Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Psychedelic Rock Legends The Chocolate Watchband Release New Album "This Is My Voice"


Iconic California psychedelic rock legends The Chocolate Watchband celebrate the release of their new album “This Is My Voice” (released by Dirty Water Records), led by founding and current members, vocalist David Aguilar and guitarist Tim Abbott, plus Gary Andrijasevich on drums. Second generation fans, guitarist Derek See and bassist Alec Palao (Grammy-nominated producer/ historian ), bring their enthusiasm and love for the music to the table to help weave THE sound which both faithfully recreates the sonic energy and tone of the original recordings, as well as giving a rare edge to new material that is a logical progression to the bands legacy.

Documented as influencing legendary bands far and wide within the psych, garage, and punk scene for the past 50 years, their live performances sizzle with the same outrageous audacity of the late 60s scene they helped usher into the San Francisco Bay area ballroom scene. The group was also seen as featured bands in the 1967 cult films “Riot on the Sunset Strip” and “The Love-Ins”, and their powerful stage presence continues to the present day in a timeless stage show which is oozing electric cool-aid energy. Critics have noted the Chocolate Watchband was America's answer to the Rolling Stones!

While the bands' music was a cherished secret of record collectors for many years, the music is now available to be heard by everyone, which has ushered in a new fourth generation of fans around the world, who hear the Watchband sound as it has reverberated into the psyche of the class of 2018 psychedelic bands.

Their newest songs resonate with genuine political rebellion in our current times, which can be heard in the lyrics of the new song “Judgment Day”.“I wrote 'Judgment Day' as the country was still in recovery,” says lead vocalist and founding member David Aguilar of the days following the 2008 market crash. “Families were living in their cars. It was a terrible time for the American dream. It resulted in the anger that put the current president into the White House. The Who were wrong, Americans can get fooled again!”

The band will be hitting the road in 2019 in support of their new album “This Is My Voice” with plans for a string of European tours and select US dates. Are YOU gonna be there?



Here's what the press has said about The Chocolate Watchband's new album:

“This is the revival band you’ve been looking to add to your rotation” - Pittsburgh Magazine

“Together they've created a record that deviates from the Watchband's first phase of raunchy groovers and tender space-outs, opting for a more modern rock sound, yet without sacrificing their keen ear for anthemic songwriting and memorable melodies”-  The Stranger

“This is My Voice isn’t so much a comeback as it is a continuation; the sound of one of the psych-rock era’s most dynamic outfits rolling its sleeves up, stirring its creative juices, and getting down to business” - Artist Home

Pre-Order The Chocolate Watchband's “This Is My Voice”: https://chocolatewatchband.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-my-voice

For more information:
The Chocolate Watchband official band website: http://www.thechocolatewatchband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chocolatewatchband/

Dirty Water Records ( London): www.dirtywaterrecords.co.uk

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

Friday, January 11, 2019

O.R.k. Premier "Kneel To Nothing" The Debut Single & Video From New Album "Ramagehead"


O.R.k., featuring Italy's celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson's Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree's Colin Edwin (bass), Marta Sui Tubi's Carmelo Pipitone (guitars) are ready to reveal the first single “Kneel To Nothing” from their forthcoming new album on Kscope - Ramagehead.

WATCH “KNEEL TO NOTHING” HERE


The track “Kneel To Nothing” emphasises the band's bewilderment brought about by our modern world; a world of technological information overload, of uncertainty and post-truth messages. Songwriter Lef explains more “We're not preaching, we'd rather leave the lyrics open to different interpretations, but I guess this is one possible interpretation of the 'Kneel To Nothing' lyrics. 

“As musicians, we collaborate across the miles thanks to the internet, so it goes without saying we aren't against technology in general, but at the same time, it's unarguably clear that the same technology has successfully made its way inside our bodies (and lives) in a potentially dangerous way in the last 20 years.

