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Guitar Icon and Supertramp Legend Carl Verheyen & Band To Tour North America Summer 2016!
Los Angeles – Carl Verheyen, recognized as "One of the World's Top 10 Guitarists" by Guitar Magazine and "One of the Top 100 Guitarists of All Time" by Classic Rock magazine, as well as guitarist for music legends Supertramp, will bring his three-member Carl Verheyen Band on a June tour of North America, stretching from Chicago and Toronto down to Florida. And in September the CVB will play the western coast of the USA. This comes after the band's European Festival tours in 2015 and the recording of a new release called "The Grand Design."
The Carl Verheyen Band's tour will be a rare chance for audiences to experience a powerful mix of blues, rock, jazz and even country from three world-class musicians in comparatively intimate venues. The Grammy-nominated Verheyen is joined by renowned bassist Dave Marotta, who has also performed with Phil Collins, Neil Diamond, Bruce Hornsby, Gino Vanelli, Manhattan Transfer, Kenny Loggins, and countless others. Marotta has also played bass on dozens of widely known movies and TV shows, ranging from American Idol to CSI. Ace drummer John Mader has performed or recorded with Booker T. Jones, Steve Miller, Pat Benatar, Patti Austin, Albert King, Randy Newman, and Bonnie Raitt. He has also played drums for several Tony Award-winning musicals, including Disney's The Lion King, Rent, Mamma Mia, and the world premiere of Wicked.
CARL VERHEYEN BAND
featuring Dave Marotta (bass) & John Mader (drums)
The Grand Design Tour 2016
June 04, 2016 US-KY-Newport, Southgate House
June 05, 2016 US-IL-Chicago, Reggies
June 06, 2016 US-OH-Cleveland, Nighttown
June 07, 2016 US-PA-Pittsburgh, PGH Winery
June 08, 2016 US-MI-Detroit, The Token Lounge
June 09, 2016 US-NY-Buffalo, Sportsmens Tavern
June 10, 2016 CA-ON-Toronto, Rockpile
June 12, 2016 CA-QC-Montreal, Divan Orange
June 14, 2016 US-CT-New Haven, Cafe Nine
June 15, 2016 US-MA-Cambridge, Regattabar
June 17, 2016 US-NY-Schenectady, Van Dyck
June 18, 2016 US-PA-New Hope, Havana
June 19, 2016 US-NJ-Asbury Park, The Saint
June 20, 2016 US-NY-New York, Rockwood Music Hall
June 22, 2016 US-NC-Raleigh, The Pour House Music Hall
June 23, 2016 US-FL-Jacksonville, Mudville Music Room
June 24, 2016 US-GA-Atlanta, City Winery (with Andy McKee)
June 25, 2016 US-FL-Largo, Largo Cultural Center
July 03, 2016 US-CA-Agoura, Bogies (Record Release Concert with special guests)
Verheyen's 40+ years of solo, band, and studio guitar work have progressed to where hardly a day goes by during which anyone with access to music, movies, or television doesn't hear him. As a first-call studio guitarist, Verheyen is the guitar behind some of the most popular TV shows (Seinfeld, Frazier, Cheers, Happy Days, LA Law, Married with Children, among others) and movies (Star Trek, The Usual Suspects, Ratatouille, The Negotiator, hundreds more) of all time. In addition to his duties as Supertramp's guitarist, he has performed and recorded with a who's-who of music giants, ranging from the great BB King, to Joe Bonamassa, Cher, Brad Paisley, Christina Aguilera, The Bee Gees, and hundreds of others.
Verheyen provided one-on-one guitar lessons for John Fogerty, members of Maroon 5 and System of a Down and was a featured soloist at the Academy Awards, playing live to a TV audience of more than 67 million. For the past 30 years he's performed in arenas in the 20,000 seat range with Supertramp. He has released 13 of his own CDs, mixing band music with solo efforts such as his 2015 recording "Alone," a solo acoustic improvisational release. His newest recording called "The Grand Design" will be released in May of this year.
"This is the first time since in 4 years that my own band will tour the East and West Coast in the same year because of our busy schedules. So the three of are excited to re-connect with audiences there," said Verheyen. "Dave, John and I love playing more intimate venues and we look forward to bringing our music and energy to both longstanding and new fans."
"Every time I start to feel good about my playing and general overall knowledge of the guitar, I will get together with Carl and see truly how far I have to go. I am proud to call him my friend. A master of the guitar and a helluva nice guy to boot." -Joe Bonamassa
"Carl is so overwhelming to sit in a room and jam with, let alone his playing on records and stage. You get the impression there is no style or territory he is unable to explore." -Brad Paisley
"Carl is known as a studio guitar player but he's much more than that. His records have the great feel of a live player. He plays with a lot of feeling" -John Fogerty
For more information: http://www.carlverheyen.com/
MAXIMUM Booking
Phone: 0049-(0)-8324-933-851
Fax: 0049-(0)-8324-933-829
E-Mail: info@MAXIMUMBooking.com
www.MAXIMUMBooking.com
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
By Glass Onyon PR at May 27, 2016 No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Blues, Carl Verheyen, Guitar, Jazz, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock, Rock, Summer Tours, Supertramp, Tour Dates, Tour News
MJ12 Featuring Bass Legend Percy Jones To Release Debut Album!
London, UK - MJ12, featuring Brand X bass legend Percy Jones, will be releasing their eagerly awaited debut album on Gonzo Multimedia UK on June 24, 2016. Recorded in the summer of 2015 at Shelter Island studios in Manhattan, MJ12 is jazz/fusion/prog music at its finest. Featuring virtuosic performances by all four band members, in many ways this album is an extension of what Percy Jones created with Brand X!
