Signed Postcards Available With This Release While Stocks Last!
A Gorgeous 2CD/1DVD Set of Anthony Phillips' Brand New Album!
Featuring an NTSC / Region Free DVD of a New 5.1 Surround Sound Mix by Anthony Phillips & James Collins
Esoteric Antenna is pleased to announce the release of “Strings Of Light”, the beautiful new album by GENESIS founding member ANTHONY PHILLIPS.
For his first new album in seven years Anthony has composed and recorded the twenty-four pieces of music on this album, which span two CDs, utilizing the many beautiful and rare guitars in his collection, all of which have made “Strings Of Light” one of the finest instrumental guitar albums of Anthony’s long and acclaimed career as a musician and composer.
This set is made even more special by the inclusion of a 5.1 Surround Sound mix of album on a DVD (NTSC / Region Free). After a seven year absence of new recorded work, “Strings Of Light” is a welcome return and a fine album by a legendary musician.
TRACK LISTING
DISC ONE: CD
1. JOUR DE FÊTE 2. DIAMOND MEADOWS 3. CAPRICE IN THREE 4. CASTLE RUINS 5. MERMAIDS AND WINE MAIDENS 6. WINTER LIGHTS 7. SONG FOR ANDY 8. PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE 9. SKIES CRYING 10. MOUSE TRIP 11. RESTLESS HEART 12. STILL RAIN
DISC TWO CD
1. INTO THE VOID 2. ANDEAN EXPLORER 3. MYSTERY TALE 4. SUNSET RIVERBANK 5. TALE ENDER 6. SHORELINE 7. DAYS GONE BY 8. CRYSTALLINE 9. FLEUR-DE-LYS 10. GRAND TOUR 11. HOME ROAD 12. LIFE STORY
DISC THREE: DVD
1. JOUR DE FÊTE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 2. DIAMOND MEADOWS (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 3. CAPRICE IN THREE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 4. CASTLE RUINS (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 5. MERMAIDS AND WINE MAIDENS (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 6. WINTER LIGHTS (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 7. SONG FOR ANDY (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 8. PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 9. SKIES CRYING (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 10. MOUSE TRIP (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 11. RESTLESS HEART (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 12. STILL RAIN (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 13. INTO THE VOID (5.1 SURROUND MIX)) 14. ANDEAN EXPLORER (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 15. MYSTERY TALE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 16. SUNSET RIVERBANK (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 17. TALE ENDER (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 18. SHORELINE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 19. DAYS GONE BY (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 20. CRYSTALLINE (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 21. FLEUR-DE-LYS (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 22. GRAND TOUR (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 23. HOME ROAD (5.1 SURROUND MIX) 24. LIFE STORY (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
REVEALS FIRST TRACK “THE SOLITARY PATH OF THE CONVICTED MAN”
KSCOPE – Digitally Released on October 25 and CD / LP Released on November 1
Bruce Soord, the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and frontman for internationally renowned experimental rock outfit The Pineapple Thief, has confirmed the release of his second solo album. Entitled All This Will Be Yours it will be released through Kscope digitally on October 25 and CD / LP on November 1, 2019.
Taking elements from the recent musical developments with The Pineapple Thief, as well as an ambition to experiment with his own sound, All This Will Be Yours is an album of acoustic and personal vision from Bruce Soord. Described by Soord as an observational record, it is inspired by the joy felt by the birth of his third child juxtaposed by the local deprivation in his hometown.
Bruce explains, “Emotionally it was a pretty unique & eventful time, my wife was due to have our 3rd child at any time but she managed to come to see the final date of the TPT tour at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, after the show that night we returned home to Yeovil and the next day our baby girl arrived. So, we had this new life in our lives and it introduced a very different perspective on the world around me. I was totally inspired and started writing almost immediately.”
He continues, “You’d like to think that something as simple as having a child shouldn’t impact on how you view things, but even the sight of a serene, sleeping baby in my studio while I was writing and recording, impacted on how I was inspired to write. I was still observing. Taking walks in my hometown, witnessing the deprivation, the ‘incarcerated souls’ shuffling to my local drug den ‘number 158’, the screaming children on their commute to school. And the incessant sounds of sirens. I would take a mobile recorder out with me and some of these sounds made it onto the record. The kids, an old man walking along the street singing outside my house (‘Our Gravest Threat Apart’). And the sirens. The sirens appear throughout the record.”
The sound of All This Will Be Yours features modern production elements, as well as acoustic guitars delicately layered with samples. Ever present are Soord's familiar vocals, which deliver an emotive and accessible view into his contrasting feelings when writing about austerity whilst his newborn dozed in the studio. The audio has been recorded as two continuous linear pieces to replicate the pleasure of listening to an album on vinyl and was mastered by fellow The Pineapple Thief member Steve Kitch.
