Americana music artist Sugarman, will be releasing his second album 'After The Blackout', a collection of well-crafted songs that reflects Noah Sugarman's heart and soul from his past and rumination. Sugarman's debut release on the Unison Music Label in 2009 'Art Of Starting A Fire' received rave reviews from fans and music critics alike. 'After The Blackout' is scheduled for release on March 12, 2013 in the US and a heavy touring schedule will begin March 8th that will take Noah and his band throughout markets in the Mid-West, South, and parts of the Eastern territories of the US. A European tour is also in the works to coincide with the Euro release.Says Sugarman about his new release, “This album is very different from the last. The first album was a great learning experience for me. Great musicians, producing and engineers involved. I wrote the songs, recorded my parts and then really just stepped back, shut up and listened. With this new album, I was able to apply things learned on the last. I produced this one myself. Played most of the instruments as well. For the most part it was me and an engineer bunkered up in a small studio for 5 months. And we brought in Bill Halverson, known for his large catalog of work that includes Clapton, Hendrix, Bad Company, John Hiatt, and tons more, for the final mix. Working with Bill was a great learning experience. He is one of those guys, you could just tell by his calm demeanor that not much shocks him these days.”A talented, multi-instrumentalist, whose influences range from The Beatles to James Brown, Noah has toured the country coast-to-coast many times, with an array of bands. He's performed his own music, both acoustic and with a full band; played bass and sang backup for a country act; and played drums for a folk group. In 2007 Sugarman signed with Unison Music, of Los Angeles, and moved to California to focus on his original tunes, prior to hitting the road again for a whirlwind of tour experience. In addition to Sugarman and his solo efforts, Noah has made significant contributions to alt-country/rock outfit 500 Miles To Memphis, touring with them 250 days (2008 through 2010) and playing bass and guitar on their last two albums – 'Sunshine In A Shot Glass' and 'We've Built Up To Nothing'.In support of his new CD release, Sugarman is wrapping up a video for the album's single “Ladders”. Says Noah “Like the album, I have been highly involved in the making of the video. From rehearsing the dance all the way down to the construction of the elaborate set. After the video is done, I very much look forward to getting back on the road and releasing this album. The road to me is a very important and special place. It's where I feel the most at home and where I feel I have the most independence. I feel like that's where I contribute the most to society. Out reaching people through music.”In closing Sugarman has this to impart, “It's an honor and a privilege to travel and play music. It would not be possible without people to play for. Really hoping for a big year and the chance to record another album and do it all over again. Here we come!”To purchase Sugarman – 'After The Blackout' CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sugarman2

In a bold move by any music artist, prolific LA songwriter/musician Bob Beland, who has been active in the music industry since the early 1970's, has decided to make available free for public listening his entire back catalog on Soundcloud. This also includes his recent critically acclaimed album release 'Mar Vista'; a collection of songs written by Bob between 2010 and 2012 and it's instrumental companion EP, 'Forward & Backworks,' both recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles, Wrong Way Works. Says Bob, “'Mar Vista' for me is kind of a throwback to the old Buffalo Springfield records and their eclectic unpredictable nature. 'Forward & Backworks' is a concept for orchestra that includes two pieces also found on 'Mar Vista.'”And why make his music available to listen to for free? Bob explains, “Soundcloud affords for the first time in my career an opportunity to give the public open access to my collected works as opposed to just a few songs or edited samples. Like most songwriters and composers I've always wanted as many people as possible to hear the music I've written over the years and hopefully enjoy the experience. Soundcloud makes that wish possible. It's a little bit like owning your own personal radio station for people to hear your music. Soundcloud also brings to the artist considerable online traffic to tap into. Since I don't perform live or tour I feel that it's more important for people to have the opportunity to hear my music for free as opposed to trying to make that happen through the traditional retail sales and touring oriented approach. I'm much more concerned about acquiring listeners and followers than consumers right now. My music will only gain value through people hearing it and eventually wanting it for their own. Once that demand develops I can consider facilitating the consumer's requests. Soundcloud also helps me in referring recording artists, producers, film and media music supervisors a reliable, accessible place to go to for consideration without all of the old mailing or physical content hassles.  Soundcloud gives the world instant access to my music and that's fantastic in my book. I sincerely hope that it's an enjoyable experience for everyone who stops by.”Bob Beland's diverse career spans over four decades. Originally hailing from Hometown, IL, a small suburb outside of Chicago, his first exposure to music came from local AM radio and his older brother Jack “John” Beland's first band The Mods. His brother John was to go on to an illustrious music career of his own highlighted by his tenure in the legendary Flying Burrito Bros. By 1964 the British invasion was in full swing and the influence was strongly felt by Bob who was an avid listener of band's like The Beatles, Dave Clark 5 and US acts like the Bobby Fuller Four. In 1965, his family migrated to Los Angeles, where Bob began taking formal drum training in high school. By graduation he took interest in guitar and began learning to play on his brother John's guitar. Bob relates, “One problem though, my brother is right handed and I am left handed. Being left handed and not being able to reverse the strings posed quite a problem that I'd have to figure out for myself. So I did. I taught myself with the help of Mel Bay's Big Book of Chords and some dyslexic reading. That's how I ended up playing guitar upside down and backwards all these years (as Elizabeth Cotton and Albert King played).” In 1967 Bob, playing a '65 powder blue Fender Jaguar with a built in fuzz switch, formed his first band Carlisle Wheeling; the band performed many of Bob's originals and covers such as Love's “7 & 7 Is”.In 1969, the Beland family relocated to Napa, California in the San Francisco Bay area. Bob's formal music training paid off as he quickly formed a 7-piece band called Mason, named after their incredible lead singer Deki Mason. Bob fondly recalls, “It was a flat out hippie experience on the tail end of the summer of love.” He soon began writing songs with Mason and another outfit called Bootleg while doing shows with the likes of Big Brother & The Holding Co., Cold Blood, Sons of Champlin, Grootna, Little John, Country Joe & The Fish, and Tower of Power at places like The Keystone in Berkeley, Pepperland in San Rafael, The Inn of the Beginning in Cotati, the Napa Fairgrounds and The Napa State Sanitarium. At the time, Bob's musical influences grew by leaps and bounds, which included many West Coast acts like the Buffalo Springfield, Linda Ronstadt, the Beach Boys, the Byrds and the Turtles, along with many of the solo singer/songwriters popular at the time. By 1973, he moved back to Los Angeles and formed a band called Southpaw with Jules Shear and Deki Mason Farwell. The band's name was derived from the fact that Bob and Jules were both left-handed, upside down guitar players.During this time Bob frequented famed LA nightclub the Troubadour where he met a then unknown Tom Waits. Bob recalls, “Back at the club I remember seeing Tom Waits audition for the first time at the Monday night 'Hoots' (open mic). He had just taken the bus up from San Diego. The club wasn't opened yet but a few of the employees were working inside. The waitresses and staff all stopped setting up the club while he auditioned. He really got everyone's attention. After his audition I met him in the dressing room upstairs and asked if he was looking for a guitar player (ah, poor misguided youth!), from which he said, 'Well, as you can see I already play guitar so I kind of got that covered Bob.' We shook hands, talked and ended up sharing a meatball sandwich from Dan Tanas next door to the club. It was fun knowing Tom back then.”After the demise of Southpaw, Bob did session work for various west coast artists including Peter Allen, Fantasy Records recording artist Byron Keith Daugherty, songwriter Steve Gillette and renowned Hall Of Fame musician Graham Nash of the Hollies/CSN&Y fame. He also formed the band Bates Motel with Southpaw bassist Les Bohem and the band played many of the clubs on the LA strip including the Whiskey Au Go-Go, The Starwood, The Club Lingerie, The Central and Madame Wong's, working with groups like The Motels, The Runaways, The Plimsouls, The Pop, The Zippers and The Knack. In 1980, after passing on becoming lead guitarist for the legendary Rick Nelson, Bob signed an exclusive songwriters deal with the help of Randy Pitch from MCA Publishing and released an EP on Chris Ashford's What Records produced by Stephen Hague (Pet Shop Boys, Blur, Robbie Robertson, the Pretenders, Jules & The Polar Bears). The EP included the song and title track “Stealing Cars”, which was released earlier as a single on Mike Lembo's Deli Platter records. The EP featured Jules Shear, Stephen Hague, Ian Hoffman (the drummer with Southpaw), Gary Richwine and David Beebe (both from Jules & the Polar Bears) and guitarist Kevin Dwyer. A review of the EP in New York's Slash magazine called Beland “the worst influence on western civilization” - quite a compliment coming from such a dignified music rag such as them! Bob recalls, “I remember hearing 'Stealing Cars' for the first time on Jed the Fish's show at KROQ-FM, the big station in LA at that time. It was the first time I had ever heard one of my recordings on the air and there I was hearing it on the crappy car stereo – I loved it! I almost crashed the car!”After Bob's deal with MCA expired he joined The Furys, one of LA's original punk bands led by Jeff Wolfe and Greg Embrey. Along with playing clubs throughout Los Angeles, the group recorded an EP, 'Indoor/Outdoor' on their own King Coitus Records label. The record was pressed at EMI's manufacturing facility in Christchurch, New Zealand and the album artwork was designed by Bob and his future wife Mary Roth. After The Furys, Bob went on to play with Skin Trade, an eclectic, somewhat progressive unit fronted by Dickies guitarist Glen Laughlin. In 1993, Bob returned to his solo career and recorded the critically acclaimed CD 'Amnesia Lane,' released independently on his own label Seeing i Records. In 2008 Bob released two albums on his newly enacted Wrong Way Works label: 'The Evening Shade' featuring mostly original instrumental pieces, and 'Life Begins...', a new collection of songs. Says Bob, “I had Jules, Deki, Severin Browne, Stew & Heidi from the LA band The Negro Problem and Broadway hit 'Passing Strange,' John Beland, Mark Lennon (from the LA band Venice) and Doug Powell sing on the album 'Life Begins...', along with Ian Hoffman on percussion, chromatic harmonica legend Tommy Morgan (“Good Vibrations”, “Pet Sounds”, “Rainy Days & Mondays”, “Theme From Green Acres”), classical violinist Paula Kuhr from The MESTO Orchestra and Furys/Motels/Gary Valentine & the Know bassist Richard d'Andrea.” Once again, the CD showcased Bob's unique songwriting, arranging and musical prowess.Which brings us to the year 2013 and the latest CD release by Bob Beland the wonderful 'Mar Vista'. Bob expounds, “This time around I wrote, produced, recorded and sang all the songs along with playing all of the instruments on all the tracks except one song, 'Speed Of Life', that features world percussionist T.J. Troy, from the multi-ethnic classical orchestra MESTO. There's both songs and instrumental work on 'Mar Vista.' Two of the instrumental tracks, 'Overnight (in retrograde)' and 'Beautiful Embrace no.2 pastoral (in retrograde)', are part of another concept I have for the orchestra called 'Forward & Backworks' that I am releasing to coincide with 'Mar Vista.' The concept behind 'Forward & Backworks' is the discovery of what happens when an entire piece of music is performed both forward and backwards. It can be both breathtaking and astounding. I sometimes think of music in retrograde as 'music from the 4th dimension.'"Now, much to the excitement of music fans and listeners across the globe, Bob Beland's 'Mar Vista' and 'Forward & Backworks' are both available to listen to for free on Soundcloud at: https://soundcloud.com/bobbeland

After four years of playing shows and gaining fans in the Bay Area and beyond, San Francisco band Biv and the Mnemonics is proud to release their 2nd full-length album, 'The Pace', on April 16th, 2013. The band, formerly known as Roy G Biv & The Mnemonic Devices, has produced a ten-track collection of quality songs and energetic harmonies evocative of the great folk-tinged rock of the past, while providing their own unique energy that can't be resisted. 'The Pace' is an exciting and imminently listenable album; it's warm, full of catchy melodies and hooks, and brimming with well-thought-out harmonies and eclectic instrumentation. TheBayBridged.com calls Biv and the Mnemonics "a folk rock band that owns a refreshingly uncalculated, cool style," while SFAppeal.com calls 'The Pace' "a happy-go-lucky jaunt of indie folk goodness."College friends Dan Paggi and Ben Lang initially formed Biv and the Mnemonics in 2007, shortly after moving to San Francisco from the Northern California city of Chico. Their years spent there soaking in long summer days full of good times and a surprisingly vibrant music culture had an undeniable effect on their musical output, and their first collaboration together, 2009's 'The Blue Orange', established the DNA of the group they would go on to create. They have since formed a cohesive and dynamic unit with Evan Wardell on guitar, Jessie Alsop on Keys and Vocals, and Landon Moblad on drums.An instant connection sparked between the five, their synergy together producing a band whose laid-back sound celebrates the simple pleasures of life, and has been compared to artists ranging from The Kinks to Pavement and Dr. Dog. It's this carefree energy that led to the creation of their admittedly odd moniker, a play on the acronym Roy G Biv (BIV being comprised of Blue Indigo Violet, as you may remember from your grade school science class).Biv and the Mnemonics have spent the years since 'The Blue Orange' crafting their sound and playing shows throughout Northern California. With the help of Andrew Tavis and the Mission Street Recording Company, the group entered the studio in 2011 to begin production on 'The Pace', their first LP effort as a full band. The result is an upbeat and melodic combination of '60s rock, homegrown folk, a little country twang and funky, punk-ish rhythms that all manages to sound both warmly familiar and refreshingly new.The quintet will be touring the Pacific Northwest throughout 2013, and has released singles from the album available for streaming at: www.soundcloud.com/bivandthemnemonics.

The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kink's legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material! To be released on Cleopatra Records on June 4th , 'I Will Be Me' features guest appearances by The Jayhawks, Anti-Flag, award winning UK blues guitarist Oli Brown, Chris Spedding, US stoner rock band Dead Meadow, Aussie rockers The Art, Geri X and others! In support of Dave's new album release, a special engagement of Live performances in New York and Los Angeles are scheduled for the end of May to mid-June! (see below for complete list of shows)Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song "You Really Got Me". Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: " 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock." In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, "As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day."Dave's new album 'I Will Be Me' is a return to his groundbreaking guitar sound and innovative songwriting. His classically English voice shows off a new depth but still hits his famous high notes in this collection. The hard rocking track "Livin' In The Past", takes a look at obsession with all things retro but, ever the Mod, Dave surprises with the lyric, "No matter what they do or say, the future's here to stay!" He takes a look back with "Little Green Amp", a playful, punk homage to days when his jagged, blues driven sound wave ripped ahead of the British Invasion through stereos the world over. "Cote du Rhone (I Will Be Me)", an uncensored look at ugliness in the world today, is as angry and biting as any song in Dave's repertoire with an innovative yet heavy slide guitar tone. Soothing lyrics and sounds of Jonathan Lea's sitar playing on "Healing Boy" show Dave's sensitive side. In a recent radio interview he said, "Rock music is a positive force for good." This hopeful and optimistic vision manifests and bridges themes personal, social and universal in 'I Will Be Me'.Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single "Death of a Clown", to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic single "Lola" in the '70s. In the '80s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80s on hit Kinks albums 'Low Budget' and 'State of Confusion'. In the '90s he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune "Living On A Thin Line". His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late '90s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album, the Aschere Project. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.--Tracks include:1. Little Green Amp2. Livin' In The Past3. The Healing Boy4. Midnight In L.A.5. In The Mainframe6. Energy Fields7. When I First Saw You8. The Actress9. Erotic Neurotic10. You Can Break My Heart11. Walker Through The Worlds12. Remember The Future13. Cote Du Rhone (I Will Be Me)Dave Davies tour dates:May 27, 28 & 29 - City Winery - New York, NYMay 30 - The Bull Run - Shirley, MAMay 31 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CTJune 1 - Musikfest Cafe - Bethlehem, PAJune 2 - The Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, ILJune 6 - Sainte Rocke - Hermosa Beach, CAJune 7 - Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CAJune 9 - The Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CAJune 11- Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar, CAMore dates to come!

Ray Vaughn has written songs and performed in dives and on street corners for a very, very long time. He was a founding member of San Francisco based Punk/Art Rock band Hostages, then Die Bossa Nova, until disappearing in 1992. Ray Vaughn resurfaced in 2010 as a solo acoustic act. After traveling back and forth between New York City and San Francisco, road testing new material, and playing and writing new songs, Vaughn eventually headed back into the studio with Grammy award winning producer Michael Rosen (Tesla/Rancid/Papa Roach) in December of 2011. The result of their efforts is the new 10-track full-length album Way Down Low. Way Down Low features longtime friend and guitarist from the Hostages Ed Rawlings, Drummer Michael Urbano (Smash Mouth, Third Eye Blind, John Hiatt, Cracker, Paul Westerberg and Sheryl Crow), ex-Die Bossa Nova bassist Stephen Winkle, and keyboardist Phil Bennett on Hammond B3.The album’s producer Michael Rosen commented “Sometimes if you are lucky life and art comes full circle. I began my career working with Ray Vaughn while he was in Hostages and I was a wet behind the ears aspiring Producer and Engineer. Now 25 years later, we finally got to make the record we were supposed to make. Working with Ray was a wonderful experience artistically and personally. I feel we were able to combine the heart and spirit of what we started back then with the wisdom and perspective of a lifetime. I 'm very proud of Ray and this record.”In the fall of 1979, Ray Vaughn formed the Hostages. Having previously spent 6 years in England, first in London and then Birmingham, Vaughn was broadsided and inspired by the exploding music scene around him in the UK at the time, and he brought those influences back home.He moved back to his native San Francisco in late 1978. The music scene he stumbled into upon his return was the antithesis of the scene that drove him away years earlier. In its place were The Mabuhay Gardens, the Deaf Club, and later Club Foot, Valencia Tool and Die, Sound of Music, and the 181 Club, to name just a few of the new and repurposed venues. “What could a poor boy do” but play in a band? The band eventually moved into a 3500-square foot warehouse space in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood in late 1980 and created their own venue, throwing monthly rent parties to get by. The space was christened Crab Palace.BAM Magazine said of Ray’s performance with Hostages… “Ray Vaughn’s lead vocals are powerful and crisp and he sang with deliberate emphasis on the lyrics, which were decidedly political, especially in songs like “Sucking the Life From the City” and Now. Vaughn moved onstage much like a Jellyfish with rhythmic jerks and a smooth underlying sexuality in his vocal tones and in his eyes.”Hostages released their first 45 single, Inside Houses/Now in 1983, followed by the Inside Houses video. Hostages disbanded in 1984 with their final performance at Graffiti on Valencia Street in San Francisco. A live recording of that show remains in the Hostages vault.Vaughn and guitarist Ed Rawlings continued as a duo playing under the name Part Two, then Human Condition, before settling on Die Bossa Nova. Die Bossa Nova added keyboardist Mitzi Johnson, who was later replaced by Scott Davies, bass player Stephen Winkle and drummer Mark V and continued playing and recording until their break up in June of 1991.June 25th, 2013 marks the release of his new full-length album Way Down Low, which will be available in stores and online. For more information please visit www.rayosomusic.com or on Facebook and on Twitter at twitter.com/rayosomusic. Ray Vaughn will be performing in San Francisco at Bottom of the Hill on June 6th and in the New York Tri-State Area in July of 2013.

In anticipation of their brand new full length album, Florida-based psychedelic space rock trio Sons Of Hippies will premiere a new single and video "Rose" on the music & culture website MXDWN.com this Monday, June 17th. "Rose" is the second single from the Hippies' new album, Griffons At The Gates Of Heaven, mixed by Jack Endino (Nirvana, L7) and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, to be released July 16th on Cleopatra Records.Directed by James Herrholz, "Rose" stars SOH vocalist/guitarist Katherine Kelly, drummer Jonas Canales and bassist David Daly out for a drive in their classic, cherry red Mustang on a sun soaked Florida afternoon when they encounter a seductive trio of car washing vixens. Much sudsy fun and playful teasing ensues. But things are not all what they seem and soon enough the story takes a shocking turn you'll have to see to believe!Watch the video here | iTunes single.Sons Of Hippies was conceived high in the mountains of Tennessee amid fellow music lovers at a festival on a 700-acre farm. Their name originated when Brazilian native Jonas Canales and Florida-bred Katherine Kelly probed familial bonds to discover they were, indeed, children of hippy parents. The duo's dreamy, melodic but complexly synthesized music struck a chord with audiences and earned the band a critic's choice award from Tampa's popular Creative Loafing magazine for "Best Modern-Sounding Record" in 2009. Bassist David Daly joined the group in 2011 and in December of the following year, the band signed with Cleopatra Records. The resulting album is the group's strongest and most ambitious set of recordings to date, and earned these young upstarts a spot on a summer tour with two giants of classic and progressive rock.To pre-order the album on iTunes | To pre-order the CD on Amazon

Ray Manzarek and Roy Rogers have received no shortage of kudos since they first recorded together five years ago. Ray Manzarek’s signature keyboard sound was a cornerstone of The Doors - one of the most iconic rock bands of the 60’s. An inductee into the R&R Hall of Fame - he certainly needs no introduction. In the pantheon of music, The Doors’ music continues to be one of the most revered rock song catalogs of any band. Slide guitarist Roy Rogers has been lauded not only for his own recordings but for his long-time collaboration with harmonica master Norton Buffalo as well as his producing of 4 CD projects for blues icon John Lee Hooker and folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. He is well known worldwide for his mastery of slide guitar and has received 8 Grammy nominations for his work as artist and producer. In 2011 Manzarek-Rogers released ‘Translucent Blues’- a blues-rock collection of songs tinged with poetry and literary references. The project reached #1 on the Americana Roots chart and debuted at #6 on the Billboard blues chart. The lyrical contributions came from such diverse co-writers as Jim Carroll, Warren Zevon and poet Michael McClure, among others. ‘Twisted Tales’ draws from some of those same writers to tell very different stories. Featured musicians are Kevin Hayes on drums, formerly with the Robert Cray Band; Steve Evans on bass who has performed with the Elvin Bishop Band; and George Brooks on saxophones, who has performed with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain.The new release is a collaboration of keyboard and guitar sounds that merge with stories, images and art. These two amazing musicians create an intoxicating; plush sound that is - more than unique. Manzarek and Rogers are seemingly an odd pairing - but their new recording unleashes a stunning musical landscape for the listener - this music will ‘take you for a ride’… There is a full-length documentary film to be released examining their unique collaboration and friendship in depth this fall.‘Twisted Tales’ is destined to become a classic, not only as Ray Manzarek’s last recording, but also as a definitive work of two great artists. Available at www.manzarekrogersband.com Amazon and iTunes and retailers nationwide.

'Rainbow Bridge' was a peculiar 1972 film featuring Jimi Hendrix (who had died two years before) and a cast of local eccentrics using Hendrix’s music and a whole slew of UFO sightings to explore their spirituality. 41 years later, musician and filmmaker Merrell Fankhauser revisits the film to explore its message more fully. The 'Rainbow Bridge Revisited' documentary was really Maui journalist Steve Omar's idea, and Merrell and Steve produced it together. The two had fun looking up and interviewing the original cast of the 1972 Jimi Hendrix movie 'Rainbow Bridge' that was filmed on Maui. It was interesting to hear what they had to say about hanging out with Hendrix making the movie. The one-hour DVD documentary also features some great surfing and music by Merrell Fankhauser, The Space Patrol and Omar and The Wavespies. The package includes a 12-song soundtrack.

Merrell explains, “As you know I lived on Maui for 14 years and I moved there in ‘73 just a year after the Jimi Hendrix 'Rainbow Bridge' film came out. And when I moved there I met a lot of people that were in the movie, and a lot of them were hippies, surfers and cosmic people that were seeing UFOs, and they said Jimi was really into the whole UFO thing, and that there were even some hovering about when they were shooting over there. So we contacted the ones that we still knew were on Maui and we went over and interviewed them and it was really interesting what some of them had to say about hanging out with Hendrix and everything. Then we went down to Southern California, because some of them lived down there, and we interviewed a few of those, so we’ve got some really interesting interviews with an insight into some of the things that were going on with that movie with Hendrix that didn’t come out. In the original 'Rainbow Bridge', it follows Pat Hartley the actress from the Sunset Strip over to O’ahu and then to Maui where she meets all these characters, and ultimately Jimi. And the message, because of all of her travels and the way it was put together, kind of got lost a little bit in the different scenes and things. I talked to one of the guys from Warner Brothers who was in on the editing and he said that when they brought the film over it was in all of these bags and there was sand in it and they were almost afraid to put it on their machine, and had to clean it all and they kept going through this stuff and it was just a lot of hippies talking about cosmic stuff and getting high on drugs, and everybody kept saying 'Where’s Jimi, where’s Jimi? Where’s the concert' You know they were afraid they weren’t going to have enough to make the movie really good, but finally they got to the 'Concert' footage. So what we did, we kind of condensed these interviews down and we segue into some really great surfing on big waves over there, because a lot of the people that were interviewed were surfers and we have old footage of them surfing, and then we cut to surfing footage from now. I have about ten of my newer instrumental surf songs in there with the surfing, and then it goes to a couple of band performances – there were two Maui bands featured on the soundtrack: Omar and The Wavespies and The Space Patrol – the lead singer, Les Potts,  was in the original 'Rainbow Bridge' movie.”

Rainbow Bridge Revisited CD Tracks: 1. All Along The Watchtower, 2. Last Wave at Hanalei, 3. Wild Gyrations, 4. Surfin 101, 5. Waterfall, 6. Hookipa, 7. Mother Sea, 8. The Wind Cried Maui, 9. Monster Swell, 10. Surf Rage, 11. The Wall, 12. Calling From A Star.

Merrell Fankhauser is considered one of the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock, and is widely known as the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. His travels from Hollywood to his 15 year jungle experience on the island of Maui have been documented in numerous music books and magazines in the US and Europe. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 300 songs published and released. Merrell Fankhauser has presented a number of television programs over the years including 'California Music', 'Route 66 TV Live', and in 2001 he began hosting a music show called 'Tiki Lounge' that airs on the California Central Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and parts of the East Coast.

Now available! Vocalist Murray Hockridge and guitarist Dave Kilminster just released their first album of beautifully crafted acoustic covers titled 'Closer To Earth' on Killer Guitar Records, via Cherry Red Records. As fate would have it, a chance meeting brought these two musical innovators together for this special project. Says Dave, “This is essentially an album of acoustic covers, where we've taken some songs that we love and reconstructed them in a unique way. Also, it's an interesting format too, as I can't think of another acoustic duo where they both play guitar, sing lead vocals and throw in some crazy soloing too!”“The creative potential when you find this kind of chemistry is truly open ended,” enthuses Murray (vocals, rhythm guitar & production), “there are so many combinations of instruments and voicings we can call on, both in the studio and on stage – there are no limits.”Murray's three-octave voice is absolutely breathtaking and appears utterly effortless. Although a talented songwriter, interpreting other writers' songs is very much in Murray's DNA. His dynamic, soulful vocal approach on this album unites an unlikely array of classic tunes from many different genres in a deeply evocative way. In combination with Dave Kilminster's beautiful guitar work, the sound is both spellbinding and unique.Says Dave, “I met Murray a couple years ago, and just thought that he had the most incredible voice...and so one day we decided to jam together, and there was this instant magical connection... It's almost like ESP! We always have such a great time playing together too, and the audience can sense that...and there's literally no limits to the directions we can take the songs in when we're improvising.”Best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, Dave Kilminster is a gifted guitarist and songwriter. His debut CD release 'Scarlet' garnered rave reviews from fans and music critics alike worldwide. Dave is also proficient at keyboards, bass and drums; all of these skills he infuses with his own unique blend of elegance, grace and raw passion. 'Closer To Earth' was recorded around Dave's commitments to Roger Waters 'The Wall' tour.Individually, these two musicians have a enormous amount of talent and a mesmerizing stage presence. The duo's impressive new CD is sure to please music listeners worldwide!In closing Dave has this to impart, “I am so incredibly proud of this album... It is definitely one of the best things I've ever done. If you're tired of hearing auto tuned, computer generated bleepy crap on the radio, then this really is the perfect answer.”To purchase Murray Hockridge & Dave Kilminster 'Closer To Earth' CD:http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4221https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/closer-to-earth/id678227357

Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing on CD a vintage concert recording of legendary San Francisco psychedelic jam band Quicksilver Messenger Service titled 'Live At The Old Mill Tavern – March 29, 1970' on August 27, 2013. Packaged in a sleek digi-pack, the CD features a rare performance by the newly formed 6-piece line-up, playing several new songs and old favorites.By early 1970, Dino Valenti, a veteran of Quicksilver's earliest incarnations, had returned to the frontline of the group. Touring constantly, the band were riding high from the success of their third album 'Shady Grove', released just a few months previously. Says Gary Duncan, “Live shows were our bread and butter. We didn't sell a lot of records like some of the other groups... But we played a lot of shows – constantly.”From the CD liner notes by famed writer Dave Thompson: “The six-piece band – Dino Valenti, Gary Duncan, John Cippolina, David Freiberg, and Greg Elmore – had only been playing together a few months, since New Year at the Fillmore rang in this new decade, and they are blazing tonight. Fiery and more fiery still...waiting in the wings for encore time was harmonica legend Jimmy Cotton, whose eponymous Blues Band was kicking the crap out of more or less every band it came up against in concert. Apart from Quicksilver... There's a lot of live Quicksilver material out there, and that is how it should be. The records are great but, as all the members have said, it was live that the Messenger Service really smoked, and the live tapes that truly mark the life and times that they lived so well. This recording punches all of those buttons, and a whole bunch more besides!”Tracks include:

1. Subway
2. The Truth
3. Mona
4. Baby Baby
5. Rain
6. Mojo
7. Blues Jam #1 feat. James Cotton
8. Blues Jam #2 feat. James Cotton

To purchase Quicksilver Messenger Service 'Live At The Old Mill Tavern – March 29, 1970' CD: http://www.amazon.com/Live-The-Old-Mill-Tavern/dp/B00DELHULO.

Jeremy Spencer’s fans in the US have long been waiting for his return. In fact, except for a few brief US appearances (in 2006 and 2010), 43 years have passed since Jeremy last toured the US (with Fleetwood Mac in 1971). Jeremy announced today that he is scheduled to tour the US in February and March of 2014, initially booking venues in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.

Jeremy has launched a Kickstarter Campaign offering advance premiums that will extend his tour to other cities in the US and fund the new CD.  Kickstarter supporters will be eligible to receive pre-release downloads of “Coventry Blue”, autographed CDs or LPs, original artwork or private concerts. There will also be an exclusive 2014 Tour Club that will provide exclusive video and audio live updates from the tour.

Kickstarter URL:  

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jeremyspencer/jeremy-spencer-2014-tour-and-new-album-coventry-bl

Jeremy Spencer is renowned as a consummate slide guitar player with the years only enhancing his subtlety and taste. He still is the foremost Elmore James stylist alive - bar none. Jeremy can and does tear it up, retaining his verve, passion and devotion to the blues, but now he brings a cultivated maturity, assured conviction and compositional purpose that are truly sublime. His songs come via his intimate journey from the spiritual core of his heart and connect profoundly with listeners. The original Fleetwood Mac were Britain's most authentic blues band during the sixties boom before morphing into mega-million selling pop celebrity. Their beloved alliance remains an historic testament to the era's meeting of generations, melding of continents and shared musical devotion.

This tour will afford Jeremy the opportunity to display his many facets with a wider evolved guitar pallet as displayed on Bend.  At last he will deliver live on the record with its haunting melodies and exquisite guitar harmonies as well as select mighty Mac blues and rock n' roll in his inimitable style. Expect his alternatively dirty and precise Elmore James slide stings; he'll delve deep into blues nuggets that he discerningly curates and revitalize the primordial rock that he spot on mimicked famously and comically on stage with the Mac. Further treat is his expansive range of influences from Django Reinhardt to Marty Robbins to Mark Knopfler, fingering them effortlessly and seamlessly incorporating them into his own compositions as natural an easy fit as that of his beloved ceramic slides. Jeremy's tour return to these shores at a creative pinnacle makes this a rare opportunity for fans.

“Bend in the Road” has garnered rave reviews:

“Making a full-blown return now, the veteran released his fifth solo album, "Bend in the Road", that shows the master hasn't lost a bit of his youthfulness. Spencer is in his element on this collection of newer cuts and classics such as Otis Rush's punchy, mesmeric "Homework" and Homesick James' "Homesick". They all feature that mythical slide, but Jeremy also plays a fine piano that breaks the album in the middle from classy to exceptional. But the genuine magic settles in after an ivories-lighted, deep "Merciful Sea", marries widescreen anger to a pacifying sway in an alchemic manner which can move mountains and souls. And then there's peaceful title song to elegantly sign it all off - and leave Jeremy's fans wanting more. The road goes on, so may Spencer's time be long.” - Dmitry M. Epstein, “Let it Rock”

“Jeremy Spencer, the Fleetwood Mac alum, has found inspiration in working with new voices, old masters and his own muse — creating an album of intimate, handmade joys that moves confidently from blues to Americana to rootsy pop. Bend in the Road, recalls in many ways the Elmore James-focused contributions he made to Fleetwood Mac’s first pair of Peter Green-led recordings in the late 1960s.  But there’s much more than that going on here. Spencer, the roving gypsy heart of this project, finds inspiration everywhere — switching to keyboards on tracks like the majestically restrained “Merciful Sea” and James’ sizzling “Cry for Me Baby,” while uncovering inspirational wellsprings that reside far beyond the iconic Delta cottonfields and shotgun shacks of traditional acoustic blues. In the end, this gives Bend in the River the feel of a career valedictory. It’s gloriously hard to pin down — something personified in standout tracks like “Homework,” which finds Spencer howling like old rock and stinging like Otis Rush, all over a loose groove that would have been right at home on an Eric Clapton solo recording from the early 1970s. It’s that kind of record. The very good kind.” – Nick DeRiso, “Something Else Reviews”

“Bend in the Road” admirably demonstrates why Spencer’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Impeccably picked notes are still the trademark of Spencer’s guitar-picking, and it begins with the first cut, “Homesick,” a loping blues. Spencer’s slidework on “Whispering Fields,” an instrumental, sounds like silk sliding on satin. No string screech, no missteps, just pure, clean  slidework, a maestro at his best.  Spencer’s long absence from the public eye is our loss. Let’s hope he’s back to stay.  There’s a certain serenity that pervades this album that goes beyond the eye of the beholder, and the twelfth cut, another instrumental, “Merciful Sea,” exemplifies it.” -  Lou Novacheck, “Elmore Magazine”

"Bend in the Road" finds Jeremy Spencer doing what he does best, delivering quality blues. It's a great album filled with many exceptional cuts, once again assuring that Spencer will forever be remembered as one of the greats. And what's best? He is far from done. Be ready for some more music to surface in time to come.” - Mark Kadzielawa, “69 Faces of Rock”

“In following up “Precious Little,” his notable 2006 comeback, Jeremy Spencer has crafted his fifth and finest solo release. Maybe “Precious Little” was Spencer’s way of getting his studio legs back after a nearly three-decade absence from recording. Or perhaps choosing to make “Bend in the Road” a collaboration gave it that extra oomph. Then again, it could simply be — as he told The Oakland (Mich.) Press in January 2010 — that “I’ve got so much material ’cause I’ve just been, like, dormant. I just turned 61, so you do kind of want to get it out while you can and show people what you’ve got.” Whatever the reason, “Bend” is a startling achievement for the founding Fleetwood Mac slide guitarist.” – Peter Hund, “Good New Music”

Jeremy Spencer tour dates:

Feb 12: Fingerprints Long Beach, CA - In Store

Feb 13: Largo at the Coronet, Los Angeles, CA

Feb 14: LeStats, San Diego, CA

Feb 15: Westwood Music Workshop

Feb 16: Soho, Santa Barbara, CA

Feb 17: The Chapel, SF, CA

Feb 19: Moe's Alley, Santa Cruz, CA

Feb 20: Minor's Foundry, Nevada City, CA

Feb 21: Palm's Playhouse, Winters, CA

Feb 22: Freight & Salvage Workshop, SF

Feb 28: Winchester Hall, Cleveland, OH

Mar 1: Callahan's, Detroit. MI

Mar 2: The Ark, Ann Arbor. MI

Mar 6: Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI

Mar 7: Buddy Guy's Legends, Chicago, IL

Mar 8: Rosas Lounge, Chicago, IL

Mar 9: Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL

Mar 12: Love & War, Plano TX

Mar 13: Yard Dog Gallery, Austin, TX

Mar 20: Regatta Bar, Cambridge MA

Mar 21: Black Eyed Sallys, Hartford, CT

Mar 22: Passim Workshop

Mar 22: Bearsville Theater, Woodstock NY

Mar 23: Turning Point, Piermont NY

Mar 24: BB Kings Blues Bar, NY

Mar 25: Blues Alley, Washington, DC

Mar 27: Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA

Mar 28: Splatter Concerts, NJ

Mar 30: Jalopy Theater, Brooklyn, NY

Mar 31: Iridium with Les Paul Trio, NYC

Much to the excitement of blues aficionados worldwide, Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity is releasing The Butterfield Blues Band's legendary 'East-West' album on Hybrid SACD on April 1, 2014. The Butterfield Blues Band had already shown on their first album that they had a definite command of the Chicago blues idiom. On 'East-West' they open up and branch out without losing the edge and drive of their first recording. 'East-West' represented a watershed for pop music...more maturity, better musicianship, more exploration, more successful blending of other genres. 'East-West' stretches the boundaries of the blues, above any other extended piece of the mid-Sixties, a rock band finally achieved a version of the musical freedom that free jazz had found a few years earlier. It can also be heard as part of what sparked the West Coast's rock revolution, in which song structures with extended improvisation became commonplace.In 1966 when this album debuted, it was nothing less than astonishing. A mixed-race band? A white guy singing blues? A Jewish kid and a southern farmboy sounding like Robert Johnson on guitars? The album was recorded at the famed Chess Studios in Chicago. It peaked at #65 on the Billboard pop albums chart. This album features traditional blues covers and the guitar work of Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. The edge this band had was it had people from Chicago, the home of urban blues, who had grown up and played with all the greats. "East-West" combines the emotion and power of the blues along with the swing and instrumental dexterity of a great jazz band. The two centerpieces of the album, the instrumentals "Work Song" written by jazz great Nat Adderly, and the title cut "East-West" are recognized by many as the first recorded versions of jazz-rock fusion put to vinyl."One of the essential albums everyone must own...An American milestone recording."TRACKS1. Walkin' Blues2. Get Out of My Life Woman3. I Got A Mind to Give Up Living4. All These Blues5. Work Song6. Mary, Mary7. Two Trains Running8. Never Say No9. East-West

Much to the excitement of Captain Beefheart fans worldwide, on April 28th Gonzo Multimedia released on CD a rare live recording of the Captain in concert at Harpo's in Detroit, Michigan on Dec. 11, 1980! Don Van Vliet (born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work was conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians called the Magic Band (1965–1982), with whom he recorded 13 studio albums. Noted for his powerful singing voice with its wide range, Van Vliet also played the harmonica, saxophone and numerous other wind instruments. His music blended rock, blues and psychedelia with avant-garde and contemporary experimental composition. Beefheart was also known for exercising an almost dictatorial control over his supporting musicians, and for often constructing myths about his life.During his teen years in Lancaster, California, Van Vliet developed an eclectic musical taste and formed friendship with Frank Zappa, with whom he sporadically collaborated. He began performing with his Captain Beefheart persona in 1964 and joined the original Magic Band line-up, initiated by Alexis Snouffer, in 1965. The group drew attention with their cover of Bo Diddley's “Diddy Wah Diddy”, which became a regional hit. It was followed by their acclaimed debut album 'Safe As Milk', released in 1967 on Buddah Records. After being dropped by two consecutive record labels, they signed to Zappa's Straight Records. As producer, Zappa granted Beefheart unrestrained artistic freedom in making 1969's 'Trout Mask Replica', which ranked 58th in Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 1974, frustrated by lack of commercial success, he released two albums of more conventional rock music that were critically panned; this move, combined with not having been paid for a European tour, and years of enduring Beefheart's strict discipline, led the entire band to quit. Beefheart eventually formed a new Magic Band with a group of younger musicians and regained contemporary approval through three final albums: 'Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)' (1978), 'Doc At The Radar Station' (1980) and 'Ice Cream For Crow' (1982).Van Vliet has been described as “...one of modern music's true innovators” with “...a singular body of work virtually unrivaled in its daring and fluid creativity.” Although he achieved little commercial or mainstream critical success, he sustained a cult following as a 'highly significant' and 'incalculable' influence on an array of New Wave, punk, post-punk, experimental and alternative rock musicians. Known for his enigmatic personality and relationship with the public, Van Vliet made few public appearances after his retirement from music (and from his Beefheart persona) in 1982. He pursued a career in art, an interest that originated in his childhood talent for sculpture, and a venture that proved to be his most financially secure. His expressionist paintings and drawings command high prices, and have been exhibited in art galleries and museums across the world. Van Vliet died in 2010, having suffered from multiple sclerosis for many years.This extraordinary new CD catches the Captain at his best; live on stage in 1980 during the tour for 'Doc At The Radar Station'.Track Listing:1) Nowadays A Woman's Gotta Hit A Man2) Abba Zabba3) Hot Head4) Ashtray Heart5) Dirty Blue Gene6) Best Batch Yet7) Safe As Milk8) Doctor Dark9) A Carrot Is As Close As A Rabbit Gets To A Diamond10) One Red Rose That I Mean11) Bat Chain Puller12) My Human Gets Me Blues13) Sugar And Spikes14) Sheriff Of Hong Kong15) The Dust Blows Forward, The Dust Blows Back-Kandy Korn16) Suction Prints17) Big Eyed Beans From VenusTo purchase Captain Beefheart 'Harpo's Detroit Dec. 11. 1980' CD, click here.

One of the most original music acts to emerge from the hills of Asheville, North Carolina, Americana power-pop group Alarm Clock Conspiracy, have released their sophomore album 'Harlequin'. The “conspiracy” which the band speaks of is the fallacy that all humans must awake to a bellowing alarm clock each morning only to rush off to work at a job that they truly hate. Wake up to right now! ACC's music is a combination of Indie Rock, Power Pop and Alt-Country, with influences drawn from 60's & 70's acoustic folk and rock music, as well as more current indie rock sounds of today. ACC's focus is on high energy live performances, as well as writing genuine songs that are infectious and to the point. The group plays a performance of original music, as well as covers by such bands as The Beatles, The Police, Pink Floyd, The Foo Fighters, Tom Petty, Neil Young, and many more... What sets Alarm Clock Conspiracy apart from most acts out there is their ability to play an acoustic performance, or a full bore electric rock show. The band pride themselves on their versatility to fit to whatever situation the event calls for.

Chris Carter and Ian Reardon originally joined creative forces as an acoustic guitar/vocal duo in the late summer of 2000. In the fall of 2009 Wes Jameson joined the band on bass, and James Hurlston was added on drums. Since then, the band has played hundreds of live shows in the southeast, exciting audiences, and steadily building a crowd base of dedicated fans. In May of 2013, ACC added John McKinney on keyboards and the band was complete. In 2012, ACC released its first, critically acclaimed, self-produced album, with the help of their friend and engineer Greg Sipes. The self-titled album featured long time friends Michael Guggino (Steep Canyon Rangers) on mandolin, Forrest Smith on pedal steel, and Isaac Wells on percussion. In January of 2013, ACC's first album drew the attention of a record label from Athens, GA which landed the group a recording contract. The band immediately went to work on their new album 'Harlequin'.

Ian Reardon explains, “The songs for 'Harlequin' were written by Chris Carter and I over many years with a debut of our bassist Wes Jameson writing the last track on the album. We were sent to John Keane Studios in Athens, GA (www.johnkeanestudios.com) by our former record label to record 3 sessions, over a span of 12 days, over a 3-week period from March - April of 2013. It was really great to get the opportunity to record in such a laid-back atmosphere where such bands as REM, Widespread Panic, The Indigo Girls, Warren Zevon, Billy Bragg, Robyn Hitchcock, Taj Mahal, The Troggs, and Uncle Tupelo had once recorded. John is an amazing producer/engineer. It was pretty amazing to watch him do edits at lightning speed, as well as watch him navigate the studio without any other studio hands helping him out. John overdubbed pedal steel, Hammond organ, and a little guitar on the album, then he brought in Randall Bramblett (http://randallbramblett.com/) to record keys on 2 of the tracks, 'To My Lost Friend', and 'Something Tells Me'. Randall has worked with such bands as Traffic, Steve Winwood, Greg Allman Band, Bonnie Raitt, Widespread Panic, as well as many others.”

Through an unfortunate turn of events funding for the new album was put on hold. Ian relates, “As you can imagine we were pretty devastated.... We were left to cover all of the cost ourselves if we wanted to release the album. We really got into this recording project so we were prepared to do anything to make it see the light of day. After a long year of back and forth we were finally released from our contract. We started a successful crowd sourcing campaign on indigogo.com and we finally assumed total control of the album.”

And now, Alarm Clock Conspiracy's highly anticipated second album 'Harlequin' is available!

Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, Kinks legend Dave Davies will be releasing a new live album titled “Rippin Up New York City: Live at the City Winery” on September 4, 2015 on Red River which is distributed by Sony/RED. The recordings were culled from two exciting live performances by Dave and his band in NYC in November 2014.

Says Dave, “I'm very excited about the live album and the band sounds great. my son Simon did a great job helping me with the production. I look forward to seeing you all on the road this fall.”

In 1964 Dave Davies of the Kinks single-handedly made rock history when he sliced his little green Elpico amp speaker with a razor blade. Little did he know he was creating the 1st heavy metal guitar tone and riff in rock n roll, which he played on his band The Kinks' world wide hit “You Really Got Me”.

Nearly fifty years after influencing generations of guitarists Dave continues to rock and tour. His 2013 return to the U.S. to support the album “I Will Be Me” was a triumph both creatively and spiritually as he found new inspiration for his soon to be follow up album, the highly acclaimed, “Rippin Up Time”. Released in 2014, Dave embarked on yet another U.S. tour to support it. He was joined by Jonathan

Lea on guitar, Tom Currier on bass and keyboards and legendary drummer Dennis Diken of the Smithereens.

The tour swept through venues in Milwaukee, Chicago, New Jersey, NYC and many more. Jim Sclavunos played drums for one gig in Bethlehem, PA. On every date Dave Davies and band played a highly charged set of solo album favorites, Kinks classics and new tracks. At the City Winery NYC on November 24 and 25, 2014 Dave and band put on an amazing concert to an audience of new and longtime Kinks fans, music industry stars and legends. They delivered two exhilarating nights of performances that rocked and ripped up the city’s nightlife. “Rippin Up New York City: Live at the City Winery” captures the live electricity of turbo charged rockers along with delicate and sensitive versions of acoustic favorites from past and present. A true genius who never fails to deliver, this Dave Davies live recording expresses the power, sensitivity, magnetism and creative expression of a seasoned yet spontaneous rock-n-roll visionary.

TRACK LISTING:

1. Intro

2. Rippin' Up Time

3. I’m Not Like Everybody Else

4. I Need You

5. Creepin’ Jean

6. Suzannahs Still Alive

7. See My Friend

8. Strangers

9. Flowers in the Rain

10. Front Room

11. King of Karaoke

12. Death Of A Clown

13. Livin' On A Thin Line

14. Where Have All the Good Times Gone

15. All Day and All of the Night

16. You Really Got Me

Dave Davies tour dates:

Oct 2nd, 2015- The Court of Honor Stage, The Big E, West Springfield, MA. 3pm and 8pm shows. Free with fair admission.

Oct 3rd, 2015 - The Court of Honor Stage, The Big E, West Springfield, MA 3pm and 8pm shows. Free with fair admission.

Oct 4th, 2015 - The Court of Honor Stage, The Big E, West Springfield, MA. 3pm show only. Free with fair admission.

Oct 8th, 2015-The Wilbur Theatre, Boston, MA

Oct 9th, 2015-Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH

Oct 10th, 2015-Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH

Oct 11th, 2015-Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH

Oct 13th, 2015-Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem, PA

Oct 20th, 2015-The Howard Theatre, Washington D.C.

Oct 22nd, 2015-The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ

Oct 23rd, 2015 City Winery NYC

Oct 24th, 2015-Narrows Center, Fall River, MA

Oct 26th, 2015-The Egg, Albany, NY

Oct 27th, 2015-Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

Oct 30th, 2015-Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA

Nov 1st, 2015-Ace of Spades, Sacramento, CA

Nov 3rd, 2015-The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood, CA

Dec 18th, 2015-Islington Assembly Hall, London, UK

For the first time ever, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention “The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68” entire show will be released on DVD by Gonzo Multimedia in December 2015!This DVD contains a filmed rehearsal of Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention at the legendary Beat Club in Bremen, Germany, on 6th October 1968. It was part of the band's second European tour, the first having occurred a year before, although this was their first visit to Germany.

What can be observed during this event is a typical rehearsal scenario, where the band is eating, drinking, tuning up their instruments, enjoying some laughs, having cosmetics applied and gradually beginning to rehearse. The music is largely one long improvisatory continuous performance rather than a run-through of their greatest hits, but occasionally Zappa directs the band into the opening themes of some of his more well-known pieces. The ensemble performs interesting renditions of “King Kong”, “A Pound For A Brown On The Bus”, “Sleeping In A Jar” and “Uncle Meat”, all of which would be included on the “Uncle Meat” album, which had already been recorded but would not be released for another six months. Also played was an instrumental version of “Let's Make The Water Turn Black”, a version of “Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Sexually Aroused Gas Mask”, a stab at the “Prelude To Act 3 of Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner and a nod towards “Octandre” by Edgard Varese.

The footage shows Frank's use his famous hand signals to great effect, conducting and controlling the direction of the music, instructing the musicians when to start, stop, punctuate, slow down, speed up, improvise, play in different time signatures etc.

Ten days later, the Mothers of Invention were due to play at the Berlin Sportpalast. Prior to the show, Zappa was approached by students who, presumably still fired up by events the previous summer in Paris, where a revolution had almost taken place, asked him to declare his opposition to capitalism from the stage and, by extension, to further the cause of the armed and violent revolution that they believed was necessary to transform society. The students, wrong-footed by the band's long hair, freaky appearance and reputation, assumed that an anarchic look automatically foreshadowed an anarchic attitude. Zappa, far too intelligent a man to be swayed by their ill-conceived arguments, refused. The student leaders suggested that, in that case, Frank could lend support for their cause by encouraging them to set fire to public buildings.

On the night of the gig, the audience pelted the group with fruit, eggs and paint and shouted out that the band should be renamed the Mothers Of Reaction. Naturally enough, the band were deemed to be in an unsafe environment and the show ended early. As a result of the experience Frank presented everyone in the band with a Berlin Survival Award 1968 medal, and also wrote “Holiday In Berlin”, later to appear on the “Burnt Weeny Sandwich” album.

Frank Zappa had a relatively short life but a long career. He left a large body of work due to the fact that he hardly ever stopped composing, recording, playing and gigging. While there is much footage of Zappa available, the early stage of his career is more sparsely documented than most.

The Mothers of Invention at the time of this filming: Frank Zappa, Ian Underwood, Bunk Gardner, Don Preston, Roy Estrada, Jimmy Carl Black, Art Tripp, Motorhead Sherwood

Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention - The Lost Broadcast: The Beat Club '68 (Full Show) (DVD) will be released on Dec 5, 2015.

For more information:

http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15886

Tim Hockenberry is a versatile multi-instrumentalist singer and songwriter whose voice is reminiscent of Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, and Tom Waits. He is releasing Tim Hockenberry, his self-titled debut album of all original music, worldwide on March 4th, 2016. He is also a gifted interpreter of well-known cover songs, and you only need to hear a few bars of Hockenberry singing I Left My Heart In San Francisco to understand that this is an artist who has a refreshingly authentic approach to great songs.

Tim gained international fame when he performed and made it to the semi-finals (last singer standing) on America’s Got Talent in 2012, where he was a favorite of judge Howard Stern. Stern declared Tim’s semi-final performance of John Lennon’s Imagine, with Tim on the piano accompanied by a cellist, “the most moving we’ve had from a singer in a long time.” The sparse arrangement won Stern over, who gave him a standing ovation and said the singer deserves “a place in the finals.” Sharon Osbourne described his performance as “very true” and “refreshing,” adding, “I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Howie Mandel said he could listen to Tim Hockenberry sing “all night long.”

Tim Hockenberry is best known for his engaging and intimate cover versions of a variety of well known hits, and for some 20 years he’s made his living singing them in concert halls, living rooms, private events, and clubs. It never really mattered what Tim sang; he was beloved by his fans. He hadn't performed his own songs much, except for once-in-awhile occurrences. But that all changed when he met up with vocalist and producer, Natasha Miller.

In 2014 Tim didn’t have a manager, so he and Natasha entered into a formal agreement and began a complete reshaping of his musical direction—moving from covers to more of Tim’s own compositions. “I had heard a couple of Tim’s originals and thought they were ‘hit’ material,” says Natasha. “I asked him if he had more. Not only did he have more, they poured out of him, almost on demand.” Tim began writing more new songs, and they went back and looked at others he’d already done but put aside. With a couple more written by his sons, there were enough for a full-length recording.