Says Percy, "We took the name from Majestik 12, which was supposedly a group of 12 scientists and engineers assembled in the late 40's to investigate UFO's. There is an ongoing debate as to whether this group actually existed or not. Stephen Moses and I had been doing gigs for a while where we would invite guests to sit in. We did all improv, so this was actually M&J +1 or 2. After a while we started using David Phelps and Chris Bacas on a regular basis if they were available. At this point we started writing stuff, but keeping a lot of the improv thing going to keep it spontaneous. The end result was bits and pieces of ideas coming from everybody that were all tied together to try and make a coherent tune, but with lots of blowing inside. By last Summer we felt like it had shaped up well enough to record it, so we went in and recorded it over 2 days."
1) Call 911
2) Bad American Dream Pt2
3) Magic Mist
4) Talk Time
5) The Wow Signal
6) Big Daddy Road
7) The Phantom Maracas
8) Guns And Pussy
9) Magic Mist Reprise
MJ12 is:
Percy Jones grew up near Llandrindod Wells, Wales. He studied electronic engineering at the University of Liverpool before joining Liverpool Scene in 1967 He was a member of jazz fusion band Brand X from 1974 to 1980, and a reformed version which lasted from 1992 to 1997. He was in NYC based band Tunnels from 1990 until 2005. Still residing in New York, he is currently a member of MJ12. Jones is best known for his unique fretless bass sound. Jones was also briefly a member of the jazz fusion group Soft Machine, and has contributed to recordings by David Sylvian, Brian Eno, Steve Hackett, Roy Harper, Paranoise, Suzanne Vega, Richard Barbieri, Nova and Fovea Hex, amongst others.
Stephen Moses
After several years playing as part of "the loft jazz scene" in NYC with the likes of James Chance, John Zorn, Phillip Johnston, Ken Simon, Dave Hofstra (and many others) drummer/trombonist Stephen Moses started getting busier with more rock and jazz/rock in the CBGB's scene with Giant Metal Insects and Quality Trio with Jim Matus & Percy Jones. Alice Donut formed after that and took Stephen on the road and the studio for several years and a dozen albums followed by a few tours with Rasputina. Then a few years ago Stephen rejoined Percy to do what we do today.
Dave Phelps
Guitarist David Phelps is currently a member of Peter Apfelbaum's 11-piece band The New York Hieroglyphics, which includes many of today's best creative musicians, including drummer Dafnis Prieto, bassist Patrice Blanchard, trombonist Josh Roseman and vocalist Abdoulaye Diabate. Their newest album "It Is Written" was released in August 2005 on the ACT label. He also leads his own band the Eclectic Troubadours. David grew up in Denton, Texas, the home of the University of North Texas, formerly known as North Texas State. As a youngster, he started playing the bass clarinet and later played in bands with many of the children of North Texas faculty members. David, along with his twin brother, bassist Drew Phelps, attended North Texas, studying with Rich Matheson and guitar guru Jack Peterson, among others. David then traveled to Alberta, Canada where he studied at the Banff Centre with jazz greats Dave Liebman and Dave Holland (both Miles Davis alumni). He also studied with John Abercrombie, Steve Coleman and Kenny Wheeler.
Chris Bacas
Saxophonist Chris Bacas began his career at age fifteen as a sideman with a club band in York, PA, and after attending North Texas State, he began his jazz performance career in earnest. Beginning in 1983, Chris played in the Glen Miller Band, The Tommy Dorsey Band, the Artie Shaw Band, and Buddy Rich's legendary Big Band until Rich's passing in 1987. Over the past twenty years, Chris has appeared at festivals all over the world, including the Nice, North Sea, Cork, Santiago, Montreal, Moers Texaco, Annapolis, JVC New York, and Central PA Jazz Festivals. He has performed in Copenhagen at the Tivoli Gardens; in Los Angeles at The Hollywood Bowl and LA's Comedy Store; in New York's Blue Note and Birdland; at Chicago's Jazz Showcase; and in Washington D.C. at Blues Alley and One Step Down.
In conclusion Percy has this to impart, "Well, I hope people like this record. I have a lot of appreciation for everyone who supported Brand X back in the day, or any of the other projects I was involved in. The band follows on from stuff I've done in the past, trying to keep the music unpredictable, interesting and moving in a new direction."
https://www.facebook.com/percyJonesnyc?fref=ts
http://www.percyjones.net/
To purchase MJ12 CD:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15925 (USA)
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15925 (Europe)
Labels: Bass, Brand X, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Jazz Rock Fusion, MJ12, New Album, New Releases, Percy Jones, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock, Rock
Solo Album From Guru Guru Drum Legend Mani Neumeier "Talking Guru Drums" To Make Its U.S. Debut
Los Angeles - Mani Neumeier, drummer and frontman of German Krautrock legends Guru Guru, will be releasing for the first time in the U.S. his solo album "Talking Guru Drums" on Purple Pyramid Records on May 20, 2016! Considered one of the most influential percussionists of all-time, Mani offers this eclectic album of explorations into psychedelic, world, and folk music! Composed entirely by Neumeier, the album features guest vocalists, field recordings, and background singing by a group of Maori people of New Zealand!
Although best known for his work with Guru Guru, Neumeier has also collaborated with numerous bands and artists, such as Dieter Möbius, Damo Suzuki, Harmonia, Hans-Karsten Raecke, Irène Schweizer, Peter Brötzmann, Sonny Sharrock, Uchihashi Kazuhisa, Jojo Hiroshige, Kawabata Makoto, Yoshida Tatsuya, and Luigi Archetti. Neumeier has lived in Germany and Japan, where he regularly collaborates with Japanese bands Acid Mothers Temple and Hijokaidan.
"Talking Guru Drums" will be released on CD and special clear vinyl pressing of the album that comes in a transparent acetate jacket with insert.
