Drummer Mark Murdock Releases New Solo Album “The Phoenix Has Risen” Feat. Ron Howden of Nektar and Fernando Perdomo

“Sounds strong!” - Steve Hackett

“The Phoenix Has Risen” represents the work of drummer/songwriter Mark Murdock whose previous works included Cymbalic Encounters (With Brand X musicians) and Empire (Peter Banks of YES) and most recently The New Empire “Second Lifetime” release on Forward Motion Records. Mark was also a guest on the YES 50th Anniversary tribute album by Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo

“The Phoenix Has Risen” was composed and produced by Mark during the lockdown of 2020. Mark sites the Phoenix in the title as a symbol of hope in these pandemic times. Mark just happens to be from Phoenix, Arizona but now resides in Tokyo. The music leans more to the Prog side with hints of rock and pop embellished in it.

The 12 song CD features guest artists, not only including guitarist Fernando Perdomo, but veteran Prog drummer Ronald Howden of Nektar who guests on two songs, and bassist Alan Thomson, who played with John Martyn and currently the Martin Barres Band, U.K. vocalist Tim Pepper and Joe Berger lead guitar and more.

Mark not only composed all music and lyrics but all the keyboard tracks including orchestral sections.

Watch the promotional video: 

Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock and Joe Berger BEAM Audio NYC
Artwork by Synergy/Leon Alvarado

Currently available on all digital platforms. Physical release through Disk Union Japan. For International orders

Track list:
The Phoenix Has Risen
Reoccurring Dreams
Heal My Wounded Soul
Compromised
Exit Door
The Starfish and the Four Phases of the Moon
When Thoughts Collide
Silence on Empty Streets
All Fools Fade Away
The Unknown Man
Set Your Heart On Fire
In The Future Of

Musicians:
Mark Murdock- drums, synthesizer, piano, orchestra horns, percussion and backing vocals
Tim Pepper- lead vocal *Courtesy of TheId
Daniel Kubota- guitar
Kenta Shimokuni-bass
Katsumi Yoneda- guitar on songs 2, 3 & 12 *Courtesy of French TV
Joe Berger- lead guitar on song 1
Preston Murdock- lead guitar on songs 4 & 7
David Rambeau- guitar on song 7 & acoustic guitar on song 8
Tatsuo Inoue-rhythm guitar on song 6
Rodolfo Falora- bass on songs 1, 6 & 9

Featured Artists:
Ronald Howden- drums on songs 2 & double drumming on song 9 *Courtesy of Nektar
Fernando Perdomo- guitar on songs 4, 6 & 9 *Courtesy of The Out To Sea Band
Alan Thomson- fretless bass on song 4 *Courtesy of The Martin Barres Band

All music and lyrics composed by Mark Murdock
*Song 7 was composed by Cary Bialac and Mark Murdock

Here’s what’s being said about “The Phoenix Has Risen”:

“While Mark Murdock may have seemed to venture beyond art-rock pastures he used to explore decades ago, prog remains a vital aspect of this EMPIRE and BRAND X associate, and even though there are collective projects the veteran was involved with lately, his individual style naturally led to a solo album, a record of a particularly personal stripe.” - DMME

“Symphonic Visual Music!” - Cary Bialac, producer/musician

“There are themes that could be Prog Soundtracks or Miniseries!” –

Anonymous musician in Tokyo

“Prog at its best! Mark Murdock’s new solo work, ‘The Phoenix Has Risen’ is most definitely carrying the innovative torch on this much missed genre of music” - Anonymous Prog Fan

Disk Union CD release date 12/23/2020

To order: https://diskunion.net/progre/ct/detail/1008229192?fbclid=IwAR0fRrmJYQTrJsq080Rfk2pUPgn7iVLm_6mAFzG8GnHAyJZ9pd73hdZzYyo

Direct Artist purchase: cymbalicencounters@gmail.com

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Murdock-Prog-100418578595331/
https://www.facebook.com/mark.murdock.92
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com

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

Stefan Elefteriu releases 'Quantum Gates' - a journey through space, time and numerous genres

 

The latest album from progressive odyssey Stefan Elefteriu escapes reality and lets listeners enter a world of optimism. Titled "Quantum Gates", the album features 12 tracks that soar through realms of uncertainty with reassurance. While Stefan's journey to this moment has been eventful, Stefan's no stranger to the world of music. From building his own synthesisers in Communist Romania to scoring a science fiction film, if you think it, Stefan's probably done it. An experience that showcases huge complexity, intelligence and imagination, 'Quantum Gates' is bathed in classical, rock and electronic elements. 

