Keyboard Virtuoso Oliver Wakeman To Release New Album “Anam Cara” on May 17, 2024

Spirit of Unicorn Music are delighted to announce the release of “Anam Cara”, the eleventh studio album from piano and keyboard virtuoso, OLIVER WAKEMAN.

Award-winning Oliver, eldest son of the legendary Rick Wakeman, is one of progressive rock’s hardest working musicians. He has appeared on over 60 albums and has performed in just about every corner of the globe! He was a member of prog rock veterans YES and has also toured and recorded with The Strawbs, as well as being responsible for a number of well-received collaborations with the likes of Steve Howe, Gordon Giltrap and Clive Nolan - to name but a few.

2023 saw Wakeman return to the studio to write and record “Anam Cara”, a project which actually began life prior to his joining Yes. However, the pressures of touring and recording meant that the song ideas and snippets had to be set aside for the right moment. Finally, last year Oliver was able to carve out time to develop the project and bring it to fruition.

Wakeman says “‘Anam Cara’ refers to the Celtic concept of having a Soul Friend.” Indeed, the album boasts an intriguing mix of Celtic rock and progressive tendencies. The collection of ten tracks spans beautiful, lamenting ballads, atmospheric rock songs along with epic tracks.

Wakeman is known for his love of creative diversity, making every album he writes differ from the last. He continues “The songs I’ve written for this album are all short stories. They have allowed my imagination to run riot. It was also the perfect excuse to call upon some of the finest musicians around who have helped me make this record exceed my expectations.”

The album features a stellar collection of musicians who contribute to a multitude of musical styles, bringing each vignette to life. Amongst these are Hayley Griffiths (Riverdance), Troy Donockley (Nightwish), Oliver Day (Fragile) and Scott Higham (Pendragon).

The album has been mixed by Karl Groom (Threshold) and recorded by John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot). Album artwork is by world renowned artist Anne Sudworth.

Wakeman concludes, “The idea of a Soul Friend - a guide, companion, teacher, compassionate presence - seemed to fit so perfectly with the songs I have written.  As for the incredible musicians who have helped me to record this album, they have all truly become Soul Friends.”

Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rBz3tsuJVE

“Anam Cara” will be released on May 17th and will be available on CD or via streaming services. It is released on Spirit of Unicorn Music and can be obtained via Cherry Red Records.

Musicians Featured on the album are:
Oliver Wakeman : keyboards, piano, guitars
Hayley Griffiths : vocals
Troy Donockley : pipes, whistle
Oliver Day : acoustic guitars, lute, mandolin
Scott Higham : drums and percussion
David Mark Pearce : electric guitar
Robert McClung : violin
Steve Amadeo : bass guitar
Mick Allport : saxophone, clarinet

“Anam Cara” - Track Listing:
1. The View From Here
2. The Queen’s Lament
3. Here In My Heart
4. 1000 Autumns
5. Marble Arch
6. In The Moonlight
7. Miss You Now
8. Instead Of My Fear
9. Lonely
10. Golden Sun In Grey

Pre-Orders can be placed here:
https://burningshed.com/store/oliverwakeman
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/oliver-wakeman-anam-cara-cd

ABOUT OLIVER WAKEMAN
Eldest son of Rick Wakeman, Oliver filled the keyboard role, once held by his father, with YES from 2008 to 2011. His work with YES includes the triple live album “In The Present - Live From Lyon”, “Fly From Here” and the “From A Page” box set. During his tenure with YES, Wakeman also toured and recorded as a member of The Strawbs. Wakeman’s debut album “Heaven’s Isle” (1997) was inspired by the island of Lundy. He has since released a number of solo and Oliver Wakeman Band albums. Oliver has released a number of collaborations with several renowned musicians, including Clive Nolan, guitar legend Gordon Giltrap and Steve Howe, bandmate to both Oliver and his father in YES.

For further information contact:
Sarah Ewing at TASK Agency: sarah@taskagency.co.uk/ 07947 400 510

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

Symphonic Prog Review: Oliver Wakeman-Collaborations

Release Date: April 11, 2022

Label: Elflock Records

Website

https://soundcloud.com/oliverwakeman/albums

While I have been aware of Oliver Wakeman for a long time, I have not listened to his music, but this changed a while back when I obtained a box set of 3 cds, Tales By Gaslight, which was a collaboration with Clive Nolan from the band, Arena. 