1. Time Drops
2. Jingle A
3. Shaman Dancer
4. Jingle B
5. Mori No Kaeru
6. Jingle C
7. Maori Haka News
8. Jingle D
9. Im Zaubergarten
10. Om Mani Tom
11. Jingle Shiva-Bells
To purchase Mani Neumeier's "Talking Guru Drums":
http://flyt.it/ManiNeumeierCD
http://flyt.it/ManiNeumeierLP
http://flyt.it/ManiNeumeierDig
Press inquiries:
Billy James
glassonyonpr@gmail.com
CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
http://www.CleopatraRecords.com
Labels: Drums, Guru Guru, Krautrock, Mani Neumeier, New Album, New Releases, Percussion, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock, Rock, Solo Album
Electro London Records Releases VINYL album 'SYNTH WAVE - Volume 1'
'Synth Wave Volume 1' challenges the apathetic and predictable current popular music scene and features an array of artists who are regularly championed by the likes of BBC 6 Music, BBC Introducing, and Radio X.
Synth Wave is not just a genre, it's a culture, an attitude, a state of mind. This is not just a compilation album, more a reflection of a world-wide music phenomenon that is happening now in cities around the world… with artists from Argentina, France, Canada, UK, Sweden, Ireland and Brazil. Exciting, acclaimed artists with new songs, inspired by their electronic peers, with synthesizers, emotion, style and attitude…
'Synth Wave Volume 1' has been collated by the team behind the popular Electro London Festival (headlined by ex-Kraftwerk Wolfgang Flür), Analogue Nights and Synthetic City music events: Johnny Normal and Rob Green (The Department) are Electro London Records.**
Listen to a snapshot of the entire 'Synth Wave Volume 1' album here: CLICK HERE
Watch the video promo for the album here:
1. Promenade Cinema - As The World Stops Revolving
2. Massive Ego - Low Life
3. Cosaquitos En Globo - Fantasy
4. The Department - Glass Houses
5. Johnny Normal - Talk To Me
6. Tiny Magnetic Pets - We Shine
7. Circuit 3 - New Man
8. Ys Atlov - You Can't Fool Me
9. The Stir Fry Pop Star - Pray Now
10. Technique - So Cold
11. Meter Bridge - It Was Nothing
12. Rodney Cromwell - Fenchurch Street
As Rob Green states: 'Synth music has crept from the shadows (where it has been hiding since the mid-eighties) and is infiltrating even mainstream music these days. The majority of bands in the charts once again have a synthesizer. Synthwave takes it further, continuing the impact made by the early electronic pioneers (Kraftwerk, Human League, Soft Cell, Numan, Ultravox, Visage, John Foxx, with those incredible synthesized machine sounds fused to emotional, anthemic and impactful songs.'
**Rob Green performs with The Department, was signed to Feargal Sharkey's label and has remixed for artists as revered as Robbie Williams and William Orbit… Johnny Normal meanwhile performs with his post-punk electronic rock-pop group, and has toured with the likes of Adam Ant and Blancmange. (he's also a Swine Flu survivor – surviving a 7 month battle with the disease back in 2014!). Johnny hosts a regular radio show promoting independent synth music.
Pre order 'Synth Wave Volume 1' here: https://www.normanrecords.com/records/159001-various-synth-wave-volume-1
LINKS: www.electrolondonfestival.com
By ProgRockMaster at May 20, 2016 No comments: Links to this post
Labels: Album Release, BBC 6 music, BBC Introducing, Electo London, Johnny Normal, New Music, Rob Green, Synth Wave Music, Vinyl Release
Review - The Irontown Diehards
The good old days of hard rock aren't over – Belfast band The Irontown Diehards are proof of that. Having all been in previous rock bands, the members are all virtuosos when it comes to this game. The result is some of the catchiest anthemic hooks and some of the most badass riffs you're likely to hear this year.
There are stomping bluesy numbers such as 'Sick' and airy ballads such as 'Fly High' that feel reminiscent of classic acts like Guns n Roses, Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. However, there are also some more left-field numbers that give Irontown Diehards their own individual sound such as 'Long Road Home' with its spacey slide guitar.
Vocalist Phil Dixon meanwhile has the perfect snarling tone and delivers belting hook after belting hook, the kind that you want to bellow out whilst driving down the motorway.
Overall, this is a solid selection of tracks from the Ulster collective, and a must-listen for any diehard rock fan.
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/step-inside-promotional-single/id1007239482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theirontowndiehards/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/itdiehards
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJ71UB2DeoX_S6wAkQKgkw
Labels: Belfast Band, Bon Jovi, Fly High, Irish Band, Irish Music, Metal Music, Motley Crue, Music Release, New Music, New Music Review, Rock Music, The Irontown Diehards
New Age Review: Seay-In The Garden
Label: Tuscan Sun Music
Seay (pronounced say) brings her love for music and the environment to the recording studio with In The Garden. With her voice and a host of talent contributing to the effort such as Wouter Kellerman, Rickey Kej, Jerry Watts and several others, this is a lush tribute to our planet.
Earthy tones and sounds dominate as Seay adds her deeply expressive vocals. The mix of earthy drums with keys and strings make for the fullest expression that one can imagine. The very first track sets the precedence and message right away with "Beautiful Earth." While most of the music I have the opportunity to review is instrumental, and I have a preference for that actually, this recording made me forget about that and I fell right into it with joy. The one thing that made it easier for me is what the premise of the album is. This is about mother earth all the beauty and miracles she gives us every day. And most importantly how sacred the earth is and how we should cherish and protect our life giving planet.
