Stream: LUNATIC SOUL-FRACTURED

Former Yes Guitarist Peter Banks Posthumously Rejoins Mabel Greer's Toyshop For The Last Song On New Album "The Secret"

Mabel Greer’s Toyshop: The Secret Is Out… A new song written to celebrate 50 years of Peter Banks and Chris Squire joining the group in 1967.

London- On a new Mabel Greer’s Toyshop album “The Secret” to be released by December 15, and for the first time in 50 years, Peter Banks and Clive Bayley are heard playing a guitar duo. Clive has written a new song around previously recorded guitar parts by Peter Banks. The song is included in the album as a tribute to Peter Banks and Chris Squire joining Mabel Greer in September 1967. “I did it because reading of Peter’s passing in 2013 was the catalyst for meeting Bob Hagger again and coming up with the crazy idea of re-forming Mabel Greer. The result is that we have produced two new albums since then, and released re-mastered BBC tapes from 1967 on the EP ‘Images’”, said Clive.

Clive and Bob first met in 1966 - a time when the London underground music scene was an impressive force for future development of a different kind of rock music. Clive at sixteen years old, had already been playing music in a band since the age of 13, he was writing his own compositions and already had an idea of what kind of music he wanted to perform. Bob had previously been for an audition in the band ‘The Syn’. The bass player happened to be Chris Squire and the guitarist Peter Banks, it wasn’t long before they both joined Bob and Clive in Mabel Greer’s Toyshop and the seeds of ‘Yes’ were planted. In early 1968, Jon Anderson also joined the group, in June Bill Bruford replaced Bob and Tony Kaye joined on keyboards. But in August of that year Clive left the band and they changed name to ‘Yes’.

Fast forward to 2013, Clive met Bob again for the first time in 45 years! Both now in their sixties. The first thing Clive said to Bob was “let’s get into the studio, see if we still have the old magic”. The result became the album “New Way Of Life” featuring Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye, released in 2015.

This new album of 9 songs “The Secret” with Max Hunt on keyboards and Hugo Barré on bass will be available on or before December 15, 2017 on CD and digital download at: https://mabelgreerstoyshop.bandcamp.com

A special thanks to Daniel Earnshaw of QEDG Management for providing the Peter Banks recordings.

Enquiries: Emily at: mabelgreerstoyshop@gmail.com
Mabel Greer’s Toyshop official website: www.mabelgreerstoyshop.com

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

John Wetton's AKUSTIKA - LIVE IN AMERIKA & AKUSTIKA II - RETURN TO AMERIKA 2-CD Now Available!

Features previously unreleased acoustic show from 2005!

London - JOHN WETTON was the lead singer & bassist of ASIA, UK and the Red era of KING CRIMSON, with an extensive solo catalogue. This 2-CD set AKUSTIKA – LIVE IN AMERIKA & AKUSTIKA II – RETURN TO AMERIKA includes a 2017 remaster of the acoustic album AKUSTIKA and a previously unreleased acoustic show from 2005.

The booklet features specially written recollections of close friends and fans who attended the 2005 show with previously unseen photographs. The release is on the imprint label John Wetton started during his lifetime, Primary Purpose, via Cherry Red Records.

John Wetton rose to fame with King Crimson in the early 70s during the iconic Red era and later formed the band UK. In the early 1980s he was a founder member of supergroup ASIA which was his biggest commercial success. The band’s 1982 self-titled debut album was the biggest selling album in the world that year and gave fans and mainstream radio the mega-hit “Heat of the Moment.”

John also enjoyed a successful solo career, including the seminal album Battle Lines, and formed iCon with ASIA bandmate Geoff Downes. In 2006 the original line-up of ASIA reformed and toured the world several times to promote four new studio albums.

John Wetton sadly passed away on the 31st January 2017, after a long and courageous battle against colon cancer. This new release was personally selected by John before his passing as one of the many back catalogue titles to be reissued in the near future.

TRACK LIST

DISC ONE
1. VOICE OF AMERICA
2. HOLD ME NOW
3. RENDEZVOUS 6:02
4. CHRISTINA
5. 30 YEARS
6. ONLY TIME WILL TELL
7. BOOK OF SATURDAY
8. DON’T CRY
9. BATTLE LINES
10. THE SMILE HAD LEFT YOUR EYES
11. HEAT OF THE MOMENT
12. YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE

DISC TWO
1. WALKING ON AIR
2. MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT
3. SOLE SURVIVOR
4. BOOK OF SATURDAY
5. EMMA
6. DAYS LIKE THESE
7. THIRTY YEARS / HOLD ME NOW
8. ARKANGEL
9. RENDEZVOUS 6:02
10. STARLESS
11. VOICE OF AMERICA
12. WOMAN
13. THE NIGHT WATCH
14. THE SMILE HAS LEFT YOUR EYES
15. HEAT OF THE MOMENT

Released October 6, 2017.

