Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz Artist Potter's Daughter to Release New EP “Casually Containing Rage” On September 15, 2020!


The EP will be available digitally, and on CD!

VA - Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz artist Potter's Daughter to release EP “Casually Containing Rage” on September 15, 2020! The EP will be released by MRR and available both digitally, and as a CD.

Potter's Daughter released their debut album, “The Blind Side,” in August 2018. In 2019 they released two singles; “Blood and Water,” featuring Annie Haslam (Renaissance) as guest artist, and the holiday single, “This Winter’s Child,” which was composed for the “MRR Holiday” album.

In March 2020 they went on tour with MRR labelmate Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and Dark Beauty. They were also invited to participate in several online festivals, including The Uncancelled Music Festival (April), The WorldWide Prog and Rock Virtual Festival (May), and most recently, the prestigious ProgStock Festival. (August).

“Casually Containing Rage” features three songs:

1. To My Love - a completely new arrangement of their song from their debut album, The Blind Side
2. Accidentally Like A Martyr- a beautiful rendition of Warren Zevon’s song from his album, Excitable Boy
3. We Could Be - a powerful and moving song dealing with racial injustice, featuring NPR radio broadcasts about George Floyd and Ahmaud Abery.

Filmmaker Serena Künzler has created a striking video for the song “We Could Be,” which was premiered during Potter’s Daughter’s set at ProgStock 8/29/2020.

1. To My Love (DPV, JCV)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-vocals
Amit Chatterjee-guitar
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass
Patrick Carmichael-drums
Tom Borthwick-soundscaping

2. Accidentally Like A Martyr (Warren Zevon)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-piano, vocal
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, guitar, drum programming

3. We Could Be (DPV, JCV)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-keyboards, vocals
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, drum programming, guitar synth
NPR David Greene-radio broadcast

1. Produced by DPV, co-produced by Amitava Chatterjee and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
2. Produced by JCV
3. Produced by DPV, co-produced by JCV and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
 Mastered by Tom Borthwick

1.3. Recorded at SI Studio, Engineered by Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
2. Recorded, mixed at JCV Sound design



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

Further Information Can Be Found At:
Website: https://pottersdaughterband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/
MRR Artist Profile: https://mrrmusic.com/potters-daughter/

Media & Booking:
pottersdaughterband@gmail.com

Label Contact:
Nick Katona, nick@melodicrevolution.com

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

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Prog Ensemble DarWin to Release Second Album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on November 6, 2020

 


CD, Digital and Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster


Following the release of critically acclaimed debut album “Origin Of Species” in early 2019, DarWin is set to release the follow up album “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” on the 6th November 2020.


Once more DarWin has assembled a stunning ensemble of musicians. “DarWin II: A Frozen War” continues the core collaboration with Simon Phillips (drums, Toto/The Who/Jeff Beck), Matt Bissonette (Elton John, David Lee Roth, Ringo Starr) and DarWin. Joining them are powerhouse players Billy Sheehan (bass, Mr Big/ Steve Vai/Winery Dogs), Guthrie Govan (guitar, Aristocrats/Asia/Hans Zimmer/Steven Wilson), Greg Howe (guitar, Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake), Derek Sherinian (keyboards, Dream Theater/Alice Cooper/Black Country Communion) and more…


The second album builds on the themes of “Origin Of Species” - first single “Nightmare Of My Dreams” featured a stunning video centered around the theme of the recent wildfires and filmed in areas of Australia directly affected. The other tracks build on DarWin’s sound - drawing the best elements of progressive rock with a depth of vocal sound scapes and  songwriting. There is a generous amount of guitar shred and heavy grooves on display for the rock faithful who demand athletic performances.