"Oceanus" is reminder of from whence we came. We are bodies made of 75% water and all life begins in the ocean. The sounds of ocean life is present and the music is layered with keyboards and delicate sounds of stringed instruments then textured to perfection with Seay's fertile vocals. The tide is strong while voice and music combine to pull you into another world far below the land where you live. A new appreciation can be found envisioning this journey and yet another reminder of how important it is to keep our oceans clean and teaming with life so that we may continue to live in sync with the incoming and outgoing tides of the powerful bodies of water that surround our lands. The end of the track Seay says "Thank you Ocean," and you can hear the sound of whales speaking to each other. It is thing of beauty that you will not forget.
Many new age artists are using the vehicle of music to make a strong statement in support of the environment. It is the most impactful and touching way to deliver a message and more likely than not people will listen. It encompasses not only a message but music that attracts the mind, body and spirit in the most delightful way. Our planet and all life are sacred.
"We Are One" most definitively puts everything in the right place. The idea of all life as an integral part of mother earth is a fact and we must respect that. One beating heart and rhythm that works together, it is the daily miracle that we take for granted and music such as this brings that thought into proper light and importance. We are indeed one entity living together bound to each other for our very existence.
I did not know what to expect with this music but had a very nice introduction to the artist. She was kind, thoughtful and so respectful of my position in life. I am sure that Seay would be a pleasure to meet and discuss her music and the environment. How it all ties together would be different for each individual but we all cannot deny the common denominator, life and the earth fit together like a hand in glove.
In The Garden is a triumph for the artist and being alive on this great planet. The message is clear, concise, and delivered with so much elegance and distinction that you simply cannot ignore it.
Key Tracks: Beautiful Earth, Oceanus, We Are One
01. Beautiful Earth
02. Dream
03. Oceanus
04. In the Garden
05. We Are One
06. Hearts Afire
07. Anima Mundi
08. The Golden Spiral
09. I Will Love You Still
10. Seraphim (Breath of the Angels)
11. Full Moon Sonata
12. Into the Blue (Oceanus Reprise)
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Founder of:
Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews
By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck at May 19, 2016 No comments: Links to this post
Labels: In The Garden, Music About The Environment, Music Reviews, MuzikMan Reviews, New Age Music Reviews, Seay
Bass Legend Stu Hamm To Embark On "Solo Bass Songs and Stories Tour 2016"
Los Angeles – Bass legend Stu Hamm will be embarking on his "Solo Bass Songs and Stories Tour 2016" first of June! Having stunned audiences across the world with his innovative playing, Stu Hamm - the only bassist to win Guitar Player magazine's readers award for both best rock bassist AND best jazz bassist in the same year! - has made a name as the go to bass player for the world's great musicians. His time spent playing with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani cemented his place among the greats and gave Stu the platform to display his pioneering bass techniques to adoring crowds worldwide.
Now promoting the release of his newest solo album "The Book Of Lies," Hamm takes to the road with new music, including his petite suite for solo bass, and a host of stories and anecdotes for musicians and non-musicians alike. A gut rumbling mix of new and old hits mixed with Stu's trademark humor and story-telling make for a unique show like no other.
Says Stu, "I promise an entertaining evening of music and stories from my 43 years of playing bass with some of our generation's' greatest musicians!"
Songs & Stories Tour 2016
June 2, 2016 – US – New Hope, PA – Havana
June 3, 2016 – US – Schenectady, NY – The Van Dyck
June 4, 2016 – US – New York, NY – Spectrum (Masterclass at 2pm)
June 5, 2016 – US – New York, NY – Spectrum (Shows at 6PM & 8PM)
June 6, 2016 – US – Asbury Park, NH – The Saint
June 7, 2016 – US – Dunellen, NJ – Roxy & Dukes (Presented by NJ ProgHouse)
June 8, 2016 – US – Buffalo, NY – Sportsmens Tavern
June 9, 2016 – CA – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey
June 10, 2016 – CA – London, ON – London Music Club
June 12, 2016 – US – Detroit, MI – The Token Lounge
June 13, 2016 – US – Newport, KY – The Southgate House Revival
June 14, 2016 – US – Cleveland, OH – Nighttown
June 16, 2016 – US – Charleston, WV – The Empty Glass
June 17, 2016 – US – Pittsburgh, PA – PGH Winery
Born in New Orleans, Hamm spent his childhood and youth in Champaign, Illinois, where he studied bass and piano, played in the stage band at Champaign Central High School, and was selected to the Illinois All-State Band. Hamm graduated from Hanover High in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1978 while living in Norwich, Vermont. Following high school, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met guitarist Steve Vai and, through him, met Joe Satriani. Hamm played bass on Vai's debut solo album, Flex-Able, which was released in 1984. In 1990 Hamm was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Degree from his Alma Mater.
Hamm has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Michael Shenker, Frank Gambale, and many other well-respected guitarists. It was playing live on tour with Satriani that brought Hamm's skills to national attention. Subsequent recordings with Satriani and other
rock/fusion artists, along with the release of his own solo recordings (featuring keyboard player Tommy Mars, guitarists Alan Holdsworth and Robert Fripp, drummers Steve Smith and Tommy Lee), solidified his reputation as a bassist and performer.
Hamm has traveled the world from Berklee to Belfast to Budapest to Bali to Berlin. He's performed in a 19th century circus tent with Joan Baez, and recorded a duet of "Do Right Woman" with her. He's performed with Mick Jagger, played sold out shows at Royal Albert Hall and in front of 120,000 people in Mexico City with a Mexican Rock Band...he's also played cruise ships, weddings and put on a tux and played Christmas Songs at department stores and in between the airport transfers, hotel suite check-outs, backstage room dinners, and concert hall performances, has collected countless stories and anecdotes from his travels across the globe.