Now, I have been presented with another box set from Oliver, specifically called Collaborations which brings Oliver together with Steve Howe (Yes) with an album called The 3 Ages Of Magick, with Gordon Giltrap on an album called Ravens And Lullabies and a third disc, From A Stage, a live album, which pulls together music from Giltrap/Wakeman concerts.

The first disc, The 3 Ages of Magick, was originally released in 2001 and the Yes guitarist, Steve Howe worked together with Oliver. Oliver then joined Yes, I believe replacing his father, Rick, in the line-up, from 2008 to 2011. At that point, Oliver began working with another guitarist, Gordon Giltrap, resulting in the release of Ravens and Lullabies.

The 3 Ages of Magick contains 16 instrumental tracks with a total playing time of just over 74 min (74:04) with track 13, “Hy Breasail”, the longest at 8:36 min and track 12, “Through The Eyes of a Child”, the shortest at 2:13 min. 

The opening track on this album is “Ages Of Magick” (5:49) and starts with some very atmospheric keyboard swathes and great guitar work before some amazing violin work leads into a gothic style choir. The guitar and keyboards carry the track onwards, featuring some excellent piano work and a very melodic keyboard passage that moves the track towards the finale. The choir re-joins the proceedings and the guitar of Steve and the keyboards of Oliver merge to take the track out. An excellent opener which should draw the listener into the tracks that follow. 

Track number 10, “The Enchanter” (6:04) is another stunning track which again starts with the keyboards and there is a very classical feel to the music before the rest of the musicians join in. There is a keyboard passage which leads into a slow section where the guitar of Steve appears. From this point, the keyboard and guitar play little themed sections which should bring a little smile to the listener. This is the result of two excellent musicians being "in tune" with each other and enjoying themselves.

Ravens and Lullabies comprises 17 tracks with a running time of just over 71 minutes (71:13), with track 7, “Is This the Last Song That I Write?”, the longest at 10:02 min and track 12, “One For Billy”, the shortest at 2:11 min.

This album is very different from the first disc and although we have the same main instrumentation with keyboards and guitars, the feeling of the music varies. The opening track "Moneyfacturing” (4:10) begins with some excellent acoustic guitar from Gordon, soon to be joined by the rest of the band. This album also features Paul Manzi on vocals, and he possesses a very powerful, versatile voice. The lyrics themselves are very interesting and the track is filled with those little "hooks" that are not easily forgotten. One listen to this album and I guarantee that you will be singing along on the next play.

Track number 3, “From The Turn of a Card” (3:47), is another example of a piece of music littered with “hooks”, whether they be a repetitive lyric line or a little theme from the guitar or keyboard. It may be only 3:47 minutes in length, but it is a very enjoyable experience.

From A Stage has 15 live tracks with a total playing time of just over 68 min (68:06), with track 8, “Dodo’s Dream”, the longest at 8:09 min and track 4, “Glimmer of Light”, the shortest at 3:11 min.

Track number 14 from this album is one of the tracks from Ravens and Lullabies, “Ravens Will Fly Away” (4:51) and starts with some superb acoustic guitar from Gordon, soon to be joined by the voice of Paul Manzi. This is a very melodic track which has Oliver providing an “orchestral accompaniment” as the track approaches the four-minute mark and then flows onwards to the finale. 

The final track on the album is “Heartsong” (4:21) which comes from the album Perilous Journey by Gordon released in 1977 and is an excellent instrumental highlighting the musical skills of both Oliver and Gordon and is a fitting finale to the live album and indeed the Collaborations box set.

The Collaborations box set is a very good package, bringing together the musical skills of Oliver and Steve, Oliver and Gordon and a live Giltrap/Wakeman band retrospective. I will admit to enjoying the smooth melodic music produced across all 3 albums and suggest that people grab a listen to this release as it might well surprise people. 