First single, “Nightmare Of My Dreams”, available now, also features a video directed by the legendary Nigel Dick (Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard) HERE



“At the end of it all, DarWin has saved the concept album as well as the planet.” – Classic Rock review of debut album “Origin Of Species”


The full album tracklisting of “Darwin 2: A Frozen War” is as follows:


1. Nightmare Of My Dreams

2. Future History

3. Eternal Life

4. A Frozen War

5. Another Year


The album is also be available in spectacular Double Coloured Eco-Vinyl Gatefold LP with 30cm x 20cm poster. LP1 will be the standard album tracklisting, as above. LP2 features new interpretations of various songs from the first two albums, highlighting  theorchestral or unplugged performances of the earlier tracks.  They were all mixed and rearranged by mastermind Simon Phillips, and show a more delicate and emotional side to the DarWin recordings.


The full tracklisting for LP2 is as follows


Side A:

1. Escape the Maze (Orchestral)

2. Nightmare of My Dreams (Orchestral)

3. Slowly Melting (Unplugged)

4. Forever (Orchestral)


Side B:

1. One Horizon (Unplugged)

2. Rise (Orchestral)

3. Last Chance (Orchestral)

4. Another Year (Acapella)


DarWin says. “We completed this album under extraordinary circumstances. The writing for the album continued as we wrapped Origin of Species in 2018, and our worlds were turned upside down by wildfires and viral pandemics. We’re grateful to the amazing group of musicians, artists and professionals who participated in this project. Almost no aspect of the creative process was “typical,” with team members spread out around the world, and often under lock down. We had our instruments, our technologies, and a passion for musical creativity. We hope that the emotion and resilience of this time period will come through these recordings.”


“Darwin 2: A Frozen War” was produced by DarWin and Simon Phillips and recorded primarily in Iceland and the USA.


DarWin’s critically acclaimed debut “Origin Of Species ” was the first installment in an epic saga that addresses the challenges of mankind in our coming era. It depicts the role of a changing planet, and the potential, as well as limitations, of technology to help solve mankind’s greatest challenges. A complex project that’s eschews the hollow immediacy of much contemporary art. A story that demands attention and imagination. With music sweeping in scope, at times evoking hard rock virtuoso shredding, alongside grand orchestral compositions, warm harmonies and soaring choruses. A project that is even more relevant in the strange times we live in.


http://www.darwin.is/


For further Information

Duff Battye / Duff Press duff@duffpress.co.uk + 44 (0)7904 385308


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

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Rock Legend Todd Rundgren Releases First Single "Espionage" From His Forthcoming Album 'Space Force'


Following his critically-acclaimed album of collaborations, White Knight, released in 2017 on Cleopatra Records, rock legend Todd Rundgren is releasing a new single “Espionage” from his forthcoming album Space Force. In contrast to its futuristic title, Rundgren returns to the days of yesteryear when artists would release several singles first before releasing an “album,” or collection of singles. Thus, Space Force will be released to digital platforms as individual singles, each with its own unique artwork, every 3 or 4 weeks with the entire album coming in early 2021.

First up is a song as adventurous as Space Force suggests, the ambitious collaboration “Espionage” with Muslim hip hop artist Narcy.

“The song is actually an orphan of White Knight. Narcy and I began the colab in the final days of that album and we couldn’t get it finished in time, so in a sense it’s the first song of Space Force.” - Todd Rundgren

Keep an eye out for more Space Force singles including collaborations with Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and idiosyncratic pop stars Sparks as well as a video for “Espionage.”

Stream the track here: https://orcd.co/todd_rundgren_narcy_espionage

In other news, now that the convention has wrapped, Todd’s new re-record of his 1973 anthem “Just One Victory” has been provided to the Democratic National Committee for gratis use by all candidates running for public office this fall, from top of ballot down to dogcatcher .

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren began playing guitar as a teenager, going on to found and front Nazz, the quintessential 60's psychedelic group. In 1969, he left the band to pursue a solo career, recording his debut offering, Runt. But it was 1972's seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted Todd into the superstar limelight, prompting the press to unanimously dub him “Rock's New Wunderkind.” It was followed by such landmark LPs as The Hermit of Mink Hollow and A Wizard, A True Star;  evergreen hit singles include “I Saw The Light,” “Hello It's Me,” “Can We Still Be Friends,” and “Bang The Drum.”



photo credit: © Lynn Goldsmith

Todd Rundgren management: 
PH: 805- 491-9400
paul@panacea-ent.com

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


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Friday, September 4, 2020

Modern Prog Band Circuline Announce 15-Date NewView Virtual Tour


In support of the band’s recent live CD/DVD/Blu-ray release “CircuLive::NewView” modern prog band Circuline are announcing their 15-date New View virtual tour beginning September 9, 2020!

