Showing posts with label Percussion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Percussion. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” Vinyl Edition Available November 24, 2023

Definitive vinyl re-release re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and overseen personally by drum legend Bill Bruford

• Bill Bruford is the original drummer in YES and was a long-term member of King Crimson.

• The band Bruford recorded this album in 1979 and it went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success.

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” vinyl reissue will be available November 24, 2023!

The line-up on this album is: Bill Bruford – drums, percussion, Allan Holdsworth – electric guitar, Dave Stewart – keyboards, Jeff Berlin – bass

This 12” vinyl re-issue has been mastered from the original 1979 mix, taken from the original 1979 analogue tapes, and comes housed in a replica sleeve.

Mastered from the original tapes recorded and mixed by Stephen W Tayler in 1979

This definitive vinyl re-release is re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and was overseen personally by Bill Bruford.

It's music that breathes... played by empathetic, truly virtuosic musicians. But is it rock, jazz, prog or fusion? Who knows, but it's some of the greatest British instrumental music of all time”. Sounds of Surprise

“… despite a landscape of constantly-shifting meters and tempi, the magic of One of a Kind is that it remains compelling and accessible”. All about Jazz

“This collection of ten tracks stands as a maelstrom of chops, arranging skills and inspired ensemble playing... the dynamics between drums, keys and fretless bass provide a high profile, capable structure for Holdsworth's top-flight soloing ability”. Exposé Online

Photo by Pascal Devillers

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1 Hell’s Bells
2 One Of A Kind – Part One
3 One Of A Kind – Part Two
4 Travels With Myself – And Someone Else
5 Fainting In Coils
Side 2
1 Five G
2 The Abingdon Chasp
3 Forever Until Sunday
4 The Sahara Of Snow – Part One
5 The Sahara Of Snow – Part Two

To pre-order: https://burningshed.com/store/billbruford/bruford_one-of-a-kind_vinyl

Bill Bruford official website: https://billbruford.com/

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

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Drummer Mark Murdock To Release 3rd Solo Album “False Readings” Featuring Prog Legends Nektar

“False Readings” is drummer Mark Murdock’s third solo prog-rock release which features Fernando Perdomo, whom Mark performed with in the ‘Out to Sea Band’ on the 2022 Cruise to the Edge. Also contributing on selected songs are recurring guest artists from the band ‘Nektar’ with Ron Howden, Derek ‘Mo’ Moore and Nektar newcomers, Ryche Chlanda and Kendall Scott.

Mark says, “‘False Readings’ comes after the release of two experimental in my Cymbalic Encounters catalog; ‘Overexposure’ and ‘Cerulean Cathedral.’ There may be traces of these works on some elements of the music, as some of the material was composed near the same time frame, while offering some new dimensions to my works.

False Readings” (Track List)

1. Distant Sirens
2. Volatility Swaying
3. Remain in Darkness
4. Until I Reach the End
5. Pure as the Driven Snow
6. False Readings
7. Symposium of the Greatest Failures
8. Singularities
9. The Extremities of My Dreams
10. Ending World Overture

Mark Murdock/drums, keyboards, synthesizers & percussion
Tim Pepper/vocals
Fernando Perdomo/guitar on songs 2, 4 & 8
Ron Howden/drums on songs 3 & 5 *Courtesy of Nektar
Derek ‘Mo’ Moore/bass on song 2 *Courtesy of Nektar
Ryche Chlanda/guitar song 2 *Courtesy of Nektar
Kendall Scott/synth solo on song 6 *Courtesy of Nektar
Ken Hall/guitar on songs 1, 6 & 7
Katsumi Yoneda/electric guitar on song 5
Dave Juteau/guitar on song 3 & 7
Daniel Kubota/12 string guitar on song 5/electric guitar on songs 9 & 10
David Rambeau/ending lead guitar on song 3

All compositions, lyrics and music by Mark Murdock
Produced by Mark Murdock
Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock
Cover photo by Satomi taken in Kagoshima, Japan
Copyright 2022

Digital audio available on Bandcamp and all digital platforms:
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/false-readings

False Readings” YouTube videos:

Distant Sirens
https://youtu.be/9jFIBIQN7X4

Volatility Swaying
https://youtu.be/QZmZfvCkVIU

Remain in Darkness
https://youtu.be/56DtxO-id5U

Until I Reach the End
https://youtu.be/j2UfGUuDz4I

Pure as the Winter Snow
https://youtu.be/Eew7sd4N_NU

False Readings
https://youtu.be/g7G0pPNdAb4

Symposium of the Greatest Failures
https://youtu.be/_8WKGOoVvI4

Singularities
https://youtu.be/lK9yQQuZdVc

The Extremities of My Dreams
https://youtu.be/lK9yQQuZdVc

Ending World Overture
https://youtu.be/2etG0ozrYLE

Also available from Mark Murdock:

Visitors from Another Planet
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/visitors-from-another-planet

The Phoenix has Risen
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/the-phoenix-has-risen

Era-2 (The New York Recordings/Eyes Down)
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/era-2-eyes-down-the-n-y-c-recordings

Era-2 (Phoenix Recordings/Seacloud)
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/era-2-the-phoenix-recordings

Correspondence:
markmurdockmusic@gmail.com
Cymbalic Encounters: cymbalicencounters@gmail.com

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Bill Bruford 'Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection' 6CD Box Set Available For Pre-order

Released April 29, 2022 - Includes tracks from YES, King Crimson, Bruford, Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, Guest Sessions and Collaborations

Over the past 50 years Bill Bruford has been one of the most original and innovative drummers across multiple genres. Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection is a 6CD Box Set that charts some of the many highlights of Bruford’s incredible career and is released on April 29th through BMG.

From early steps with progressive legends YES and a quarter of a century in King Crimson, to ground-breaking jazz fusion leading his own Bruford and Earthworks projects, Bill Bruford has always wanted to explore his chosen discipline to the full - and then push the boundaries further. This desire to challenge convention has created some breath-taking moments and made Bruford the drummer-of-choice for collaborations with leading musicians around the world.

My interest was with the broader discourse on drums and drumming, rather than any notions of success or fame,” says Bruford. “The latter I could do little about but, in the 1960s, the former was wide open and meaningful contribution seemed everywhere possible. The context in which the first track in the set was conceived bears almost no relationship to the context in which the last was, four decades later.”

There was a big premium put on the notion of difference. I wanted to sound different to contemporaries like Carl Palmer (ELP), Brian ‘Blinky’ Davison (Nice) or John Bonham (Led Zeppelin). I figured if I hadn’t heard it before, the other guys in the band probably hadn’t either. Thinking up interesting things to do on a drum kit was my reason to exist. I also thought that was what they were paying me to do. I didn’t care much what the critic, commentator or musicologist thought, and that was to remain my lodestone, my modus operandi for many years.”

For this anthology Bruford has selected tracks from across his whole career, comprising works from some 23 different artists and bands over a 40-year period. “I’ve deliberately avoided forcing them into industry categories such as ‘progressive rock’, ‘fusion’ or ‘jazz’,” Bruford adds, “on the grounds that most of the music I’ve been associated with fits very poorly into such straight-jackets - round holes and square pegs come to mind.”

The 6CD Box Set Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection includes tracks from YES, King Crimson, Bruford, Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, his work with iconic global guitarists Al Di Meola, Steve Howe and Kazumi Watanabe and collaborations with keyboardists Patrick Moraz and Michiel Borstlap and many others. The package also includes a detailed biography, written by Bruford, featuring rare and unseen photos. The outer box artwork, gatefold CDs and booklet have been designed by Bruford’s long-time artist and graphic designer Dave McKean.

Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection Track Listing:

THE COLLABORATOR
disc One
1. Yes - I’ve Seen all Good People
2. Yes - Heart of the Sunrise
3. Yes - And You & I
4. King Crimson – The Great Deceiver
5. King Crimson - Fracture
6. King Crimson - One More Red Nightmare  
7. King Crimson - Starless
8. U.K. – Nevermore

disc Two
1. King Crimson - Frame by Frame  
2. King Crimson - Neal and Jack and Me
3. King Crimson - Heartbeat
4. King Crimson - Waiting Man
5. Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe - Brother of Mine (Radio Edit)
6. King Crimson – Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream
7. King Crimson – Larks’ Tongues in Aspic: Pt 2
8. King Crimson – Three of a Perfect Pair
9. King Crimson - Man with an Open Heart
10. King Crimson - Elephant Talk
11. King Crimson - Indiscipline
12. King Crimson - Big Funk  
13. PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford & Colin Riley – The Still Small Voice

THE COMPOSING LEADER
disc THREE
1. Bruford - Seems Like a Lifetime Ago: Pt 1
2. Bruford - Seems Like a Lifetime Ago: Pt 2
3. Bruford - One of a Kind: Pt 1
4. Bruford - One of a Kind: Pt 2
5. Bruford - Palewell Park
6. Bruford - Joe Frazier
7. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - It Needn’t End in Tears
8. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - My Heart Declares a Holiday
9. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Downtown
10. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Pilgrims’ Way
11. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Temple of the Winds
12. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Candles Still Flicker in Romania’s Dark
13. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Nerve
14. Bruford, Towner, Gomez – Thistledown

disc FOUR
1. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Beelzebub
2. Bruford-Levin - Original Sin
3. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Revel Without a Pause
4. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Triplicity
5. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - The Sound of Surprise
6. Earthworks Underground Orchestra - Speaking in Wooden Tongues
7. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - Modern Folk
8. Bill Bruford’s Earthworks - White Knuckle Wedding
9. Earthworks Underground Orchestra - Footloose and Fancy Free
10. Earthworks Underground Orchestra - Thud

THE SPECIAL GUEST
disc FIVE
1. Roy Harper - Grown Ups are Just Silly Children
2. Roy Harper - Hallucinating Light
3. Chris Squire - Lucky Seven (Single Edit)
4. Chris Squire – Silently Falling
5. Al Di Meola - Calliope
6. David Torn – Voodoo Chile
7. Kazumi Watanabe - Andre
8. Kazumi Watanabe - Small Wonder
9. Steve Howe - The Inner Battle
10. Buddy Rich Big Band - Lingo
11. Pete Lockett’s Network of Sparks feat. Bill Bruford - Prism
12. PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford & Colin Riley – Achilles Feel

THE IMPROVISER
disc SIX
1. Moraz-Bruford - Galatea
2. Moraz-Bruford – Symmetry
3. PianoCircus feat. Bill Bruford & Colin Riley – Stalling Between Two Fools
4. King Crimson - No Warning
5. Moraz-Bruford - Flags
6. Moraz-Bruford -Split Seconds
7. David Torn – Previous Man
8. David Torn - Three Minutes of Pure Entertainment
9. Bruford-Borstlap - 16 Kingdoms of the 5 Barbarians
10. Bruford-Borstlap - Stand on Zanzibar
11. Earthworks - With Friends Like These…
12. Bruford-Borstlap - Low Tide, Camber Sands
13. Bruford-Borstlap – Kinship

Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection will be released as a 6CD Box Set on April 29th through BMG. Pre-order it here: https://billbruford.lnk.to/MASDPR

photo by Dave McKean

About Bill Bruford

Bill Bruford was a founder member (1968 – 1972) of progressive pioneers YES performing on, and composing for, their genre-defining trilogy The YES Album, Fragile and Close To The Edge. He would renew this association as a member of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH) in 1989 and for the YES Union album and tour of 1991 and 1992. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES in 2017.

Known for his ringing metal snare drum, crisp cymbal work and knack for complex time signatures, Bruford sought new challenges and King Crimson’s ever-shifting musical horizons gave Bruford the opportunity to explore and experiment across the following 25 years. Bruford completed his hat-trick of prog giants by joining Genesis for their first tour with Phil Collins as frontman.

Alongside his work with King Crimson, Bruford was touring with National Health, was a member of another prog-rock supergroup UK and leading his own jazz fusion band Bruford.

In 1986 he formed Bill Bruford’s Earthworks to further explore his love of jazz, a project that would last until Bruford retired from music in 2009. Along the way Bruford founded two record imprints Winterfold Records and Summerfold Records. He was ever in demand for collaborations with the likes of Patrick Moraz and Michiel Borstlap whilst also appearing on works by Roy Harper, Al Di Meola, David Torn, Kazumi Watanabe and many, many more. Through all this he continued as an active clinician with workshops and clinics all over the world, supported by Tama Drums and Paiste cymbals.

Bill Bruford’s achievements were recognised by his appearance in Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 20 ‘Greatest Drummers of All Time’ list. Following retirement from public performance in 2009, Bill authored an autobiography (2009) and was awarded a PhD in musicology from the University of Surrey in 2016. His most recent volume Uncharted: Creativity and the Expert Drummer (2018) is published by the University of Michigan Press.

For more information about Bill Bruford:
https://billbruford.com/
Facebook @Bill Bruford

For more information about the box set Making A Song and Dance: A Complete Career Collection: info.uk@bmg.com

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

Monday, May 10, 2021

Slightly Stoopid’s Drummer RYMO Releases New Solo Album “Kinetic” Out Now!

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

KINETIC TRACK LISTING
1. Symmetry 7 (feat. Farzam Salami)
2. Kinetic (feat. Paul Wolstencroft, Tom Griesgraber)
3. Palindrome
4. Spy Theme (feat. Tony Levin)
5. Bembé Rumba
6. Skooby Snax (feat. Marty Schwartz)
7. Mr. Roboto Visits The Outback
8. Nebula
9. Influx (feat. Marty Schwartz)
10. Megalodon
11. Cubism
12. Changó
13. Symmetry 5
14. Hearin’ Everywhere (feat. Paul Wolstencroft)
15. Didg-y-tar (feat. Farzam Salami)
16. Dream Flight

Kinetic” is available everywhere on all digital platforms here: (https://cssl.fanlink.to/rymo-kinetic)

For more information: https://rymodrums.com/.

photo by Sterling Munksgard

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.

OFFICIAL WEBSITES:
Website: https://rymodrums.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rymodrums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyMo76  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rymostoopid/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NZVIVrjl7TLOQ2Ysshc36
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfrhEdAB9vBmkPOCEOqa71A

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

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Writings By Drummer & Multi-instrumentalist Bill Rieflin in “Within Without” Now Available

New Annual Publication “Within Without” Shares Intimate Writings From Bill Rieflin - Drummer & Multi-instrumentalist With Bands Such As R.E.M, King Crimson, and Ministry

This landmark issue of an independent annual print publication series that shares intimate perspectives into the hearts and minds of creatives unfolds over 90 pages of Bill Rieflin's personal correspondence with the editor, Iona Singleton, as he shares his intimate thoughts during the last four years of his life, from 2016 until his passing on the 24th March 2020. His letters are beautiful, sarcastic, and disturbing. He imbues the mundane with the whimsical, searching for a deeper meaning amid his own illness and the death of his wife, Francesca.  