The new album, All This Will Be Yours, builds on Soord's momentum gained by The Pineapple Thief's multiple headline Europe and UK tours in support of 2018 UK #1 Rock album Dissolution and 2016 summer hit album Your Wilderness. November 2019 sees The Pineapple Thief embark on their first North American tour. A prolific musician, Soord has also previously collaborated with Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse on fan-favourite album Wisdom of Crowds and produced 5.1 mixes for the likes of Katatonia, Opeth & Anathema.
Tracklisting: 1. The Secrets I Know [02:24] 2. Our Gravest Threat Apart [04:14] 3. The Solitary Path Of A Convicted Man [03:44] 4. All This Will Be Yours [06:04] 5. Time Does Not Exist[03:33] 6. One Misstep [04:00] 7. You Hear The Voices[06:54] 8. Cut The Flowers[04:35] 9. One Day I Will Leave You [05:17]
All This Will Be Yours will be released on CD, LP, digitally and as a deluxe hardback book 3 disc edition featuring the album on CD, with an extra CD of acoustic re-workings and bonus studio tracks plus a DVD with All This Will Be Yours as a Hi-res 24/88 WAV stereo album, Hi res 24/88 WAV acoustic album and Hi res 24/88 WAV bonus studio tracks, all of which will also be available in 24/88 DTS 5.1 surround. PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE https://brucesoord.lnk.to/AllThisWillBeYours
“He’s created something remarkable” - Classic Rock
“A journey that would please fans of Floyd and Steven Wilson” - Total Guitar
“Soord has genuinely created something truly outstanding” - Prog
“Deceptively simple, emotionally rich, this album shows Soord at the peak of his powers” - Echoes and Dust
THE PINEAPPLE THIEF will be playing their first ever North America tour in November and December 2019: Nov 19 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse Nov 20 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre Nov 21 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage Nov 22 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer Nov 23 - New York City, NY - Sony Hall Nov 24 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair Nov 26 - Quebec City, Canada - Palais Montcalm Nov 27 - Montreal, Canada - Corona Theatre Nov 28 - Toronto, Canada - Mod Club Nov 29 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom Nov 30 - Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom Dec 1 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge Dec 3 - Guadalajara, Mexico - C3 Stage Dec 4 - Mexico City, Mexico - Lunario del Auditorio Nacional Dec 6 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre Dec 8 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom Dec 9 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's Dec 12 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre Dec 13 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre Dec 14 - Seattle, WA - Neumos
Bruce Soord online: Facebook, twitter & Instagram: @bsoord
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.”
Greatly anticipated new studio solo album from Rosalie Cunningham, formerly of acclaimed band Purson.
London - Esoteric Antenna are delighted to announce a new studio album with Rosalie Cunningham. Since her celebrated band Purson played its final gig in late 2016, singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist Rosalie has been working on a new solo album, to showcase her talents as the visionary solo artist she always was.
As Rosalie says, “Being able to take time over arrangements without time pressures means that everything feels right, without being contrived.”
The album features a full range of musical styles showing off to the full Rosalies incredible vocal range and playing ability and is sure to delight both old fans of Purson and hopefully many new fans.
The self-titled album will be available both on Digipack single CD and 180 gram vinyl format on July 26th. In support of the release, Rosalie and her band will be touring the UK in July 2019 with further dates to come.
TRACK LISTING Ride on My Bike Fuck Love House of the Glass Red Dethroning of the Party Queen Nobody Hears Riddles and Games Butterflies A Yarn from the Wheel
Portland, OR - Following his acclaimed CD “Parting Is,” Jon Durant returns with a new solo album “Alternate Landscapes.” While both records are solo guitar, that’s also where the similarity ends.
Alternate Landscapes expands the idea of solo guitar to include MIDI guitar triggering old school synthesizer sequences and breathy wind instruments alongside Jon’s signature cloud guitar textures. The result is a strikingly original blend of highly unusual sounds and textures with the additional context of vintage synthesis all translated through the guitar. In addition, each of the four expansive tracks take the listener on an extended sonic journey through a multitude of aural landscapes.
Durant commented: “For my entire musical career, I’ve steadfastly refused to wear my influences on my sleeve. If I ever do something that sounds too much like someone else, I have always discarded it. This time I allowed myself to let, for example, my Tangerine Dream influence come to the fore, and decided to make a statement that offered homage without being too derivative.”