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson

May 1,2022

Track Listing

The 3 Ages of Magick:

1. Ages Of Magick

2. Mind Over Matter

3. The Forgotten King

4. The Storyteller

5. The Whales Last Dance

6. Time Between Times

7. Flight Of The Condor

8. Lutey And The Mermaid

9. Standing Stones

10. The Enchanter

11. The Healer

12. Through The Eyes Of A Child

13. Hy Breasail

14. Hit 'n Myth

15. The Faerie Ring

16. Dream Weaver - (The Storyteller Demo)

Ravens & Lullabies:

1. Moneyfacturing

2. Fiona's Smile

3. From the Turn of a Card

4. LJW

5. Maybe Tomorrow

6. Wherever There Was Beauty

7. Is This the Last Song I Write?

8. A Mayfair Kiss

9. Anyone Can Fly

10. A Perfect Day

11. Credit Carnival

12. One For Billie

13. Ravens Will Fly Away

Bonus tracks

14. Praeludium (from the Well Tempered Clavier)

15. The Forgotten King

16. Roots

17. The Wedding Approaches (Instrumental version)

From a Stage:

1. Nature's Way

2. Wherever There Was Beauty 

3. Elizabethan Pirates

4. Glimmer of Light

5. Isabella's Wedding

6. Maybe Tomorrow

7. If You're Leaving

8. Dodo's Dream

9. Picture of a Lady

10. Anyone Can Fly

11. Lutey and the Mermaid

12. Roots

13. Mother's Ruin

14. Ravens Will Fly Away

15. Heartsong

Oliver Wakeman Releases “Collaborations” Teaser Video For His New 3CD Box Set

3CD Box Set including re-issues of “The 3 Ages of Magick” with Steve Howe & “Ravens & Lullabies” with Gordon Giltrap

Oliver Wakeman has the honour of being one of the few musicians to have performed and recorded with some of Prog Rock’s most respected guitarists.

A new teaser video featuring music from all three albums featuring performances from Steve Howe, Gordon Giltrap and Paul Manzi is now available to view on Oliver’s YouTube channel.

Oliver says, “Having a teaser video available really allows the listener to get a feel for the differing styles between the three albums and how, surprisingly, they complement each other. Putting this video together reminded me just how pleased I was with these albums. Hopefully this gives the music a chance to reach a new audience as well appealing to those who might already have the originals but are interested in the other projects and the bonus material contained in the Box Set.”   

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/1GvGJiCbgL8

Back in 2001, many years before he became a member of YES, Oliver and guitarist Steve Howe worked together on the “The 3 Ages of Magick” album. Supplemented by an array of talented musicians, this album became a hidden gem in the YES family tree of recordings.

Following his tenure in the keyboard seat for YES in from 2008 to 2011, Oliver teamed up with another British guitar legend, Gordon Giltrap, to record their award winning “Ravens & Lullabies” album, a collection of rock and acoustic tracks featuring the singers Paul Manzi (SWEET) and Benoit David (YES).

20 years following its original release, “The 3 Ages of Magick” is teamed with the album “Ravens & Lullabies” in the new “Collaborations” 3CD Box Set. Including remastered versions of both albums along with the previously unreleased acoustic live album, “From a Stage” features music from Wakeman & Giltrap’s many years of performing together across the UK.

The “Collaborations” box set, comprising 3CDs each with a 16-page booklet and individual art prints of the sleeves, will be released by Burning Shed on 11th April.

“The 3 Ages of Magick”, released in 2001, is an instrumental album based in the style of the great 70’s prog solo records. Featuring Steve Howe across 11 of its 13 tracks, the album is both gentle and outlandish in equal measure. The album, based on stories from British folklore, utilises traditional instruments to help tell each story. This remastered version also includes 3 bonus tracks not available on the original release.

10 years later, Oliver and another legendary guitarist, Gordon Giltrap, joined forces after meeting at one of his father’s (Rick Wakeman) Christmas concerts in which they both performed.