I think sharing is a natural aspect of human experience. Sharing who we are is an expression of love.” - Bill Rieflin

Rieflin’s writings are accompanied by images from an array of leading photographers and graphic artists. Each of them expresses their unique creative perspective on the theme ‘a space for change’ as a starting point for the distinct narratives that unfold throughout.

photo by Tony Levin

To purchase: https://www.withinwithout.co.uk/shop/p/within-without-volume-i

For more information: www.withinwithout.co.uk

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

“A Romantic's Guide To King Crimson” by The Mastelottos Featuring Drum Legend Pat Mastelotto

Valentine’s Day 2021 delivers an unexpected and welcome surprise with the release of “A Romantic’s Guide to King Crimson,” the new 12-track album of reinvented King Crimson material by the husband-and-wife duo Deborah and Pat Mastelotto. The collection, which spans the band’s entire history, revisits classics including “Matte Kudasai,” “Heartbeat,” “Moonchild,” “Elephant Talk,” “Peace,” “Exiles,” and “Sleepless.”

Pat Mastelotto is an American rock drummer and record producer who has worked with King Crimson, Mr. Mister, XTC, The Rembrandts and many others. Pat has served as one of King Crimson’s drummers from 1995 to the present day. This album resulted from Pat’s observations and Deborah’s insights made after she intermittently joined Pat on tour as part of the King Crimson entourage from 2008 onwards.

“It’s always been a joke in the King Crimson camp that there’s never a line for the women’s restrooms during intermissions,” said Deborah. “King Crimson plays loud and it’s often intense and raucous. But it can also be haunting and melodic, with some of the most beautiful lyrics ever. We wanted to help uncover that sweetness and introduce the songs to a different type of audience with ‘A Romantic’s Guide to King Crimson.’”

“The album has amazing contributions from all the musicians involved, especially the TOAPP (Three of a Perfect Pair Music Masters Camp) artists,” said Pat. “We experimented together and since they were already lifelong Crim Heads, they were totally into reconfiguring the classic performances or developing totally new parts. So, get ready. You’ll hear some fantastic detail in their playing.”

The recording features material they chose and arranged together with lead vocals by Deborah, a creative Tour de Force in her own right, and with Pat drumming and producing.

“We compiled King Crimson songs and searched for the romanticism in them, then rearranged them,” said Deborah. “The addition of a girl singer automatically changes the feel of those songs and places them in a different genre. Our idea is to create a way for people, especially women, to appreciate the beauty of King Crimson’s music without the fear and sometimes resistance attached to the word ‘prog’ getting in the way. We slow the songs way down and strip them back to their essential lyrics and melodies.”

“In the Crimson tradition, we approached every song as if it was brand new,” said Pat. “At first, it involved tinkering with 20-plus songs in hotel rooms using iPhone apps to choose what worked best for us. We first focused on the lyrics. The words had to resonate and the arrangements had to develop a prog-meets-pop twist to meet my hopes. We had no desire to duplicate the original arrangements. In fact, just the opposite. I was trying to discover where else they could go to expose sweetness, sort of like the old days of cassettes and giving a loved one a mixtape. It’s a gift to fans and a family of former Crims.“

The Mastelottos started the recordings in 2019 by inviting the Texas TOAPP alumni, including members of the Houston symphony, to record in Pat’s home studio in the Texas Hill Country. After a quick trip to Nagoya for his one and only live gig of 2020, which yielded the live Stick Men album “Owari,” Pat returned and spent months with Deborah during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown finishing the project. The result is an album full of lush nuance and ornamentation designed to put listeners in a meditative and buoyant mood.

“The lockdown resulted in a year of cancelled shows, which gave us time to realize the album,” said Pat. “This grand reboot of humanity made being a couple all the more important, nurturing relationships with people we love, gardening and doing home projects while creating this album together was a beautiful experience.”

“2020 has given us the longest period of consecutive days, weeks and months we’ve ever spent together,” said Deborah. “Our close proximity enabled a continuous dialog and working environment, so we never had to break the creative flow.”

“Working from home meant we could take the listening experience from the studio to the car to the bedroom…to test drive…so to speak,” added Pat.

“Heat up the hot tub, fluff your pillows and head to the softer side of the bed for the pinkest Crimson ever”

Track listing

1. Two Hands
2. Matte Kudasai
3. Heartbeat
4. Moonchild
5. Inner Garden
6. One Time (Eyes Wide Open)
7. Peace
8. Book Of Saturday
9. Exiles
10. Elephant Talk
11. People
12. Sleepless

TOAPP musicians Appearing on the record:

From Texas:
Adrian Benevedes
Mark Cook
Chris Cowan
Aralee Dorough
Colin Gatwood
Corin Gatwood
Marty Hobsbracht
Mike McGary
Bill Munyon

From other parts of the world:
Mark Hassett
Marco Machera
Christian Constantini
Kevin Andrews
Jeremy Neese
Victor Sagfors
Dave Martyn
Kara Day Spurlock

Additional musicians and engineers:
Fabio Trentini
Andrew Simmons
Laura Scarborough
Elaine Barber
Alex Coke
Grady Cousins

Cover Art: Ana Fuentes
Design: Denis Rodier

Released February 14, 2021

To pre-order: https://patmastelotto7d.bandcamp.com/album/a-romantics-guide-to-king-crimson

Digital Album
Streaming + Download
Pre-order of A Romantic's Guide To King Crimson. You get 3 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released.

Limited Edition Compact Disc
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
package image
Comes in a 6-panel gatefold card case designed by Denis Rodier with paintings by international artist Ana Fuentes.

For more information:
www.patmastelotto.com
www.7dmedia.com

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

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Drummer Mark Murdock Releases New Solo Album “The Phoenix Has Risen” Feat. Ron Howden of Nektar and Fernando Perdomo

“Sounds strong!” - Steve Hackett

“The Phoenix Has Risen” represents the work of drummer/songwriter Mark Murdock whose previous works included Cymbalic Encounters (With Brand X musicians) and Empire (Peter Banks of YES) and most recently The New Empire “Second Lifetime” release on Forward Motion Records. Mark was also a guest on the YES 50th Anniversary tribute album by Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo

“The Phoenix Has Risen” was composed and produced by Mark during the lockdown of 2020. Mark sites the Phoenix in the title as a symbol of hope in these pandemic times. Mark just happens to be from Phoenix, Arizona but now resides in Tokyo. The music leans more to the Prog side with hints of rock and pop embellished in it.

The 12 song CD features guest artists, not only including guitarist Fernando Perdomo, but veteran Prog drummer Ronald Howden of Nektar who guests on two songs, and bassist Alan Thomson, who played with John Martyn and currently the Martin Barres Band, U.K. vocalist Tim Pepper and Joe Berger lead guitar and more.

Mark not only composed all music and lyrics but all the keyboard tracks including orchestral sections.