Continuing, Durant spoke of the very different nature of how he approached his guitar playing on “Alternate Landscapes” relative to his previous work: “I’ve always had a great love of melody, and on all my earlier work whether solo or with Burnt Belief my lead guitar was a centerpiece of what I did. The cloud guitar textures, for which I have gained a certain reputation, were usually placed in a context underneath a more obvious lead guitar melody. On Alternative Landscapes, however, I have almost eliminated the lead guitar voice in favor of letting the cloud guitar textures become the dominant theme.”
“Two of the songs, “Aragon” and “Ciel du Cheval” are solo guitar pieces, performed live in the studio with no overdubs. All the percussive elements on “Aragon are a loop played on guitar, over which I played my fretless guitar. “Ciel du Cheval” is solo cloud guitar piece all played on guitar with an E-Bow. Listeners might be reminded of the landmark work of Fripp & Eno in it’s scope and approach, though not necessarily in the sounds that emerge.”
The other two tracks involve the use of guitar synthesizer, and also include sounds of voices and trains recorded on an iPhone and played back through the pickups of a guitar and processed through Durant’s complex effects rig to render those sounds completely indistinguishable from where they began.
Guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks. His 2018 release “Parting Is” was nominated for “Best Ambient Album” in the Zone Music Reporter awards. In 2019, several highly regarded recordings feature Jon’s work as a session player, including Stephan Thelen’s landmark “Fractal Guitar” on which Durant can be heard alongside David Torn and Marcus Reuter and many other innovative guitarists.
As executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small home studio. Alongside Durant's six solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree), Alchemy has also released albums by artists Michael Manring, Gary Willis, Leni Stern/Wayne Krantz and others.
Manticore Records is proud to announce the new album by Alternative music legend John Greaves, now a Manticore Records Artist
British bass guitarist and composer John Greaves, best known as a member of Henry Cow and his collaborative albums with Peter Blegvad is releasing a new album titled “Life Size” on Manticore Records on November 30, 2018. John was also a member of National Health and Soft Heap, and has recorded several solo albums, including “Accident” (1982), “Parrot Fashions” (1984), “The Caretaker” (2001) and “Greaves Verlaine” (2008).
Says Manticore Records president Max Marchini, “When Greg Lake wanted me to be the artistic director of the renaissance of Manticore he was very precise: 'I don’t want Manticore to be nostalgic but respectful and helpful of any great talent, old or new. We don't want to be a progressive only label but open to any kind of music for progressive it is not a genre but an intention'.
“It's a great honor to be able to continue his quality control and tradition of perfectionism and creativity. And I am lucky enough to have trusting friends who help me and to share with projects: Regina Lake, Alberto Callegari at the amazing Elfo Recording Studios and Manticore artist Annie Barbazza. Our aim is to live up to Greg Lake's vision and production skills with new albums that can match his demanding standards.
“I have been lucky enough to work with one of the most respected and talented British composers, Welsh-born John Greaves who is a true living legend in alternative music.”
John Greaves led the European avant-garde as a founder member of Henry Cow with Fred Frith and Lindsay Cooper, then his bass was the driving force in bands like National Health and Love Of Life Orchestra. He played with Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, Mike Oldfield, Michael Nyman, Penguin Café Orchestra, Carla Bley and Michael Mantler just to mention a few.
In recent years he has produced albums for the French classical label Harmonia Mundi for Radio France of composition upon words of Paul Verlaine and for Dark Companion a precious critically acclaimed live album called “Piacenza”. He appears on the new Sony relate of Gabrie Fauré songs “Ici-bas”. His songwriting partnership with Slapp Happy's Peter Blegvad gave birth to gems like “Bad Alchemy”, “How Beautiful You Are “ and “The Song”.
On his new album “Life Size”he shares the vocals with a remarkable cast. Three fabulous, uniquely different female voices: Valérie Gabail, Annie Barbazza, Himiko Paganotti and Greaves himself sing a collection of songs in French, English and Italian, moving from pure pop thru Debussy-esque Apollinaire to sensual spoken-word; there's even a song by Robert Wyatt, an old friend from way back when. The line-up of musicians is equally stellar: Olivier Mellano and Jakko Jakksyk (from King Crimson) on guitars, Vincent Courtois on cello, Zeena Parkins on harp, Matthieu Rabaté on drums.
“Life Size” features new compositions and the revisiting of old ones into a new, breathtaking contemporary and classical style, featuring some of the most acclaimed international musicians. Treat yourself to a very special musical journey.
Says Max, “'Life Size' is an album of stunning beauty and inner grace and sure will be a classic for the future, and intended to be the logical sequel to the critically acclaimed 'Songs', which, by the way, has been remastered at our Elfo Studios to state of the art sound quality and re-issued by Dark Companion Records.”