“Ravens & Lullabies” allowed Oliver and Gordon to intertwine their acoustic musical abilities in the Lullabies section of the record. The Ravens aspect of the album allowed Gordon to be re-introduced to the Prog community in which he had been a leading figure during his heyday when releasing albums such as “Fear Of The Dark” and “Perilous Journey” (which contained his hit song “Heartsong”). This remastered version also features the bonus studio tracks, “The Forgotten King”, “Bach’s Praeludium” and a new version of Gordon’s classic “Roots” which were only included on the limited-edition double disc release of the original. Also included is a new recording, a piano and classical guitar version of Oliver’s track “The Wedding Approaches”.

This box set package also includes a third disc, “From a Stage”. During the lockdown, Oliver was approached by the sound engineer from one of the Giltrap/Wakeman concerts to say he had found a multitrack recording from a Christmas concert Oliver and Gordon had performed at along with special guest Paul Manzi (SWEET). This allowed a great opportunity to put together the live album “From a Stage” featuring Oliver and Gordon’s interpretations of songs from their collective 20+ years of back catalogues. Including the warmth and musical interplay that became a trademark for their often sold out shows, the recording features songs such as “Heartsong”, “Glimmer of Light” & “Roots”.

The “Collaborations” box set contains 3 CDs each with 16-page booklets including lyrics, previously unseen artwork and many stories behind the creativity of Wakeman and Giltrap. The first 250 box sets will also include the 4th art print of the box set cover numbered and signed by Oliver Wakeman.

“Collaborations” will be released by Burning Shed on 11th April. You can pre-order the set here: https://burningshed.com/store/oliverwakeman

About Oliver Wakeman
Eldest son of prog legend Rick, Wakeman filled the keyboard role, once held by his father, with YES from 2008 to 2011. His work with YES includes the triple live album in “In The Present – Live From Lyon,” “Fly From Here” and the “From A Page” box set featuring recordings from his time in the band released in 2019. During his tenure with YES, Wakeman also toured and recorded as a member of The Strawbs. Wakeman’s debut album (1997) “Heaven’s Isle” was inspired by the island of Lundy, and he has since released a number of solo and Oliver Wakeman Band albums.  He has also released several collaborations with renowned musicians, including Clive Nolan, Steve Howe, bandmate to both Oliver and his father in YES, as well as writing and recording with guitar legend Gordon Giltrap. Oliver is currently working on his latest album “Anam Cara” due for release in late 2022.

For more information:
Website: www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OliverWakeman/
Twitter: @OliverWakeman
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oliverwakemanmusic/

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

OLIVER WAKEMAN Announces “Collaborations” 3CD Box Set Including Re-issues of “The 3 Ages of Magick” with Steve Howe & “Ravens & Lullabies” with Gordon Giltrap

Release April 11, 2022 – available to pre order now from Burning Shed!

Oliver Wakeman has the honour of being one of the few musicians to have performed and recorded with some of Prog Rock’s most respected guitarists.

Back in 2001, many years before he became a member of YES, Oliver and guitarist Steve Howe worked together on the “The 3 Ages of Magick” album. Supplemented by an array of talented musicians, this album became a hidden gem in the YES family tree of recordings.

Following his tenure in the keyboard seat for YES in from 2008 to 2011, Oliver teamed up with another British guitar legend, Gordon Giltrap, to record their award winning “Ravens & Lullabies” album, a collection of rock and acoustic tracks featuring the singers Paul Manzi (SWEET) and Benoit David (YES).

20 years following its original release, “The 3 Ages of Magick” is teamed with the album “Ravens & Lullabies” in the new “Collaborations” 3CD Box Set. Including remastered versions of both albums along with the previously unreleased acoustic live album, “From a Stage” features music from Wakeman & Giltrap’s many years of performing together across the UK.

The “Collaborations” box set, comprising 3CDs each with a 16-page booklet and individual art prints of the sleeves, will be released by Burning Shed on 11th April.

“The 3 Ages of Magick”, released in 2001, is an instrumental album based in the style of the great 70’s prog solo records. Featuring Steve Howe across 11 of its 13 tracks, the album is both gentle and outlandish in equal measure. The album, based on stories from British folklore, utilises traditional instruments to help tell each story. This remastered version also includes 3 bonus tracks not available on the original release.