Watch the promotional video: 

Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock and Joe Berger BEAM Audio NYC
Artwork by Synergy/Leon Alvarado

Currently available on all digital platforms. Physical release through Disk Union Japan. For International orders

Track list:
The Phoenix Has Risen
Reoccurring Dreams
Heal My Wounded Soul
Compromised
Exit Door
The Starfish and the Four Phases of the Moon
When Thoughts Collide
Silence on Empty Streets
All Fools Fade Away
The Unknown Man
Set Your Heart On Fire
In The Future Of

Musicians:
Mark Murdock- drums, synthesizer, piano, orchestra horns, percussion and backing vocals
Tim Pepper- lead vocal *Courtesy of TheId
Daniel Kubota- guitar
Kenta Shimokuni-bass
Katsumi Yoneda- guitar on songs 2, 3 & 12 *Courtesy of French TV
Joe Berger- lead guitar on song 1
Preston Murdock- lead guitar on songs 4 & 7
David Rambeau- guitar on song 7 & acoustic guitar on song 8
Tatsuo Inoue-rhythm guitar on song 6
Rodolfo Falora- bass on songs 1, 6 & 9

Featured Artists:
Ronald Howden- drums on songs 2 & double drumming on song 9 *Courtesy of Nektar
Fernando Perdomo- guitar on songs 4, 6 & 9 *Courtesy of The Out To Sea Band
Alan Thomson- fretless bass on song 4 *Courtesy of The Martin Barres Band

All music and lyrics composed by Mark Murdock
*Song 7 was composed by Cary Bialac and Mark Murdock

Here’s what’s being said about “The Phoenix Has Risen”:

“While Mark Murdock may have seemed to venture beyond art-rock pastures he used to explore decades ago, prog remains a vital aspect of this EMPIRE and BRAND X associate, and even though there are collective projects the veteran was involved with lately, his individual style naturally led to a solo album, a record of a particularly personal stripe.” - DMME

“Symphonic Visual Music!” - Cary Bialac, producer/musician

“There are themes that could be Prog Soundtracks or Miniseries!” –

Anonymous musician in Tokyo

“Prog at its best! Mark Murdock’s new solo work, ‘The Phoenix Has Risen’ is most definitely carrying the innovative torch on this much missed genre of music” - Anonymous Prog Fan

Disk Union CD release date 12/23/2020

To order: https://diskunion.net/progre/ct/detail/1008229192?fbclid=IwAR0fRrmJYQTrJsq080Rfk2pUPgn7iVLm_6mAFzG8GnHAyJZ9pd73hdZzYyo

Direct Artist purchase: cymbalicencounters@gmail.com

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Murdock-Prog-100418578595331/
https://www.facebook.com/mark.murdock.92
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com

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

Friday, October 30, 2020

Drum Legend Bill Bruford’s “Rock Goes To College” Deluxe CD/DVD Edition Now Available!

Bill Bruford was the original drummer in Yes and was a long-term member of King Crimson. His band ‘Bruford’ recorded this BBC broadcast in 1979.

The DVD in this package is the only officially released concert footage of the band that exists, and as such has achieved legendary status.

The line-up on this album is: Bill Bruford (drums, percussion), Allan Holdsworth (guitar), Dave Stewart (keyboards), Jeff Berlin (bass) and Annette Peacock (voice).

Bill says of the re-release: “This was a baptism by fire, our first gig in the first few days of the band’s existence. At the beginning of it I wasn’t sure. By the end, I knew we were on to something serious.”

This definitive re-release was overseen personally by Bill Bruford and is released on his own Winterfold Records via Cherry Red.

To purchase:
Amazon CD/DVD: https://geni.us/WFBX5
iTunes: https://geni.us/WFBX5i
Spotify: https://geni.us/WFBX5s

Bill Bruford’s official website: https://billbruford.com/

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

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Drummer Dave Schoepke To Release Second Solo Drum Album "Tessellated Resonance" Aug 5, 2020


“Dave is a wonderful musician, extremely diligent and caring. He is musical, sympathetic to others around him and he listens!!!” -Martin Barre

Drummer Dave Schoepke, best known for his work with Jethro Tull legend Martin Barre, as well as The Willy Porter Band, will be releasing his second solo drum album “Tessellated Resonance” on August 5, 2020. The album comes on the heels of his critically acclaimed debut album from last year “Drums On Low.”

Dave Schoepke discusses “Tessellated Resonance”:

The prep for this album was driven by the quest to find my rhythmic connection to the environment, devoid of the trappings of my modern-day musical influences.

The story behind this album is not how I was able to connect those dots but rather how at this time the answer I was searching for ultimately eluded me. Instead, I found a greater sense of how I want my music to evolve, but right now that content isn’t informed by what I hoped it would be. I discovered new ways to approach my instrument and have a better concept of how to shape my music going forward than when I started this process. So, what didn’t I find?

I logged over thirty hours of field recordings of nature, traffic and other sounds from the environment in an attempt to capture content both natural and manmade, but not directly musical per se. In that regard, are there connections we are missing when we create music today? Are the modes of approach so inhibiting that we miss things that are more innate or are these just my perceptions and am I overthinking it?

Through this adventure I searched for sounds that spoke to me rhythmically and what I hoped would inspire new directions and concepts of approach. I was inspired by much of what I had recorded, and it brought forth higher degrees of introspection I had not tapped into the way that I envisioned I would.

The next element of sounds I was striving for came from recording my six-month-old son’s first syllabic attempts and rhythmic strikes with his hands and feet. I was curious to see if he would land upon any rhythmic patterns or cycles that might be settled in his DNA. While I wasn’t able to mine that content directly for this album, I still feel there is a way to get there and that the limitations are on my end…can I find a way to make a connection that can be reflected in a logical, musical way? That question still remains.

My attempts to record rhythmic connections to the environment became much more challenging than expected. I noticed that whenever I tried to get a recording of nature unimpeded without human intrusions, I was unsuccessful every time. I found it very difficult to get away from humans or human-made sounds, even with recording in a rural area. Unfortunately, I had finished recording the album when the Covid 19 Pandemic started, but I was able to stand outside and listen to nature with no humans or traffic sounds interfering. However, it was early March and still very cold in the upper Midwest, which in turn kept nature pretty quiet so I still couldn’t get any decent field recordings! The realization that it took a pandemic to bring down the din of humanity was pretty alarming to me. Even with my failed attempts, I still feel that through my research and exploration, I was inspired in other ways; I found some new ideas rhythmically, melodically, and thematically. All of which are a progression from where I was with “Drums On Low.”

I recorded over forty pieces of music on a diverse array of percussive setups ranging from a full range of just Roto Toms, to an expanded 1970’s Ludwig Vistalite kit, and traditional wood four and five-piece configurations. I also created some extreme kit setups made entirely of frame drums and micro percussion. However, the most unique variation was a bass drum with six snare drum ensemble. For this album, I spent a considerable amount of time shaping the melodic structure of the pieces and also searching for different combinations. Different tuning combinations set the pieces apart from one another while maintaining some unity.

All of the songs were recorded live with a modest recording setup with minimal mic’ing. For the recording, only seven channels were used, and no overdubbing or editing is done on the album. Songs like ‘Earth Calls,’ ‘Shorn,’ and ‘Voices Welcome’ show the diversity and drama that Roto Toms can project when interesting intervals are discovered. The six-snare drum array on the song ‘Currents,’ deploys a preponderance of snare content but maintaining a strong melodically driven concept. Other pieces like ‘Loomfixer’ and ‘Beyond The Slanting Surfaces,’ utilize traditional drum set pieces but focus on a centered melodic theme. ‘Nemophilist’ deploys a subtle melody subservient to the gorgeous interplay of birds from deep in the woods and devoid of human intrusion. (Finally!)

In the end, the release of ‘Tessellated Resonance’ marks the continuation of the ongoing dream to create solo drum music. I feel like through continued introspection, research and study, I will be able to follow the path that I am firmly set upon to connect to the world around me.

Dave Schoepke



Bio

Dave Schoepke is an accomplished drummer from the Greater Milwaukee area. He has been the drummer for The Willy Porter Band since 2002 with three acclaimed albums with Willy. In addition to recording and touring he has numerous television and radio appearances.

Dave has had the pleasure of working with the Legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin’s band in 2017 and briefly in 2018. He appears on his “Live At The Factory Underground” album released in 2019.

His project, “Drums On Low,” has received acclaimed reviews from Modern Drummer, Recording Magazine, and numerous global on-line music critics. The 400th issue of Recording Magazine includes a multi-page feature of Dave’s process of writing and recording “Drums On Low.”

Dave is currently a full-time member and songwriter of the Milwaukee based Soul-Blues group Tweed. The band’s original take on the genre has made a strong impact internationally with numerous tours in Europe and consistent tour dates in the U.S. with strong radio airplay in the US and Europe.