Premiering exclusively on Facebook, every one of these 15 dates has three segments: the Official Video, followed by a new clip from the “CircuLive::NewView” DVD/Blu-ray, followed by a Facebook Live “Story Behind the Song and Video” Q&A session. The band will talk about the writing of the songs, the making of the videos, answer questions from the Facebook Chat feed, and most likely make fun of themselves during the conversation. It’s going to be a lot of fun, and we hope you join us!

Says keyboardist Andrew Colyer, “The Concept behind this 15-date Virtual Tour is to get to know new and familiar fans in the best way that we can, given the world situation right now, and for them to get to know us better. Since you can’t go to the concert, we’re bringing the concert and ‘Meet-and-Greet’ VIP experience home to you! This is the best way we could think of to support the new live CD/DVD/Blu-ray ‘CircuLive::NewView’. We’re releasing five new Official Videos (including one from the new CD/DVD/Blu-ray concert), and it’s a review of our previous ten Official Videos, many of which our newer fans may not have seen. For the past five years, we’ve had worldwide sales in 18 countries on six continents. Most of these fans have never had an opportunity to see us perform live. This Virtual Tour will show the history of the band past and present, allow us to reach people at home, and communicate one-on-one in a way that we probably couldn’t do on tour.”

Drummer Darin Brannon explains, “What we found out after the ProgStock performance is that all the comments about the show included the words ‘fun’ and ‘entertaining’. So with that, we were successful. It’s one thing to deliver stellar performances, but adding an element of fun can help some members of the audience enjoy the show and maybe become a fan. The Virtual Tour is something that we have been wanting to do for some time now. It’s another way for a listener to be introduced to the band or get to know us a bit better. Just with any band that has gone through writing, recording and touring, each of us has grown, which makes the band grow.”

What’s great about being able to do a “Virtual Tour” is that the listener can enjoy getting to know the band and each of the members more. Plus Circuline hope if they like the newest release “Circulive::NewView” they might be enticed to look back into the band’s history and want to explore previous releases.

The NewView Virtual Tour runs from September 9th through October 10th. You have until midnight on Thursday, October 8th to get your Exclusive Pre-Order Bundle over at www.CircuLiveNewView.com, since the release date for “CircuLive::NewView” is Friday, October 9th. Later this fall, the band will be releasing a “Meet the Band” video series, a “Story Behind the Song” video series, and a “Story Behind the Album” video series. They’ve currently started working on their third studio album, with a forthcoming “Making of” video series while they’re doing it. The third studio album is scheduled realistically for a Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 release, with accompanying new music videos before, and live gigs afterwards.



Circuline
Andrew Colyer - Keyboards, Vocals, Percussion
Darin Brannon - Drums, Keyboards, Percussion
Natalie Brown - Vocals, Percussion
William "Billy" Spillane - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion
Alek Darson - Lead Guitar, Percussion
Joel Simches - Bass Guitar, Bass Pedals, Drums

What do you get when you take two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a versatile rock virtuoso on guitar, a zany bass player from another galaxy, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA? The modern cinematic rock band Circuline. Nominated for PROG Magazine’s 2016 Limelight award for best new band, Circuline has toured with Glass Hammer, repeatedly co-headlined the three-day Sonic Voyage Festival, and toured England in summer 2017 opening for IO Earth. Circuline has performed at RoSfest, Philadelphia's Liberty Music Fest, Chicago's Progtoberfest, and England’s Harmonix Festival.

