Neo Prog Review: Pendragon - Love Over Fear

Release Date: February 8, 2020

Label: Toff Records

Website

Pendragon came into existence way back in 1978 and just a couple of weeks ago were onstage in Kin-ross, Scotland for a concert showing the band is still going strong. They have released 11 studio albums from the debut in 1985, Jewel, up to the release under review at this time, Love Over Fear.

The band on this album, comprises Nick Barrett (lead vocals/guitar), Clive Nolan (keyboards/backing vo-cals), Peter Gee (bass/bass pedals/backing vocals/keyboards) and Jan-Vincent Velazco (drums/percussion). Nick and Peter are original members, Clive has been a member of the band since 1986 and only the drummer has changed several times. All in all, the band seems to be fairly settled.

The single CD version of Love Over Fear contains 10 tracks with a total running time of around 64 minutes with the second track, “Starfish and the Moon,” is the shortest at 3:37 minutes and the penulti-mate track, “Who Really Are We,” being the longest at 8:41 minutes (There is also a 3 CD version of Love Over Fear with CD 2 being an acoustic version of the album and CD 3 being an instrumental version of the same).

The opening track is, as always, an important moment when listening to a new album, as it really should be getting across the idea that “this is good, you need to listen.” “Everything,” (5:40) is the opening track and it certainly ticks all the correct boxes. A great organ passage, with a terrific hook, opens the show before a time change suddenly drops the gears a bit before the guitar gets to shine then the excellent vocals of Nick appear. More time changes carry the track onward until the return of the vocals, prior to another superb guitar passage. There is then a return to the starting theme of the track and a gentle wind-ing down to the ending.

Track 2, “Starfish and the Moon” (3:37) is very different in style, being a simple, beautiful ballad. Beauti-ful vocals by Nick and majestic piano by Clive lead into another stunning, gentle guitar passage before returning to the main theme. “Starfish and the Moon” is a short track which is very simple but excellent.

The last track on the single CD is “Afraid of Everything” (5:08) and is structured in a similar manner to “Starfish and the Moon,” with beautiful vocals, this time fronting a gentle guitar theme. The music slowly builds in the background, but never intrudes before moving into an almost “Camelesque” style guitar theme (I’m not sure that is a word, but it conveys the style of guitar playing). The track then gently builds before slowly fading out to end a very impressive album.

Having been a fan of Pendragon music earlier in their career, my opinion was that their best work was from 1991 to 2001, when they released 4 excellent albums. My interest then drifted a little but this album, has certainly returned this fan to the fold. It seems to have managed to reach those earlier heights and overall is an excellent release. Love Over Fear is an album that should appeal to the majority of neo-prog/symphonic prog fans and is a terrific addition to any CD collection.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
March 15, 2020

Tracks:
01. Everything (5:40)
02. Starfish and the Moon (3:37)
03. Truth And Lies (8:26)
04. 360 Degrees (5:34)
05. Soul and Sea (5:44)
06. Eternal Light (8:19)
07. Water (7:57)
08. Whirlwind (4.59)
09. Who Really Are We (8:41)
10. Afraid Of Everything (5:08)

Emmy Award Winning Guitarist Brian Tarquin's "Vegas Blue" In Memory of Las Vegas Tragedy

Featuring guest artists Steve Morse, Trey Gunn, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Phil Naro, Hal Lindes, Tony Carey and others!

Las Vegas, Nevada, Mandalay Bay Hotel, October 1st, 2017. This was the site of a tragic and, all too familiar, occurrence involving a deadly mass shooting at the hands of a deranged gunman. What began that evening as a peaceful and celebratory country music concert ended in bullet-riddled chaos and carnage for countless patrons and innocent by-standers. This latest recording project by multi-Emmy winning guitarist/producer/engineer Brian Tarquin and company is dedicated to helping the families and survivors of this horrific mass shooting. And, in doing so, may also shine the spotlight on the need for sensible, responsible and humane gun laws and safety.

Says Brian, “This release is dedicated to the victims of the tragic events that occurred at  the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas October 1, 2017. All of our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families. Through this music we have tried to creatively express our deepest feelings.”

