning Recording Engineer
“This is the kind of music that we need right now.” – Colin (Person on the Seattle street)
About Mike Tiano: After living in L.A. for most of his life Mike moved to the Seattle area in the late 1980s to pursue a career in technology, and to begin recording his songs in earnest. Mike would join Microsoft where he remained for nearly twenty years in various roles, including primary Test Engineer for two brand-new features in Windows 95: the Taskbar and the Start Menu. In 1993 Mike became editor for Notes From the Edge, publishing innumerous interviews with Yes members. After convincing Yes to launch their official site Mike created its original schema, and as Site Manager oversaw the official band and various member sites. Mike provided the liner notes for four of the Yes remasters from Rhino, and is currently a contributor to the online media journal Something Else! Reviews.
“One of the Top 10 Guitar Players in the World” - Guitar Magazine
“One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time” - Classic Rock Magazine
“Verheyen’s guitar work will blow you away” - Guitar Player Magazine
“Sundial” is an esoteric record comprising of rock, funk, ska, soulful ballads and afro-pop music. Recorded during the music industry’s “Grand Pause” of 2020, guitarist Carl Verheyen adopted an “anything goes” concept and musical variety is the theme.
“The title track ‘Sundial’ was an attempt to write a healing and uplifting piece of music that makes me feel good every time I hear it,” says Verheyen. Orchestrated with acoustic and electric guitars, piano, organ and backing vocals, the song soars through jazz-rock, prog-rock and even folk-rock tonalities.
The record immediately takes a left turn with an up tempo instrumental called “Kaningie.” Inspired by a record collection of Afro-pop recordings and crossing it with the feel of the Santana classic “Soul Sacrifice,” Carl wrote a wild and relentless melody captured live with 2 drummers in the studio. Hold on tight!
“I joined the British rock band Supertramp back in 1985 following the release of ‘Brother Where You Bound,’ an album that featured a long David Gilmour guitar solo on the title track. My job was to perform something comparable on tour, tall shoes to fill. We first met backstage at the Royal Albert Hall during one of our week-long stints there. ‘Spiral Glide’ is my tribute to Gilmour, a true English gentleman and lifelong inspiration.”
The chemistry of Carl’s touring band (John Mader drums, Jim Cox keyboards and Dave Marotta bass) is deep on “Clawhammer Man,” a song that “grew out of a 2 bar lick played out of a tiny 4 watt amplifier. Inspiration can come from anywhere,” says Carl.
Walking by a grand piano in a hotel lobby in Alberta, Canada, a 15 year old Verheyen stopped to play the intro to the #1 song of the day, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Carl recalls, “A few seconds later a familiar voice began singing over my right shoulder. Turning around I realized it was Art Garfunkel himself! Garfunkel is a song about that incredible memory.”
The Rascals were always a favorite band of Verheyen’s and Felix Cavalier one of his favorite singers. On “People Got To Be Free,” Carl reinterprets the classic as a very up tempo Ska tune. Guitar pyrotechnics are unavoidable at that tempo, so Carl gets a chance to show off his formidable chops.
“No Time for a Kiss” is a blues-rock style ballad with a melodic solo that soars like Jeff Beck but is distinctly Verheyen. And Carl says this about “Michelle’s Song,” “Driving home late one night I heard a long forgotten Elton John tune from a 70’s movie soundtrack called ‘Friends.’ In the spirit of this record, I imagined this beautiful tune with a southern rock meets country feel.” More Allman Bros than “Tumbleweed Connection,” Carl’s soulful vocal and guitar work is stellar throughout.
Personnel: Piano, Hammond organ & Fender Rhodes: Jim Cox Piano and Hammond organ: Mitchel Foreman Drums: Chad Wackerman, John Mader, John Ferraro, Nick D’Virgilio Bass: Dave Marotta, Tom Child Backing vocals: Craig Copeland, Kat Bowser, Beth Cohen
THE NEW STUDIO ALBUM FROM THE AWARD-WINNING GUITARIST, VOCALIST & COMPOSER
FEATURING CHAD WACKERMAN (FRANK ZAPPA), ADAM HOLZMAN (MILES DAVIS, STEVEN WILSON), ALEX SKOLNIK (TESTAMENT), STU HAMM PLUS SPECIAL GUEST VERNON REID
Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the superb new studio album by JANE GETTER PREMONITION, “Anomalia.” Jane’s band has carved out a niche at the intersection of jazz, rock, metal, and singer-songwriter styles with her masterful playing and complex and dynamic compositions and has dazzled audiences internationally on stage.
Citing musical influences such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, and Wes Montgomery, Jane has played with many luminaries in the worlds of jazz and rock and formed her band JANE GETTER PREMONITION to present her sophisticated compositions on record and on stage.
Assembling musicians Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson), Alex Skolnick (Testament), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa), plus Mark Egan (Pat Metheny), Gene Lake (David Sanborn), Stu Hamm (Joe Satrianni), special guests Vernon Reid and singers Randy McStine and Chanda Rule, the album “Anomalia” is the stunning result of a series of magical recording sessions and is her finest work to date.
Adorned with a striking cover image by artist Lasse Hoile, Anomalia is a fine work by a fine and truly progressive musician and her band.