‘Life Size” was recorded and mastered to exemplary sound standards in audiophile premium colored vinyl and golden high-end CDs. This first pressing will be of 1,000 CD and 500 vinyl only.
Tracklist 01. Air de la Lune 02. The Same Thing 03. In Te 04. God Song 05. Kew Rhône is Real 06. Earthly Powers 07. Still Life 08. La Lune Blanche 09. Sweetheart Goodbye 10. Hôtels 11. How Beautiful You Are 12. Lie Still, Sleep Becalmed
Personnel: John Greaves: voice, bass guitar piano, sequences, string arrangements Annie Barbazza: voice (3,6,7,11) piano (11), acoustic guitar (3) Valérie Gabail: voice (1, 10) Himiko Paganotti: voice (8) Vincent Courtois: cello Matthieu Rabaté: drums Olivier Mellano: guitar (1,2,6,8) Sophia Domancich: treated piano (8) Zeena Parkins: harp (10) Jakko Jakszyk: electric guitar (4) Lino Capra Vaccina: piano, gongs, vibes, cymbals, percussion (12) Camillo Mozzoni: oboe Max Marchini: sub aquatic electric guitar (3) Jordi Tagliaferri: vibes (2,10), congas (7) Irene Barbieri: violins (1,7) Diego Romani: violas (1,7) The Warm Morning Brothers: bkg. vocals (3)
Songs about spiritual epiphanies, longing, friendship and loss
Much to the excitement of Prog fans worldwide, keyboardist Tim Morse will be releasing his 3rd album “Tim Morse III” featuring songs about spiritual epiphanies, longing, friendship and loss. The original idea for Tim's third album was that it would be a completely solo project where he would play all the instruments and sing all the vocals. However, even at the demo stage he missed the input of others, and decided to bring in some of his favorite musicians for cameo appearances (mostly drummers and guitarists).
Says Tim, “I'm not really a multi-instrumentalist - I'm a pianist and guitarist. By extension I play other keyboards, bass and a little bit of percussion. Anyone can play drums as good as I can! You can hear me play everything on one song 'The Marquis' and I play most of the instruments on 'My Ally' and 'Talisman' as well.
“It was very important to me to get to the 'emotional core' of the songs on this recording and so I looked for ways to eliminate some of the fiddling about - don't get me wrong, this is still a progressive rock album - but I wanted to make sure the message was clear. My work with The Mangoes and the music of some of my favorite recording artists like Field Music and Kevin Gilbert influenced this approach. Also, I knew from the start that there would be a vinyl release and so that was an exciting aspect of the project. It's been a dream of mine since I was thirteen to release a vinyl album of my original music and it's finally coming true! I'm very proud of the songwriting on 'III,' I definitely feel that it features some of my best work.”
When the writing was finished Tim decided that it was essential to record on as much vintage gear as possible - Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Mini-Moog, and Mellotron samples. He spent a day at the Oakland Vintage Synthesizer Museum tracking songs with all kinds of analog synthesizer goodness (including the mighty Moog Taurus Bass pedals).
Says Tim, “On this recording I wanted to find the right balance between structure and improvisation. Of course, all of my solos were improvised (most of them are first takes done on the original demos), but even parts that might seem structured were done one pass on the fly. I believe that adds a vital feel to the music. I also kept a lot of scratch tracks where some precision may be sacrificed because the feel of the music was right.”
Most of the recording was done in Tim's home studio (and others contributed parts from their project studios). However, he did track drums at Andrew Glasmacher's Studio 12 West in Utah over a few days. Also, all of the lead vocals were recorded at Paradise Studios with Craig Long. Craig is a mini-local legend in northern California, having worked with multi-platinum acts like Cake, Tesla, Bobby Brown, Tony, Toni, Tone! and many others. Tim wanted his expertise for the vocal sessions and Craig also made important contributions to the mix and did the final mastering of “Tim Morse III.”
Watch the video for “The Mary Celeste”:
Tim Morse began his instrument instruction at a young age and started composing immediately upon picking up the guitar. He later moved onto the piano and studied as a music composition major, writing extended pieces such as a string quartet and two piano sonatas. During this time Tim performed with various rock and fusion bands and played on many recording sessions. Tim's first album of original music was entitled “Transformation” and was released in 2005. The album was well received by the Progressive Rock community and recognized as an original voice, in the tradition of Yes and Genesis, yet recorded and performed with a modern edge.
His second album “Faithscience” was released in 2012 and musically it picked up where “Transformation” left off, continuing to explore the best of Progressive Rock. In addition to this release Tim became a member of the Jerry Jennings band and formed The Mangoes with Bret Bingham. The Mangoes released their debut album in 2014 and it was embraced for its pop sensibility and quirky humor.