"Chaos and calm were the order of the day at Yoshi's on this fine Martin Luther King Jr. holiday evening in Oakland, courtesy of the Stu Hamm Band. Hamm the extraordinary bass player who has performed and recorded with some of the most fabled guitarists in the world (Joe Satriani, Michael Schenker, Steve Vai) brought his band to Yoshi's to support his latest solo offering "The Book Of Lies" (his seventh solo record). Stu Hamm Hamm, who has played some of the largest festivals in the world, showed he is very comfortable in an intimate club setting, as he easily bantered with the audience telling stories and cracking jokes between fits of musical wizardry." - SF Sonic
Live Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stu+hamm+bass+solo
www.stuarthamm.net/
www.facebook.com/StuHammBass
Labels: Bass, Live Music, Live Recordings, Music Videos, Prog Rock, Prog Videos, Progressive Rock, Rock, Stu Hamm, Tour Dates, Tour News
Psychedelic Post-Punk Band Bulgogi Release Third Album "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby"
Asheville, NC - Psychedelic Post-Punk band Bulgogi have finally released their highly anticipated third album "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby"! The band's music has been described as a "twitchy, dancey, textural adventure through nightscapes, static dreams and startlingly sweet melodies." Howling with operatic falsettos, pounding with sad giant drums and textured with incorporeal, corpse-lit guitars, "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby" is a soggy, serene sermon of schadenfreude for the mad children of today. The message: be free, be crazy, espouse chaos. Eat man flesh.
Bulgogi, Korean for "fire meat," is a type of marinated beef, a dish of some repute. The quartet seems to channel its power from the concept of this flaming meat. Says frontman Tim Tsurutani, "Life is foggy and misty as hell. Sometimes things are beautiful. Sometimes things are the opposite of that. Mostly, things are boring or just confusing. Fortunately, some people have incredible visions of reality that transcend the mundane stuff. 'Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby' pays homage to that-not knowing what the hell is going on and being enraged by what we see happening but at the same time maybe having a fool's faith that there's something bigger out there? Something cosmic we hope? Cthulhu?"
It all started with one dude in a damp basement in West Asheville, NC. Bedroom recordings of endless guitar tracks spilled over dance beats made up the bones, muscle and fat of Bulgogi's first release, "Give Up Your Guts", a series of eerie but pretty dance punk tunes. After 2014's sophomore release, "Bibimbap", Bulgogi became a four piece and set out to record a rock opera. Many sweaty and feverish shows later, chronic ADHD had reduced the rock opera to perhaps a 4 song EP instead.
With the help of a young local producer, the lads finally managed to piece together "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby", a gleeful and manic amalgam of prog rock, psychedelic, post punk and a certain je ne sais quois.
Says bassist Galen, "Writing the songs together was very exciting because we had only just become a four piece and were still learning who we all were. At first we wanted to call the album 'Jaundiced Cyclops Baby' and people were like, 'why? That name is terrible.' To us, it kind of represented like a gestational period. We were all experiencing weird post adulthood growing pains. Pressure to be successful and not really getting there was haunting us. We wanted a lot of people to hear our music, but it was hard because we were poor and had to work day jobs. It took us awhile to be able to prioritize what we were doing and somehow that title seemed appropriate. Then we realized it actually sucked and changed it to 'Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby' which is borderline nonsense. Ah well."
Bulgogi is:
GALEN plays bass. He might be a college graduate.
RYAN plays guitar like it is a modular synthesizer and is generally a confused person.
HUGH plays drums. His real name is probably Hubert. His hair is red.
TIM sings and plays guitar. He is the sexiest member. It is not close.
Here's what the press has said about Bulgogi:
"A twitchy, dancey, textural adventure through nightscapes, static dreams and startlingly sweet melodies.Tsurutani's lyrics may be tongue-in-cheek at points, but his acrobatic vocal abilities are no joke." - Alli Marshall, Mountain Xpress
"A wonderfully hook-filled sound that's at once intense and hauntingly melodic." - Peter Hay, Twinvision
"The Asheville psychedelic dance punks brought a ton of weirdness to the table on their January release, BIBIMBAP. We're glad they did, because Weird Kids Don't Love might be our favorite song from the tarheel state this year." - Future Chord
In support of the new album, the band plans to produce a music video featuring bizarre monsters terrorizing a man driving a modest sedan. "We seem to have a guilty pleasure for launching assaults on the everyday humdrum of modern life," says singer Tsurutani. "Also we have a friend who is amazing at costume design, so why not?"
In closing Bulgogi has this to impart, "Don't be afraid. Don't let fear and selfishness breed oppression. No one is free until everyone is free."
To purchase Bulgogi's "Juan Dissed The Cyclops Baby":
http://Bulgogi.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/bulgogimusic
https://play.spotify.com/album/7n8TwdAx8HJjChFado80c0
Labels: Bulgogi, New Album, New Releases, Post-Punk, Psychedelia, Psychedelic, Punk
New Age Instrumental Review: Alexi Musnitsky-Zia
Alexi Musnitsky has been playing piano since he was four years old. His album Zia is his debut released last December. The seven tracks offered on this recording are simple and beautiful compositions, a total exertion of passion and grace.
Solo piano can be relaxing and tranquil and Alexi embraces that atmosphere and flow with each track. "Sparkling Heart" is a perfect example of that flow and heartbeat of the music emanating from his fingers to the ivory keys.
The everyday complexities of life just roll of your back and fade away listening to these tracks. Each one effortlessly follows the next leading you down the path of tranquility. Music like this is a spiritual experience for me. It is easy for me to forget the worries and stresses of life once this kind of music begins. There is one thing to focus on, the piano and how it speaks to you, pulling you out of any inner and external turmoil you may be experiencing into the bliss; it is as simple as that.
Although there are only seven tracks, they embody an artist at work. His heart and soul is pouring into this. Also there is not one track under 4 minutes, in fact the final track "Dream Catcher," clocks in at 7:08. So there is more than enough to take into consideration within the seven tracks on this album.
This definitely can be "The Quest," as the track introduces those thoughts and feelings. The delights of some nice instrumental music are yours if you so choose. It is a blend of contemporary, classical and new age wrapped nicely into one package. That may sound a bit complicated but it is everything but that.