“How we react to impulses, live our relationships, and feel in general has become deeply influenced by new tech. We all seem to be trying to outdo each other, we can't get enough of this constant competition through social media, and it's making us more insular in real life. We also place an innate trust in the strength of our senses, but in a evolutionary perspective, we could end up diminishing of all our senses due to our evolving lifestyle. We’re becoming too lazy to read an article - let alone a book, too bored to listen to a song that is longer than 3 minutes, and we relentlessly skip from one impulse to another without really feeling anything. In a way we're therefore 'slaves'. It's not as spooky as the visionary movie directors from the past have pictured it, but it's happening in a subtler, yet still potentially hazardous way. We have somehow we've become both devoted and addicted to our smart phones”

The forthcoming album Ramagehead was created from the band's collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The resulting epic contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres. Recorded during 2018 at LefMusicStudio (Italy), The Wormhole (USA) and Nightspace (UK). The mixing for Ramagehead was handled by Adrian Benavides and three-time Grammy-winning engineer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave), the mastering by Michael Fossenkemper, engineering by Benavides and Bill Munyon (King Crimson), cover art by Adam Jones (TOOL) and design by Denis Rodier (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman). The recordings, and involvement of SOAD's Serj Tankian on a forthcoming single, solidifies the band's serious intent to use their musical chemistry in exploring the hard-edged possibilities within rock.



Ramagehead tracklisting:
Kneel to Nothing (instant download on digital pre-orders)
Signals Erased
Beyond Sight
Black Blooms (feat. Serj Tankian)
Time Corroded
Down the Road
Some Other Rainbow Part 1
Strangled Words
Some Other Rainbow

Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February on CD / 180g Black vinyl LP / Digital and is available to PRE-ORDER HERE https://ork.lnk.to/RamageheadPR

O.R.k. have an extensive live campaign planned in support of Ramagehead which will begin in February 2019 with a European and UK head line run as well as being special guests on the continuing “Dissolution Tour” from new label mates The Pineapple Thief.

Colin Edwin comments “'Ramagehead' is our most intense, ambitious and accessible work to date and I am really looking forward to exploring the new material in a live environment and sharing our unique collective energy together. For me, O.R.k. is always a completely immersive and unforgettable experience in the live arena, so with new tracks to play and an opportunity to reach places and people we've yet to get to, this tour will be our best yet.”

Tour Dates:
** show with The Pineapple Thief
15.2 Ravenna (IT) - Bronson
16.2 Lugagnano di Sona/Verona (IT) - Il Giardino
17.2 Pisa (IT) - Lumiere
21.2 Bari (IT) - Garage Sound
22.2 Roma (IT) - Largo Venue**
23.2 Milano (IT) - Santeria Social Club **
24.2 Pratteln (CH) - Z7 **
26.2 Stuttgart (DE) - LKA Longhorn **
27.2 Frankfurt (DE) - Batschkapp **
28.2 Strasburg (FR) - La Laiterie **
1.3 Zoetermeer (NL) - Borderij **
2.3 Hamburg (DE) - Grosse Freiheit 36 **
3.3 Copenhagen (DK) - Store Vega **
5.3 Stockholm (SE) - Nalen **
6.3 Oslo (NO) - Rockefeller **
8.3 Iserhagen/Hannover (DE) - Blues Garage
10.3 Cologne (DE) - Yard Club
12.3 Munich (DE) - Backstage
13.3 Budapest (HU) - Durer
14.3 Nove Mesto nad Vahom (SK) - Blue Note
15.3 Berlin (DE) - Music & Frieden
17.3 Paris (FR) - Petit Bain
19.3 London (UK) - Borderline
20.3 Newcastle (UK) - o2 Academy **
21.3 Glasgow (UK) - St. Luke’s **
22.3 Manchester (UK) - o2 The Ritz **
23.3 Birmingham (UK) - o2 The Institute 2 **
24.3 Bristol (UK) - SWX **



O.R.k. are:
Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF - lead vocals
Pat Mastelotto - drums
Colin Edwin - bass
Carmelo Pipitone - guitars

Follow O.R.k.
http://www.orkband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/O.R.k.band/
https://www.instagram.com/orkband/
https://twitter.com/ORKBAND


Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

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

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

New PledgeMusic Campaign For "200 Motels" by Frank Zappa & Tony Palmer Box Set - CD & DVD with Extras & Exclusives!


London - “200 Motels” is a 1971 American-British musical surrealist film co-written and directed by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer and starring The Mothers of Invention, Theodore Bikel and Ringo Starr.