The first track, “Me and You,” was written by Tim with his 19-year-old son Maxx on Christmas Day in 2012. “If the Sky Was to Fall” was written with his youngest son Jack, who was 17 at the time. Meanwhile, about the same time Tim and Natasha began working together, she enlisted her brother Justin Miller to play with Tim in his live band and help shape a new and different sound for his shows. That was the turning point—it was Justin himself who did the production, arrangements and played most of the instruments on the entire project... “We all got excited and motivated and started on what would become a year-long project,” says Natasha. “It’s been so much fun!”

Tim’s songs became Justin’s canvas for painting nuances–sounds both bold and subtle that spoke to the personality and content of each song itself. Stories Tim was telling through his songs became more vivid and alive in Justin’s interpretation and imagination. The common threads throughout are Tim’s vocals and writing. Each song charts its own unique journey from the first moment to the end. From pizzicato violin, yodeling, and the klezmer-sounds of the accordion to the speech-like tones of the Hammond B3 and the Deep-South wailing of the slide guitar—the songs travel through many layers of what is categorized these days as Americana. Mostly acoustic, always authentic.

Born on June 13, 1962 in upstate New York, Tim’s family moved a few times during his childhood. He graduated in 1980 from Owatonna High School in rural Minnesota in a small town south of Minneapolis. Tim's musical odyssey began when he sang in the choir, and then taught himself to play the piano while fervently playing the trombone as well. He eventually moved to Northern California and he has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry ever since, having become known for his covers of Sitting on the Dock of The Bay or Christmas by the Bay. Tim Hockenberry splits his time between Charleston, South Carolina and San Francisco, California, where he has become a beloved part of the Bay Area’s rich arts culture.

Over the past few years Tim Hockenberry has shared the stage with many legendary performers including Bonnie Raitt, Steve Miller, and Robert Cray, to name a few. Tim has established himself as a very compelling and important artist in the Bay Area music scene. In addition to touring with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, Tim has performed at high-profile venues all over northern California, including The Fillmore, Great American Music Hall, Bimbo's 365 Club, The Napa Valley Opera House, The Luther Burbank Center for the Performing Arts, Feinstein's at the Hotel Nikko, and 142 Throckmorton Theater. He has also headlined at a multitude of festivals including the Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series, the Clearwater Jazz Festival, and the Mill Valley Arts Festival.

For More Information and Tour Dates please visit Tim’s website: www.timhockenberry.com

New band ZAP has released a digital single called “Air Traffic Control” on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label. The band is made up of Emmy-nominated composer Sean McKee, who is also collaborating with Jon Anderson from YES on a concept album project, Ike Willis, the voice on numerous Frank Zappa albums, and Grammy-nominated bassist Chip Z'Nuff (Enuff Z'Nuff, Missing Persons, Adler's Appetite).

“Air Traffic Control” started as a 60 second piece that was commissioned by Lee Abrams (Co-Founder of XM Radio) to have McKee write a piece of music in the style of Frank Zappa, and produce a video to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his passing. McKee wrote and performed all instruments, including recording the keyboard parts using a then-prototype Lineage MIDI guitar from Inspired Instruments.

Besides being a musician, McKee is known as a pioneer in the field of image processing, creating technology used for new movies and classic film restorations, along with 2D to 3D conversions, with the technology he led development on being used daily in Hollywood. For several years, one of his clients was Gail Zappa, Frank's widow, and he worked on restoring film elements from Frank's archive, and also helped to recover lost video masters that Gail hadn't seen in years.

According to McKee, “When I heard the news of Gail's passing last October, I was deeply saddened, she was very kind to me, and an incredibly smart woman who pioneered the concept of artists' retaining the rights to the master recordings. I decided to take the 60 second piece and finish it as a proper song, as a memorial to Gail and tribute to Frank, who was a big influence on my playing.”

McKee crafted the song starting from the existing 60 second guitar solo, building a complete song around it, similar to methods Zappa incorporated. He then asked Ike Willis to sing on the track and add another guitar solo. Die hard Zappa fans will also notice a lyrical reference to the infamous 'White Zone'.

McKee continues, “The original solo I wrote is what ends the song, and Ike takes the first guitar solo. If you close your eyes, you can see Frank and hear the lineage. When Frank got sick, he asked Ike to carry on his music, and while this is a new, original song, his playing and voice carries the torch for both the legacy fans as well as a new generation of listeners.”

McKee then asked Chip Z'Nuff to play bass on all parts except for the bass under the solos, which McKee had recorded originally.

The end result is a modern interpretation and homage to a timeless and unique style.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/PULjX3rAU7k

To purchase:

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690?ls=1&app=itunes

http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1146099690

The Summer of 2017 marks the legendary Memphis blue-eyed-soul group THE BOX TOPS’ 50th anniversary of the release of their worldwide #1 smash hit debut single “The Letter.”  To celebrate, they anticipate extensive touring and perhaps a new album that could include obscure never-issued tracks from their 60s heydays, with Alex Chilton. After THE LETTER, the group charted with other hits, including NEON RAINBOW, CRY LIKE A BABY, and SOUL DEEP.

In 2016, six years after the sudden death of Alex Chilton, original members BILL CUNNINGHAM (bass, keys, vocals) and GARY TALLEY (guitar, sitar, vocals) teamed with veteran music industry manager/guitarist Rick Levy to bring the Box Tops catalogue and their Memphis sound back to waiting audiences. Audiences are delighted with the way in which the show interweaves music and stories that connect the group to the explosive and all important Memphis music scene. Levy brought the band to Talent Consultants International (TCI), now their exclusive booking agency. It’s been a great first year back, with shows in Indiana, Iowa, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and more. The band finished August with 3 successful nights at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah (home of Sundance Film Festival.)

Upcoming 2016 shows:

SEPT 17 NYCB Theatre at Westbury, New York (with Herman’s Hermits, Grassroots, Gary Lewis)

SEPT 24 Holly Springs Cultural Center, Holly Springs, North Carolina

SEPT 30 Grand Opera House, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, headlining Flower Power Weekend

OCT 29  The Casino @ Dania Beach, Dania Beach Florida

NOV 5   Savannah Center, The Villages, Florida (Vietnam Veterans Fundraiser)

Watch for future press releases as 50th anniversary activities and events develop.

“Searching For The Spark” is a 22-disc box set celebrating the work of award-winning guitarist, Steve Hillage.

Since he began playing guitar in the early 1960s, through his time with Gong and beyond as a solo artist and one half of System 7, Steve Hillage has embodied what it means to be a truly progressive musician. 

One of the most respected and beloved players arising from the Canterbury Scene, “Searching For The Spark” shines a spotlight on his solo work, chronicling his very first recording in 1969 through to 1991's self-titled debut with System 7.

In addition to gathering his eight solo albums, “Searching For The Spark” also houses seven albums of live material and no less than four discs of demos and archive recordings, many previously unreleased, direct from Steve's own personal collection.

Brimming with rare photos, press clippings, reviews and commentary from Hillage himself, the box set includes a lavish, hardback 188 page book documenting Steve’s life and times written, with Steve's full co-operation, by acknowledged Gong expert, Jonny Greene.

Musical Highlights from “Searching For The Spark” include:

* Over 40 minutes of previously unavailable material from 1972's Khan mkII line-up.

* Numerous rarities from Hillage's archive of demo recordings ranging from pre-“Fish Rising” through to post- “For To Next”.

* Unfinished tracks from the '80s and numerous demos leading up to System 7 also shed new light on Hillage's pioneering work as a composer and ambient musician.

“Searching For The Spark” is an ambitious, immensely detailed retrospective.

For existing fans, it offers unprecedented access to the guitarist's archives. For the new generations coming to Hillage through his ongoing work with System 7, it provides everything needed to explore Steve's unique musical universe. For old and new admirers alike, everything from his formative years to his mature work as an unflinchingly forward-looking musician is gathered together in one truly encyclopaedic collection.

“Searching For The Spark” is nothing less than the definitive statement upon an impressively rich and diverse career. 

The set includes:

• Arzachel.

• Khan's Space Shanty, 1972.

• All eight of Hillage's classic Virgin Records solo albums – Fish Rising, L, Motivation Radio, Green, Open (and Studio Herald), Rainbow Dome Music, Open, For To Next (and its companion And Not Or) – plus bonus tracks.

• System 7 (first album).

• Live in Deeply Vale, 1978.

• Two BBC performances from The Paris Theatre recorded in December 1976 and November 1979.

• Eight CDs featuring recordings taken from Steve's personal archive, including four superb concert performances (Brighton Dome November 1977, Munich April 1979, Hammersmith Odeon November 1979, The Steve Hillage Band Live At The Gong Family Unconvention 2006) and four discs (Sparks Volumes 1-4) packed with previously unheard and unreleased tracks, demos and alternate takes.

Accompanying the recordings is a magnificent 188 page 32,000 word coffee table book. Written and assembled by Steve Hillage and Gong family expert Jonny Greene, the book contains hundreds of rare and previously unseen photographs and cuttings.

In addition there are three reproduction promo posters, two lyric booklets, a high quality enamel badge, a 60 page scrap book containing more photographs and cuttings, and a certificate of authenticity signed by Steve Hillage and his creative partner Miquette Giraudy.

The career of the British rock great and Mott the Hoople icon Ian Hunter is celebrated with this 30-disc Anthology box set, Stranded in Reality, containing a swathe of rare and previously unreleased recordings and film. Compiled and curated by Ian and recognised Hunter-Mott biographer Campbell Devine, the project is the ultimate celebration of the artist’s hugely influential and sparkling solo work. Covering the years 1975 to 2015, Stranded in Reality comprises 17 original albums on 19 CDs, 9 “new” discs of intriguing rare and unreleased tracks plus 2DVDs.

All of Ian’s classic solo albums are contained in the box set including expanded Anniversary Editions of Ian Hunter, All-American Alien Boy, You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic and Welcome to the Club, plus special unique bonus track discs of Short Back n’ Sides, All of The Good Ones Are Taken, The Artful Dodger, Strings Attached, Shrunken Heads and When I’m President.

The new albums are titled Tilting the Mirror (Rarities 2CD), If You Wait Long Enough for Anything, You Can Get it on Sale (Live 1979-81 2CD), Bag of Tricks (Live Volumes 1, 2 and 3), Acoustic Shadows and Experiments. The box presents many unheard and “lost” songs from Ian’s archive including ‘San Diego Freeway’, ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ and ‘Salvation’ as well as rarely performed live versions of ‘Wild East’, ‘While You Were Looking At Me’, ‘The Outsider’ and a 2008 acoustic concert.

A visual 2 disc set, It Never Happened, features promo, live and archive material, and most of the footage has not been issued commercially on DVD until now. The project includes a complete 1979 Hunter Ronson concert from London’s Hammersmith Odeon and a TV film from the same tour, live in Toronto. Collectively, the albums and DVD’s offer music fans a rock ‘n’ roll jackpot of over 400 tracks!

Lavishly presented in an LP-size deluxe box with custom Escher-style cover, the collection also contains an 88-page hardback book with comprehensive essay, rare memorabilia and Ian Hunter “Track by Track” for every song, a stunning facsimile Shades newspaper featuring classic historic press features, an Alien Boy lithograph personally signed by Ian and original and brand new album artwork in replica card sleeves.

Stranded in Reality is a strictly limited edition of 2,500 units for sale to worldwide customers through www.propermusic.com

Much to the excitement of guitarists worldwide, guitar legend Paul Nelson has released his new album “Badass Generation” to critical acclaim! Grammy winning guitarist Paul Nelson was Johnny Winter's protege guitarist in the Johnny Winter Band.

Paul has toured with countless worldwide touring artists and performed live and or on recordings along side major artists such as Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Robben Ford, Joe Perry, Mark Knofler, Brian Setzer, Dr. John, Slash, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth, Los Lobos, Kim Wilson, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Reb Beach, Steve Morse, John Popper, Debbie Davies, Los Lobos, Quin Sullivan, Tinsley Ellis, Lucky Peterson, Joe Louis Walker, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, John Medeski, Joe Walsh, Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Earl Slick, Hubert Sumlin, Pete Rivera, Rick Derringer, Harvey Brooks, Bill Evans, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Uptown Horns, Blues Brother Horns, Reese Wynans, Edgar Winter, Ray Davis, George Lynch, James Cotton, Anthony Jackson, Dickey Betts, Junior Brown, Pat Travers, Jimmy Vivino and La Bamba of Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Paul Schaefer's CBS Orchestra to name a few. With appearances on David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel programs.

Paul Nelson has been featured in every major guitar magazine and news publication from Guitar World to Rolling Stone and is credited as being a composer/performer for music heard on international and national television broadcasts such as NBC, TNN, UPN, for the WWE. He has conducted his successful “Master Class” Clinics and written guitar columns all over the world.

Paul has had the distinction of appearing as both guitarist and songwriter on Rock/Blues legend Johnny Winter's Grammy-nominated Virgin/EMI release “I'm A Bluesman” as well as producer/performer on his releases “Roots” and the Grammy winning “Step Back” on Megaforce/Sony. He performed as a musical guest with Johnny Winter on the Late Night with David Letterman Show to promote the “Roots” album and on Jimmy Kimmel on ABC TV to promote the “Step Back” CD and Johnny Winter's “Down and Dirty Movie,” which he also appeared in and was the Executive Producer.

Nelson, who studied with Steve Vai in his Berklee days, jazz fusion great Steve Khan and Mike Stern has created a tour de force with his last all-instrumental rock/fusion solo release, “A very diverse package that takes the listener on a sophisticated journey through the musical mind of Paul Nelson. Boundless energy, and displays ferocious solo sections at the same time showing us his control over an emotional side of playing all the while holding it together with a tasteful melodic sense which comes through on each cut.”

Paul's latest CD on Sony Music Group entitled “Badass Generation” has received rave reviews worldwide; calling Nelson “One of today's Top Guitarists”!

“What else can we say about Paul Nelson except - Chops Deluxe.” - Guitar World Magazine 

“He's a soulful player who has chops to burn. The word 'ferocious' comes to mind, or 'take no prisoners'” - Vintage Guitar Magazine 

“Love this album - the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal

Recognized as one of music's top guitarist/songwriter/producers Paul Nelson continues his musical journey recording and touring the world over. Nelson was not only guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today's premier guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands another the torch, and then you run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues - all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative of that.”

Nelson performed on and produced “Step Back,” a posthumous, star-studded affair, pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album” in 2015. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and the “Badass Generation” album marked the next step in that evolution. Nelson's new project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Like the debut albums of Aerosmith or Van Halen, this self-titled debut is hot with licks that are in service to the song. That, right there, puts it a cut above. Nelson's sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain't got nothin' on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” - Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson's fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar - what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Nelson's handpicked co-conspirators include vocalist Morten Fredheim, who turned heads topping the European edition of “The Voice”, bassist Christopher Alexander; and Chris Reddan on drums. Gov't Mule keyboardist Danny Louis also makes a cameo appearance. The collective result is something that’s musically rooted in the classic era of Led Zeppelin, Free, Bad Company, Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Aerosmith and ZZ Top – but right at home with a fresh new take in the 21st century. “We got together and painstakingly worked out these songs before we recorded them. The caliber of the musicians in this band is inspiring” Nelson explains.

Nelson is eager to begin this new stage of his career with his band mates. Songs such as “Keep It All Together” with Fredheim's soaring vocals, and Nelson's classic guitar sounds to “Goodbye Forever”, with it's infectious groove and chorus and “Please Come Home” displaying emotional melodies and soulful slide guitar work, all which are among the few future stand out classics found on this album. “I want our music to touch many people in the same way it did us in the making and performing of this album,” says Nelson. His only regret? That his old friend wasn't able to sit in on a few of the tunes. “Johnny Winter's influence will always be a part of me,” he says. “There are many times when I pick up my guitar, and I feel his music. I know he's with me in a way, but I also have influences from so many other places. Have I now spread my wings? Absolutely. I'm a musician. I have to keep on writing and performing and never stop.”

The album's title “Badass Generation” says it all! The music on this latest recording speaks to today’s generation's quest for something new and this band's music does just that, through great song writing and musicianship making for one great musical ride!

He is undoubtedly one of the boldest rock guitarists of all-time, a pioneering songwriter who fused classic blues with California psychedelia to create some of rock music’s greatest songs including “Love Me Two Times,” “Touch Me,” “Love Her Madly” and more. And, of course, he was a founding member of one of the most critically and commercially adored bands in history, The Doors. But in the time since his tenure with that iconic outfit, Robby Krieger has not simply rested on his laurels. Instead, he has gone on to release a series of solo albums that found Krieger and his trademark Gibson SG adventuring into the outer reaches of space rock, jazz, classical music and more! Krieger has also collaborated on several studio recordings that reinterpreted classic songs by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Supertramp and others. Now, a new collection of these studio sessions, including two exclusive, never-before-released mixes and a bonus live recording available on CD for the first time. In Session features an incredible roster of guest appearances including Jackson Browne, Hawkwind’s Nik Turner, Asia’s John Wetton, Styx’s Tommy Shaw, and even the Star Trek captain himself, William Shatner! Don’t miss this incredible collection available everywhere February 17 from Purple Pyramid Records.

Track List:

1. Across The Universe feat. Jackson Browne

2. Hypernova feat. Nik Turner (Inner Space Mix)

3. Empty Spaces feat. Billy Sherwood

4. Where We Belong (Prism Mix) feat. Tony Kaye

5. Don’t Leave Me Now feat. Tommy Shaw

6. Brain Damage feat. Geoff Downes

7. School feat. Rod Argent

8. Deep Down feat. William Shatner

9. Little Drummer Boy

10. All You Need Is Love feat. John Wetton

BONUS TRACK

11. Back Door Man (Live)

Germany – Progressive Rock ensemble APE SHIFTER will be releasing their self-titled debut album in March 2017! APE SHIFTER is all instrumental and reaches from rockin' 70's riffs played with punk rock ferocity to creeping metal grooves. Intense Simian Instrumental Rock from the nasty pits of the Hellabrunn Zoo.

Born on Friday the 13th in Washington, D.C. and raised in Laurel, Maryland, Jeff Aug is a cool underground guitarist who lives at the foothills of the Alps in Southern Germany for the last 18 years.  He has toured with Allan Holdsworth, Soft Machine, Johnny A., Albert Lee, and has performed shows with Jawbox, Shudder To Think, and Ice-T & Bodycount with his old band.  He's worked with John Stabb from Government Issue, has been touring and recording with Anne Clark for the last 10+ years, and has been touring as a solo guitarist for the last 20+ years. Jeff can also be heard on the Atari Teenage Riot album “Is This Hyperreal?” (Dim Mak Records / Digital Hardcore Records). Jeff is also a Guinness™ world record holder setting the world record for the “most concerts performed in different countries in 24 hours” twice (2009, 2012)!

Progressive, loud instrumental rock; that's how APE SHIFTER describes their sound. APE SHIFTER brings you the perfect combination of melody intertwined with fat 70's riffs and punk rock ferocity.

After 3 albums with his rock band Sorry About Your Daughter, 1 album with his punk band Banana Peel Buzz, 8 instrumental acoustic guitar albums, 3 albums & 1 DVD with Anne Clark, guest appearances with ATARI TEENAGE RIOT, 2 Guinness(TM) world records, and a #1 album on the iTunes Acoustic Music Charts in the U.S., Jeff Aug gives you his new instrumental rock band: APE SHIFTER!

Featuring:

Jeff Aug: guitar

Florian Walter: bass

Kurty Münch: drums

APE SHIFTER TOUR DATES

03.03.2017 DE-Weikersheim, Club W71 

04.03.2017 DE-Immenstadt, Rainbow (official album release concert!)  

09.03.2017 DE-Karlsruhe, KoHi  (with Jeff Aug solo performance) 

10.03.2017 NL-Tilburg, Little Devil* 

11.03.2017 NL-Landgraaf, Oefenbunker* 

12.03.2016 DE-Düsseldorf, Pitcher* 

17.03.2017 DE-Reutlingen, Franz.K (as support for WHO KILLED BRUCE LEE!) 

27.04.2017 DE-Burgkunstadt, TECnet 

28.04.2017 DE-Schwerin, Speicher  (with Jeff Aug solo performance) 

29.04.2017 DE-Erfurt, Museumskeller HsD (w/ Shotgun Valium) 

30.04.2017 DE-Berlin, Supamolly  (special guest:  JUD) 

01.05.2017 DE-Lübeck, 01.Mai Treibsand Festival  NEW!!!

25.05.2017 DE-Kempten, Künstlerhaus (support:  MELANIE) 

26.05.2017 DE-Isny, GoIn  (support:  MELANIE) 

*with special guest Chris Haskett's Amplified Ambition (Rollins Band guitarist!)

Seminal rock band King Crimson begins their 2017 North American tour with the summer leg including a 17-show run spanning June 11 to July 10. The “Radical Action Tour 2017” will begin at Seattle's Moore Theatre on June 11. The tour will run through cities Saratoga, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles, Denver, and Minneapolis. King Crimson ends June with appearances at the Chicago Theatre on June 28 and Kodak Hall in Rochester on June 30.

The band begins July with a swing through Eastern Canada including an appearance at the Montreal Jazz Festival on the 3rd and at Toronto's Massey Hall on the 5th ahead of a stop in Quebec City on the 7th. Crimson will play two shows at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey on July 9 and 10 before heading to Mexico City for shows on July 14 and 15. King Crimson also revealed, “there will be further dates in the autumn, to include New York City.”

With four drummers up front including Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, as well as the return of multi-instrumentalist Bill Reiflin, guitarist, and original founding member, Robert Fripp, states that this “double quartet formation” is likely to make more noise than ever before. Rounding out the eight piece line up are guitarist and vocalist Jakko Jakszyk, bassist Tony Levin, and saxophonist Mel Collins, also an early member of Crim.

As well as standard tickets, the band's label, DGM, also has announced sale of VIP Royal Packages, limited to just 50 per show. Details can be viewed at the label's interactive and recently redeveloped website.

Much to the excitement of prog music fans worldwide, legendary Curved Air violinist Darryl Way is releasing a new Concept Album/Rock Opera called “Underworld” on June 21st. “Underworld” is released in 2 versions: "Underworld Rock Opera Complete" which is the whole show with dialogue and narration and “Underworld Rock Opera the Songs” which just contains the songs.

Says Darryl, “Having touched on Greek mythology in my last album, 'Myths, Legends and Tales' I became fascinated with the idea of writing a major work based on one of these myths. Originally I was going to set Shelley's epic poem 'Prometheus Unbound' to music, but on further investigation it became clear that it was a little too 'epic' and too big a mouthful to bite off. Then the thought struck me of updating or re-imagining the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and setting it in a period and environment that I was totally familiar with - the world of rock music and the 1970s. However, I felt a little uncomfortable with the idea of writing a musical, but then it occurred to me that it could be a rock opera, because it is 'song and drama' as opposed to 'song and dance' and with the addition of a narrator, it could be both a concept album as well as a theatrical production. So in my Underworld, Orpheus is now a rock megastar and Persephone, the queen of the underworld, a nightclub owner and drug dealer. The Asp that Eurydice falls victim to on her wedding day, is replaced by an equally fatal drug addiction. Glibly it could be described as a tale of 'Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll', but in essence it is a dark and powerful tale of 'Love, Betrayal and Revenge'. Underworld starts off gently with songs of love and longing but as the plot develops, the music darkens as we descend further and further into the murky realms, of the 'Underworld'.”

Originally formed in 1969, Curved Air was a groundbreaking progressive art-rock band renowned for their showmanship. Darryl Way was noted for his flamboyant virtuoso exploration of the electric violin. He wrote the music for the Top 10 hit (reached #4) “Back Street Luv” and was a major contributor to the 3 albums that made the Top 20. With Curved Air he toured extensively, performing in practically every major city in both America and Europe. Before becoming headliners themselves, Curved Air toured with Black Sabbath in the UK  and in the USA they toured with Deep Purple, Jethro Tull and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. They also appeared on the same bill as The Doors, Steppenwolf, B.B. King, Johnny Winter and Dr. John.

After Curved Air Darryl went on to release several critically acclaimed solo albums in both 'rock' and 'classical' genres. Among these, was his 'Concerto For Electric Violin', which was premiered on the South Bank Show with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and himself as soloist. He also performed  this concerto live on German television with the Bravarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and in England with the Northern Sinfonia. Darryl's collaborations include working with Sir Tim Rice, Sting and Gary Brooker (Procol Harum). In classical genres he has orchestrated Stewart Copeland's ballet “King Lear” for the San Francisco Ballet, and Stewart's opera “The Holy Blood and Crescent Moon”, premiered by the Cleveland Opera in the US. In 1996, Darryl's own opera “The Master and Margarita” was premiered at The Place Theatre in London. Alongside these projects, Darryl has also worked as a film and television composer.

In support of their critically acclaimed studio album “Prog Noir” and forthcoming digital only live album “Roppongi" - Live in Tokyo 2017, Featuring Mel Collins," Stick Men, featuring Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson and Markus Reuter, will tour North America starting in August.

Drum legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Bruford, best known for his work with YES, King Crimson, Genesis and his prolific solo career, is releasing the definitive boxed set “Bruford 1977-1980: Seems Like A Lifetime Ago.” Scheduled for release on Winterfold Records on October 28th, pre-orders are now being taken for the Limited Edition 8-disc set, which features unreleased, remixed or remastered material & a signed certificate.

Bill Bruford reflects on embarking on a solo career and forming Bruford: “I wanted to play drums in a certain way and if you want to hear them played in that way you've got to write the song. You've got to control the audio environment in which your drums are going to be heard and once you're doing that you're into a solo career. Looking back, the band despatched these tricky little compositions with a smile on its face; with brio, vigour and only a handful of wrong notes. The band was over-caffeinated - short on subtlety but long on the sort of majestic stately themes with antecedents in progressive rock that set it apart from contemporaneous American outfits. We were a rock group with a jazz sensibility, rather than a jazz group with rock leanings.”

“Before The Lights Go Out” is long time Alice Cooper/Lou Reed Guitarist Steve Hunter's latest solo album. The cover art and title make a statement about his failing eyesight, but don't make the mistake of thinking this is a quiet wave goodbye. As soon as you put on the first track, you will know that this is more like a Blues Rock Declaration of Independence! There are sexy grooves, luscious guitar tones and melodies galore.

As with all Hunter's releases, there is some diversity and sound imagery, not least of which is Tienes Mi Corazón where alongside his nylon string improvisation comes the sound of his own heart. And listen out for Joe Satriani adding his fire to the heat of “Mojo Man.”

Also joining Steve on a couple of tracks are two great Bass players: Erik Scott can be heard on “Mojo Man,” Erik is also an Alice Cooper alumni. On “Under The Bodhi Tree” is Andy Stoller. Steve and Andy toured together with Tracy Chapman during the “Telling Stories” album period, most recently Andy has been touring with Ann Wilson of Heart.

Says Steve, “This album was a real joy for me on many levels. A big part of the inspiration and motivation that kept me going; was from all the people out there who had faith in me and encouraged me through the entire process with their donations and comments. It was really a wonderful experience having you all be a part of it. It's my deepest hope and desire that you all enjoy the music on this album as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you and God bless!

”Watch the album sampler video:

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

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

Featuring:

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

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

“One of our best” – Tony Levin

Reasons for the CD release:

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

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

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

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

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

• The complete 1970-72 King Crimson boxed set: 21CDS/4Blu-Rays/2DVD – all audio.

• 3CDs feature Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp stereo mixes of “In The Wake Of Poseidon” (1970), “Lizard” (1970) & “Islands” (1971) + additional tracks.

• 6CDs feature the Islands line-ups early concerts from Germany (new to CD) & the UK (1971).

• 9CDs feature live recordings (several new to CD and/or previously unreleased in any format) from the 1972 US tour, including a new stereo mix of “Summit Studios” & an expanded “Earthbound.”

• 3CDs feature auditions for the Islands band & two further, as yet, unidentified concerts from 1972 (all previously unreleased)

• 3 Blu-Ray discs contain the main studio albums in 5.1 Surround Sound & recent stereo editions mixed by Steven Wilson & Robert Fripp + 30th anniversary masters of the original stereo albums mixes (all in 24/96 hi-res), plus extensive additional material with each disc also featuring a complete alternate album + a further selection of additional, related studio/live material in hi-res.

• “Lizard” Blu-Ray: also contains the audition material from CDs19/20

• “Islands” Blu-Ray: also contains the following concerts in stereo Zoom Club (4 shows), Marquee Club, Plymouth, Glasgow, Detroit all from 1971.

• “Earthbound Tour”: Blu-Ray features an expanded version of the original album, Summit Studios gig in Stereo & Quadraphonic (newly mixed), the “Schizoid Men” sequence from the “Ladies of the Road” album, 2 newly discovered concerts in hi-res stereo & every existing soundboard concert recording from the 1972 US tour: Wilmington, NYC (2 shows), Chicago (2 tracks only), Detroit, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Peoria, Indianapolis & Denver (2 shows).

• 2 DVDs feature the expanded “Earthbound”, “Summit Studios,” “Schizoid Men,” “New York 1972” & the recently discovered live concerts.

• 12” box with booklet, memorabilia, a further downloadable concert, new sleeve-notes by Sid Smith, Jakko Jakszyk & David Singleton

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

Catch King Crimson's US tour Fall 2017!

19 Oct Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX - tickets

21 Oct Music Hall, Dallas, TX - tickets 

23 Oct Center Stage, Atlanta, GA - tickets 

24 Oct Center Stage, Atlanta, GA - tickets 

26 Oct Duke Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, Raleigh, NC - tickets 

28 Oct Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C. - tickets 

29 Oct Lisner Auditorium, Washington D.C. - tickets 

31 Oct New Jersey Performing Arts Centre, Newark, NJ - tickets 

02 Nov Merriam Theatre, Philadelphia, PA - tickets 

03 Nov Merriam Theatre, Philadelphia. PA - tickets 

06 Nov Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA - tickets 

08 Nov The Egg, Albany, NY - tickets 

09 Nov The Egg, Albany, NY - tickets 

11 Nov Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, PA - tickets 

13 Nov Paramount Theatre, Long Island, NY - tickets

15 Nov Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY - tickets

17 Nov Beacon Theatre, New York, NY - tickets

18 Nov Beacon Theatre, New York, NY - tickets 

20 Nov Palace Theater, Greensburg, PA - tickets

22 Nov Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor, MI - tickets 

24 Nov Hard Rock Rocksino, Cleveland, OH - tickets

26 Nov Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee, WI - tickets

Grammy winning guitar legend & Johnny Winter protege Paul Nelson will be touring the US in support of his critically acclaimed latest album “Badass Generation.” For Paul Nelson, a new musical chapter beckons... Nelson was not only the hand picked guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today’s top guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands you the torch, and then you try to run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues – all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative for that.”

Check out the Trailer for the band's new single “Down Home Boogie”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOoK3hnTZDM

Paul Nelson Live With Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule and G-Love on “Good Mornin' Little School Girl”: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH0erEDQezI

Paul Nelson Tour Dates 2017

EXCLUSIVE VIP PACKAGES

Meet & Greets and More!

More dates to come!
Fri 01/26/18     Miffenburg PA - The Rusty Rail
Sat 01/27/18     Stanhope House, NJ - Stanhope House
Sun 03/25/18     Pomeroy IA - Byrons Bar
Sat 03/31/18     Springfield IL - The Third Base
Fri 04/06/18     Toronto Canada - Cadillac Lounge
Sat 04/07/18     Gravenhurst Ontario Canada - Peter's Playe
Fri 05/18/18     Fort Myers FL - The Barrel Room

Worldwide touring has always been a constant in his career. Nelson and his time with Winter was no different, performing and/or recording along side an array of today's top artists such as: Slash, Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Billy Gibbons, Leslie West, Susan Tedeshi, Joe Bonamassa, Dr. John, Dickey Betts, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and countless others. Major appearances such as television performances on “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” soon followed. This finally led Nelson to perform on and produce “Step Back,” a posthumous, star- studded affair, - pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album”. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

Nelson received a Grammy award for his work performing on and producing Winter's “Step Back” release on Megaforce/Sony winning “Best Blues Album of the Year” highlighting his already long list of Grammy Nominations. As well as the BMA “Blues Music Award” for “Best Blues/Rock Album” reaching #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and staying at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts for weeks. He is also a recipient of the Blues Foundation's KBA “Keeping The Blues Alive Award”.

His music has reached millions with appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and on award winning documentaries: “Down and Dirty” The Johnny Winter Story and “Sideman: Long Road to Glory” (feat: Bonnie Rait, Gregg Allman, Hubert Sumlin), as well as music written/performed and broadcast nationally on NBC and on multiple major album releases, books, instructional guitar columns, live Concert DVD's, and guest performances on countless recordings.

Staying at #1 on the “Hot New Releases” charts for months Nelson's latest project “Badass Generation" on Sony Records still maintains his unmistakable connection to the Blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his many other musical dimentions fans have come expect considering him one of music's most respected and influential contemporary artists.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and new self-titled album marks the next step in that evolution. Nelson's latest project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Nelson's sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain't got nothin’ on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” - Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson's fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar - what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Track List:
1. Down Home Boogie
2. Keep It All Together
3. Goodbye Forever
4. Cold Hearted Mama
5. Please Come Home
6. Root Too All Evil
7. Swamp Thing
8. Come With Me
9. Out Of Time
10. Fooled By Love
11. Take It Back

On Friday, January 26th, 2018, Inside Out Music release Wuthering Nights: Live in Birmingham, the new live release from guitar legend Steve Hackett.

Wuthering Nights was filmed at the Birmingham Symphony Hall during Hackett’s recent, critically-acclaimed Genesis Revisited & Classic Hackett tour.

Available as 2CD/BluRay Jewel Case and Digital Album, this is a must-have for any prog fan.

This tour marked the 40th anniversary of Wind & Wuthering, Hackett’s last album with Genesis which reached number 7 in the UK album chart.

To celebrate Steve and his band played 5 of the best-loved tracks from this iconic album:  Eleventh Earl Of Mar, One For The Vine, Blood On The Rooftops, …In That Quiet Earth and Afterglow.

Other fan favorites from Hackett’s Genesis days were ‘revisited’: Dance On A Volcano, Inside & Out, Firth Of Fifth, The Musical Box and the classic Los Endos.

This mesmerizing show marks the first ever live performance by Hackett & his band of the tracks One for the Vine and Inside & Out, and also includes many of Hackett’s solo fan-favorites as well as material from his latest studio album The Night Siren.

Steve recalls the Birmingham performance… “I'm excited about the imminent release of 'Wuthering Nights'. It felt special to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wind & Wuthering, the Genesis album I had the most songwriting involvement with and a favorite among many fans. Songs like One for the Vine, Eleventh Earl of Mar and Blood on the Rooftops come across powerfully on this release, which also features other Genesis and solo Hackett favorites along with songs from my latest album The Night Siren... Sit back and enjoy!”

The band are: 

Roger King (keyboards), Gary O’Toole (drums/percussion), Rob Townsend (saxes/flutes), Nick Beggs (bass, stick & twelve string) and Nad Sylvan on vocals plus special guests John Hackett and Amanda Lehmann.

The DVD / Blu-Ray also includes fascinating behind the scenes footage, most of which was filmed on the day in Birmingham.

There are also three videos for tracks from The Night Siren: Behind the Smoke, Fifty Miles from the North Pole and West to East.

About Steve Hackett

Steve Hackett is renowned as an immensely talented and innovative rock musician. He was lead guitarist with Genesis as part of their classic line up with Gabriel, Collins, Banks and Rutherford, who produced several of the band’s most acclaimed albums including Selling England by the Pound (a favorite of John Lennon) and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. With Steve's extraordinary versatility in both his electric guitar playing and his composing, he involves influences from many genres, including Jazz, World Music and Blues. He is equally adept in his classical albums that include renditions of pieces by composers from Bach to Satie, his own acoustic guitar compositions that have gained the admiration of many, including Yehudi Menuhin, and ambitious guitar/orchestra albums such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, recorded with the Royal Philharmonic.

Esoteric Antenna is very pleased to announce the release of “The Ferryman's Curse,” the first Strawbs album of new material in eight long years. It is produced by the legendary Chris Tsangarides, whose studio is littered with diamond, platinum, and gold discs by the likes of Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest and guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen.

“The Ferryman's Curse,” the title track of the album, is the epic sequel to “The Vision Of The Lady Of The Lake,” from Strawbs album Dragonfly, rated by producer Tony Visconti as one of his Top six productions alongside albums by David Bowie and T Rex. “The Nails From The Hands Of Christ” is a challenging look at the relationship that young people have with the church. “The Familiarity Of Old Lovers” will raise eyebrows, both lyrically and with its twin lead guitar solos, while “The Song Of Infinite Sadness” is not what it appears to be.

The current Strawbs line-up comprises David Cousins, lead guitarist Dave Lambert, bass player Chas Cronk, and drummer Tony Fernandez, who recorded and toured together in the 1970s. They are joined by keyboard and guitar virtuoso Dave Bainbridge of Iona - a band who created a mystical blend of rock, folk, Celtic and ambient music - a perfect match for Strawbs.

Tracks

1 In the Beginning

2 The Nails from the Hands of Christ

3 The Song of Infinite Sadness

4 The Familiarity of Old Lovers

5 When the Spirit Moves

6 The Ten Commandments

7 The Reckoning

8 The Ferryman's Curse

9 Bats & Swallows

10 We Have the Power

Scholar and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Bruford, best known for his work with Yes, King Crimson, Genesis and his prolific solo career, has authored a new book, to be Published by the University of Michigan Press on January 28th.  Pre-orders are now being taken.

What’s it about?

The book is an exploration of the creativity involved in the way drummers make things work, make things matter, and make sense of both. It draws on interviews with nine top drummers and Bruford’s own experience to improve understanding in collaborative popular music performance. What do expert drummers do? Why do they do it? Is there anything creative about it? If so, how might that creativity inform their practice and that of others in related artistic spheres? Applying ideas from cultural psychology to findings from original research into the creative behaviors of a specific subset of popular music instrumentalists, Bruford demonstrates the ways in which expert drummers experience creativity in performance and offers fresh insights into in-the-moment interactional processes in music. 

Why buy?

“If you’re an instrumentalist” recommends Bill, “give it to the nearest drummer, so he or she knows what drummers are for. If you’re a drummer give it to the other people in your band, so they know what drummers are for. And get a copy for yourself, so you know what drummers are for!” 

Early praise for ‘Uncharted’

“… an intelligent, thought-provoking treatise on the notion of creativity in Western popular music. Over the course of a number of interviews and case studies involving expert drummers, Bill Bruford examines how such practitioners approach and understand creativity. In the process, he crafts a relational processual model for understanding creativity and the creative process for real-time interactive performing arts (theatre, dance, music). The result is a fascinating and rewarding read that will surely affect players and listeners alike as they think about the concept of finding ‘creative meaning in making it work and making it matter.’”

—Rob Bowman, Grammy Award Winning Professor of Music

“After forty years of creating professional music, pretty much all of it to his taste (passing rare), Bill Bruford has laid down the torches — and tried to capture their flame in words. Begin by running your eyes down the list of Bill’s collaborators. The expert performers and teachers will attract any reader with more than a passing affection for music. Simply put, it is a lights-out masterpiece of useful insight and passionate, reflective wisdom.”

—Neil Peart, drummer Rush

“The contributions of the wide-ranging active percussionists Bruford surveyed will make this an important primary document for future researchers examining the role of drummers in group improvisation, the recording process, and more.”

—Kevin Holm-Hudson, University of Kentucky

“The book lives up to its expectations. Drawing on his own insider’s knowledge and extensive interviews with an impressive roster of expert drummers about the nature of creativity and what it means to them, Bruford has produced a brilliant ethnography of professional drummers and drumming culture in the rock era.”

—Mark Spicer, Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center

“It is no surprise to find Dr. Bruford so eloquently putting into language that which springs from such a non-linguistic source. Bill’s scholarly insights matched with a career’s-worth of personal experience shed an authoritative light on the creative role of the drummer. In today’s world of computer-generated rhythmic music, how wonderful to tap into this most organic and visceral element in music’s heritage, and deepen our appreciation of this immense creativity, past and present.”

—Tim Garland, saxophonist, composer

“The author cites relevant scholarly work, his roster of drum experts is beyond question (including himself), but most importantly, the insights he synthesizes from his source material are both original and valuable.”

—Shaugn O’Donnell, The City College, CUNY

PURCHASE HERE

Esoteric Recordings are proud to announce the release of an official limited edition deluxe boxed set of Yes founder CHRIS SQUIRE's legendary 1975 solo album FISH OUT OF WATER. Recorded in the late Spring and Summer of 1975 whilst Yes was on hiatus as members recorded their respective solo albums, FISH OUT OF WATER was a breath-taking work, and equal in standard to any Yes album in terms of sheer invention and creativity. The album was essentially a collaboration between Chris Squire and his friend Andrew Pryce Jackman, a gifted arranger who had been a member of The Syn, Squire's pre-Yes group. The sessions saw contributions from former Yes drummer BILL BRUFORD, Yes keyboard player PATRICK MORAZ and noted musicians MEL COLLINS and JIMMY HASTINGS. Released in November 1975, FISH OUT OF WATER was a Top 30 chart hit in the UK and made the US Billboard Top 75 album chart, going on to sell nearly 500,000 copies worldwide.

The highlight of this limited edition deluxe boxed set is a stunning new 5.1 Surround Sound mix (exclusive to this set on an NTSC / Region Free DVD), along with a new stereo mix, from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re-master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne. FISH OUT OF WATER also includes four bonus tracks of the single edits of “Lucky Seven” and “Silently Falling”, along with both sides of the 1981 single by CHRIS SQUIRE and ALAN WHITE; “Run With the Fox” and “Return of the Fox” (appearing on CD for the first time).

The boxed set also includes a replica 180 gram gatefold LP with poster of FISH OUT OF WATER (mastered and cut from the original tapes at Abbey Road studios), along with two seven inch singles of “Lucky Seven” b/w “Silently Falling” and “Run With the Fox” b/w “Return of the Fox”, both in picture sleeves. To complete the content is a visual DVD (NTSC / Region Free) featuring the 1975 FISH OUT OF WATER promotional film featuring the songs “Hold Out Your Hand” and “You By My Side”, along with a 2006 interview with Chris Squire conducted by Jon Kirkman and a 2006 audio commentary by Chris Squire. Finally, the set also contains a 36-page book with an essay by Sid Smith featuring exclusive interviews with BILL BRUFORD, PATRICK MORAZ, GREGG JACKMAN and JAKKO JAKSZYK.

Also available as a 2CD set which features a stunning new Stereo mix from the original multi-track master tapes by JAKKO JAKSZYK and a new re- master of the original 1975 mix by Paschal Byrne.

Always justly proud of his first solo album, it was Chris Squire's long held wish that a 5.1 Surround mix would be undertaken of the work someday. This Esoteric Recordings edition finally brings this to fruition and is a fitting tribute to the artistry of Chris and his collaborator, Andrew Pryce Jackman.

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, will be coming to the States in April 2018 on the Open Road Tour. True to its name, the tour will see the band clocking some serious miles as they return to America's Southern swath, from North Carolina and Florida to California. Longtime fans and new converts alike will revel in the group’s signature twin-guitar mastery and powerhouse rhythm section as they present classics spanning their career.

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash is gearing up for its 50th anniversary on the heels of a limited-edition deluxe 30-disc box set, “Wishbone Ash: The Vintage Years,” available April 2018 through Madfish Records while supplies last.

True road warriors, each year these British rock legends log around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth. “We are breaking with our usual U.S. tour schedule and hitting the road early in 2018 to take in some cities that we haven’t been to for quite some time,” says founding member Andy Powell (guitar/lead vocals). “The tour will be heavy on Southern dates like North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and then into Texas, Arizona and, finally, California.”

In the fall, the band will return to North America for some Canadian shows. “Everyone is rested and fighting fit, and looking forward to introducing new audiences to wunderkind Mark Abrahams on guitar, while hopefully surprising folks with some tunes from the vaults,” Powell says.

Abrahams, who replaced 12-year veteran Muddy Manninen last summer, will be trading licks with Powell; he’s already been earning rave reviews from fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Longtime rhythm section Bob Skeat on bass and Joe Crabtree on drums continue to provide the solid groove that is their hallmark.

Through the years the band has delved into various musical genres, from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica. Whatever the style, Wishbone Ash’s hallmark is the distinctive twin-melodic lead guitar interplay that has influenced such bands as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden and, more recently, Opeth.

“The band basically lives together year-round on the road, so we have a very strong level of communication that translates in our performances and recordings,” says Powell. “We’ve come to an era where the industry has to pigeonhole a band as Classic Rock, Prog Rock, Heritage Rock and so on. The truth is that we have always kept our options open and always relied on the musicianship of the players to lead the way. It’s fun to be stylistically diverse and this has, in its way, contributed to our longevity.”

Wishbone Ash has to its credit 24 original studio recordings, 11 live albums and five live DVDs along with a DVD rockumentary (“This is Wishbone Ash”). Released April 2018, “The Vintage Years” 30-disc box set, three-and-a-half years in the making, is a special collection dedicated to the band's output from 1970 to 1991, including all 16 studio albums, three live albums, eight previously unreleased live shows from 1973 to 1980, a 156-page coffee-table hardcover book and an assortment of memorabilia. Also now available are the first official re-releases in decades of “Twin Barrels Burning” from 1982 and “Raw to the Bone” from 1985, plus definitive editions with all new 2017 remasters.  

In 2015, Powell released his musical memoir, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” co-written with renowned Irish music journalist Colin Harper and now available in Kindle and Apple iBook formats. “It’s quite an undertaking to put 46 years of being a touring musician in this one band into book form,” he says. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the music business and the world in general, as you can imagine.”

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on the Open Road US Tour in April 2018. Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com.

Wishbone Ash US Tour Dates

April 2018

03 - Harvester Performance Center - Rocky Mount, VA

04 - Neighborhood Theatre - Charlotte, NC

06 - City Winery Atlanta - Atlanta, GA

07 - Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts - Melbourne, FL

08 - Skippers Smokehouse - Tampa, FL

11 - House of Blues - New Orleans, LA

13 - Keys Lounge - Fort Worth, TX

14 - Sam's Burger Joint - San Antonio, TX

15 - One World Theatre - Austin, TX

18 - Rhythm Room - Phoenix, AZ

19 - Railhead, Boulder Station Hotel Casino - Las Vegas, NV

20 - Canyon Club - Agoura Hills, CA

21 - The Rose - Pasadena, CA

22 - The Coach House - San Juan Capistrano, CA

25 - Yoshi's Jazz Club - Oakland, CA

26 - The Fox - Redwood City, CA

FOR 32 YEARS, FANS HAVE BEEN CLAMORING FOR A REUNION - The wait is over.

No longer able to turn a deaf ear to the unceasing requests from fans and the media alike, Todd Rundgren, Kasim Sulton, Willie Wilcox and Ralph Schuckett are reuniting for their first North American tour since the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded. Presented by Sirius XM and produced by Live Nation, TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA will be performing across North America beginning on April 18.

In celebration of the upcoming reunion tour, Friday Music will be releasing a 7-disc box set, THE ROAD TO UTOPIA: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS (1974-82). This limited edition collection will bring each of their seven classic albums to life, now in first-time CD digipak gatefold covers featuring the original album artwork elements, rare inner sleeve art, newly written commentary from the band, and more. The box set has a scheduled street date of April 20. Fans can pre-order now at Friday Music, Amazon and Record Store Day.

Todd Rundgren’s Utopia was formed in 1974 out of Todd’s desire to explore new musical territory. Starting as a prog-rock-progenitor septet the band’s music ranged from extended synth experiments to four-song albums, while their live shows were distinguished by their ahead-of-the-curve video backdrops and computer-generated music.

In 1976 the band evolved into “Utopia”, the shiny mainstream power-pop rock quartet, uniting Todd Rundgren on guitar, Willie Wilcox on drums, Roger Powell on keyboards, and Kasim Sulton on bass. Known for their hallmark lyrics, lush inventive background vocals and a voracious appetite for the highest level of musicianship. Utopia became known as the quintessential “musician’s band”. Every member took his turn singing lead on every album, and all songwriting was collaborative.

By 1980, Utopia had developed into a hit-making entity in its own right. Standout Utopia albums included Oops! Wrong Planet, Adventures in Utopia, and Oblivion, spawning hits including “Rock Love,” “Set Me Free,” “Mated,” and “Love Is The Answer”, which also became a global #1 for England Dan and John Ford Coley.

Utopia’s tours, among the first to aggressively incorporate then-state-of-the-art video technology, produced at Todd’s groundbreaking Utopia Video Studios, featured some of the most lavish and audacious stage productions in rock history. Their headline concerts frequently featured opening acts as future superstars Cheap Trick and The Cars, and the band performed at some of the 70’s most epic rock festivals, including Knebworth Castle in the UK --- once with the Rolling Stones in 1976 and twice with Led Zeppelin in 1979, before a combined audience of over 1,200,000 (amongst them a Who’s Who of rock royalty, including Paul McCartney and David Gilmour) .

Always on the bleeding edge, Utopia chalked up a long history of groundbreaking media “firsts”, including:

• 1978: The first interactive television concert, broadcast live over Warner/QUBE, the experimental interactive cable system in Columbus, Ohio (the home television audience chose each song in real time during the concert by voting via QUBE’s 2-way operating system).

• 1978: The first live nationally broadcast stereo radio rock concert (via microwave), linking 40 cities around the country.

• 1982: The first live national cablecast of a rock concert (on the USA Network), simulcast in stereo to over 120 radio stations.

In 1986, after ten years of non-stop recording and arena touring cycles, the band declared they were “going on sabbatical”, and Todd, Willie, Roger and Kas each embarked on their own career paths.

What’s been happening with the Utopians during the world’s longest ever sabbatical?

Todd Rundgren returned to his stellar solo recording and producing career. His myriad production projects ranged from Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, XTC, and Psychedelic Furs to Grand Funk Railroad, Hall & Oates, and Meat Loaf’s seminal Bat Out Of Hell, while his solo offerings catapulted Todd further into the superstar limelight with hits like “Can We Still be Friends”, and “Bang The Drum”; in addition to his own tours, Todd has been an erstwhile member of Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band for the past 28 years.

Kasim Sulton continued touring and recording with a long list of diverse artists including Joan Jett, Hall & Oates, Blue Oyster Cult, Patti Smith, Celine Dion, and Meat Loaf. In 1993 Kasim joined Meat Loaf’s live band after the release of Bat Out Of Hell II, touring extensively and becoming his Musical Director. In 1999 he produced Meat Loaf’s critically acclaimed VH1 Storytellers album. Releasing four solo albums of his own, Kasim has continued his long musical relationship with Todd as the bass player in his solo bands.

Willie Wilcox continued to pursue his songwriting career. Having written songs for & performed with Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, Meat Loaf, Hall & Oates, and Kylie Minogue positioned Willie perfectly for his segue into television writing. He was the senior staff composer for NBC Universal in NY for 5 years and composed the current show theme for CNBC’s “Mad Money,” launched a major audio post production facility in Miami with clients MTV & VH1, penned famed boxer Manny Pacquiao’s ring walk music, and continues to maintain his position as senior audio director at Scientific Games, the number one gaming company in the world, where he recently completed the surround sound audio production on the blockbuster Michael Jackson game, “King Of Pop!”

Ralph Schuckett: Ralph’s tenure with Todd Rundgren’s Utopia segued into composing themes & scores for TV & Film including “Kate & Allie” & “Another World.” As chief composer for “4 Kids Productions” he scored numerous feature films & animated TV series including; “Pokémon,” “Yugioh,” “Sonic X,” “Kirby,” & “One Piece.” He has recorded and /or toured with Carole King, Hall & Oates, Whitney Houston, George Benson, and Rodney Crowell, and provided arrangements on recordings for Billy Joel, Michael Bolton. and Joan Osborne. As a songwriter / producer Ralph has worked with Belinda Carlisle, Sophie B. Hawkins, and Clarence Clemons.

As fate would have it, in early April Todd, Kas, Willie and Ralph will find themselves back in Woodstock New York, 32 years later, right where it all started, rehearsing their newest stage spectacle.

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA North American reunion tour, featuring Todd, Kasim, Willie, & Ralph, begins on April 18 and ends on June 5 (tour dates below). Tickets and more information are available at Live Nation, Ticketmaster and all Ticketmaster outlets.