To purchase:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/PP008CD
iTunes: http://geni.us/PP008DIG

John Wetton's official website: http://www.johnwetton.com/

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

King Crimson To Release "Official Bootleg: Live in Chicago, June 28th, 2017" & "Sailors' Tales (1970 – 1972)" - Limited Edition 27 Disc Boxed Set

King Crimson's “Official Bootleg: Live in Chicago, June 28th, 2017,” a two CD set, taken from the band's most recent US tour, will be released on October 13, 2017. Presented as a King Crimson Collectors' Club special edition, King Crimson's “Live in Chicago is packaged in a media-book style hard cover 2CD edition with a 24 pages booklet featuring photographs by Tony Levin, introductory notes by Robert Fripp and photos/production notes by KC producer/manager David Singleton.

The album showcases many iconic King Crimson pieces performed live by this line-up for the first time – some being played live for the first time ever, including: “Islands,” “The Lizard Suite,” “The Errors,” “Fallen Angel,” “Cirkus” & more..

Featuring:
Mel Collins: Saxes & flute, Robert Fripp: Guitar & keyboards, Gavin Harrison: Drums, Jakko Jakszyk: Guitar & voice, Tony Levin: Basses, stick, voice Pat Mastelotto: Drums, Bill Rieflin: Keyboards, Jeremy Stacey: Drums & keyboards

 “If we are looking for a KC live (show); Chicago was exceptional” – Robert Fripp

 “One of our best” – Tony Levin

Reasons for the CD release:

1) Musicians know when a gig has really worked; when all the practicing, rehearsing, playing, set-list comes together in a particular time & venue with a particular audience. So, when musicians unanimously say that a concert was special, it's time to pay attention & plan a release for the broader community of fans as soon as is possible

2) King Crimson is a band that's best experienced live & if you can’t be there, the live album is the next best thing. Those fortunate to have recently witnessed the band live will surely want to also own this new live release.

“King Crimson - Sailors' Tales (1970 – 1972)” - Limited Edition 27 Disc Boxed Set containing 21CDS/4Blu- Rays/2DVD (all audio) will be released on November 3, 2017.

With much of the material from “In The Wake Of Poseidon,” “Lizard” and “Islan ds” now being performed by the current King Crimson line-up (2014 - to present), it is only in recent years that the wider world has begun to realise what fans have always known: this era's recordings are as vital as any other segment of the King Crimson catalogue.

Recorded between the dazzling impact of “In The Court Of The Crimson” in 1969 and the startling reinvention of the band in 1973's “Larks' Tongues In Aspic,” this boxed set documents a crucial period in King Crimson's history and shows it to be brimming with innovation, experimentation, and boundary-pushing energy.

With a wealth of previously unheard studio recordings from band rehearsals to full alternate mixes and a vast array of live material, much of it on CD/Blu-Ray for the first time and including four recently found, never before released concerts, this set presents the complete King Crimson recorded history of the period in the best quality audio possible.

• The complete 1970-72 King Crimson boxed set: 21CDS/4Blu-Rays/2DVD – all audio.
• 3CDs feature Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp stereo mixes of “In The Wake Of Poseidon” (1970), “Lizard” ( 1970) & “Islands” (1971) + additional tracks.
• 6CDs feature the Islands line-ups early concerts from Germany (new to CD) & the UK (1971).
• 9CDs feature live recordings (several new to CD and/or previously unreleased in any format) from the 1972 US tour, including a new stereo mix of “Summit Studios” & an expanded “Earthbound.”
• 3CDs feature auditions for the Islands band & two further, as yet, unidentified concerts from 1972 (all previously unreleased)
• 3 Blu-Ray discs contain the main studio albums in 5.1 Surround Sound & recent stereo editions mixed by Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp + 30th anniversary masters of the original stereo albums mixes (all in 24/96 hi-res), plus extensive additional material with each disc also featuring a complete alternate album + a further selection of additional, related studio/live material in hi-res.
• “Lizard” Blu-Ray: also contains the audition material from CDs19/20
• “Islands” Blu-Ray: also contains the following concerts in stereo Zoom Club (4 shows), Marquee Club, Plymouth, Glasgow, Detroit all from 1971.
• “Earthbound Tour”: Blu-Ray features an expanded version of the original album, Summit Studios gig in Stereo & Quadraphonic (newly mixed), the “Schizoid Men” sequence from the “Ladies of the Road” album, 2 newly discovered concerts in hi-res stereo & every existing soundboard concert recording from the 1972 US tour: Wilmington, NYC (2 shows), Chicago (2 tracks only), Detroit, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Peoria, Indianapolis & Denver (2 shows).
• 2 DVDs feature the expanded “Earthbound”, “Summit Studios,” “Schizoid Men,” “New York 1972” & the recently discovered live concerts.
• 12” box with booklet, memorabilia, a further downloadable concert, new sleeve-notes by Sid Smith, Jakko Jakszyk & David Singleton