Tim Morse is also a published author and his book “Yesstories” has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. His book “Classic Rock Stories” was published by the St. Martin's Press and was featured on the Howard Stern show. He has also written for music magazines over the years including Mix, Guitar World, Keyboard and Bass Player.
“Tim Morse III” will be released on CD and digital download on October 22, 2018 by Cymbalick Music. There will be a limited edition vinyl LP release of the album in January 2019. Plans for live performances in support of the new album release are in the works.
In closing Tim has this message for listeners: “I'm always grateful when anyone takes the time to listen to my music, whether they loved it or were critical of it. In this modern age of endless distractions it is a lovely thing when someone will truly listen to music.”
To purchase: “Tim Morse III” will be available on CDBaby, iTunes, Amazon, etc. *Anyone ordering CDs or LPs on timmorse.com will get a free promotional bonus disc with cover songs, demos, alternate tracks, etc. https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TimMorse
Los Angeles - Martin Barre, best-known as guitarist in Jethro Tull - one of the biggest selling prog bands of all time, releases his new solo album Roads Less Travelled on Cleopatra Records on October 12, 2018.
Barre has developed his own distinctive style within the framework of Jethro Tull, and his instantly recognizable and original sound form the basis of this album. Roads Less Travelled features 11 original tracks by Barre, which reflect the last 50 years of his esteemed musical career.
Reflecting on the tracks & recording of the album, Barre says “I've concentrated on improving my songwriting over the last few years and as a result, I am really pleased with this new CD. Although my playing has a lot of space in the music, I've worked a lot harder on the arrangements and lyrics. My goal is to have a CD that keeps the listener from beginning to end. 'Roads Less Travelled' reflects my belief in taking music somewhere new.”
Barre's solo on Jethro Tull's 1971 hit “Aqualung” has been repeatedly voted as one of the top guitar solos of all time. Barre has been cited as an important influence by many virtuoso players, including Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai & Jo Satriani and can count the likes of Mark Knopfler and Geddy Lee amongst his many fans.
Track Listing: 1. Lone Wolf 2. Out of Time 3. On My Way 4. Roads Less Travelled 5. Badcore Blues 6. Seattle 7. For No Man 8. (This Is) My Driving Song 9. You Are An Angel 10. Trinity 11. And The Band Played On
While all the songs showcase his exceptional electric guitar, acoustic guitar and mandolin playing, the Martin Barre Band also shine throughout. A long-time resident of Devon, Barre's band features several local musicians: Dan Crisp (vocals), Alan Thomson (bass/fretless bass), Darby Todd (drums), Becca Langsford (vocals/backing vocals), Josiah J (Percussion/Hammond), Aaron Graham (drums), Alex Hart (vocals/backing vocals) Buster Cottam (“stand up” bass).
About Martin Barre
Barre was the guitarist for rock band Jethro Tull from 1969 – 2012. Jethro Tull have sold an estimated 60 million albums worldwide, with 11 gold and 5 platinum albums among them and were described by Rolling Stone as “one of the most commercially successful progressive rock bands.” Barre appeared on all but their debut album during his 33 year stint with Tull and is the longest-serving member after Ian Anderson.
For four decades, Barre's career focused on Jethro Tull but in the 1990s Barre began to perform as a solo artist and has since released 7 solo studio albums. On these recordings, Barre combined rock and guitar-oriented fusion in his sound.
Martin's guitar playing has earned him a high level of respect and recognition; he was voted 25th best solo ever in the USA and 20th best solo ever in the UK for his playing on “Aqualung.” His playing on the album Crest of a Knave earned him a Grammy award in 1988.
In addition to his Jethro Tull and solo work, Martin has worked live with many other artists including: Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Gary Moore, Jo Bonamassa and Chris Thompson and has shared a stage with such legends as Hendrix, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
“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.
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.”
New York, NY – IZZ vocalist, Laura Meade's debut full-length studio album, Remedium, is scheduled for release on May 18, 2018.
Meade's background in musical theatre helps define her unique approach as a lyricist and musician. Remedium combines Meade's love of art rock with the emotion of musical theatre. In addition to being a vocalist for the progressive rock band IZZ, her career includes performances around the world with many different artists and on a multitude of stages.
Remedium features progressive, adventurous extended tracks such as “Sunflowers at Chernobyl” and “Dragons” as well as songs with art-pop sensibilities such as “Conquer the World”. Meade's incredible range and versatility as a vocalist is evidenced throughout the album and particularly on songs such as “Every Step” and “What I See From Here”.