Dave also heads up the improvisational recording project, Blank Radio, and is the chief engineer and curator of hundreds of sessions with musicians that help emphasize the energy to create free flowing music in real time. Additionally, he is an extremely busy session musician with over 50 albums to his credit. These albums cut across all genres of music. He has also done dozens of instructional CD’s for the Hal Leonard Corporation.

Dave has done dozens of clinics and educational based symposiums with legendary artists Ed Thigpen, Paul Wertico, Dom Famularo, Greg Bissonette, Ernie Adams, and Carmine Appice. He maintains a busy schedule of teaching, touring, clinics, and sessions, and is always striving to evolve in every facet of his music making.

Here’s what the press has said about Dave Schoepke’s debut album “Drums On Low”:

“This percussive music possesses and honesty and immediacy that emphasize the full resonant tones of the drums. Each piece explores its own set of ideas and themes, developing and building a sound world while providing both continuity and diversity.” - Martin Patmos, Modern Drummer March 2020

“‘Drums On Low’ is a drums-only affair that runs a spectrum from hypnotic tribalism to musique concrete and the avant-garde, with nods to modern jazz, rock, and orchestral moments in between. Many of the tracks have a distinct melodic voice highlighting the harmonic richness and depth of each drum” - Paul Vnuk, Recording Magazine Jan 2020

“Often as mysterious as a contemporary classical record that looks to push the boundaries, there have been some solo bass and solo sax records that intrigue and infuriate, sometimes both at the same time but this just drums along with an amazing amount of variety coming from a solo drum set. For the real purist.” - The Midwest Record July 2019

“Dave Schoepke continues to bring in international praise for his recent solo release ‘Drums On Low.’ I recommend this album for initiates to drum / percussion sounds or anyone looking to discover this through a particular and calm album. It is quite pleasant and relaxing to listen to.” -Music In Belgium May 2020

What’s next…

In support of “Tessellated Resonance,” Dave will be performing ongoing Facebook Live and YouTube shows showcasing the new and old music and when the pandemic eases up US Midwest and East Coast tours are planned as well as Europe. In November Dave will be releasing downloadable bonus tracks and bundles with the album through the German label Djummi Records http://www.djummi-records.de/

To purchase: www.daveschoepke.com



For more information:
www.daveschoepke.com
https://www.facebook.com/daveschoepkemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvVkqTMVgF6NG2mzxtGNanw
https://www.instagram.com/drumsonlow/
https://twitter.com/daveschoepke?lang=en

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

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Martin Barre Drummer Dave Schoepke To Release Innovative Solo Drum Album "Drums On Low"


Drummer Dave Schoepke will be releasing his first solo drum album titled “Drums On Low” on July 15, 2019. Schoepke is an accomplished North American drummer, who has had the pleasure of working with the legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin's band in 2017 and in 2018 for the “Cruise To The Edge” Tour. He's also been the primary drummer for The Willy Porter Band since 2002, and has loved every second of his time with the band. Dave has toured with Willy Porter on a number of occasions over the years, and has numerous television and radio appearances on his record. The amazing part is that Dave is able to do all of this, and still has time to devote to his own band Tweed. Tweed has been a mainstay touring in Europe for the last few years along with a number of other blues and soul groups.

Dave said this about “Drums On Low”: “The music and recording are a direct response to my life changes. Post the birth of my son I was inspired to craft and assemble this album. The concept is simple: to make an album in response to the overwhelming feelings I had about my family and where I was as a musician at this stage of my career. What flowed out was soaked with the spirit of love and harmony between our family unit and the reality that rhythms of life which bind us are always there in the ways we talk, feel, think, breathe and react to one another. I was motivated to write music that to me resonated those elements.”

The completion of this album was the realization of a dream of Dave's since age 16 to make music solely on drums and percussion instruments. Until now, that was an unattainable goal due to work demands, recording capabilities and costs. Written and recorded at Dave's home studio in the first 2 months after the birth of his 2nd child, this collection of pieces reflects the joy, wonder, and sleeplessness of being a new parent. The music was assembled in bits and pieces in between naptimes and family maintenance.

“My wife was very supportive in that when there was some free time, I was able to run downstairs and work on the music. Often, I began recording a piece only minutes after changing a diaper, feeding my son or some other family business. It was nearly impossible to separate the elements which is the biggest part of this whole story. The music is so directly informed by my day to day family life, and it's as much a reaction to those things as it is to my purely musical pursuits. At times I just sat down and the music flowed with no thought or preconceived ideas, nothing but reaction to life with my family. Ultimately the content on the album is 1/3 pre-formed pieces, 1/3 sketches that were embellished on and 1/3 full improvisations. I had the intention of having it all ready to go ahead of time, and a lot of things were finished, but when inspired I was able to turn on a dime and go with where the muse took me, which often happened in the midst of working on another piece. My overall goal with this album was to create a body of work that reflected where I had been as a musician but with the intent that the pieces come across as songs rather than solos. All of the music was recorded live with no overdubs, punch-ins, or edits/splicing on a combination of drum kits with varied tuning schemes.”

Some of the pieces are more melodically driven with the pitches, “Window, War Of The Grasshoppers, and Eleven Three” are examples of pieces that reflect that approach with mallets being the choice to draw the tones out. “Which One ARE You and N'ging” are informed with more traditional approaches and are considerably more aggressive. Some tracks are more experimental in form and approach, “Sound On Low” uses free spinning metal shakers on various snare drums and micro percussion alongside a detuned 26” kick drum, while “The Thing From The Darkness” is a flat out free expression coupled with audio from an old 1930's radio show.

“At times I wanted to abandon any concept of bars or strict form to the pieces, which I felt would restrict me and inhibit my transference of ideas. If I added a beat, dropped one, or the form floated away from my original intent, I went with it rather than be beholden to anything other than the moment. I wanted to disregard any of the common notions of form, tempo, tuning, and theory in favor of feel, attitude, flavor, vibe and excitement. There was no fixing or editing on anything, so if there are mistakes, odd sounds, and any quirkiness that didn’t take away from the flow and intent of the piece, I left it in and in turn feel it adds more human element to the production rather than an over polished product. All in all, 20 songs were recorded and 11 selected to represent where I was at that time. Because this was to be my first solo endeavor and one I longed to do since childhood, I felt like I had a lot to get out. Concurrently making this album has inspired me to work on building this facet of my career, as I have a slew of concepts and ideas I'd love to share.”



Watch the video for “Which One ARE You?”:


Dave said this about the video, “This is about an illustration of dualities in life. The two girls symbolize struggles that sometimes exist within people, good and bad, yin and yang, whatever. The music informs the manic-ness and chaos that can exist. I wanted to express chaos to the form of the song and do away with measures and structure at points, while returning to a rabid unrelenting ostinato that symbolizes the need to walk the line in life. The fight within people is often so much greater and out of control than we can comprehend. I learned this firsthand from a bi-polar suicidal father who took his own life when I was 10.”

When Dave is not touring with Martin Barre, touring Europe or holding down the drum throne for Willy Porter, he can be found in the studio recording. He is an extremely busy session musician with over 50 albums to his credit. These albums cut across all genres of music. He has also done dozens of instructional CD's for the Hal Leonard Corporation (One of the world's largest music publishers). Dave also heads up the improvisational recording project, Blank Radio, and is the chief engineer and curator of hundreds of sessions with musicians from all over the greater Milwaukee area, culminating 23 full length album releases since 2008. These albums feature improvisations in all styles from ambient soundscapes to classical, jazz, and seething progressive rock.