TODD RUNDGREN’S UTOPIA TOUR DATES

APRIL 18 JIM THORPE PA, PENNS PEAK

APRIL 20 ENGLEWOOD NJ, BERGEN PAC

APRIL 22 HOUSTON TX, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL 23 DALLAS TX, MAJESTIC THEATER

APRIL 25 BROWARD FL, BROWARD PAC

APRIL 27 ST PETERSBURG FL, MAHAFFEY THEATER

APRIL 28 ATLANTA GA, TABERNACLE

APRIL 29 DURHAM NC, CAROLINA THEATER

MAY 1 HUNTINGTON NY, PARAMOUNT THEATER

MAY 2 WASHINGTON DC, WARNER THEATER

MAY 3 NEW YORK NY, TOWN HALL

MAY 5 PHILADELPHIA PA, TOWER THEATER

MAY 6 BOSTON MA, ORPHEUM THEATER

MAY 7 RIDGEFIELD CT, RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE

MAY 9 ST LOUIS MO, PEABODY OPERA HOUSE

MAY 10 CINCINNATI OH, TAFT THEATER

MAY 12 MILWAUKEE WI, PABST THEATER

MAY 13 MINNEAPOLIS MN, STATE THEATER

MAY 15 GRAND RAPIDS MI, 20 MONROE LIVE

MAY 16 TORONTO ONT, MASSEY HALL

MAY 17 DETROIT MI, THE FILLMORE

MAY 19 CLEVELAND OH, HARD ROCK LIVE

MAY 20 CLEVELAND OH, HARD ROCK LIVE

MAY 22 CHICAGO IL, CHICAGO THEATER

MAY 24 DENVER CO, PARAMOUNT THEATER

MAY 26 LAS VEGAS NV, THE JOINT @ THE HARD ROCK

MAY 27 PHOENIX AZ, COMERICA THEATER

MAY 29 LOS ANGELES CA, THE WILTERN

MAY 30 SAN FRANCISCO CA, THE MASONIC

JUNE 1 SEATTLE WA, MOORE THEATER

JUNE 2 PORTLAND OR, REVOLUTION THEATER

JUNE 4 SACRAMENTO CA, CREST THEATER

JUNE 5 RIVERSIDE CA, FOX PAC

Esoteric Recordings are proud to announce the release of an official limited edition super deluxe boxed set celebrating fifty years of the legendary Procol Harum: Still There’ll Be More. This eight disc set comprises five CDs and three DVDs, of which the first three discs draw upon the key tracks from Procol Harum’s illustrious career. Disc four features the band’s legendary concert at the Hollywood Bowl on 21 September 1973 (with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Roger Wagner Chorale), whilst disc five features a previously unreleased concert at the Bournemouth Winter Gardens on 17 March 1976.

Of the DVD content, (NTSC – Region Free) which features over three and a half hours of footage, mostly previously unreleased, disc six begins with a performance of A Whiter Shade of Pale on the BBC TV show Top of the Pops from December 1967 before moving to the archives of the German Beat Club series. All of the band’s surviving performances for the show are here, including the entire un-broadcast raw video footage of the band’s Beat Club Workshop studio concert from 1971, shorn of the visual gimmickry of the actual broadcast, revealing the pure performance on DVD for the first time. Disc seven features the entire sixty-five minute recording session of a performance for the German Musikladen series in October 1973, most of which was never shown on television. Disc eight features more BBC TV performances, including a rendition of Pandora’s Box from Top of the Pops in September 1975 and the band’s set for theSight and Sound In Concert series in March 1977.

This lavish re-mastered set also features a sixty-eight page hard backed book with an essay by Patrick Humphries and a lengthy in depth commentary on the performances featured by respected Procol Harum authority Roland Clare. The book also includes many previously unseen photographs and memorabilia from Gary Brooker’s private collection. Still There’ll Be More also includes a 60cm x 40 cm reproduction poster from a Procol Harum concert (featuring support from Vivian Stanshall) in 1976.

Still There’ll Be More is the most elaborate celebration of Procol Harum’s music released to date and this deluxe boxed set is a fine tribute to fifty years of one of Britain’s greatest bands.

During the 1970s David Cross was a member of King Crimson and David Jackson was a member of Van der Graaf Generator. Now much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, the duo have teamed up for an amazing new album titled “Another Day”!

Released via Cherry Red Records, the 12 new tracks on this album showcase the talents of Cross & Jackson and will appeal to the fanbases of both artists and the bands they have been in. It's an innovative meeting of minds. This new studio album also features Mick Paul on bass, Craig Blundell on drums and was produced by Jake Jackson.

“From the first notes we ever played together David Jackson and I realised that we were driving in the same direction, free to play anything from fierce avant-garde cadenzas to haunting melodies and rocking riffs. ‘Another Day’ is the culmination of our ambition to date and has been realised as a quartet album through extraordinary instinctive performances from our collaborators, Mick Paul and Craig Blundell. The icing on the cake was the incisive, original vision which emerged in the mixing stage from our producer Jake Jackson. I love it.” - David Cross March 2nd 2018

“I am thrilled and very proud of this album with David Cross. It’s the best thing I’ve done in many years! We met at a Festival in Italy in 2010 and emergency improvised our way into a special kind of exciting harmony - and friendship too. Enjoying the space between two soloists, we soon discovered new ways of writing and arranging. Add in our legendary rhythm section of Mick Paul and Craig Blundell and I can guarantee you haven’t heard anything quite like this album before!” -  David Jackson (26th February 2018)

In support of the album David Cross & David Jackson plan to tour mid-2018!

Track list:

1. PREDATOR

2. BUSHIDO

3. LAST RIDE

4. GOING NOWHERE

5. TRANE TO KIEV

6. MILLENNIUM TOLL

7. ARRIVAL

8. COME AGAIN

9. BREAKING BAD

10. MR. MOROSE

11. ANTHEM FOR ANOTHER DAY

12. TIME GENTLEMEN, PLEASE

If you haven’t yet got your fill of six-string slinging, tour de force performances, then we have the collection for you! From multi-Emmy award-winning composer/producer Brian Tarquin comes Guitar Masters Collection, an extraordinary compilation of hard-to-find rarities, including tracks from the late great Allan Holdsworth, plus a rare, unheard recording by the recently departed guitar icon Larry Coryell. The album also contains cover songs “Hair” by Joe Satriani & Stanley Clarke and “I Wish” featuring former Ozzy axeman Zakk Wylde as well as Steve Vai, Chris Poland (of Megadeth), Leslie West & Hal Lindes (of Dire Straits) alongside bass masters Randy Coven and Billy Sheehan.

Guitar Player magazine editor & chief, Mike Molenda, who wrote the liner notes for this collection, states “For fearless explorers of the musical unknown, a perfect compilation of artistry is a collection of performances that pummels your unsuspecting little ass with shock waves of awe and wonder. Rather than document the obvious - or sate the expectations of the casual enthusiast - every track challenges, puzzles, thrills, inspires, and, ultimately, delights the listener.”

Don’t miss this fantastic album, available on CD and digital from Purple Pyramid Records!

“The players here, both known and unknown, are staggeringly skilled, and the tunes are new and vibrant. Brian Tarquin serves up some crunchy rock with some burning wah work. Each cut has something new and adventurous to add to our listening experience. Guitarists should be in heaven with this one, as it is definitely good to the last drop.” - Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Brian is a very good guitar player and engineer, the “Godfather of Fusion” gives him an A plus! The song that I played on, Tocar Modera, is a beautiful piece of music.” - Larry Coryell

 “The hottest gun slingers around today, all adding up to an exquisite journey fueled by steel and wood...” - Hal Lindes (Dire Straits)

“Tarquin is a great producer...the tunes and performances are first rate.” - Progression Magazine

Buy the CD: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/guitar-masters-collection-cd/

Buy the digital: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/guitar-masters-collection/1354782381?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

Track List:

1. Allan Holdsworth & David Hines - Skippy

2. Larry Coryell & Brian Tarquin - Tocar Modera

3. Steve Vai & Randy Coven - Funk Me Tender

4. Zakk Wylde & Randy Coven - I Wish

5. Stanley Clarke & Joe Satriani - Hair

6. Chris Poland & Brian Tarquin - Tarquinius Maximus

7. Leslie West & Randy Coven - Mother Load

8. Hal Lindes - Ricarda

9. Allan Holdsworth & David Hines - Antilla

10. Billy Sheehan, Doug Doppler & Brian Tarquin - Blue Wind

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of UK's critically acclaimed self-titled debut record released on Polydor in 1978, Eddie Jobson is making this seminal album available on vinyl for the first time since its original release. It will be released on April 21st, and available exclusively to Record Store Day participating retailers worldwide. The record is pressed on 180 gram vinyl, and includes an 8 page full color booklet designed exclusively for this release. The album is remastered from the original tapes located at Abbey Road Studios in London, which is the same master that was used in the now out of print “Ultimate Collector's Edition” box set that compiled all the works of UK's 3 albums, along with rarities, live material and 5.1 versions across 18 discs.

“I'm pleased to recognize the 40th Anniversary of this seminal album with this carefully remastered vinyl release. This is now a legacy recording, made even more significant with the recent passing of both Wetton and Holdsworth, that I hope will represent a benchmark for future musicians.” - Eddie Jobson

The Music

In October 1977 the new supergroup featuring Eddie Jobson, Bill Bruford, John Wetton and Allan Holdsworth entered the rehearsal room, each armed with a panoply of musical ideas. Each song, theme, part or riff was logged in, like a jigsaw piece, and so the organizing and arranging of the individual pieces began. External expectations were high, not just for what these four individual innovators might create together, but because Trident Studios in Soho was already booked to record the results of their highly anticipated collaboration.

The music of UK would be developed over several weeks. Wetton would reintroduce “Thirty Years,” a song first tried out with the Wakeman trio; Bruford brought in some harmonic, but mostly rhythmic ideas. Holdsworth's contributions revolved around his distinctive chord voicings, forming the foundation of such tracks as “Nevermore” and “Mental Medication.” Meanwhile, Jobson - the more formal composer of the group - brought in pages of musical notation that included the entire “In The Dead of Night” suite, minus vocal melody lines, but including “By The Light of Day” and the Zappa-influenced “Presto Vivace,” along with a complete version of “Alaska,” the verse of “Time To Kill” and half of “Nevermore.” The myriad musical ideas were painstakingly stitched together, mainly by Bruford and Jobson, but it would be Wetton's melodic and lyrical sense that would ultimately glue the disparate stylings into something resembling cohesive songs. Notwithstanding the considerable stylistic contributions of Holdsworth and Bruford, with a full sixty percent of the new album material emanating from Jobson's compositions, and with the addition of Wetton's vocal melodies and lyrics, the first UK album truly marked an auspicious beginning to the highly symbiotic Jobson-Wetton writing partnership.Trident Studios, December 1977

The “U.K.” album was recorded over a six-week period. Holdsworth's classic guitar solo on “In The Dead of Night” was created on the fly. Wetton's dense harmonies were carefully overdubbed over the course of many hours. Jobson created the entire electronic section of “Nevermore” on the studio's massive ARP 2500 modular synthesizer. An amalgam of classical, jazz, rock and electronic, the first UK album was considered truly groundbreaking; Rolling Stone magazine called it “The great white hope of progressive music.”

In 2016 Rolling Stone selected the “U.K.” album as one of the Top 30 “best progressive-rock albums of all time.” Though, in a burst of collaborative brilliance, this towering lineup recorded only one album together, the pioneering musicians known as UK have still carved their place in rock history as one of the greatest progressive-rock bands of all time and have left this classic recording as an exemplary standard for future musicians.

The Elements Tour Box was originally devised specifically as a one-off edition for the 2014 King Crimson tour but has since become an in-demand series with subsequent editions in 2015, 16 & 17 becoming firm sellers.

As with previous releases in the series, the full variety of King Crimson’s music can be represented over 2CDs with extracts from rehearsals, new live recordings, elements from studio recordings, full tracks, alternate takes & finished recordings from 1969-2017, many of which make their first appearance on CD. Every line-up is featured across the 2CD set.

The accompanying booklet features sleeve-notes by co-compiler Sid Smith, photos of memorabilia, full info about the current tour & a number of band & individual photos of the now 8 musicians King Crimson line-up.

Disc 1

1 Wind (Extract)

2* The Court of the Crimson King (Instrumental edit section)

3* The Court of the Crimson King (Live 2015)

4   Groon (Take 6)

5* Cirkus (Live 2017)

6   Formentera Lady (Live 1972)

7* Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part I (Live 2016)

8   Doctor Diamond (Live 1973)

9   Red (Live 2016)

10* Discipline (Jakko Jakszyk/Gavin Harrison Demo recording)

11* Neurotica (Live 2017)

12   Funky Jam

13* The Errors (Jakko Jakszyk, Tony Levin & Gavin Harrison Demo recording)

14* Larks' Tongues In Aspic Part IV (Guitars highlighted from original album multi-tracks)

15   Heroes (Radio Edit)

Disc 2

1* Deception of The Thrush (Robert Fripp: Guitar/Soundscape extract)

2   A Scarcity of Miracles (Live 2015)

3   Prelude: Song of the Gulls (Rehearsal Take)

4* Cadence & Cascade (studio recording, Vocal overdub: Jakko Jakszyk)

5   Book of Saturday (Alt. take)

6* Dawn Song (studio recording, Vocal overdub: Jakko Jakszyk)

7* Interlude (Live 2017)

8* Matte Kudasai (Live 1984)

9   Spenta's Counter Claim (Live 2016)

10* The Night Watch (Extract, elements highlighted from original album multi-tracks)

11* Walking on Air (Live 1995)

12   Peace (Live 2015)

13   Islands (Live 2017)

14* Starless (Extract, element highlighted from original album multi-tracks)

15* Deception of The Thrush (Live 1999)

16   I Talk to the Wind (Original album recording sessions)

Tracks marked * previously unreleased on CD

To purchase King Crimson The Elements Tour Box 2018 2CD Set:

https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---the-elements-tour-box-2018-p1752.aspx

This 3CD/1Blu-Ray set features over three and a half hours of material performed during King Crimson's five-night residency at Teatro Metropolitan, Mexico City in July 2017 plus audio extras. The Blu-Ray contains over two hours of multi-camera HD recorded footage, audio soundtrack in 24/48 LPCM, hi-res stereo and 5.1 DTS HD-MA (with 'picture off' mode allowing the music to be heard independently in lossless audio).

Meltdown in Mexico includes, for the first time with this line-up, audio recordings of “Breathless,” “Discipline,” “Moonchild” and Tony and Jeremy's nightly Cadenza improvs. Mixed by King Crimson member Bill Rieflin from full multi track recordings.

King Crimson is a band that continues to defy conventional expectations. As listeners to last year's rush-released official bootleg from June 2017 recorded in Chicago discovered, this band gets better by the year. Given the amount of rehearsals, practicing, constantly expanding repertoire base (nearly six hours' worth of material ready to select from on any given night), wealth of experience among musicians, technicians/sound crew, more comfortable traveling arrangements, better PA systems/mixing desks & the fact that the band is playing, for the most part, in purpose built theatres rather than the more imaginatively named but sonically challenged venues that hosted rock gigs in previous decades, this should come as no surprise. But it does. Perhaps it’s still part of the Rock 'n' Roll myth – the “hope I die before I get old” thought process that seems forever associated with rock music that's proved so difficult to alter. Whatever the reason, the concept of a band maturing, re-inventing itself and being able to present music from a lengthy history in recognizable but ever-changing ways, still with same sense of wonder as if it were newly-written, remains, if not unique, certainly notable.

A few weeks after the Chicago concert, the first part of 2017's tour reached its final destination – five nights of concerts in Mexico City. All of the concerts were recorded and filmed with a view to issuing a definitive document of Crimson live in 2017 and Meltdown is the result of that process. With over two hours of HD filmed performance and three hours of audio, Meltdown offers a comprehensive overview of a band at the very peak of its performing ability.

King Crimson's Meltdown in Mexico will be released on September 28th and will be distributed by Amped Distribution.

Pre-order from: Inner Knot (US) https://shop.schizoidshop.com/featured-items-c12.aspx

For more information: www.dgmlive.com

Being blues/rock icon Johnny Winter's hand-picked touring and recording guitarist is just one of the accolades held by Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson who has also shared the world's stages and/or recorded alongside Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Slash, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Vince Gill, Sonny Landreth, Ben Harper and the list goes on. With appearances on late night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, Nelson a blues hall of fame artist is known for his amazing tone and playing style by an ever growing legion of fans establishing him as one of today's leading modern guitar trendsetters.

Come see why this guitarist's guitarist and band are packing houses on tour now!

PAUL NELSON TOUR DATES  2018-2019

October

10/06/18 - Hygienic Art Park - New London, CT 

10/09/18 - Fanatics Pub - Lima, NY

10/11/18 - Slippery Noodle - Indianapolis, IN

10/12/18 - The Third Base - Springfield, IL

10/14/18 - Buddy Guys - Chicago, IL

10/17/18 - Zoo Bar - Lincoln, NE

10/19/18 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO 

10/20/18 - Corner Bar - Freemont, NE

10/21/18 - Byrons - Pomeroy, IA

10/27/18 - Lizzie Rose Music Room, Trenton, NJ 

November

11/02/18 - Darwins - Sandy Springs, GA

11/03/18 - Hard Rock Cafe - Nashville, TN WDerek St Holmes

11/04/18 - Lafayettes Music Room - Memphis, TN

11/07/18 - Double Road Tavern - Jupiter, FL

11/08/18 - Leroys - Punta Gorda, FL

11/09/18 - The Barrel Room - Fort Myers, FL

11/10/18 - The Alley - Sanford, FL

11/11/18 - The Little Bar - Goodland, FL

11/14/18 - Englewoods on Dearborn - Englewood, FL

11/16/18 - South Street City Oven and Grill - Naples, FL

11/17/18 - The Funky Biscuit - Boca Raton, FL

12/01/18 - Kettle Works - Columbia, PA

12/08/18 - Woodbury Brewing Co - Woodbury, CT

January

02/22/19 - Third Base - Springfield IL

02/23/19 - TC's Bluestage - Napoleon, MI

02/28/19 - Chrome Lounge, Omaha, NE

02/24-31/19 - Johnny Winter Jamaica "Winterfest" - Trelawny, Jamaica w/Sonny Landrecht,Derek St Holmes, Samantha Fish, James Montgomery & All-Star Band

February

03/07/19 - Englewoods On Dearborn, Englewood, FL

03/17/19 - Blues at The Ranch - Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brookville, FL

As part of a series of events and releases for their 50th anniversary, King Crimson's 2019 tour will include special concerts across three continents, including both festivals and headline shows.

Since the band's return to live performance in 2014, with critically acclaimed sell-out shows all over the world including two defining shows at the Roman amphitheatre in Pompeii, previously home to Pink Floyd, the audience has been reinvented, as much as the band itself:

“In Pompeii, a large percentage of the audience was young couples; KC moved into the mainstream in Italy. I walked onstage knowing that this band's position in the world has changed level.” Robert Fripp

With its fiftieth anniversary, it seems that the wider world is finally ready to embrace King Crimson. A process that began with Kanye West's sampling of “21st Century Schizoid Man” for his 2010 hit “Power”, now sees their song “Starless” as the soundtrack to the opening scenes of Nicholas Cage's new 2018 film “Mandy”.

The band's packed three-hour shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many of the songs from their seminal 1969 album “In The Court of the Crimson King”, described by Pete Townshend, as an “uncanny masterpiece”. The new 8-piece line-up plays many historic pieces which Crimson have never played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written”. There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as the compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where eight of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment. 

King Crimson will be playing three shows at the Albert Hall in London in June 2019!

18 June - http://axs.com/uk/events/365703/an-evening-with-king-crimson-tickets?skin=aegpresentsuk

19 June - http://axs.com/uk/events/365704/an-evening-with-king-crimson-tickets?skin=aegpresentsuk

20 June - http://axs.com/uk/events/365705/an-evening-with-king-crimson-tickets?skin=aegpresentsuk

In celebration of 50 years, King Crimson announces 50 Concerts for 2019. The current eight musician line-up will perform 50 concerts across three continents as part of their 2019 Celebration tour.

The band's packed three-hour shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many of the songs from their seminal 1969 album In The Court of the Crimson King, described by Pete Townshend, as an “uncanny masterpiece”. The new 8-piece line-up plays many historic pieces which Crimson have never played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written”. There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as the compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where eight of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment. 

Dates confirmed so far, are as follows:

King Crimson 2019 Tour:

JUN 10, 2019 - HAUS AUENSEE, Leipzig

JUN 12, 2019 - JAHRHUNDERTHALLE, Frankfurt

JUN 13, 2019 - JAHRHUNDERTHALLE, Frankfurt

JUN 15, 2019 - LIEDERHALLE, Stuttgart

JUN 16, 2019 - LIEDERHALLE, Stuttgart

JUN 18, 2019 - ROYAL ALBERT HALL, London

JUN 19, 2019 - ROYAL ALBERT HALL, London

JUN 20, 2019 - ROYAL ALBERT HALL, London

JUN 22, 2019 - DE VEREENIGING, Nijmegen

JUN 23, 2019 - DE VEREENIGING, Nijmegen

JUN 26, 2019 - TEATR ROMA, Warsaw

JUN 27, 2019 - TEATR ROMA, Warsaw

JUN 29, 2019 - ZITADELLE, Berlin

JUL 04, 2019 - ROMISCHES THEATER AUGUSTA RAURICA, Basel

JUL 08, 2019 - ARENA DI VERONA, Verona

JUL 10, 2019 - STUPINIGI SONIC PARK, Torino

JUL 12, 2019 - DOCTOR MUSIC FESTIVAL, Escalarre

JUL 13, 2019 - DOCTOR MUSIC FESTIVAL, Escalarre

JUL 14, 2019 - DOCTOR MUSIC FESTIVAL, Escalarre

JUL 18, 2019 - ARENA SANTA GIULIANA, Perugia

AUG 23, 2019 - TEATRO METROPOLITAN, Mexico City

AUG 24, 2019 - TEATRO METROPOLITAN, Mexico City

AUG 27, 2019 - TEATRO DIANA, Guadalajara

AUG 29, 2019 - TEATRO METROPOLITAN, Mexico City

SEP 03, 2019 - GREEK THEATRE, Los Angeles

SEP 05, 2019 - FOX THEATER, Oakland

SEP 06, 2019 - FOX THEATER, Oakland

SEP 08, 2019 - PARAMOUNT THEATER, Denver

SEP 10, 2019 - AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, Chicago

SEP 12, 2019 - WARNER THEATRE, Washington D.C.

SEP 14, 2019 - BUDWEISER STAGE, Toronto

SEP 17, 2019 - ST DENIS THEATRE, Montreal

SEP 19, 2019 - BOCH CENTER WANG THEATER, Boston

SEP 21, 2019 - RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, New York City

SEP 23, 2019 - THE MET, Philidelphia

SEP 25, 2019 - HARD ROCK ROCKSINO, Cleveland

SEP 27, 2019 - THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM, Nashville

SEP 29, 2019 - THE COBB CENTER, Atlanta

OCT 06, 2019 - SUNSET STAGE ROCK IN RIO - Rio de Janeiro

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, UK music legends Strawbs, plus a host of guest performers, former Strawbs, and Strawbs-related artists, will be performing at the Strand Theater in Lakewood, NJ on April 26-28, 2019!

Come join a weekend celebration of the first album release by seminal British band Strawbs!

Strawbs are Britain's most successful international progressive folk-rock band. They are mentioned in the same breath as progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson and The Moody Blues. Strawbs have a devoted fan base that continues to grow on the strength of their incredible live performances together with their classic albums over the years including “Grave New World”, “Bursting at the Seams”, “Hero & Heroine” and “Ghosts.” The band has achieved sales of over three million albums, seven consecutive Strawbs albums have featured in the US Billboard Top 200 albums.

Many top musicians have featured in the Strawbs line up over the years, including Sonjia Kristina, Blue Weaver, Don Airey and as well as Rick Wakeman , both his classically trained sons Adam and Oliver have been featured, a certain compliment to the band's talent. After several years of touring in both acoustic and electric lineups, in 2017 Strawbs released “The Ferryman's Curse,” their first studio album of original material in eight years. The album returned to the album charts and garnered rave reviews worldwide!

The current Strawbs line-up comprises David Cousins, lead guitarist Dave Lambert, bass player Chas Cronk, and drummer Tony Fernandez, who recorded and toured together in the 1970s. They are joined by keyboard and guitar virtuoso Dave Bainbridge of Iona - a band who created a mystical blend of rock, folk, Celtic and ambient music - a perfect match for Strawbs.

The Bucket List is the collective effort of guitar extraordinaire Phil Keaggy, legendary bassist Tony Levin and rhythm master Jerry Marotta featuring 12 original instrumentals that showcase the strengths of these three musicians.

Having recorded over 60 albums since the late 1960’s, Phil Keaggy is one of the most admired guitarists in the Contemporary Christian music world. Phil’s talents have earned him two Grammy nominations as well as being a seven-time recipient of the GMA Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year.

How many musicians can claim they recorded/toured with King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Yes, and let’s not forget John Lennon? Bassist and Stick player Tony Levin can and that’s barely scratching the surface of his musical biography. When Tony’s not bouncing between King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, he’s usually found on the road with The Stick Men.

For over a decade, Tony along with drummer Jerry Marotta were the rhythm section for the classic Peter Gabriel years. Jerry’s unique percussion style has graced the music of Paul McCartney, Hall & Oats, Elvis Costello, The Indigo Girls and so many others. These days, Jerry never takes a break working with The Security Project, The Marotta Brothers Band, The Fragile Fate and Flav Martin.

The genesis of this super trio can be traced back over ten years ago when Phil, Tony and Jerry first met in Woodstock for an impromptu jam session that lead to a live show and a whole lot of improvisation left in the can. Over the years the material was revisited and reworked then left to age in the barrel a little longer.

Fast forward to 2018, the recordings are given a fresh breath of air plus added tracks to formulate a collection of actual songs. The end result is executive producer Paul Grimsland finally getting to tick off a box of his Bucket List. Like a fine wine, The Bucket List has been aged to perfection and is ready for consumption from an audience thirsting for this musical delight.

To kick off the release of The Bucket List, Phil, Tony and Jerry aka KLM have several very special shows planned to showcase the album. Don’t miss KLM live in concert as this may be your only chance to cross these performances off your Bucket List.

On Tour 2019

02/28 - Bearsville Theater - Woodstock, NY

03/01 - Daryl’s House Club - Pawling, NY

03/05 - Sellersville Theater - Sellersville, PA 

The Pineapple Thief will be heading out on an eagerly anticipated tour of North America in November 2019. The band now complete with full-time drummer Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree) will be heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada for the first time ever.

Frontman Bruce Soord says: “People have been clamouring for us to bring our show to North America since I can remember. We've completed 4 tours of Europe with this lineup with Gavin. And now we are finally able to bring it over the pond. I for one cannot wait!”

Tour Dates:

Nov 19 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

Nov 20 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre

Nov 21 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

Nov 22 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer

Nov 23 - New York City, NY - Sony Hall

Nov 24 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair

Nov 26 - Quebec City, Canada - Palais Montcalm

Nov 27 - Montreal, Canada - Corona Theatre 

Nov 28 - Toronto, Canada - Mod Club

Nov 29 – Cleveland, OH -  Beachland Ballroom

Nov 30 – Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom

Dec 1 – Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge

Dec 3 – Guadalajara, Mexico - C3 Stage

Dec 4 - Mexico City, Mexico -  Lunario del Auditorio Nacional

Dec 6 – Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre

Dec 8 – Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom

Dec 9 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre

Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's

Dec 12 – Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre

Dec 13 – Vancouver, BC, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre

Dec 14 – Seattle, WA - Neumos

Available as a pre-order now, the 2019 tour box will be available for general purchase at the end of June, as well as all of the 50 King Crimson live shows this year. The popular 2CD set covers all era of King Crimson with extracts from rehearsals, new live recordings, elements from studio recordings, full tracks, alternate takes & finished recordings from 1969-2018, many of which make their first appearance on CD. 

Pre-order link 

Inner Knot (US) https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---the-elements-tour-box-2019-p1800.aspx

The Elements tour box was originally devised specifically as a one-off edition for the 2014 King Crimson tour but has since become an in-demand series with subsequent editions in 2015, 16 & 17 becoming firm sellers. The accompanying booklet features sleeve-notes by co-compiler Sid Smith, photos of memorabilia, full info about the current tour & a number of band & individual photos of the current King Crimson line-up.

Full track listing 

Disc 1

1 Wind [extract] 1969, Wessex Studios, London. In The Court Of The Crimson King recording sessions.

2 21st Century Schizoid Man [Instrumental] From In The Court Of The Crimson King recording sessions.

3 Cadence and Cascade [Four vocalists] (Fripp, Sinfield) Original recording 1970 Wessex

Studios, London with vocal by Gordon Haskell (1970), Greg Lake, (1970), Adrian Belew (1991) Jakko Jakszyk,

(2017) From KC50 download series www.dgmlive.com 

4 Catfood [Keith Tippett, Piano] 1970 Wessex Studios, London. In The Wake Of Poseidon recording sessions. 

From www.dgmlive.com Stormy Monday Selection.

5 Pictures Of A City [Robert Fripp, guitars] In The Wake Of Poseidon recording sessions. From www.dgmlive.com 

6 Lizard Suite Live at Centre Videotron, Quebec City, July 7, 2017. From Lizard Blu-ray disc, Sailors’ Tales boxed set. 

7 The Letters Live at State Theatre, Minneapolis, June 26, 2017. Previously released on 2017 Royal Package CD set. 

8 The Talking Drum Live at the Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, October 1, 2014. Previously released on 2017 Royal Package CD set.

9 Fracture [mostly drums mix] January 1974 AIR Studios, London. From Starless And Bible Black recording sessions. From www.dgmlive.com Stormy Monday Selection.

10 Starless [Mellotron extract] Red recording sessions. From www.dgmlive.com Stormy Monday Selection. 

11 Red Live at Falkoner, Copenhagen, September 23, 2016. Previously released on 2017 Royal Package CD set. 

12 Indiscipline Live at Teatro Metropolitan, Mexico City, July, 2017. From Meltdown: Live in Mexico. 

13 Neurotica Live at Chicago Theater, Chicago, June 28, 2017. From Live in Chicago. 

14 Three Of A Perfect Pair Live at Nokia Theater, New York, August 2008. Taken from Heaven & Earth boxed set.

Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 previously unreleased on CD

Disc 2

1 Inner Garden [complete] 1994, Real World, Bath. THRAK recording sessions. Taken from the JurassiKc THRAK CD in the THRAK boxed set. 

ProjeKcts Suite:

2 4 ii 1[ProjeKct One] Live at the Jazz Cafe, London, December 4, 1997. Taken from Heaven & Earth boxed set.

3 VROOOM [ProjeKct Two] Live at Pearl Street, Northampton, July 1, 1998. From the Heaven & Earth boxed set ProjeKcts Vol.2 Blu-ray disc.

4 Seizure [ProjeKct Three] Live at Antone's, Austin, March 25, 1999. From the Heaven & Earth boxed set ProjeKcts Vol.1 Blu-ray disc.

5 ProjeKction [ProjeKct Four] Live at the Crystal Ballroom, Portland, October 30, 1998. From the Heaven & Earth boxed set ProjeKcts Vol.1 Blu-ray disc.

6 The ConstruKction Of Light Live at the Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, November 26, 2015. Previously released on 2017 Royal Package CD set.

Sus-Tayn-Z Suite:

7 Sus-Tayn-Z I

8 Sus-Tayn-Z II

9 Sus-Tayn-Z III

August 2002, The Tracking Room, Nashville. The Power To Believe recording sessions.

Taken from The Power To Believe Tour Box (2003).

10 The Light of Day (Jakszyk, Fripp, Collins) November 25, 2009 DGM Soundworld, Silesia

Sound. A Scarcity of Miracles recording sessions. From www.dgmlive.com Stormy Monday Selection.

Radical Action Suite:

11 Radical Action I (Fripp) Live at Auditorium Cavea, Rome, July 22, 2018. From the forthcoming

Live in Rome album. 

12 Radical Action III (Fripp) Live at Auditorium Cavea, Rome, July 22, 2018. From the forthcoming

Live in Rome album. 

13 Level 5 (Belew, Fripp, Gunn, Mastelotto) Live at Auditorium Cavea, Rome, July 22, 2018.

From the forthcoming Live in Rome album.

Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 previously unreleased on CD

In celebration of The Beatles 50th Anniversary of the White Album, Flower Power Concerts, Inc presents It Was Fifty Years Ago Today - Tour 2019 - A Tribute To The Beatles' White Album feat. Christopher Cross, Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Joey Molland (Badfinger)! Musical Director: Joey Curatolo (the musical director of RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles).

Performing their greatest hits along with songs from The Beatles White Album!

Tour Dates:

Sept 21 - Atlantic City, NJ - Golden Nugget

Sept 28 - Akron, OH - Akron Civic Theatre

Sept 29 - Danville, KY - Norton Center

Oct 1 - St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theater

Oct 2 - Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater

Oct 5 - Beverly, MA - Cabot Theater

Oct 6 - Concord, NH - Capitol Center For The Arts

Oct 7 - Orono, ME - Collins Center For The Arts

Oct 8 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse

Oct 10 - Staten Island, NY - St. George Theater

Oct 11 - Boston, MA - Berklee PAC

Oct 12 - Westbury, NY - Theatre @ Westbury

Oct 13 - Morristown, NJ - Mayo PAC

Oct 15 - Glenside, PA - Keswick Theatre

Oct 17 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Theater

Oct 18 - New London, CT - Garde Arts Center

Oct 20 - Washington, DC - Warner Theatre

(Additional shows to be announced soon!)

Back in 1969, King Crimson made its reputation as a live band – initially with the hipsters, scene setters & other musicians who frequented the likes of the Speakeasy & The Marquee in London, then, more broadly, with a breakthrough gig to a vast mainstream audience as guests on the bill with The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park in July of that year. So it’s appropriate that the current incarnation of King Crimson was to be found just opposite the entrance to Hyde Park at the end of June 2019 almost 50 years on from that concert, playing a trio of packed gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.

Then, as now, it’s the live performance that’s key to the band.

The current line-up - the longest surviving in Crimson’s half century of existence – started touring in September 2014 & hasn’t stopped since. Now routinely spoken of in terms of ‘best live band in the world’, the band’s reputation has been further enhanced via a series of live releases beginning with the “Live at the Orpheum” mini-album (2015) & running to last year’s 3CD/Blu-Ray “Meltdown” set, drawn from a series of concerts in Mexico in 2017.

With a vast repertoire covering material from the debut album “In the Court of the Crimson King” (including ‘Moonchild’ which was never performed in 1969) through to works from “Lizard” which, likewise, was never performed at the time, Crim classics from “Islands”, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic”, “Red” & other studio albums, through to compositions from Fripp’s solo album “Exposure” (‘Breathless’), radical reinterpretations of 80s material (‘Neurotica’, ‘Indiscipline’), to songs from the current KC band precursor album by Jakszyk, Fripp Collins (‘A Scarcity of Miracles’, ‘The Light of Day’) and newly written pieces for this line-up, (‘Meltdown’, ‘Radical Action’), this 5CD set provides a comprehensive overview of 5 years’ worth of concerts – one year per CD – with performances selected from that first concert in Albany New York in 2014, to the band’s penultimate 2018 concert in Tokyo.

CD1 is fully mixed from multi-track tapes by Robert Fripp & Jakko Jakszyk, while the other 4 CDs are taken from the band’s stereo soundboard recordings, the most accurate recorded representation of the live band in the opinion/ears of many of the band’s hardcore fans.

Packaged in a rigid slipcase featuring artwork from the beloved and dearly missed Francesca Sundsten, containing 3 gatefold sleeves containing the 5 individual CDs, plus a 24-page full color booklet with previously unseen photographs.

“Audio Diary 2014 - 2018”

TRACKLISTING

CD ONE (2014)

HOODOO 

LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC, PART ONE 

A SCARCITY OF MIRACLES 

LEVEL FIVE 

ONE MORE RED NIGHTMARE 

INTERLUDE 

BANSHEE LEGS BELL HASSLE 

THE TALKING DRUM 

21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN 

THE LIGHT OF DAY

CD TWO (2015)

RADICAL ACTION I/MELTDOWN 

INTERLUDE 

SAILOR’S TALE 

THE LETTERS 

THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING 

STARLESS 

EASY MONEY 

PICTURES OF A CITY 

SUITABLE GROUNDS FOR THE BLUES 

THE CONSTRUKCTION OF LIGHT 

LEVEL FIVE 

CD THREE (2016) 

LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC, PART TWO 

EPITAPH 

DEVIL DOGS OF TESSELLATION ROW 

RED 

BANSHEE LEGS BELL HASSLE 

CIRKUS 

RADICAL ACTION II 

PICTURES OF A CITY 

PEACE 

LARKS’ TONGUES IN ASPIC, PART ONE 

EASY MONEY 

21ST CENTURY SCHIZOID MAN

CD FOUR (2017)

CIRKUS 

STARLESS 

THE LETTERS 

HEROES 

INTERLUDE 

LAST SKIRMISH 

INDISCIPLINE 

DAWN SONG 

PRINCE RUPERT’S LAMENT 

THE ERRORS 

FALLEN ANGEL 

NEUROTICA 

ISLANDS

CD FIVE (2018)

THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING 

SUITABLE GROUNDS FOR THE BLUES 

PICTURES OF A CITY 

MELTDOWN 

BOLERO 

RADICAL ACTION 

ONE MORE RED NIGHTMARE 

MOONCHILD 

EASY MONEY 

LEVEL FIVE 

PEACE 

CADENCE AND CASCADE 

BREATHLESS

To pre-order: https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson-live-2014-2018-audio-diary-p1812.aspx

Distributed in North America by Amped Distribution.

Catch King Crimson's North American tour:

SEP 03, 2019 - GREEK THEATRE, Los Angeles

SEP 05, 2019 - FOX THEATER, Oakland

SEP 06, 2019 - FOX THEATER, Oakland

SEP 08, 2019 - PARAMOUNT THEATER, Denver

SEP 10, 2019 - AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY, Chicago

SEP 12, 2019 - WARNER THEATRE, Washington D.C.

SEP 14, 2019 - BUDWEISER STAGE, Toronto

SEP 17, 2019 - ST DENIS THEATRE, Montreal

SEP 19, 2019 - BOCH CENTER WANG THEATER, Boston

SEP 21, 2019 - RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, New York City

SEP 23, 2019 - THE MET, Philidelphia

SEP 25, 2019 - HARD ROCK ROCKSINO, Cleveland

SEP 27, 2019 - THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM, Nashville

SEP 29, 2019 - THE COBB CENTER, Atlanta

Recorded in 1969 “In The Court Of The Crimson King” stands as one of the defining albums of British rock music & one of the finest debut albums of all time. Described at the time as “an uncanny masterpiece” by Pete Townshend, the album has achieved legendary status over the years. Fifty years on, the album is one of the most beloved & revered in the rock music canon. 

The 50th anniversary edition features:

Blu-Ray: First time on Blu-Ray for this iconic album with all new mixes in stereo & 5.1, original album mixes and a multitude of extras all in Hi-Resolution.

CDs: 3 CDs present the 2019 mixes in stereo & instrumental forms, an expanded alternate album and the original album mix – also with additional tracks.

Packaged in two gatefold sleeves with  booklet in a rigid exterior slipcase

Blu-Ray features all-new, 2019, 5.1 & stereo mixes by Steven Wilson, approved by Robert Fripp in 24/96 resolution – the first time the album has appeared in 5.1 at 24/96 resolution. Blu-Ray also features the original master edition of the 1969 album mix in 24/96 stereo. Blu-Ray also features a complete alternate album comprising 2019 mixes by Steven Wilson

A further album's worth of additional material drawn from studio takes – much of it mixed by Steven Wilson & including extracts from the 'wind session' that produced the intro to 21CSM in stereo for the first time, the single a/b sides of the album title track drawn, for the first time since on disc, from the original master tapes & more are also included.

The Blu-Ray is completed by a set of 2019 instrumental mixes and the surviving fragment of black & white footage from Hyde Park in 1969

This set marks the first appearance of the album on Blu-Ray completing the availability of all King Crimson studio albums on the format.

CD1 presents the album in its 2019 stereo mix – along with the 2019 instrumental takes (with 'Moonchild' edited to song length)
CD2 presents an expanded edition of the alternate album from the Blu-Ray
CD3 features the original master edition of the 1969 mix plus additional tracks

Presented as a 2 x gatefold sleeve edition containing the individual CDs plus booklet with new sleeve-notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith packed in a rigid slipcase. Artwork derived from the original paintings, as meticulously restored, for the limited edition full sized, signed prints

All material on this set will also feature on the forthcoming “Complete 1969 Sessions” – the eighth boxed set in the series documenting King Crimson's studio & live recordings from 1969 onwards.

The Alternate album appears, quite deliberately, in slightly different track-listings on the Blu-Ray & CD (& on the accompanying double vinyl set). The aim on the Blu-Ray was to provide a fully sequenced listen that closely resembled the original album running order. This was extended on the CD, gathering many of the new mixes on one disc & revised again to make for a satisfying listen on vinyl.

In common with all other King Crimson studio albums in the format, the 5.1 mixes are being made available in this affordable set rather than being held over exclusively for larger expensive boxed sets, a practice that limits the availability of the music in multichannel audio to the detriment of artists and fans alike.

In the 50 years since its release “In The Court of the Crimson King” has never been out of print or unavailable in any of the world's main music markets & continues to enjoy consistently high sales.

Blu-Ray NTSC, Zone ABC, playable on all BD players & drives

2019 5.1 mixes

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 Epitaph
4 Moonchild
5 The Court of the Crimson King

Additional track

6 I Talk to the Wind (duo version)

Mixed by Steven Wilson

Original Master Edition

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 Epitaph
4 Moonchild
5 The Court of the Crimson King

Produced by King Crimson

Alternate Album

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 I Talk to the Wind
4 Epitaph
5 Epitaph
6 Moonchild
7 The Court of the Crimson King

1 Morgan studios June 1969 take with Greg Lake vocal overdubs from Wessex August 1969 &  
            Mel Collins & Jakko Jakszyk August 2019 overdubs
2 Alternate 2019 mix
3 Duo version, full length master, 2019 mix
4 Vocals isolated/highlighted, 2019 mix
5 Alt take – 2019 mix
6 Take 1, 2019 mix
7 Morgan studios, June 1969 take, 2019 mix

Mixed by Steven Wilson except 1, 4 mixed by David Singleton

Additional material

1 Wind Session
2 21st Century Schizoid Man
3 I Talk to the Wind
4 Epitaph
5 Moonchild
6 The Court of the Crimson King
7 21st Century Schizoid Man
8 The Court of the Crimson King (part 1)
9 The Court of the Crimson King (part 2)

1 2019 stereo mix
2 Trio version, 2019 mix
3 Studio run through, 2019 mix
4 Backing track, 2019 mix
5 Album edit, 2009 mix
6 Take 3, 2009 mix
7 Morgan studios take, June 1969
8, 9 Single a/b side, 1969

Mixed by Steven Wilson 1 – 6, Mixed by King Crimson 7 – 9

2019 Instrumental mixes

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 Epitaph
4 Moonchild
5 The Court of the Crimson King

Mixed by Steven Wilson

Video: 21csm extract Hyde Park 1969

CD 1 2019 stereo mixes & instrumental mixes

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 Epitaph
4 Moonchild
5 The Court of the Crimson King
6 21st Century Schizoid Man
7 I Talk to the Wind
8 Epitaph
9 Moonchild (edit)
10 The Court of the Crimson King

1 - 10 mixed by Steven Wilson

CD 2 Alternate Album, expanded edition

1 Wind Session
2 21st Century Schizoid Man
3 I Talk to the Wind
4 I Talk to the Wind
5 Epitaph
6 Epitaph
7 Moonchild
8 The Court of the Crimson King
9 21st Century Schizoid Man

1 Wind Session, 2019 stereo mix
2 Morgan studios June 1969 take with Greg Lake vox overdubs from Wessex August 1969 &    
            Mel Collins/Jakko Jakszyk August 2019 overdubs
3 Alternate 2019 mix
4 Duo version, full length master, 2019 mix
5 Vocals isolated/highlighted, 2019 mix
6 Alt take - 2019 mix
7 Take 1, 2019 mix
8 Morgan studios, June 1969 take, 2019 mix
9 Trio version, 2019 mix

Mixed by Steven Wilson except 2, 5 mixed by David Singleton

CD 3 Original Master Edition, expanded

1 21st Century Schizoid Man
2 I Talk to the Wind
3 Epitaph
4 Moonchild
5 The Court of the Crimson King
6 21st Century Schizoid Man
7 I Talk to the Wind
8 Epitaph
9 The Court of the Crimson King (single a side)
10 The Court of the Crimson King (single b side)

1 to 5 Original master edition produced by King Crimson
Mastered by Simon Heyworth
6 Morgan studios instrumental take, 1969, produced by King Crimson
7 studio run through, 2019 mix by Steven Wilson
8 Backing track, 2019 mix by Steven Wilson
9/10 Original single master

To pre-order:

https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---in-the-court-of-the-crimson-king-50th-anniversary-blu-ray-edition-p1815.aspx  

Distributed in North America by Amped Distribution.

Catch King Crimson's North American tour:

SEP 14, 2019 - BUDWEISER STAGE, Toronto

SEP 17, 2019 - ST DENIS THEATRE, Montreal

SEP 19, 2019 - BOCH CENTER WANG THEATER, Boston

SEP 21, 2019 - RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, New York City

SEP 23, 2019 - THE MET, Philidelphia

SEP 25, 2019 - HARD ROCK ROCKSINO, Cleveland

SEP 27, 2019 - THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM, Nashville

SEP 29, 2019 - THE COBB CENTER, Atlanta

Madfish proudly present the ultimate box set of Gentle Giant music. Highly regarded in the prog-rock world for the 12 albums they released between 1970 and 1980, this comprehensive set sees the band’s catalogue augmented by 15 new concert albums: seven never previously released, seven never previously officially released and one never previously released on CD. The 30-disc total also includes two posthumous live/outtake albums and a Blu-ray bonus disc. Also included are books, posters, replica promotional items and much more.

Watch the boxset trailer: https://youtu.be/xlGEKIAyVJo

Giant emerged from the ashes of chart hitmakers Simon Dupree and the Big Sound to become standard-bearers of the Seventies progressive movement. Their career often paralleled Genesis, their neighbours in the record racks, but while they frequently fought shy of commerciality – largely due to their pop past – and paid the price in sales terms, their uncompromising attitude won them a strong following in continental Europe.

They also enjoyed cult status in the States. When Frank Zappa was asked in 1978 who he was currently listening to, he namechecked Queen and Gentle Giant. (Coincidentally, Roy Thomas Baker not only engineered Giant’s earliest sessions but went on to produce the iconic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.)   

Strictly limited to 2,000 copies, this lavishly presented collection is clad in Bob Venables’ new artwork, based on the iconic sleeve created by illustrator and Bowie alumnus George Underwood for the band’s Vertigo label debut in 1970. That full album has been remixed for this release’s Blu-ray disc by prolific rock musician Steven Wilson, whose reputation for remixing prog-rock classics in recent years is second to none. The remix is available in high resolution 96/24 Stereo LPCM, 96/24 5.1 surround LPCM and DTS-HD 5.1 surround mixes, and the instrumental mixes for every track are also included.

The foundation of the set is the dozen albums officially released during Gentle Giant’s 11 years as a recording act – but, for all their studio skills, Giant’s musical abilities were given freest rein on stage. Yet only one live album, 1977’s double vinyl Playing The Fool, was issued in their lifetime, so fans will be in seventh heaven at the prospect of 15 unreleased sets. Covering almost every period of the band’s existence, they allow the individual members’ multi-instrumental abilities to be appreciated to their fullest extent.

Arrangements were changed and refined from tour to tour, including many segues and medleys, so these concert recordings offer year-by-year evidence of the band’s progression. All the music, live and studio, has been remastered by Pete Reynolds, acclaimed for his work on the Wishbone Ash box of 2018.

The audio experience is enhanced by a magnificent 136-page coffee table book. This combines rare photographs and memorabilia with a painstakingly researched history by Alan Kinsman. A fan for 45 years, he has achieved the near impossible by interviewing all members of the band in depth, including Phil Shulman who left brothers Derek and Ray to pilot the band in 1973 after providing much of the initial impetus. The result is a must-read that will unlock many mysteries, clear up misunderstandings and finally give the music the context it deserves.

The Keith Emerson Estate is pleased to announce the completion and release of the music transcriptions book that Keith Emerson had been approving at the time of his passing.

The 25 transcriptions were created by a group of fans of the late composer’s work, and began as just the compositions on the ‘Emerson Plays Emerson’ album, before the book was expanded to include other works including “Piano Concerto No 1.”

The Emerson Estate would like to thank Jean Casavant and Gianfelice Riccardi for leading the groups of fans preparing these transcriptions. The Emerson Estate has commissioned its own quality control of the transcriptions and approved this book.

The book features a foreword adapted from Emerson’s emails about the project and a previously unpublished poem about composing which gives us an insight into Emerson’s mind.

Part of the late Keith Emerson’s foreword reads “So imagine my delight when news reached me that people had felt moved enough by my compositions to create transcriptions of them! Hopefully the “Emerson Plays Emerson” transcriptions will, in some small way, be useful to the next generation of composers to play and practice upon. I am humbled.”

The book is exclusively available as an Amazon Print-on-Demand book via the below link: https://geni.us/EPlaysEtranscriptions

The ‘Emerson Plays Emerson’ album continues to be available via the below links:

Amazon CD: https://geni.us/EplaysE

iTunes: https://geni.us/KE002dig

GooglePlay: https://geni.us/EPlaysEGP

Spotify: https://geni.us/EPlaysESpotify

The Pineapple Thief will be heading out on an eagerly anticipated tour of North America in November 2019. The band, now complete with full-time drummer Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree) will be heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada for the first time ever.

Frontman Bruce Soord says: “People have been clamoring for us to bring our show to North America since I can remember. We've completed 4 tours of Europe with this lineup with Gavin. And now we are finally able to bring it over the pond. I for one cannot wait!”

More details, tickets & VIP upgrades: http://www.pineapplethief.com/tour

Tour Dates:

Nov 19 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse

Nov 20 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre

Nov 21 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

Nov 22 - Philadelphia, PA -  Union Transfer

Nov 23 - New York City, NY - Sony Hall

Nov 24 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair

Nov 26 - Quebec City, Canada - Palais Montcalm

Nov 27 - Montreal, Canada - Corona Theatre 

Nov 28 - Toronto, Canada - Mod Club

Nov 29 – Cleveland, OH -  Beachland Ballroom

Nov 30 – Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom

Dec 1 – Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge

Dec 3 – Guadalajara, Mexico - C3 Stage

Dec 4 - Mexico City, Mexico -  Lunario del Auditorio Nacional

Dec 6 – Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre

Dec 8 – Mesa, AZ - Club Red

Dec 9 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre

Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's

Dec 12 – Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre

Dec 13 – Vancouver, BC, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre

Dec 14 – Seattle, WA - Neumos

Bill Bruford was the drummer with Yes and King Crimson before he moved to jazz with his band Earthworks. Heavenly Bodies – The Expanded Collection takes 23 tracks from the ‘Earthworks Complete’ Deluxe box set to present a tidy overview of the band’s 20-year history in a double CD.

Bruford says: “Heavenly Bodies - The Expanded Collection serves as the ideal ‘beginners’ guide’ for newcomers to the band. Progressive Jazz isn’t a million miles from Progressive Rock: both genres prioritize change from inside and out. People would come away from our gigs saying “I didn’t think I liked jazz, but if that’s jazz, I love it!” Heavenly Bodies - The Expanded Collection is the perfect jumping-off point to dip your toes in the water.”

Heavenly Bodies – The Expanded Collection can be ordered here: https://geni.us/BBSF029CD

All audio, visual and print materials for this compilation were sourced and curated by Bill Bruford and the package comes with additional original artwork by award-winning illustrator, photographer and filmmaker Dave McKean.

Robert Fripp’s Introduction To The Guitar Circle is a four-day-long event for guitar players and music-lovers of all levels, interests, and tastes. Whether you are a master player, a beginner, or just an enthusiastic fan, our four-day programs offer activities and workshops for you. The environment is strictly non-competitive and is about immersing oneself in the joys of music and our lovely Fall Foliage surroundings of Saratoga Springs, NY! Robert Fripp’s Introduction To The Guitar Circle will only be open to participants who are 18 or older.

Some of the activities at this event will include:

Introduction to the New Standard Tuning

Working in a Guitar Circle

How to Play Schizoid Man!

The Right Hand

The Left Hand

Fingerboard Exercises

Counting and Rhythm

How to Make and Recover from Mistakes

Proper Posture

The Practice of Doing Nothing

The Alexander Technique

Tai Chi

Meditation and Mindfulness

Walking Meditation

Audience Craft

SCHEDULE & ITINERARY

Our full schedule will be announced in the spring, but every day will be filled with classes, workshops, concerts, and personal instruction led by Robert and his team of coaches and musicians. Listed below is an example of a typical day.