Meade is joined by her IZZ bandmates on several songs as well as Randy McStine (The Fringe, Lo-Fi Resistance) on “Sunflowers at Chernobyl” and Jason Hart (I and Thou, Renaissance, Camel) on “Irradiation”.
Watch the new video for “Sunflowers at Chernobyl”:
Laura Meade's Remedium will be available for purchase on iTunes, at Amazon.com and at your favorite online retailer as well as on all streaming music services on May 18, 2018.
Track Listing:
1. Sunflowers at Chernobyl 2. Conquer the World 3. What I See From Here 4. Never Remember 5. The Old Chapel at Dusk 6. Dragons 7. Home Movies 8. Your Way 9. Every Step 10. Irradiation
Best known as the lead vocalist for Prog icons Flash featuring guitar legend Peter Banks, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album titled “ONE”; A diverse collection of light and dark electric rock, with a little funk, some nightclub swing, an angular Dylanesque shuffle, a 30's Berlin cabaret song, a grand dramatic rock ballad, a Lennon-like lullaby and some flat out driving rock and more.
Says Colin, “After years of living in some of the major cities of the world, I decided to head north to escape city life for a while. Now I'm in the coastal range of Oregon, 15 miles from the Pacific where the maritime climate, the cliffs and coastlines, remind me of the Cornish coast in the UK.”
WRITING AND RECORDING.
“Without the noise and distractions of the city, I've been able to focus on the songwriting and recording process here. I do a lot of my writing on multitrack recorders, building layers of overdubs, trying to sculpt the sounds and ideas I have in my head. I never planned to make this CD, I just kept writing and recording my song demos. Eventually, however, I decided it was time to share them with the world.
“I usually begin with a simple guitar and vocal phrase, and throw it down quickly on the recorder while it still has the idea and concept that I am imagining. Then I walk away and come back in a day or so to see if it still holds up. If it does, I then begin to add parts to build and strengthen the idea. Later, I take the guitar/drum machine demo track and add live drums and bass, a that really moves the song into a whole new realm. It breathes life into it. That then gives me fresh ideas and inspiration to do more with the song and track.
“I've worked on this CD project with musicians from the UK, New York and Oregon, old friends and new. Their names are on the package. Many of influences that I've picked up along the way, like blues, rock, soul, folk and more, including some later somewhat atypical ideas, can be found sneaking their way into my songs and lyrics and arrangements. I am the sum of my experiences. I am to blame!
“Working with some good musician friends, and skilled support in the studio at Inner Sanctum in Coos Bay, I’ve taken this collection of song ideas from basic sketches to fully fledged recordings, trying to keep the essence of the original concept alive as I go. Here they are, in a ten song CD, Colin Carter 'ONE'.”
Two of Colin's long time friends play most of the bass and drums on these tracks. Drummer Mike Hough, who's played in Flash and various lineups since, that featured musicians from Yes, Foreigner, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Johnny Winter etc., and bass guitarist Clint Bahr, who's played and recorded with musicians from The Rolling Stones, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and many more. Joining Colin on several tracks are new musician friends from the Oregon Coast. Doro Reeves on keyboards, Tom Beckstrom on drums, and Michael Cardell on hand drums.
Colin Carter and former Yes guitarist Peter Banks formed the British progressive rock band Flash, with bassist Ray Bennett, and drummer Mike Hough. The band released three albums, “Flash”, “ Flash In the Can” and “Out of Our Hands”.
Flash was signed to Sovereign/EMI in the UK and Capitol Records in the USA. Their self-titled debut album “Flash”, sold in excess of 100,000 copies. Flash toured multiple times across North America, Continental Europe, Australia, and their native UK, before disbanding.
Colin Carter and Ray Bennett reformed Flash in 2010, with Bennett on guitar, Wayne Carver (bass, vocals), Mark Pardy (drums), and Rick Daugherty (keyboards). They made their official reunion debut headlining the International ProgDay Festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2010.
Peter Banks' passing in March 2013 occurred just as he was finishing up production of a live Flash album featuring Colin Carter and the original line up - “Flash In Public”, released on AdequateSounds.
Also in 2013, Colin Carter and Ray Bennett were completing the album “Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”, released on Cleopatra Records.
Now, much to the excitement of mainstream rock fans and prog aficionados worldwide, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album “ONE”!
Boston, MA - Following three acclaimed CDs with his group Burnt Belief, Jon Durant has returned with his first solo album since 2011's “Dance of the Shadow Planets.” Unlike his previous solo albums, however, “Parting Is” is a completely solo guitar album.
A deeply emotional and personal record, “Parting Is” takes the idea of a solo guitar album and transforms it into a stunning sonic landscape of texture and color. Many of the sounds on the album bear no relationship with traditional guitar, but there are no synthesizers employed at all. Everything is played by Jon Durant on guitars (with Durant also playing fretless bass on four pieces).