If music is, indeed, a supreme healer then one needs look no further than this visionary endeavor. And, as with many of Tarquin’s previous charitable compilations, the material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.

Says Brian, “Time after time we watch senseless acts of gun violence in the news media creating a sense of indifference in our consciousness. We musicians have come together to bring emotion and awareness through our performances.”

Multi Emmy Award winning Brian Tarquin is an established top rate composer/guitarist. He has won 3 Emmy's for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2019 Tarquin received a Global Music Gold Award for his release “Orlando In Heaven” for “Best Album.” Three years in a row (2016-2019) Tarquin received “Best Album Of The Year” nominations from the Independent Music Awards for his releases “Guitars For Wounded Warriors,” “Orlando in Heaven” and “Guitars for Veterans.” On which, Tarquin shows his guitar prowess along side such world-class shredders as: Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb (FourPlay). In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin has graced the Top Billboard Charts with such commercial releases as: “This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2,” “Sweet Emotions,” and “Bossa Brava: Caliente” on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Smooth Jazz Radio R&R and Gavin charts. Brian has appeared on 38 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

Produced & engineered by Brian Tarquin

Recorded at Jungle Room Studios, Florida 2018-2019 entirely thru a analog Trident mixing console on a 24 track Ampex 1200 tape machine and a Otari Radar, mixed down to a Ampex 440c 1/4” tape machine.

Mastered by David Glasser & Geoff Gray at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO

Tracks:
1. Distant Light featuring Steve Morse & Hal Lindes
2. Lights of Las Vegas featuring Phil Naro & Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal
3. Demonic featuring Trey Gunn
4. Tomorrow's Another Day featuring Phil Naro
5. Vegas Blue
6. Evil In Men's Hearts featuring Tony Carey
7. Forgiveness featuring Phil Naro
8. Know Me featuring Phil Naro
9. Hallowed Ground featuring Trey Gunn
10. Run For Cover featuring Phil Naro, Randy Coven & The Flyin’ Ryan Bros
11. Distant Light (vocal) featuring Phil Naro, Steve Morse & Hal Lindes

Here's what the press has said about “Vegas Blue”:

“The material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.” - Eric Harabadian, Progression Magazine

“Tarquin writes with soul and fire and plays with passion and precision. Once again, he has enlisted a first-rate squad of guests performers, including Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and Bumblefoot (GN'R), who help bring these rich, vivid recordings to life.” - Mark Nardone, Music Connection

“…every note, phrase, tone color, and impact of pick and/or finger on string will send shivers down your spine.” - Guitar Player Magazine

“…his passion for purity is more than evident – in both the music he makes and the way it’s recorded.” - Professional Sound Magazine

To pre-order:
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Btk5sdlj2fmtn5ezc36brswgx4e
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/vegas-blue/1499568963
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/15SDfd04dcaEKuGsC3JQNT?si=I8uKmhUKQo-YmtQbgkV8fQ

For more information:
BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records, LLC
www.gtrtrax.com
www.jungleroomstudios.com
www.briantarquin.com
https://guitartrax.bandcamp.com

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

Keyboard Legend David Sancious New Album "Eyes Wide Open" Now Available!

World-renowned performing and recording artist David Sancious, was an original member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. He has toured and recorded with greats Peter Gabriel, Sting, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Santana, Seal and an expansive list of A-level musicians. Sancious also wrote, produced and performed ground-breaking progressive music with his band Tone, mixing rock, fusion and gospel.

He explores new territory with the release of his 10th album “Eyes Wide Open.” Eight energetic compositions feature dynamic performances by legendary names such as premier drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, Living Colour's Will Calhoun (drums), and Prince alumni Michael Bland (drums).

A balanced mix of four vocal and four instrumental compositions, “Eyes Wide Open” is what Sancious describes as “a movie for your ears.” Spoken word is interspersed with political commentary and newsbreaks to create a musical and “visual” landscape addressing today's volatile racial and political issues head-on through his signature sound.

Sancious describes his new album as, “The best work I've ever done.”