10 years later, Oliver and another legendary guitarist, Gordon Giltrap, joined forces after meeting at one of his father’s (Rick Wakeman) Christmas concerts in which they both performed.

“Ravens & Lullabies” allowed Oliver and Gordon to intertwine their acoustic musical abilities in the Lullabies section of the record. The Ravens aspect of the album allowed Gordon to be re-introduced to the Prog community in which he had been a leading figure during his heyday when releasing albums such as “Fear Of The Dark” and “Perilous Journey” (which contained his hit song “Heartsong”). This remastered version also features the bonus studio tracks, “The Forgotten King”, “Bach’s Praeludium” and a new version of Gordon’s classic “Roots” which were only included on the limited-edition double disc release of the original. Also included is a new recording, a piano and classical guitar version of Oliver’s track “The Wedding Approaches”.

This box set package also includes a third disc, “From a Stage”. During the lockdown, Oliver was approached by the sound engineer from one of the Giltrap/Wakeman concerts to say he had found a multitrack recording from a Christmas concert Oliver and Gordon had performed at along with special guest Paul Manzi (SWEET). This allowed a great opportunity to put together the live album “From a Stage” featuring Oliver and Gordon’s interpretations of songs from their collective 20+ years of back catalogues. Including the warmth and musical interplay that became a trademark for their often sold out shows, the recording features songs such as “Heartsong”, “Glimmer of Light” & “Roots”.

The “Collaborations” box set contains 3 CDs each with 16-page booklets including lyrics, previously unseen artwork and many stories behind the creativity of Wakeman and Giltrap. The first 250 box sets will also include the 4th art print of the box set cover numbered and signed by Oliver Wakeman.

A lyric video “Moneyfacturing” from the box set, is now available to view on YouTube.  The track is taken from the Wakeman/Giltrap “Ravens & Lullabies” record in the box set and features Paul Manzi (SWEET)

Oliver says: “This is one of my personal favourite band tracks I have ever written and recorded, allowing me to make use of a lot of my collection of keyboards. It is a radio-friendly song which also reminds people what a great electric guitar player Gordon is!”

Watch the video here: 

“Collaborations” will be released by Burning Shed on 11th April.

You can pre-order the set here: https://burningshed.com/store/oliverwakeman

About Oliver Wakeman
Eldest son of prog legend Rick, Wakeman filled the keyboard role, once held by his father, with YES from 2008 to 2011. His work with YES includes the triple live album in “In The Present – Live From Lyon,” “Fly From Here” and the “From A Page” box set featuring recordings from his time in the band released in 2019. During his tenure with YES, Wakeman also toured and recorded as a member of The Strawbs. Wakeman’s debut album (1997) “Heaven’s Isle” was inspired by the island of Lundy, and he has since released a number of solo and Oliver Wakeman Band albums.  He has also released several collaborations with renowned musicians, including Clive Nolan, Steve Howe, band mate to both Oliver and his father in YES, as well as writing and recording with guitar legend Gordon Giltrap. Oliver is currently working on his latest album ‘Anam Cara’ due for release in late 2022.

For more information:
Website: www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OliverWakeman/
Twitter: @OliverWakeman
Instagram: www.instagram.com/oliverwakemanmusic/

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

OLIVER WAKEMAN and CLIVE NOLAN Announce “Tales By Gaslight” 3CD Box Set includes re-issues of “Jabberwocky” & “The Hound of The Baskervilles”

Released April 23, 2021

Oliver Wakeman reunites with Clive Nolan after 20 years to issue a 3CD Box Set – “Tales By Gaslight” featuring remastered versions of their ‘future prog classics’ “Jabberwocky” and “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” along with a new disc “Dark Fables.”

The “Tales By Gaslight” box set, comprising 3CDs each with a 16-page booklet and 3 individual Art prints of the three covers, will be released by Burning Shed on 23rd April.

Watch the video for the unreleased track “Why Do You Hate Me” from “Dark Fables”: 

Clive Nolan (Pendragon, Arena) and Oliver Wakeman (YES, Strawbs) first combined their considerable keyboard and compositional talents to create two rock opera/concept albums.