Currently Dave makes his home in Milwaukee and is a private lesson instructor at Cascio Interstate Music. He has done dozens of clinics and been billed with legendary drummers Ed Thigpen, Paul Wertico, Dom Famularo, Greg Bissonette, Ernie Adams, and Carmine Appice. He maintains a busy schedule of teaching, touring, clinics, and sessions, and is always striving to evolve in every facet of his music making. Dave proudly endorses Ludwig Drums and Paiste Cymbals and was named 2009 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) drummer of the year. In support of the release of “Drums On Low,” Dave is booking shows for August/September 2019

In closing, Dave has this message to impart to his listeners, “Joy and exploration. To make music with joy in the heart devoid of the constraints and trappings of the business and analytical side of the music industry.”

To purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/1466733343

For more information:
Website: www.daveschoepke.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveschoepkemusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/daveschoepke
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vontum

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

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Drum Legend Simon Phillips Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Protocol With 6-CD Box Set!


Features two full CDs of previously unreleased demos!

Drum legend Simon Phillips will be releasing a 6-CD box set on April 12th on Phantom Recordings. This truly deluxe set celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Protocol, the powerhouse jazz-rock vehicle for the music of legendary drummer Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Toto, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Hiromi). Included are all of the previous Protocol releases (I, II, III & IV), re-mastered for an even better sonic experience. Plus two full CDs of previously unreleased demos, with the embryonic tunes that would later become finished material for the Protocol II, III & IV albums. Protocol 4, included, was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Recording.

Phillips himself composed the liner notes of a glorious 24-page booklet with historic photos, providing deep insight into the genesis of the band, the tunes and recording processes. An absolute must-have collector's item for Simon's devotees worldwide!

Previously Unreleased Demos

Disc: 5 - Protocol II & III Demos
  1. Wildfire
  2. Funk Tune #1
  3. Six Eight
  4. Pump Type
  5. Thirteen
  6. Herbie Type
  7. Ballad
  8. Three Four
  9. Zawinul
  10. Mystery
  11. Protocol Blues
  12. A Perfect Flush
  13. Circle Seven
  14. Pilatus
  15. Stir Crazy
  16. Fast Five

Disc: 6 - Protocol IV Demos
  1. Six Eight
  2. Pentangle
  3. Indian Theme
  4. 7 Four Funk
  5. Intro + Celtic Boogie
  6. Blues
  7. Ballad
  8. Jan Type

Audio CD (April 12, 2019)
Number of Discs: 6
Label: Phantom Recordings

Protocol's 6-CD Set is available worldwide wherever you shop for CDs including: 

US
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=677357037425&ref=nb_sb_noss

UK
https://burningshed.com/simon-phillips_protocol_boxset?filter_name=simon%20phillips&filter_sub_category=true

Japan
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Protocol-Boxed-Set-Simon-Phillips/dp/B07PL6JK5V

Germany
https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/simon-phillips-protocol-boxed-set/hnum/9029987

(Please note that the bonus material will not be available digitally.)

Management:
(818) 616-2065 office
(310) 413-1864 cell
mitomusicmanagement@gmail.com
www.mitomusic.com

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

Distribution is being handled in the US exclusively by Amped Distribution www.ampeddistribution.com and wholesale inquiries can be made to Alex Jimenez at alex@ampeddistribution.com

Monday, February 11, 2019

DarWin Releases Debut Concept Album "Origin Of Species" Internationally Featuring Drum Legend Simon Phillips

Featuring Simon Phillips, Matt Bissonette, Greg Howe, Jeff Babko, Dennis Hamm & others!


“We Have 12 years to Limit Climate Change Catastrophe” Warns the United Nations IPCC

“Earth’s Carbon Dioxide Levels are Likely the Highest They’ve been in 15 Million Years” University of Texas at Austin, Jackson School of Geosciences

“Technologies built for our survival, 
Back on Earth made us a dominant rival. 
Working as one, we conquered all nations, 
All networks now under our communications. 
Resources rationed, ideas controlled, 
An intelligent regime to save our souls. 
Children of the future, 
Return to the light, 
Saving our Planet from our self-inflicted plight.” 
— DarWin, For Humanity

“The Revolution will come in waves.”— DarWin, Artificial

Welcome to the near-future: the world of DarWin. An intricate musical fantasy concept that launched in November 2018 in the UK only with the ambitious single release of “Escape The Maze,” followed by the full length album “Origin Of Species.”

The album is now available internationally on all major digital distribution platforms, with an epic cinematic video of “Escape the Maze” available on YouTube, Facebook and iTunes. More DarWin videos can be found on YouTube and Facebook.

Who is DarWin?: An Introduction to the “Escape the Maze” video saga.

It’s roughly ten years from now into the future, 2028. An exhausted ecology, and global conflicts, have led to a huge upheaval of the world order, straining and diminishing human populations. The lives of everyday people and families have been turned upside down by the intense ecological pressures related to climate change. No longer just a theory discussed by scientists and politicians, climate change is wreaking havoc on the world. Chaos and confusion reign as fighting for basic resources continuously escalates. “Day Zero” has occurred, when nuclear attacks punctuated what had for many years been a civility between nations and people. As Earth rejects life, those of us who remain struggle to survive.



“Escape The Maze” is the first installment in an evolving 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. The story of “Origin Of Species” is represented through music, graphic storytelling and videos.

A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A narrative 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.

The music seeks to capture the listener in the spirit of the greatest concept albums that have helped to define the history of rock. Heavy riffs and killer grooves lead way to delicate ensembles, only to pick up the pace again with searing guitar solos. The genre is decisively Prog Rock, but DarWin begs to be appreciated by a large global audience of music enthusiasts. Key tracks to discover the narrative include: For Humanity, Walk Away from Earth, the Last Chance and Artificial. Emotionally powerful songs for a wide audience include One Horizon, Cosmic Rays, and Forever.

It’s time to enter the saga. It’s time to join DarWin on his journey…

The “Origin Of Species” album features legendary drummer and producer Simon Phillips, who, in addition to playing drums, percussion and keyboards, also engineered, mixed and drove the production on the album. Veteran bass player and singer Matt Bissonette performed a rich array of lead and background vocals and bass. DarWin himself drove the songwriting and conceptual vision while playing various guitars.

The album features guest performances from the likes of Jeff Babko (keyboards and quartet arrangements), Greg Howe (blazing lead guitar solos), Dennis Hamm (keyboards), Ernst Tibbs (bass), Katisse Buckingham (Flute, Soprano Sax), Samuel Sim and Peter Nickalls (orchestral and quartet arrangements), The Origin of Species Quartet (Los Angeles), The Reykjavik String Quartet (Iceland), and The Chamber Orchestra Of London (Conductor Matt Dunkley)

The album was recorded at Simon Phillip’s Phantom Recordings, Sherman Oaks, CA, with additional recording at Abbey Road Studios (Studio 2, the “Beatles Room”), London, United Kingdom, Sundlaugin Studio in Reykjavik, Iceland, The Doghouse, Woodland Hills, CA, Rose Lane Studios, Carpenteria, CA, and Megatrax, Ventura, CA.

The album was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips. They are continuing to work on new music together at an undisclosed location. The saga will continue...

Watch Simon Phillips discuss the making of  “Origin Of Species”:


Full tracklisting:

1 FOR HUMANITY
2 THE LAST CHANCE
3 TAKING CHANCES
4 ESCAPE THE MAZE
5 WALK AWAY FROM EARTH
6 GUMMY BEAR
7 FOREVER

Intermission

8 WAR AGAINST MY MIND
9 ARTIFICIAL
10 ONE HORIZON
11 MODERN INSANITY
12 COSMIC RAYS
13 LIFE IS A MYSTERY
14 SLOWLY MELTING
15 RISE
16 JUST ONE MORE DAY
17 PROLOGUE

The album will also feature a stunning graphic comic-style layout telling the story visually. A sample page is below:



The epically cinematic video for the “Escape The Maze” single is available here


The album is released by Origin Of Species LLC.