To order: 
https://headstrongmediagroup.com/artistprojects
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=David+Sancious+Eyes+Wide+Open&ref=nb_sb_noss

Contact for David Sancious:
John McCracken: john@headstrongmediagroup.com
www.headstrongmediagroup.com
Phone: 615.457.1597

Links:
Official website: www.DavidSancious.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/David-Sancious-588604108202763
Twitter: @DavidSancious

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

Progressive Rock Review: JJ Chardeau - In Terra Cognita?

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Label: L RECORDS, Muffin Records Productions USA

Website

A chanting overture, “Evolution,” leads into a battle-like track with “Dream In Moscow.” In Terra DCognita? (The Music of the Rock Opera Magic Musical Man) is a musical phenomenon. Not only is it an impactful recitation of wonderful instrumentation, but, the listener is gifted with a culture shock of all different languages and origins.

JJ Chardeau is certainly a man of uniqueness. As seen throughout this album, Chardeau does not limit himself to one particular styling or sound. Instead, he will push boundaries to see great success in his work and artistic expressions. For over 30 years, he’s been making Progressive Rock all his own and bending every rule he can.

“Dream In Moscow” is a beautifully written out build-up of battle or struggle. It begins as an illuminating piece, soothing the listener’s ear with a piano intro, as the orchestra and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine, along with Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre lending their voices to this piece amongst others throughout the album. “Black Taj Mahal” is a good contour for the prior track as the chimes, flute, and what sounds to be a triangle echo out a mental escape to a serene picturesque land.

“Farewell Lhassa” is another ode to a foreign area, China. One that offers up a more haunting vibe of chimes and an occasional gong and guitar riff. Voices arise of an alert message that conflict has now arisen and materials (missiles) have been stolen, almost as though someone has been compromised. This is followed up by another strictly instrumental piece.

Filled with the xylophone, keyboard, and drums to keep the rhythm in place, “DMZ” bridges the album together keeping a steady relaxed tone throughout the track. Leading into “Frisson Nippon,” is a thrilling, excitement lead-up of chimes and whistle-into-chant. It feels as though the song is taking the listener sailing through steady waters or hiking up to conquer some challenges on land or sea. “Les larmes du pacifique” starts as a tropical island getaway, going into a tragic song of tears and struggle.

“Nunavut,” is a hushed and fluted piece that has a god-like messenger speaking throughout. It sounds as though, a mission is being explained or what might be next to come on the listener’s journey, wherever the figure may be thinking of. Then we approach “The Last Rockaway.” It is different and fun from the rest of the record where it feels more like a classic rock n’ roll song. It asks of the individual’s humble beginnings as he is the sole person left of his own.

“Pablo Tequila” is a fun international song that throws even the most anti-dancer into a hip-shaking good time. It is a simple feel-good song that poses as a rarity for the record. Following that up, “Machu Picchu” is a strictly instrumental styled piece that has a very simplistic sound to it. A piano at the beginning and end, a flute, and some percussion give life to this song as it sends the listener through another conflict-to-resolution type of scenario; ending with a serene resolution.

Heading into what sounds like a Middle-Eastern piece, the majority of “Cabale Kabyle” is an easy, melodic tune that appeals well to the average listener. Towards the end there seems to be a bit of struggle or issue of sorts but, within a minute the struggle resigns to more of the strings ending the tune with peace. Next, “Walls of Lament” (the single off the record), gives a feel to me like a spy movie. It reminds me of where the spy or hero is trying to get past the laser-covered room to reclaim his stolen artifact. But, by the middle of the song, it becomes something back into a foreign land to adventure through thickets of fog as the listener wanders.

“Tchad” is probably the most complicated of the tracks to understand to a person whose only language is English. It sounds as though the vocalist is proclaiming the area their own. The fact that they will not go down without a fight shows their strength and resilience to protect what is theirs. This, combined with the finale of “The End” leads to a very powerful finale. The brightness and intensity show how to end a story properly.

Key tracks include: “Dream In Moscow,” “Les larmes du pacifique,” and “Pablo Taquila.”  