“Jabberwocky,” released in 1999, was based on the famous Lewis Carroll poem. It was followed by “The Hound of The Baskervilles” (2002), inspired by the Sherlock Holmes novel penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The project was always intended to be a trilogy of musical interpretations of literary classics, but an album inspired by Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” was shelved because of a lack of record company funding.

This box set package also includes a third disc, featuring previously unreleased pieces that were intended to complete the trilogy. This third disc, “Dark Fables,” contains over 30 minutes of music conceived for the abandoned “Frankenstein” album. Nolan and Wakeman also found pieces which were unused from “The Hound of The Baskervilles.” These include “The Man Called Sherlock” which was the original version of the “Overture” and “221B,” inspired by Sherlock Holmes’ famous address.

Unusually for the time, the first two albums featured a host of guest performances, including narration by Wakeman’s father Rick and actor Robert Powell. Former YES guitarist, the late Peter Banks, Magnum vocalist Bob Catley and singer Tracy Hitchings appeared on both albums. Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen lent his talent to “The Hound of the Baskervilles” along with members from the bands IQ and Threshold. The unique artwork was created by Rodney Matthews for the original “Jabberwocky” release. Peter Pracownik was the creativity behind “The Hound of The Baskervilles” artwork 20 years ago and has returned to this trilogy by lending his talents to the new “Dark Fables” artwork.

In keeping with the spirit of the two previous albums, the new recordings feature the talents of, amongst others, Gordon Giltrap, Paul Manzi (Arena, Oliver Wakeman Band, Sweet) Andy Sears (Twelfth Night) and David Mark Pearce (Oliver Wakeman Band). Also included is an original reading of the “Jabberwocky” poem by Rick Wakeman.

The “Tales By Gaslight” box set contains 3 CDs each with 16-page booklets including lyrics, previously unseen art work and many stories behind the creativity from both Wakeman and Nolan. The first 250 box sets will also include a 4th limited edition numbered art print of the box set cover signed by Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman. “Tales By Gaslight” will be released by Burning Shed on 23rd April.

You can pre-order the set here: https://burningshed.com/store/oliverwakeman

About Oliver Wakeman
Eldest son of prog legend Rick, Wakeman filled the keyboard role, once held by his father, with YES from 2008 to 2011. His work with YES includes the triple live album in “In The Present – Live From Lyon,” “Fly From Here” and the “From A Page” box set featuring recordings from his time in the band released in 2019. During his tenure with YES, Wakeman also toured and recorded as a member of The Strawbs. Wakeman’s debut album (1997) “Heaven’s Isle” was inspired by the island of Lundy, and he has since released a number of solo and Oliver Wakeman Band albums.  He has also released several collaborations with renowned musicians, including Steve Howe, bandmate to both Oliver and his father in YES for “The Three Ages of Magick” album, as well as uniting with another guitar legend Gordon Giltrap for the award-winning “Ravens & Lullabies” album. Both of which are set to be part of an upcoming boxset.

About Clive Nolan
Aged just sixteen, multi-instrumentalist Nolan became the youngest musician (at that time) to gain an A.L.C.M. composition diploma from the London College of Music. At university he studied composition, orchestration, musical arrangement and conducting, gaining a B Mus and M Mus. He has played a prominent role in the development of progressive music, as a member of Pendragon since 1986 and as a member of Shadowland (1992 – present), Strangers on A Train (1993 – 1994) and by forming his own band Arena in 1995. Nolan’s interest in rock opera extends beyond his collaborations with Wakeman. In 2008 he wrote “She,” based upon the novel by Sir H Rider Haggard, and two musicals “Alchemy” and “King’s Ransom.” This year will also see the release of a new ‘Viking Inspired’ album “Song of the Wildlands,” as well as the new Arena album “The Theory of Molecular Inheritance.”

For more information:
https://www.oliverwakeman.co.uk/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OliverWakeman/
Twitter @OliverWakeman

http://www.clivenolan.net/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/clive.nolan.7
Twitter - @operafanatica

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

Rodney Matthews and Jeff Scheetz with Oliver Wakeman To Release "Trinity" Feat. Rick Wakeman

Gonzo Multimedia is releasing the highly anticipated debut studio album from Rodney Matthews and Jeff Scheetz with Oliver Wakeman titled “Trinity” and is now available for pre-order.

