Thursday, April 16, 2020

Prog Legends Nektar Release "Live at The Wildey Theatre"


Nektar is pleased to announce Live at The Wildey Theatre! A digital download. From our sold out show on March 7, 2020. Both video and audio are available now to download from our website.

Nektar Live From The Wildley Theatre was filmed on Nektar's Up Close and Intimate Tour of North America. The show focuses on new and classic Nektar tracks spanning their 50 year career. With Mick Brockett's stunning visual concepts this is not to be missed. Nektar have always been great live performers and this latest release is a great addition to any fan's collection.

“This is 100% pure, genuine Nektar - easily the best video of the band ever captured, it's raw, it's real, and it's exactly as it felt being there.”



Track List:
The Light Beyond
A Tab In The Ocean
Devils Door
The Dream Nebula
It’s All In The Mind
Driftin’
Love Is/The Other Side
SkyWriter
Remember The Future Pt. 1
It’s All Over
Remember The Future Pt. 2-3
Look Through Me
I’m On Fire
Fidgety Queen
Good Day

You have three options for purchase:
Audio only FLAC and 320kbps mp3 format. Minimum $10.00 Donation
Video only .mp4 1080 HD format. Minimum $15.00 Donation
Purchase Both Audio & Video Format. Minimum $20.00 Donation.

To Purchase:
https://nektarsmusic.com/nektar-live-at-the-wildey-theatre/

And don't forget Nektar's new album The Other Side



The Other Side – The new double vinyl LP by Nektar.
1. I'm on fire
2. SkyWriter
3. Love is / The Other Side
4. Drifting
5. Devil’s Door
6. The Light Beyond
7. Look Through me
8. Y Cant I B more like U (2020)

And while you're at it, check out the rest of our website and web store! There you will find all the classic Nektar lp's. All in stunning remastered, multi colored vinyl.

For more information: https://nektarsmusic.com

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

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Potter's Daughter to Perform at Uncancelled Music Festival


NYC - Art Rock & Jazz Folk Fusion artist Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Potter's Daughter will perform at The Uncancelled Music Festival on Sunday April 19th, 2020 at 5pm. The virtual stage is hosted by The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway NJ.

Proceeds from the festival go to the artists and venues to help keep them going during this unprecedented crisis. A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to the Recording Academy’s emergency financial assistance program, MusiCares. Dyanne is donating 100% of her proceeds to MusiCares.

https://www.stageit.com/potter_s_daughter_dyanne_voegtlin/uncancelled_music_festival_day_18/77239
https://uncancelledmusicfestival.com/enter-festival
https://www.facebook.com/events/650268175538242/

Dyanne is a classically trained virtuosic pianist and keyboard player, her vocals are hauntingly ethereal. Potter’s Daughter, a Melodic Revolution Records Artist, is known for their unique mix of Progressive Folk vocal music and instrumental Prog Fusion. They recently completed a tour of the northeastern United States with fellow MRR Artist, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, and Dark Beauty. One of today’s most interesting artists, Potter’s Daughter is comprised of Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (piano, keyboards, vocals), Amit Chatterjee (guitar), Jan-Christian Voegtlin (bass), and Patrick Carmichael (drums).

Quotes:
“…just beautiful..I love your voice, and chord progressions are sublime” - Jon Anderson (lead singer of progressive rock band, Yes)

“…Great writing and performing. Absolutely beautiful and rich music…brilliant, poetic, fresh…” - Grammy Award winning composer and arranger Lee Johnson (The Grateful Dead Symphony)

Potter's Daughter Online: 
Website: https://pottersdaughterband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/
MRR Artist Profile: https://mrrmusic.com/potters-daughter/

Listen // Buy // & Share:
Amazon: amzn.to/2qsUdKn
Bandcamp: bit.ly/2Mqk1PM
CD Baby: bit.ly/33JPG4E
iTunes: apple.co/2P1hTQm
Spotify: spoti.fi/35O57uo

Media & Booking:
pottersdaughterband@gmail.com

Label Contact:
Nick Katona
nick@melodicrevolution.com
Melodic Revolution Records ● 1705 Edgewater Drive ● Box 540212 ● Orlando, Florida ● 32854-0212

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

Monday, April 13, 2020

Crossover Prog Review: Kaprekar’s Constant-Depth Of Field

Label: Talking Elephant
Release Date: October 21, 2019



Kaprekar’s Constant was formed in London in 2016. To be honest, it was more of a rock commune than a simple band, as it involved multi-instrumentalists, specific instrument musicians, vocalists (singing and spoken word), a painter, a photographer, and a web designer.

Songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Al Nicholson and Nick Jefferson started the ball rolling and the commune grew with Mike Westergaard (keys), Bill Jefferson (voices), Dorie Jackson (voices), David Jackson (saxophones, flutes, whistles, and bells), Phil Gould (drums, percussion, and djembe), Paul Gunn (spoken word), Sean Jefferson (painting), Will Hess (photography) and Sophie Butters (web design).

As I said, this group of individuals is so much more than a simple band. Keen-eyed prog aficionados will have noticed the presence of a name that has a real prog pedigree from way back, David Jackson, from the superb Van Der Graaf Generator, and Dorie, is his daughter.

The debut album, Fate Outsmarts Desire was issued in March 2017 and was a huge hit with the music critics, and indeed, for a debut, it was a stunning collection of tracks. Album No. 2 has now appeared, Depth Of Field, and picks up where the first album left off.

Depth Of Field is a 7 track album running to just under 68 minutes, with “White Star Sunrise” the longest track on offer at 23:43 minutes, and the final track, “Depth Of Field,” clocking in at just over 2 minutes (2:09), the shortest.

Kaprekar’s Constant play a very gentle, enveloping style of prog which encompasses folk elements and can be multi-layered and bring in beautiful arrangements. To try to make a comparison is difficult but the closest band is probably Big Big Train, but Kaprekar’s Constant has a uniqueness about them. The members involved in the new album are Bill, Dorie, Al, Mike, Nick, and David.

“Ghost Planes” (10:40) is track 3 on the album and is a superb piece of music together with some thought-provoking lyrics. Making use of the stunning musical abilities on offer, this track starts with the band grabbing the listener before using old audio clips and spoken phrases backed by a very simple piano passage that takes over. Enter the male vocal (Bill) to set the scene and the listener is transported back in time to when the German “Doodlebug” bombs rained down on London and other areas. The use of the female voice (Dorie) simply adds to the overall aural soundscape. By this point, around the halfway point in the track, the listener has been pulled in, hook, line, and sinker. The tempo builds up into a driving instrumental passage, maintaining the listener's interest before the music drops into the background allowing some more audio clips to be used. Not only do you get a superb melodic piece of music, but also a snapshot of a moment in history.

The epic track No 5, “White Star Sunrise” which stretches out to 23:43 minutes, traces the story of the vessels which comprised the Olympic class of the White Star Line. There were three ships, Olympic, which had a successful career as a large luxury ship, Titanic, which dramatically was lost on its maiden trip in 1912 and Brittanic, which was used as a hospital ship in WW1, which hit an underwater mine and sank in 1916. Each part of the 3-part story works wonderfully well and provides the listener with another glimpse into history. Musically, this suite is majestic, from the intro music to the sound effects of the sea and then onto the first main passage in such a way that the listener has already become immersed in the track. The male and female vocals again take turns and this adds another dimension to the superb flow of this track. Small guitar passages adorn the main theme and provide little hooks before a complete change of style, around the 6:30 minute point, when the music becomes folky with flute and whistles expertly interspersed by David J. The suite continues to ebb and flow taking the listener along on the voyage.

I was blown away by the debut album, but this release, Depth Of Field, has taken the band up a few more rungs on the excellence ladder. I have been asked a few times, in my alter-ego as a radio presenter, if I have come across an album I would describe as a “perfect 10,” and I still haven’t, although this release comes very close. As I have said, Kaprekar’s Constant is a mellow pastoral sort of bunch, but I would suggest getting hold of this album, settling down comfortably with the lyric sheet and you will discover a majestically crafted album worthy of inclusion in anyone’s collection.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
April 10, 2020

Tracks:
1. Rosherville Pt 1 (10:34)
2. Holywell Street (4:38)
3. Ghost Planes (10:48)
4. The Nightwatchman (6:10)
5. White Star Sunrise (23:43)
6. Rosherville Pt 2 (9:37)
7. Depth Of Field (2:09)
 

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Jazz Rock Supergroup MANDOKI SOULMATES Say "THANK YOU" To The COVID-19 Helpers With Their New Single!


Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandoki Soulmates mastermind and leader Leslie Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “Thank You,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times. Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”

The song is being released through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional releases are set to follow later this year.

Stream the song here: https://orcd.co/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you

Read the complete essay written by Leslie Mandoki to complement the single: http://cleorecs.com/home/mandoki-soulmates-thank-you/

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/
Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
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Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA Benefit For Moogy Klingman 2011 Reunion Concert Recordings Now Available In A Special Limited Edition 6-Disc Box Set!


Los Angeles, CA - Todd Rundgren’s cult prog/art rock outfit Utopia released a mere handful of studio albums in several incarnations starting in 1974 before retiring in the early ‘80s. Yet the band has managed to maintain an intensely devout fanbase that enthusiastically flocked to sold out performances when Rundgren revived the act for a national tour in 2018. The seed of that extraordinarily successful reunion lay in a charitable act years earlier when Rundgren’s longtime friend, songwriting partner and founding member of the original Todd Rundgren’s Utopia, Moogy “Mark” Klingman, fell ill. As Klingman’s health deteriorated and his medical bills began to pile up, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia reformed for special benefit engagements to raise money for their dear friend. The result was an astounding coming together in music and a spirit of compassion as former Utopia members, including Mr. Klingman himself, stepped on the stage behind their leader, Todd Rundgren, and gave the fans an incredible concert, one they wouldn’t soon forget.

Now, a new box set collects together both the audio and video of the January 2011 Todd Rundgren’s Utopia reunion show as well as the November show later that year recorded just a few days after Klingman’s passing. The entire box, titled Benefit For Moogy Klingman, is a multi-media treasure trove featuring 4 audio discs and 2 DVDs with special features that include interviews with the band members and a gorgeous booklet with extensive liner notes and photos. The box is set to be released on May 1 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

To purchase: https://orcd.co/benefit-for-moogy-klingman

Track List:
DISC 1: CD Highline Ballroom - New York, NY - January 29, 2011
1. Moogy's Boogie
2. Never Never Land
3. Crying In The Sunshine
4. Lady Face
5. Dust In The Wind
6. Utopia Theme
7. Freak Parade
8. Another Life
9. The Ikon

DISC 2: CD Highline Ballroom - New York, NY - January 29, 2011
1. Heavy Metal Kids
2. The Wheel
3. Set Me Free
4. Do Ya
5. Last Ride
6. Just One Victory
7. Sons Of 1984
8. (You Got To Have) Friends

DISC 3: CD Peekskill Performing Arts Center - Peekskill, NY - November 18, 2011
1. Utopia Theme
2. Freak Parade
3. Heavy Metal Kids
4. Another Life
5. Something's Coming
6. The Seven Rays

DISC 4: CD Peekskill Performing Arts Center - Peekskill, NY - November 18, 2011
1. Do Ya
2. The Wheel
3. The Ikon
4. Freedom Fighters
5. Just One Victory

DISC 5: LIVE CONCERT DVD from Highline Ballroom
DISC 6: LIVE CONCERT DVD from Peekskill Performing Arts Center

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com


Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/
Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiCec6bS6mX3c7dpitfYRQ
Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Crossover Prog Review: : Different Light-Binary Suns (Part 1 – Operant Condition)

Release Date: January 17, 2020
Label: Progressive Gears Records
The band, Different Light, was initially formed in 1994 in Malta. The first of four albums were released in 1996, All About Yourself. In 1999, the band disbanded and later, in 2004, Trevor Tabone, an original member, reformed the band in the Czech Republic. Three albums have followed from this reformed band, Icons That Weep (2009), The Burden Of Paradise (2016) and the album in this review, Binary Suns (2020).