“CircuLive::NewView” captures the band at ProgStock in an all-newly crafted show that will please any rock fan. In addition to soaring vocals, keyboard wizardry, powerhouse drumming, and virtuoso guitar and bass playing, you will smile and enjoy the “keyboard challenge”, “drum feature”, and other fun and entertaining moments. The album was recorded at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, New Jersey and was Mixed and Mastered by Alek Darson in Toronto, Canada.

“CircuLive::NewView” will be released on Inner Nova Music on October 9th, 2020.



Tracks:
1. Intro + Erosion
2. Soleil Noir
3. One Wish
4. Nautilus
5. Piano Challenge
6. Hollow
7. Return (acoustic)
8. Fallout Shelter
9. Pale Blue Dot (cover)
10. Forbidden Planet + Drum Feature
11. Inception
12. Summit
13. Stereotypes

Digital Download on iTunes, Amazon.com, and Bandcamp
Streaming on Spotify and all streaming services

Get Your Exclusive Pre-Order Bundle Here: 
http://www.CircuLiveNewView.com/

For more information:
http://CirculineMusic.com/
https://www.Facebook.com/CirculineMusic/
https://www.Instagram.com/CirculineMusic/
https://Twitter.com/CirculineMusic
https://www.YouTube.com/CirculineMusic

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

Kevin Godley - The Final on Vinyl Interview

I had a great time interviewing Kevin Godley an amazing multi-faceted artist that was in 10cc on four excellent recordings, recorded some great music with his band mate Lol Creme and continued on with a solo career and many other projects.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Neo Prog Review: Abel Ganz-The Life Of The Honey Bee and Other Moments Of Clarity

Release Date: July 6 2020

Label: Self Released

Website


Abel Ganz was formed back in 1980, had a ten-year hiatus from 1996 to 2006, and came back bristling with new ideas. The debut appeared in 1984, Gratuitous Flash, which was remixed, remastered, and re-released in 2016. The album under review is album No 7, The Life Of The Honey Bee and Other Moments of Clarity.

The band has undergone many personnel changes since coming into being in 1980, but original members are still around in various bands. If you want to find out more about Abel Ganz, then check out my pod-cast, “The History Of Abel Ganz”, available as The Ancient One Show No 140 on www.progzilla.com

The band line-up for The Life Of The Honey Bee and Other Moments Of Clarity, the album under review, is now Davie Mitchell (guitars), Jack Webb (keyboards), Mick Macfarlane (vocals/guitars/bouzouki), Stephen Donnelly (bass), Denis Smith (drums/vocals) and David King (guitars/keyboards/drum programming). There were also 9 guest musicians involved.

The Life Of The Honey Bee and Other Moments of Clarity
is a 6 track release, although there is an extra track on the 2 different digital releases, and has a running time of just over 50 minutes (50:18). The third track, “Arran Shores” is the shortest track on offer at 2:40 minutes, and the fifth track, “Sepia and White” is the longest at 13:31 minutes.

The opening track, “The Life of the Honey Bee and other Moments of Clarity,” the title track starts off with a gentle acoustic guitar riff that morphs quickly into a full band workout on the same theme before the acoustic guitar/keyboard comes back and Mick’s vocals join in just after the 2-minute mark. Mick’s voice is a very characteristic part of the Abel Ganz sound and the powerful voice carries the expression of the lyrics excellently. The listener is drawn into the world of Abel Ganz almost like settling into a favorite armchair and joining the band on the musical journey. Just on the 4-minute mark, we are treated to an unexpected harmonica passage by Alex Paclin, which sounds more like Stevie Wonder than Stevie Wonder does. Another superb instrumental passage takes us back into those wonderful lyrics presented so well by Mick. After 6:15 minutes, there is a second unexpected appearance, this time by Fiona Cuthill, playing superb fiddle, which heads up an excellent passage prior to the keyboards of Jack Webb building up in the background. Just shy of the 9-minute mark there is another directional change, this time the bluesy guitar of Davie Mitchell (I think) before the track seems to settle into an area very reminiscent of Steely Dan, as the opening track moves towards its completion. Before it does so, however, the excellently named Snake Davis adds a superb saxophone ending. The opener has lasted 12:37 minutes and Abel Ganz has nailed it, taking the listener here, there, and back again on the journey and ensuring that they are looking forward to what else this majestic album has for them.