King Crimson's “Official Bootleg: Live in Chicago, June 28th, 2017” and “King Crimson - Sailors' Tales (1970 – 1972)” - Limited Edition 27 Disc Boxed Set can be pre-ordered via the shops at www.schizoidshop.com as well as available through traditional retail outlets. The US based Schizoid Shop has recently added a range of new shirts and other band-related merchandise, and offers weekly specials including offers to win free tour tees.

Catch King Crimson's US tour Fall 2017!

Tour dates:
19 Oct Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX - tickets
21 Oct Music Hall, Dallas, TX - tickets
23 Oct Center Stage, Atlanta, GA - tickets
24 Oct Center Stage, Atlanta, GA - tickets
26 Oct Duke Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, Raleigh, NC - tickets
28 Oct Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C. - tickets
29 Oct Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C. - tickets
31 Oct New Jersey Performing Arts Centre, Newark, NJ - tickets
02 Nov Merriam Theatre, Philadelphia, PA - tickets
03 Nov Merriam Theatre, Philadelphia. PA - tickets
06 Nov Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA - tickets
08 Nov The Egg, Albany, NY - tickets
09 Nov The Egg, Albany, NY - tickets
11 Nov Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, PA - tickets
13 Nov Paramount Theatre, Long Island, NY - tickets
15 Nov Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY - tickets
17 Nov Beacon Theatre, New York, NY - tickets
18 Nov Beacon Theatre, New York, NY - tickets
20 Nov Palace Theater, Greensburg, PA - tickets
22 Nov Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI - tickets
24 Nov Hard Rock Rocksino, Cleveland, OH - tickets
26 Nov Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI - tickets

For more ticket information: https://www.dgmlive.com/tours?liveshow=on

As well as standard tickets, the band's label, DGM, also has announced sale of VIP Royal Packages, limited to just 60 per show. Details can be viewed at the label's interactive and recently redeveloped website, www.dgmlive.com.



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

Concert Review: YES Featuring ARW Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman

YES Featuring ARW Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman 

The Palace Albany, NY October 5, 2017

 http://yesfeaturingarw.com

Around this time 15 years ago I saw Yes perform in Albany. Then it was the classic lineup. How things change with the passing of time. Since then a lot has happened for the men involved with the legacy of this legendary band. Most significantly, Chris Squire, one the band’s founding members, passed away. The other musicians have remained active.

Now we have Jon Anderson (vocals), Trevor Rabin (guitar, vocals) and Rick Wakeman (keyboards and luminous cape) with Lee Pomeroy (bass) and Louis Molino III (drums) holding down the bottom end.

I sat in some excellent seats in the left orchestra section. The seats were so generously provided by Jamie Carroll of Press Here Publicity.  The Palace is one of my favorite places to go to a concert, it is beautiful and easily accessible from where I reside. I am very grateful for the opportunity to provide coverage.

Yes, is the godfather of Prog Rock as far as this music listener is concerned.

Oddly enough my favorite recording is 90125 which was their most commercial release and their biggest seller. Well, I was in for a treat because a few of those songs were played. I think because Trevor (who recorded 4 studio with Yes) was in the band for that album, it made sense to dive into those tracks. And speaking of godfather’s, Rick Wakeman is and always will be THE ultimate prog rock keyboard master. Everyone else came after him and was influenced in some way by the man.

I was amazed by how fantastic the band sounded, they exceeded my expectations, which were very high prior to entering the venue. Jon Anderson sounded great, as good as ever.  For a gent that is 72 years old he is truly an iconic and inspiring individual. His energy is so positive and he simply owns the audience.

“Cinema” kicked off the evening. This was a great choice to get the crowd into it right from the start. There was no problem with that. The place was packed, which came as no surprise to me. Mr. Rabin is a superb guitar player with a great vocal range as well. His vocals certainly compliment Jon’s and when he takes the helm it sounds powerful and commanding. Of course, Mr. Anderson has one of the most identifiable and unique vocal styles in the world and you immediately recognize no matter where the music of Yes is playing. This is a trademark style so impactful that it is hard to ignore

“Heart of the Sunrise” is a prog rock classic we are all familiar with and it just has to be a part of their set. It was not only done well, it was presented with perfection. Each member clicked as if they have been touring together forever. And I cannot forget to mention how the gents in the back of the stars, Lee Pomeroy (bass) and Louis Molino III (drums), were the quintessential rhythm section that held it all together. They deserve a lot of credit.