Durant commented: “In recent years, I have been spending a lot of time away from people and places I love very much. My two boys are out of the house, one graduated college and the other is a senior in college this year. We have a wonderful time when I get to see them, but then they go away and there is a bit of a pang as we part. Also, we have a second home on the other side of the country (Portland, OR) where I spend a fair bit of time, and is also where much of this album began. Frequently my wife will join me for a long weekend, and I will stay on for another week or so, and of course there's the sadness when we part. What is reflected in this music is the sweet sorrow that comes from this parting - recognizing that it's temporary but still longing for more time together.”
About the music, Durant stated: “On most days, one of the first things I do is grab a cup of tea or coffee, and begin to experiment with my guitar. The music that comes out is not done with any intention of becoming a composition, or a recording, but is rather more of a meditation. However, a friend heard a brief recording of one such piece and asked why I didn't record more of them. When I began to do so, I felt a pattern was emerging that might be worth exploring.
“Many pieces begin as loops that I would play a melodic lead over. I recorded several of these, then began to deconstruct the loops and record the various parts as separate components which could become less loop like and more dynamic and flowing. The track, 'Open Window' is a perfect example of how that played out.”
That track, “Open Window” also provides an opportunity to explore the unusual sound and textures that Durant creates. The primary guitar which began as a loop is an electric 12 string. From there, multiple electric 12 string parts were layered in a minimalistic way. The melodic guitar is a fretless electric guitar, and the low tones (which sound a bit like the old Moog Bass Pedals) are generated from the fretless guitar. Also, swirling around in the background are Jon's unique cloud guitar sounds, notes which hang in the air like clouds with no discernable beginnings or endings.
There are three solo cloud guitar pieces (“Clouds in Advance”, “Before the Rain Falls” and “Willamette Fog”) and two pieces which remained as a loop with lead guitar over the top. “The Room Where She Waits” is a loop of electric 12 String and the lead is fretless guitar. On “Evolve in Place”, the loop is an electric guitar with fretless guitar over the top.
Guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks. As executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small home studio. Alongside Durant's six solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree), Alchemy has also released albums by artists Michael Manring, Gary Willis, Leni Stern/Wayne Krantz and others.
Miami, Florida – Dave Kerzner, co-founder of the progressive rock group Sound of Contact, has released his second solo album “Static” with a physical CD version available in mid-October. “Static”. The album is the follow up to his highly acclaimed debut album “New World”. Joining him are special guests Steve Hackett (Genesis), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and more in addition to his core group consisting of guitarists Fernando Perdomo and Randy McStine, fellow SOC band mate Matt Dorsey and drummer Derek Cintron.
“Static” is a “progressive rock opera” about the clutter and chaos in modern everyday life. It boldly navigates through subjects ranging from noise in our heads of ego, jealousy, technological distractions, substance abuse and narcissism to profiling the hypocritical and corrupt characters in politics, media and society today.
With a bit of dark humor, sarcasm and a retro-future dystopian view, with rich imaginative artwork created by Ed Unitsky, “Static” merges elements of a twisted Broadway musical with familiar vintage rock flavors like that of King Crimson's “Red” or Genesis' “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Other strong detectible influences include The Beatles, Queen, Radiohead and Kerzner's late band mate from “Thud,” Kevin Gilbert.
“I aim to bring forward some of my favorite qualities of classic rock and prog albums and blend it with something new that feels right today. “ Says Kerzner “I like creating memorable songs that tell a story in a melodic musical way. This is what I love about the timeless rock albums in my collection and my goal is to contribute to other people's collections in the same way.”
About working with Steve Hackett: “Having Steve Hackett guest on guitar again is a dream for me because I grew up listening to Genesis and wanting to play with a guitarist as innovative and melodic as Steve. I also love these sort of cross-generation collaborations where we meet in the middle of modern and retro,” says Kerzner.
Dave Kerzner and his band embarked on a US tour starting with headlining the ProgStock festival on October 14th in New Jersey where they performed all of the album “Static” live and then headed over to Chicago for the Progtoberfest at Reggie's on October 20th. From there the Dave Kerzner Band and fellow American proggers District 97 continue on their “Static-Vaults Tour” playing in other cities around the East Coast. In February 2018, the Dave Kerzner Band will be performing on Yes's Cruise To The Edge for the third time with plans to do a short tour of Europe in the Spring.
Dave Kerzner's “Static” is OUT NOW!