The next 3 tracks, “One Small Soul” (5:52), “Arran Shores” (2:40), and “Summerlong” (5:22) move more into the gentle acoustic environment, ”One Small Soul,” finds Mick again in fine voice, duetting at points with Emily Smith ( a former Scots Singer Of The Year) and producing a superb modern folk-inspired track which has an instantly memorable melody. “Arran Shores” allows David King to show how a simple acoustic guitar number can evoke so many thoughts and memories, especially if you know the Isle of Arran. The third track, “Summerlong” takes the listener on another journey with some beautiful piano and strings, showing different facets of the Abel Ganz sound. In these three tracks, there are wonderful mo-ments with guitars, keyboards, vocals, and the powerhouse of bass (Stephen Donnelly) and drums (Denis Smith) underpinning everything that is going on.

The second of the long tracks, track 5, “Sepia and White” (13.31) starts up like a full-blooded rock workout before dropping into a superb piano passage heralding Mick’s vocals entering the track around the 2:15 minute mark. More guitar riffs appear and carry the track along and into a repeat of the earlier piano/vocal combination, prior to a majestic synth passage which leads into a full band workout led by the guitar. This section is a good example of the band flexing their collective musical muscle. Midway through the track, it is another superb piano passage that links to an almost laid-back section, with a simple melody that hits the listener just right. This track seems to ooze a feeling of nostalgia which is prevalent throughout the album, looking back but gazing forward with hope. The band drives the track to its finale.

The final track, “The Light Shines Out” (6:17), is a very gentle laid-back piece of music with Denis taking over the reins of lead singer, backed by a superb low whistle melody. The vocals are very different from Mick, but seem to suit this particular track very well. As the track progresses, the listener becomes aware of a subtle piano passage behind the vocals and the appearance of some subdued strings. Around the halfway point, there is some excellent bass from Stephen prior to a short melodic passage before the vocals return. Just after the 5-minute mark, the low whistle returns with the earlier motif and the track evolves into a short “funky” fadeout.

Earlier this year in a review, I commented that I had not heard a “perfect album,” but the band in question at that point, Kaprekar’s Constant, had come very close to that mark. Honey Bee exceeds that previous review by a few tenths towards perfection and is certainly my record of 2020.


This is a majestic album produced by musicians who have a vision of where the band is going and possess the skills to take the band there. Credit should also be heaped onto the Abel Ganz guest musicians, some of whom have appeared regularly on previous albums.

My advice is very simple, go out and get hold of this album, although the success since the release has resulted in the CDs selling out and a reprint is now in progress. Don’t lose out again and get one ordered as soon as possible.

Normally I would sum up, but I will let the band do that, as they have done it rather well. “The influences on the new album continue in a similar vein (to previously), further developing the band’s eclectic mix of folk, rock, metal, and Celtic styles. The album’s trajectory shifts between crunching guitars, subtle acoustic instruments, strings, soaring Hammond, and emotive grand piano, all connected by lyrical storytelling plus timeless vocals and harmonies.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
August 31, 2020


Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Prog Legends Gentle Giant Announce First Official T-Shirt Available For Pre-order


Due to public demand, Gentle Giant is pleased to announce the very first ‘OFFICIAL’ t-shirt from the band’s own merchandise line. The t-shirt design was inspired by an old poster from a show the band played in Zurich, Switzerland in 1975.

The exclusive pre-sale is available from now until October 1st. All sizes will be available exclusively at GentleGiantBand.com. Use code GG10 for 10% off (valid only for pre-sale)

We hope all friends, fans and followers will enjoy wearing the first of the many ‘OFFICIAL’ Gentle Giant merch!

Watch the promotional video:


Watch the Gentle Giant reunion video:


To purchase Gentle Giant vinyl reissues:
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/

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

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