Gonzo Mulitimedia is releasing a limited edition box set of “200 Motels” - CD & DVD with Extras & Exclusives! The film DVD is mastered from Tony Palmer's original 2-inch masters. This is for the first time these masters have ever being used. The second disc contains extra concert material specially edited by “200 Motels” original director Tony Palmer.

In “200 Motels”, the film attempts to portray the craziness of life on the road as a rock musician. While on tour, The Mothers of Invention go crazy in the small fictional town of Centerville (“a real nice place to raise your kids up”), wander around, and get beaten up in “Redneck Eats”, a cowboy bar. In a cartoon interlude passed off as a “dental hygiene movie”, bassist “Jeff”, tired of playing what he refers to as “Zappa’s comedy music”, is persuaded by his bad conscience to quit the group, as did his real-life counterpart Jeff Simmons, who was fired for insubordination before the film began shooting. Simmons was replaced by Martin Lickert (who was Ringo's chauffeur) for the film.

The Orchestra was the Royal Philharmonic, including the great classical guitarist John Williams, and was conducted by Elgar Howarth who went on to become one of Britain's most distinguished conductors. And the choreography was devised by Gillian Lynne, who went on to 'invent' the Lloyd-Webber musical “Cats”. She always said that “200 Motels” was the inspiration for much that she later incorporated into “Cats”.

It was also the first film ever to be shot on 2-inch analogue videotape and successfully transferred to celluloid. “Star Wars” was only just around the corner.

The Cast

Frank Zappa as himself
The Mothers of Invention as themselves
Theodore Bikel as Rance Muhammitz, the narrator/Master of Ceremonies
Ringo Starr as Larry the Dwarf, dressed as Frank Zappa
Keith Moon as the hot nun
Howard Kaylan as himself
Mark Volman as himself
Ian Underwood as himself
Ruth Underwood as herself
Don Preston as himself
Jimmy Carl Black as Lonesome Cowboy Burt
Euclid James 'Motorhead' Sherwood as himself,
Aynsley Dunbar as himself
George Duke as himself
Jim Pons as himself (uncredited)
Pamela Des Barres as the interviewer
Martin Lickert as “Jeff”
Janet Neville-Ferguson as Groupie #1
Lucy Offerall as Groupie #2
Dick Barber as Chunga – The Vacuum Cleaner
Judy Gridley as the chorus leader

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/frankzappaandtonypalmer

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

Friday, January 4, 2019

Mike Oldfield's "The Killing Fields" Soundtrack & DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set Now Available For Pre-order!


London - Mike Oldfield's “The Killing Fields” Soundtrack & DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set is now available for pre-order. “The Killing Fields” is a 1984 British biographical drama film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, which is based on the experiences of two journalists: Cambodian Dith Pran and American Sydney Schanberg. It was directed by Roland Joffé and produced by David Puttnam for his company Goldcrest Films. Sam Waterston stars as Schanberg, Haing S. Ngor as Pran, Julian Sands as Jon Swain, and John Malkovich as Al Rockoff. The adaptation for the screen was written by Bruce Robinson; the musical score was written by Mike Oldfield and orchestrated by David Bedford.

The film was a success at the box office as well as being an instant hit with critics. At the 57th Academy Awards it received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture; it won three, most notably Best Supporting Actor for Haing S. Ngor, who had had no previous acting experience. At the 38th British Academy Film Awards, it won eight BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ngor.

In 1999 the British Film Institute voted “The Killing Fields” the 100th greatest British film of the 20th century. In 2016 British film magazine Empire ranked it number 86 in their list of the 100 best British films.

“The Killing Fields” is the 10th record album by Mike Oldfield, originally released in 1984 on Virgin Records. It is the only full-length film score written by Mike Oldfield with the music was orchestrated by David Bedford.

Though Oldfield’s music had been used in films before (see “The Exorcist” and “The Space Movie”), this was the first time he had written specifically for film, and so far the only time. Oldfield composed the album on a Fairlight CMI.

Like many movies, the album is not a comprehensive record of all the Oldfield soundtrack music used in the film. Most notably, the music accompanying the darkroom sequence does not feature on the album.

Oldfield's work on the score was partially instigated by Virgin boss Richard Branson when he took Oldfield to see David Puttnam, a producer on the film, which then secured him the role. Oldfield spent six months working on the score for “The Killing Fields” before going on tour, but when Oldfield returned, the producers of the film asked for more music to be written, prompting Oldfield to ask for the use of an orchestra and a choir; three months later the score was finished.