The current lineup of the band is Trevor Tabone (vocals/keyboards), Petr Lux (guitar/backing vocals), Jirka Matousek (bass) and David Filak (drums). Binary Suns has been an album I have looked forward to hearing, as the previous release I found to be a stunning work. It is fair to say that I have in no way been disappointed now that Binary Suns has been issued.

Opening the album is “Amphibious” (8:51) which is a mini-suite made up of four parts. This starts with a piano intro into a repeated passage that ebbs and flows and carries the listener along. Around the 1:30 minute mark, there is a simple piano theme, backed by a soaring guitar which leads to the vocals and a superb piano backing by Trevor. The melody is a real hook that builds up and moves along with those crystal-clear vocals catching the ear of the listener. Just before the 6:00 minute mark, the tempo drops to leave just the vocals and piano as the mainstay, before returning to the more involved melodious, harmonious part of the track. At just under 9:00 minutes, this is a stunning track, carried off and out with a superb piece of guitar work by Petr.

A shorter track, “Faith” (4:09) continues the harmonious smooth vocals so prevalent on the opening track. Although not too obvious, there is a hook that edges into your mind and “plants its feet firmly.” The piano again is the major instrument and I find it refreshing that it is the main keyboard used. More keyboards join the piano as well as some terrific guitar riffs. This is another superb track that fades out with the sound of a rainstorm. 

“Spectres And Permanent Apparitions” (21:31) is track three, the longest track on Binary Suns and is in seven parts. By this track, the listener should be aware that this is an exceptional album and the changes in tempo throughout the 21+ minutes merge smoothly and flow easily allowing the listener to drift along, immersed in the music. Little hooks are scattered liberally throughout the track and weave in and out, acting almost as touchstones on the 21+ minute journey. This is a band that works as a very tight unit and appears to be totally in tune with each other.

Binary Suns is a superb release and takes the amazing music contained on album 3, The Burden Of Paradise, to a higher level. It may only be March but I think that I have already found one of my “best of 2020” albums. All I have to say about Binary Suns (Pt 1 Operant Condition) is “do yourself a huge favor and buy it at the earliest opportunity.” I am close to 100% sure that no-one will be disappointed.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson - Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
March 31, 2020


Tracks:
1. Amphibians (8:45)
   a) Water
   b) Land
   c) Sky
   d) The Message

2. Faith (4:12)

3. Spectres and Permanent Apparitions (21:31)
   a) Ataraxia
   b)Two Shows
   c) Small Mercies
   d) Hand Of Providence
   e) BarBrera
   f) Synestesia
   g) Midas Gold

4. The Answer (3:47)

5. Two Faces (7:42)

6. On The Borderline (10.45)
 a) Talking To Strangers
 b) Seduction
 c) Obsession
 d) Vindication
 e) Demonic
 f) Now Just Go Away   



Saturday, March 28, 2020

Todd Rundgren Recruits Guest Artists for Democratic Campaign Anthem


Todd Rundgren and some well known guest artists are re-recording his 1973 anthem “Just One Victory” and giving it away for free to Democrats throughout the US running for public office this year. So far Joe Walsh, Daryl Hall, and Paul Shaffer have already agreed to join the effort along with producer Don Was. The idea was suggested by former Bearsville Records executives Paul Fishkin and Marc Nathan.

“Just One Victory” originally appeared as the final track on Rundgren's critically acclaimed 1973 album, A Wizard, a True Star.

Rundgren hopes that other notable artists sign on as well. “Let's go for 'We Are the World,'” he recently told Andy Greene of Rolling Stone. “Not many people know about it at this particular moment, especially because just as we were getting into the project this huge distraction [of the virus] came along. We are waiting for everyone to settle down from that before we refocus on the political and start actively soliciting some performances.”

Guest artists on the song don't need to be musicians or even musically inclined. Once the song is recorded any Democrat will be able to use the song for free. “It's really the kind of thing to get people hyped up and ready to go out and vote,” Rundgren says.

Read the recent interview Todd Rundgren did with Andy Greene of Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/todd-rundgren-victory-democrats-973903/

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