BIO: Dave Kerzner is a singer, keyboardist, songwriter and producer from the US. He co-founded the Prog-award-winning rock group “Sound of Contact” with Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins, in 2009 and over the years has worked with artists such as Kevin Gilbert, Steve Hackett, Keith Emerson, Alan Parsons, Billy Sherwood, Jon Anderson, Steven Wilson, Joe Lynn Turner and more. His debut solo album “New World” featured the song “Stranded” which was nominated for “Anthem of the Year” in the 2015 Progressive Music Awards and it featured Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Jason Scheff (Chicago). Kerzner has released both a standard 1 CD and deluxe 2 CD version of his concept album “New World” as well as a live album and now a second studio album called “Static”. He continues to write and record with Sound of Contact as well as other musical projects.
London - 10cc/Godley & Creme legend Kevin Godley is starting a PledgeMusic campaign for his highly anticipated new solo album “MUSCLE MEMORY.” What makes this album special, along with being his very first solo album, is that it will be comprised of collaborations between Kevin and, as yet, a cast of unknown musicians submitting instrumental tracks that he can turn into songs.
Kevin Godley's PledgeMusic campaign will have digital, CD and LP versions of the album available plus other merchandise and live experiences in the form of a workshop, video shoot visit and listening party/Q&A.
Recently something happened that eclipsed any songwriting techniques I'd learned in 10cc or Godley & Creme. Out of the blue, I was sent 2 recorded instrumental tracks with requests to write melodies and lyrics and turn them into songs. Both tracks came from people I'd never met and still haven’t. We communicated by email and all I did was load their tracks into Garageband and react to them vocally. Experiencing this kind of remote collaboration and its results has been transformational for me, as I believe I've recorded 2 of my best ever songs and “MUSCLE MEMORY,” as I'm calling the album, will be about opening this collaborative door a lot wider. It's my first time out fronting a record so it's exciting and daunting in equal measure but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time and with your help I intend to make it count. The idea is to work on 10 new tracks that inspire me and share the copyright 50/50 with each writer or co-writers. It's that simple. Please send me your music: That's any genre, any tempo, any mood, but please don’t send me anything too predictable! I thrive on unusual structures and sounds. Tracks must be original, instrumental recordings, ideally lasting between 3 and 5 mins and should be uploaded as stereo mixes to: musclememorysubmissions@gmail.com Just to be really clear…submissions are open to anyone. That's new and emerging acts through to established musicians. I've already had interest from a few significant artists but my selection process will be totally democratic so I won't be revealing any names until I've listened to everyone and everything and begun to select my 10 collaborators. The timeline of the release will depend on the submissions, but I plan to have the album released in the first half of 2018 and will be posting regular updates along the way to keep you informed of its progress. Around the album's release I'll be opening the door for both creatives and fans to be a part of the album recording process, with live events taking place which you can Pledge to be a part of. Thanks for reading! Kevin Godley
Terms & Conditions for submissions: - Each submission must be an original recording made by the submitter in a stereo WAV format and ideally be around 3-5 minutes long. - All submissions must consist of 100% original content, composed by the submitter. No covers or samples are to be included. - The submitter must have retained and own all rights associated with the composition and must have sole rights to the material submitted. - Audio stems must be available. - The submission must not have previously been published or included in any other published work. - The submitter agrees that any submitted work may form the basis of a joint collaboration with KG. - KG does not guarantee working with any particular party with regards to their submission, but in the instances that he does, the revised/reworked “Collaboration Composition” (CC) will become the joint property of both KG and the submitter. - All publishing copyrights to Collaboration Content will be owned 50:50 between KG and the owner/submitter of the original material. - Any publishing income derived from the publishing of or any use of the Collaboration Content, will be split 50:50 be-tween the parties. - The submitter agrees to allow any and all collaborative compositions to be used by KG for the purpose of creating an audio track and/or album. - The level of collaborative interaction between KG and collaborators will be down to KG’s discretion. - All submissions must be made via WeTransfer.com to the email address musclememorysubmissions@gmail.com with your name and contact details in the message. Please do not approach KG directly.
Live Experiences: Workshop: Join Kevin Godley part way through recording the album and add your own voices and sounds to some of the tracks. He will record you, demo his studio techniques and talk guests through the record’s progress. The evening will conclude with an informal Q&A session.
Video Shoot Visit: Visit the set or location during the shooting of a video for a key album track and maybe get the opportunity to appear on-camera as an extra.
Album Playback and Q&A: Attend an exclusive Album Playback with Kevin Godley to hear the finished record before anyone else and take part in an informal Q&A session about the recording of the new album. Date and location TBC.
Album Formats: - Download - CD - LP (180g vinyl) - CD plus name in album credits - LP plus name in album credits