Tracklisting

“Pran's Theme”
“Requiem for a City”
“Evacuation”
“Pran's Theme 2”
“Capture”
“Execution”
“Bad News”
“Pran's Departure”
“Worksite”
“The Year Zero”
“Blood Sucking”
“The Year Zero 2”
“Pra'’s Escape” / “The Killing Fields”
“The Trek”
“The Boy's Burial” / “Pran Sees the Red Cross”
“Good News”
“Étude”
“Evacuation (Single edit)” (Bonus track)
“Étude (Single edit)” (Bonus track)

Personnel

Mike Oldfield – guitars (Gibson Les Paul Junior and SG Junior), synthesizers (including Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, DMX and Roland VP 330), Fairlight computer, producer, engineer.
Preston Heyman – oriental percussion
Morris Pert – percussion
Eberhard Schoener – conductor
Bavarian State Orchestra
Tölzer Boys Choir

This deluxe box set brings together both the soundtrack CD and the film DVD for the first time, along with reproduction memorabilia from the film and a numbered certificate. This edition is bound to be a collector’s item for both fans of Mike Oldfield and of the movie alike!

Box Set comprises of:

DVD
CD
Numbered certificate
With reproductions of:
Lobby cards,
A3 poster,
Press Pack (In English),
German Press Book
10″ × 8″ black and white promotional photos

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/mikeoldfield

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

Friday, December 21, 2018

Guitarist Markus Reuter Releases First Christmas Album


Download the album for free!

Poly-disciplinary musician and touch guitarist Markus Reuter has just released his first Christmas album - a free, limited-availability-period recording of five traditional Christmas songs (each of which has been given Markus’ distinctive loop/solo/soundscape treatment). As with much of Markus’ music, the pieces are accessible and enjoyable while concealing hidden depths. Beneath and behind Markus’ soulful touch guitar renditions of the original melodies, billowing detailed soundscapes are built on re-examinations and explorations of the pitch series of each tune. Listeners can enjoy the simple snowfall, or choose to tunnel deeper into the ice kingdom. A parallel universe... strangely hypnotizing.

The album is available for free download from https://iapetus-store.com/album/winter-solstice-free-download between 17th and 31st December 2018 (and is available long-term as a free 5.1. surround sound version from https://surroundmusic.one/album/winter-solstice/).

For more information:
http://www.markusreuter.com
http://www.iapetus-media.com
http://www.touchguitars.com

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

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Guitar Legend Jason Becker's New Album "Triumphant Hearts" Receives Rave Reviews Worldwide!


Jason Becker is a musical phenomenon!

Guitar legend Jason Becker released his eagerly anticipated new album “Triumphant Hearts” on December 7, 2018. The album has been receiving amazing reviews around the globe!

“It feels so good that people are experiencing the music in a deep way. When I was writing the album, it was what my soul needed, and I hoped others would feel the same. To see that people are feeling my heart is the greatest gift any artist could ask for.” - Jason Becker

Watch the album's trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=250&v=IXSR85mwRXw

Jason Becker's story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences all over the world with his amazing guitar chops and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for—and got—the gig with David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album “A Little Ain’t Enough” and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was 29 years ago.

Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. It is through this amazing process that Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.”

Not only is Jason not dead yet, he's busier and more prolific than ever, as evidenced by his latest release, Triumphant Hearts. The album's 14 tracks showcase Jason's gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who's-who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason's amazing guitar playing—recorded in the '80s and '90s—graces several tunes.

Jason Becker is unquestionably the sexiest man alive, but he's also the most positive, upbeat, and inspiring man alive. “I really feel lucky,” says Jason. “I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music.”