TYPICAL DAY

7:00am – 7:45am

Morning sitting (led by Robert)

8:00am – 9:30am

Breakfast and Q&A (for Robert and staff)

10:00am – 11:00am

Multiple Breakout Sessions #1

11:15am – 12:15pm

Multiple Breakout Sessions #2

12:30pm – 1:00pm

Tai Chi or wellness workshop

1:00pm – 2:30pm

Lunch and Q&A (for Robert and staff)

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Multiple Breakout Sessions #3

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Tea time and Q&A (for Robert and staff)

5:15pm – 6:15pm

Multiple Breakout Sessions #4

6:30pm – 7:00pm

Tai Chi or wellness workshop

7:00pm – 8:30pm

Dinner and Q&A (for Robert and staff)

9:00pm – 11:00pm

House of Guitars, Concert or some other activity involving everyone

During Robert Fripp’s Introduction to the Guitar Circle, nothing is compulsory but some things are necessary. Robert feels strongly that alcohol and drug use are incompatible with this work and are strongly discouraged. Hey, the anticipated polyrhythms* alone are enough to deter anyone from even thinking about drinking! So, any participant who partakes in drugs or alcohol during the event may be asked to forego participating in our activities. Thank you for your cooperation.

*Polyrhythms: The simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition. Rhythmic conflicts, or cross-rhythms, may occur within a single metre (e.g., two eighth notes against triplet eighths or worse!) and may even be reinforced by simultaneous combinations of conflicting metres. You will happily experience some of these during Robert’s event!

FEATURED ARTISTS

ROBERT FRIPP

Guitarists and More

Featuring members of the League of Crafty Guitarists, Orchestra of Crafty Guitarists, The California Guitar Trio, a host of wellness and lifestyle coaches and more!

For more information: https://robertfrippsguitarcircle.com

Gentle Giant is happy to announce the release of the first 4 albums on vinyl April 3rd.

After the positive response to the box set “Unburied Treasure” many fans asked whether the vinyl albums would ever be available. The band has responded and decided to make these albums officially available for the first time in decades.

The band’s first album “Gentle Giant” was first released in October 1970. Produced by Tony Visconti it marks the 50th Anniversary of the recording and live appearances of the band. Tony Visconti produced the follow up album “Acquiring The Taste” in 1971.

The band oversaw the production of the third album “Three Friends” in 1972 and was the first official release in North America. Strangely the N.A. version featured the artwork from the U.K. “Gentle Giant” album.

This album was followed up with their milestone album “Octopus” in 1972. Once again the North American artwork was different to the Roger Dean U.K. version and featured a dye cut Octopus in a jar.

Released on the Alucard label, the albums will be manufactured in 180 gram vinyl with the original gatefold artwork from the U.K.

The band hopes that their friends, followers and fans will enjoy these albums in their original form 50 years later!

For more information:

Twitter: @GGIANTMUSIC

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

Instagram: @gentlegiantband

King Crimson will be playing one tour this year in USA and Canada during June and July 2020. Except for shows such as the Ottawa Blues Festival, all the dates will be double bills with the Zappa Band.

“The Summer tour will be a throwback one for us in a few ways; great to be going back to outdoor venues, some of them the ‘sheds’ we played in the 1980’s. And we’ll be travelling by tour bus, old school! As for what pieces we’ll play, that hasn’t been decided yet, but will likely be a wide selection from the 50 years of Crimson repertoire. With 7 players on stage we can cover it all.” - Tony Levin

Since King Crimson's return to live performance in 2014, with critically acclaimed sell-out shows all over the world their three-hour shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many of the songs from their seminal 1969 album In The Court of the Crimson King, described by Pete Townshend, as an “uncanny masterpiece”. The new 7-piece line-up plays many historic pieces which Crimson have never played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written”. There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as the compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where seven of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment.

Tour dates:

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/ 

Invisible is the second solo album by California born but Indiana based drummer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nick D’Virgilio and comes almost two decades after his debut solo offering. D’Virgilio describes his new record as: “a collection of songs that make up the story of a man who is unhappy with where his life has ended up. He finally decides to take the scary step of leaving everything behind so he can go and find the meaning of his life,” before continuing: “Throughout my career I have been in many different places. Over time the word ‘invisible’ kept coming to mind and it got me thinking of people that truly had the hardest jobs in the world, or no job at all. The outliers. The ones we all take for granted. The ones we will never know but if they were not there then our lives would not be the nearly the same. Over time I amassed lyric and song ideas with the idea of writing a concept record on the subject.”

Keen to establish that: “This is not your typical drummer record,” D’Virgilio describes Invisible as “a rock record with various musical flavours thrown in because the songs were formed with the story in mind. A classical prelude that uses various themes from the whole piece sets the stage. From there comes a mellow ballad outlining the story and then it is onto the adventures of the central character. The main thing making this record did for me was to reaffirm my strong belief that we are all here for something. We all have a purpose.”

With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).

Watch “Where’s the Passion” lyric video: https://youtu.be/yf1o4l69ORY

Nick D’Virgilio’s “Where’s the Passion” lyric video and NDV’s new website are both scheduled to go live on Friday May 1st at 9am PST / noon EST, 5pm UK, 6pm central European.

Hot on the heels of the first single release, “Old Time Used To Be,” from Joe Louis Walker’s forthcoming new album, Blues Comin’ On, comes the second single release, the superb title track. And just like the debut single featured a collaboration with fellow modern blues icon Keb’ Mo’, “Blues Comin’ On” the single offers an even bigger and more brilliant partnership with not one but TWO featured guests, blues guitar hero Eric Gales and superstar singer, The Wanderer himself, Dion! While Joe & Dion cover vocal and rhythm guitar duties, Gales take the lead, offering up some stellar riffs that add both flavor and vibrancy to the verses as well as a smokin’ hot solo. Walker & Gales even participated in a special quarantine-style video shoot for the song, filming themselves separately while Dion joined in spirit.

Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/uBjXj5SXJQY

Walker had this to say about the track, “It’s great to have so many groundbreaking artists perform on this album. But it’s always special when Eric Gales contributes his guitar genius. It takes the song to another level!”

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/blues-comin-on-single1

Purchase the album: https://orcd.co/blues-comin-on

Track List:

1. Feed the Poor feat. Jorma Kaukonen

2. Blues Comin’ On feat. Eric Gales & Dion

3. Someday, Someway feat. Carla Cooke & Lee Oskar

4. The Thang feat. Jesse Johnson

5. Old Time Used To Be feat. Keb’ Mo’

6. Come Back Home feat. Mitch Ryder

7. Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man feat. Waddy Wachtel

8. Awake Me Shake Me feat. Carla Cooke

9. Lonely Weekends feat. David Bromberg

10. Seven More Steps feat. Albert Lee

11. Uptown To Harlem feat. Jellybean Johnson

12. 7 & 7 Is feat. Arlen Roth & Charlie Harper

For music fans everywhere, a new album by legendary Yes singer Jon Anderson is cause for celebration. But Anderson’s grand and glorious new solo album, 1000 Hands, is quite unlike any other record – it’s an event, one which the singer’s loyal legion of fans across the globe have been wildly anticipating for three decades.

1000 Hands will be Anderson’s first release via his new partnership with Blue Élan Records. The album will be available digitally as well as on CD and a deluxe 180-gram double vinyl package on July 31 and can be previewed HERE

“I’ve spent long periods of time making some records, but I’ve never taken a journey quite like this one,” says the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. “To say that 1000 Hands has been a long time in coming would be quite an understatement, but I’m thrilled that it’s finally a reality and that my fans will now be able to hear it. And I think they’ll be delighted to hear music that’s timeless. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.”

Of the label’s new signing, Blue Élan President Connor Pasich commented, “To have an artist of Jon Anderson’s caliber as part of our label family is exciting for all of us and to be able to be part of his musical legacy is priceless.”

Anderson began the album (originally called Uzlot – “it means a lot of us”) nearly 30 years ago, working with a group of musicians that included Yes drummer Alan White and bassist Chris Squire. However, due to his heavy touring commitments with Yes, Anderson had to put the record on the back burner. “Before you knew it, I started getting involved in other projects and tours, and years went by,” he explains. “I would listen to the tapes from time to time and think, ‘This could have been a great album! One day I’ll finish it.’”

Grammy-nominated producer Michael T. Franklin (Bruce Hornsby, Brian Wilson, Roger McGuinn) had at one point begun working on orchestrations for the album, but once again Anderson’s jammed schedule required the project to be put on hold. Finally, a year and a half ago, Anderson and Franklin got the album back on track and were determined to see it through. “Our ideas still matched,” Anderson says. “Michael knew everything I wanted to do and how I wanted the music to sound, so we agreed to go for it.”

Setting up shop in Franklin’s Solar Studios in Orlando, Florida, Anderson laid down backing vocals to his original lead tracks, and Franklin called in an astonishing array of rock and jazz luminaries to fill out the songs: fellow Yes alum Steve Howe, Ian Anderson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Steve Morse, Rick Derringer, Jonathan Cain, and the Tower of Power Horns are just a few of the guests on 1000 Hands.

“That’s where the title 1000 Hands comes from, all of the brilliant musicians who played a part in making the record,” Anderson says. “Michael acted like something of a casting director, bringing so many great players. It was really exciting to hear the record open up and become what I had always envisioned.”

The sessions turned out so well, in fact, that Anderson decided to include four new songs on the album, with brand-new lead vocals. “Jon is such a remarkable writer and singer,” raves Franklin. “His newer songs were fabulous, and they fit seamlessly with the rest of the album. Everything came together beautifully.”

Anderson’s celestial voice – one of the most recognizable sounds in rock – is in stunning form throughout 1000 Hands, an album that features some of his most breathtaking compositions. Bookended by the starkly beautiful acoustic ballads “Now” and “Now and Again,” the record features electrifying new prog masterpieces (“Activate,” “Come Up”), glorious poly-rhythmic wonders (“WDMCF”) and delightful reggae pop (“First Born Leaders”). Listeners will be mesmerized by the cavalcade of sumptuous vocal harmonies on the frisky “Ramalama,” and they’ll be singing along merrily to the horn-driven funk of the aptly named “Makes Me Happy.”

The classic Gentle Giant line-up have reunited for the first time since 1980 for a unique new video. Pieced together over the last few months, it’s a brand new performance of “Proclamation” (originally from the band’s 1974 album “The Power & The Glory”) including appearances from Gentle Giant alumni Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman, Gary Green, Kerry Minnear, John Weathers and Malcolm Mortimore. There are also guest appearances by numerous notable musicians including Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson), Billy Sherwood (YES), Lee Pomeroy (ELO/Steve Hackett), Dan Reed (Dan Reed Network), Richard Hilton (Chic) and Mikey Heppner (Priestess).

Watch the video:

“This terrible pandemic is being felt all over the world and with everyone being stuck at home, I figured now would be the perfect time to bring positivity out in the world, bring everyone together and celebrate our love of music and Gentle Giant,” explains Noah Shulman, son of Derek and mastermind behind this project tp Dom Lawson of PROG Magazine. “Over the years I was always amazed with how many people were filming their renditions of Gentle Giant tracks from all over the world on an array of instruments. So that sparked the idea of wanting to see them all in one place, blending sounds and instruments into a single track.”

Directed and edited by Noah Shulman and mixed by his uncle Ray, the video is likely to be remembered most for the momentous reuniting of the real Gentle Giant, albeit only briefly and via to the wonders of remote communication. Seeing that the band have never seemed likely to reform, this is a significant and exciting moment for Gentle Giant fans everywhere. Says Noah, “It’s a sort of thank you from the band to the fans.”

For more information:

Twitter: @GGIANTMUSIC

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

Instagram: @gentlegiantband

This 2-CD history of King Crimson features many extracts and tracks appearing on CD for the first time, including many of the current line-up. Packaged in a digi-pack style book case with 24-page booklet, this set contains introductory notes by Robert Fripp & sleeve notes by Sid Smith.

While this 7th release in the Tour Box series is in spirit with the earlier releases, this is also a very different tour box to its companions, and one which, as it has to stand along and represent a tour that should have been (and will occur in 2021), it also stands slightly apart.

What themes and stories should a tour box created for a postponed tour tell?

As with previous tour boxes, the 2020 Elements box covers the full spectrum of Crimsoning, this one with music and line-ups from 1969-2019. Disc one represents a mostly live/mostly new-to-CD selection of material including 4 tracks taken from the 2019 tour. Disc two, in keeping with the theme of Sid's notes, discussed below, presents pieces played occasionally by the current line-up - Exiles and Sheltering Sky, pieces from the studio - both King Crimson and Robert Fripp that were never completed, or were developed in different ways, material that never made it to a studio recording - The Errors, Dr. Diamond, Trees (extract), Guts on my Side, etc, all combine to present a convincing musical counter-history to the band.

The main sleeve notes by KC historian Sid Smith present a series of highly plausible "what if?" scenarios. Starting from 1969. his 2000 word essay traces a counterfactual history of the band had various tours not been canceled or postponed, had various members not quit or joined, following the routes and pathways a band called King Crimson could have followed had things turned out slightly different along the way.

Disc 1

1 Wind Extract

2 I Talk to the Wind (Alt 2019 Mix)

3 Moonchild (Including Cadenzas, Live 23rd Sept 2019) *

4 In the Wake of Poseidon (Greg Lake Isolated Vocal) *

5 Peace A Theme (Live 26th Oct 1973) *

6 Cat Food (Live 26th Oct 1973) *

7 Last Skirmish (Live 10th June 2019) *

8 Prince Rupert's Lament (Alt Take)

9 The Letters (Bill Rieflin isolated, edit section 1) *

10 The Letters (RF Guitars early take, section) *

11 The Letters (Bill Rieflin isolated, edit section 2) *

12 Ladies of the Road (Fripp/Singleton mix)

13 Easy Money (Live 5th Sept 2019) *

14 Fracture (Live 2016, Taken from Live in Vienna)

15 One More Red Nightmare (Live 4th July 2019) *

16 Starless (Mark Charig featured Studio 1974)

*Tracks previously unreleased on CD

Disc 2

1 The Sheltering Sky (Live 18 July 2019) *

2 San Francisco (From Champaign Urbana Rehearsals 1983)

3 Frame By Frame (Jakszyk/Harrison Pre-2019 Tour Demo) *

4 Running DAT 17 (edit) (Rehearsals from THRAK)

5 Exiles (Live June 2017) *

6 North Star (Exposure Rehearsals)

7 Breathless (Live 2018)

8 The Errors (Live 13 Nov 2017)

9 Ian, Boz & Robert (Studio Jam 1971)

10 Disengage (Exposure Rehearsals) *

11 Guts On My Side (Live 19 March 1974)

12 Dr. Diamond (Live 16 June 1973) *

13 21st Century Schizoid Man (Live Detroit 1972)

14 Trees (Extract Live 1969)

15 The Sheltering Scape (Assembled by Alex R Mundy)

*Tracks previously unreleased on CD

To pre-order: https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---the-elements-tour-box-2020-p1859.aspx

Guitarist Dennis Haklar & Percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo released their new album “Transcendance” on August 15, 2020. This collaboration between guitarist Dennis Haklar and Grammy award winning master percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo began as a studio improvisation, and developed into a journey to another world. Appearing on “Transcendance” is the beautiful and mysterious Steffie Moonlady adding her ethereal vocals.  Moonlady was instrumental in the overall production of “Transcendance” which offers healing energy to our Planet during this challenging point in time.

“Transcendance” is a journey into inner worlds. It is the process of release through sonic meditation. Travel inward, unafraid, with full belief in yourself, knowing that what others think will not disturb or deter you. Tune into the vibrations of sound and transcend to the “Inner”.

Says Dennis, “Gio and I got together at my studio, ‘Europa’, in Orlando. We recorded a series of improvisations. The sessions were so intense that they lasted for days. I had hours of material to go through and sonically sculpt into what has become ‘Transcendance’. At first it was overwhelming sifting through the best of moments, but that is the beauty of improvisation, you never really know what will happen until you are in the moment. This is a 180 degree spin from trying to create music through online collaboration, or playing to previous recordings, or even to composed music. Improvisation is an art that can take a lifetime, or perhaps several lifetimes to get ‘right’. On the other hand it can happen effortlessly. The key is not to be restricted by expectations of the industry, not to play according to your genre.

Giovanni has a huge fan base in the Latin jazz genre, when he and Dennis did this they agreed to be themselves and not be restricted by anyone or anything. The pieces on “Transcendance” were not composed in the conventional sense of ABACAB form, or any form even remotely related to that. Essentially, the duo strove to create a new genre. The music is hard to classify, they will leave that up to the listeners...

Says Dennis, “Living with the tracks, I studied them and began to extrapolate what were the most powerful moments. I then added my sounds and created the transcendant textures. At the point where it began to really take on a life of its own I decided to bring in Steffie Moonlady to add her vocalizations rounding out the textures with a beautiful female touch. Once she completed her tracks, I presented it to Gio and asked if he was cool with his tracks. He came back to add some fine points, icing on the cake. The mixing took months to complete. On certain pieces, I had over 64 tracks to mix. Moonlady was very instrumental in helping me find the right balances, pans, and textures."

Dennis Haklar first started performing music at Rutgers University.  During this time, he joined the Improvising Structures Ensemble lead by minimalist composer Dan Goode. The group also featured jazz saxophonist Eric Kloss. They performed the music of John Cage, Terry Riley and others. After a few years playing with this ensemble he left to work as a session guitarist at Pyramid Recording Studio. He eventually became the chief engineer of the studio and worked with Gloria Gaynor, Kool and The Gang, Whitney Houston and many others. Dennis released his first solo work “Lizard’s Tale” as a composer, arranger, engineer and producer utilizing what he learned over the years. The album featured Larry Coryell, Jon Anderson, Mark Egan and Thierry Arpino. After working with Larry Coryell on “Lizard’s Tale”, Dennis got to know Larry Coryell better and they started working together more and more. They became close friends. Coryell asked Dennis to work on the final Eleventh House album “Seven Secrets”. He composed “Dragon’s Way” with bassist John Lee and played acoustic on the album.

During his career, Giovanni Hidalgo has worked with Bola Abimbola, Sikiru Adepoju, Art Blakey, Muruga Booker, Jack Bruce, Don Byron, Candido Camero, D'Angelo, Paulinho da Costa, Steve Gadd, Sammy Hagar, Kip Hanrahan, Zakir Hussain, Cassius Khan, Airto Moreira, Charlie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Hilton Ruiz, Paul Simon, and Carlos “Patato” Valdes. Hidalgo received a Grammy Award for his contribution to the album “Planet Drum” performed by an ensemble of the same name led by Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead. He played on another one of Hart's Grammy-winning albums, Global Drum Project and on the album Danzón (Dance On) by Arturo Sandoval which won the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Performance. In May 2010, Hidalgo was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.

“Haklar and Hidalgo seamlessly blend their talents across a sonic landscape that evokes a wide emotional range, at times both energizing and tranquil, resulting in an impressionistic feast for the ears. With its tasteful use of ethereal guitars, globe-trotting percussion parts, and spacey vocal flourishes, ‘Transcendance’ provides a vastly rewarding listening experience.” - Paul Sky

In closing Dennis has this to impart, “It is our hope that our music will give you a sense of inner peace. We are here together on this planet dealing with challenges as they happen. We all have the innate ability to Transcend. Reach inward and outward knowing that we are part of a something greater. Release by taking a moment out of your day through ‘Transcendance’. Love and Light!”

Tracks

1. Bongui

2.Timba

3.Venus

4.Flamas Azul

5.Crystalline

6.Inner

7.Crotales

8.Mara

9.Shekere

10.Invo

11.Frames

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a new remastered and expanded edition of the 1980 solo album by JON ANDERSON, SONG OF SEVEN.

The album was recorded during Jon’s first hiatus from YES, with whom he had become an internationally known vocalist and songwriter and followed on from his 1976 solo album OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW. Working with keyboard player RONNIE LEAHY, Anderson created an optimistic album of varying influences and he gathered together a fine ensemble of musicians to assist him such as celebrated bass players JACK BRUCE and JOHN GIBLIN, guitarists CLEM CLEMPSON and IAN BAIRNSON, saxophonist JOHNNY DANKWORTH and percussionists MORRIS PERT and SIMON PHILLIPS.

SONG OF SEVEN was a UK top forty hit upon its release by Atlantic Records in November 1980 and spawned a solo tour which established Jon Anderson as a regarded artist in his own right. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly remastered from the original Atlantic Records master tapes and is expanded to include two rare US single edits previously unreleased on CD and restores the original album artwork in a digipak. The booklet also features a new essay with an exclusive interview with Jon Anderson.

So great to listen again to where I was musically 40 years ago...still dreaming the same dreams, and in my early years of orchestration ideas...very gentle reminders to stay cool...don't hurry, all will be well, 'take your time'...wonderful bass work, and all the wonderful friends and musicians just came into my life for a couple of months...Jack Bruce even!!! Everybody Loves you, but I love you a little bit more...sweet lyric, and then the wild and crazy Song of Seven lyric..most of it was spontaneous and feeling very open about life...and the mystery of it all...still do....

As always I'm here in my studio still juggling lyrics and music and songs..I'm excited that this can be heard again..

Best wishes to everyone...be well be safe...Love and 'Light'...Jon Anderson

Track List:

1. FOR YOU, FOR ME

2. SOME ARE BORN

3. DON’T FORGET (NOSTALIGIA)

4. HEART OF THE MATTER

5. HEAR IT

6. EVERYBODY LOVES YOU

7. TAKE YOUR TIME

8. DAYS

9. SONG OF SEVEN

BONUS TRACKS

10.SOME ARE BORN (US SINGLE PROMO EDITED VERSION)

11.HEART OF THE MATTER (SHORT VERSION)

Bill Bruford was the original drummer in Yes and was a long-term member of King Crimson. His band ‘Bruford’ recorded this BBC broadcast in 1979.

The DVD in this package is the only officially released concert footage of the band that exists, and as such has achieved legendary status.

The line-up on this album is: Bill Bruford (drums, percussion), Allan Holdsworth (guitar), Dave Stewart (keyboards), Jeff Berlin (bass) and Annette Peacock (voice).

Bill says of the re-release: “This was a baptism by fire, our first gig in the first few days of the band’s existence. At the beginning of it I wasn’t sure. By the end, I knew we were on to something serious.”

This definitive re-release was overseen personally by Bill Bruford and is released on his own Winterfold Records via Cherry Red.

To purchase: 

Amazon CD/DVD: https://geni.us/WFBX5

iTunes: https://geni.us/WFBX5i

Spotify: https://geni.us/WFBX5s

Legendary recording artist, producer, songwriter and tech pioneer Todd Rundgren has announced his 2021 Clearly Human virtual tour, featuring 25 performances, each geo-fenced and tailored to a different US city. With each performance emanating from a Chicago venue (the most convenient time zone to allow for 8pm showtimes in every market), the shows will be “localized” to give both the band and the fans a sense of place (e.g. local landmarks will appear on the video wall, catering for the band and crew will feature dishes associated with each city, etc). Single-ticket purchases within the US will be limited to fans with zip codes corresponding to that show’s greater metropolitan area. US-based fans not living in a designated tour market can also “attend" any or all dates via multi-show ticket bundles, which, like internationally-based fans purchasing single-show tickets, will exempt them from geofencing restrictions. In Chicago, there will be a licensed COVID compliance officer on staff at all times, with both the band and crew testing regularly throughout the duration of the virtual tour.

The virtual box office is now open: ToddRundgren.NoCapShows.com

Emulating a traditional routing itinerary, the Clearly Human Tour will kick off February 14 “in” Buffalo, NY, and wrap up March 22 “in” Seattle, WA. Single tickets are priced at $35, with an array of premium add-ons and multi-date bundles available.

Produced by NoCap, the live streaming company recently launched by Cisco Adler, and Panacea Entertainment chairman Eric Gardner, Todd’s longtime manager, each show will feature Rundgren and an expanded 10-piece band performing standouts from his 50-year-plus catalog, as well as his entire 1989 classic album ‘Nearly Human’, which Warner Music Group will also be re-releasing on CD and colored vinyl. Remote meet-and-greets with Todd will be available at every show, as will options to select viewing from multiple camera angles and to be featured on several rows of video screens that will serve as the real-time “virtual audience” for the evening. Subject to Chicago’s COVID policy regarding public gatherings in force at the time, there will be a handful of tickets available to attend in person and sit safely distanced amongst the virtual audience, with each attendee required to show proof of a negative test within 72 hours of the event.  

Todd sat down with Rolling Stone recently (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/todd-rundgren-announces-clearly-human-virtual-tour-1097199/) to discuss the origins of the Clearly Human tour and to share the world premiere of his holiday single from Cleopatra Records - his interpretation of the 1978 Christmas tune “Flappie,” originally by Dutch comedian Youp van ’t Hek. Ever the contrarian, it’s suggested that one listen/watch at one's own risk….  

Watch the video for “Flappie”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnPZ32r_-fI&feature=youtu.be

While the concept of Clearly Human lends itself naturally to our current socially-distanced world, Todd actually conceived of the idea years ago as a solution to the growing challenges of touring amidst climate change and a way to reduce his own carbon footprint. Seeing this as “setting the gold standard” for what he predicts will become a new touring paradigm, it’s not the first time Todd has been out front with a tech-savvy new idea. he designed the first-ever graphics tablet for Apple in 1979; other “firsts” include the first-ever live interactive television concert (1978), the first live national cablecast of a rock concert (1982), the first commercial music downloads (1992), the first online direct artist subscription service, “PatroNet” (1998), and the first full-length concert shot with multiple Virtual Reality 360º cameras (2016).

Todd's band for the Clearly Human Tour will feature Kasim Sulton (Bass), Prairie Prince (Drums), Eliot Lewis (Keys), Gil Assayas (Synth), Bruce McDaniel (Guitar), Bobby Strickland (Sax), Steven Stanley (Trombone), plus the erstwhile “Global Girls” : Michele Rundgren, Grace Yoo, and Ashle Worrick (Background Vocals).

Valentine’s Day 2021 delivers an unexpected and welcome surprise with the release of “A Romantic’s Guide to King Crimson,” the new 12-track album of reinvented King Crimson material by the husband-and-wife duo Deborah and Pat Mastelotto. The collection, which spans the band’s entire history, revisits classics including “Matte Kudasai,” “Heartbeat,” “Moonchild,” “Elephant Talk,” “Peace,” “Exiles,” and “Sleepless.”

Pat Mastelotto is an American rock drummer and record producer who has worked with King Crimson, Mr. Mister, XTC, The Rembrandts and many others. Pat has served as one of King Crimson’s drummers from 1995 to the present day. This album resulted from Pat’s observations and Deborah’s insights made after she intermittently joined Pat on tour as part of the King Crimson entourage from 2008 onwards.

“It’s always been a joke in the King Crimson camp that there’s never a line for the women’s restrooms during intermissions,” said Deborah. “King Crimson plays loud and it’s often intense and raucous. But it can also be haunting and melodic, with some of the most beautiful lyrics ever. We wanted to help uncover that sweetness and introduce the songs to a different type of audience with ‘A Romantic’s Guide to King Crimson.’”

“The album has amazing contributions from all the musicians involved, especially the TOAPP (Three of a Perfect Pair Music Masters Camp) artists,” said Pat. “We experimented together and since they were already lifelong Crim Heads, they were totally into reconfiguring the classic performances or developing totally new parts. So, get ready. You’ll hear some fantastic detail in their playing.”

The recording features material they chose and arranged together with lead vocals by Deborah, a creative Tour de Force in her own right, and with Pat drumming and producing.

“We compiled King Crimson songs and searched for the romanticism in them, then rearranged them,” said Deborah. “The addition of a girl singer automatically changes the feel of those songs and places them in a different genre. Our idea is to create a way for people, especially women, to appreciate the beauty of King Crimson’s music without the fear and sometimes resistance attached to the word ‘prog’ getting in the way. We slow the songs way down and strip them back to their essential lyrics and melodies.”

“In the Crimson tradition, we approached every song as if it was brand new,” said Pat. “At first, it involved tinkering with 20-plus songs in hotel rooms using iPhone apps to choose what worked best for us. We first focused on the lyrics. The words had to resonate and the arrangements had to develop a prog-meets-pop twist to meet my hopes. We had no desire to duplicate the original arrangements. In fact, just the opposite. I was trying to discover where else they could go to expose sweetness, sort of like the old days of cassettes and giving a loved one a mixtape. It’s a gift to fans and a family of former Crims.“

The Mastelottos started the recordings in 2019 by inviting the Texas TOAPP alumni, including members of the Houston symphony, to record in Pat’s home studio in the Texas Hill Country. After a quick trip to Nagoya for his one and only live gig of 2020, which yielded the live Stick Men album “Owari,” Pat returned and spent months with Deborah during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown finishing the project. The result is an album full of lush nuance and ornamentation designed to put listeners in a meditative and buoyant mood.

“The lockdown resulted in a year of cancelled shows, which gave us time to realize the album,” said Pat. “This grand reboot of humanity made being a couple all the more important, nurturing relationships with people we love, gardening and doing home projects while creating this album together was a beautiful experience.”

“2020 has given us the longest period of consecutive days, weeks and months we’ve ever spent together,” said Deborah. “Our close proximity enabled a continuous dialog and working environment, so we never had to break the creative flow.”

“Working from home meant we could take the listening experience from the studio to the car to the bedroom…to test drive…so to speak,” added Pat.

“Heat up the hot tub, fluff your pillows and head to the softer side of the bed for the pinkest Crimson ever”

Track listing

1. Two Hands
2. Matte Kudasai
3. Heartbeat
4. Moonchild
5. Inner Garden
6. One Time (Eyes Wide Open)
7. Peace
8. Book Of Saturday
9. Exiles
10. Elephant Talk
11. People
12. Sleepless

TOAPP musicians Appearing on the record:

From Texas:
Adrian Benevedes
Mark Cook
Chris Cowan
Aralee Dorough
Colin Gatwood
Corin Gatwood
Marty Hobsbracht
Mike McGary
Bill Munyon

From other parts of the world:
Mark Hassett
Marco Machera
Christian Constantini
Kevin Andrews
Jeremy Neese
Victor Sagfors
Dave Martyn
Kara Day Spurlock

Additional musicians and engineers:
Fabio Trentini
Andrew Simmons
Laura Scarborough
Elaine Barber
Alex Coke
Grady Cousins

Cover Art: Ana Fuentes
Design: Denis Rodier

Released February 14, 2021

To pre-order: https://patmastelotto7d.bandcamp.com/album/a-romantics-guide-to-king-crimson

On January 15, 2021, progressive rock project exo-X-xeno launches its debut single of aspiration and hopefulness, called “Onward, Love.” The song release, along with a companion inspirational promo video, pushes the prog rock boundaries of space and time with expansive, melodious vocals and sonic instrumental layering - all accomplished with a star-studded roster of musical greats.

About exo-X-xeno

Founded by composer, vocalist and guitarist Craig Maher, exo-X-xeno is a musical constellation consisting of bassist and backing vocalist Billy Sherwood (Yes, Toto and Conspiracy with Chris Squire), drummer Jay Schellen (Hurricane, Yes and Asia), and legendary keyboardist Patrick Moraz (Refugee, Yes and The Moody Blues). The group’s plan is to release a series of singles throughout 2021 that will be fused into a new conceptual album (designed by Maher), entitled, Luminous Voyage.

“Exo-X-xeno is about crafting adventurous conceptual compositions into amalgamated tapestries. I want the listener to think and feel on a deeper level…to elevate and go beyond where they wish to go…to let them paint their own life’s experiences into the narrative of the song,” says Maher. 

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a new re-mastered six-disc deluxe expanded boxed set limited edition (comprising 4 CDs and two NTSTC – Region Free DVDs) of “Drastic Plastic” the classic 1978 album by BE-BOP DELUXE.

“Drastic Plastic” would be the final Be-Bop Deluxe album and was recorded in the summer of 1978 in the South of France at The Villa Saint Georges, Juan-les-Pins, utilising the Rolling Stones mobile studio, with final sessions taking place at The Manor Studio and Abbey Road Studios. The record saw BILL NELSON (vocals, guitars, keyboards), CHARLES TUMAHAI (bass, vocals), ANDY CLARK (keyboards) and SIMON FOX (drums) venture into new musical styles, with the album being ground-breaking in its move to more “art rock” and “new wave” influences. In many ways it can be seen as the signpost to where Bill Nelson would head with his RED NOISE project with a desire to continue to progress as an artist by pushing musical boundaries.

Co-produced by BILL NELSON and JOHN LECKIE, “Drastic Plastic” was another hit album in both the UK and the USA and featured such classic material as “Electrical Language”, “Panic in the World”, “New Mysteries”, “Islands of the Dead” and “Surreal Estate”. The recording sessions produced many more tracks which would appear as singles (such as Japan) and others that were originally planned for release as an EP set (“Autosexual”, ‘Lovers are Mortal”, “Speed of the Wind”, “Quest for the Harvest of the Stars”, “Face in the Rain”), all of which eventually appeared on the retrospective compilation “The Best of & the Rest Of”… later in 1978.

This expanded deluxe reissue has been newly re-mastered from the original master tapes and features an additional 88 tracks, (43 of which are previously unreleased), drawn from stunning new 5.1 surround sound & stereo mixes from the original multi-track tapes by award winning engineer Stephen W. Tayler, previously unreleased out-takes from the album sessions, a BBC Radio John Peel Show session from January 1978, along with a CD of Bill Nelson’s previously unreleased demos for the album, “A Feeling of Playing”.

Also included is an additional DVD featuring Be-Bop Deluxe in the South of France, (a collection of Bill Nelson’s 8mm home movies shot whilst recording “Drastic Plastic”) and the band’s Sight & Sound In Concert performance for BBC TV from 1978.

Another highlight of this limited-edition boxed set is the lavishly illustrated 68-page book with many previously unseen photographs and an essay of recollections by Bill Nelson. Additionally, the set includes postcards and a replica poster. This special deluxe limited-edition boxed set of “Drastic Plastic” is a fitting tribute to the creative vision of Bill Nelson and the musicianship of Be-Bop Deluxe.

Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 will be releasing a new live album called “Screenplay” featuring well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs on March 26, 2021! The album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of additional live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.

Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.

As a special bonus, a brand new song recorded in quarantine called “Divided We Fall” is included on the new album!

“The world has changed in ways we never could have foreseen since we released Screens in October 2019. Touring has been rendered impossible, and thus we have been unable to share this music live with many of our wonderful fans. Before covid-19 struck, we embarked on our UK & European Screening Tour. The centerpiece of each night was Screens performed live in its entirety. Fortunately, our show at Holland’s legendary Boerderij Cultuurpodium was beautifully recorded, and we are thrilled to present it now as part of ‘Screenplay.’ There’s much more to this collection though: live performances of other D97 favorites, tributes to our musical icons, a BRAND NEW SONG recorded in quarantine, and even a couple ‘encores’ (if you applaud long enough). Until we can be physically together again, please join us for ‘Screenplay’” - Jonathan Schang

“Since I joined this band in 2008, one consistent bit of feedback I’ve received is that our live shows capture our essence as a band in ways that studio albums are not as able to, given the visual component of seeing us perform live mixed with the spontaneous musical ideas bouncing around on stage. We have been diligent about recording our live shows over the years and have been sitting on a mountain of live performances that we cannot wait to share with the rest of the word. Each song is an organism unto itself and in each performance we bring with us the culmination of the tour thus far and lessons learned about each song in the process. We throw in tiny moments to keep each other on our toes, try new interpretations based on our current emotional state and communicate on stage in ways that are seemingly mystical at times. Being a band for as long as we have creates a certain freedom to branch out on our respective ledges and see what happens when we put a twist on the familiar. I believe that our fans are in for a treat with ‘Screenplay,’ both for the live performances and the brand new song we recorded remotely as the pandemic rendered us isolated from one another.” - Leslie Hunt

TRACK LISTING

CD 1

1. Forest Fire 

2. Sheep 

3. Sea I Provide 

4. Bread & Yarn 

5. Trigger 

6. After Orbit Mission 

7. Shapeshifter 

8. Blueprint 

9. Ghost Girl 

CD 2 

1. Divided We Fall 

2. Jealous Guy 

3. Snow Country 

4. Takeover 

5. The Actual Color 

6. A Lottery 

7. Termites 

8. Presto Vivace 

9. Back in N.Y.C 

10. Travels with Myself-And Someone Else 

11. Fainting in Coils 

12. Long Distance Runaround 

13. Red 

14. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Live w/John Wetton)

15. Out on the Tiles 

Esoteric Recordings is proud to announce the release of a new expanded and remastered 2 disc edition of the classic debut solo album by YES vocalist JON ANDERSON, “Olias of Sunhillow”. Released in July 1976, the album was a conceptual work recounting the story of an alien race on a journey to find a new world following volcanic destruction on their home planet. All music on the album was written and performed by Jon Anderson and the recording took place at Anderson’s Buckinghamshire home studio whilst Yes were on hiatus following the tour to promote the album “Relayer”. Initially recorded on an 8-track tape machine, the arrangements were then re-recorded on to a 24-track tape machine. The album saw Jon perform the music entirely alone, teaching himself to play keyboards and acknowledging the influence of such legendary musicians as Rick Wakeman, Patrick Moraz and Vangelis on his work.

“Olias of Sunhillow” was released by Atlantic Records in the summer of 1976 in an elaborate gatefold sleeve designed by David Fairbrother-Roe and was a top ten album in the UK. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly remastered from the original album master tapes and fully restores the stunning original artwork and also features a booklet with a new essay and exclusive interview with Jon Anderson.

Over the ensuing years the excellence of the album has led to many calls for the album to be remixed in a 5.1 Surround Sound format. Alas, despite extensive research, the multi-track masters of the album cannot be found. However, this expanded edition of “Olias of Sunhillow” features a DVD featuring a high resolution 96 kHz / 24-bit re-master of the stereo mix and also includes a high resolution 5.1 Surround Sound up-mix derived from the original stereo master tapes as an additional feature.

The more I realize that time flies when you’re having fun...boy oh boy, the fun I’m having listening to my early solo work....

OLIAS for me was like going to music school for Three Months solid without breathing...

Totally captivated by making a true SOLO album...every sound, vocal, instrumental and whatever came from the cosmos is there on the album...a dream made reality...

I never really listened to it all the way through after it was released, I must have listened to every sound a zillion times while mixing it....

So, a month ago I listened to the whole album again...and felt such joy and gratefulness to have gone through that experience, and here I am so many years later going through a similar musical journey…

Time flies by when you’re having fun....

cheers…love and 'light'...Jon

Track Listing:

DISC ONE:

OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW

REMASTERED EDITION

1. OCEAN SONG

2. MEETING (GARDEN OF GEDA)

SOUND OUT THE GALLEON

3. DANCE OF RANYART

OLIAS (TO BUILD THE MOORGLADE)

4. QOQUAQ EN TRANSIC

NAON

TRANSIC TO

5. FLIGHT OF THE MOORGLADE

6. SOLID SPACE

7. MOON RA

CHORDS

SONG OF SEARCH

8. TO THE RUNNER

DISC TWO:

OLIAS OF SUNHILLOW

HIGH RESOLUTION 96 KHZ / 24-BIT

5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX & STEREO REMASTER

1. OCEAN SONG (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

2. MEETING (GARDEN OF GEDA)

SOUND OUT THE GALLEON

(5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

3. DANCE OF RANYART

OLIAS (TO BUILD THE MOORGLADE)

(5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

4. QOQUAQ EN TRANSIC

NAON

TRANSIC TO

(5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

5. FLIGHT OF THE MOORGLADE

(5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

6. SOLID SPACE (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

7. MOON RA

CHORDS

SONG OF SEARCH

(5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

8. TO THE RUNNER (5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX)

CIRCUS MIND is a New York-based rock outfit and the brainchild of ringleader Mark Rechler. The band is entering their twentieth year and are soon to release their third album JOY MACHINE, a delightful mashup of the retro sounds of ’70s rock and funk with N’awlins swamp rock mixed with late-Beatles pop. The first JOY MACHINE single “ARE YOU READY?” features guest guitar phenom Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and will release online February 26 ahead of an official video release and Fat Friday Virtual Event on March 5, 2021. “ARE YOU READY?” is a funky rock throwback that has roots in P-Funk, Sly Stone, and other ’70s rock and soul vibes, all flavors that CIRCUS MIND wears on its sleeve as a badge of honor, from the writing to the production. The JOY MACHINE album will release on May 21, 2021, and also features Walter Wolfman Washington, Scott Metzger, Ivan Neville, Big Sam, Marc Ribot, and more special guests.

CIRCUS MIND has many faces, and the band is able to daringly swing from jazzy grooves to reggae roots then shoot out of a canon into rock without missing a beat. Their last release “Silver Flower” was voted Best Indie Album of 2006 by Newsday and put a modern take on influences such as Traffic, Steely Dan, Little Feat, and Mott the Hoople while mixing in NoLa vibe influences like Dr. John, The Meters and The Neville Brothers. The last CIRCUS MIND single “Jazzfest Time” was released one year ago as an ode to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. CIRCUS MIND is quite versatile and has opened for national acts (Toots & The Maytals, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators) and had many notable guests sit in on their recordings and live performances (Soulive, Rebirth Brass Band, Cyril Neville).

CIRCUS MIND’s members are diverse in their influences as well as their playing. Lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and bandleader Mark Rechler plays in multiple bands (such as Falling Water), and has played, toured, and recorded with members of The Meters, The Neville Brothers, The Radiators, Soulive, The Brandon “Taz” Niederauer Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Ivan Neville, and more. Spending five years in New Orleans studying music and architecture helped influence his style and direction, and he always keeps his focus on the hook to keep his listeners salivating and wanting more.

Bassist Chris Crosby has a serious case of spider-fingers and can solo as beautifully as any guitarist. A funkster from a family of highly respected musicians, Chris has also studied with Oteil Burbridge of The Allman Brothers Band and The Dead. Currently, he has also been busy playing in his brother’s Jason Crosby Band and New York rock quartet Feverseed. Guitarist David Berg is rooted in jazz, reggae, and bluegrass. He has toured with Dark Star Orchestra and has played multiple shows with Garth Hudson (The Band). Dave’s fluid rock style keeps CIRCUS MIND in a constant snake-like flow.

Drummer Dan Roth has been banging on things since he was a tyke, and he can’t seem to stop. He’s addicted to crosswords, motor coordination, and avocados. With over 30 album credits to his name, percussionist Steve Finkelstein has worked with pop icons from Ray Charles and Mariah Carey as well as jam band giants including members of the Dead, Allman’s, and Neville’s, and Tower of Power. Steve is also an original member and current member of the Funk Filharmonik.

The CIRCUS MIND single “ARE YOU READY?” will release online February 26, ahead of an official video release and Fat Friday Virtual Event on March 5, and the JOY MACHINE album release on May 21, 2021.

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a new remastered and expanded edition of the 1982 solo album by Jon Anderson, “Animation.”

The album was recorded throughout 1981 during Jon’s first hiatus from YES, with whom he had become an internationally known vocalist and songwriter and followed on from his acclaimed albums “Olias of Sunhillow” and “Song of Seven.” Working with co-producer Neil Kernon and a host of talented musicians such as DAVID SANCIOUS, CLEM CLEMPSON, SIMON PHILLIPS, STEFANO CERRI, CHRIS RAINBOW and JACK BRUCE and DAVE LAWSON, Anderson created an album that absorbed the latest electronic instrument technology whilst retaining an ambitious and progressive edge.

“Animation” was a UK top fifty hit upon its release by Polydor Records in June 1982 and spawned two UK singles, of which the non-album track “Spider” acted, strangely, as a B-side to both releases.

“Animation” has since become a favorite album among aficionados of Jon Anderson’s work. This Esoteric Recordings edition has been newly re-mastered from the original Polydor Records master tapes and is expanded to include the single B-side track “Spider” and the rare demo “The Spell.” The original album artwork is restored in a digipak. The booklet also features a new essay with an exclusive interview with Jon Anderson.

‘Animation’ came at a point in my life when I felt very creative and adventurous musically and the birth of my third child ‘Jade’ was the key...watching her arrive in this world was truly magical...and I sing about her eyes slowly opening as I was captured by an Angel in disguise as I sang it....

‘Surrender’ remains a wonderful way of creating Peace on Earth... ‘All in Matter of Time’…and all these songs relate to my love of life and hope for our future on this amazing planet Earth....

The songs seem timeless to me...and sound very fresh.

love and ‘light’ - Jon Anderson

Track Listing:

1. OLYMPIA

2. ANIMATION

3. SURRENDER

4. ALL IN A MATTER OF TIME

5. UNLEARNING (THE DIVIDING LINE)

6. BOUNDARIES

7. PRESSURE POINT

8. MUCH BETTER REASON

9. ALL GOD’S CHILDREN

BONUS TRACK

10. SPIDER

11. THE SPELL (Demo)

In a stunning, full-color book, author Anthony Garone details a 22-year journey of transformation in mastering the intricate complexity of “Fracture” - described by composer Robert Fripp as “impossible to play.”

“Anthony Garone’s ‘Failure to Fracture’ is a success story.” – Robert Fripp

Watch Robert Fripp praising “Failure to Fracture”: (https://youtu.be/-S9rnPQB9RI)

When progressive rock band King Crimson released “Starless and Bible Black” in 1974, very few recognized the astonishing virtuosity captured in the album’s 11-minute instrumental capstone, “Fracture.” Three minutes into the piece, guitarist Robert Fripp begins a quiet, non-stop barrage of notes called a “moto perpetuo” an Italian term for “perpetual motion.” Fripp’s moto perpetuo requires intense right-hand string-skipping, and picking capabilities only a handful of guitarists around the world possess.

Musician Anthony Garone was challenged by his father to learn “Fracture” in 1998. As a 16-year-old who practiced guitar six or more hours every day, he could not understand why he could play other technical pieces of music, but not “Fracture.” Over the years, he published blog posts and videos about his efforts. Garone kept working in isolated frustration until he enrolled in a week-long guitar instruction course led by Fripp in rural Mexico in 2015. That week was transformative.

It was in Mexico that Garone learned the mechanics of Fripp’s very unique right-hand technique. To properly play “Fracture,” Garone had to re-learn how to play guitar, sit, stand, and breathe. It would also require meditation and a new way of using his body.

Following many months of back-to-the-basics guitar practice, Garone re-trained himself to play guitar, playing a single open string for two hours a day across several weeks. In 2016, he was finally able to play small pieces of “Fracture” without any pain or frustration. He documented his progress on his Make Weird Music YouTube channel in a series called “Failure to Fracture.” The videos garnered hundreds of thousands of views and praise from Fripp himself, who wrote “Fracture is impossible to play, cf. Anthony Garone.”

“Failure to Fracture” captures Garone’s transformative 22-year journey. The story begins with his time as a teenager developing a friendship with guitar hero Steve Vai in 1996. It ends with video performances of both “Fracture” and the even more difficult “sequel” composition, “FraKctured,” written and performed in Fripp’s own New Standard Tuning. It is a book about achieving the impossible, overcoming one’s limitations, and retraining the mind and body.

In March 2021, Fripp stated on YouTube: “Anthony Garone is a man who has just written a book about to be published on ‘Failure to Fracture.’ Anthony has spent 22 years failing to play ‘Fracture.’ Actually, he’s done a pretty good job. Anthony’s failure is so well-achieved in my book, it’s a success.”

More praise from fellow Crims and chums:

“The best story of the long path of craftsmanship I have come across.” - Trey Gunn, former member of King Crimson

“This book is a game changer. It delivers a detailed insight into a ‘secret’ world that is hardly ever being discussed in popular culture.” - Markus Reuter

“The insight in this book goes beyond simply learning to play an impossible song... it provides a roadmap for how to live your best life.” - Gabriel Riccio

Guitarist, author and composer Anthony Garone pens a compelling story of transformational failure after failure followed by a final victory: the ultimate performance of one of progressive rock’s most challenging and complex songs.

Release date: May 18, 2021

To pre-order:

www.FailureToFracture.com

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is to release a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine” on April 30th 2021. Pre-orders available from April 9th.

The song was written and recorded by John whilst he was ‘in isolation’ in Florida, and he took hope and inspiration from watching the sunrise every morning over ‘Cocahatchee Bay’. For John, the song is a reminder that we can choose to see the world, and the challenges we all face, in a positive way…  because the sun will shine again.

The song is performed by John and his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’, who recorded remotely due to the pandemic. The track also features Jon Davison from YES on backing vocals, continuing their ongoing collaborations.

The song will be part of the EP “On Reflection” that is due to be incorporated into “The Royal Affair and After”, John’s new live album scheduled for release in September 2021. “On Reflection” will include three tracks that John wrote during the pandemic. Joining “The Sun Will Shine”, will be his instrumental track, “Sunset over Cocohatchee Bay”, and a 2021 remix of “In These Crazy Times”.  The tracks continue John’s exploration of how the pandemic has affected him, demonstrate his always positive outlook on life, and echo many of his earlier Moodies compositions.

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).

“Who could have thought this pandemic is still with us? I’m just grateful that I have my music to keep me company, and in a surreal way it has kept me focused on writing and recording new songs. I hope with these new songs to share with you my reflections of these times. It’s been a year since I was on the road with my 10,000 Light Years Band but we will see you again in the not too distant future. Thank you for keeping the faith!” - John Lodge April 2021.

During his remarkable 55 years with the Moody Blues, Lodge has sold more than 70 million albums including the groundbreaking “Days of Future Passed”, and has composed many of their biggest hits. The album “Seventh Sojurn” was Billboard number 1 for 5 weeks, and Lodge wrote both the singles from this album, the high-energy “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and the beautiful and ethereal “Isn’t Life Strange”.

John has received numerous awards including ASCAP (American Society Of Composers & Publishers) and an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and he has been voted one of the 10 most influential bass players on the planet. The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2019, John was inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Fame, and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prog Awards. In 2017 the Moody Blues celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their iconic album “Days of Future Passed” with a hugely successful tour, including a sold out performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and the release of their live album “Days of Future Passed, Live”, which reached the top of US DVD charts. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues.

As a member of The Moody Blues since 1966, John Lodge has spent much of his life touring the world, as part of a ‘rock n roll band’. His first solo album titled “Natural Avenue” was released 44 years ago in 1977, but was never performed live. His second solo album, “10,000 Light Years Ago” was released in 2015. The live album and DVD “John Lodge: Live From Birmingham – The 10,000 Light Years Tour”, was released in 2017, and in 2019 John released “B Yond, The Very Best of” album. 2021 will see the release of “The Royal Affair and After”.

To pre-order “The Sun Will Shine”:

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Will-Shine-John-Lodge/dp/B09262TXQ7

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754

Esoteric Antenna label is pleased to announce the release of a new CD EP by the legendary PROCOL HARUM.

“Missing Persons” was completed during lockdown, after founder and lead singer Gary Brooker rediscovered a CD of rough mixes of two studio tracks the band had laid down during a previous session. “They weren’t written last week, neither are they old” says Gary, but the precise date of the original recordings remains a mystery. With the world locked down Gary and the band revisited these tracks and they now proudly sit alongside the band’s venerable catalogue.

The title track “Missing Persons (Alive Forever)” is a particularly poignant and emotive song, and a fine example of the musical tradition of Procol Harum. Gary adds: “Keith Reid’s lyrics sound incredibly apt for the time we’re living in, this is the sound of Procol Harum today.” The EP’s other new song “War Is Not Healthy” is also a touching observation of war and its impact on humanity.

This is Procol Harum at their timeless best.

“Free Hand” was Gentle Giant’s seventh album originally released in July 1975. This album was the most commercially successful of the band’s career reaching the top 40 albums in Billboard Magazine. It stands as the culmination of the band’s maturity, following the successes of “In A Glass House” & “The Power & The Glory”.

Having toured Europe & North America non-stop in the years prior to this release with artists like Jethro Tull, Yes, Frank Zappa etc, the band had gone from strength to strength. By the time “Free Hand” was released Gentle Giant had become a major headliner in its own right. All the members were multi-instrumentalists. The band was never afraid of surprising an audience with a 4 part recorder ensemble followed by a vibraphone solo, all the while rocking the audience and thoroughly enjoying themselves onstage at the same time.

Gentle Giant’s albums featured many songs with both literary subjects as well as social and personal commentary on life as rock musicians. “Free Hand” has more than most. The title of the album and first track were so named as the band had just changed record labels and management and felt unshackled by prior contractual obligations. Putting these issues behind them upon its first release, Gentle Giant embarked on an extensive tour of North America and Europe, plus a short tour of the UK, to promote the album.

The incredible range of Gentle Giant's music is evident throughout this album. From the intricate vocal fretwork of “On Reflection” and the delicate medieval flavor of “Talybont” the Celtic-tinged rock of “Time To Kill” and the jagged rhythms of “Just The Same” all those diverse elements which made the band so strikingly original are skillfully blended and perfectly executed.

Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson has added his delicate touch in remixing “Free Hand” in Dolby Atmos & 5.1 surround sound. His tonal range and painstaking attention to sound quality make “Free Hand” sound as fresh today as it did on first release. A fitting tribute to the compositional skills and expertise of five dedicated musicians.