To purchase:
https://darwin.fanlink.to/oos

D2C Store (Pre-order the CD) - https://darwin.tmstor.es
25th February 2018 is the physical CD release date on D2C and Amazon.

For further Information:
Official website: http://www.darwin.is/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dkLHW5y7w1CeHzazXdlmZ?nd=1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCdVQrrcMrFznnzq6M-_qA

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

Monday, October 1, 2018

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Celebrates 10 Years of KillSmith With New Compilation "KillSmith Halloween"!


This year marks the 10th anniversary of legendary Alice Cooper drummer & RnR Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith's first “KillSmith” solo CD. To celebrate, Neal has created a new 12 song compilation CD called “Neal Smith-KillSmith Halloween,” the best of KillSmith. It has 11 previously released KillSmith songs and features one brand new song called “Strychnine.”

2018 not only marks the golden 50th anniversary of the original Alice Cooper Group, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of my “KillSmith” solo project. Since my last solo album “KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire,” I have been wanting to put together a compilation CD of my scariest and best “KillSmith” songs. I have chosen 11 of my songs plus a brand new bonus track called "Strychnine,” it's a killer! Get your downloads or CD's today! Happy Halloween to all of my sick things around the world! Play my “KillSmith Halloween” loud and let it scare the “HELL” out of you! - Neal Smith



Neal Smith is best known worldwide for his innovative drumming and outrageous stage antics with the original Alice Cooper Group. His solid drumming is the hallmark sound behind such classic 1970's Alice Cooper hits as “School's Out,” “I'm Eighteen,” “Billion Dollar Babies” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Neal is also a prolific songwriter, who helped pen many of the groups best known songs. Alice Cooper was the first band to introduce theatrics to the rock and roll stage, the group has sold over 25 million records worldwide. Neal has six gold and five platinum records to his credit and has performed before millions on extensive grand world tours from the late 1970's to the present. Smith's trademark drum style can be heard on additional albums, including the Billion Dollar Babies Band “Battle Axe,” The Plasmatics “Beyond The Valley Of 1984,” Buck Dharma “Flat Out,” Deadringer “Electrocution Of The Heart,” Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith “Back From Hell” and “BDS Live In Paris,” Cinematik “Cinematik” and “One Full Moon Away.” And Neal's most recent critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith. Neal's KillSmith CD's “Sexual Savior,” “KillSmith Two” and  “KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire,” garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide.

“KillSmith Halloween” Track List

EVIL VOODOO MOON
DEATH BY THE NUMBERS
HOW DO YOU BLEED
CEMETERY OF THE DAMNED
SQUEEZE LIKE A PYTHON
THE KILLSMITH OVERTURE
THRILL THRILL THRILL SHOOT TO KILL
DIE FOR THE NIGHT
PANDEMONIUM
STRYCHNINE
DYNASTY OF DARKNESS
MONSTERS IN THE ATTIC

KillSmith Downloads, CD's & CD/Books Available NOW!
www.nealsmithrocks.com
http://nealsmithrocks.com/store
https://www.facebook.com/NealsmithRocks

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

Friday, August 3, 2018

Guitarist Tone Masseve To Release Debut Album "Amp L'étude" Feat. Jethro Tull Drum Legend Doane Perry


“Playing with Tone was one of the most illuminating musical experiences of my career. Yes, he's that good.” - Graham Parker

NYC - The singing sustain of multiple razor edged electric guitars, the monster rock backbeat of Jethro Tull drummer Doane Perry and The Moonlight Sonata? Yes, This mash-up is the concept behind Tone Masseve's album “Amp L'étude.” Classical pieces? Yes, but these are not the dry, conventional versions we've all heard before. The album vividly brings these compositions to life with a new and powerful sound.

Tone said, “In my childhood I was exposed to many different musical styles and genres. Although I am really a blues player, I also love the music of Bach, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Chopin and Debussy. I wanted to play their classical pieces with a rock sound and attitude.” He used the feedback, bends, shakes, falls and dives of his guitar heroes; Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, early Eric Clapton, Robert Fripp, Brian May, Joe Satriani and George Harrison to do just that.

Tone's dynamic playing combined with Doane's great rock feel, give this music of the masters an entirely new presentation. Some of the sound and production techniques of this record are drawn from famous rock tracks such as; “Whiter Shade of Pale,” “The Hill of the Skull,” “God Save the Queen,” “Wind on Water,” “She's so Heavy” & “Girl,” and, “1983… (A Merman I Should Turn to Be).”

Every now and then a brilliant and fully developed artist arrives on the scene. Such is the case of Tone Masseve's enigmatic emergence out of the shadows. His sonic identity, unique voice and concept and his blending of seemingly disparate styles simply amazed and surprised me. Tone's inspired and highly original take on some of the most hallowed and iconic classical music ever composed is eloquently orchestrated, passionately and precisely executed and a wholly satisfying aural experience! I believe any of the great composers represented would be honored and thrilled to hear their music so creatively reimagined and lovingly brought to life within such a modern and innovative context. 

One of the most powerful elements in his music is the thick, sonorous and clear voice which he elicits from his “Guitorchestra”. Speaking as one who participated in this exciting project, I found the rich harmonic blend and counterpoint combined with the strength and subtlety of his parts, compelling and utterly inspiring to play off of ... and was astonished to think so much of this was coming through the head, hands and heart of a single musician. And I never even met him. I don't know how he did it but that is one of the delightful musical riddles which does not need solving. 

Joyful, biting, menacing, muscular, melancholy and euphoric are apt descriptions which are summoned to mind when I listen to his music. All of those elements provided a powerful catalyst for my own contributions. I am honored to have worked with this gifted artist and to have been a part of such an original musical adventure … and I would like to think the mysterious and hugely talented Tone Masseve will not remain unknown for much longer.

Doane Perry

Tone started playing the guitar at age 6 and performing live at age 15. By the time he was 18 he was doing session work in NYC. Legendary Graham Parker saw him playing with a band called Robazz Bowtime, and asked him to play a few gigs. Graham said, “I didn't play with Tone for a great deal of time, but it was one of the most illuminating musical experiences of my career. Yes, he's that good.”

The recording started in 1995 and took more than 20 years to complete. The guitar parts alone took more than two years to record. In 1997, while still working on Amp L'étude, tragically, Tone got pneumonia and died.

In 2016 a wonderful and talented group of musicians came together to finish his long lost album. The first was Doane Perry who added his hard hitting rock drumming to six tracks. Doane was the drummer for the legendary, Grammy winning rock band, Jethro Tull, for twenty-seven years. He also played with Lou Reed, Todd Rundgren and many, many others.

Next was Garry Kvistad who is a Grammy award winning master percussionist. He is a member of the four man percussion group Nexus. The New York Times called Nexus “the high priests of the percussion world.” Steve Reich said, “They are probably the most acclaimed percussion group on earth.” Garry added orchestral percussion; tympani, large gong, orchestral bass drum, glockenspiel, orchestral chimes, and symphonic crash cymbals to two of the pieces

Then members of the vocal group Prana added their voices to a couple of tracks. They gave one piece, “Maria, (She's so) Ave” a decidedly Liverpudlian sound. Finally Maria Todaro was brought in to conduct the choir for “O Fortuna.” Maria is not only an internationally renowned opera singer, stage director, and conductor, but also the general director of The International Festival of the Voice. For this recording, with her deep understanding of the voice as an expressive instrument, she evoked an impassioned performance from the choir.