Here's what the press have raved about Jason Becker's “Triumphant Hearts”:

https://maafbox.com/post/180956511075/triumphant-hearts-jason-becker?fbclid=IwAR0jCm-lYTimj5oADfzTj3a9zTRQ4BjDdro8EKbCWe8R0PHK2TA9_p3vOW4
“Jason Becker is Beethoven for the 21st Century. Listen to how he composes each song. Each delicate note has purpose. Every instrument ebbs and flows throughout each piece. Each guitar lick enriches the depths of each intricate movement. It makes sense that this isn’t a rock album. It’s a classical album. One I hope that will be around long after I’m gone.”

http://allabouttherock.co.uk/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/?fbclid=IwAR2nLYh6PD4ptfgoOlQ_DDdUzN8RL98-icfWa2DxzQL1gBmpFN9eZgpRusM
“This is an album I never thought would happen, a brand new album by guitar maestro Jason Becker. 'Triumphant Hearts' is exactly what it says on the tin. Triumphant. It's an album full of stunning music composed by a genius musician who has to score the opus note by note. This is quite simply a magnificent record that spews emotion.”

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“If there is one thing that gets high marks for originality, it is a musical genius, a prisoner of his own body, writing a love letter to the world using only his eyes, and the love and support of his family, fans, and friends. The album really has something for everyone, with exceptionally beautiful composition, heart, soul, and even some good old burning it up on the fingerboard. he has given the world a masterpiece and a message of love and triumph.”

https://classicrock.net/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
The music on 'TRIUMPHANT HEARTS' is all about the beauty of life and the dignified treatment of one another - the essence of humanity.”

https://darkstars.de/review/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“Jason Becker is a musical phenomenon.”

https://www.photogroupie.com/single-post/2018/12/07/TRIUMPHANT-HEARTS-JASON-BECKER-ALBUM-REVIEW?platform=hootsuite
“It shows Jason Becker as the talented guitarist of his youth, but also a composer of exceptionally high standards. A picture may paint a thousand words, but music says things that words never can and 'Triumphant Hearts' manages to say it all. It's humbling, emotional, inspirational and filled with the brilliance of Jason Becker.”

https://metalwani.com/2018/12/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts.html
“'Triumphant Hearts' by Jason Becker is a testament to the unyielding spirit of an artist driven to create. No matter what the challenge or hardship, a true artist's life force is ignited and fueled by their work. You cannot help but be inspired by these compositions and admire the composer for the sheer joy he brings to us through them.”

http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2018/12/album-review-jason-becker-triumphant-heart/
“'Triumphant Hearts' makes a joyous statement about Becker's enduring creativity in the face of incredible adversity and the fact he is still a major catalyst to his contemporaries. You will be rewarded by an album that taps into one of the most remarkable musical spirits of the modern rock era.”

https://rocknloadmag.com/album-review/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts-album-review/
“Years in the making, yet well worth the wait. This album is an audible journey through the brain of one of Rock's finest ambassadors conveyed by those who loved him and the few who are capable of translating such majesty into recorded music. Showcase his compositional skills through mesmerising arrangements and gorgeous atmospheric storytelling.”

http://www.concertmonkey.be/albumreviews/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts
“Jason Becker will always and everywhere continue to influence guitarists and musicians around the world. His personal story will be an inspiration for millions of people.”

http://www.progrockmusictalk.com/2018/12/jasonbeckertriumphanthearts.html
“Guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on 'Triumphant Hearts.' 'Triumphant Hearts' is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.”

https://allthatshreds.com/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“The album's 14 tracks showcase Jason's gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Jason has assembled some of the great guitarists of our genre on 'Triumphant Hearts.'”

http://amongtheliving.fr/chronique-album/jason-becker/
“Jason Becker, in addition to delivering a sublime album, gives us a great lesson in life, confronting adversity and surpassing oneself. Bravo the artist.”

http://planetmosh.com/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“A true masterpiece that has to be one of the best albums I've heard all year. buy it because it's one of the best albums you’ll hear all year. I’d be happy to listen to on repeat for hours on end.”

https://www.stormbringer.at/reviews/14919/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts.html
“One of the greatest works that has happened this year”

https://www.accordo.it/article/viewPub/94812
“A record that should be accepted as one of the most extraordinary declarations of love for music and life ever written. 'Triumphant Hearts' is a moving, vibrant, beautiful, excruciating work.”

http://metalnexus.net/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“Some of the most genius material I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a masterpiece sounds like. A true work of art. An overwhelming inspiration.”

To purchase: http://smarturl.it/JasonBecker

Label Media Page: http://mlgpress.com/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts

For more information:
https://jasonbecker.com/
https://jasonbecker.com/#videos
https://www.facebook.com/jasonbeckerofficial/

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