World renowned British fantasy artist and drummer Rodney Matthews and American rock guitarist and Director of Education at TrueFire Jeff Scheetz, along with British award-winning composer and former Yes keyboardist Oliver Wakeman are to release a prog rock album inspired by Matthews’ fantastical images.

Having illustrated over 140 rock album covers Matthews knew who to call upon to play across the ten eclectic tracks composed and arranged by himself, Scheetz, Wakeman and TV/film composer and multi-instrumentalist Pete Coleman. The stellar line-up also includes none other than legendary Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman on the title track, three bass players – Asia FJP’s John Payne, Magnum’s Tony Clarkin and in-demand jazz/blues/rock session player Steve Amadeo – and world class saxophonist Charles McNeal, plus vocals by Sarah Prothero and narration by Mark A. Williams.

The distinctive styles and diversity of contributions from these musicians lends perfectly to the largely instrumental album, encapsulating in music, images both familiar and new, from the thunderous ‘Heavy Metal Hero’ and dramatic ‘Night on the Bare Mountain’ to the majestic ‘Mirador’ and ethereal ‘Trinity’ (and everything in-between).

The album will be available on CD and double Vinyl with bonus tracks. Also, for collectors, both will be included in a lavish limited-edition boxed set, accompanied by Matthews’ illustrated guide to the artwork, two giclée prints and a set of eleven postcards.

Of the album, many years in the making, Matthews says: “I’ve waited all my life to record an album, to do so with this group of high calibre musicians was beyond my wildest dreams - and trust me, being a fantasy artist, I can dream pretty wild!”



To pre-order:
www.trinityalbum.com
www.diggersfactory.com/fr/vinyl/227027/rodney-matthews-and-jeff-scheetz-with-oliver-wakeman-trinity

For more information:
Web: www.rodneymatthewsstudios.com
Facebook: @RodneyMatthewsStudios
Twitter: @RodneyMStudios
Instagram: @rodneymstudios

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

Light Freedom Revival Releases Taylor Swift Prog Cover Featuring Billy Sherwood, Dylan Howe and Oliver Wakeman

Vancouver, Canada - Light Freedom Revival continues its musical journey by envisioning the unique single “Wildest Dreams”, a cover of the song with the same name by Taylor Swift.

Canadian singer John Vehadija is teaming up with Billy Sherwood, Oliver Wakeman and Dylan Howe to create an impressive take on modern pop by extending ideas using familiar prog sounds.

“I wanted an arrangement that would merge the Yes Universe with the Taylor Swift Universe, in the spirit of how Yes arranged America, but with the fun style of Taylor.” John explained, “I imagined this little LFR project like a chemical experiment and for this reason you will find as bonus tracks my versions of America and You Belong With Me combining to form a new melodic substance.”

The result is a seven minutes of fun prog experimentation which Vehadija hopes the audiences will enjoy.

The main single also debuts the guitar talents of the Argentinian guitar player Lino Gonzalez, from Cieloaberto who developed a style at times reminiscent of Steve Howe.

The single is released on CD and can be found at lightfreedomrevival.com as well as digitally on iTunes and Amazon.

Light Freedom Revival promises in the future a 4CD Jon Anderson Tribute Box set as well as a new album of original material.



You purchase Wildest Dreams on CD here:
https://www.lightfreedomrevival.com/product-page/wildest-dreams-single
https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/wildest-dreams/1462009438?i=1462009441&mt=1&app=music
https://www.amazon.com/Wildest-Dreams-Light-Freedom-Revival/dp/B07QWNH7G4

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

Light Freedom Revival Releases Second Album 'Truthonomy' Feat. Jamie Glaser, Billy Sherwood and Oliver Wakeman

VANCOUVER BC - John Vehadija has reunited with his cast of high class musicians for ‘Truthonomy’, the new album by Light Freedom Revival, which is released on July 3rd, 2018.