Stefan mentioned that the release is based on, "Twelve portals open to twelve different worlds awaiting discovery through imagination, fantasy and feelings... Go beyond the Quantum Gates and, with each re-listening, you will perceive new territories of musical expression. Let the evolution and permanent dialogue of the melodic lines - based on symphonic counterpoint - take you through a new multidimensional sound universe."

For fans of Vangelis, Pink Floyd, Jean Michael Jarre and Kraftwerk, 'Quantum Gates' is truly a special album for all prog lovers.

Album Tracks:

1. Coming from Above

2. Push the Beat

3. Hold On

4. Play of Shadows

5. Visitor on the Timeline

6. Flying Island

7. Lonely Alien

8. Blue Peaks

9. Too High

10. Between Two Worlds

11. Quantum Gates

12. The Change

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StefanElefteriuMusic 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stefanelefteriu  

Website: https://www.stefansound.com/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stefan_sound 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uXquOCFBiGsuy2W5V90hh?si=5OxW-6VnRiSKQqqkDcv6-QYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rXwyOWkt9kqfD3KZtRWFQ 

Go Walkin’ In A RICK WAKEMAN Wonderland With A Deluxe Reissue Of The Holiday Favorite CHRISTMAS VARIATIONS!

Los Angeles, CA - Tis the season for holiday music to be heard on every street corner, in every grocery store aisle and over every personal stereo playing the same 5-10 songs over and over and over again. As mid-December approaches, the discernible music lover will be in search of the uniquely crafted, expertly arranged holiday versions to break the merry monotony. Enter Rick Wakeman’s much-loved album from 2000 Christmas Variations. Featuring a mix of familiar tunes - “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” - as well as lesser known classical-based compositions such as “Christians Awake Salute The Happy Mourn” and “Once In Royal David’s City,” this superb album offers bold interpretations of holiday songs as played by one of the most celebrated keyboardists in all of music. And this year brings a special offering as a deluxe reissue of Christmas Variations has just been released. Not only does this reissue offer a complete revamp of the artwork, it also 2 bonus tracks: “Silent Prayer” and a very moving live performance of “Amazing Grace.”

Christmas Variations is available now on digital, digipak CD and a glorious 2LP colored vinyl set in a gatefold jacket!

Order the album: https://orcd.co/rick_wakeman_christmas_variations

Track List:
1. Silent Night
2. Hark The Herald Angels Sing
3. Christians Awake Salute The Happy Mourn
4. Away In A Manger
5. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night
6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
7. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
8. Once In Royal David's City
9. O Come All Ye Faithful
10. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
BONUS TRACKS
11. Silent Prayer
12. Amazing Grace (Live At Lincoln Cathedral 2018)

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  @
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Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
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Purple Pyramid Store @
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Alan Davey’s HAWKESTREL Continues To Spread Space Rock Cheer With Holiday Album SPACEXMAS!

Includes performances by Glenn Hughes, Rick Wakeman, Robby Krieger, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Nik Turner, Jürgen Engler, Nigel Potter, Adam Hamilton, Danny Faulkner, Steve Leigh and more!

Los Angeles, CA - 2020 has been one helluva productive year for Alan Davey. Not only did Mr. Davey, best known as the former bass player for British space rock legends Hawkwind, launch a new album by his Hawkwind supergroup Hawkestrel, the adventurous Pioneers Of Space, but he also saw the release of a 4CD set of demos called Four-Track Mind as well as a 3CD set from Davey’s prog rock side project Pre-Med and even joined Danny B. Harvey’s rockabilly project Headcat 13 for an album! And now to top it all off, Davey has returned with a sleigh full of superb musical guests on an all-new Hawkestrel Christmas album! SpaceXmas includes performances by former Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman, The Doors’ Robby Krieger plus Hawkwind alums Huw Lloyd-Langton, Nik Turner, and lots more who blaze their way through revamped versions of holiday favorites such as “We Three Kings,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night” next to original compositions such as “It’s A Wonderful (Funny Old) Life” and the hilarious “Twelve Daze Of Drinxmas.”