Track Listing:
1. KRYPTONE 2. LESSONS LEARNED 3. DISSEMBLER 4. ALIEN REFUGEE 5. STILL HERE 6. ANSWERS 7. QUEEN OF SPIES 8. DISAPPEAR 9. SAFE HOUSE
“One can take the album WATER FINDS THE WAY as a coded story. Instrumental music has the power of imagination. It doesn't say directly, the hidden meaning behind the title may be something else. I call this ‘coded.’ It carries a secret which I can't open up to the end. I’m sure that a sensitive listener will find his/her own way into this complex world of music and art.” – Robert Jürjendal, Aaviku Farmstead Studio, Estonia
“Water Finds A Way” continues the colorful guitar/effects-based conception that Jürjendal began with his previous three solo efforts. With rich harmonies and melody lines, his musical language takes influence from the particular guitars and effects he uses. A graduate of Robert Fripp’s Crafty Guitar School, Jürjendal became a member of Toyah Wilcox’s band as well.
On the new album, Robert plays his new custom-built electric guitar - a fully equipped system containing a Sustainer pickup which gives a life for the long-sustained notes. Using a guitar synth (though it's hard to recognize) mixed with natural guitar sounds creating a unique hybrid.
Robert’s previous release, “Simple Past” (Strangiato Records, 2016) was more rock-oriented, featuring one of the best Estonian drummers, Andrus Lillepea. “On Water Finds A Way” Robert doesn't use drums, except some percussion played /programmed by himself. WFAW is also a “family-affair,” as Robert’s wife, Signe, joins him for background vocals and there are beautiful themes and improvisations played on cello by Robert's son Anti Jürjendal.
For the first time on one of his solo albums, Jürjendal requested a track from an outside composer, Venezuelan synthesist Miguel Noya. Noya contributes Grey and Blue. The two had previously collaborated on the 2019 NEWdOG album, “The Power of Distance,” as well as (with Paul Godwin) “Samliku” (NEWdOG 2018). They are also members of the new international ensemble project from Eternal Return “Once Only,” due out February 23, 2021 on NEWdOG.
Photo by Kaupo Kikkas
ABOUT ROBERT JÜRJENDAL Robert Jürjendal is an Estonian guitarist and composer, studied classical guitar and composition (Anti Marguste) at Tallinn Georg Ots Music School. During 1992-1997 he participated in Robert Fripp Guitar Craft Courses. Robert has composed for classical and contemporary guitar, cembalo, mixed ensembles, choirs; documentaries, art exhibitions and theater, across genres from folk to post-rock to ambient-jazz. With more than 50 albums, his recordings and performances include: Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Celia Roose, Kaido Kirikmäe, Weekend Guitar Trio, Fragile, UMA, Markus Reuter, Tim Bowness, Jan Bang, Colin Edwin, Arve Henriksen, Jon Durant, Paul Godwin & Miguel Noya, Five Seasons, Vox Clamantis, Estonian Philharmonic Choir, Ellerhein Girls Choir etc.
About NEWdOG Records NEWdOG Records releases fresh musical works by career ambient, progressive, post-rock, dream-pop and experimental artists from Europe, North and South America. Founded as a home for progressive ambient in the mid-'90s in San Francisco, the label found critical acclaim and a distribution home with Dave Allen's World Domination Records (WEA). Now available through Burning Shed worldwide.
The international progressive ensemble Eternal Return is a five-piece combining various duos/trios that have previously recorded and toured together. Notably, Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree, NoMan, O.R.k.) on bass with his frequent collaborator, Estonian guitarist Robert Jürjendal (Toyah Wilcox, Fripp’s Crafty Guitar School). At the heart of the band is Dogon, the duo of Miguel Noya, (Venezuelan electronic music pioneer, Phantom Limb Recordings) and Paul Godwin, (California-based composer/singer). Dogon have been widely celebrated and aired since the late ‘90s - “the best of progressive ambient”- WIRED Magazine. Holding down this aerial act is Miguel Toro, Venezuelan-born, Berlin-based drummer (Royal Dust). It seems like a distant past when five musicians from around the world could meet in a foreign city to record an album in-person, but that’s just what they did. They came from Venezuela, England, Estonia, California & Spain to meet in Berlin and form this band. The result is something flowing and hypnotic, mysterious yet comforting.
“Colin Edwin's tasteful fretless bass combined with atmospheric textures, and voice from ETERNAL RETURN unveils songs built on air. A special and sensitive offering.” - Bill Laswell, Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, January 2021
“Once Only”
The debut album was recorded in Berlin in late 2019 by Bob Spencer at The Famous Gold Watch Studio (a former munitions factory and Stasi HQ) and mixed at Pete Townsend’s Grand Cru boat studio in London’s St. Katherine’s Docks by Jonathon Hucks. The album is concerned with “nomadism” in a time of lockdown inspired by Noya’s status as part of Venezuelan economic and political diaspora (currently living in Europe.) Musically siting progressive ambient and dream-pop influences such as Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden, David Sylvian’s solo work, or the mysterious and finely wrought 4AD project, This Mortal Coil - - the album is something fresh, darkly intimate and beguiling.
About NEWdOG Records NEWdOG Records releases fresh musical works by career ambient, progressive, post-rock, dream-pop and experimental artists from Europe, North and South America. Founded as a home for progressive ambient in the mid-‘90s in San Francisco, the label found critical acclaim and a distribution home with Dave Allen's World Domination Records (WEA). Now available through Burning Shed worldwide.