Steven Wilson’s remixed version of “Free Hand” will be released in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround sound and accompanied by custom animated visuals for each track on Blu-ray. In addition, the original flat mix, original 1975 quad mix and an instrumental mix will all be included in a digipak CD.

A double vinyl album will also be released with both the original flat mix and the Steven Wilson remixed version. The initial first pressing will include a limited edition transparent red version.

Releasing June 25, 2021

Get a first look at the Pre-Order announcement video: https://youtu.be/OkgGF5Q6IrI

The video for “Just The Same” taken from the “Free Hand” Blu-ray will premiere on YouTube on Sunday, May 2nd at 5pm BST/12pm EST/9am PST. Click the link below to tune in:

https://youtu.be/zxdw2ILC9a8

To pre-order Gentle Giant’s “Free Hand”: https://fanlink.to/GentleGiantFreeHand

For more information:

Twitter: @GGIANTMUSIC

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

Instagram: @gentlegiantband

Though not intended as such, in some respects Leviathan and its creators represent between them one version of the history of British electronic music. In 1973, the curiosity of a significant chunk of the King Crimson and Roxy Music fan bases, along with an attractive price, propelled Fripp & Eno’s “No Pussyfooting” into many thousands of homes where no such recording had previously registered a single sleeve, much less a gatefold. By the early 80s Dave Ball & Marc Almond’s Soft Cell were at the forefront of a wave of synth based bands who dominated the singles and albums charts. In the 1990s, The Grid – Dave Ball (again) & Richard Norris formed a key act in what was sometimes referred to as Electronica, sometimes herded under the (almost meaningless) “Dance music” category, occasionally (equally inaccurately/narrowly) described as “ambient” music, the struggles of music industry name-taggers never quite catching either the breadth of the music involved, nor recognizing – until much later – the scope of its influence.

The Grid’s success - a number of hit singles and albums, including the million selling “Swamp Thing”, world tours, remixes for Eno, Pet Shop Boys, Yello, Sylvian/Fripp – could find a ready audience among those for whom, by now, electronic music was part of the everyday musical fabric and commonality of experience, even as it continued to evolve and develop as a form in itself.

The Grid were managed at the time (1992) by David Enthoven who had also managed King Crimson and Roxy Music from inception for many years and by now with a Sylvian/Fripp remix among their producing credits, it is no surprise that the duo and Fripp were keen to see if mutual recordings would produce interesting results – hence the arrival of the equipment described by Richard Norris above at Eastcote Studios in West London.

As Norris further notes: “Robert’s craft and musicianship was slightly daunting to us at first, being from a more DIY, post punk electronic background, but we soon worked out a language to communicate in. ‘Make it sound like a thunderstorm…’, ‘I’m going to make a sound like a bomb’, that kind of thing. After every track, Robert would say ‘Have you got any more?’ and seemed to be greatly enjoying himself. He was a very generous guest”.

The resulting Fripp recordings provided material for much of The Grid’s second album “456” and their Top 20 follow-up album “Evolver”.

But there was more, much more….

A few years ago, The Grid rediscovered tapes from these sessions, including unreleased tracks they’d worked up but never completed or mixed. A set of long solo drone pieces from Fripp was discovered along with a lost track that was then remixed to become “A Cabala Sky” by The Grid / Fripp and released as part of Bill Brewster’s acclaimed “Late Night Tales” compilation series in 2014.

Further Fripp Soundscapes from the same period were added to the mix by DGM’s David Singleton, which inspired The Grid to add new synths, drums, programming and effects to create the album “Leviathan” a 2LP and CD/DVD-a set.

Inspired by the mythical whale ‘Leviathan’, the biggest prehistoric whale that ever lived, Norris adds “I like Philip Hoare’s book ‘Leviathan’, which is about his obsession with whales and whale watching and the awe of coming into contact with such massive creatures. They are quite mysterious. Their brains are enormous, and we don’t quite know what all the brain power is doing… A bit like Robert, really”.

Having completed the album’s stereo mixes, DGM suggested the music as ideal for a full 5.1 surround mix by The Vicar. Electronic music lends itself very well to Surround Sound mixing as the listener has no fixed notion as to where any sound should emerge from. This mix features on the CD/DVD-a edition (alongside the stereo mix) and while Surround Sound is sometimes regarded as “niche” in terms of audience, the same would have been said about any form of electronic music when Fripp turned up, guitar in hand, at Eno’s place in 1972.

But then inquisitive musicians, even (perhaps especially) when they approach music from very different perspectives, often arrive at places that are as intriguing to an audience as they were to the participants.

“Leviathan” Tracklist:

1. Empire

2. Milkwood

3. Pulse Detected

4. Loom

5. Leviathan

6. After The Rain

7. Fire Tower

8. Zhora

9. Sympatico

The Grid / Fripp “Leviathan” Released 25th June 2021 and Distributed by AMPED Distribution

To pre-order: https://shop.schizoidshop.com/cd---the-gridfripp---leviathan-p1882.aspx

For more information: www.dgmlive.com

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has released a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine”. Out now!

In John’s own words:

“On March 8th 2020 we played a sold out show in Lexington, MA, and within a week my wife and I, like so many of us around the world, went into lockdown.

Like all of us staring at our four walls, I realised that this would be a challenging time. And then I began to think about 1967… We went into the studio and were in a sort of lockdown then, where we spent 24 hours a day creating an album that changed my life. That album was ‘Days of Future Passed’. As I looked back I remembered the creativity that took place then, and as I watched the sun rise every morning, I realised that I just needed to see the world differently. I therefore took the opportunity to write and record some new music hoping to explore how I was feeling.

My first single ‘In These Crazy Times’, which came out last year, I wrote and recorded myself on Garageband, and I asked my wife, Kirsten, my son, Kristian, and my daughter Emily’s boyfriend Jon Davison (of YES), to join me. (Emily and I have been working together for many years now). It was an incredible experience to work with all my family on this, and gave us the connection we needed even though we were apart.

I then began to write ‘The Sun Will Shine’, and for this song I wanted to work with my 10,000 Light Years Band, Alan, Billy, Duffy and Jason. Jon also joined me again, and whilst we couldn’t all be in the same room, it was so fantastic to be able to still create music together despite the miles between us. Touring is still in the future, but I can’t wait to get back on the road with my band. I miss the road, the camaraderie with all the guys, performing, and, of course, all the fans, who have been such a support to me over the last 6 decades.

This song was therefore very important to me writing it, and it’s great to see it out there now, hopefully inspiring others and reflecting the start of the end of these troubled times. My hope is that the sun will shine for me, for you, for the world, just like the dawn of a new day and the promises it brings.” - John Lodge, May 2021.

“The Sun Will Shine” is available now as a digital download, on all streaming platforms, and on YouTube as a digital video. The song is reminiscent of many of John’s earlier compositions with its message, orchestration and harmonies, and will be part of the EP “On Reflection” due to be released later this year.

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

When King Crimson returns to action this July, it will be the seventh year that the band has toured since returning to performing live in 2014, a run only interrupted by the lockdown in 2020. In that time, the audience has been reinvented, as much as the band itself, something Robert Fripp noted after the band’s performance in Pompeii, Italy’s famous amphitheater:

“In Pompeii, a large percentage of the audience was young couples; KC moved into the mainstream in Italy. I walked onstage knowing that this band's position in the world has changed level.” - Robert Fripp

The band’s shows regularly include material from twelve of their thirteen studio albums, including many songs from their seminal 1969 album In the Court of the Crimson King, described by Pete Townshend as an “uncanny masterpiece.” The 7-piece line-up play many historic pieces, which Crimson has never previously played live, as well as new arrangements of Crimson classics – “the music is new whenever it was written.” There are also new instrumentals and songs, as well as compositions by the three drummers, Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Jeremy Stacey, which are a regular highlight. A unique show, where seven of the best musicians in the world play music without distraction or adornment.

Robert Fripp celebrates a new tour:

“The Crimson Beast Is in Go! Mode. Totally excellent news! Much hooraying! Glad times are here!

The Crimson Beast Of Terror has woken from its enforced slumbering and is venturing out to stomp flat the psyches of innocents not yet experienced in the hammering onslaught of King Crimson’s uncompromising pounding – bish! bish! bish! – before turning on a beat to jellify hearts with gut-wrenching passion and soul-squeezing epic unfoldings to remind us that we are all mere subjects in the unfolding drama of the universe’s unfathomable mysteries while simultaneously rocking out and having a great time bopping about with Tony and Bobby and Gavin and Jakko and Mel and Pat and Jezza too.”

ROBERT FRIPP, though best known for his work in King Crimson, has contributed to numerous albums by players as diverse as Brian Eno, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Blondie, Talking Heads, Daryl Hall, The Roches, Peter Hammill, Keith Tippett, David Sylvian, The Orb, and The Grid. His 1979 solo album, Exposure was described as “the Sergeant Pepper of avant punk.” He has appeared twice in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time poll, although Fripp claims these are likely to have been mistakes by the typesetter.

TONY LEVIN has been a member of King Crimson since 1981.  Internationally renowned and constantly in-demand for his distinctive bass work, he also tours with Peter Gabriel with whom he has worked since 1977. He has appeared on albums by Paul Simon, John Lennon, David Bowie and countless others and recently formed his own band, Stick Men alongside Crimson drummer, Pat Mastelotto.

JAKKO JAKSZYK was a member of Level 42, before working with Mel Collins as part of ex-KC alumni group, 21st Century Schizoid Band between 2002 - 2004. His solo album, “The Bruised Romantic Glee Club” (2006) was his first recorded collaboration with Fripp, followed by “A Scarcity of Miracles” in 2011. An acclaimed producer in his own right, Jakszyk has recently mixed Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson’s UK Top 20 album, “Homo Erraticus.”

MEL COLLINS was previously a member of King Crimson 1970 - 1972 appearing on “In The Wake Of Poseidon” (1970), “Lizard” (1970), “Islands” (1971), “Earthbound” (1972) as well as a guest appearance on “Red” (1974), the final King Crimson album of the 1970s. He subsequently worked with The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton and many others, before returning to King Crimson in 2014

GAVIN HARRISON joined King Crimson in 2007, playing a series of dates in the USA the following year. A respected author and tutor, he has also recorded three albums with The Pineapple Thief, though Harrison is probably best-known for his work with Porcupine Tree. Modern Drummer magazine placed him in their Top 50 Drummers of All Time.

PAT MASTELOTTO joined King Crimson in 1994 after working with Robert Fripp and David Sylvian. A member of the hugely successful American 1980s group and MTV favorites, Mr. Mister, he is at home in both experimental music working with KTU as well as pop and rock appearing on albums by The Rembrandts, Hall and Oates and XTC.

JEREMY STACEY is a British drummer. His early work included the 1990s band, The Lemon Trees (with twin brother Paul Stacey on guitars, Guy Chambers and others) and Denzil. He has also played with Sheryl Crow, the Finn Brothers, Nick Harper, Noel Gallagher, and many more. On March 7, 2016, it was announced that he would be taking the place of Bill Rieflin as the center drummer on the 2016 King Crimson European tour, a position he retained even after Rieflin’s all too brief return to the band as a keyboard player.

King Crimson tour dates:

July 22, 2021 - Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall

July 23, 2021 - Delray Beach, FL - Old School Square

July 24, 2021 - St. Augustine, FL - St Augustine Ampitheater

July 26, 2021 - Orlando, FL - Dr. Phillips Walt Disney Theater

July 27, 2021 - Atlanta, GA - The Fox

July 28, 2021 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium

July 30, 2021 - Fort Worth, TX - Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium

July 31, 2021 - Cedar Park, TX - H-E-B Center

August 2, 2021 - Greenwood Village, CO - Fiddlers Green Amiptheater

August 3, 2021 - Sandy, UT - Sandy Ampitheater

August 5, 2021- Concord, CA - Concord Pavilion*

August 6, 2021 - Los Angeles - The Greek Theatre*

August 7, 2021 - Scottsdale, AZ - Talking Stick Ballroom

August 23, 2021 - Saratoga Springs, NY - SPAC*

August 24, 2021 - Northampton, MA - The Pines Theater*

August 26, 2021 - Canandaigua, NY - CMAC*

August 27, 2021 - Lewiston, NY - Artpark Ampitheater*

August 28, 2021 - Rochester Hills, MI - Meadow Brook Ampitheater*

August 29, 2021 - Highland Park, IL - Ravinia*

August 31, 2021 - Milwaukee, WI - Miller High Life Theatre*

September 1, 2021 - Cleveland, OH - Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica*

September 2, 2021 - Huber Heights, OH - Rose Music Center @ The Heights*

September 4, 2021 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center*

September 5, 2021 - New Haven, CT - Westville Music Bowl*

September 7, 2021 - Philadelphia, PA - The Mann Center*

September 9, 2021 - Forest Hills, NY - Forest Hills Stadium*

September 10, 2021 - Boston, MA - Leader Bank Pavilion*

September 11, 2021 - Washington, DC - The Anthem*

(*Support “The Zappa Band”)

As well as standard tickets, the band's label, DGM, also has announced sale of VIP Royal Packages, limited to just 72 per show. The Royal Package gives priority seating at the front of the venue, early access, special merchandise, and personal insights and answers from David Singleton and one of the band members. These are on sale now from DGMLive.com. https://www.dgmlive.com/tours?liveshow=on

Mothers of Invention keyboard legend Don Preston and his Trio will be performing a free-form Virtual Concert at The World Stage on July 2, 2021!

Don Preston leads a life filled with music, innovation, and experimentation. “Groundbreaking” is a phrase that is clearly overused…with Don it rings true. One of the first performers to drag a pile of oscillators and filters onstage, he brought his classical training to the avant-garde. In the early 60s a weird guy named Frank Zappa would come to see Don’s “electronic music with films of bacterial life” shows in Los Angeles. Don was soon in Zappa’s radical new group The Mothers Of Invention, touring and playing on classics like “We're Only In It For The Money” and “Roxy & Elsewhere” from 1966 to 1973.

Don’s played with everyone from Elvin Jones to The Residents, Jack Bruce and Robbie Krieger.  His keyboard solos on Zappa albums, as well as countless soundtracks like Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, are considered ground-breaking moments in synthesizer music history.

Still very active in his 80’s, Don was there for the dawn of electronic musical performance, and today grafts new technologies into his experimental palette with software synths & iPhone apps, blending jazz, rock, comedy, magic and ambient synths into a captivating performance.

Don has performed with artists like: Frank Zappa, Lou Rawls, Al Jarreau, Nat King Cole, Billy Daniels, Johnnie Ray, Vaughn Monroe, Connie Francis, Herbie Mann, Elvin Jones, Charlie Haden, Art Davis, Paul Bley, Carla Bley, Joe Beck, Shorty Rogers, Leo Sayer, Charles Lloyd, Nelson Riddle, J.R. Monterose, Flo & Eddie (Howard Kaylan & Mark Volman of The Turtles) Yusef Lateef, Don Ellis, Meredith Monk, Bobby Bradford, Michael Mantler, John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

Legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson will be touring with The Paul Green Rock Academy starting July 30th!

This Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour is a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with the original School of Rock all stars.

These shows, over 30 in total between 2006-2008, were nothing short of magical, and now Jon Anderson returns to continue that magic with a set of Yes Classics, deep cuts, mash ups, and solo works, all with lush arrangements featuring choral singing, horns, and all the other benefits of having a backing band of 25 young musicians.

THE ONE THING ABOUT CREATING MUSIC WITH YOUNG MUSICIANS AND SINGERS IS THE ADVENTURE OF IT ALL..

I SANG AND TOURED WITH THE PAUL GREEN SCHOOL OF ROCK MANY YEARS AGO...IT WAS A MIRACLE FOR ME TO JOIN IN WITH THEIR YOUNG ENERGY...AND LEARN FROM THEM..

NOW HERE WE ARE WITH THE PAUL GREEN ROCK ACADEMY …….
AND AGAIN, THEIR EXCITEMENT AND JOY FOR MAKING MUSIC REALLY MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE .... PLUS THEY ARE A REALLY TALENTED BUNCH….

THERE IS A FUTURE IN MUSIC, AND THESE YOUNG SOULS PROVE IT EVERY TIME I HEAR THEM SING AND PLAY...

I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL EVENING SPENDING TIME WITH THE FUTURE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL..

MANY BLESSINGS…JON ANDERSON..

Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour dates:

July 30 - Patchogue Theater - Patchogue, NY 

Aug 01 - Blue Ocean Music Hall - Salisbury, MA 

Aug 03 - Rams Head on Stage - Annapolis, MD 

Aug 05 - Ridgefield Playhouse - Ridgefield, CT 

Aug 07 - Colonial Theatre - Phoenixville, PA 

Aug 09 - Ocean City Music Pier - Ocean City, NJ 

Aug 19 - Des Plaines Theatre - Des Plaines, IL 

Aug 21 - Arcada Theatre - St. Charles, IL 

Aug 24 - Palace Theatre - Canton, OH 

Aug 27 - Paramount Theatre - Huntington, NY 

Aug 28 - Stadium Theater - Woonsocket, RI 

Prog ensemble The Far Cry has released their debut album “If Only.” Though not intended in any way to be a “concept” album, “If Only” very much exhibits a connecting common thread of human emotion and perspective meeting real human conditions.

Apparently, some people just won’t give up on long held goals and aspirations. Jeff Brewer and Robert Hutchinson, co-conspirators behind the inception of what was to become The Far Cry, can vividly recall the musical awakening that occurred in their younger days when The Beatles landed and with all that followed. Soon thereafter, they each were even more deeply moved by the emergence of the Progressive Rock bands of the early 70’s, most notably King Crimson, Yes, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis and Gentle Giant.
     
Jeff and Hutch first crossed paths around 1976 with the formation of a short-lived rock covers band. Common ground occurred later, though not simultaneously, when both were members of Connecticut prog-rock band Holding Pattern, Hutch as co-founder from 1980-83 and, after Hutch left the band, Jeff joined as lead vocalist & percussionist from 1984 to 1993 when the band ceased operations.

Fast forward to 2013 when Hutch purchased a speaker cabinet Jeff had for sale. In the attendant dialogue, the pursuit of the likely impossible was quickly broached and a decision was made to chase the dream just one more time. Thus the seeds for The Far Cry were sown.

Unfortunately, due to the ambitious and stylistic nature of the music they were pursuing, connecting with suitable personnel to complete the band lineup was met with recurring difficulty and disappointment.

Eventually, the duo decided to enter the recording studio to get the material up and running. Guitarist Bryan Collin had already been in contact, having answered a Craigslist ad, and was amenable to playing on the recordings. As he did so, he became intrigued and more strongly connected to the music and the band concept. Certainly his stellar contributions and playing on the “If Only” CD demonstrate that. Bryan Collin was now The Far Cry guitarist.

Still, a highly competent keyboardist was required. Studio owner and master engineer John Bolduc was asked if he knew of any keyboard man who could properly interpret and perform the music he was hearing.

John responded instantaneously: Chris Dabbo. No time was wasted in contacting him. At first, Chris came on as a session man but very quickly demonstrated his impressive skill set as well as a connection to and understanding of the music. All involved were highly enthused and Chris was drafted in as keyboardist for The Far Cry.

Hence, the “If Only” CD is a result of a step by step evolution by what has now become a fully formed membership. Robert Hutchinson, Jeff Brewer, Bryan Collin and Chris Dabbo are the artists that comprise The Far Cry. The future awaits

Says the band, “Our fondest wish and recommendation is that this music should be listened to from beginning to end uninterrupted through a great set of headphones.”

The Far Cry is now formulating plans for the creation of videos to support the music from the CD. Certainly, live performance will be part of the near future and into 2022. Also, work on the next CD to follow “If Only” will begin within the next couple of months.

Tony Kaye has released “Hope and Triumph” a patriotic anthem and the second track to be taken from his debut solo album “End Of Innocence” released on September 10th through Spirit Of Unicorn Music (distributed via Cherry Red Records).

Listen to “Hope and Triumph” here

The former YES keyboard legend was moved to commit his thoughts and feelings to a heartfelt personal musical interpretation following the terrible events of 9/11.  “End Of Innocence” is a requiem for those who lost their lives and all those touched by those horrific events, a powerful and emotional suite, both beautiful and sinister, reflecting the dark forces at work that day.

This essentially orchestral suite is designed to be heard in its entirety. Following the collapse of the towers, Dani Torchia sings her lament “Sweetest Dreams” and the album looks at the “Aftermath” and the “Heroes” before focusing on the response, “The Battle.” “I wanted it, musically, to be about that day,” Kaye says, “but I felt compelled to extend it to deal with the repercussions of what happened. Musically, it was quite challenging to do the battle scene and then the ‘Hope and Triumph,’ a patriotic anthem and the consequences of war. ‘Ground Zero’ is the hope for the future, the rebuilding.”

“End Of Innocence” is available in CD Format on September 10, 2021 via Spirit Of Unicorn Music (distributed through Cherry Red Records) to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

“End Of Innocence” Track Listing:
 
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star/Twilight Time
2. 911 Overture
3. NYC Blues
4. Battle Cry
5. 285 Fulton Street
6. Let’s Roll
7. Tug of War
8. Flight 11
9. Towers Fall
10. Sweetest Dreams
11. Aftermath
12. Heroes
13. The Battle
14. Hope and Triumph
15. Homecoming
16. Ground Zero
 
Produced by Tony Kaye
All tracks composed by Tony Kaye except Sweetest Dreams by Dani Torchia.

Tony Kaye, Spirit of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records are donating 10% of all profits from End of Innocence to https://www.garysinisefoundation.org. The charity supports veterans, defenders and first responders in times of hardship.

About Tony Kaye:

Tony Kaye is best known as the original keyboard player with prog legends YES, his Hammond organ giving their ground breaking “The YES Album” it’s most distinctive sound within the YES catalogue. Following his departure from YES in 1971 Kaye was involved with a number of other bands including David Bowie, Badger and Badfinger before returning to YES for their greatest commercial success “90125” in 1983. Kaye remained with YES for several albums and tours before retiring from the music business in 1996. Following the re-awakening of his musical inspiration in 2001, Kaye accepted an invitation from current YES bassist Billy Sherwood to work on projects which led to the formation of CIRCA, in 2007, and has yielded four albums to date.

Order the album here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tony-kaye-end-of-innocence/

On October 14th sign up to the Caped Crusader Collector Club and receive a membership pack containing an individually numbered membership card, a signed (by Rick) welcome letter, an exclusive year book full of rare photos, articles and memorabilia from Rick's personal archive, a sticker and four 8x10 photos. You will also receive the first exclusive CCCC CD release, which is the previously unreleased Wakeman soundtrack from the feature film, “She.” The following three releases for the year will feature rare and live music from the Wakeman vaults. Further, there will be three exclusive CD releases issued within the year, which members will receive automatically through the post periodically. Please note, these releases will not be released to the general public, either online or at any other retailer.

Additionally, as a CCCC member you will receive a 10% discount off all purchases (including box sets) at the Wakeman Music Emporium (on-line only), invites to special events, early notifications of the releases and a totally exclusive merchandising range, along with some other goodies.   

If you join in October, you will automatically receive 15 months membership for the price of 12!

“I am really excited about the Caped Crusader Collector Club (CCCC) as something very different. As a musician. I think it is important that serious fans get to hear music that would otherwise be left in drawers and on shelves and in some cases, discarded.

With the formation of the CCCC, I feel that this is an innovative way for core fans to get to hear music which I have discovered in various of my archives. Much of which was found when packing ready to move house

I had completely forgotten about some of this material and it has really surprised me what was found. All part of my musical journey over almost 5 decades. I truly believe for real collectors these exclusive CD's will be received in the same way that The Treasure Chest was some years ago.

I hope everyone has as much enjoyment hearing these recordings as I had after discovering them.” – Rick Wakeman

In early 2011, as Todd Rundgren was promoting an upcoming tour, he stopped by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon for live performances of two songs from his classic 1972 album Something/Anything, “I Saw The Light” and “Couldn’t I Just Tell You.” Backing Rundgren for both songs was Fallon’s long running house band, hip hop auteurs The Roots. The appearance marked the beginning of a furtive cross-cultural, cross-generational collaborative relationship born of mutual respect and admiration that would be repeated again in 2017 when Rundgren sat in with The Roots on a taping of the Fallon show. Now, these two musical giants reunite on a studio recording, a track that will appear on Rundgren’s upcoming Space Force album coming next year. The new single, “Godiva Girl,” is a delectable slice of neo-funk sweetness with a stellar, soulful groove, decorated with warm keyboards and smooth as silk background vocals. It’s the kind of rich musical confection that fans of both Rundgren and The Roots knew these two could cook up together, and it’s so been worth the wait.

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/todd_rundgren_the_roots_godiva_girl

Check out the lyric video: https://youtu.be/ZfjM5P2WnK4

Watch for the new Rundgren studio album Space Force, which features more collaborations from the likes of Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo, Sparks, hip hop artist Narcy and others, coming in 2022!

Robert Fripp's popular “Music For Quiet Moments” series, which originally premiered on streaming services, is now available in an 8CD box set

In May 2020 with much of the world in lockdown and reeling from the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, Robert Fripp began uploading the first of 52 individual soundscapes on his YouTube channel, streaming platforms, and DGMLive.

Entitled “Music For Quiet Moments” and appearing once a week, these pieces created a space for reflection, offering a means of pausing from the day-to-day concerns and to provide a point of calm and perhaps, a sense of hope, in such troubled times.

By way of introduction, Fripp defined what he meant by the term, quiet moment:  “Quiet moments are when we put time aside to be quiet. Sometimes quiet moments find us. Quiet may be experienced with sound, and also through sound; in a place we hold to be sacred, or maybe on a crowded subway train hurtling towards Piccadilly or Times Square. Quiet Moments of my musical life, expressed in Soundscapes, are deeply personal; yet utterly impersonal: they address the concerns we share within our common humanity.”

Each of the 52 pieces was drawn from Soundscapes’ performances from 2004 to 2009 and venues/shows as varied as those for G3 (Satriani, Vai, Fripp), to Churchscapes (as the name suggests, concerts in churches), opening act for Porcupine Tree and even appearances at ‘The Big Chill’ festival.

These pieces are contemplative for the most part and range from a few minutes in length to a performance of “Elegy” in Nashville that lasts over 44 minutes. Each week this music became a gentle word-of-mouth success, as listeners eagerly awaited and discussed the weekly selections, with many encountering Soundscapes for the first time, marking their first contact with Fripp’s music as a result of the series.

While the series was not instigated with the idea of it being anything other than a weekly sequence of digital audio releases, when assembled and played back at a point when the series approached its end and all of the material had been selected, it became apparent that the series worked well as a single, distinct, body of work.

Now presented as an 8-CD set, in precisely the same running order as originally released, four sets of 2 discs each in miniature gatefold sleeves, with a booklet containing the artwork for each piece, housed in an outer rigid case, the set is released on November 19th, 2021.

Robert Fripp has been one of the most innovative and inventive British guitarists for over half a century.

Beyond his trail-blazing work with King Crimson, his collaborations with Brian Eno, David Bowie, Daryl Hall, Peter Gabriel, Blondie, and Talking Heads to name but a few have resonated with audiences around the world. In the 1990s his 1970s Frippertronics system gave way to Soundscapes and with it a new generation of performers such as Future Sound Of London, The Grid and many others were not only citing Fripp as an influence but eagerly having him appear on their records.

Some musicians inhabit genres, very few invent them, whether intentionally or arbitrarily credited with such. Fewer still continue to evolve, push forward, challenging both themselves and their audience.

Robby Steinhardt and Solar Studios announce Robby's first and only solo recording, Not in Kansas Anymore. Release date: October 25th 2021.
 
You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and frontman for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.

The new album, Not in Kansas Anymore is a powerful, well thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby’s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a “Prog Opera”.

In his only interview for the project, he spoke with Bill Shafer of PBS. Steinhardt was asked what the meaning behind the title Not in Kansas Anymore was. Steinhardt responded, “It’s no slight against the band, no never! My time with Kansas defined a big part of my life, of which I am very proud of. Ever since The Wizard of OZ, those words have become an American axiom for moving forward, you can never go back etc.” Robby laughed, “I guess it has a special meaning when it is fixed to me.”

The album, produced by Michael Thomas Franklin, is his latest production since the highly acclaimed Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Chapter One. Franklin used a similar approach using a large cast of renown musicians to lend their talents. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs, Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer on Billy Joel’s hits), Jim Gentry, Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues/Pat Benatar), Lisa Fischer (longtime vocalist for The Rolling Stones), 1000 Hands members Michael Franklin, Tommy Calton, Tim Franklin, Jocelyn Hsu, Rayford Griffin and Benoit Lajeunesse and many others including Orchestra and Choir.

The songs provide powerful lyrics, hard to forget choruses, combined with crafty playing. All this combined with Franklin’s lavish and complicated arrangements makes listening to Not in Kansas Anymore a wonderful hour well spent. The stunning album artwork created by Tom Lupo of Magnificent Pictures and subliminal song quotes from the Wizard of OZ, are another added feature to this complex Prog Opera. Currently four videos are in the works.

Steinhardt was in a reborn state of mind in the months prior to finishing the record. He and wife Cindy were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. He had started rehearsals and was preparing to hit the road in August when he became ill in May. Robby’s musical vision, voice and violin lives on with his first and only solo album, Not in Kansas Anymore! Release was delayed due to Steinhardt’s passing July 17, 2021.

“Music is our Friend” – Named after the tour from which the performances were taken, “Music Is Our Friend” is an official bootleg featuring all of King Crimson’s final performance in North America in Washington, D.C. in September, 2021.

This 2CD set is completed with four pieces from the first concert of the tour’s second leg in Albany. Taken together, these tracks represent both a beginning and an end of a tour that took place despite almost insurmountable issues.

Originally scheduled for 2020, postponed for a full year because of the pandemic, the tour began July in Florida as the latest Covid wave hit and the band moved across the country in a tour bus bubble.

Following a two-week break due to scheduling conflicts, they returned to the road again, with the Zappa Band appearing nightly before Crimson.

Now facing gigs that had to be moved due to extreme weather, with one venue flooded a day before a concert, an open-air venue in New York transferred to the more familiar Beacon Theatre, and even a band member flown to hospital via helicopter, King Crimson faced a range of challenging conditions. Happily, the band member was fully recovered and no gigs were missed despite the array of setbacks and obstacles.

By the time King Crimson reached Washington, the band was in ferocious form with a powerful, energetic set with some arrangements reworked and differing from previous tours. Featuring a restored middle section of “Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part One” that had not been played since 1973, substantial keyboard arrangements, Tony Levin on upright bass during “Neurotica” giving the piece an extra swing, there’s an emotional set-closer, Starless and an immensely powerful “21st Century Schizoid Man” as an encore.

King Crimson completed their tour in style and to much acclaim from fans and critics alike. As Robert Fripp notes in his diary entry included in the notes: “David (Singleton, KC manager/producer), pointed out that the very first piece KC played in the US, at Godard College, Montpelier, Vermont on October 29th. 1969, was the same piece as completed KC’s 52 years – 21CSM”.

In contrast to the Washington show, the four performances from the ‘Friends and Family’ concert in late August 2021 at The Egg in Albany, opening show of the second leg of the tour and the same venue where the current band played its first US gig in 2014, have a more intimate feel. As befits a small venue/invited audience, the sound and pacing provide an opportunity to hear a run of material not played in Washington due to time constraints.

Bringing the second disc with a poignant performance of “Islands” – perhaps the best recording of this song by this band, David Singleton, who also prepared all the audio for this release, thought it one of the best sets the band played on this or previous tours.

The release features photos from the concerts, sleeve notes by David Singleton and diary entries for the concert days from Robert Fripp in a 24-page accompanying booklet.

A completion is a new beginning – Robert Fripp, September, 2021

CD One
1. Introductory Soundscape
2. The Hell Hounds Of Krim
3. Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part I
4. Pictures Of A City
5. The Court Of The Crimson King
6. Red
7. Tony Cadenza Deals It Slitheryacious-To-The-Max
8. Neurotica
9. One More Red Nightmare
10. Indiscipline
 
CD Two
1. Epitaph
2. Radical Action II
3. Level Five
4. Starless
5. 21st Century Schizoid Man
6. Tony Cadenza Serves It Piping Hot
7. Discipline
8. Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part II
9. Islands

Release date November 19, 2021

Order from Inner Knot (USA): https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---music-is-our-friend-live-i…

Steppenwolf was formed in 1967 in LA by John Kay (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano) and Jerry Edmonton (drums) who were previously members of the Canadian band The Sparrows. They were joined by Michael Monarch (lead guitar) and Rushton Moreve (bass). The band signed to Dunhill/ABC the same year and with producer Gabriel Mekler they recorded their self-titled debut album. The band were propelled to success with their classic single “Born To Be Wild” (a #2 hit in the USA) and became even wider known when the track was featured, along with their version of “The Pusher” in the classic 1969 counterculture film “Easy Rider”.

“The Second” was released in October ‘68 and featured the hit single “Magic Carpet Ride” (another US #2 hit). In March ‘69 “At Your Birthday Party” was released to further success and was their first record to feature Nick St Nicholas on bass and their last to feature Michael Monarch. The July 1969 release “Early Steppenwolf” featured live recordings made at The Matrix in San Francisco in May 1967 and featured a 20-minute version of “The Pusher”. 

The band’s next studio album, “Monster”, was issued in November 1969 and dealt with America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. 1970 saw the band release two albums, the double LP “Steppenwolf Live” and “Steppenwolf 7”. By the release of the latter the band’s popularity began to wane slightly, although they would retain a large and loyal fan base. Their November 1971 album “For Ladies Only” was their last for Dunhill/ABC and Steppenwolf disbanded in February 1972 only to reform in 1974. 

Disc One: Steppenwolf – Remastered

Released In  January 1968 

1. Sookie Sookie 

2. Everybody’s Next One 

3. Berry Rides Again 

4. Hootchie Kootchie Man 

5. Born To Be Wild 

6. Your Wall’s Too High 

7. Desperation 

8. The Pusher 

9. A Girl I Knew 

10. Take What You Need 

11. The Ostrich 

Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions) 

12. Sookie Sookie 

13. Born To Be Wild 

14. Everybody’s Next One 

15. Take What You Need 

16. A Girl I Knew 

17. The Ostrich 

18. The Pusher 

19. Berry Rides Again 

Disc Two: The Second – Remastered

Released In October 1968 

1. Faster Than The Speed Of Life 

2. Tighten Up Your Wig 

3. None Of Your Doing 

4. Spiritual Fantasy 

5. Don’t Step On The Grass Sam 

6. 28 

7. Magic Carpet Ride 

8. Disappointment Number (Unknown)

9. Lost And Found By Trial And Error

10. Hodge, Podge, Strained Through A Leslie

11. Resurrection 

12. Reflections 

Bonus Tracks 

13. Magic Carpet Ride (Mono Single Version)

14. Spiritual Fantasy (Mono Single Version) 

Disc Three: At Your Birthday Party – Remastered 

Released In March 1969 

1. Don’t Cry 

2. Chicken Wolf 

3. Lovely Meter 

4. Round And Down 

5. It’s Never Too Late 

6. Sleeping Dreaming 

7. Jupiter Child 

8. She’ll Be Better 

9. Cat Killer 

10. Rock Me 

11. God Fearing Man 

12. Mango Juice 

13. Happy Birthday 

Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions) 

14. Rock Me 

15. Jupiter Child 

16. It’s Never Too Late 

17. Happy Birthday

Disc Four: Early Steppenwolf – Remastered

Released In July 1969 (Live At The Matrix 1967)  

1. Power Play 

2. Howlin’ For My Baby 

3. Goin’ Upstairs 

4. Corina, Corina 

5. Tighten Up Your Wig 

6. The Pusher 

Disc Five: Monster – Remastered 

Released In November 1969  

1. Monster / Suicide / America 

2. Draft Resister 

3. Power Play 

4. Move Over 

5. Fag 

6. What Would You Do (If I Did That To You)

7. From Here To There Eventually

Bonus Tracks 

8. Monster (Single Version) 

9. Move Over (Mono Single Version)

10. Power Play (Mono Single Version) 

Disc Six: Steppenwolf Live – Remastered

Released In April 1970  

1. Sookie Sookie 

2. Don’t Step On The Grass 

3. Tighten Up Your Wig 

4. Monster 

5. Draft Resister 

6. Power Play 

7. Corina, Corina 

8. Twisted 

9. From Here To There Eventually

10. Hey Lawdy Mama 

11. Magic Carpet Ride 

12. The Pusher 

13. Born To Be Wild 

Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions)

14. Hey Lawdy Mama 

15. Twisted 

16. Corina, Corina 

Disc Seven: Steppenwolf 7 – Remastered

Released In November 1970  

1. Ball Crusher 

2. Forty Days And Forty Nights 

3. Fat Jack 

4. Renegade 

5. Foggy Mental Breakdown 

6. Snow Blind Friend 

7. Who Needs Ya 

8. Earschplittenloudenboomer 

9. Hippo Stomp 

Bonus Tracks 

10. Screaming Night Hog 

11. Snowblind Friend (Single Version)

12. Hippo Stomp (Single Version)  

Disc Eight: For Ladies Only – Remastered

Released In November 1971  

1. For Ladies Only 

2. I’m Asking 

3. Shackles And Chains 

4. Tenderness 

5. The Night Time’s For You 

6. Jaded Strumpet 

7. Sparkle Eyes 

8. Black Pit 

9. Ride With Me 

10. In Hopes Of A Garden 

Bonus Tracks 

11. For Madmen Only 

12. For Ladies Only (Single Version)

David Cross is best known as a member of King Crimson on the “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” and “Starless and Bible Black” albums. He also leads the David Cross Band and has been a guest artist, recording and performing live with a number of international groups including Stick Men.

Andrew Keeling is a composer and musician whose contemporary classical works have been internationally acclaimed. Besides working with David Cross he has also orchestrated the music of Robert Fripp (The Wine of Silence), arranged for Tim Bowness (Abandoned Dancehall Dreams) as well as playing with alt-rock band, The Gong Farmers. Keeling has also written a series of Musical Guides exploring the music of such bands as King Crimson.

“October is Marigold” is the second album from David Cross (electric violin) and Andrew Keeling (flute) and it is the third to appear on Noisy Records’ ‘Electric Chamber Music’ label. Perhaps more strikingly than its predecessors, this recording epitomises the aims of that label to present music designed for an intimate setting which makes use of musical and electronic techniques used in rock. Cross and Keeling’s “English Sun” was released in 2009 (followed by a handful of gigs) and the duo recorded much of “October is Marigold” in the same year. These tracks lay dormant until 2020 when work recommenced on the new album.

Whereas “English Sun” encapsulates the vibrance of summer, “October is Marigold” portrays darker, melancholic autumnal atmospheres. The music is again mostly improvised, the exceptions being a previously written organ part for the title track and two guitar loops. Although the performances are spontaneous there is a clearer sense of architecture here, with the “Marigold” cello/piano theme arching in four incarnations across the album. Nature continues to be an inspiration, with field recordings of birds finding a natural place alongside pizzicato violin and fluttering flute. Cross demonstrates the full potential of the electric violin with, for example, a haunting, muted trumpet-like sound on the title track and the earthy, evocative use of cello pitched violin. Keeling’s flute seems to embody the human response to the realities of nature, breathing, tumbling and bending with the wind. Throughout, there is an uninhibited flow across musical reference points – hints of folk, blues and romance are exposed as the duo travel through this stark autumnal landscape.

Davey Johnstone has been Elton John’s guitarist for 50 years. He has also played with Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz and many, many more! In his role as Music Director he will resume the hugely successful Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with Elton and the band in January 2022.

Davey is releasing the first single “Melting Snow” from his forthcoming solo album “Deeper Than My Roots”!

Watch the video for “Melting Snow”:

During the COVID-19 recess, Davey has recorded an album utilizing the incredible talents of his children, plus a few close friends. The album has a wide range and crosses genres.

Elliot, the youngest Johnstone, is lead vocalist on the record, with Davey supplying one lead vocal himself. Charlie Johnstone recorded many of the basic tracks at their home in California. Charlie also supplied keyboard and background vocal parts. Jesse Johnstone played drums remotely from his home in L.A. Jesse also joined his father and eldest sibling Tam Johnstone, on writing, recording and producing the album’s two instrumentals, “Black Scotland” and “Walt Dizney”. The beautiful artwork for the sleeve was conceived and designed by Juliet Johnstone.

Denny Seiwell, the legendary drummer from Paul McCartney and Wings helped out on three tracks, and Nigel Olsson supplied drums on “Melting Snow”.

Much of the recording was done by Major Wynn at Marlon Hoffman’s Kenrose Studio in California.

Davey Johnstone’s forthcoming full-length album titled “Deeper Than My Roots” will be available on Spirit of Unicorn Records in January 2022.

This collection is a must-have for any serious King Crimson collector and can be purchased as a set or individually. Tony’s photography offers a unique perspective from the stage that cannot be replicated.

All photos are hand-titled and signed by Tony Levin. They are a limited print run of 500 photogravure prints. The first public orders of the Special Edition Box are assigned print numbers 11-50.

Each print is handmade on a traditional intaglio press using materials that will last for generations. They are printed with low or acid-free ink on 22.25 x 15.5” Hahnemuhle Copperplate Brite White, 300 g/sm alpha cellulose paper with torn, deckled edges. These same ink and paper formulas used in Tony Levin’s print collection have been used by printmakers in Europe for hundreds of years.

Signed and stamped certificates of authenticity are issued with every print.

The traditional, fabric-lined, limited-edition, clamshell-style, 24” x 17” print collection box for Tony Levin’s King Crimson Print Collection is custom-crafted using archive-grade materials for storing and preserving prints cleanly and elegantly. Cotton gloves are included for clean handling of the prints.

“Jon Lybrook is a true master. His prints exude an expertise, that only very few fine art printers in the world control on the same level.” - Professor Henrik Bøegh - Grafisk Eksperimentarium - Copenhagen, Denmark

Jon Lybrook is a Fine Art Printmaker based in Colorado. Jon has worked with photographers and artists for nearly two decades through his company, Intaglio Editions LLC (https://intaglioeditions.com/).  He has studied the craft with traditional printmakers from around the world including Henrik Boegh, Dan Welden, Mark Lunning, Ron Pokrasso, David Hoptman, and has worked as both a printmaker and consultant.

Watch the Make Weird Music interview with Tony about his history with photography and art: https://youtu.be/N3pJdFQdEHI

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

Long before Wilco or The Jayhawks or Ryan Adams, there was one country rock band that towered over all others. Founded by former members of the brilliant Buffalo Springfield, Richie Furay and Jim Messina, along with multi-instrumentalist Rusty Young and drummer George Grantham, Poco pioneered a blend of sounds that would come to dominate singles charts and radio for years to come. Indeed, some of Poco’s most beloved tracks are still treasured by fans today including “Crazy Love,” “Heart Of The Night,” “Call It Love” and “Rose Of Cimarron.” These songs as well as the nearly 20 studio albums the band released over the years have ensured that the Poco legend endures.

While Poco’s recording output is well-known and widely celebrated, the band’s live performances are the true treasures for longtime fans. One very special concert occurred one night in Nashville, TN in 2004. Original members Furay, Young and Grantham all participated as well as longtime member Paul Cotton. Together, the group offers up fantastic renditions of their biggest hits and most beloved songs. Now this special live performance is being released on glorious vinyl in a limited-edition TRANSLUCENT BLUE as well as on digipak CD. It’s a superb package that fans old and young will not want to miss!

Order the CD & Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=poco+one+night&post_type=product

Digital Version: https://orcd.co/poco_one_night_in_nashville

This is where it all began for the quartet dubbed “The American Led Zeppelin” - on a 1970 bill that also featured the likes of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Grateful Dead and Steve Miller Band. Vocalist Rusty Day, guitarist Jim McCarty, bassist Tim Bogert, and drummer Carmine Appice, collectively known as Cactus, made their auspicious debut in their very first public performance that night. Fortunately, this stunning and historic show was captured on tape and has now been unearthed from the archives and released on all formats!

The Birth Of Cactus 1970 finds the freshly minted quartet ripping through some of the key tracks from their landmark debut album including “Parchman Farm,” “Feel So Good” and “No Need To Worry” plus some smokin’ hot blues numbers. The performances are not only supremely confident, but also fluid and dynamic as each member locks into the groove and relentlessly rides it.

Drummer Carmine Appice had this to say about the concert recording, “I remember doing that first gig, hanging out with Hendrix who was a friend of Cactus. We got on stage and the energy level was off the charts! All the songs kicked major ass. We were so excited to get Cactus going and this show helped. Crowd was great and we did ROCK!!”

The Birth Of Cactus 1970 will be available on digipak CD and on PURPLE vinyl everywhere on January 21st!

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=birth+of+cactus&post_type=product

Stream/download the digital version: https://orcd.co/cactus_the_birth_of_cactus_1970

2022 landmarks 30 years since the release of the ASIA album AQUA on which John Payne was ASIA’s lead vocalist.

The following 15 years featured 7 more stunning ASIA studio albums, ARIA, ARENA, ANTHOLOGY, AURA, ARCHIVA 1&2 and SILENT NATION. This year also celebrates 40 years since the 1982 release of the first ASIA album (Downes, Howe, Wetton, Palmer) that features the hits, “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.”

This tour will showcase the music of both ASIA’s 1982 release and ASIA’s 1992 release AQUA.

The 90-minute show focuses on those two albums and a set list that includes, “Who Will Stop the Rain,” “Someday,” “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Back in Town,” “Lay Down Your Arms,” “Sole Survivor,” “Time Again,” “Love Under Fire,” “Heaven on Earth,” “Wildest Dreams,” “Here Comes the Feeling” and more.

Vocalist John Payne remarked “This is going to be very nostalgic for me, I haven’t played some of these songs in 30 years and I’m extremely excited to do this tour with our band. We want the shows to sound as close to the original recordings as possible”

Manager Lee Evans said “The band is really on form and John’s vocals are as powerful as ever, It’s gonna be a knock-out show!”

Electric Violin, Vocal Master L. SHANKAR will be playing select US shows in April 2022! Lakshminarayana Shankar, professionally known as L. Shankar, is widely considered a living legend, a pioneer, and a musical genius who has collaborated with giants such as Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many, many more. His solo albums have always drawn not only enormous interest from fans and critics alike but also showcase the collaborative spirit that is integral to Shankar’s art.

Tour dates:
April 2 – Roulette – Brooklyn, NY
April 3 – Berklee Performance Center – Boston, MA
April 9 – Dell Fine Arts Center Theatre – Austin, TX
April 10 – Matchbox – Houston, TX
April 16 – The Rhythm Foundation– Miami, FL
April 22 – Skirball Cultural Center – Los Angeles

L. Shankar’s most recent solo albums, “Chepleeri Dream” and “Christmas From India,” are available on Cleopatra Records

A new set of Frippertronics from 1981 will be released in CD/DVD and 2LP format in April 2022. These live Frippertronics performances have been taken from recordings in New York City between July and August 1981 and have been mixed and produced by David Singleton from audio painstakingly restored by Alex R Mundy.

This is the Frippertronics album that should have come out in 1982. The forty years that have passed have done nothing to diminish the power of the music. The material appears on both discs with the DVD offering the audio in hi-res stereo and DTS Surround Sound, the nature of the loops lending themselves ideally to this method of production

TRACKLISTING:
1. WASHINGTON SQUARE I
2. WASHINGTON SQUARE II
3. WASHINGTON SQUARE III
4. WASHINGTON SQUARE IV
5. WASHINGTON SQUARE V
6. WASHINGTON SQUARE VI
7. WASHINGTON SQUARE VII
8. WASHINGTON SQUARE VIII
9. WASHINGTON SQUARE IX
10. WASHINGTON SQUARE X
11. WASHINGTON SQUARE XI  

After completing the first round of concerts with a revived King Crimson starting in May 1981, Fripp headed over to the USA where he began a week-long residency at Washington Square United Methodist Church on 135 W Fourth Street in New York. Built in 1860, the church had historically been home to many congregations but in more recent years had become the venue for groups such as the Black Panthers, Gay Men’s Health Crisis and numerous arts organisations.

The series of Frippertronic concerts were held in aid of a Soho-based theatre group and they find the guitarist using his technique of slowly building the music from the ground up, step by step. It’s an approach which demonstrates how the addition or subtraction of a single note can change the entire mood of a piece as we move in the space of a few bars from an atmosphere of pensive anticipation to one of yearning hope.

In an interview with the Melody Maker published just weeks before these concerts, Fripp was asked why he continued to perform Frippertronic concerts. “It gives me a way of working with intimate contact with members of an audience...It's almost an excuse to put me in a situation where one has the audience, performer and music, and in a certain kind of way something remarkable can happen. And that has happened to me, and it's not possible in a group...Frippertronics is the most enjoyable means of playing I've ever found.”

The Washington Square Church performances represent some of the finest recorded examples of the Frippertronics series. Unlike other such recordings where the loops are on tape in the DGM archive but the solos require painstaking matching of existing audience recordings and bootlegs to those loops to complete the picture, the solos for these shows were actually recorded but not labelled as to which solos matched which loops. The matched pairs only became possible when DGM audio engineer Alex R. Mundy realised that the loops had been picked up, at microscopic audio levels, by the guitar pick-ups playing the solos, allowing for identification. David Singleton was then able to mix and produce the resulting audio.

The music played more than rewards such efforts as, culled from the shows, (more complete versions appear on the “Exposures” boxed set), Fripp appears to explore every sonic avenue available to him as a guitar player – mesmerising loops, overlaid with beautiful solos, fast running ‘Frame by Frame’ style lines against a looped background, powerful “Scary Monsters” type guitar noises and more besides.

The set is regarded as the finest example of Frippertronics in performance.  

The DVD features the material in 24/48 hi-res stereo and DTS-HD Surround Sound (Quad 4.1).

The 2LP edition is on 200 gram vinyl and has been cut by Jason Mitchel at LOUD Mastering.

Released on April 29th 2022 you can pre-order CD/DVD from Inner Knot (USA) and Burning Shed (UK / EU)

The long-awaited 32-disc boxed set of Robert Fripp in the studio and in concert 1977 - 1983 will be released on 27th May 2022. The set will feature many previously unreleased tracks, outtakes and rarities as well as numbers tracks becoming on CD for the first time.

The largest in the series, “Exposures” is the ninth boxset release collecting King Crimson / Robert Fripp material from 1969 to 2008.
 
Featuring 32 discs (25xCD/4xDVD audio/4xBlu-Ray audio) presented in a 12” box with a 48-page booklet containing extensive notes by Sid Smith and Al Okada plus memorabilia such as tickets, posters, press releases, and more.
 
One of the most comprehensive boxed sets devoted to a single period of an artist’s career, “Exposures” features the complete collection of Robert Fripp’s studio and live solo material from 1977-1983, covering the period from the first “Exposure” sessions to the end of The League of Gentlemen and final Frippertronics concerts.
 
Steven Wilson mixes of “Exposure” in (in two versions), “Under Heavy Manners,” The League of Gentlemen studio recordings and numerous unreleased tracks from the albums’ sessions appear in Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD 5.1 Surround and 24/96 hi-res stereo audio on Blu-Ray discs 1 and 4.
 
David Singleton mixes of “God Save the Queen,” “Let the Power Fall” and the “Washington Square Church” Frippertronics album appear in DTS-HD Surround (Quad/4.1) and in hi- res stereo ranging from 24/48 (WSC), 24/96 GSTQ) to 24/192 (LTPF) on Blu-Ray discs 1 and 4.
 
In addition, all editions and versions of “Exposure” (including previously unreleased), original masters of all of the albums from the period and a wealth of additional material, much of it previously unreleased appear on Blu-Ray in hi-res stereo audio on those discs.
 
Two further Blu-Ray discs present the complete DGM archive of Frippertronics loops, masters and concert performances - over 68 hours of music in 24/48 hi-res stereo.
 
Three DVDs feature the main albums in 5.1, quad and hi-res stereo. Twenty-five CDs present material including the earliest existing master loops, all of the albums in new Steven Wilson and David Singleton mixes, plus original mixes newly mastered and a number of studio and live discs featuring previously unreleased and/or music new to disc.
 
You can pre-order “Exposures” boxed set via Inner Knot (US): https://shop.schizoidshop.com/robert-fripp---exposures-boxed-set-p1917.aspx

Much to the excitement of Gentle Giant fans worldwide, the band’s final album “Civilian” remastered CD will be released on May 20, 2022! The vinyl LP release of the album will follow later in the year. Gentle Giant’s “Civilian”, was originally released in the spring of 1980, a little over a decade after the bands’ formation. The album was to be the band’s swan song after ten studio albums and one double live album in the ten years of their existence.

Gentle Giant by then had built up a formidable back catalogue of highly inventive and distinctive music and amassed an ardent live fanbase in North America and Europe. The band’s music continually defied categorization. True, there had been a steady shift toward a more accessible style, especially after the release of “Interview” in 1976, but the diverse influences which had been so adroitly combined on their earlier recordings had continued to set their music apart throughout their career.