Davey had this to share about the album, “My goal with this album was to turn Xmas songs into non-cheesy space rock pieces anyone could enjoy listening to. That was difficult enough, but in 110 degrees Fahrenheit in July/August and in the Californian high desert was kind of surreal. It turned out better than I expected.......Happy SpaceXmas!”

SpaceXmas is available now digitally as well as on CD and in a very special limited edition Christmas color splattered vinyl!

Order the album: https://orcd.co/hawkestrel_pioneers_of_space

Track List:
1. Oh Holy Night
2. We Three Kings
3. It's A Wonderful (Funny Old) Life
4. Silent Night
5. Seasons
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. Für Kirsty
8. Ein Weihnachliches Lustobjekt
9. O Come All Ye Faithful
10. Jingle Bells
11. Hallelujah
12. Twelve Daze Of Drinxmas

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/

Guitar Virtuoso Marcelo Paganini to Release Album “Identity Crisis” Featuring Billy Sherwood, Rachel Flowers, Lenny White, Chad Wackerman and Others!

Featuring special guests Billy Sherwood (YES/ASIA), Adam Holzman (Steve Wilson Band), Rachel Flowers, Lenny White (Return to Forever), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa Band), Jan Dumée (Focus), Marc Madoré, Karla Downey, Jamison Smeltz, Damilton Viana, Esdras Ferreira and Adriano Campagnani (Beto Guedes Band)

“Identity Crisis” is the new guitar virtuoso Marcelo Paganini prog rock jazz fusion album to be released on his birthday December 11, 2020. The album features special guests Billy Sherwood (YES/ASIA), Adam Holzman (Steve Wilson Band), Rachel Flowers, Lenny White (Return to Forever), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa Band), Jan Dumée (Focus), Marc Madoré, Karla Downey, Jamison Smeltz, Damilton Viana, Esdras Ferreira and Adriano Campagnani (Beto Guedes Band). 5 out of 6 songs of the album were mixed and mastered by Gudjon Sveinsson in Iceland. The single “Circus is empty” was mixed by Daniel Boivin in France and mastered by Maor Appelbaum in LA, California, USA.

“When Allan Holdsworth passed away all of a sudden it was up to me and the others to keep guitar composition and playing moving forward. ‘Do your own thing’ he said every time we met. Now Eddie Van Halen passed away as well and we realize how hard it will be,” remembers Marcelo Paganini about his intentions when he started this project. “I changed the tuning of the guitar so I could not repeat anything I knew before. I decided to only use in the whole album, except for acoustic 12 string intros, the black guitar X-Ing Ibanez, no vibrato bar, bare bones. And to record just one guitar per track, to be able to play it live and sound like the album, or better. When live concerts will come back.”

The music on “Identity Crisis” mixes up the best influences from classic prog rock, with unexpected contemporary harmonic solutions and melodic turns. The songs can break loose by surprise in furious jazz fusion improvisations. As impressive as the casting in the album can be, and it is, the incredible alchemy that happened between Marcelo Paganini and Rachel Flowers in 4 out of 6 songs,  at the 11th hour, was a game changer in the intensity of that musical language. Mr Bowler Music Agency in the Netherlands is booking Marcelo Paganini Band featuring Rachel Flowers.

TRACK LIST:
Bacteria
Circus is empty
Soul much further away
Learn to love to wait
Tangerine way
Captain's face

Released December 11, 2020

To purchase: https://marcelopaganini.bandcamp.com/

For more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marcelo-Paganini-13255032254/
YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/user/MarcelloPaganini
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marcelopaganini.ic/

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

Booking: Mr Bowler Music Agency
Sumatrastraat 19a
5215AX s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
arne@mrbowlermusicagency.nl  Phone: +31652881212

Symphonic Prog Review: Wobbler-Dwellers Of The Deep

Release Date: October 23, 2020

Label: Karisma

Website

Wobbler originated in Honefoss, Norway in 1999, and with the release of this new album, Dwellers of the Deep, the band have now released 5 albums, since the debut, Hinterland, saw the light of day in 2005. I was fortunate enough to see this band in December 2019 when they headlined a mini-festival in Glasgow. The Prog Before Xmas (PB4X) is an annual one-day event featuring 4/5 bands with the proceeds going to named charities. This has been taking place for 5 years, but Covid-19 has caused this year’s festival to be cancelled. Last year, Wobbler played a set including many great tracks from their back catalogue, interspersed with music from the Dwellers of the Deep album and they simply “blew” the crowd away.