On YouTube there are twelve 30 second sample videos, one for each of the twelve pieces from “Amp L'étude. “The videos feature the characters from the front cover of the album: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Wu-VN7bmX2249K3hIJy8HgFZTfJC208

In closing Tone had this to impart, “Music has no boundaries. If you play it with all of your heart it doesn’t matter what style it is, the feeling will come through.”

To purchase Tone Masseve's “Amp L'étude”: 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FT6C4S5?ref=cp_d_n_u
store.cdbaby.com/cd/tonemasseve

For more information:
Website: www.tonemasseve.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Tone-Masseve-291339831409659/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMasseve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonemasseve/

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

Saturday, June 16, 2018

Drum Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Bruford's Definitive Boxed Set "Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago" Nominated For Progressive Music Awards "Reissue of the Year"!


Drum legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Bruford's recently released definitive boxed set “Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago” has been nominated for “Reissue of the Year” by Progressive Music Awards. Containing the collected works of the band on one extraordinary 6cd/2dvd-a box set, “Seems Like A Lifetime Ago” is a magnificent testament to one of the UK's most inventive and important Progressive Fusion bands.

Voting has begun and will remain open until August 24, 2018. Cast your vote here!
https://www.loudersound.com/features/vote-now-in-the-2018-progressive-music-awards/7

Bill Bruford's official website: http://www.billbruford.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billbruford/

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

Friday, March 2, 2018

Drum Legend Terry Bozzio's "Reality Tour" 2018 North America


Los Angeles, CA – Drum legend Terry Bozzio is known for his work with Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Korn, UK, Missing Persons, Mick Jagger, Robbie Robertson, Alan Holdsworth, Tony Levin, Steve Vai, Quincy Jones, Ken Scott, Metropole Orkest - as well as Film score composers Basil Poledouris, Mark Isham & Patrick O'Hearn. He is a Grammy Winner, RockWalk Honoree, Modern Drummer Magazine's Hall of Fame Award, & is in Rolling Stone's Top 5 Drummers of All Time! (See more at www.terrybozzio.com)

Unless you have seen Terry, you have no idea what you are in for. Bozzio is an enigmatic, evocative, and engaging musician whose instrument just happens to be the drums. Terry Bozzio is able to accompany himself with bass note patterns and, at the same time, melodically solo with highly developed coordination skills to express a “complete musical statement” on the drum set alone. Drawing from jazz, classical, & ethnic percussion styles from around the world, Terry Bozzio is “a storyteller,” able to weave a hypnotic spell over audiences and enthrall them with an eclectic experience filled with emotion, contrast, variety, intimacy, excitement, & passion.

His is a unique, intense, dynamic, spiritualistic, melodic, orchestral, atmospheric, and musical performance on the largest tuned drum & percussion set in the world. Please note that this is not a bombastic 2 hour drum solo. This is MUSIC on drums. There is space, classical forms & structures, ambient electronic loops, and atmospheric percussion effects, as well as some exciting & fiery drumming that brings audiences to their feet!

He has spent the last 30 years performing Solo Drum Music for Sold Out Audiences all Around the World, from India to Japan, from Europe to North America.

Terry Bozzio tour dates:
Aug 17, 2018 US-AZ-Phoenix, venue TBA
Aug 20, 2018 US-CO-Denver, Soiled Dove
Aug 23, 2018 US-TX-Austin, One World Theatre
Aug 25, 2018 US-TX-McKinney, The Guitar Sanctuary
Aug 27, 2018 US-TN-Nashville, City Winery
Aug 29, 2018 US-KY-Newport, The Southgate House Revival -- Sanctuary
Aug 31, 2018 US-PA-Pittsburgh, Oaks Theatre
Sept 2, 2018 US-DC-Washington, City Winery
Sept 4, 2018 US-PA-Sellersville, ST94
Sept 5, 2018 US-NY-New York City, City Winery
Sept 6, 2018 US-MA-Northampton, Iron Horse Music Hall
Sept 7, 2018 US-MA-Boston, City Winery
Sept 8, 2018 US-MA-Fall River, Narrows Center for the Arts
Sept 10, 2018 CA-QC-Quebec, "Salle Jean Paul Tardif"
Sept 11, 2018 CA-QC-Montreal, Club Soda
Sept 12, 2018 CA-ON-Ottawa, Algonquin Commons Theatre
Sept 14, 2018 CA-ON-Toronto, The Royal
Sept 15, 2018 CA-ON-London, Aeolian Hall
Sept 16, 2018 US-MI-Detroit, The Token Lounge
Sept 18, 2018 US-IL-Chicago, Reggies
Sept 19, 2018 US-WI-Milwaukee, Shank Hall
Sept 21, 2018 US-MN-Minneapolis, The Dakota
Sept 23, 2018 CA-MB-Winnipeg, West End Cultural Centre
Sept 25, 2018 CA-SK-Saskatoon, Broadway Theatre
Sept 27, 2018 CA-AB-Edmonton, Festival Place
Sept 28, 2018 CA-AB-Airdrie, Bert Church Theatre
Oct 1, 2018 CA-BC-Vancouver, Rickshaw Theatre
Oct 2, 2018 US-WA-Seattle, Triple Door
Oct 4, 2018 US-OR-Eugene, WOW Hall
Oct 7, 2018 US-CA-Sacramento,. Harlow´s

Terry's Latest Releases include: (Available at www.terrybozzio.com)

1) Simple Moments (Bozzio's Compositions)

2) Terry Bozzio's “Reality” (Terry recorded real drums alone in studio with sections, solos, breaks & structures made up on the spot, then recorded & overdubbed all the rest of the music by himself.)

3) “No Work-No Food” (Terry composed & recorded music to 22 poems in spoken word of his poet friend Todd Griese (Gandy Dancer Press)

4) “Composer Series” (59 Musical Compositions with a Bozzio’s Painting for Each, in a Vinyl Sized Book including 4 CDs, Blue Ray & Solo Drum Performance DVD) All available from terrybozzio.com

5) “History of Terry Bozzio” DVD (A 3 Hour Live Performance of Terry playing tunes he has played from some favorite bands of the past. With an All Star Japanese Band Terry revisits the Best of Zappa, Beck, UK, Missing Persons, Bozzio Levin Stevens, Nine Short Films w/Billy Sheehan, his Composer Series & a Solo Drum Performance! (set to be released March 2018)

-In addition Bozzio has been creating Art Works since 1975.

He explains, “I first got interested in Art & Sketching at the encouragement of renowned artist Don Van Vliet (aka: Captain Beefheart) who I played with on my first Zappa/Mothers of Invention tour in 1975. He was very encouraging. 2013, I released my first project called Rhythm & Sketch in collaboration with the art group Scene Four. It's been successful & inspired me to do more. (available at www.terrybozzioart.com & www.terrybozzio.com)

“In 2017, I did my first Gallery Show at Channel Islands Studios. I displayed 30 works from 1975 to the present day (Art available at: www.terrybozzio.com). I have used my Art Works as Stage Sets for my tours for years now, & will have New Works on this tour.

“I want to expand the potential of musical drumming. The drum set is a unique American invention that deserves more than it’s usual role of merely timekeeping.”

For more information: www.terrybozzio.com
Terry Bozzio Biography: http://terrybozzio.com/biography/
Terry’s Official Drum Tech for this tour: Shawn Shaulis

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CroX237dzfY#t=36

MAXIMUM Booking
Phone:  0049-(0)-8324-933-851
Fax:  0049-(0)-8324-933-829
E-Mail:  info@MAXIMUMBooking.com
www.MAXIMUMBooking.com ;

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