“Civilian” was the final stage in Giant’s move toward a more concise and direct approach while still maintaining its musical integrity. It was unique among their albums in that the material was written and recorded in North America. With a view to achieving a more streamlined feel while retaining the musical virtuosity, Gentle Giant moved temporarily to Los Angeles, where the material for “Civilian” took shape over a five-month period stretching into early 1980.

The band recruited Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick to man the console at Sound City and Bijou Studios in Hollywood to record “Civilian”. What emerged from these sessions was a comparatively straightforward high-energy rock album, with hook laden songs and clever choruses. Undoubtedly a musical vindication of Giant’s decision to move further towards the ‘progressive rock mainstream’, and the logical conclusion of the work begun on 1976’s “Interview”. Despite having paired down earlier characteristic elements, Gentle Giant retained their quintessential brilliant musicianship moving forward into the new decade.

Starting with “Convenience (Clean and Easy)”, a blistering opener which focuses on the American way of life, “Civilian” once again shows Giant’s ability to write and play in a number of styles. Although the medieval influence had lessened, the brooding magnificence of “Inside Out” and the delicate keyboard work on “Shadows on the Street”, the latter reminiscent of mid-Seventies pieces such as “Freehand” and “No God’s a Man”, maintain the Gentle Giant tradition. Elsewhere, upbeat rock numbers are littered with the prominent motifs and complex instrumental interplay which had always characterized the band's output.

As a bonus on this, the newly mastered reissue of “Civilian”, and therefore its first official outing on CD, a rare previously-unissued track is included. “Heroes No More’ was recorded during the “Civilian” sessions but failed to appear only because of the need to keep running times down on the old vinyl format. Remastered, it is a fantastic addition to the album.

Despite the obvious strength and immediacy of “Civilian”, opinions differed widely at the time of the original release in February 1980. At the time “Civilian” was unable to satisfy the die-hard fans craving the arcane thrills of Gentle Giant’s ambitious earlier LPs, but it is nonetheless a consistent and compelling rock record of the highest musical order. Sadly “Civilian” was to be Gentle Giant’s final album. After a short break, the band met in New York for some promotional work prior to their scheduled Spring tour of the States. It was there that the decision was made that the group would fulfill their live obligations in the knowledge that it would be their last.

“Civilian” was the last in a line of strikingly original albums, each with its own character, but each recorded with the same care and attention to detail. Gentle Giant were a unique proposition, five talented musicians with the ability to blend widely differing musical traditions into a coherent whole.

Decades after the initial release of “Civilian” fans of the band old and new have come to realize what an incredibly strong and superbly written and produced album it really was. It is with this knowledge that we are proud to announce the re-release of the final album of a truly innovative and original band.

Remastered by Pete Reynolds

To pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X1W8BVQ

“Civilian” will be available on streaming channels as well as the first time available digitally in North America.

For more information: https://linktr.ee/gentlegiantband

Adrian Belew is a legendary guitarist well-known for his diverse travels around the musical map. He is a multi-instrumentalist whose solo records are critically acclaimed. His moving singing voice and prolific songwriting has endeared a loyal fan base of music lovers. His music is being discovered everyday by more and more listeners thirsty for great music with a creative standard not often pushed by the commercial music industry.

Adrian has signed with Bliss Entertainment, distributed exclusively by Ingrooves Music Group. “Elevator” will be the first Adrian Belew solo recording released through streaming. Adrian and management chose the Ingrooves Music Group channel based on the Ingrooves technology and the Universal global distribution channel. As with all artists, the optimization  of music sales revenue is key to picking their distribution and marketing partners. The first single  “a13” is now available!

To purchase Adrian Belew’s new single “a13”: https://ingrv.es/a13-y4a-5

“Elevator” is Adrian’s 25th solo record and as with most of his solo releases, he writes the songs, produces the record, and plays and sings everything. “Elevator” includes 38 of Adrian’s recent digital paintings as well as the lyrics to his songs. There are 12 new songs, ranging from delicate ballads to raging art rock as well as Adrian’s unique brand of avant-pop music.

To promote his new solo album and digital distribution deal, Adrian will be touring the US and Canada this summer starting July 13th in St. Paul, MN. Adrian’s touring trio will include bassist Julie Slick and drummer Johnnie Luca. Adrian describes the “Elevator” show as “part ‘classic’ power trio, new power trio songs never performed before, and a short solo acoustic performance of favorites and new songs from ‘Elevator.’” Adrian will be performing fan favorites spanning his whole career!

Tickets are available Friday April 29th at 10 AM EST - for more information: https://adrianbelew.net/tour/

Adrian also continues to perform with the Remain In Light tour featuring Adrian and Jerry Harrison, and will finish out the year touring the states as guest artist alongside Todd Rundgren for the “Celebrating David Bowie” show.

Adrian Belew first appeared on the guitar-world radar when he toured with Frank Zappa in 1977 who later said, “Adrian reinvented electric guitar”. Adrian’s signature tones, unique use of effects and whammy bar remains completely different, and his techniques continue to be a huge influence on today’s guitarists. He was guitarist, songwriter and frontman Progressive Rock Powerhouse King Crimson for over 30 years. “Discipline”, Adrian’s first record with King Crimson, is listed among the most important rock records ever made.

Adrian has had a career that commands both awe and respect from fellow musicians and loyal fans, from his first solo record “The Lone Rhino” to the Atlantic Records hit album “Mr. Music Head” or any of his other solo records (25 total) that push sonic boundaries while maintaining artistic integrity. Adrian shreds on guitar but also writes beautiful songs that will make you cry. Yes, Adrian has taken his fans on a wild ride through countless world tours and albums with David Bowie, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson, and Paul Simon. He truly is the Twang Bar King!

Tour Dates:

7/13/22 - Turf Club, St. Paul, MN
7/14/22 - Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI
7/15/22 - Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
7/16/22 - Hi-Fi Annex, Indianapolis, IN
7/18/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/19/22 - City Winery, Chicago, IL
7/21/22 - The Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, OH
7/22/22 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH
7/23/22 - Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
7/24/22 - The Oaks Theater, Oakmont, PA
7/26/22 - City Winery, Nashville, TN
7/27/22 - City Winery, Atlanta, GA
7/29/22 - The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC
7/30/22 - City Winery, Washington, DC
7/31/22 - Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
8/1/22 - Ashland Theatre, Ashland, VA
8/3/22 - Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT
8/4/22 - The Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
8/5/22 - City Winery, Boston, MA
8/6/22 - The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
8/14/22 - Center for the Arts of Homer, Homer, NY
8/16/22 - City Winery, Philadelphia, PA
8/18/22 - City Winery, New York, NY
8/19/22 - The Egg, Albany, NY
8/20/22 - Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

Now available for pre-order, a lavish, fully illustrated book in which family, friends, colleagues, and fans talk to author Chris Welch about the life, work, and legacy of Keith Emerson from before The Nice and ELP through 3 to The Keith Emerson Band. Illustrated throughout with previously unseen photos from family, friends, and professional photographers, this official celebration tells the remarkable tale of Keith’s musical evolution, his personal relationships, and the creation of his astounding musical legacy. Includes new interviews with Keith’s children, ex-wife, close personal friends, Mari Kawaguchi, Carl Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Lee Jackson, Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Alan White, Dave Kilminster, Marc Bonilla, Rachel Flowers, Darius Brubeck, Geoff Downes and others.

The book draws on the private Emerson family archives for photographs of Keith at home, at work and play. Close family and friends share memories and stories from throughout his life, revealing the true man, while fellow musicians from the worlds of prog, rock and classical attest to Keith’s talent and dedication, while others who worked with him tell of his spirit, generosity and sense of humor.

Keith Emerson celebrates the life and legacy of the man who first played the Hammond organ like a lead guitarist, introduced the European classical music tradition to rock fans with The Nice and helped create the template for prog rock with the very first Moog synthesizers with ELP. He also wrote movie soundtracks, performed with world-renowned jazz musicians and toured the world as a solo artist. All of that and more is explored in this deluxe book.

Pre-order now at www.keithemersonbook.com and choose to have a name printed in the book and be a part of this unique project.

Watch the video of Keith Emerson’s grandson Ethan playing “Quatermass Boogie Woogie” written by Keith when he was 12 years old! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDgZgItMXU

Keith Emerson official website: www.keithemersonbook.com
 

Renowned British artist Graham Dean’s new book “Strange Beauty,” featuring many of his celebrated works along with unreleased paintings, is being released as a Deluxe Edition Box Set with Book & DVD that includes an unreleased soundtrack by music legend Peter Gabriel.

Graham Dean transmits an essential part of the emotions and psychological states of his characters whether they be beautiful models, athletes, crazy bondage enthusiasts, identical twins, people with skin imperfections, – all using their bodies as vehicles of expression.

He is essentially a painter of identity. But more than the identity of the body, it is the identity of the soul as evoked by these sumptuous watercolours. Like Egon Schiele who was researching in mental hospitals to study his subjects, Graham Dean loves these oddball characters who voluntarily use their bodies often in extreme situations. His images are recomposed in a creative alchemy, mixing people, body parts and time itself. Although the works are representational, they escape the illustrational to reach a universal form from something deeply personal. He has also used buildings, mysterious ships, confessionals in churches, forests, trains, to enhance these atmospheric moods.

Using a technique he calls “reverse archaeology,” Graham Dean re-invents the traditional uses of watercolour resulting in a unique technique. Contrasting layers of paint are applied separately on thick, handmade paper from Southern India. Each sheet has undergone a process of tearing and overlapping to create a final composition, this corresponds to the multiple layers of the epidermis which protects the human body. The process is organic and cyclical, the paintings appear fragmented and destroyed using sections (front and back) that lead to a renaissance in the form of a new composition. Adapted from an article by Galerie Maubert, Paris. September 2011

“Undercurrents” is a 14 minutes instrumental piece that was written and recorded by Peter Gabriel in 1981, originally as the ambient soundtrack for a short film made for an exhibition by artist Graham Dean. Peter allegedly recorded the music in one day. This is his first soundtrack, ahead of “Birdy,” “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “Long Walk Home.” Peter supplied the music, in return for an original painting by Graham. This was Graham’s second film funded by the Arts Council. Dean, a pioneer in early video technology, shot “Undercurrents” on 16mm film featuring a series of images and live action footage and then manipulated. The film was shown on “Riverside” a BBC arts TV show.

Graham said about the recording of the soundtrack, “We were supposed to go into the studio for the afternoon for a few hours, but we ended up leaving at 6.00 am the following morning.” 
 
When the people at Real World were looking for the master tape for “Undercurrents” they actually found the multi-tracks after 40 years! The music was re-mixed at the end of last year in the main studio at Real World and the remix version sounds AMAZING! The music has been described as dark and atmospheric, even ‘Birdy’-like at times.”

In regards to his new book Graham explains, “I have been painting and exhibiting since 1973 so naturally I had a large body of works to choose from when making a selection for this book. I was keen to include some of which have never been published before alongside the latest paintings, several fresh out of the studio. All the paintings are watercolour or watercolour with a few added elements like dye or stained glass paint though I’m now reluctant to use anything else but watercolour. The papers are either Arches or an Indian rag paper from Southern India. The rags which make up the Indian papers when pulped are recycled garments -mostly western t-shirts I’ve been told.”

A collective of over 140 acclaimed musicians across 5 continents, including bassist Tony Levin, have come together remotely to celebrate Peter Gabriel's musical legacy. Jeremy Nesse and Deane Arnold have been producing reimagined, new recordings of Gabriel’s songs.

In a project prompted in part by the remote spirit of the global pandemic, the musicians have managed to collaborate from as far away as New Zealand, Europe, and Asia.

Producer and Musician Jeremy Nesse explains, “This has been a true exercise in remote, DIY collaboration and a testament to the love that we all share for Peter Gabriel, both in his artistry and his humanity. This project would not have been possible had it not been for the pandemic, the generosity of the contributing artists, and my co-producer, Deane Arnold.”

The project, which has spanned almost 2 years, will include five songs per month via Bandcamp.com.  Volumes 1-3 are currently available for purchase. Volume 4 will be released on May 6th and there will be another 6 to 8 releases in 2022. A CD compilation of “Through The Wire” will be released late 2022.

The interpretations will span over 40 years of Gabriel’s career, and will include well-known songs as well as obscure and previously unfinished tracks.

Says Deane, “This project is about the community of contributing musicians. Each song includes a different lineup of people, many of whom have never met in person. Some of us already knew each other, but most are collaborating for the first time. Working together in a creative way is the best part of being human.”

The musicians who worked on the project include current and previous members of Gabriel’s band: Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Pat Mastelotto, Larry Fast, Angie Pollock, Pete Levin, David Sancious, David Torn, Paul Richards, Donna Lewis, Elliott Sharp, Tim Bowness, Peter Chilvers, Gail Ann Dorsey, Stephan Thelen, Julie Slick, Steve Ball, Jon Durant, Theo Travis, Jakko Jakszyk, Dewa Budjana, Sidney Jake and Patrick Grant.

Says Jeremy, “Peter Gabriel kindled our love for art-rock and world music. The commingling of differing cultures and international perspectives has been a driving force in our musical journey. With the advent of the pandemic, over 100 artists, who have a shared love of PG’s music, donated their time and talent to this magnificent experiment that would never have happened under normal circumstances.”

Says Deane, “We’ve approached some of the songs as relatively faithful tributes, while others have been more broadly reinterpreted. Certain songs should be respected for how they were born. Others have room for new perspectives. In all cases, the music has depth that can lead to unexpected results.”

The music is being mixed in Bearsville, New York by Robert Frazza of Ashokan Talent. Frazza has supported over 200 bands around the world, including Orleans, Todd Rundgren, and Peter Gabriel. He is frequently called upon to pull together international tours. 

Volumes 1-3 are currently available for purchase. Volume 4 will be released on May 6th and there will be another 6 to 8 releases in 2022. The CD version of “Through The Wire” will be released late 2022

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

Bass virtuoso Clint Bahr just released a new solo album “PUZZLEBOX” on Moonjune Records. The album features members of King Crimson, YES, Van Der Graaf Generator, Sun Ra and others!

Clint Bahr’s new band, also named PUZZLEBOX, is a multidimensional “Tabula Rasa” in both compositional and improvisational formats. PUZZLEBOX is a genre-defying global collaboration of artists, a cross-pollination of diverse instruments and talents.

Delightfully blurring both stylistic and structural approaches, the tight-knit unit Bahr has assembled proves as unpredictable as they are adept, articulate and gifted. “PUZZLEBOX” recalls prog in its heyday when albums as uninhibited and off script as King Crimson’s “Lizard” and Captain Beefheart’s “Trout Mask Replica” were celebrated, and the Canterbury renaissance was in full swing. It harkens back to the same “reaching beyond” mentality which defined his seminal NYC-based power trio, TriPod. Brilliantly arranged and produced, Clint Bahr has delivered a multi-faceted, timeless epic ... at such a time as this.

Says Bahr, “I decided to do a ‘solo’ album with friends from the UK and USA. They include former members of King Crimson, Anthony Braxton, Television, Van der Graaf Generator, Sun Ra, Flash, TriPod, Gloria Gaynor, YES, Andromeda, etc. The album is a 50/50 compilation of composed and improvisational pieces. More so, PUZZLEBOX is a recording & touring band with interchanging players from around the world with a core bass and drums section.”

Clint Bahr - Composer/Lyricist
(Vocals, 12/8/4 String Basses, Chapman Stick, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Piano, Harmonium, Mellotron, Theremin, Percussion, etc.)
Formerly of TriPod, Andromeda, Flash, 40 Familys, Menage a Trois, as well as the bass player for Eartha Kitt. He has toured nationally and internationally. Progressive Edge Magazine listed him in their “TOP BASS PLAYER of 2002” list. He has recorded for Columbia Records, MoonJune Records, and various independent labels, and was a recipient of the 2021 NYC Artists Corps Grant.

“PUZZLEBOX” Track List
1. Tabula Rasa 1
2. New Design
3. Plate (Improv)
4. Shelter
5. As Tympani Melt In The Greek Heat (Improv)
6. Fall From Grace
7. Belt & Braces
8. Triangles, Circles & Squares (Improv)
9. Oslo
10. Kicking The Wasp’s Nest
11. Lifeguard In The Rain
12. Tabula Rasa 2

Featuring:
Clint Bahr - basses & vocals (TriPod)
Peter Banks - guitar (Yes)
Colin Carter - vocals (Flash)
Marilyn Crispell - piano (Anthony Braxton)
David Cross- violins (King Crimson)
Stephanie Feyne - dialogue (The Dotes)
Billy Ficca - drums (Television)
Dick Griffin - trombone (Sun Ra)
Mike Hough - drums (Flash)
David Jackson - woodwinds (Van der Graaf Generator)
Dan Parkington - sitar & violin (Andromeda)
Jeff Schiller - woodwinds (The Roots)

To purchase:
BANDCAMP: https://clint-bahr-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/puzzlebox?fbclid
AND also from Website: https://www.puzzlebox.band/

Focusing on the artist’s mid-‘70s work, The Myths And Legends Of Rick Wakeman 4CD box set showcases Wakeman at his most adventurous and mesmerizing performing tracks from the legendary albums The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table, The Six Wives Of Henry VII, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and others!

Packaged in a superb clamshell box with individual wallets for each show plus a 16-page booklet brimming with liner notes and vintage photos!

“It’s really lovely to see some of the music I’m most proud of, released in a new way and presented so well… I’m still wondering though if I am more of a myth than a legend!!!” – Rick Wakeman

Track list:
DISC 1: Live In North America 1974
1. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 1    
2. Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Pt. 2    
3. Anne Boleyn    
4. Concerto for American Commercial TV    

DISC 2: Live at Winterland Ballroom 1975
1. The Journey to the Center of the Earth, Pt. 1    
2. Catherine Howard    
3. Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight    
4. Anne Boleyn    
5. The Forest     
6. Arthur & Guinevere    
7. Merlin the Magician    
8. Catherine Parr     

DISC 3: Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1976
1. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman    
2. Catherine Howard    
3. Sir Lancelot & the Black Knight    
4. Arthur    
5. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation     
6. The Forest    
7. Catherine Parr    
8. The Prisoner    
9. Merlin the Magician    

DISC 4: The Maltings 1976
1. Recollection    
2. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 4: The Realisation    
3. Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight    
4. Music Reincarnate, Pt. 3: The Spaceman    
5. Catherine Parr     
6. The Prisoner     
7. Merlin the Magician     

To purchase: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/rick-wakeman-the-myths-and-legends-of-rick-wakeman-4-cd/

Rick Wakeman is best known for playing keyboards in the progressive rock band YES across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released over the past 5 decades. Wakeman has released over 90 solo albums spanning a range of musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances throughout the years and has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of YES.

Rick Wakeman's official website: https://www.rwcc.com/

Legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson will be playing select shows with The Paul Green Rock Academy in Summer 2022! Jon and the ensemble will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of YES's classic album “Close to the Edge” by performing the album in its entirety, along with other classics and surprises!

Watch Jon Anderson with the Paul Green Rock Academy promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glDLlhbP0Kk

This Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour is a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with Paul Green's original School of Rock all stars.

These early shows, over 30 in total between 2006-2008, were nothing short of magical, and now Jon Anderson returns to continue that magic with a set of Yes Classics, deep cuts, mash ups, and solo works, all with lush arrangements featuring choral singing, horns, and all the other benefits of having a backing band with 25 young musicians.

Says Paul Green, “Having done a few of these songs in the past with Jon and my students, I couldn’t wait to add them to the current show. Once we did 'Close to the Edge' and 'And You and I' on our Florida run in April, I was reminded of the magic of hearing these songs recreated by young musicians…They really capture the frenetic energy of the original recordings. Then when I heard it was the 50th anniversary of the album I just knew we had to do the whole thing. Jon agreed.”  

There are so many wonderful moments in my musical life, and being on stage with these young teenagers performing Classic Yes songs, makes me so happy and proud …..

It’s a marvel and a tremendous pleasure for me..

They are a joy to be with and so much fun!!!

I am grateful, thankful and feel very blessed to be able to sing along with them.
Janee and I love them all
Love and light... Jon Anderson

In support of legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson with the Paul Green Rock Academy's upcoming summer tour, a new video has been released titled “So Limitless.” This music was recorded during Jon's visit to Orlando during the Rock Academy tour in Florida in April 2022. The recording features members of the touring band and Jon, recorded at Solar Studios and produced by Michael Franklin.

Watch the video for “So Limitless” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXTzm48YnF4

“HERE WE GO MAKING NEW MUSIC WITH THE ROCK ACADEMY TEENS. “SO LIMITLESS”. BECAUSE WE ARE LIMITLESS IN ALL OUR LIVING , BEING AND DREAMING…”

LOVE & LIGHT
JON

Jon Anderson will be playing select shows with The Paul Green Rock Academy in Summer 2022! Jon and the ensemble will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the release of YES's classic album “Close to the Edge” by performing the album in its entirety, along with other classics and surprises!

An Introduction to the Guitar Circle with Robert Fripp will begin at 3pm on August 22nd, 2022, and ends at 12pm on August 26th, 2022.

Each day’s schedule is intense, beginning in the early morning and running through to the night with activities in small and large groups. The exact detailed schedule will be decided at the course itself, responding to the needs of the group.

House of Guitars: everyone welcome to join, with or without guitars (led by RF)

During Robert Fripp’s Introduction to the Guitar Circle, nothing is compulsory but some things are necessary. Robert feels strongly that alcohol and drug use are incompatible with this work and are strongly discouraged. Hey, the anticipated polyrhythms* alone are enough to deter anyone from even thinking about drinking! So, any participant who partakes in drugs or alcohol during the event may be asked to forego participating in our activities. Thank you for your cooperation.

*Polyrhythms: The simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition. Rhythmic conflicts, or cross-rhythms, may occur within a single metre (e.g., two eighth notes against triplet eighths or worse!) and may even be reinforced by simultaneous combinations of conflicting metres. You will happily experience some of these during Robert’s event!

The Guitar Circle welcomes players and audients of all ages and levels of experience, from absolute beginners to professionals.

The art of craft is universal. The artful craft of Guitar Craft is also specific.

Guitar Craft is a way of developing a relationship with guitar, music, and with ourselves. Guitar and Audience Craft techniques and exercises provide a foundation for taking the performance event to a higher level.

The Guitar Circle is a way of working which strengthens community. We also rock out!

If performing music is to enter our world, the role of the audience is as necessary as the role of the musician.

So, for the first time in the life of Guitar Craft and the Guitar Circle, we are inviting audients to this Intro, to learn the performance techniques and approaches available to Crafty Guitarists.

Performing music has its own intelligence, but can music change the world? If so, how? How does a musician become present in the place within them where music lives, or visits for a while? How is an audient present within themself when music visits? How does music come into our lives? What is involved in the process of musical performance?

For those interested in guitar playing, work will be on acoustic guitars in the New Standard Tuning – CGDAEG. Guitar meetings / workshops will be in groups of all sizes, including individual meetings with the Guitar Buddies.

This Introduction to the work of the Guitar Circle will also include classes in Alexander Technique, Orchestral Maneuvers, T’ai Chi, Zen meditation, The Process Of Performance, and Doing Nothing – As Much As You Can!

There is nothing solemn about any of this, and I’m intending to have a good time. This is an approach to perform, performing, serious performing and performing seriously.

I recommend that everyone come with an aim.

You are invited.

Robert Fripp

STAFF

ROBERT FRIPP - Guitarists and More
DEV RAY - Guitarists and More
JACQUELINE BINDER - Guitarists and More
CURT GOLDEN - Guitar Buddies
TOM REDMOND - Guitarists and More
TONY GEBALLE - Guitar Buddies
SANDRA BAIN CUSHMAN - Orchestral Maneuvers
KIM CARY - Orchestral Maneuvers
ERIN WIGGER - Alexander Technique
CHRIS DOERING - The Process of Performance
CHRISTINA FLEMING - Orchestral Maneuvers

PRICING AND REGISTRATION

Robert Fripp, Guitar Circle, and Dreamcatcher Events all respectfully ask that everyone attending be fully vaccinated and/or tested for Covid.

Musicians and music fans of all styles and levels are welcome to attend Introduction To The Guitar Circle – but we do recommend that everyone who plans on playing bring a steel-stringed acoustic guitar!

For more information: https://robertfrippsguitarcircle.com/

John Lodge - legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist for the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues is to bring his electrifying ‘Performs Classic Moody Blues’ show to the Ocean City Music Pier on July 25 as part of their Summer Concert Series.

Tickets on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/an-evening-with-the-moody-blues-ocean-city…; Limited Edition VIP ‘add on’ merchandise packages also available https://tickets.onelivemedia.com/events/27501.

Check out the tour promo video here!

Writer and vocalist of such mega Moody Blues hits “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, “Gemini Dream”, “Steppin in a Slide Zone” and many many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, and also enjoys a successful solo career.  

With the Moody Blues no longer touring, it’s John’s deeply held desire to continue to bring this music, the music he calls ‘the soundtrack of his life’ - as it is to so many - to the fans who have been on this journey with him for so many years. John and his band perform these classic songs with a new energy, whilst always remaining true to the Moody’s roots and the original iconic sound. They are unique in managing to bring a feeling of nostalgia to the room and the audience to their feet, with songs that are as relevant today as they were when first written and experienced.

As one critic wrote, ‘a brilliant night of classics from start to finish from this living Rock Legend!’, and as John says to the fans at the end of every show, ‘Thank you for Keeping the Faith’… and you can see he means it.  John’s show weaves his own Moodies hits together with special tributes to his bandmates from The Moody Blues, including a very special recording by the late Graeme Edge of his poem ‘Late Lament’.  Jon Davison of YES will be joining him on stage for ‘Nights in White Satin’.  

The show is in support of his latest live album ‘The Royal Affair and After’ released in January this year to critical acclaim. The album was recorded live in Las Vegas on ‘The Royal Affair Tour’, in the Summer of 2019.
 
John’s mission statement is, after all, “I want to keep all the Moody Blues music alive!”
 
Joining John are his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’; Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards), Billy Ashbaugh (Drums), Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).

“I’m delighted to be bringing my Moody Blues show to the Ocean City Music Pier as part of their Summer Concert Series!  I had a fabulous time on our March tour and on the Flower Power Cruise, and although we are working on dates for later in the year and next year, I was really happy to be asked to be part of this series.  I’ll be bringing my band, and we’ll be doing our full ‘Classic Moody Blues’ show with all my hits and tributes to all my bandmates. These songs really are the soundtrack of my life and I look forward to sharing them with fans, and perhaps even some not so familiar with the Moody Blues.” - John Lodge June 2022.

Robert Fripp is a founding member of King Crimson, contributor and collaborator with Brian Eno, David Bowie, Daryl Hall, David Sylvian, Peter Gabriel, Posh Poppers Toyah Willcox and Simon Darlow, and a lot of other totally excellent people. Originating director of the Guitar Craft and Guitar Circle program. Since Covid and lockdown he has been kicking received opinion via social media with Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch.

David Singleton established DGM with Robert Fripp in 1993 and has reluctantly managed King Crimson since 2018. David is King Crimson’s producer and author of The Vicar Chronicles.

An endless stream of people ask Fripp burning questions, many of which are actually not even quite smoldering. In most cases they would be better answered by David Singleton. This is an opportunity to ask both Fripp and Singleton the questions that get them out of bed in the morning.

Where does Music come from? What does it take to survive the music business? When does the impossible become possible? Can Music change the world? Why did Fripp put on a tutu and dance to Swan Lake at the end of his garden?  Who is The Vicar?

Tour Dates:

September 16 - Toronto, ON - Royal (tickets)

September 17 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda (tickets)

September 18 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial Bell (tickets)

September 19 - Syracuse, NY - Carrier Theater (tickets)

September 21 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse (tickets)

September 22 - Boston, MA - City Winery (tickets)

September 23 - New York, NY - City Winery (tickets)

September 24 - Albany, NY - Swyer Room (tickets)

September 27 - Red Bank, NJ - The Vogel (tickets)

September 28 - Philadelphia, PA - City Winery (tickets)

September 30 - Washington, DC - City Winery (tickets)

October 1 - Annapolis, MD - Ram’s Head Live (tickets)

October 2 - Oakmont, PA - Oaks Theater (tickets)

October 5 - Cleveland, OH - Music Box Supper Club (tickets)

October 8 - Milwaukee - Wilson Theater-Marcus Center (tickets)

October 9 - Chicago, IL - City Winery (tickets)

Jeff Cotton of Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band fame will be releasing his first ever solo album “The Fantasy of Reality” on Madfish on August 12, 2022.

After playing guitar, lap steel and vocals with the legendary Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, appearing on the ground breaking album “Trout Mask Replica” (under the pseudonym Antennae Jimmy Semens), as well as playing on “Strictly Personal” & “Mirror Man,” Cotton withdrew from the commercial music business for nearly 50 years. Using the island state of Hawaii as a home base, he emerges from his seclusion in 2022 with his first ever solo album; “The Fantasy of Reality.”

Whimsical, playful and tongue-in-cheek – Cotton delivers a psychedelic journey that will delight Beefheart devotees while bringing plenty of new ideas to the table across the sprawling 22 track, 66-minute runtime. “Trout Mask Replica” cover designer Cal Schenkel collaborates once again as he returns to contribute to the internal artwork of the album to continue the Captain Beefheart canon into the 2020s.

Across the decades, the Magic Band’s power and influence has only grown in might, and the cult following of 1969’s “Trout Mask Replica” still excites fans to this day, in part due to the mystery and enigma of members such as Antennae Jimmy Semens (aka Jeff Cotton). In 1967, Cotton was scoped by Don Van Vliet – Captain Beefheart himself, replacing Ry Cooder on guitar. He then went one to help craft some of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band’s most vibrant recordings and later contributed to the cult band MU.

Now blending together musical strands such as jazz, delta blues, Hawaiian and the avant-garde to create a melting pot of ideas, Cotton will astonish fans with his comeback.

The magic will continue on “The Fantasy of Reality,” which will be released on CD & Digital via Madfish with PRE ORDERS AVAILABLE HERE (https://jeffcotton.lnk.to/fantasyofreality)

Gentle Giant “Front Row Center (US Dates 1976-1980)”10LP Deluxe Box Set will be released on Madfish Sept. 23, 2022! Celebrating four classic years (1976-1980) of touring throughout the USA, encompassing the full Gentle Giant live experience through never-before pressed vinyl, unseen memorabilia and photographs.

The box set features:
• HEMPSTEAD, New York – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – JULY 13, 1976 (3LP) - Originally broadcast live on New York City's WLIR radio as part of the station's Bicentennial celebration.
• HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – CALDERONE CONCERT HALL – NOVEMBER 16, 1977 (3LP) An outstanding previously unreleased performance sourced from guitarist Gary Green's personal collection.
• CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA – WIDENER COLLEGE – NOVEMBER 18, 1977 (2LP) - Available for the first time on vinyl sourced from Gary Green's collection.
• ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AGORA BALLROOM – MAY 29, 1980 (2LP) - A rare recording from the band's final tour prior to their split in the summer of 1980.

In addition to the recordings the set will come with a 60-page book written by GG authority Alan Kinsman concentrating on their live experiences and memorabilia. The set will also include a numbered Limited-Edition certificate.

This is a chance to own a collection of uber-rarities here on vinyl for the first time ever. A must have for all Gentle Giant collectors.

“Front Row Center” will be issued via Madfish on 10LP Box Set on 23rd September 2022 and pre-orders are available HERE (https://GentleGiantBox.lnk.to/FrontRowCenter)

DISC 1
A.1. Intro/Just The Same (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
A.2. Proclamation/Valedictory (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13,1976)
B.1. On Reflection (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
B.2. Interview (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 2
C.1. The Runaway/Experience (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
C.2. So Sincere (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
D.1. Excerpts From Octopus (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 3
E.1. Give It Back (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
E.2. Timing (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)
F.1. Free Hand (The Bicentennial, NY, July 13, 1976)

DISC 4
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
A.2. Free Hand (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
B.1. On Reflection (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
B.2. I'm Turning Around (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 5
C.1. Just The Same/Playing The Game (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
C.2. Memories Of Old Days (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
D.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
D.2. Funny Ways (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 6
E.1. The Face (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
E.2. For Nobody (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)
F.1. Excerpts From Octopus (Calderone Concert Hall, NY, 16 Nov 1977)

DISC 7
A.1. Two Weeks In Spain (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
A.2. Free Hand (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
A.3. On Reflection (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.1. I'm Turning Around (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.2. Just The Same/Playing The Game (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
B.3. Memories Of Old Days (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)

DISC 8
C.1. Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
C.2. The Face (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.1. For Nobody (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.2. Excerpts From Octopus - part 1 (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)
D.3. Excerpts From Octopus - part 2 (Widener College, PA, 18 Nov 1977)

DISC 9
A.1. Convenience (Clean And Easy) (The Agora, GA, 29 May,1980)
A.2. All Through The Night (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.3. Free Hand (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.4. Knots (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
A.5. Playing The Game (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.1. Memories Of Old Days (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.2. Giant For A Day (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
B.3. Inside Out (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)

DISC 10
C.1. It's Not Imagination (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
C.2. Underground (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.1. For Nobody (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.2. The Advent Of Panurge (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)
D.3. Number One (The Agora, GA, 29 May, 1980)

The superstar rock band Intelligent Music Project will release its seventh studio album entitled “Unconditioned” in July – just two months after their biggest adventure, called Eurovision Song Contest.

The legendary Simon Phillips (TOTO, Protocol) returns as percussionist and musical co-producer of the new album, while the lead vocalist on this release will again be one of the most popular names in rock music today: Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, MSG). This will be Romero’s third album with Intelligent Music Project, and for the first time the group has expanded its compositional approach: two of the songs and their arrangements are entirely the work of Ronnie, Biser Ivanov and Ivo Stefanov. For the first time on “Unconditioned,” the band’s lead singer shows off his skills as a lyricist, having penned the words to those two songs. All the other songs and lyrics are once again the creation of Intelligent Music Project’s founder and producer, Dr. Milen Vrabevski.

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the band’s first album, “The Power Of Mind,” the seventh album follows its format and also begins and ends with instrumental tracks written by Dr. Milen Vrabevski in collaboration with Biser Ivanov and Ivo Stefanov.

 “‘Unconditioned’ is an album dedicated to unconditional love as a deciding factor in normalizing our modern life. This love has to be focused above all on our children, because they are the future, while we are the ones who need to show them the way and teach them to make bold decisions and to live for the people around them. Only with more such people will the world become a better place” – Dr. Vrabevski about the new album

One hit track from “Unconditioned” is “Intention” – the song the band played as Bulgaria’s representative to Eurovision 2022 in Torino. Besides the Eurovision version, the album will also include the original, longer take, which sticks to Intelligent Music Project’s signature melodic progressive style, as well as a backing track version.  

“Intention” was the first single from Intelligent Music Project’s seventh album. At the moment, the song has more than two and a half million views/listens on both YouTube and Spotify. The song raises the question of every individual’s personal, internal battle with outdated models of belief and behavior that hold them back. Starting from the title itself, the author underscores the simple fact that it is never too late to start down the right path – the path of your own personal growth, of dignified existence and of life with a mission. The song calls us to turn away from our ego, selfishness and a consumerist attitude on life and instead to live for the people around us.

“Finding the right path, however, often turns into a battle with one’s self, so you need a serious intention to truly make a change!” – Dr. Milen Vrabevski, the author of the music and lyrics of “Intention” notes.  

The album’s second single, “New Hero,” came out in early May. The song was accompanied by a striking video that recreated a military atmosphere, where, in sync with the idea behind the album, the main characters were children. In the video’s narrative, it is precisely the children who turn out to be the brave heroes who bring about change.

“Effective action in the present, despite difficulties, is the key to progress. It is crucial for us to know that pretty words get us nowhere. It is easy to stand silently and do what you’re told. The harder but only effective thing is for a person to have their own opinion, their own method of resisting injustice, even if this means they often find themselves alone and misunderstood,” Dr. Vrabevski explains.

In addition to Simon Phillips and Ronnie Romero, the album also includes Carl Sentance (Nazareth), Biser Ivanov on guitar, Ivo Stefanov on keyboards, Slavin Slavchev, Lina Nicole, and Borislav Mudolov-Kosatkata on backing vocals; Dimitar Sirakov on bass; Samuel Eftimov on piano

The album will be released on July 27, the day of Ronnie Romero’s wedding to Romanian model and dentist Dr. Corina Minda.

Pre-order “Unconditioned” here: https://bit.ly/3P09VTw

“The Rock Artist's Progress” is a unique concept and project created by legendary violinist Darryl Way that consists of an album and novel that are intrinsically linked together and sold as a bundle. The novel will also include musical illustrations created by Darryl, that can be clicked on and listened to, whilst reading. Both album and novel are due for release on September 23rd, on Spirit of Unicorn Music, Cherry Red Records, iTunes and Amazon.

The novel, written by Charles Shorwell, is set against the backdrop of the musical revolution that started with the Beatles and begins in 1968, a year after ‘The Summer of Love’ and follows the story of Daniel Luckham, a young classical pianist studying at the Royal College of Music. Seduced by the rock music scene and vibrant counter culture in London at that time, he contrives to leave college and pursue a career in ‘Rock’. But some bad decisions lead him down a dark and dangerous alley, populated by drug dealers, unscrupulous managers and femme fatales. On his journey to fulfill his dreams, Daniel finds his integrity challenged, and the innocence of youth cruelly stripped away.

The connection between the album and novel, unfortunately has to remain a secret, as to divulge that information would give away a key plot line in the novel. All that can be said is that the album represents a body of work recorded in the late 60s. Created by Darryl Way, the album features a guest vocal performance from Steve Hogarth of Marillion, on the track “Morpheus”.

Having announced the release of his debut solo album “The Fantasy of Reality”, on Madfish on August 12th, Jeff Cotton of Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band fame now premieres his new single and video for the song “Does It Work For You”.

“Greetings and Aloha to all my music loving friends! The single, ‘Does it Work for You’, the first tune on my new album, ‘The Fantasy of Reality’, exemplifies the overall sentiment of this new work. I sincerely hope that you experience some of the ‘old Magic’ and pick up on the lyrical positivity. We’re all in this together, and because there’s never been a time quite like this, it is good that we remind one another, that despite it all, Love is our ‘Reality’. Enjoy InJoy.” - Jeff Cotton

WATCH “DOES IT WORK FOR YOU” HERE

After playing guitar, lap steel and vocals with the legendary Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, appearing on the ground breaking album “Trout Mask Replica” (under the pseudonym Antennae Jimmy Semens), as well as playing on “Strictly Personal” & “Mirror Man,” Cotton withdrew from the commercial music business for nearly 50 years. Using the island state of Hawaii as a home base, he emerged from his seclusion in 2022 with his first ever solo album; “The Fantasy of Reality.”

Whimsical, playful and tongue-in-cheek – Cotton delivers a psychedelic journey that will delight Beefheart devotees while bringing plenty of new ideas to the table across the sprawling 22 track, 66-minute runtime. “Trout Mask Replica” cover designer Cal Schenkel collaborates once again as he returns to contribute to the internal artwork of the album to continue the Captain Beefheart canon into the 2020s.

Across the decades, the Magic Band’s power and influence has only grown in might, and the cult following of 1969’s “Trout Mask Replica” still excites fans to this day, in part due to the mystery and enigma of members such as Antennae Jimmy Semens (aka Jeff Cotton). In 1967, Cotton was scoped by Don Van Vliet – Captain Beefheart himself, replacing Ry Cooder on guitar. He then went one to help craft some of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band’s most vibrant recordings and later contributed to the cult band MU.

Now blending together musical strands such as jazz, delta blues, Hawaiian and the avant-garde to create a melting pot of ideas, Cotton will astonish fans with his comeback.

The magic will continue on “The Fantasy of Reality,” which will be released on CD & Digital via Madfish with PRE ORDERS AVAILABLE HERE (https://jeffcotton.lnk.to/fantasyofreality)

Track List:
1. Does It Work For You
2. It Never Ceases To Blow My Mind
3. Ivy
4. Green Bamboo
5. He Made The Eagle
6. Elvirus
7. This Gentle Earth
8. All Things New
9. Crusin` Hamakua
10. Together We Sail
11. The Space Between Us All
12. On The Thread
13. Aloha
14. The Liberation Song
15. The Breeze Of Oblivion
16. Heavy
17. The Season Of The Awakening
18. Mother Earth Needs Healing
19. Together
20. Hear The Word
21. It Would Take An Angel
22. Clean In Nature`s Stream

Bass icon Jeff Berlin will be releasing a new tribute album to legendary Jack Bruce titled “Jack Songs” on August 2, 2022! Jack Bruce, best known for his work with classic rock group Cream as well as his critically acclaimed solo work passed away in 2014. Jeff Berlin, who has been called “the greatest bass player in the world”, was a personal friend of Jack’s and wanted to record his songs in remembrance of how Jack helped Jeff to find his own musical path.

Says Jeff, “Recording the music of Jack Bruce has been the most emotional recording project of my career. Jack was the greatest bass influence I ever had. In the center of his music were these strange and wonderful bass lines weaving in and out of the key, reaching for resolutions and finding them, again, and again. Jack’s playing was a living evolving improvisation.

Jack was the Alpha and Omega for me. I never would have become the bass player I became if I didn't hear his unfettered improvisations and innovations, his creating a completely original bass tone, and his playing every gig as if it was his last. When he died, I immediately set out to honor him by reviewing his music to choose some of my favorite songs of his and recording them via my own musical vision. As was his legacy of musical brilliance, I wanted this record to be brilliant to honor his spirit. He really means this much to me.

‘Jack Songs’ isn’t a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack’s musical life after Cream. Jack’s solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years.

In arranging the music, I was inspired by Giles Martin’s production of The Beatles ‘Love’ CD. His production work on this CD is fantastic. I tried to follow his example of his fitting various Beatle song quotes from different tunes into each tune by doing a similar thing by combining different Jack songs. Rather than computerized manipulation of music that was already recorded, I arranged the music so that each song on ‘Jack Songs’ would end up as an individual work comprised of various parts of other songs in them. I never would have thought of this without Giles showing me this path.”

Guest performers:

Sammy Hagar, Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Husband, Eric Johnson, Bill Frisell, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Alex Ligertwood, Scott Henderson, Marcus Miller, Ron Carter, Tony Levin, Michael League, Nathan East, Mark King, Bruce Guttridge, Billy Sheehan and Johnny Hiland!

For over 40 years, Jeff Berlin has stood as one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his one-of-a-kind tone, jaw dropping technique and highly advanced harmonic approaches to the bass, Jeff has been one of the major figures in firmly establishing the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its own distinct place in modern music.

Jeff’s recording and performance credits include a who’s who of jazz and rock. They include: Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Anderson Wakeman Bruford Howe, Frank Zappa, Patrick Moraz and many more.

To purchase: www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

The Haight Street Art Center will open The Secret Path: The Art of Roger and Freyja Dean, an exhibition of original art works by famed UK artists Roger Dean and his daughter Freyja Dean. The Secret Path will immerse visitors in an extraordinary world where life and landscape invoke the splendors of nature through the visionary imagination of the Deans. The exhibition opens August 25 and will close October 30, 2022, before touring to other venues.

The presenting sponsors of The Secret Path: The Art of Roger and Freyja Dean are Blue Planet Alliance and Chambers Obscura.  

“To see the art of Roger and Freyja together in this unique, groundbreaking exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to experience the magical environments created by this father-daughter duo,” said Kelly Harris, executive director of the Haight Street Art Center. “Both artists have universal appeal, and we are proud to be able to offer our patrons a chance to be a part of this stunning and psychedelic fantasy.”

Known for his groundbreaking work with Yes and other rock bands, Roger Dean’s six-decade career includes a dazzling range of media and formats. His daughter Freyja has followed in her father’s footsteps, earning international acclaim for her paintings, sculpture, and fabric art. With paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other media, this exhibition connects all facets of the Deans’ wide-ranging and restless imagination.

Visitors to the Art Center will recognize famous paintings that became the artwork for some of Roger’s legendary album covers, as well as studies of his extraordinary design work including his iconic Yes logo. Curated by Roger in consultation with Freyja, the exhibition includes more than 50 works that will furnish patrons with an imaginative and immersive environment that speaks to the challenges of the present while embracing the promise of the future.   

“I am honored to help support The Secret Path coming to San Francisco and the work of the Haight Street Art Center in sharing these fantastical worlds through this remarkable exhibition,” said Brian Chambers, co-founder of Chambers Obscura. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Roger for many years, and through him I have come to appreciate his daughter Freyja’s work as well. She has her own distinctive voice, but not only does she demonstrate how deep the creative genes are in the Dean family, her work complements his in powerful and unexpected ways.”  

“I’ve worked with Roger for 35 years and could not be more honored to support The Secret Path at the Haight Street Art Center,” said Blue Planet Alliance Founder Henk Rogers. “In all my years in publishing, I’ve never met an artist as talented and easy to work with as Roger. We’ve worked together on dozens of projects, starting with the cover and logo for the game Super Black Onyx to the Tetris logo, our biggest and most widely known collaboration, for a game that has sold 500 million copies. Roger’s art has enriched us in so many ways.”

Known as the “only member of Yes who doesn’t play an instrument,” Roger Dean is revered as an award-winning album cover artist, yet his talents go far beyond one medium: his work spans fine art to graphic design, architecture to stage sets, from small-scale drawings to stadium-sized vistas. Freyja Dean’s paintings, sculpture, and fabric art chart the relationships between landscapes and life. Her art reveals the narratives of those geographies and beings, illuminating the lessons they can teach us. Together, the art of the Deans guides viewers through a journey filled with stories. Those stories are about magic: the magic in nature, in natural phenomena and formations, in the seasons and the flow of time.

“This exhibition invites viewers to become participants,” Roger Dean notes. “We are all fellow travelers on the secret path of life. The signposts along the way are our art works, but the destination—the future—belongs to everyone.” For the Deans, this exhibition is an important step in that journey. “We must believe in a future worth striving for,” Freyja Dean explains. “For all of us, there is a secret or hidden path whose entirety we cannot see while we live it.”

The Haight Street Art Center serves San Francisco’s thriving poster art and artist communities with education and cultural development programs, and exhibitions. Drawing upon music, art, social and political counterculture history, we provide a space that bridges communities through social activism and artistic expression.

The nonprofit Haight Street Art Center is located at 215 Haight Street, at the corner of Laguna Street. The Center is open weekly on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-6 pm. Its outdoor Garden Gallery is open daily (7 am – 9 pm).  Admission is always free. For more information about the Haight Street Art Center, its exhibitions, events, and programs, please visit www.haightstreetart.org

Plane Groovy and Rocking Horse Music are proud to announce the 2022 release of Rocking Horse Music Club’s genre-defying new concept album/rock opera, “Circus of Wire Dolls.” The album will be released on double CD on 16th September, with double vinyl to follow on 21st October.

“On the surface, the record tells the story of a man who creates a miniature circus out of wire, string, and cloth,” explains producer/songwriter Brian Coombes, “but it’s really about a man looking back at his life, his work, the people who entered and exited his world, his successes, his failures, his regrets.”

“Circus of Wire Dolls” is the follow-up to the band’s Anthony Phillips tribute album, “Which Way the Wind Blows” (2019). “After the Ant Phillips tribute, which was a true labor of love for me, I wanted the band to get back to doing what we do best,” states Coombes. “We’re primarily songwriters, so I wanted the band to get back to showcasing our own material.”

With its theatrical presentation, “Circus of Wire Dolls” required a number of singers to voice the characters in the story. In addition to the band’s three singers/songwriters Justin Cohn, Patrik Gochez, and Brian Coombes, the characters are brought to life by: Ms Amy Birks, Tim Bowness, Caroline Carter (Miss New Hampshire 2017), Evelyn Cormier (American Idol), Chris Difford (Squeeze), Noel McCalla (the voice of Mike Rutherford’s Smallcreep’s Day), and Sing Gospel Choir of London.

In addition to the in-house instrumental talent of the Music Club, the project also features special guest musicians, including: David Cross (ex-King Crimson) on violin, Kenwood Dennard (ex-Brand X) on additional drums, Melvin Duffy (Squeeze) on pedal steel, John Hackett on flute, Greg Hawkes (the Cars) on alto saxophone, Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett) on soprano saxophone, Kate St John (Dream Academy) on oboe, cor anglais, and accordion.

While progressive rock was the album’s primary influence, the band also drew inspiration from 1960’s baroque/symphonic pop (the Beatles, the Zombies, and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys), art rock/glam (Roxy Music, David Bowie, Queen), 1980’s new wave (Tears for Fears, the Cars, Squeeze), and touches of gospel, jazz fusion, folk/americana, and modern musical theatre.

The album’s sound is warm and lush, with orchestral instrumentation and backing vocal arrangements augmenting the band’s sound. Vintage keyboards, including mellotron, optigan, celeste, and the famous Mrs Mills and Challen pianos from Abbey Road, also contribute to the album’s sonic identity.

The album was recorded at Rocking Horse Studio in New Hampshire USA, with additional recording at Abbey Road in London.

Rocking Horse Music Club will be performing the album on March 17 & 18, 2023 at Trading Boundaries, Sheffield Green, Fletching UK.

To purchase “Circus of Wire Dolls”:

UK & Rest of World: https://burningshed.com/store/rocking-horse-music-club_store

USA: https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/shop

2020/2021. More than 18 months without being able to do a concert. This space of time, this imposed “pause”, was used to prepare a new album, a group album, like Magma hadn’t done for a long time.

Following the creation of a new line-up in 2020, Magma once again offered to musicians to bring compositions, Christian Vander having never made the deliberate choice to be Magma’s sole composer. But de facto, none of the dozens of musicians who participated in this adventure had offered a new song for decades!

After “ZËSS”, which hinted at a rather bleak future, this luminous and resolutely optimistic new album is the result of collective work, an “Operation Kartëhl”.

In addition to the 6 tracks recorded in 2022, the album contains as a bonus, two demos recorded “at home” from Christian Vander’s personal collection.

Hakëhn Deis 7:12 (Christian Vander)              
Do Rïn Ïlï üss 4:38 (Hervé Aknin)
Irena Balladina 5:11 (Christian Vander)           
Walömëhndêm 7:36 (Thierry Eliez)
Wiï Mëlëhn Tü 8:54 ( Simon Goubert)
Dëhndë 6:55 (Christian Vander) *                     

Bonuses
Hakëhn Deis 6:11 (Christian Vander)               
Recorded in 1978 - Christian Vander: Piano, vocals – René Garber: vocals

Dëhndë 6:38 (Christian Vander) *   
Recorded in 1978 - Piano, vocals: René Garber

“Kartëhl” was recorded and mixed by Francis Linon at UZ studio between March 7 and June 12, 2022. Mastered at Greasy records studio by Marcus Linon. Produced by Stella Vander Linon.

Line-up – Christian Vander : drums, solo vocals, tambourine / Stella Vander : solo vocals, vocals, chime / Hervé Aknin : solo vocals, vocals / Isabelle Feuilleboi s: vocals / Sylvie Fisichella : vocals / Caroline Indjein : vocals / Laura Guarrato : vocals / Rudy Blas : guitar / Thierry Eliez : piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards / Simon Goubert : piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards / Jimmy Top : bass

*The royalties will be donated in full to the Fondation Initiative Autisme

Mike Oldfield’s iconic “Tubular Bells” took the world by storm when it launched in 1973, and nearly 50 years later continues to sell over 100,000 albums per year, with a total of 17.5 million copies sold worldwide and 18 million streams. In honor of the 50th anniversary of this ground-breaking album, Cleopatra Records will be releasing a new studio album entitled Tubular Bells - 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Set for release on October 28, the album is performed by the highly regarded Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the London Contemporary Voices Choir, conducted by three-time British Composer Of The Year, Simon Dobson, and emceed by award-winning British actor Brian Blessed (Flash Gordon, The Black Adder).

Composer Oldfield remarked about the milestone “It’s amazing to think that it’s 50 years since I started writing Tubular Bells, and I am touched that my music has reached so many people, all over the world, during that time.“

Tubular Bells - 50th Anniversary Celebration not only includes the entirety of Tubular Bells opus but also other Oldfield compositions. In fact, today will see the release of the first single from the album, a new recording of “Moonlight Shadow,” Oldfield’s biggest hit single, arranged by Dobson and featuring vocalist Ella Shaw, whose captivating vocals and star quality stage presence have been described by American Idol’s Simon Cowell as “MEGA, MEGA talented!”

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/moonlight_shadow

Pre-order your copy of Tubular Bells - 50th Anniversary Celebration today as a 2CD set, multiple vinyl configurations and even cassette!

Pre-order CD/VINYL/CASS: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=tubular+bells&post_type=product

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/tubular_bells_50th_anniversary

Remember when keyboard legend Rick Wakeman hosted Gastank in the 80s? Want to relive his stunning performance with Orchestra Della Svizzera in Lugano, in 2009? Wakeman Web TV has all this and more! No more channel-hopping: here’s your one-stop shop for an array of stunning live performances taken from across the keyboard wizard’s career. And to mark the launch of this new venture, Rick has some exciting news…Welcome to Rick’s web TV channel!