The music of Zia will touch your soul and warm your heart. Let your ears listen and your spirit unfold, the music will lead the way. It most certainly worked that way for me while taking this in.
Alexi Musnitsky is an extremely talented solo pianist with a bright future ahead. I look forward to hearing his next release.
Key Tracks: Sparkling Heart, The Quest
1. Zia
2. War of Love (feat. Eugene Friesen)
3. Sparkling Heart
4. The Quest (feat. Eugene Friesen)
5. Light Will Lead the Way (feat. Eugene Friesen)
6. Mile of Life (feat. Eugene Friesen)
7. Dream Catcher (feat. Eugene Friesen)
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder
Labels: Alexi Musnitsky, Music Reviews, MuzikMan Productions, MuzikMan Reviews, MuzikMan.net, New Age Instrumental Reviews, New Age Music Reviews, Write A Music Review, Zia
Reggae Icon Rocker-T to Release New 19-track Album The Return of the Tru Ganjaman, Featuring Many Special Guests, on June 17th, 2016
Oakland, CA – Brooklyn-born Reggae pioneer Rocker-T announces the release of his newest album, The Return of the Tru Ganjaman, featuring Reggae Legends Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru), Prezident Brown and UK Reggae Superstar Gappy Ranks. The new album showcases some great original songs, along with some inspired remixes of some older songs from some well-known producers. The 19-track release (16 songs on the CD and 3 bonus tracks on the digital album) is put out through Luvinnit Productions, Rocker-T's own independent record label, on June 17th, 2016. The album has many other amazing guest features including Mr. Williamz, Skip Wicked (Indubious), Mama-T, Ras Indio, and Jah Wave, and spans many genres while staying rooted in the conscious Dancehall reggae that Rocker-T is known for.
This full-length album comes on the heels of Rocker-T releasing Tru Ganjaman: The Remixes on April 20th, 2016, which has been receiving rave reviews and international airplay since its release. Throughout his 30-year career, Rocker-T has always been on the cutting edge of the worldwide movement to decriminalize cannabis, personified in his groundbreaking, award-winning 1996 anthem Tru Ganjaman. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the song's release, Luvinnit Productions commissioned and released Tru Ganjaman: The Remixes, featuring 23 remixes of this iconic track from a variety of well-known producers. The compilation includes Reggae, Hip Hop, Dub and various EDM sub genres including Dubstep and Dance. Amongst the amazing producers featured on the release are the legendary Sidney Mills (longtime producer of KRS1/Boogie Down Productions and Steel Pulse), Neil Perch (of Zion Train), Ras G, Sub Atomic Soundsystem, Roommate, and 6BLOCC.
The song Tru Ganjaman has millions of plays across various YouTube channels and is notably recognized as Rocker-T performs all around the world. His extensive catalog includes the album Give Thanks on Electra Records with his band Skadanks, 7 full-length albums including Nicer By the Hour, If Yu Luv, Show Ya Luv, More Luv, Hold On Strong, Alphabet City, and a two-volume release titled Hurban Warrior Of Peace: Part Roots featuring Gappy Ranks, Rankin' Joe and Terry Ganzie, and Hurban Warrior Of Peace: Part Konkrete featuring KRS1, Cutty Ranks and Marlon Asher. He has also released dozens of singles and a handful of EPs, including the Luv is the Foundation EP featuring Joan Baez.
The Return of the Tru Ganjaman features collaborations with many well-known and developing artists, and was created at Luvinnit Productions Studios in Oakland, California. The album is mainly produced by Luvinnit Productions, Royal Order Music and Dynasty Records.
Rocker-T has maintained his youthful exuberance, energy, and sound quality both onstage and off throughout his 30-year career with a spiritual and holistic lifestyle, and a grand love of life and music. He has been a huge influence on every music scene he has been involved in, leading the way for such artists as Matisyahu, Alborosie, Josh Heinrichs, Skillinjah and groups like Soja and Fortunate Youth, from a time when American born artists were not performing Hip Hop, Roots or Dancehall in a West Indian Patois. A man whose life seems to have been created for music, Rocker-T is a pulsating force with much energy and love to share with the world.
Rocker-T will perform at festivals and shows throughout 2016 in North America and Europe to promote the album's release. Check out Rocker-T's social media sites for updated show information.
For Bookings or more Rocker-T info visit http://rocker-t.com/
To listen to or purchase Tru Ganjaman: The Remixes on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tru-ganjaman-the-remixes/id1102985271
Press inquiries, or to set up an interview, please contact Billy James - Glass Onyon PR at glassonyonpr@gmail.com or 828-350-8158
For Radio Servicing contact King I-Vier kingivier@gmail.com
For Digital Distribution please contact Jerome Forney at IDC at 415-292-7007 or via e-mail at jerome@independentdistro.com
Labels: Compilation, EDM, Hip Hop, New Album, New Releases, Reggae, Rocker-T
Hawkwind Alum NIK TURNER Brings His Spacey Sax & Freaky Flute Playing To A New Album By Experimental Jazz Fusion Ensemble FLAME TREE!
Los Angeles, CA - Having explored the intersection of space rock and jazz fusion on his newest solo album, 2015's Space Fusion Odyssey, Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner continues his bold expedition into the outer reaches of experimental music, recording a new full-length album of improvisational jazz freakouts with a Seattle-based ensemble including drummer Jack Gold-Molina and guitarist Dennis Rea (both of psych/prog band Spectral Waves), alongside bassist Paul "PK" Kemmish. The group owes its origins to a meeting between Gold-Molina and Turner, when Gold-Molina interviewed the British space-rock legend back in 2009 for an article in All About Jazz magazine. The idea for a musical collaboration between the two emerged, and as Gold-Molina recalls, "I believe Nik's exact words were, 'If people have got the balls to come onstage with me, then they are welcome to.'" And so began the journey that would lead these fearless souls from an initial round of freeform demo recording to putting a full blown band together, recording an album, and even performing live at Seattle's Seaprog Festival in August of 2015. Enlisting Seattle icon Jack Endino, famed producer of Nirvana, L7, Screaming Trees and others, to mix the album, the band is now set to release this self-titled project on May 20 through Purple Pyramid Records.