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
March 8, 2020

Track Listing:
01. Evolution (Magical Musical Man Ouverture)
02. Dream In Moscow
03. Black Taj Mahal
04. Farewell Lhassa
05. DMZ
06. Frisson Nippon
07. Les larmes du pacifique
08. Nunavut
09. The Last Rockaway
10. Pablo Tequila
11. Machu Picchu
12. Cabale Kabyle
13. Wall of Laments
14. Tchad
15. The End? (Magical Musical Man Finale)
 

King Crimson to Tour North America with The Zappa Band Summer 2020

King Crimson will be playing one tour this year in USA and Canada during June and July 2020. Except for shows such as the Ottawa Blues Festival, all the dates will be double bills with the Zappa Band.

“The Summer tour will be a throwback one for us in a few ways; great to be going back to outdoor venues, some of them the ‘sheds’ we played in the 1980’s. And we’ll be travelling by tour bus, old school! As for what pieces we’ll play, that hasn’t been decided yet, but will likely be a wide selection from the 50 years of Crimson repertoire. With 7 players on stage we can cover it all.” - Tony Levin

Since King Crimson's return to live performance in 2014, with critically acclaimed sell-out shows all over the world their three-hour shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many of the songs from their seminal 1969 album In The Court of the Crimson King, described by Pete Townshend, as an “uncanny masterpiece”. The new 7-piece line-up plays many historic pieces which Crimson have never played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written”. There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as the compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where seven of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment.



King Crimson is:
Robert Fripp
Tony Levin
Jakko Jakszyk
Mel Collins
Jeremy Stacey
Gavin Harrison
Pat Mastelotto

Tour dates:
June 4 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 5 - St. Augustine, FL - St Augustine Amphitheatre
June 6 - Miami, FL - Mizner Park Amphitheatre
June 8 - Orlando, FL - Dr. Phillips Walt Disney
June 9 - New Orleans, LA - Saenger Theatre
June 10 - Memphis, TN - Graceland Soundstage
June 12 - Cary, NC - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
June 13 - Portsmouth, VA - Union Bank Pavilion
June 14 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center
June 16 - Glens Falls, NY - Cool Insuring Arena
June 18 - Boston, MA - Rockland Trust Pavilion
June 19 - New York, NY - Forest Hills Stadium
June 20 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl
June 22 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre
June 24 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center @ The Heights
June 25 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
June 26 - Detroit, MI - Meadowbrook Amp
June 28 - Baltimore, MD - MECU Pavillion
June 30 - Vienna, VA - Wolf Trap
July 1 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark
July 5 - Chicago, IL - Ravinia
July 7 - Montreal, QC - Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier - Palace des Arts
July 9 - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'ete
July 11 - Ottawa, ON - Bluesfest
July 12 - Rama, ON - Casino Rama

For more information: www.dgmlive.com
painting by Francesca Sundsten



“The Zappa Band” is composed primarily of former ZAPPA alumni. The touring unit is: Ray White (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Keneally (guitar, keys, vocals), Scott Thunes (bassist) and Robert Martin (keyboards, sax, vocals). Also joining are ZPZ alums Jamie Kime (guitar) and ZAPPA archivist Joe “Vaultmeister” Travers (drums, vocals). The band will be performing a strong mix of Zappa classics along with new and rare Zappa compositions. This is the ultimate Zappa alumni band in partnership the Zappa Trust. Don't miss your chance to see these virtuosos perform live!




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

Symphonic Prog Review: Marco Bernard & Kimmo Pörsti (The Samurai Of Prog)-Gulliver

Release Date: January 25, 2020

Label: Seacrest Oy

Website

This band was originally formed as a multi-national collaboration project in 2009, with Marco Bernard (bass), an Italian resident in Finland, Kimmo Porsti (drums), from Finland and an American multi-instrumentalist, Steve Unruh. The Samurai of Prog is this core trio plus guest musicians when required. The debut release appeared in 2011, Undercover, and the album now under review is No 8, Gulliver, a concept album released last month.

Gulliver is based on the novel by Jonathan Swift (Gulliver’s Travels), and deals with Gulliver’s adventures in 4 different lands.