Here you’ll be able to view many of Rick’s TV appearances and old concerts amongst many other hidden treasures, offering films for either rental or purchase, whichever takes your preference.

There’s a host of goodies, with some hard to find items along with better known works, and all in one place! Also Rick Plaice Season 2 can only be seen on Rick Wakeman’s Web TV!So why not treat yourself to an Aladdin’s cave of one of Rick’s golden gems from the past.

It couldn’t be easier.

“SURELY THIS HAS TO BE THE WAY FORWARD TO GIVE FANS OLD AND NEW THE BEST WAY TO VIEW AND LISTEN TO THE MUSIC…A VERY SENSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THOSE PLATFORMS THAT ALREADY EXIST.” – Rick Wakeman

Given the demise of the DVD as a consumable item, no more support at retail for the format or end user demand. Rick Wakeman has always been seen as an innovator and pioneer, not only as a musician, but as a businessman. The logical solution was to commission his team to  build an online platform for all his films, videos. Rather than a subscription based approach (ie Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Apple TV). or an ad based system - (ie You Tube). Rick has pioneered a Pay Per View solution, that way the fans can choose and pay for only the film or video they want to see and not get hooked into a monthly fee or subscription.

For more information: https://rickwakemanwebtv.co.uk/

Legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson will be touring with The Band Geeks Spring 2023! The ensemble will be performing classic YES tracks including “And You and I,” “Starship Trooper,” “Heart of the Sunrise” and epic works like “Close To The Edge,” “The Gates of Delirium,” “Awaken” and others!

“It’s true, I never left YES in my heart and soul…ever!! Too many amazingly powerful memories… And of course the music never left me…

So here I am, 77 years old, still wanting to sing the songs again, and bring MY true feelings to the lyrics…

Melody and lyrics has always been my passion…I sing them now with an older and I hope wiser state of mind...

I’ve been wanting to have that feeling again…of performing the songs I lived for, and the music I helped to create and design, with the sound of the band of old around me once more…

The first time I heard the BAND GEEKS I truly freaked out - they sound just like the classic YES of the seventies, the YES that I know and love… AND THAT’S WHAT I’M WANTING TO BRING TO YOU ON THIS TOUR….YES MUSIC IS FOREVER!!!!!!” - Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in music as the lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album “Fragile” as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as “Awaken,” “Gates of Delirium” and especially “Close to the Edge” which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including “I've Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart.” After 50 years of success in the music business, Jon has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including “Olias of Sunhillow,” “Song of Seven,” “Animation,” “Three Ships,” “Toltec” and “Survival and Other Stories” and most recently “1000 Hands” to name just a few.

The Band Geeks began as the house band for the Band Geek podcast, an internet show created by Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult). The band gained popularity on YouTube with their incredibly detailed recreations of music by artists like Queen, Toto, Black Sabbath and Yes, which have earned the Band Geeks over 30 million views.

The current lineup of the Band Geeks includes:
Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult) - Bass, Guitar
Chris Clark (Brand X, John Entwistle) - Keyboards
Andy Ascolese (Kasim Sulton’s Utopia, Celebrating Meat Loaf) - Drums
Robert Kipp (Kashmir) - Keyboards, Guitar
Andy Graziano - Guitar, Bass

Tour Dates (more shows TBA):
Friday, April 14, 2023 Westbury, NY
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Newark, NJ
Friday, April 21, 2023 NYC
Sunday, April 23, 2023 Reading, PA
Friday, April 28, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Saturday, April 29, 2023 Collingswood, NJ
Wednesday, May 03, 2023 Tysons Corner, VA
Saturday, May 06, 2023 Baltimore, MD
Tuesday, May 09, 2023 St. Charles, MO
Friday, May 12, 2023 St. Charles, IL
Saturday, May 13, 2023 Des Plaines, IL
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 North Tonawanda, NY

In 1987, legendary jazz bassist Stanley Clarke, ex-Police drummer Stewart Copeland, and singer-songwriter Deborah Holland surprised the world when they emerged as Animal Logic. Was it going to be a jazz-rock or punk-pop project? It turned out to be neither. Instead, they released two albums, 1989’s “Animal Logic” and 1991’s “Animal Logic II,” focused on smart, confident pop, deep grooves, and Holland’s soaring vocals.

The group was inextricably linked to Copeland’s Police history, having originally signed to his brother and Police manager Miles Copeland’s revered I.R.S. Records. In fact, Animal Logic’s first album cover was originally conceived for a Police greatest hits album.

The debut record resulted in a hit single in the US, Canada, and UK titled “Spy in the House of Love.” Further key singles included “As Soon As the Sun Goes Down” and “Rose Colored Glasses.” The group went on a single world tour in 1989, in addition to performing on Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, and on MTV.

The group broke up shortly after the release of “Animal Logic II” due to Clarke and Copeland’s prolific soundtrack and solo work commitments. Copeland and Clarke would also go on to reform their most famous groups, with Police and Return to Forever reunions in subsequent years. Holland transitioned into a successful solo career, resulting in six solo albums, including 2020’s “Fine, Thank You!” which featured Copeland on four tracks.

All three stayed in touch across the decades. The trio first rekindled their working relationship in 2013 when they joined forces to perform as part of Copeland’s Sacred Grove YouTube series, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBLUwHTCiOE.

Between 2013 and 2022, the band shared ideas and files, resulting in the two new tracks, “Can You Tell Me” and “Ordinary,” which capture the quintessential, timeless Animal Logic approach.

Can You Tell Me” combines classic West Coast songwriting, American folk-rock influences, and Clarke and Copeland’s rhythmic signatures. It explores the need for people to move on instead of wallowing in misery when faced with untenable circumstances. The track also features Howard Levy on harmonica, from Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

“Ordinary” is a kinetic, upbeat rocker with lyrics focusing on the myriad upheavals the world is facing and trying to keep one’s head together despite it all. It includes sophisticated vocal harmonies, addictive hooks, and would have been very much at home on Animal Logic’s debut record.

The songs will be released digitally on November 18 and will be available on all streaming platforms. They can also be purchased via Bandcamp at: https://animallogic1.bandcamp.com/

Formed in 1969 in England, Wishbone Ash are one of the most influential guitar bands in rock history. Equally inspired by British folk, American jazz and R&B, the band did their part to help form the emerging rock ’n’ roll scene in the U.S. and the U.K. Through dedication to the craft of guitar harmony and melody, along with relentless touring, Wishbone Ash garnered a vast audience through public approval, critical praise and worldwide distribution of their extensive recording catalog.

In 2023 the band, led by founding member Andy Powell (guitarist, lead vocals), will mark the 50th anniversary of their biggest selling, multi-platinum album, “Live Dates,” with tours of Europe, North America and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., February and March will see the band traveling through the Northeast and Midwest, with an autumn tour through the South and West.

As the first live album released by the band, “Live Dates” features selections from Wishbone Ash’s first four albums performed in concert during the summer of 1973. Reviewers have consistently listed it among the finest live rock albums of all time.

“Live Dates” includes the cream of the early Wishbone Ash crop: “King Will Come,” “Warrior,” “Throw Down the Sword,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Widow,” “Ballad of the Beacon,” “Baby What You Want Me to Do,” “Pilgrim,” “Blowin’ Free,” “Jailbait,” “Lady Whiskey” and “Phoenix.”

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary, “Live Dates” was re-recorded in its entirety at Daryl Hall’s venue, Daryl’s House Club, in Pawling, New York on July 22, 2022.

Andy Powell trades licks with Yorkshire’s Mark Abrahams, who has been playing Wishbone Ash tunes since his youth. Longtime bassist Bob Skeat keeps the low-end rocking, working the grooves with newest band member, Mike Truscott on drums. Like his band mate Mark Abrahams, Mike also hails from Yorkshire, England.

As true warriors of the road, the band regularly covers around 30,000 miles a year, which is roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the world. The Ash is an undeniable force on today’s touring scene, performing on five continents and continuing to be discovered by new generations of music fans.

Over the years the band has embraced diverse musical genres, from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica. Regardless of the style, Wishbone Ash’s groundbreaking interplay of two lead guitars influenced bands such as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, Umphree McGee and Opeth, among many others.

Wishbone Ash’s latest studio album (their 26th), “Coat of Arms,” was released in early 2020.

Tour Dates

February 2023

22 Pawling, NY - Daryl’s House
23 Shirley, MA - Bull Run
24 Norwalk, CT - Wall Street Theater
25 Jim Thorpe, PA - Mauch Chunk Opera House
26 Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
28 Detroit, MI - Token Lounge

March 2023

01 Cincinnati, OH - Ludlows Garage
02 Fort Wayne, IN - Clyde Theater
03 St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theater
04 Edwardsville, IL - Wildey Theater
05 Edwardsville, IL - Wildey Theater
07 Davenport, IA - River Music Experience/Redstone Room
08 Minneapolis, MN - Palace Theatre
09 Milwaukee, WI - Colectivo on Prospect
11 Kent, OH - Kent Stage
12 Buffalo, NY - Sportsmens Tavern
13 Buffalo, NY - Sportsmens Tavern
16 Derry, NH - Tupelo Music Hall
18 Sellersville, PA - Sellersville Theater
19 Annapolis, MD - Ramshead Tavern

Exclusive Early Admission
Pre-Show Meet and Q&A with the Band
Mini Private Performance
VIP Laminate & Lanyard
Crowd-free merchandise shopping
LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Described by Variety magazine as “really about as good as rock documentaries get,” the long-awaited, official King Crimson documentary by Toby Amies will be released in physical form on Nov 18th as a 2 Disc Blu-Ray/DVD set. An 8 Disc boxed set containing 2 Blu-Rays, 2 DVDs and 4 CDs will follow on December 2nd.

The 8 Disc boxed set includes the full King Crimson film, an early edited version of the film, a live concert from the 50th anniversary tour and a unique camera-only performance, plus a plethora of additional footage. 8 discs packaged in 4 miniature gatefold sleeves, with a 48-page booklet housed in a rigid outer case. Booklet includes notes from film director Toby Amies, David Singleton and Robert Fripp. Also includes the music from the original soundtrack and more, over 4 CDs, many tracks previously unreleased and/or new to CD.

The 2 Disc Blu-Ray/DVD set includes the full documentary film, an early edited version of the film, the final performance of the classic “Starless” from the band’s final ever concert in Tokyo, Japan in December 2021 and four trailers/shorts.

King Crimson has been described as popular but never populist. Just as King Crimson has been, for more than half a century, an atypical rock band, this film is a refreshingly atypical music documentary.

Toby Amies’ film about one of rock music’s most enduring, but simultaneously elusive, bands, “In The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson at 50” provides a unique insight into the working process of a complex touring band, interspersed with contributions from previous band members to provide a contextual backdrop to the band’s past, as the most recent (2014-2021) line-up tours the world just before and during its 50th anniversary.

As King Crimson producer and band manager, David Singleton observed of the film: “All of life is here, not just music, and certainly not just rock. It has rightly been described as going beyond King Crimson into a ‘universal, inspirational study of what it is to work or dream to work as an artist.’”

While director Toby Amies writes of the experience: “In the Court of the Crimson King is not a film that wants to tell the audience what to think, rather it presents several different points of view about the creative process and what it means to be in this most unusual band; leaving the audience with a sense of both how complicated it all is, but also just how incredibly rewarding the King Crimson experience is both for the musicians and its fans.”

Robert Fripp announced that King Crimson had “moved from sound to silence” on social media after their final date in Japan in December 2021, making this release all the more poignant as a unique record of the band’s longest lasting line-up with tantalizing glimpses of the band’s history.

To pre-order:
https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---film-expanded-set---in-the…
https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson---film-blu-ray--dvd---in-the…

The original version of Neuschwanstein’s “Alice in Wonderland” had narration in German but, for the first time, this has been replaced with English language parts read by Sonja Kristina of Curved Air.

Musically this 1976 album belongs among the great prog albums and sits between Rick Wakeman’s and Jeff Wayne’s iconic narrated rock albums. This edition has been re-mastered with a booklet that includes two separate sets of liner notes (with rare images) on the history of the band and Sonja Kristina’s 2022 vocal sessions.

Sonja Kristina said of the release “I was delighted to narrate this wonderful psychedelic musical version of Alice’s dream in a dramatic instrumental landscape.  I loved Alice in Wonderland as a child and I’ve really enjoyed returning to the magic of this story. This album deserves to be thought of as a classic progressive rock album of the 1970s, so I’m pleased to have recorded the narration for it.”

This was the only mid-1970s album in the ‘Narrated Rock’ genre to be unavailable in English…until now.

Available from:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/AliceCD
Spotify: https://geni.us/AliceSP
Apple Music: https://geni.us/AliceAM

Orders placed directly with Cherry Red (while stocks last) will come with a postcard signed by Sonja Kristina: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/neuschwanstein-alice-in-wonderland-…

On December 2, 2022 Unquiet Music Ltd. released their new single, “I Succumb” - the first taste of their second album ‘Meme/Music’.

With instrumental contributions from Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), Jon Poole (Cardiacs, Lifesigns, Dowling Poole) Markus Reuter (Stick Men) and Adrian Benavidès (Earthdiver), “I Succumb” is a song of despair to the life of the average Westerner. Enslaved by normality; condemned to capitulate to the injunction of love. Mind and body torn between the desires of individuality and undifferentiation.

The single announces Unquiet Music Ltd second official album “Meme/Music” on CD and download (via Bandcamp). The album is composed by JP Rossi, and produced by Markus Reuter (Stick Men, Reuter/Motzer/Grohowski, Anchor & Burden), crossing multiple boundaries between the electronic and the acoustic, between complexity and simplicity, between deep contemporary classical structures and textures and punchy art rock drive.

“A song of despair to the westerner’s life enslaved by normality and condemned to succumb to the injunction of love. A mind and body torn between the desires of individuality and indifferentiation”

“Bass beats and electronic noises of the multigrid dimensions of the city and the network clashing in a routine of pressure. Hammering guitars and gut-wrenching solos surround a couple of heartbreaking melodic choruses.”

Steppenwolf was formed in 1967 in LA by John Kay (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano) and Jerry Edmonton (drums) who were previously members of the Canadian band The Sparrows. They were joined by Michael Monarch (lead guitar) and Rushton Moreve (bass). The band signed to Dunhill / ABC Records and were propelled to success in 1968 with their classic single “Born To Be Wild” which became even wider known when the track was featured to great effect in the classic 1969 counterculture film Easy Rider.

Over the next four years the band released eight albums and enjoyed huge success. In February 1972 Steppenwolf disbanded, with John Kay recording a solo album, but by ’74 they had emerged once again and over the next three years they would record three further albums for Epic.

Following on from “Magic Carpet Ride,” Esoteric’s acclaimed boxed set of the first era of Steppenwolf’s career, “The Epic Years 1974-1976” gathers together all of these albums, along with two rare bonus tracks. The set also includes an illustrated booklet with a new essay by Steppenwolf aficionado Jim Christopulos.

Track Listing:

DISC ONE – Slow Flux
1 Gang War Blues
2 Children of Night
3 Justice Don’t Be Slow
4 Get into the Wind
5 Jeraboah
6 Straight Shootin’ Woman
7 Smokey Factory Blues
8 Morning Blue
9 A Fool’s Fantasy
10 Fishin’ in the Dark

DISC TWO – Hour Of The Wolf
1 Caroline (Are You Ready for the Outlaw World)
2 Annie, Annie Over
3 Two for the Love of One
4 Just for Tonight
5 Hard Rock Road
6 Someone Told a Lie
7 Another’s Lifetime
8 Mr. Penny Pincher Bonus tracks
9 Angeldrawers (B-side of single)
10 Caroline (Are You Ready for the Outlaw World) (Mono promotional single mix)

DISC THREE – Skullduggery
1 Skullduggery
2 (I’m a) Road Runner
3 Rock n’ Roll Song
4 Train of Thought
5 Life is a Gamble
6 Pass it On
7 Sleep
8 Lip Service

To purchase: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/steppenwolf-the-epic-years-1974-1976-3cd-box-set/

Frank Zappa alumni Mike Keneally will be releasing his new solo album “The Thing That Knowledge Can’t Eat” on Feb. 24, 2023. Pre-orders are available NOW at store.keneally.com. The eagerly awaited release features guest appearances by Steve Vai, Eric Slick, Nick D'Virgilio and others.

Says Mike, “This is my first new solo album in seven years - the last one was ‘Scambot 2’ in 2016, so this one has really been a long time coming. About half of the material on the new album was in the works prior to the pandemic, but the other half was created at home in lockdown in 2020 and 2021, and all the finishing touches were placed on the songs during 2022, so it's been in the works for a while. I've never done so much work on an album on my own, so the learning curve was steep, but I did have help from friends all along the way, including farming out tracks to drummers who were also locked down at home. I wrote all the songs, and the lyrics of the later songs definitely reflect the strange times during which the album was finalized. A lot of my past albums have been lengthy, extended works, but this one is a tight 42 minutes, nine songs - I think it goes down pretty smooth but it travels to a lot of different places along the way. I'm extremely happy with it, and very grateful to finally be able to share it with everyone.”

Watch the first video from the album for the song “Celery” (featuring Steve Vai): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ndhNYBWtxA

“Keneally is the leading progressive rock genius of the post-Zappa era.” – All Music Guide

Long acclaimed as one of the world’s most creative and intense guitar and keyboard players, Mike Keneally’s talents as a vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist are nearly unequalled in rock music. Keneally has released over 30 albums of his original music since 1992 (including special editions and limited releases), and has built a body of work of remarkable inventiveness and originality. The stylistic variety present in his work indicates Keneally’s abiding love of good music above all, regardless of genre distinctions.

Keneally played in Frank Zappa’s final touring band in 1988, performing as a vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist. He’s appeared on many of Zappa’s albums, and has been a touring and recording member in the bands of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Devin Townsend, as well as a member of the Adult Swim metal band Dethklok. He has also recorded or performed with Robert Fripp, Wayne Kramer, Kevin Gilbert, Solomon Burke, Steve Vai, Chickenfoot, Bear McCreary, Henry Kaiser, Michael Manring, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Andy Prieboy, Mullmuzzler, The Persuasions and many others.

Known for his innovative, unpredictable live shows with his own band Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins, Keneally has played extensively in the United States and Europe, in contexts ranging from solo and duo concerts, to performances with large-scale orchestras. His 52-minute orchestra-with-guitar suite “The Universe Will Provide” received its world premiere in 2003, featuring Keneally as guitar soloist fronting Holland’s Metropole Orkest. The US premiere of “Universe” occurred at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in 2011. 2012’s album release was “Wing Beat Fantastic: Songs Written by Mike Keneally & Andy Partridge,” a collection of material written with ex-XTC leader Andy Partridge; the album was widely acclaimed, and ranked highly on numerous critics’ “Best of 2012” lists. 2016 saw the release of his grand conceptual work “Scambot 2,” and was the last new Keneally solo album until now, with the upcoming February 2023 release of the brand new “The Thing That Knowledge Can’t Eat.”

As of late, Keneally has been performing live with other ex-Zappa alumni as part of The Zappa Band, the only official Zappa Trust-sanctioned band playing the music of Frank Zappa live. He has also been playing with the group ProgJect, performing many of the classic ‘70s progressive-rock songs that Keneally grew up loving. He is also a member of a new band called The Bird Brain, who released an acclaimed 3-song EP late in 2022, with more new music coming this year. With the release of his new solo album in 2023, Mike will be doing a series of Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins shows this year featuring a retrospective selection of material chosen from all the primary solo albums across his over-30 year career.

Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins upcoming shows:
Jan 13 – The Grand Ritz, Escondido (advance record release party/concert for The Thing That Knowledge Can’t Eat) – 7pm https://www.showpass.com/the-thing-that-knowledge-cant-eat/
Jan 14 – Alvas Showroom, San Pedro – 7pm https://alvasshowroom.com/event/mike-keneally-beer-for-dolphins-with-tr…
Jan 15 – Alvas Showroom, San Pedro – 4pm https://alvasshowroom.com/event/mike-keneally-beer-for-dolphins-with-tr…
Jan 16 – The Siren, Morro Bay – 6:30pm https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mike-keneally-beer-for-dolphins-with-travi…
Jan 17 – The Baked Potato, LA – two sets, 8 and 10pm https://www.thebakedpotato.com/events/keneally-larson-tuesday-january-1…

To purchase: https://store.keneally.com/products/mike-keneally-the-thing-that-knowledge-cant-eat-cd-plus-download

“Let Go” is a new collection of songs written and recorded by multi-instrumentalist Matt Dorsey. Stylistically it stands as a blend of all the artists and bands that influenced him including, Rush, Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, XTC, The Police, Peter Gabriel, Steely Dan and more. It can be described as progressive-pop-rock. On it Matt sings and plays guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion and, on two of the songs, the drums. Marco Minnemann provides drums on three tracks and Jonathan Mover on another three. Dave Kerzner performs a keyboard solo that he wrote for one of the songs.

Says Matt, “‘Let Go’ is a collection of songs that cover many aspects of life. I studied philosophy in college and the first song I wrote following my studies was MAN, which is something of a summary of the human condition and a celebration of the mystery and miracle of human existence. Following my college days, I shifted my focus from western to eastern philosophy and you can hear a sense of that influence in the song Echo which expresses a deep connection with all living things. ‘Let Go,’ too, is a reflection of the eastern philosophical tradition expressing a sort of taoist disposition toward the flow of things and a zen-like non-attachment. Waiting for the Fall and Castles Made of Sand are a bit darker, expressing a more existential despair, the one about perpetual failure and the other about the fleeting nature of time. But, to round the album out, Compromise, Dangerous and Impossible Friends are more straight-forward love songs. Life is many things. Art should reflect that. ‘Let Go’ is an album about the philosophy of life.”

The album contains 8 tracks recorded almost entirely at Matt’s home studio in Orange County, except for the drum tracks provided by Minnemann and Mover, and the keyboard solo by Kerzner. The album was mixed by Matt and mastered by Andy VanDette. The album artwork was created by Ed Unitsky.

Matt Dorsey is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist from Orange County, CA. Best known as a founding member of Sound of Contact he has also played with Beth Hart, Dave Kerzner, In Continuum, and most recently with the all-star progressive rock cover band ProgJect.

Says Matt, “I hope those who listen to my music actually get something meaningful or useful out of it, even if it’s just the enjoyment of the rhythms and melodies or the tapping of the foot. If one gleans anything more deeply significant, all the better. If I’m honest, I write and play music entirely for the sheer joy of it. I guess that’s a bit selfish to say. That said, I know there is power in music, to be sure, and it can move people in very potent ways. I feel privileged to be a part of that. I guess to sum it up my message is simply, life is extraordinary and we would do well to look longer and more carefully at it.”

Track List:
1. Castles Made of Sand
2. Compromise
3. Waiting for the Fall
4. Man
5. Impossible Friends
6. Echo
7. Let Go
8. Dangerous

Release date: April 7, 2023
Pre-Order Campaign date: January 13, 2023

To purchase:
Physical Product https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/matt-dorsey
Digital Product https://mattdorsey1.bandcamp.com/music

The lavish, fully illustrated book in which family, friends, colleagues, and fans talk about the life, work, and legacy of Keith Emerson is now available!

There are two deluxe editions – the Classic, and the Signature which is signed by author Chris Welch and Aaron Emerson and comes with an exclusive art print portrait of Keith, a CD of an unheard interview, and sheet music of the very first piece of music composed by the then twelve-year-old Keith, titled “Quatermass Boogie Woogie.”

The book includes many previously unseen photos of Keith at home, at work and play from the private Emerson family archives, as well as professional portraits and live performance photographs. Close family and friends share memories and stories from throughout his life, while fellow musicians from the worlds of prog, rock and classical attest to Keith’s talent and dedication, his spirit, generosity, and sense of humor.

Includes new interviews with Keith’s children, his ex-wife, close personal friends, former partner Mari Kawaguchi, ex-ELP member Carl Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Lee Jackson, Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Alan White, Dave Kilminster, Marc Bonilla, Rachel Flowers, Darius Brubeck, Geoff Downes, and more.

Order now at www.keithemersonbook.com

Keyboard legend Rick Wakeman will be releasing his new concept album “A Gallery Of The Imagination” on February 24, 2023 on Madfish Music.

The initial idea for “A Gallery Of The Imagination” stems from Rick’s first piano teacher, Mrs Symes, with whom he studied from the age five until his time at the Royal College of Music. She taught him that music was like painting pictures: that when you play, you are painting pictures through music, an important lesson that Rick never forgot.

Having written a vast array of new music recently, all of different styles, Rick recalled the advice of his beloved teacher and decided to present the tracks for the new album as if they were pictures in a gallery. Just as there are many different styles in an art gallery, so there are many different musical styles on “A Gallery of the Imagination”. It contains many clear prog influences, especially in the Moog solos and there are also two solo piano numbers, which reflect Rick’s classical roots and show influences from the Romantic period. Equally important is the strong song and melodic influence on “A Gallery Of The Imagination” with eight unconventional vocal tracks, with Rick’s distinctive descriptive music carefully arranged around the lyrics.

Examples of the variety contained within the album are the fun yet wistful elements in “A Day Spent on the Pier”, a track describing time spent at the seaside, written in Southwold and evoked by Rick’s own memories of happy childhood days spent on the helter skelters in Brighton and Clacton and on the pier in Southsea. Rick wrote “The Eyes of a Child” with his thirteen grandchildren in mind, aware of the responsibility of trying to fix the world for following generations whereas “Cuban Carnival” celebrates the light-hearted fun times Rick spent in Cuba with his band, the English Rock Ensemble. As listeners take a musical walk-through Rick’s “Gallery”, they will find more than enough to fire the imagination and come up with their own mind paintings whilst listening to his new album. Fans can get a taste of what’s to come with the first single “The Dinner Party” available on streaming services https://RickWakemanMadfish.lnk.to/AGOTI

Says Rick, “One of my great loves is going to museums and art galleries and seeing all the different types of art, so I thought, why not a music gallery... the Gallery of the Imagination? People can paint their own mind pictures to the different types of music that are on the album. It is very diverse and for me it works very well because the concept holds it all together”.

One of the ideas Rick would like to pursue around album release is for listeners to draw or paint their own pictures or even create sculptures to the music which, in turn, could be displayed. “It is a very tactile album,” Rick explains. “I’d like to feel that people can actually touch the music.”

The line-up on “A Gallery Of The Imagination”, as with Rick’s previous album “The Red Planet”, features The English Rock Ensemble: bassist Lee Pomeroy, guitarist Dave Colquhoun, drummer Ash Soan and on vocals Hayley Sanderson, famous for her work as a vocalist on “Strictly Come Dancing”, with each artist recording their individual parts in their own studios. Join Rick for a stroll around “A Gallery Of The Imagination” – as he says: “A gallery that belongs to everyone”.

“A Gallery Of The Imagination” Trailer: https://youtu.be/Lvbm3cj0U1s

“A Gallery Of The Imagination” Track List
01 Hidden Depths
02 The Man In The Moon
03 A Mirage in the Clouds
04 The Creek
05 My Moonlight Dream
06 Only When I Cry
07 Cuban Carnival
08 Just A Memory
09 The Dinner Party
10 A Day Spent On The Pier
11 The Visitation
12 The Eyes of a Child

“A Gallery Of The Imagination” will be released on the following formats and is available to pre-order here: https://RickWakemanMadfish.lnk.to/AGOTI

• CD (jewel case)
• 2 disc set - CD+DVD inc. surround sound audio & hi-res stereo
• 2LP in gatefold sleeve
• 2LP on clear vinyl in a gatefold sleeve
• Super Deluxe Limited Edition multi format set featuring 2LP, CD & DVD inc. surround sound audio & hi-res stereo plus a 24 page perfect bound book presented in a lift off lid box
• Digital

On February 3, 2023, ambitious multi-form music project Unquiet Music Ltd issues its second official album “MEMEmusic” on CD and download (via Bandcamp). The album is composed by JP Rossi, and produced by Markus Reuter (Stick Men, Reuter/Motzer/Grohowski, Anchor & Burden), crossing multiple boundaries between the electronic and the acoustic, between complexity and simplicity, between deep contemporary classical structures and textures and punchy art rock drive.

The first Unquiet Music Ltd album, 2020’s “In the Name of... (A Prayer for Our Times)” was an exploration of verticality and the arrow of time throughout a man’s life, or through mankind’s history. While in some respects “MEMEMusic” does act as a continuation of its predecessor, both in ideas and concept, it features a different approach and theme. Whereas “In the Name of...” was vertical, “MEMEmusic” is, in comparison, rather horizontal; and deals predominantly with communication and the notion of the individual. Reflecting on human interaction, and on how this has changed due to significant global changes and challenges over the past three years, it is firmly music for its time. The musical journey is divided in two parts, with the first half of the album being more industrial and electronic while the second turns towards live acoustic performances and to romantic and entertaining songs.

The central theme of “MEMEmusic” is the re-discovery of language - not the only tool with which we can connect to other people, but obviously one of the best - and to realize we are unique individuals precisely because differences exist. At the same time this profound but simple idea is delivered predominantly via music, which allows the listener to wander into their own universe without the weight of any message if they so wish. The cover and booklet also reflect the welcoming of diversity with their collaged images from photographs and paintings, plus AI techniques generated by Swiss multi-media artist Tobias Reber and comic book drawings and characters created by Denis Rodier (Marvel, DC, Milestone Media).

More accessible and reflective than “In the Name of…”, much of MEMEmusic is a conceptual effort based around instrumentals and some striking one-man choral composition. However, the album also diversifies from previous work in containing several stand-alone songs. These blend Rossi’s complex contemporary classical inspirations (fiercely building on and developing inspirations from Dmitri Shostakovich, Steve Reich and Philip Glass, and incorporating large-form ambient pieces and mediaeval-esque hocketing work) with influences from the boundary-crossing, thought-provoking art rock of David Bowie, King Crimson, David Sylvian and Stick Men. Also drifting through the mix are Cuban strings and trumpet, plus frequent and loving references to the languages and expression of the jazz tradition, with the spirits of Billie Holliday, George Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald and Nelson Riddle finding their way into the string arrangements and some of the vocals. (See if you can also spot visitations from certain beloved jazz standards, adding their presence to the stew...)

While based around Rossi’s own vocal, keyboard and electronics work, “MEMEmusic” benefits from the participation of many talented international musicians. Continuing their work with the project alongside Rossi and Reuter are Frédéric L’Épée (Yang, Shylock, Philharmonie), Samira Brahmia, Raphaël Terreau, Khliff Miziallaoua, while the new album also welcomes fresh Unquiet Music contributors Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson), Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Stick Men), Jon Poole (Cardiacs, Lifesigns, The Dowling Poole and The Wildhearts), Adrian Benavides (Earthdiver), Troy Jones and Thommy Lowry.

The sign-up is now open for people to be a part of this much anticipated book created with John Wetton’s family and management. Some seventy-plus people who knew and worked with John, from his school days through Family, King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Roxy Music, U.K., Asia, the John Wetton solo band and beyond, pay witness and tribute to his life and work. Among those quoted along with his family are Steve Howe, Phil Manzanera, Bill Bruford, Robert Fripp, Carl Palmer, Rick Wakeman, Dave Kilminster, Geoff Downes (who also wrote the preface) and many, many more.

Among the stories of friendship, music and sometimes craziness are reflections on what made John Wetton such an unforgettable musician and prog rock legend.

Along with stories of John’s musical success are those from friends and family who do not steer clear of his problems, but rather explain the why, the how, and eventual triumph over them in honest and touching recollections. Along with the stories are personal and classic photos of John at work and play in two extensive photo sections of An Extraordinary Life.

“He had a love for fast cars, fine food, coffee, the Rams (that’s Derby County for non-football followers), films, books, crosswords, current affairs, sport, languages, classical music – anything that would stimulate his mind that he could use to great effect in his music and lyrics.” - Geoff Downes.
https://youtu.be/OciWUvrMenk

Signing up for news and special offers at www.johnwettonbook.com will ensure a special discount when pre-order begins, allow people to have a name printed in the book and be a part of this unique project.

For more information: www.johnwettonbook.com

Celebrating one of the most pivotal entries in the history of great British rock and prog albums, Wishbone Ash’s legendary LP “Argus” gets a 50th Anniversary multi-format Box Set release on 14 April 2023 through Madfish.

Complete with its indelible Hipgnosis designed album sleeve, 1972’s “Argus” saw Wishbone Ash (Andy Powell, Martin Turner, Steve Upton & Ted Turner) mix hard rock, blues, folk and elements of prog to create an anthemic album of resounding quality. “Argus” was the group’s third studio LP and undoubtedly the classic album within the band’s ‘70s canon. It is not only the biggest selling album of their career, featuring the beloved fan-favorite “Blowin’ Free”, but full of memorable and timeless tunes such as “The King Will Come”, “Time Was”, “Warrior” and “Throw Down The Sword”. Widely considered a vital moment in the progression of twin-lead guitar harmonization, Andy Powell and Ted Turner’s pioneering twin lead attack left an indelible stamp on the likes of Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, Metallica and Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was also a technique deployed by Steely Dan for their own 1972 hit “Reelin’ In The Years”.

Watch the trailer for “Argus 50th Anniversary” box set here: https://youtu.be/cWfpNMAdj8k

Madfish are now proud to present the most complete edition of this album to date. Each “Argus 50th Anniversary” Box Set contains:

· 3 CDs: Martin Turner’s “Argus” remaster, “Live at The Alexandra Palace 1973 & Memphis 1972”. Also features 4 previously unreleased early version demos.
· 2 LPs: Original “Argus” replica, remastered for this release + “Argus Live” on yellow vinyl (selected recordings from “Alexandra Palace & Memphis”).
· DVD: French & Swiss TV footage, “Live from the Rainbow 1973 & RTS Broadcast from 1974”.
· 7” Red vinyl Single of “Blowin’ Free”.
· Featuring a 48-page book with rare photographs and extensive liner notes with contributions from Andy Powell, Martin Turner & Steve Upton.
· Numbered certificate of authenticity

Pre Orders available here: https://WishboneAshMadfish.lnk.to/argus50

First released in November 1980, “The Turn Of A Friendly Card” was the fifth album by The Alan Parsons Project, the brainchild of composer, musician and manager Eric Woolfson and celebrated producer and engineer Alan Parsons.

Inspired by the period in which both Eric Woolfson and Alan Parsons had resided in Monte Carlo, this legendary album was recorded in Paris. The album sessions featured the contribution of musicians such as Ian Bairnson (guitars), David Paton (bass), Stuart Elliott (drums) with Eric Woolfson playing keyboards and providing lead vocals, along with Elmer Gantry, Chris Rainbow and Lenny Zakatek. “The Turn Of A Friendly Card” would become one of the biggest selling albums for The Alan Parsons Project, attaining gold status in many European countries and the USA. The album featured such classic compositions as “Games People Play,” “Time,” “The Gold Bug” and “The Turn Of A Friendly” suite which dominated the album’s second side.

This new deluxe edition comprises 3CDs and a Blu-Ray disc (Region Free) with an additional 42 tracks drawn from Eric Woolfson’s song-writing diaries, studio session out-takes and a stunning new 5.1 surround sound mix by Alan Parsons and a high resolution remastered original stereo mix, along with the promotional videos of “Games People Play,” “The Gold Bug” and “The Turn Of A Friendly Card” plus a promotional television advertisement. This stunning set also features a lavish illustrated book with a new essay with photos, memorabilia and features recollections from Alan Parsons and Sally Woolfson. It also includes a reproduction poster.

Track Listing:

DISC ONE
THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD’ REMASTERED
1 MAY BE A PRICE TO PAY
2 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
3 TIME
4 I DON’T WANNA GO HOME
5 THE GOLD BUG
6 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (PART ONE)
7 SNAKE EYES
8 THE ACE OF SWORDS
9 NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE
10 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (PART TWO)
BONUS TRACKS
11 MAY BE A PRICE TO PAY (INTRO DEMO)
12 NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (BASIC BACKING TRACK)
13 NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE (CHRIS RAINBOW OVERDUB VOCAL COMPILATION)
14 TIME (EARLY STUDIO ATTEMPT)
15 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (ROUGH MIX)
16 THE GOLD BUG (DEMO)

DISC TWO
ERIC WOOLFSON’S SONGWRITING DIARIES
1 MAY BE A PRICE TO PAY
2 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
3 TIME
4 I DON’T WANNA GO HOME
5 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD
6 SNAKE EYES
7 NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE
8 TOFC / SNAKE EYES / I DON’T WANNA GO HOME
9 LA LA LA LAH
10 NEXT YEAR
11 SOMEONE ELSE
12 TAKING IT ALL AWAY
13 TO THOSE OF YOU OUT THERE

DISC THREE
RECORDING SESSIONS BONUS TRACKS
1 MAY BE A PRICE TO PAY (EARLY VERSION – ERIC GUIDE VOCAL AND UNUSED GUITAR SOLO)
2 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (EARLY VERSION – ERIC GUIDE VOCAL)
3 TIME (ORCHESTRA AND CHRIS RAINBOW BACKING VOCALS)
4 THE GOLD BUG (EARLY REFERENCE VERSION)
5 THE GOLD BUG (CHRIS RAINBOW BACKING VOCALS)
6 THE GOLD BUG (CLAVINET WITH NO DELAY)
7 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD – Part One (EARLY BACKING TRACK)
8 SNAKE EYES (EARLY VERSION – ERIC GUIDE VOCAL)
9 THE ACE OF SWORDS (EARLY VERSION WITH SYNTH ORCHESTRATION)
10 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD – Part Two (ERIC GUIDE VOCAL AND EXTENDED GUITAR SOLO)
SINGLE EDITS
11 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (SINGLE EDIT)
12 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (SINGLE EDIT)
13 SNAKE EYES (SINGLE EDIT)

DISC FOUR – BLU RAY
5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX (2019) AND HIGH- RESOLUTION ORIGINAL STEREO MIX BY ALAN PARSONS
1 MAY BE A PRICE TO PAY
2 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
3 TIME
4 I DON’T WANNA GO HOME
5 THE GOLD BUG
6 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (PART ONE)
7 SNAKE EYES
8 THE ACE OF SWORDS
9 NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE
10 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (PART TWO)
VISUAL CONTENT
1 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (ALBUM AD)
2 GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (PROMOTIONAL VIDEO)
3 THE GOLD BUG (PROMOTIONAL VIDEO)
4 THE TURN OF A FRIENDLY CARD (PROMOTIONAL VIDEO)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-alan-parsons-project-the-turn-o…

Recorded in the Autumn of 1975 at Abbey Road studios (with some sessions also taking place at AIR studios in London), “Sunburst Finish” was the third album by Be-Bop Deluxe and the first to feature the line-up of Bill Nelson (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Charlie Tumahai (bass, vocals), Andy Clark (keyboards) and Simon Fox (drums). It was also the first Be Bop album to be co-produced by Nelson and John Leckie. An album of immense musical inventiveness and creativity, “Sunburst Finish” was one of the finest albums of its era, a perfect cohesion of ten classic songs written by Bill Nelson (featuring his highly imaginative guitar playing) and a stylized and striking artwork package.

Featuring such classic material as “Heavenly Homes”, “Crying to the Sky”, “Sleep that Burns”, “Life in the Air Age”, “Crystal Gazing” and “Blazing Apostles”, the album also spawned the hit single “Ships in the Night” and launched Be-Bop Deluxe as one of the major breakthrough acts of 1976.

This new vinyl edition features the remix of the album by Stephen W Tayler and has been cut at Abbey Road Studios and restores the original LP artwork.

Track Listing:
Side One
1 Fair Exchange
2 Heavenly Homes
3 Ships in the Night
4 Crying to the Sky
5 Sleep That Burns

Side Two
1 Beauty Secrets
2 Life in the Air Age
3 Like an Old Blues
4 Crystal Gazing
5 Blazing Apostles

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/be-bop-deluxe-sunburst-finish-vinyl-edition/

Previously known as The In Crowd, Tomorrow (Keith West, Steve Howe and John ‘Twink’ Alder) came to fame in the 1967 film Smashing Time. During that year the band released two singles, one of which, “My White Bicycle” was inspired by the Dutch Provos, an anarchist group in Amsterdam which instituted a community bicycle program. The follow-up single “Revolution”, according to Joe Boyd’s book “White Bicycles – Making Music” in the 1960s asserted the fact that the band’s performance of the song at the UFO Club was the apotheosis of the 60s UK underground.

This re-issue overseen by Steve Howe, contains new artwork by long-time Yes collaborators The Gottlieb Brothers with new notes by Steve Howe and John ‘Twink’ Alder, and has been remastered from the original mono mixes.

Track Listing:

1 Real Permanent Dream – Version One
2 Hallucinations
3 My White Bicycle
4 Why
5 Revolution
6 Strawberry Fields Forever
7 Three Jolly Little Dwarfs
8 Now Your Time Has Come
9 Claramount Lake
10 Caught In a Web
11 Real Permanent Dream – Version Two
12 The Incredible Journey of Timothy Chase
13 Now Your Time Has Come – Live
14 Shotgun and the Duck – Live

To pre-order:

CD: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tomorrow-permanent-dream-cd-edition/
Black Vinyl Edition: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tomorrow-permanent-dream-black-viny…
Violet Vinyl Edition: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tomorrow-permanent-dream-violet-vin…

Legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson will be touring Europe with The Paul Green Rock Academy starting July 9th!

This Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy European tour is a resumption of the tradition started in 2005 when Jon toured with Paul Green's School of Rock all stars.

These shows, over 30 in total between 2006-2008, were nothing short of magical. The ensemble resumed this incredible collaboration in 2021 spreading joy throughout the US. Now Jon Anderson and the group are proud to bring the show to Europe to continue that magic with a set of YES Classics, deep cuts, mash ups, and solo works, all with lush arrangements featuring choral singing, horns, and all of the other benefits having a 25-piece backing band provides.

SINGING WITH THE ACADEMY OF ROCK IS A JOY TO BEHOLD

PERFORMING "CLOSE TO THE EDGE" AND MANY MORE YES SONGS IS A MIRACLE ON MANY LEVELS...

'CLOSE TO THE EDGE" WAS CREATED 50 YEARS AGO...AND THESE YOUNG MUSICIANS JUST LOVE IT AS THOUGH IT WAS RECORDED........... LAST YEAR!!!

YES MUSIC IS ABOUT SURVIVAL, WITH A TRUE DEDICATION TO THE ART OF MUSIC AND CREATIVITY…

AND THESE YOUNG TALENTED TEENS PROVE THAT ALL MUSIC IS FUN TO PERFORM...ALL MUSIC…

AND WE REALLY HAVE A GREAT TIME ON STAGE TOGETHER...SO COME AND SEE THIS MUSICAL MIRACLE 'LIVE'

...BEST WISHES JON ANDERSON…YES!!!

Jon Anderson with The Paul Green Rock Academy tour dates:
July 9: Budapest Hungary, Papp László Sports Arena (With Manfred Mann’s Earth Band)
July 11: Zoetermeer Netherlands, Stadtstheater
July 15: Bad Doberan Germany, Zappanale Festival
July 19: Madrid Spain, But-La Paqui
July 22: London England, Shepherd’s Bush Empire
July 23: London England, Shepherd’s Bush Empire
July 26: Uppsala Sweden, Parksnäckan in Uppsala
July 28: Breitenbach am Herzberg Germany, Burg Herzberg Festival
August 1: Dublin Irelad, Vicar St
August 5: Valkenburg Netherlands, Open Air Theater Valkenburg
August 9: Brno Czech Republic, Sono Centrum

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in music as the lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album “Fragile” as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as “Awaken,” “Gates of Delirium” and especially “Close to the Edge” which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including “I've Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Owner Of A Lonely Heart.” After 50 years of success in the music business, Jon has worked with many variations of YES, as well as collaborations with Vangelis, Kitaro, Roine Stolt and Jean-Luc Ponty. He has released several critically acclaimed solo albums including “Olias of Sunhillow,” “Song of Seven,” “Animation,” “Three Ships,” “Toltec” and “Survival and Other Stories” to name just a few. In 2017 Jon reformed YES with former band members Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman. YES Featuring ARW toured the world to rave reviews and released “Live At The Apollo” CD/DVD in September 2018. Never to stand still musically, in 2019 Jon released an album he started 28 years ago, now called “1000 Hands,” a reference to the fact that numerous guest musicians perform on the album, including Ian Anderson, Billy Cobham, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Zap Momma, Chris Squire, Alan White, Steve Howe and many more.

For more information:
Paul Green official website: www.PaulGreenRock.com
Jon Anderson’s official website: www.JonAnderson.com

Unicorn’s captivating third album “Too Many Crooks,” produced by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, returns to delight fans and music aficionados alike with its reissue on CD and vinyl, set to release on May 12, 2023, through Think Like A Key Music. The album, originally released on EMI’s Harvest label in the UK and Capitol in the US, showcases the band’s unique blend of pastoral British folk-rock and evocative West Coast vibes.

The reissue invites listeners to immerse themselves in Ken Baker’s rich songwriting tapestry, woven together with Beatlesque melodies, tight performances, and a compelling sonic narrative. Tracks like the irresistible country-rock anthems “He's Got Pride” and “In The Mood,” the funky groove of “Bullseye Bill,” and the tender, Big Star-esque title track effortlessly explore a diverse range of musical landscapes.

Although Unicorn’s proto-powerpop gem “Disco Dancer” did not achieve chart success, the haunting track “No Way Out Of Here” found a second life on David Gilmour’s debut album. This reissue is an essential piece of music history for any discerning music aficionado.

The album’s liner notes, written by Dave Disanzo, tell the story of Unicorn’s connection with David Gilmour, who not only produced the album but also played guitar on several tracks. “Too Many Crooks,” considered by many as Unicorn’s finest release, perfectly encapsulates the band’s brilliant songwriting, exquisite harmonies, masterful musicianship, and crystal-clear production.

The reissue includes rare session photos and lyrics, making it a must-have for fans and collectors. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover the enchanting sounds of Unicorn’s seminal third album.

To purchase: https://tlak.rocks/toomanycrooks

“Interview” was the eighth studio recorded album of Gentle Giant and was released April 23rd 1976. The line up on the album is Derek Shulman, Ray Shulman, Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and John Weathers. The album also has the participation of ‘Sounds’ writer Phil Sutcliffe as the ‘interviewer’.

The band had completed a year of non stop touring throughout Europe and North America promoting the highly successful “Free Hand” album. Despite having no real down time the band felt inclined to write and record the follow up to “Free Hand” without having any time to reflect on its success. This may have influenced both the direction and attitude of the album, hence its somewhat cynical concept.

The band recorded the album in its favored Advision Studios where in addition to the usual stereo version the album was also mixed in 4-channel quadraphonic sound. It poked a little satirical fun at the state of the music industry and dissected the way a group’s relationship with the rock press could either help or hinder their career. Stylistically it continued in the vein of their preceding seventh studio album, “Free Hand” released in the year before, in 1975.

Featuring a spoken cameo from Sounds writer Phil Sutcliffe, the shape-shifting funk-rock of the title track “Interview” lampooned clichéd rock ‘n’ roll journalism, while the snappy “Another Show” painted a vivid portrait of life on the road, redolent of The Kinks’ “Here Comes Yet Another Day.”

Elsewhere, “Interview” further displayed the eclectic and versatile nature of the band, from the 5/4 reggae influenced groove of “Give It Back” to the ethereal “Design” which featured a cappella vocal passages combined with a furious percussion section. “Timing” lived up to its name, a complex rocker with stop start dynamics driven by Ray Shulman’s biting electric violin. The album closed breathlessly with the epic seven-minute suite “I Lost My Head”, its deceptively delicate opening majestically transforming into one of Giant’s most unstoppable and relentless riffs. All in all an “Interview” well worth attending.

Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson has remixed “Interview” in Dolby Atmos and 5.1 surround sound. The Porcupine Tree guitarist has long been a fan of the band, noting them as a primary influence on his own work. Wilson’s painstaking attention to detail, deep respect for the source material and keen tonal range make the album sound as fresh today as it did on first release. In addition to the 2023 remixes, the original 1976 stereo mix, original 1976 quad mix, instrumental mixes, and custom visuals for each track are all included in the CD/Blu-ray version.

A limited blue colored vinyl album of the Steven Wilson remix version of “Interview” will also be available.

The worldwide release date for this classic Gentle Giant release is June 16th 2023.

“Interview” will be available to pre-order on CD, CD and 5.1 Blu-ray Digipak as well as a limited edition 180g sky blue variant LP. Also available on 180g regular black vinyl (not limited).

To pre-order: https://linktr.ee/gentlegiantband

Hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album, “Solace”, instrumental project Held By Trees is excited to be releasing two new EPs this year on Sound Canyon Records through InnerSleeve.com recorded at Peter Gabriel’s famous Real World Studios, the first EP is comprised of live versions of five tracks from “Solace”. The six-piece live iteration of Held By Trees brings together three of the Talk Talk/Mark Hollis alumni that contributed to “Solace” including renowned guitarist Robbie McIntosh. The band recorded playing all together in the ‘Big Room’ at Real World in November 2022, a week after their debut live performances.

The second EP is an entirely new suite of pieces themed on the transition from daylight to darkness. Entitled “Eventide”, it was tracked live at Real World Studios and then additional layers were added by musicians in America and Canada, by old friends of project leader David Joseph.

The twin EPs will be released on separate CDs and as two sides of one vinyl pressing by new American record label, Sound Canyon and their retail arm www.InnerSleeve.com

The new material sees Held By Trees continue to create instrumental music characterized by skilled improvisation over spacious, epic arrangements.The music draws on the influence of Van Morrison and John Martyn, alongside their usual late Talk Talk and Pink Floyd references. The live versions of “Solace” tracks bring a fresh intensity to the music, with a heavier vibe created by the band in real time.

The main musicians who worked on the new EPs are…
Laurence Pendrous - piano
James Grant - bass, double bass
Robbie McIntosh - guitar
David Joseph - guitar
Andy Panayi - flute, clarinet, saxophone
Paul Beavis - drums

Pre-orders available at https://www.innersleeve.com/en-gb/collections/held-by-trees

Notes for the future are the “imagined sometime in the past” tropes of a storyteller. Freed from every day “isms” of convention and released from the symbolic containment of the vault, the music is an allegorical exploration in futurism. The stream running throughout the musical narrative is a speculative commentary about our human search for meaning, and we’re reminded that as a version of our ancestors’ vision, this quest never ends.

“From The Vault” is structured around a sequence of recurring themes and develops as an unfolding tour of references, hints, and clues. Moving from one perspective to another, we connect with how our planet is perpetually in a state of seeking solutions. Within the soundscape, without words, an underlying language is speaking. Nature evolves for the sum of us, not the few. We are in a continual state of becoming. We are connected. Love is passed along, as is happiness. Nevertheless, expressly for the listener, an implied sense of reasoning encourages us to feel free and let go of all things familiar. And then, “over there” in the distance, we get a passing glimpse of the sacred structure.

Todd Cochran is an American pianist, composer, keyboardist, electronic musician, and conceptual artist. Early in his career he was also professionally known as Bayeté. Cochran started his career as a teenager with saxophonist John Handy. Two years later he joined vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson’s Quartet, and made his jazz recording debut composing and performing on a benchmark album for Hutcherson, “Head On” (Blue Note Records). Cochran’s first solo project “Worlds Around the Sun” became a #1 jazz album. From the mid-1970s forward Todd has experimented with and incorporated synthesizers, electronic and mixed-media concepts in his creative projects while collaborating with a wide range of artists in the genres of jazz, art rock, pop, R&B, and twenty-first-century classical.

Todd released two albums on Prestige Records in 1972 and 1973. He was keyboardist, principal composer and lead singer of Automatic Man from 1976–1978 which also featured drummer Michael Shrieve and guitarist Pat Thrall. He was also a member of Fuse One, a coalition of jazz musicians who released two albums on CTI Records in 1980 and 1981. The shortlist of his collaborations include Peter Gabriel, Joan Armatrading, Maya Angelou and Stewart Copeland.

Track list:

1. PAINTED BY THE SUN
Mountain peaks, sea cliffs, oceans, opaque forests, desert savannas – and human faces colorized by the paintbrush of nature. The entirety of our planet is inhabited by intuitive human beings – all sun worshippers – collectively marking time in communal practices of decoding the mysteries of our existence.

2. IN YOU I SEE ENDLESS MEMORIES
An imagined conversation between the sky and the wind.

3. ISMS PRISMS
Not one thing, but all things… spontaneous change shuttles us through the cycles of life.

4. TRANSPARENCIES
Being transparent is naturally imperfect and intensely human.

5. WE MAKE TWO, TWO MAKE WE
Music is a language of interacting tones and colors through which one is able to experience the other; the abstract and the personal. The notion of two streams of thought merging into a unified idea makes for a wellspring of originality. At once distinctly different, yet in combination, resonating wildly.

6. EYE DREAMING
“Within you, my love, I see endless mystery.”

7. MOON GLOW
This duet of a middle-sized plucked string instrument and Balinese gong expresses energies I’ve experienced in Indonesia, where the nighttime sky sometimes seems so vast there appears to be an aura around the moon.
 