1. Mosquitos
2. Past Lives
3. In The Distance
4. Liquid
5. Organic Truth
6. Tantalium
7. Wild Flower
Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/FlameTreeCD
Buy the digital download: http://flyt.it/FlameTreeDig
www.CleopatraRecords.com
Labels: Experimental, Flame Tree, Hawkwind, Jazz Fusion, Jazz Rock Fusion, New Album, New Releases, Nik Turner, Nik Turner's Hawkwind, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock, Rock, Space Rock
New Age/Meditation Review: Silvia Nakkach- Liminal
Label: Vox Mundi Records
Grammy nominated artist Silvia Nakkach has been delighting audiences with her unique blend of soul healing music for more than 30 years. A skilled composer, teacher, author, instrumentalist, performer and vocalist, she is renowned all over the world for her ability to twist many genres and make them her own, giving them a unique twist. Liminal, her fourteenth album is just that. Splashes of color on the canvas of human emotion, this album draws its breath from classical, New Age, Indian Ragas (Hindustani music) and World Music spinning magic with each well-defined track. Credits for this album include Todd Boston (producer), David Darling (cello), Jeff Oster (flugelhorn), Val Serrant (percussion, voice) and of course, the extremely talented Silvia Nakkach.
If I tried to pick a word to define this album it would have to be masterful. Each track, from the first to the last has its own unique flavor and story to tell. The vastness of space in all of its forms seems to be a theme in Liminal, but one that is handled very well. How does one perform the intricacy of a ray of light or a dust mote? You listen to this album and Nakkach will show you. Every note. Every harmony.
The first piece, "Liminal Clouds" is an auditory journey through the reaches of time and space. Close your eyes and feel the electronica whispers as they blend with the mounting tension of voice and the multi-layered instrumentation. Ambient music, sacred chanting and a blur of sound flows over you as the vast echoes of time and space drift in a journey that never ends.
"Liminal Glow" is a spell that weaves over you. Whispery voices chant and coax you to the edge of your seat and ambient waves and the sounds of bells and birds float through the air. Percussive elements add to the tension. Just a glimpse for the listener into the wild unknown with promises of enchantment bursting from tender moments of sound and substance. This track is one of my favorite ones on the album. Colors whirl and electric energy fans out around you with sacred fire and glittery moments of secret dreams held tight in your hand. Never let it go.
"Liminal Moon" is the final track on the album. Whispered voices and the gorgeous sound of the flugelhorn pervade the sacred spaces of this amazing composition. The moon gazes down on the workings of the world, ever watching. Staid and solid in a world on fire. Humanity drifts like the currents beneath the all-knowing luminous presence. I didn't want it to end.
Silvia Nakkach is a Grammy nominee and it is easy to see why. Her compositions shoot straight to the heart of the human condition, bringing Eastern and Western sound and multiple genres to spin and weave the pattern the Fates have created for us all. There is an elemental beauty in each well-honed composition. Each contributing artist has proven their merit by this exquisite work. I highly recommend it.
Key Tracks: Luminal Clouds, Liminal Glow, Liminal Moon
1.Liminal Clouds 05:20
2.Liminal Beauty 08:46
3.Liminal Motion 06:16
4.Liminal Space 06:52
5.Liminal Light 05:50
6.Liminal Rays 03:11
7.Liminal Glow 05:45
8.Liminal Dream 06:11
9.Liminal Moon 05:10
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
Liminal by Silvia Nakkach
Labels: Liminal, Meditation, Music Reviews, New Age, New Age Music Reviews, Silvia Nakkach
Gonzo Multimedia Releases "The Best of RAZ" Feat. Music Legends Joey Molland, Joe Vitale, Carla Olson and Stu Cook
London, UK - Following the November 2015 release of the critically acclaimed CD "Madison Park" by The RAZ Band, Gonzo Multimedia has just released "The Best of RAZ". This career spanning CD takes the listener on RAZ's thirty two year musical journey and features songs beginning with Raz's critically acclaimed 1984 debut record, "Criminals Off The Streets" through Gonzo's 2015 release of "Madison Park".
This 19 song CD also includes songs from the albums, "The Best of L.A 1987", the "RAZ" album, "1988', Raz's cassette EP "Listen" produced by Joey Molland, the "Tough Love" CD produced by Joe Vitale, the "It's All About Me" CD produced by Michael Raz, Jeff Hutchinson, Joe Vitale & Joey Molland, plus 2 bonus tracks recorded, Live in 1984 at the legendary Los Angeles nightclub, Madame Wong's West.
Guest performers include Joey Molland (Badfinger), Joe Vitale (Joe Walsh/Crosby, Stills & Nash/The Eagles) Stu Cook, (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Carla Olson and Marc Droubay (Survivor).