Dwellers of the Deep is a 4 track album with a total time of just under 46 minutes and the final track, “Merry Macabre” is the longest on offer with a playing time of 19:00 minutes, and the penultimate track, “Naiad Dreams” is the shortest at 4:24 minutes.

The band on the album are Andreas Wettergreen Stromman Prestmo (vocals/guitar), Marius Halleland (guitar/backing vocals), Lars Frederik Froislie (keyboards), Kristian Karl Hultgren (bass) and Martin Nordrum Kneppen (drums), with Lars, Kristian and Martin original members of Wobbler. Kristian also guested on the Airbag current release, A Day At The Beach. Andreas was present in the band by album No 3, Rites At Dawn, in 2011 and Marius was onboard by album No 4 in 2017, From Silence To Somewhere.

The opening track, “By The Banks" (13:49), bursts into life with the band in full flow, soon to be joined by a bit of vocalization, then a simple keyboard and bass passage underpinned by excellent drumming. The bass and keyboards carry the track on before Andreas pitches in with his clear powerful vocals. The keyboards continue to "run" the track with those superb bass notes just in behind. The track builds and then gently subsides and the listener is both drawn in and carried along. At around the 5-minute mark, the piano has an excellent passage, very tranquil compared to what has gone before. Behind the vocals, the bass slowly builds and the guitar, drums and keyboards join the proceedings again. At the 9+ minute mark, there is a return to the tranquil style passage, and indeed, it is this contrasting switch that makes “By The Banks” an engrossing start to the album. Each member makes an amazing contribution to the sound, the clear vocals, the sweeping, soaring keyboards, the thundering, but so controlled bass, the subdued, but occasionally crunching guitar work and that superb drumming, both intense then very subtle at times.

The two shorter tracks are very different, with "Five Rooms" (8:28) being a close relative, musically speaking, to the opening track and "Naiad Dreams" (4:24), being a simply beautiful ballad with an excellent acoustic guitar start, showing the simpler, gentler side of the band. Both are excellent in their own way and set the listener up for the finale of the album.

The 19:00 minute "Merry Macabre" is a real tour-de-force, starting with a gentle introduction before the keyboards appear around the 1:00 minute point. As the vocals, bass, guitar and drums all add their presence, the band are off on a journey that encompasses all the areas that Wobbler have demonstrated throughout their back catalogue. Symphonic slices, eclectic sections and even a little jump in and out of the jazz world, appear and morph into one another, providing the listener with a stunning aural experience.

Each release has taken the band further and these 5 musicians know exactly what they want to do, and on Dwellers of the Deep, they have shown the world just what they are capable of. This is a superb album and should find a space on the cd/vinyl shelves in all progressive music followers’ collections.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
November 27, 2020

Tracks:
1. By The Banks (13:49)
2. Five Rooms (08:28)
3. Naiad Dreams (04:24)
4. Merry Macabre (19:00)

'The Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert' Scheduled For March 11, 2021 Release Adds DVD Format To Its Roster

Due to popular demand, The Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert, which is scheduled for March 11, 2021 release, has added the DVD format to its roster. The concert will now be available in both the DVD Digipak format and also in a Blu-Ray Hi-Def downloadable version, playable on any device, both accompanied by a bonus audio version of the concert.

To be released on Cherry Red Records, this official 3-disc set brings you the historical 2016 tribute show in Los Angeles featuring a once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musical luminaries performing music from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Nice, Emerson, Lake & Powell, The Keith Emerson Band and the Three Fates Project.

The 2 1/2 - hour concert film features many stellar performances by over two dozen prominent artists in rock, jazz and classical music as well as artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, tribute speeches, and a gallery of personal never-before-seen photos from the Emerson estate.