8. HYMN FOR THE HIDDEN PEOPLE
This is a tonal essay – an homage to the poor, the rebuked, scorned, unseen, and unheard. The music challenges our lack of compassion and moves us to feel the many who toil and struggle in silence, yet stay in the light, with hope and determination.

9. THE SPINNING CIRCLE
There are no simple explanations or a single equation that defines a circle. A circle has no beginning or end, there’s no start, finishing point, or conclusion. Only infinite revolutions rhythmically intertwined.

10. INSEPARABLE
Balance in our lives and the spaces we occupy is a dance of opposites. “Om” and “Amen” are the same thing.

Blue Buddha Productions | Release Date: June 23, 2023

To pre-order: Bandcamp: https://bluebuddha.bandcamp.com/

Andrew Gold’s pastiche psychedelic masterpiece “The Fraternal Order of the All – Greetings from Planet Love” will be released on CD on July 28, 2023.

Initially released in 1997, the album was conceived by Andrew Gold as a tribute to late 60s psychedelic rock. His remarkable compositions were wonderful stylistic evocations of artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Byrds and The Doors.

The project saw Gold create the fictitious band The Fraternal Order of the All, in reality Andrew playing most of the instrumentation and singing, along with guest musicians such as 10cc legend Graham Gouldman.

Also available as a limited edition double LP is pressed on 10-inch colored splatter vinyl and features a newly designed lavish gatefold sleeve.

Track Listing

1 Greetings from Planet Love
2 Rainbow People
3 Love Tonight
4 Chasing My Tail
5 Swirl
6 Tuba Rye and Will’s Son / Balloon in the Sky
7 King of Showbiz
8 Whirl
9 Freelove Baby
10 Groovy Party at Jimmy’s Magic Pad
11 It’s Beautiful
12 Wink of the Third Eye
13 It Has No Eyes But Sight
14 Twirl
15 Space and Time
16 Time is Standing Still
17 Ride the Snake
18 Mr Plastic Business Man
19 Ccosmicc Ccarnivall
20 Tomorrow Drop Dead

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/andrew-gold-the-fraternal-order-of-…

LEAH WAYBRIGHT is a life-long Composer, Pianist, Recording Artist, Teacher, Floral Artist, Wildflower Preservationist, and Dreamer. The common thread that connects these many professions is her role as a Storyteller. Hundreds of lectures and the wide variety of special floral programs she has presented for Garden Clubs and Civic Groups are the most obvious examples of her Storytelling.

However, her ability to tell a compelling story is not limited to words. Despite the instrumental nature of her music, her unique approach to composition and instrumentation means that each vignette reveals an unfolding and ever-evolving story rich with meaning. As a steward of the Earth, Leah’s creativity and mindset benefitted from the pauses in older projects, and the development of new projects, but throughout she consistently creates new music through improvisation and then hones it with a nurturing process similar to the way she cultivates her beloved plants and wildflowers.

Her newest CD, “Dreamed” will be released by Invasion Merch on July 17, 2023 and is the culmination of years of compositional crafting. In some ways it picks up the floral storytelling narrative where “Beauty Gone Wild” left off, and is a compositional masterpiece. Leah’s musical DNA is immediately noticeable in the melodies and the rhythms, but are even more elegant, captivating, and mysterious. What consistently leaps out of the speakers is the luscious sound of the grand piano, as there is more of a focus on her piano with “Dreamed.” Leah commands this fine instrument and presents each composition with confidence and verve.
Somehow without using a single word, she pulls the listener into her private world where a story for each dreamy piece unfolds like a new plant in spring.

Leah has always been an active dreamer, both in a literal sense as well as in a more figurative sense. Her dreams have a huge influence on her, and she sees power and wisdom in exploring dreams. After experiencing a vivid dream she often incorporates elements of that dream into a piece of music.

Says Leah, “My DREAMED collection is gathered from a wide arc of experience and time travelled. This ‘new’ music is captured from the first song I ever crafted, to pieces invoked by powerful moments and turning points in my life. There are vintage songs from the past as well as imaginings through to my most recent compositions. Each piece emerges for me as special and meaningful.”

The innovative orchestrations on “Dreamed” reveal numerous, subtle aspects of the melodies. The skillful contributions of the other players support the harmonic and rhythmic content when needed, but at other times they shine via tasty solos. In particular, the guitar work of “Happy the Man” alum Stan Whitaker is stunningly effective, especially on the track “Dreamprints.” As with “Beauty Gone Wild,” Gary Blu, who has worked with Boz Scaggs, Donald Fagen and Steely Dan was the only choice for saxes, flutes, piccolo and clarinet. His flute and piccolo work on “Candlewink” is breathtaking.

Mark Wood, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s original string master uses violins of his own design to add bold and exciting swaths of sound. A fierce player, his Paganini-like virtuosity never overwhelms Ms. Waybright’s brilliant compositions. His playing on the somewhat classical-leaning “Sunwise” emphasizes complex interplay between violin, piano, and flute. Leah’s complex, shifting piano work in the piece is slightly evocative of both Erik Satie and Claude Bolling. Similarly, “Happy the Man” bassist Rick Kennell manages to both underpin and accent Leah’s every twist and turn. Rick deftly provides movement and support that reveals the glorious details of Leah’s sonic landscape. Rick also handled the production chores.

This is one of those rare albums that rewards the attentive listener with insights and delights. Play these tracks on your stereo or on your best headphones and let Leah’s dreams unfold around you. When you do, this master Storyteller will transport you to a wild world where anything can happen.

On the eve of its original release in 2013, William Shatner, one of the most prolific and visionary artists of his generation, declared Ponder The Mystery “quite possibly the most creative thing I have ever done.” A sprawling epic of progressive rock music and poignant, personal lyrics, Ponder The Mystery continued Shatner’s lifelong pursuit to find answers to life’s mysteries both beyond the cosmos and in the majestic mundanity of everyday experience. The album earned high praise not only from several of its stellar guest artists who performed on the tracks but also music fans and critics the world over.

Now, a decade later, this masterpiece is being revisited. A bold new mix by prodigious producer Jürgen Engler brings Shatner’s deft and poetic wordplay into the foreground while still making room for the all-star guests including Steve Vai, Rick Wakeman, Simon House, Nik Turner, Edgar Froese, Al Di Meola, Vince Gill, Mick Jones, Dave Koz, Robby Krieger and others! Check out the title track, “Ponder The Mystery” featuring the guitar stylings of rock legend Steve Vai, which is released today for a sampling of how this new version revamps and reinvigorates the original.

Stream the single: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_stevevai_ponderthemysteryrevisited

Ponder The Mystery Revisited will be available on CD and vinyl as well as digital on August 25th.

Order the CD/Vinyl: https://cleorecs.com/store/?s=Ponder+the+Mystery+Revisited&post_type=pr…

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/williamshatner_ponderthemysteryrevisited

TRACK LIST:
1. Red Shift
2. Where It's Gone...I Don't Know feat. Mick Jones
3. Manhunt feat. Simon House
4. Ponder The Mystery feat. Steve Vai
5. So Am I feat. Al Di Meola
6. Change feat. Rick Wakeman
7. Sunset feat. Joel Vandroogenbroeck
8. Twilight feat. Edgar Winter
9. Rhythm Of The Night feat. Nik Turner
10. Imagine Things feat. Vince Gill
11. Do You See? feat. Edgar Froese
12. Deep Down feat. Robby Krieger
13. I'm Alright, I Think feat. Dave Koz
14. Where Does Time Go? feat. George Duke
15. Alive feat. Zoot Horn Rollo

Spirit of Unicorn Music are proud to announce the release of Keith Emerson “Variations”, a 20 CD box set covering the entire career of one of the greatest musicians of all time, which will launch on October 13th, 2023.

“Keith Emerson invented progressive rock.  I know because I was there at the time.” Lee Jackson (The Nice, Jackson Heights, Refugee), Emerson’s long-time friend and one-time bandmate in The Nice, once told Prog Magazine. Keith Emerson (Emerson Lake & Palmer, The Nice, 3) is revered as a genius by both fans and fellow musicians alike.

Considered one of the greatest keyboard players of all time, this deep dive into the creative life of Emerson is divided into five parts, beginning with his early years in The Nice and Emerson Lake & Palmer.  The collection then moves onto Keith’s solo albums, his sound-tracks and collaborations and finally ends with a set of stunning live performances which present his breath-taking keyboard skills to full effect.

The collection has been curated with the full involvement and blessing of the  Emerson family.  Aaron Emerson, Keith’s son, said “It is with great excitement that we can share all of Dad’s great work, expanding throughout his long career.  I hope it gives you as much joy as it has done for all of us”.

Presented in a special 10 x 10 inch box, the 20 CDs are accompanied by sleeve notes writ-ten by Jerry Ewing, Editor of PROG Magazine.  Ewing casts a magnifying glass over the immense Emerson catalogue and speaks with many of his collaborators to deliver a fasci-nating history of the man behind the keyboard.  

Also included is a 48 page book containing many never-before-seen photos taken directly from the Emerson family archive.

All 20 CDs have been mastered by renowned engineer Andy Pearce.  The collection also contains a previously unreleased show from BB Kings in 2004.

Whether you are a seasoned fan or just starting out on your Keith Emerson journey, there is no finer, deeper or more definitive collection available on the market.  A tribute, in the truest sense, to one of the greatest musicians of all time.

This box set can be pre-ordered now from here (along with full track listing):

Keith Emerson: Variations, 20CD Box Set - Cherry Red Records (https://www.cherryred.co.uk/?post_type=product&p=1051835&preview=true)
https://burningshed.com/store/elp)

MoonJune Music and M Films Producciones present a multi-sensory festival of eclectic, international progressive music expanding the boundaries of jazz, rock, global music, and the unknown. Join visionary presenters Leonardo Pavkovic and Mauricio Aguinaco in historic Toledo, Spain, for four days of extraordinary concerts, roundtable discussions with seasoned music industry professionals, regional gastronomical delights, and the warm camaraderie of a global cast of musicians and enthusiasts.

Featured artists include Soft Machine (UK), Paqueando with Diego Amador & José María Bandera (Spain), Anchor & Burden (Germany, Israel), Dwiki Dharmawan World Peace Band (Indonesia, Israel, Mexico) with special guest Dewa Budjana (Indonesia), Israel Varela Musica Pintada (Mexico), Heledo & His Friends (Uruguay, Israel, Belgium) featuring Xavi Reija (Spain), Amós Lora Band (Spain, Cuba), Jaco Abel Flamenco Eléctrico Trio (Spain), Ana Alcaide (Spain) with special guest Bill Cooley (United States), Fernando Girón Band (Spain, United States), Anthony Garone (United States), Dennis Rea (United States)

Befitting an artist management and record company that epitomizes musical multiculturalism, MoonJune's second annual global gathering takes place in the historic cultural crossroads of Toledo, Spain. With its rich history as the former capital of Castile, the first capital of Spain, and the current capital of the La Mancha region, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces its roots back to Roman times, a place where Christians , Jews and Muslims lived together in tolerance for centuries, hence its nickname, the City of Three Cultures. Fittingly, the 2023 edition of the annual MoonJune festival will take place at Toledo's historic El Circulo del Arte in the former church of San Vicente, founded by King Alfonso VI shortly after the Muslim conquest of Spain. Once known as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition, the building has been reborn as a chapel for worship and art creation.

MoonJune Festival Toledo 2023 is a celebration of the creative spirit and international friendship, a gathering of musicians, journalists, music activists and, of course, like-minded music lovers. After a very successful first edition of the festival in Leonardo's hometown of Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, itself a historically important cultural melting pot, in June 2022, the Second International Music Festival - MoonJune Festival Toledo 2023, could not to take place nowhere else than Leonardo's new hometown thus connecting two beautiful historical cities: Toledo (the first capital of Spain) and Jajce (the former capital of medieval Bosnia).

If the musicians come from different parts of the world, also the festival-goers and the so-called 'moonjunistas' come from various parts of the world, and their presence was confirmed by the fans who come from the United States, Canada, Japan, Indonesia, United Kingdom Kingdom, Belgium, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Israel, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Confirmed moonjunistas festival goers are eager not only to enjoy the music festival but also to enjoy all the beautiful things that Toledo has to offer, and for many of them this will be their first time not only in Toledo, but in many cases, as well. his first time visiting Spain.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

MoonJune’s guiding principles – or as Leonardo Pavkovic prefers, “modus moonjundi” – are in tune with what legendary British bass player Roy Babbington (Soft Machine and much more) memorably described as “poetic entanglement” - that is, the art of being alert to, and confidently acting on, the affinities and happenstances of the moment, in a spirit of openness, curiosity, and goodwill. MoonJune’s mission is to spread unity, joy, and hope through music, toward the elusive goal of peace and understanding on this troubled earth.

The dynamic personality of the festival’s founder, Leonardo Pavkovic – a resident of Toledo since December 2021 – lies at the epicenter of the Festival’s initiative and its spiritus movens. A unique figure in the worldwide musical milieu, “Mr. MoonJune” has long been one of the most creative forces supporting, producing, developing, and organizing ambitious musical projects the world over. The MoonJune Festival is a celebration of the creative spirit and international friendship, a gathering of like minded musicians, journalists, music activists, and of course music lovers. After a very successful first edition of the festival in Leonardo’s native city of Jajce, Bosnia & Herzegovina - itself a historically important cultural crucible - in June 2022, the Second International MoonJune Music Festival 2023 could not be staged anywhere else but in Leonardo’s new hometown, thus connecting two beautiful historic cities: Toledo and Jajce.

MoonJune's Music Universe creates connections between different musicians around the world, often from different cultures and musical styles, producing unique and new music, partnering with quality, artistic integrity and innovation, ignoring conservative critics and skeptics who they reject or downplay anything outside of their own restricted gender biases, and looking to where musical innovations have historically always occurred, in free mixing of genre influences. MoonJune's musical offering constantly shines its light across a devastated and commercially bastardized musical landscape never capitulating to "the market," a rare model of musical virtue in times of increasingly cultural bankruptcy.

A SENSORY FEAST

Designed as an immersive, multi-sensory experience, the Second International MoonJune Festival showcases MoonJune talents from around the planet, including distinguished musicians from the United Kingdom, Germany, USA, Spain, Indonesia, Uruguay, Israel, Cuba, and Mexico. The event offers not just a series of concerts but a unique “penta-sensorial” experience blending sounds, flavors, aromas, and audiovisual elements evoking the rich cultural legacy of Toledo and its surrounding La Mancha region, famed for Don Quixote, Miguel Cervantes, the Windmills of Consuegra, El Greco, olive cultivation, and much more.

The festival will combine:
• Hearing: extraordinary music performed by exemplary players representing MoonJune’s global diaspora
• Sight: projected images complementing live musical performances
• Taste: the gastronomic richness of La Mancha’s regional cuisine, wine, and olive oil
• Smell: fragrances of Toledo’s unique natural and built environments
• Touch: tactile encounters with the walls and buildings of the ancient town, imbued with mysticism from two millennia of history

In addition to the concerts, the festival will include expert roundtable discussions on the state of today’s post-COVID music industry and more, plus the inaugural “MoonJune de la Mancha Awards” for Lifetime Achievement in performing and recording music (and an outstanding career in the music business).

From the kitchen of the original King Crimson R&D fraKctal units & Stick Men comes Tu-Ner featuring touch guitarist Markus Reuter, alongside the powerhouse rhythm section of Pat Mastelotto on drums and Trey Gunn on Warr guitar.

Defying logistics to grab four days together, the immersive session included repertoire rehearsal; as well as recording semi-prepared pieces and several full improvisations. The band’s chemistry has deep roots and connections are made quickly so large slabs of music appear unedited.

These two hours of recordings are the outcome of their debut double disc album “T-1 Contact Information” coming August 14th.

disc:ONE
1. Crowfin
2. 31
3. Apple Turtle
4. On The Other Side
5. Contact Information

 disc:TWO
1. Forcibly Taken Into The Future
2. Moses
3. Poodles
4. Poem About A Sad Horse

Pat Mastelotto – Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Dave Grohl have managed it, and so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 25 years with King Crimson and Stick Men.

Markus Reuter is a composer, guitarist, and producer. He began his musical journey as a composer before delving into Robert. Fripp’s Guitar Craft, mastering the Chapman Stick, and eventually transitioning to the U8 Touch Guitar. Reuter has released numerous solo albums and has collaborated extensively with various musicians. He holds a prominent position in the experimental band Anchor and Burden and forms the duo Tuner with Pat. Additionally, he was a member of Europa String Choir and has worked alongside notable artists such as Gary Husband, Robert Rich, J. Peter Schwalm, Mark Wingfield, and many others. Reuter’s versatility is evident through his involvement in Devin Townsend’s touring band. Notably, he also performs in power trios including Stick Men with Pat and Tony Levin, TRUCE with Asaf Sirkis and Fabio Trentini, and Markus Reuter/Tim Motzer/Kenny Grohowski.

Trey Gunn, the extraordinary Warr guitarist and musician, has left an indelible mark on the world of progressive music. Renowned for his virtuosic talent, he has graced the stages and recording studios with legendary acts such as King Crimson, Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Robert Fripp, Happy Rhodes, Puscifer, Tool and John Paul Jones, contributing his unique blend of mesmerizing and innovative playing. As the founder of the esteemed 7D Media record label, Gunn continues to be a guiding force in curating exceptional musical experiences. Trey Gunn’s visionary artistry and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound make him a true luminary in the realm of progressive music.

Markus Reuter – Touch Guitar, Soundscapes
Pat Mastelotto – Drums, Electronics, Vocoder
Trey Gunn – Warr Guitar, Fretless Warr Guitar, Vocoder

All pieces by Gunn/Mastelotto/Reuter

recorded June 7-11, 2023
recorded by p@ & Bill Munyon @ p@’s place
mixed & mastered by Erik Emil Eskildsen
cover design by A.J. Chippero
booking Leonardo Pavkovic (MOONJUNE)

Tu-Ner on Tour

August 14 - Piermont, NY (The Turning Point)
August 15 - Allentown, PA (Rodale Room, Allentown Symphony Hall)
August 17 - Hudson Falls, NY (Strand Theater)
August 19 - Rochester, NY (Loving Cup)
August 20 - Buffalo, NY (Mohawk Place)
August 22 - Cleveland, OH (Beachland Ballroom)
August 23 - Detroit, MI (Joy Manor Westland)
August 24 - Milwaukee, WI (Shank Hall)
August 25 - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
August 26 - Chicago, IL (Reggies Rock Club)
August 27 - Benton Harbor, M (The Livery)
August 29 - Columbus, OH (Woodlands Tavern)
August 30 - Cincinnati, OH (The Ludlow Garage)
August 31 - Asheville, NC (The Grey Eagle)
September 1 - Charlotte, NC (The Milestone)
September 2 - Chapel Hill, NC (Storybook Farm)
November 29 - Brno, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at SONO Music Club)
November 30 - Prague, Czech Republic (The Crimson Marathon at Archa Theatre)

To be continued in 2024!

Spirit of Unicorn Music are delighted to announce a brand new album from District 97, Stay For The Ending, pre-orders for which have opened today.

Featuring 10 brand new tracks, the album is the culmination of everything this Chicago-based prog rock ensemble has worked towards during their last 15 years. Formed in Autumn 2006, the band draws influences from a diverse array of musical styles, from heavy metal to avant-garde jazz. This broad appreciation of musical genres has continued to inform the band’s latest work and sees them further develop their sound and songwriting to ambitious new levels: upping their game in the areas of composition, performance, arrangement, production and sonics.

Stay For The Ending traverses a vast array of themes with songs exploring the human condition: unity, division, deceit, obsession, detachment, resilience and transcendence. Drummer and Percussionist JONATHAN SCHANG said, “After 15 years of leading District 97, I'm thrilled that we continue to push ourselves to new heights in every realm of our music making. This is the strongest collection of songs we've ever assembled.”

The album has been recorded, mixed and mastered by NOAM WALLENBERG (ALAN PARSONS, MAC MILLER). Lead vocalist LESLIE HUNT (AMERICAN IDOL FEMALE VOCAL FINALIST 2007) commented, “This record represents us at our most collaborative and dynamic.  We tried some new things and chased different aesthetics than we have in the past and I think the result is our best sounding album to date with some of our strongest compositions.”

Friend of the band, BILL BRUFORD (KING CRIMSON, YES, GONG, BRUFORD) agrees. In response to hearing the new album, he said, “Quality, expertise and passion - 'Stay For The Ending' is a massive piece, of which District ’97 should feel justly proud.”

The Autumn sees the band undertake a number of live shows in the US and Europe, including playing The Bedford in Balham, South London on Sunday 10th September.  SCHANG continues “I can't wait for the music world at large to hear it both on record and on stage.”

The album can be pre-ordered from Cherry Red Records here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-stay-for-the-ending-cd/

In celebration of Annie Haslam’s 75th year, performing classic songs with the remarkable Renaissance Chamber Orchestra and music from Annie’s solo career, recorded at The Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA October 21st 2022

Renaissance are true pioneers, known for their unique sound and Annie Haslam’s 5 octave voice they have graced the realm of Symphonic Rock since 1969, when Keith Relf and Jim McCarty of the Yardbirds originally created the band. Renaissance are known for their introduction of full orchestras into their already masterful music and poignant lyrics from early in the 70’s. They performed three sold out nights at Carnegie Hall with the NY Philharmonic and the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society. The “Legacy Tour” double CD is a testament to the band and their lead singer Annie Haslam.

“An orchestra can take a piece of music and lift it to a higher plane, it just does, and my dream was to hear and perform my solo work with an orchestra. The Legacy Tour was the vehicle for that, the timing was right and my dream came true.” – Annie Haslam

The Legacy of Renaissance spans over many years bringing with it talented musicians that played an integral role in the growth of the band and its music.

Renaissance “The Legacy Tour Fall 2022” double CD will only be available through the band’s website at: https://store.renaissancetouring.com

“Lotus Unfolding” is the new release from UK based instrumental intergalactic travelers Ozric Tentacles. Six new tunes have been added to the Ozric universe, conceived, written and recorded in their own ‘Blue Bubble’ studio in Fife.

The album was recorded, written and produced during 2022 - 2023 by Ed Wynne with a little sonic help from Silas. Mastered by Adam Goodlet and illustrated with some nicely detailed ethereal artwork by Steve McKeown and Sally Clark.

“Lotus Unfolding” is another sonically illustrated excursion through the musical realms the band has explored in their latest chapter. Album opener “Storm In A Teacup” kicks the album off in spectacular style traversing the realms of time and space with flair and virtuosic poise. It’s followed by the groove driven “Deep Blue Shade”, whose melodies are vividly brought to life by Ed Wynne exquisite trademark guitar playing. This is swiftly accompanied by the serene title track - as close to a musical yoga session at the center of the hippocampus you’ll ever experience.

Ozric Tentacles’ aural synapses buzz throughout the album to channel the band’s limitless creativity, making “Lotus Unfolding” the perfect conduit of the spiritual and the physical. It’s an essential addition to the band’s catalogue.   

Ed Wynne comments: The concept is, as usual, wide & open to interpretation but basically is a sonically illustrated excursion through some of the musical realms we found ourselves in this time around. Designed to elevate and delight the senses, should that be required, because if the day feels like an unfolding lotus, it’s probably going to be a good one!

“Lotus Unfolding” line up consists of Ed Wynne (Guitars, Synth and Bass) and Silas Wynne (Modular Synth and Keyboards) . Alongside Ed and Silas is Brandi Wynne (bass), Saskia Maxwell (Flute), Tim Wallander (Drums) and Paul Hankin (Percussion).

“Lotus Unfolding” track list:

1. Storm In A Teacup
2. Deep Blue Shade
3. Lotus Unfolding
4. Crumplepenny
5. Green Carnation
6. Burundi Spaceport

“Lotus Unfolding” will be available on CD Digipak, Limited Marble LP with limited die cut sleeve, Blue LP also with limited die cut sleeve, Black LP and available digitally.

Preorder HERE: https://ozrictentacles.lnk.to/Lotus_Unfolding

Alongside the announcement of the new album, the band will be heading out on tour for a co-headline run with fellow label mates Gong in November 2023 and picking up for the second run in 2024.

Los Angeles based progressive rock duo Days Between Stations have released a music video for their song “Witness The End of the World” featuring special guest lead vocalist Durga McBroom, who is best known for her work with Pink Floyd. The song was originally released in 2020 on their album “Giants” but due to the pandemic, the music video production was delayed, which turned out to be an unfortunately apt circumstance given the lyrics.

Video production by Erik Nielsen of Supposable Productions. Filmed in the deserts of Southern California and BandProd Studios in San Fernando, CA.

Watch the video:

Durga: “Working with Billy Sherwood producing my vocal session was magic. He was very precise; in fact, he actually reminded me of working with David Gilmour. A haunting, timely tune. I’m very proud to be singing on it. As for the video, my Goth Angel is a pretty striking look. It also honors my Native American heritage.”

Sepand: “I remember hearing this song that Oscar had written. I’m always turned on to songs that become your companion through life, its notes and meaning altering with you through your path in life. When you feel the song is one thing it morphs into another. We filmed this video during the end of COVID... boy did it feel like the end of the world. I feel the apocalyptic imagery was inspired by how society and friends and family were all rattled by this disease.”

Oscar: “It’s no secret to anyone who’s followed the band for a while that we sometimes focus on dark topics. Sometimes even before any lyrics are written, the mood of the piece will sort of suggest an image or a mood. I tend to draw a lot of inspiration from - and crib titles from - books and films. So, I had written a waltz that I was calling ‘End of the World Waltz,’ inspired by Anthony Burgess’ ‘The End of the World News.’ I had started writing some lyrics for it, with a vaguely apocalyptic theme indirectly dealing with the many ways we seem to make the world hell for ourselves and other species, and then when my cat Matisse was diagnosed with cancer I had rewritten the lyric with the line ‘it’s not the end of the world,’ which was what a not very sympathetic non-cat person had told me at the time, and I was thinking about how subjective that is and how what seems trivial to somebody can literally feel like the end of the world to someone else. In any case, I had never finished the lyrics, so when we chose to work on the piece together with Billy Sherwood for Giants, we rewrote the lyrics together and added a lot of the Greco-mythical material that tied it in with the rest of the album. It’s interesting to work on lyrics as a trio. You would think it would be overly analytical and dry, but at least part of the time we managed to all three of us enter a sort of flow state where the ideas just seemed to, well, flow.”

“Witness the End of the World” released 2020 on the album “Giants”

Rick Wakeman’s “The Prog Years 1973-1977” CD/DVD box set is now available!

Journey to the centre of the Earth? In a career that’s now well into its sixth decade, Rick Wakeman has voyaged through time and out to the furthest reaches of sound. And now, the 32-disc “The Prog Years 1973-1977” box set turns back the clock to the caped crusader’s imperial phase, when, as a solo artist, he released some of the most ambitious, virtuosic and just plain stunning music ever committed to tape.

Gathering together the original ‘The Six Wives Of Henry VIII’, ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’, ‘The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table’, ‘Lisztomania’, ‘No Earthly Connection’ and ‘White Rock’ albums, plus alternate recordings and a slew of live performances, from radio sessions to full concerts, the CD/DVD edition of “The Prog Years 1973-1977” is a must-have for all Rick Wakeman collectors.

Complete with a 60-page hardback scrapbook, 10 x postcards, 8 x full-size replica promotional photos and 4 x A3 posters, plus reproduction press kits.

The first 500 copies of this extremely limited box set will also come with a numbered certificate signed by Rick himself.

Order now, and prepare to immerse yourself in half a decade of prog-rock genius.

Check out the video below to see the full range of contents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nER9BgLka1w

The Deluxe 32 disc CD & DVD box set contains rare live material, demos, alternative mixes and live film footage all from the era of:

The Discs

1. ‘Six Wives of Henry VIII’

CD1 – Original Album
CD2 – Six Wives Alternative Versions
CD3 – The Three Wives – Radio Session 27th Feb 1973
DVD –Live in Melbourne 4th Feb 1975  

2. ‘Journey To The Centre Of The Earth’

CD1 - Original Album
CD2 – The Other Half
CD3 – Live in Melbourne 4th Feb 1975  part 1
CD4 – Live in Melbourne 4th Feb 1975  part 2

3. ‘King Arthur…’

CD1 - Original Album
CD2 – King Arthur on Ice - Live at Wembley 1975 + Koseinenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan January 21st 1975 part 1
CD3 – Koseinenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan January 21st 1975 part 2
DVD – King Arthur on Ice - Live at Wembley 1975

4. ‘White Rock’

CD1 - Original Album
CD2 – Original Music and FX Soundtrack.
CD3 – The 1974 Canadian Broadcast
DVD – White Rock Film

5. ‘Lisztomania’

CD1 - Original Album
CD2 – The Real Lisztomania
CD3 – Live from the Winterland Ballroom 11th Feb 1975.
DVD – Lisztomania film.

6. 'No Earthly Connection’

CD1 - Original Album
CD2 - Live at the Maltings 1976.
CD3 - The Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland May 07, 1976
DVD - Live at the Maltings 1976.

7. ‘The 1976 Concert’

CD1 - Live at Hammersmith 1976
CD2 - Christmas in Rio Live December 21st 1975
CD3 - Missing Pieces  and Interviews
DVD - Live at Hammersmith 1976 (quad mix) +Success Story, The Story of Journey and other TV Extras

8. ‘And the rest...’

CD1 - Live in Anaheim 11th November 1975 live part 1
CD2 - Live in Anaheim 11th November 1975 live part 2
CD3 - Reflections of Winter (White Rock Sessions) part 1
CD4 - Reflections of Winter (White Rock Sessions) part 2

THE GOODIES:

HARDBACK BOOK
60 x page 12" x 12" SCRAP BOOK

POSTCARDS:X 10

FULL SIZE REPLICA PROGRAMMES
1974 Journey debut 8 pages
1974 Crystal Palace Garden Party 16 pages
1974/5 US tour 16 pages
1975 Japanese tour 24 pages
1975 Japanese tour 24 pages
1976 UK TOUR AKA FA Challenge 24 pages
1976 UK In Concert 8 pages
1977 White Rock Premier 24 pages

POSTERS:
Poster 1 – Myths and Legends
Poster 2 – Journey...
Poster 3 – Lisztomania - Movie Poster
Poster 4 – White Rock – Movie Poster

REPRODUCTION PRESS FOLDER CONTAINING:
PRESS RELEASES
Lisztomania x 4 sheets
Myths and Legends x 6 sheets
No Earthly Connection x 2 sheets
White Rock x 6 sheets

PRESS PHOTOS:
6 X Photos
To purchase: https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-the-prog-years/

US Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Prog-Years-1973-1977-Postcards-Reproduction/dp/B…

Progressive Rock artist Dave Kerzner, known for co-founding the band Sound of Contact with Phil Collins’ son Simon and as the keyboardist of the band Arc of Life with members of Yes is releasing a new solo album entitled “Heart Land Mines Vol. 1”. It’s an autobiographical concept album about leaving Los Angeles in the 90s after a breakup and driving cross country with a guitar to think, reflect and write songs.

The album is Kerzner’s fourth solo effort following up on his previous release “The Traveler”. It features an ensemble cast of musicians including Fernando Perdomo (Echo in the Canyon), Matt Dorsey (Sound of Contact), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), Lyle Workman (Jellyfish, Beck), Joe Deninzon (Kansas) and more.

“This album was many years in the making,” says Kerzner. “I’ve worked on it on and off since the mid-90s. The stories in the songs are based on true events in my life when I was in my 20’s. Now, 25 years, I’m thrilled to finally present the first volume to be heard publicly!”

Dave Kerzner’s “Heart Land Mines Vol. 1” will be released on CD and digital download on his Bandcamp page and other popular album download sites on October 18th. A 6 song EP from the album called “Heart Land Mines: The Eye” is currently streaming on all major platforms.

Various versions of the album including a deluxe edition that include a surround sound Blu-Ray can be ordered here: http://sonicelements.bandcamp.com/merch

For more information visit http://www.davekerzner.com

After unveiling title track and single “Lotus Unfolding”, now mere days away from the full album’s release on October 20th the band treat fans to “Deep Blue Shade”.

The video, created by Steve McKeown aka Magic Lantern, who was responsible for creating the visual paradise of the album's front cover (socials) expands on the aural tapestry in “Deep Blue Shade”. Using the colour blue as an anchor point, the video's illustrations oscillate between desert plains, mushroom skies and all manner of geometric oddities that take you through life and the universe itself.

Waves of synthesizers wash over the listener as we’re once more led into the lush and wondrous world of Ozric Tentacles. Here, guitars soar overhead and electronics reign supreme, conjuring all manner of psychedelic vistas. Where previously the focus might have been more on licks and melody here we’re shown the musical dexterity and the coexistence of synthesizers alongside Ed’s signature guitar playing style. “Deep Blue Shade” also showcases the effortless drums that accompany the album with cymbal flourishes and flight footed beats present throughout. Lose yourself in the blue!

Ed Wynne comments on the song: “Here's another taster from our forthcoming new album Lotus Unfolding. Deep Blue Shade may possibly work as a welcome harmonic shelter in case things are getting a little musically dazzling out there...it could be necessary depending on which way up your ears are.”

WATCH HERE – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXs19JdRjS8

The album was recorded, written and produced in their own Blue Bubble studio in Fife during 2022 – 2023 by Ed Wynne with a little sonic help from Silas. Mastered by Adam Goodlet and illustrated with some nicely detailed ethereal artwork by Steve McKeown and Sally Clark.

“Lotus Unfolding” is another sonically illustrated excursion through the musical realms the band have explored in their latest chapter. Album opener “Storm In A Teacup” kicks the album off in spectacular style traversing the realms of time and space with flair and virtuosic poise. It’s followed by the groove driven “Deep Blue Shade”, whose melodies are vividly brought to life by trademark Ed Wynne exquisite guitar playing. This is swiftly accompanied by the serene title track - as close to a musical yoga session at the center of the hippocampus you’ll ever experience.

“Lotus Unfolding” line up consists of Ed Wynne (Guitars, Synth and Bass) and Silas Wynne (Modular Synth and Keyboards) . Alongside Ed and Silas is Brandi Wynne (bass), Saskia Maxwell (Flute), Tim Wallander (Drums) and Paul Hankin (Percussion).

“Lotus Unfolding” track list:

1. Storm In A Teacup
2. Deep Blue Shade
3. Lotus Unfolding
4. Crumplepenny
5. Green Carnation
6. Burundi Spaceport

“Lotus Unfolding” will be available on CD Digipak, Limited Marble LP with limited die cut sleeve, Blue LP also with limited die cut sleeve, Black LP and available digitally.

Preorder HERE: https://ozrictentacles.lnk.to/Lotus_Unfolding

Alongside the announcement of the new album, the band will be heading out on tour for a co-headline run with fellow label mates Gong in November 2023 and picking up for the second run in 2024.

Legendary Rock act Mott the Hoople celebrate the 50th anniversary of their landmark album “All The Young Dudes” with a limited edition deluxe box set, featuring newly remastered audio, due to be released on Madfish on December 8th.  The remastered album will also be made available as a limited edition double orange vinyl LP.

Originally released in the UK on the 8th of September 1972, the title track (penned by David Bowie) became their highest-charting hit single, the record also included the definitive cover of Lou Reed’s “Sweet Jane” alongside the inventive and suggestive “Momma’s Little Jewel”, the Stones-styled “Jerkin Crocus” and Mick Ralphs’ heartfelt “Ready For Love”.

Mott the Hoople’s 5th studio album remains a special and vital record. Cited as an inspiration from artists that span the world of Rock ranging from Queen, The Clash and Kiss to Primal Scream, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard’s whose frontman Joe Elliott still to this day remains a devoted fan.

“Mott the Hoople was the greatest rock’n’roll band ever” – Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)

“Raw, fun, angry, glorious and jagged… Mott was everything” – Brian May (Queen)

“If it hadn’t been for Mott, there would be no us” Mick Jones (The Clash)

The band oozes attitude and unpredictability and have recorded a peerless legacy of songs that combine homage, honesty and killer hooks. Mott the Hoople occupy a unique place in the annals of international Rock music.

Ian Hunter, the band’s lead singer has been cited as one of the most inventive writers of the early Seventies, linked to the Ziggy Stardust story, Mott’s rendition of “All The Young Dues” remains the definitive version of Bowie’s masterpiece. It’s a record that proved to be inspirational and still excites and resonates decades later.

“All The Young Dudes” will be released on December 8th 2023 on Madfish as a high quality, limited edition 5-disc deluxe box set that includes rare tracks and previously unreleased song versions.

Pre-order the boxset: https://MOTT.lnk.to/All_The_Young_dudes_box

King Crimson’s “In The Court Of The Crimson King – King Crimson At 50” documentary By Toby Amies is coming to select US theaters opening November 3rd!

Just as King Crimson has been, for more than half a century, an atypical rock band, this film is a refreshingly atypical music documentary. A film about the sacrifices we need to make to bring things of beauty and meaning into the world. But with jokes.

Toby Amies’s film “In The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson at 50” provides a unique insight into the working process of a complex touring band, interspersed with contributions from previous band members to provide a contextual backdrop to the band’s past, as the most recent (2014-2021) line-up tours the world just before and during its 50th anniversary.

As King Crimson producer and band manager, David Singleton observed of the film: “All of life is here, not just music, and certainly not just rock. It has rightly been described as going beyond King Crimson into a ‘universal, inspirational study of what it is to work or dream to work as an artist.’”

While director Toby Amies writes of the experience: “In the Court of the Crimson King is not a film that wants to tell the audience what to think, rather it presents several different points of view about the creative process and what it means to be in this most unusual band; leaving the audience with a sense of both how complicated it all is, but also just how incredibly rewarding the King Crimson experience is both for the musicians and its fans.”

Robert Fripp announced that King Crimson had “moved from sound to silence” on social media after their final date in Japan in December 2021, making this release all the more poignant as a unique record of the band’s longest lasting line-up with tantalizing glimpses of the band’s history.  

Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg3osMG5yK4

COMING TO SELECT THEATERS INCLUDING LA & NY
New York City - November 3rd @ Alamo Drafthouse
Los Angeles - November 3rd @ Alamo Drafthouse  
San Francisco, CA - November 3rd @ Roxie Theatre
San Francisco, CA - November 3rd @ The Castro Theater
Larkspur, CA - November 3rd @ The Lark Theater
Vancouver, WA - November 3rd @ The Kiggins Theatre
Hartford, CT - November 3rd @ Cinestudio
San Francisco, CA - November 8th @ 4 Star Theater
Ann Arbor, MI - November 8th @ Michigan Theater
Bellingham, WA - November 8th @ Pickford Film Center
Santa Ana, CA - November 8th @ Frida Cinema
Seattle, WA - November 8th @ Grand Illusion
Camas, WA - November 8th @ Liberty Theatre
New York City - November 8th @ Rosendale Theater
Des Moines, IA - November 8th @ Fleur Cinema
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Moviehouse & Eatery NW Austin
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Moviehouse & Eatery SW Austin
Columbia, SC - November 8th @ BTM Dutch Square Cinema 14
Richmond, VA - November 8th @ BTM Movieland at Boulevard Sq
Irvine, CA - November 8th @ Irvine Spectrum 20 IMAX & RPX
Knoxville, TN - November 8th @ Pinnacle Stm 18 IMAX & RPX
Atlanta, GA - November 8th @ Regal Atlantic Station
Chicago, IL - November 8th @ Regal City North
Cleveland, OH - November 8th @ Regal Crocker Park
Albany, NY - November 8th @ Regal Crossgates
Syracuse, NY - November 8th @ Regal Destiny
Los Angeles, CA - November 8th @ Regal Edwards Long Beach
San Diego, CA - November 8th @ Regal Edwards Mira Mesa
San Francisco, CA - November 8th @ Regal Hacienda Crossings
Portland, OR - November 8th @ Regal Lloyd Center
Nashville, TN - November 8th @ Regal Opry Mills
Las Vegas, NV - November 8th @ Regal Red Rock
Los Angeles, CA - November 8th @ Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria
Miami, FL - November 8th @ Regal South Beach
Charlotte, NC - November 8th @ Regal Stonecrest
Seattle, WA - November 8th @ Regal Thornton Place
Philadelphia, PA - November 8th @ Regal UA King of Prussia
New York, NY - November 8th @ Regal Union Square
Albuquerque, NM - November 8th @ Regal Winrock
Lowell, MA - November 8th @ Lowell
Foxboro, MA - November 8th @ Patriot Place
Providence, RI - November 8th @ Providence Place
Warwick, RI - November 8th @ Warwick
Farmingdale, NY - November 8th @ Farmingdale
Holtsville, NY - November 8th @ Island 16
Holtsville, NY - November 8th @ Broadway
Springdale, OH - November 8th @ Springdale
Cambridge, MA - November 8th @ The Prattle Theatre
Beverly, MA - November 8th @ Cabot Performing Arts Centre
Inglewood, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Del Mar, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
San Mateo, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Dallas, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Coconut Grove, FL - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Gaithersburg, MD - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Sedona, AZ - November 8th @ Mary D Fisher Theatre
Minneapolis, MN - November 8th @ Riverview Theatre
Cleveland, OH - November 8th @ Cedar Lee Theatre
Bantam, CT - November 9th @ Bantam Cinema & Arts Center
Chico, CA - November 9th @ Pageant Theater
Eugene, OR - November 10th @ Art House
Dallas, TX - November 12th @ The Texas Theatre
Portland, OR - November 12th @ Cinema 21
Los Angeles, CA - November 13th @ Orpheum Theater
Somerville, MA - November 13th @ Somerville Theatre
Maitland, FL - December 18th @ Enzian Theater
Sacramento, CA - November 22nd @ Crest Cinema
Pittsburgh, PA - November 28th @ Harris Theatre

When, in July 1972, Melody Maker revealed that Bill Bruford & John Wetton were joining King Crimson – from Yes & Family respectively, it was front page news. Also joining were Jamie Muir – a key figure in London’s jazz scene & David Cross – from the band Waves. Fripp’s claims about the band’s ‘magic’ were to be put to the test that autumn when, following a three-night stint at the Zoom Club, Frankfurt & TV appearance on Bremen’s Beat Club, the band undertook an extensive UK tour, which ran from the end of October through to mid-December. With the exception of the encore “21st Century Schizoid Man”, the material was all new, with a heavier emphasis on improvisation than had ever been utilized by any major UK rock group on a headlining tour. The developing material for “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” was premiered to a succession of audiences who, for the most part, had bought tickets expecting to hear something else entirely (encore notwithstanding) but who responded to the challenging set with enthusiasm.

Recorded from mid-January to the beginning of February & released in late March of 1973, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” became one of the most acclaimed of King Crimson’s albums as well as establishing its reputation as a key album from one of rock music’s most significant years. After a handful of further UK concerts, Jamie Muir left the band with the remaining quartet working with ever greater success until Summer 1974 when Fripp placed the band on indefinite hiatus.

Almost half a century after its release, Steven Wilson undertook the job of mixing the album for Dolby Atmos and, in the process, prepared new stereo & 5.1 mixes. The new stereo & 5.1 mixes – no doubt informed by the more adventurous mix techniques allowed by the Atmos process – are quite different in approach, more expansive than the earlier mixes as released in 2012, while still retaining and enhancing the core power of the original material.

The Atmos mixes allow a fresh glimpse of the vast scope of the individual material & performances as recorded for the album. The key to understanding this album, which Atmos illustrates most obviously, but is also present in all of Steven’s new mixes, David’s Elemental mixes & Alex & David’s mixes of the sessions material, is that this music was always this big, complex, interwoven series of soundscapes & while it was, in 1973, released in stereo on vinyl, CD & 8 Track cartridge, it’s only in recent years with, first the 2012 stereo & Surround mixes & now the Atmos/Elemental/Complete Sessions mixes that the available mix options & domestic consumption audio options have grown sufficiently to both contain & present the material to its fullest possible extent.

While Steven was working on this aspect of the material Alex R. Mundy and David Singleton at DGM were mixing every single take of the original studio sessions. These unreleased early takes are presented not as traditionally blended pieces, but with maximum separation, mimicking the experience of sitting in the studio with the individual elements being performed around you. The “Elemental mixes” apply this same approach to the main album takes. An excitingly fresh view on the familiar, with the focus often falling in unusual places, some originally hidden, some unused. Four of the album’s core tracks feature: extended mixes of “Larks’ 1” and “Talking Drum” along with “Easy Money” & “Larks’ 2”.

This material is all presented on Blu-Ray I of the set. Blu-Ray II presents every single session recording from the original studio dates, all newly mixed from the
multitrack tapes and presented in date of recording order, in Hi-Res 24/96 stereo – a vast collection of previously unheard studio material from the seminal recording.
Also included on this disc are the original album mix (30th anniversary master) & the audio documentary “Keep that one, Nick” – as compiled by David Singleton for the 2012 boxed set. These two inclusions are the only previously released titles on this set.

It’s no coincidence that many of the pieces from the album became staples of performance for the most recent King Crimson line-ups (2014 – 2021). The material first performed to unsuspecting concert attendees in 1972, first recorded & released in 1973 & beloved of King Crimson fans ever since, has aged remarkably well. That material is now presented in its most complete edition to date, with all of the material on the CDs & almost all of the material on the Blu-Rays (see track-listing below), previously unreleased. In 2023, it still has the capacity to astound the ears.

Track List:

Blu-ray I - NTSC, All Zones (ABC), playable on all BD players & drives Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 & LPCM Stereo 24/96, all previously unreleased:
Larks’ Tongues in Aspic - 2023 mixes. Dolby Atmos, DTS HD-MA 5.1 Surround, LPCM 24.96 Stereo
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

Elemental Mixes (24/96 Stereo)
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Easy Money
3. The Talking Drum
4. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

 Instrumental Mixes (24/96 Stereo)
1. Book of Saturday
2. Exiles
3. Easy Money

Blu-ray II - NTSC, All Zones (ABC), playable on all BD players & drives Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 & LPCM Stereo 24/96, all previously unreleased except*

Original Masters (24/96 Stereo) *

30th Anniversary Master
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

The Session Reels
1. “Keep That One, Nick” *
Complete Recording Sessions (24/96 Stereo)

January 16th, 1973
Larks’ I - Takes 1 to 10
Larks’ I - Takes 12 to 18 & 20 to 22
Larks’ II - Take 1
Book Of Saturday - Take 1
Book Of Saturday - Take 1 Overdubs & 2nd Main Vocal Take

January 17th, 1973
Larks’ I - Edit 2 Takes 1 to 11
Larks’ I - Edit 2 Take 12 & Overdubs
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 1 to 4
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 5 to 9 & 11 to 17
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Takes 1 to 6
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Take 1 with Overdubs

January 18th, 1973
Larks’ I - Bill Drum Check
Larks’ I - Jamie Drum Check
Larks’ II - Takes 1 & 2

January 19th, 1973
Larks’ I - 7/8 Section Remake Takes 1 to 5
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 1 to 9

January 20th, 1973
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section 2nd Remake Takes 10 to 20

January 21st, 1973
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section 2nd Remake Takes 21 to 26

January 23rd, 1973
Easy Money - Takes 1 to 9
Easy Money - Takes 10 & 11
Jamie Various Atmosphere Takes
Jamie More Atmosphere Takes

January 24th, 1973
Easy Money - Remake Takes 1 to 6
Easy Money - Remake Takes 7 to 9
Intermezzo Takes 1 to 6
Intermezzo Takes 7 to 16
Intermezzo Takes 19 to 25

January 25th, 1973
The Talking Drum - Takes 1 to 3
The Talking Drum - Take 3 (Complete)
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Takes 1 to 5
Larks’ I - Final Edit Remake Non Takes

January 26th, 1973
Exiles - Takes 1 to 3
Exiles - Takes 5 & 6
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Backing
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Overdubs 1
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Overdubs 2
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Vocal Overdubs

January 30th, 1973
The Talking Drum - Remake Takes 1 to 6
Larks’ I - Master Bass Drums Percussion 4/4 section
Larks’ I - Master Bass Drums Percussion 7/8 section
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 1
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 2
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 3
Larks’ I - Master Guitar and Violin 7/8 Section
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 1
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 1 Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 2
Larks’ I - Master Introduction David & Jamie
Larks’ I - Master Introduction Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Last Section Newspaper Readings
Larks’ I - Master Lead Guitar Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Opening Bass, Drums, Guitar, Percussion
Larks’ I - Master Opening Violin and Guitar
Larks’ I - Master Last Section Violin And Guitar

January 31st, 1973
Easy Money - Master Ambient Overdubs to the End
Easy Money - Master Backing Track to the End
Easy Money - Master Intro Backing Track
Easy Money - Master Intro Jamie Overdubs
Easy Money - Master Intro Vocal Overdubs
Easy Money - Master Vocal Overdubs to the End
The Talking Drum - Master Reel Backing Track
The Talking Drum - Master Reel Overdubs
Larks’ II - Master Reel Backing Track
Larks’ II - Master Reel Overdubs
Larks’ II - Master Reel Violin Solos

February 1st, 1973
Book Of Saturday - Takes 1 to 3 & 5 to 10
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 1, Guitar, Violin
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Guide Vocals, Guitar, Violin Overdubs
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 2, Vocals with Vocal Overdubs

CDs: All material newly mixed/released

CD 1 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (2023 Mix and Instrumentals)
1. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two
7. Book of Saturday
8. Exiles
9. Easy Money

CD 2 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (Elemental Mixes and Selected Master Reels)
1. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Easy Money
3. The Talking Drum
4. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two
5. Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Backing
6. Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Guide Vocals, Guitar, Violin Overdubs
7. Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 2, Vocals with Vocal Overdubs

To purchase:
Blu-ray/2CD: https://burningshed.com/king-crimson_larks-tongues-in-aspic_2cd_2blu-ray
DBL Vinyl: https://burningshed.com/king-crimson_larks-tongues-in-aspic_double-vinyl

David Cross was a member of King Crimson during the 1970s and continues to have a loyal fanbase. He’s best known for playing violin on the albums “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” and “Starless and Bible Black”.

The musicians featured on his new album “Ice Blue, Silver Sky” include Jinian Wilde, Mick Paul, Steve Roberts and a special guest appearance on two tracks by David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator.

This new studio album features new tracks along with new recordings of the two classic King Crimson tracks “Exiles” and “Starless”. The album title refers to a lyric in Starless and King Crimson lyricist Richard Palmer-James contributes to the lyrics on this album.

David Cross said of the album, “There is a narrative to this album which emerges from a patchwork of natural soundbites, lyrics and scripted text. The music is the tale…”

TRACKLIST:
1 Nurse Insane
2 Calamity
3 Nowhere
4 Exiles
5 Karma Gain
6 Over Your Shoulder
7 Starless

OUT NOW and available from:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/DCBcd
Apple Music: https://geni.us/DCBam
Spotify: https://geni.us/DCBsp
Also available directly from Cherry Red: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/david-cross/

Percy Howard, a NorCal based singer-songwriter and product of the New York no-wave avant-garde, has performed and or toured with members of Living Colour, King Crimson, Swans, Guns N’ Roses (Buckethead), Oxbow, Henry Cow, This Heat, and Brand X. Percy has also shared European festival stages with Brazilian music legend Caetano Veloso and ambient pioneer Stephan Micus.

Percy is the generator of the Meridiem project, which has included collaborative input from Bill Laswell, Vernon Reid, Charles Hayward, Trey Gunn, Fred Frith, Robert Rich, Buckethead, Jarboe, Happy Rhodes, and Jill Tracy, amongst others. Percy's Genre-defying mix of rock, jazz, soul and classical influences have drawn critical attention and praise from all over the planet. Percy has recently started the record label Necessary Angel, which he sees as an archival entity whose sole mission is to spread as much sonic beauty across the world as possible.

Influenced by the Laurel Canyon Sound, Bowie, Steely Dan, Richie Havens, and Scott Walker, but created in the context of my own experience, Percy’s new album “The Stars and The Well” is unabashedly nostalgic, consumed with Romance and unafraid of the fragility of love. It’s a retrospective of the impact of love in my life, in all its forms… From the heights (The Stars) to the depths (The Well).

Please listen with your ears, mind and heart open.

Produced by Joe Chiccarelli at Sunset Sound, Los Angeles, CA. October 2022

Musicians:
Bass - Kaveh Rastegar, Sean Hurley
Guitars - Joe Gore, Vernon Reid, Fred Frith, David Levita
Banjo - Joe Gore
Drums - Matt Chamberlain
Keyboards - Zac Rae
Backing Vocals and Vocal Arrangement on “The Lonely Sea” - Roger Joseph Manning
Backing Vocals - Valerie Pinkston, Mia Pfirmann, India Carney
Trumpet - James Havorka
Horns - Danny T. Levin
Strings - The Section Quartet
Song Charts - Benjamin Lee

Advice and Coordination: Eliot Goldstein for Blue Buddha Productions

To purchase: https://7dmedia.com/percy-howard-the-stars-the-well