Along the bright sounds of Jamie Glaser’s acoustic guitar, and Vehadija’s ethereal vocals, Billy Sherwood returns for the rhythm section (Drums and Bass), as well as Oliver Wakeman (piano and keyboards) and Marisa Frantz (Harmony Vocals). Eric Gillette also joins in the project by providing additional electric guitar as well as mixing and mastering.

This talented team was called up by Vehadija once again to help him express his ideas in the form of a new concept album that offers new insights in his own spiritual journey and the science of Truthonomy.

John Vehadija believes in the existence of an absolute truth and he relied on his spiritual knowledge to create a story of soul awakening, for the seeker to rediscover Creation as a living being self aware of itself. Truthonomy is defined to represent a light truth economy in an open universe system which develops society with divine tunnel visions of how to consciously manifest one’s destiny.

“It’s hard to explain how this album came to be because it was totally unplanned, but it’s partially based on my travels to major capitals on different continents, and so I tried to create a unified world perception beyond the countries we live in to reach a standard of a new kind of planetary civilization. As I was writing the songs,” said Vehadija, “I realized it is a concept album of someone moving through many parallel negative timelines, constantly searching for the truth, trying to find the original one that had once been his real home, a place from where it’s safe to project into the future and reality will not anti respond to soul impulse calculations. I’m proud of the way it came out, it represents almost a new style of music, you can love it or hate it, but you cannot dismiss it. I felt it was my soul mission to express this for humanity. I didn’t want to create dogma, I wanted to create freedom and awareness. I wanted it to be like a self reflective mirror for the soul. In my opinion we should all deal with the truth as we understand it, and not just put it aside it and ignore it forever.”

Jamie Glaser had this to say about the record: “‘Truthonomy’ is one of the most interesting projects I have gotten a chance to work on in recent memory. John is great to make music with; he’s a super talented man and I appreciated his positivity; he always makes sure to write stories in both words and music that keep the listener spiritually uplifted and sonically on an adventure. He gave me a lot of freedom to create my parts and it was always a great and fun challenge.”

“As I finished all bases and drums I realized it all sounded very cool!” said Billy Sherwood “I like the general feel for all the music, it’s a bit more simplified and earthy than the last CD! It was a fun record to make and I’m happy with the way it came out.”

Oliver Wakeman tells us: “I’m glad John was happy with the keyboard performances I recorded for his new album... there were a couple of tracks, like ‘Emma’ and ‘Lies No More’, which in particular I really enjoyed playing on. Working on John’s album also gave me the opportunity to use some new keyboard sounds courtesy of IK Multimedia as well as recording using my Dexibell piano. It’s always fun to play on a project with talented musicians and John has gathered a bunch of great artists to bring his vision to life. I’m pleased he asked me to be a part of it.”

Marisa Frantz who did the harmonies for the whole album, shares her thoughts about the song “Truthonomy” which clocks at just over sixteen minutes: “It’s a truly epic song, captivating from beginning to end! It has so many beautiful melodies which were fun to put together. I had to do a variety of backgrounds including lyrical harmonies as well as other vocal textures and dynamics. I also wanted to give it space to breathe in spots. It was a pleasure working on this project for John.”

“I have never seen a more beautiful thought provoking cover” Vehadija tells us about the CD artwork provided again by the international visual artist Ed Unitsky. “I’m very happy about this new album and that John contacted me again to create the cover!” said Unitsky.

Intended to be a true work of art, something that both prog audiences and music lovers in general will be very satisfied with, ‘Truthonomy’ is available in CD Digipack and MP3 Format starting July 3rd on lightfreedomrevival.com as well as Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and other major distributors.

For a limited time, ‘Truthonomy’ is also available in a ‘High Definition Audio’ Crystal USB format with bonus tracks on lightfreedomrevival.com



Song titles:
01 Lies No More         
02 Caravan       
03 Lady Marian           
04 Jesus With A Guitar                     
05 Allah Is Cool                 
06 Emma           
07 Judgement Day
08 Arcadia     
09 Truthonomy                 

Watch Light Freedom Revival’s new lyric video for Lies No More here: 

To purchase:
https://www.lightfreedomrevival.com/shop ;
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/truthonomy/1402455008
https://www.amazon.com/Truthonomy-Light-Freedom-Revival/dp/B07DWLCTT8/

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