This highly-anticipated concert captures the essence of what made Keith Emerson a pioneer of prog rock, a treasure among his many fans and friends, and a legendary keyboardist and composer with the iconic supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

“Performing ‘Tarkus’ at the Keith Emerson Tribute event was incredibly meaningful. It was truly an amazing night. Having the opportunity to pay my respects to the man who changed my life by playing my favorite piece of music with incredible musicians, made it a memory that will never be forgotten. I’m so thrilled that this incredible evening of music is now going to be shared with the world.” - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

“It’s difficult to express what an honor it was to participate in this tribute to Keith. Surrounded by friends and heroes, it was such a privilege to be part of a group of musicians who were as affected by Keith’s life, music and friendshipas I was. Not surprisingly there’s a lot of us. To play Hammond on The Barbarian, the first song I ever saw him play live, is a cherished memory I’ll never forget. Many thanks to Marc and Mari for keeping this idea and dream alive.” - Steve Porcaro (Toto)

THE OFFICIAL CONCERT ROSTER AND SONG LIST:

The Keith Emerson Band
(Marc Bonilla - Gregg Bissonette - Jonathan Sindelman - Mike Wallace - Joe Travers - Mick Mahan - Travis Davis - Troy Luccketta)
With
Eddie Jobson - Jordan Rudess - Brian Auger - Steve Porcaro - Philippe Saisse - Rachel Flowers - CJVanston - Jeff “Skunk” Baxter - Steve Lukather - Vinnie Colaiuta - Terje Mikkelsen - Rick Livingstone - Kae Matsumoto - Michael Fitzpatrick

1. PRELUDE TO A HOPE (Featuring Kae Matsumoto)
2. KARN EVIL 9 (1ST IMPRESSION, PT.2) (Featuring Jonanthan Sindelman & Gregg Bissonette)
3. THE BARBARIAN (Featuring Steve Porcaro & Rachel Flowers)
4. HOEDOWN (Ed Roth & Jeff “Skunk” Baxter)
5. TOUCH AND GO (Featuring Steve Porcaro)
6. A PLACE TO HIDE (Featuring Ed Roth & Steve Lukather)
7. TRIBUTE TO KEITH (Featuring CJ Vanston & Michael Fitzpatrick)
8. THE ENDLESS ENIGMA (Featuring Rachel Flowers & Troy Luccketta)
9. TAKE A PEBBLE (Featuring CJ Vanston, Travis Davis & Gregg Bissonette)
10. TANK (Featuring Joe Travers & Brian Auger)
11. FANFARE FOR THE COMMON BLUE TURKEY (Featuring Brian Auger, Karma Auger & Dan Lutz)
12. RIDE (Featuring Aaron Emerson)
13. FROM THE BEGINNING (Featuring Philippe Saisse)
14. BITCHES CRYSTAL (Featuring Eddie Jobson)
15. NUTROCKER (Featuring Philippe Saisse)
16. TARKUS (Featuring Jordan Rudess & Troy Luccketta)
16. LUCKY MAN (Featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Rick Livingstone)
17. GREAT GATES OF KIEV (Featuring Eddie Jobson)
18. FANFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN (Featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Maestro Terje Mikkelsen)
19. ARE YOU READY, EDDY? (Featuring CJ Vanston & Rick Livingstone)
THE PRE-SALES LINK HAVE JUST BEEN ESTABLISHED IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! (Add link)

All proceeds go to the The Leon Fleisher Foundation for Musicians with Dystonia. All of the artists, crew, and support personnel have kindly donated their skills and time gratis for this worthy cause, which afflicts thousands of musicians annually.

To pre-order: https://fanfarefortheuncommonman.com

NEW! Commemorative T-Shirts and Posters designed by digital artist Jerry LoFaro are now available for pre-order here: jerrylofaro@mcttelecom.com

You can see the entire line of Keith Emerson commemorative art at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jerry-lofaro
• Pre-Shrunk, Medium Weight, 100% Cotton
• Relaxed, Classic Fit
• Hand-Dyed and Printed Using Soft, Non-Toxic Water-Based Inks
• Reinforced Double-Stitching On All Seams
Printed directly to garment, not dye-sublimation transfers!

For more information and updates on the Blu-ray & DVD releases, please visit:
www.keithemerson.com  
www.facebook.com/officialkeithemerson
www.facebook.com/keithemersontributeconcert

Contact: Mari Kawaguchi, info@keith-emerson.com

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