I realize their set list does not seem that extensive however we must remember this is prog and each song is musical workout that carries on a good 15 minutes or more with plenty of improvisation. That is the beauty of progressive rock and what I always found so intriguing.

The classic everyone knows, “Roundabout,” was the obvious encore and they did not disappoint. It was a bit shorter than I expected however, that is not a complaint just an observation. We certainly got a good dose of Yes music for the evening and everyone enjoyed the show.

Yes is timeless and legendary with a deep catalog that could keep them touring until they were all 90 years old. Although that is not realistic we all should continue to support them while they are still recording and touring. I will be there, you can count on that!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
October 6, 2017

Set List:
Cinema
Perpetual Change
Hold On
South Side of the Sky
And You and I
Changes
Rhythm of Love
I Am Waiting
Heart of the Sunrise
Awaken
Owner of a Lonely Heart

Encore:
Roundabout
 

Curved Air Legend Sonja Kristina Releases New Anthology Featuring Newly Recorded Exclusive Tracks! Out Now!

London - Legendary Curved Air lead singer and founding member Sonja Kristina has released a new 2-CD compilation called ANTHOLOGY! This is the FIRST collection of her solo works and draws on recordings from her varied solo albums, along with rare and NEWLY RECORDED EXCLUSIVE TRACKS.

Released by Curved Air Records via Cherry Red, this Anthology has been personally compiled by Sonja, with custom cover art and her personal liner notes.

Says Sonja, “This collection is selected from my recordings outside of Curved Air. My reveries on life and love through the decades and beautiful songs that I have had the privilege to perform and make my own.”


photo by Ken Ansted

Sonja Kristina, who topped the British Music female vocalist polls throughout the '70s was the first UK female lead singer fronting a Rock band. She has been the constant flame leading Curved Air through the decades, and a Guiding Light in the Prog scene. Today, vibrant and edgy as ever, Sonja, the original Prog goddess gives a charismatic and highly visual performance. Looking like a glamorous gipsy queen with her flowing red hair and dressed in sparkly black, that signature voice is still as smoky and seductive as ever as she spins around the stage around the excellent musicians who are Curved Air.

Sonja will be on tour both as a solo artist and with Curved Air as it builds up to its 50th anniversary year.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
1. FRANK MILLS
2. IF THIS WAS LOVE
3. THE PASSION
4. BABY SONG
5. FULL TIME WOMAN
6. MAN HE COLOUR
7. ONE TO ONE
8. MELINDA (MORE OR LESS)
9. THIS IS NOT A SANCTUARY
10. ANGEL
11. C’EST LA VIE

DISC TWO
1. DEVIL MAY CARE
2. ANNA
3. BUCCANEER
4. ROLLERCOASTER
5. SAN TROPEZ
6. I DON’T BELIEVE A WORD
7. STREET RUN
8. O FORTUNA
9. LOVE CHILD
10. CITADEL

CURVED AIR RECORDS
Released October 6, 2017.

To purchase:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/CRVESK

Official website: www.sonjakristina.com

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

The Keith Emerson Estate Announces the Re-release of "Emerson Plays Emerson" on CD & Download. OUT NOW!

London - The Keith Emerson Estate is pleased to announce the re-release of the celebrated album of Keith Emerson keyboard (and rare) pieces, Emerson Plays Emerson, which has long been out of print and a collector's item.

The re-release uses a fresh transfer of the master tapes by Abbey Road, a 2017 remaster, and artwork from the original art files. The booklet contains the liner notes in English, Italian and German.

The re-release is the Estate's own imprint label Emersongs, via Cherry Red.

The members of Keith's family have personally overseen the preparation of this re-release and they are also preparing to approve a music transcriptions book of the album for release in early 2018. The family is focused on celebrating and enhancing Keith Emerson’s musical legacy and supporting projects which further the appreciation of his life's work…

Keith's eldest son, Aaron said of the release: “Since the passing of my father, we have been inundated with requests for a reissue of the album 'Emerson Plays Emerson'. This album was a labour of love for Dad, so we decided to go with the original artwork to stay as true to the original as possible as we understand how happy Dad was with it. I know he would be happy with this re-issue, so on behalf of myself, Jo and my boys, of Damon and his family, of my mother Elinor, and of my father's fiancé Mari, and with thanks to Daniel Earnshaw, Martin Darvill and Stewart Young for all their hard work, we hope you enjoy it!”

The album can be ordered via the below links:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/EplaysE
iTunes: http://geni.us/KE002dig

Keith Emerson's official website: http://www.keithemerson.com/
Keith Emerson's official Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/officialkeithemerson/

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