 Only Marco and Kimmo from the core trio are fully involved in Gulliver as Kimmo explained to me that Steve was busy with another project and I think that it may be with United Progressive Fraternity (UPF). Steve does appear on some tracks and there are 21 guest musicians also involved with the release.

Gulliver is a 6-track album with track 2, “Lilliput Suite” running to just under 18 minutes and the final track, “Finale,” clocking in at just over 3 minutes. The total playing time is just over an hour (62 minutes).

As ever, a concept album makes picking out individual tracks difficult as the storyline continues through the album, but I will try to give a flavor of Gulliver.  A mention should also be made of the superb artwork on the 6 panel CD cover from none other than Ed Unitsky.

I always feel that the opening track is very important to “grab the listener by the ears” and set them up for what is to follow. “Overture XI” (7:42) is the opener and is an instrumental dominated by old-style key-boards and switches in tempo from thunderous keys to quiet, almost pastoral, sequences. This is symphonic prog at its best. A guitar appears to take the track onward before passing the baton onto Marek Arnold and his superb saxophone. As the track reaches its conclusion, the listener is presented with a dilemma, either to continue onto the following track or replaying that superb opening track. There is a difficult choice to be made.

The second track is the longest track on the album “Lilliput Suite” (17:53) and is split into 6 sections, namely I) The Voyage Of The Antelope, ii) Prisoner, ii) Inside The Emperor’s Palace, iv) Peculiar Tradi-tions, v) The Theft Of The Blefuscudian Fleet, vi) The departure, which sees more guest musicians em-ployed to add flute, violin, and trumpet. This is majestic music with the sweeping changes in sections, from full band involvement to moments of a more delicate nature linked by superb instrumental passages.

All in all, this is a superb release by two-thirds of the Samurai of Prog core trio and as the “Finale” ends, the listener should find themself marveling at the majestic swathes of keyboards, tight guitar passages and excellent flute/violin pastoral sections.

This is one of the best Samurai of Prog releases, and if you have not dipped into the Samurai of Prog music previously, then Gulliver is the one to start with. This is an album that should be found in any true symphonic prog fan’s CD collection.


Jim “ The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
March 3, 2020


Tracks: 
 1. Overture XI (7:42)
2. Lilliput Suite (17:53)
3. The Giants (8:42)
4. The Land Of The Fools (14:30)
5. Gulliver’s Fourth Travel (10:17)
6. Finale (3:11)
 

Gentle Giant Release New Promotional Video For Vinyl Reissues

To all Gentle Giant friends, fans and followers:Here is the YouTube link to pre-order the vinyl albums!

Enjoy the short video!

Amazon USA:

Gentle Giant: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DFZS6S

Acquiring The Taste: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DF7NZW

Three Friends: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DH64RW

Octopus: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084DH5TZ9

Amazon Canada:

Gentle Giant: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B084DFZS6S

Acquiring The Taste: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B084DF7NZW

Three Friends: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B084DH64RW

Octopus: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B084DH5TZ9

Gentle Giant is happy to announce the release of the first 4 albums on vinyl April 3rd.

After the positive response to the box set “Unburied Treasure” many fans asked whether the vinyl albums would ever be available. The band has responded and decided to make these albums officially available for the first time in decades.

The band’s first album “Gentle Giant” was first released in October 1970. Produced by Tony Visconti it marks the 50th Anniversary of the recording and live appearances of the band. Tony Visconti produced the follow up album “Acquiring The Taste” in 1971.

The band oversaw the production of the third album “Three Friends” in 1972 and was the first official release in North America. Strangely the N.A. version featured the artwork from the U.K. “Gentle Giant” album.

This album was followed up with their milestone album “Octopus” in 1972. Once again the North American artwork was different to the Roger Dean U.K. version and featured a dye cut Octopus in a jar.

Released on the Alucard label, the albums will be manufactured in 180 gram vinyl with the original gatefold artwork from the U.K.

The band hopes that their friends, followers and fans will enjoy these albums in their original form 50 years later!

For more information:
Twitter: @GGIANTMUSIC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantband/
Instagram: @gentlegiantband

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