"I met the Raz almost 40 years ago and he's been knocking me out ever since. The truth is in the songs, I don't think he ever had an idea outside of that idea, so I started playing on his sessions like a lot of other people, we've done gigs separate and together for all those years and here we are with our first record deal, thanks Gonzo, hello world, will anything ever be the same? Sure it will, 'cept you'll have The RAZ Band to make sure". - Joey Molland
"Raz came to some of the Joe Walsh shows and my solo shows I did as far back as the early 70's...we've been friends ever since...both personally and musically! We've recorded a ton of GREAT Raz originals and yes... miracles can happen...in this century... A RECORD DEAL! Well, being a couple of devoted Beatles fans, we have a similar sense of 'song'... the RAZ catalogue is massive, current and rockin'! They are ALL fun grooves and great lyrics!!! It's GREAT to introduce The RAZ Band to the world!" - Joe Vitale
Say Ya Love Me
Back in the Shadows
Merlyn
Down at the Gulf
The Tattoo Song
Buck-it
Naked on the Floor
Sitting on my Bed
I Said To My Self: Self
$ 1.50 For Your Love
What Love Can Do
Searching Forever
The Times Together
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15899/The_RAZ_Band-The_Best_of_RAZ.html
Here's what the press have been saying about The RAZ Band's "Madison Park":
"Excellent Authentic Mind-Blowing Rock and Roll! 'What Love Can Do' goes on boiling electric guitars, and heck you'd think it's an introduction by Guns n Roses. 'Say Ya Love Me' is one of my preferred, with ROXY Music background in it's infancy, but having taken a ROXY vitamin. Even the punk is present with the disorienting 'You Don't Know A Thing', The Ramones could not have done better, everything is completed at supersonic speed. A great rock band in 2016, it still exists moving you like an electro shock." - Jean-Pierre Schrickle, Highlands Magazine
"For the first time in years an album makes me feel so impressed that I need to listen to the songs several times in sequence, and I do not get tired of doing it. Madison Park is for me the best album of the year 2015." - Airton Diniz Editor, Roadie Crew Magazine
" 'Madison Park' is a phenomenal album from start to finish and one in which the Raz Band shines in terms of performance and originality. You have been hijacked to pop heaven." - Lisa Torem, PennyBlack Music
"The band is good, and the album is packed with power pop and, rock & roll. This gets 5 out of 5 Music Guru Stars. Enjoy!" - Music Guru Radio
"Three decades on the scene haven't diminished this ensemble's ability to build a robust kind of rock 'n' roll, with vigor and simplicity unburdened by extra exquisiteness but not without an arresting flourish. There's no escaping the music's mirth. Anything can happen, including a charts dent – it's that good." - Dmitry M. Epstein, Let It Rock
" 'Madison Park' is an excellent new work, catch this band. There is more than enough variety in the songs and the whole production was realized by the special contribution of Joey Molland and Joe Vitale." - Alfons Maes, Keys & Chords
" 'Madison Park' is a beautifully produced collection of rock from The Raz Band. Good time from start to finish ,the album is a fun packed selection of tunes that keeps you singing along and grooving around the house." - Terrascope UK
" 'Madison Park' is an album with songs that make you feel good." - Eric Schuurmans, Roots Time
"This is the kind of stuff you see in a club live that finds you not minding paying the babysitting some over time. Hot stuff throughout." - midwestrecord.com
"True songs of rock 'n' roll, with attitude,feeling and melody. The Raz Band are indeed in great form and sign a beautiful drive." - Pedro Carvalho, Via Noctuma
"The album 'Madison Park' presents sixteen titles of a rock 'n' roll classics, that remain authentic and refreshing." - musicinbelgium.net
"The Raz Band's brand new album is a wonderful collection of music. This diverse collection of music, has tremendous production and contains an incredible 16 songs." - Russell Trunk, Exclusive Magazine
"The melodiousness always offered in the songs run at almost every opportunity and let yourself entertained. Play therefore recommended , because this disc from The Raz band has to offer many strengths." - Markus Kerren, Rock Times (*me•lo•di•ous adj. 1. Of, relating to, or containing a pleasing succession of sounds; tuneful.)
"The rock sound is deeply rooted in the 1960s and '70s. In addition, the pop component is heavily weighted. THE RAZ BAND satisfied in all respects with platitudes and simple rock-pop fare that is still sorely inspired by the Fab Four." - www.music-scan
"The RAZ Band have been performing for over thirty years and have included some of classic rock's elite as it's members." - JPS Music Blogspot
RAZ Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/The-RAZ-Band-792941970794174/timeline/
Labels: Carla Olson, Compilations, Joe Vitale, Joey Molland, New Album, New Releases, Rock, Stu Cook, The RAZ Band
Generation Axe At The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire
http://generationaxe.com
Tosin Abasi, Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt
For this music lover the Generation Axe concert was a highly anticipated arrival Steve Vai and his friends were finishing up the last leg of their tour in chilly Hampton Beach New Hampshire and they have enjoyed it so much that they would like to take this show to the world. We shall see how that shapes up.
I personally have appreciated the artistry of Steve Vai for many years and actually the only six string trail blazer that I was unfamiliar with was Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders). Tosin was most impressive and I will seek out his music because of this show.
The one thing I was not prepared for was seeing the stack of Marshall Amps on the stage. I have never seen that many amps before! In addition to that there was a stack of eight amps above the stage to the left and right. Because of our seats, which were excellent, the decibel level was ear shattering at times. So advice to those with tickets closer to the stage, bring your ear plugs. The one player that was the loudest was Zakk Wylde.
To no surprise of mine Vai was on an entirely different level than all the other players. The one that stood out and almost stole the show was Nuno Bettencourt. I have to say he did until Vai came on to play his segment. Nuno is a vastly underrated musician and he can sing as well. One of the final numbers was Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" and he added some drums. I was certainly impressed by his all-around talent.
I really do not have much to say about Yngwie as I have never been a fan. When he plays most everything sounds like a slight variation of the last song you heard. I do have to give him the nod for his vocals on the last song, Deep Purple's "Highway Star." That came as a surprise. I am sure there were plenty of people there that appreciate the man and his music I am just not one of them. I am not down playing his importance as an innovator of the guitar I just do not think he is among the greatest like a Vai or Clapton etc. The whole point of this show is to show how different each musician can be and that is generally appreciated.
Zakk Wylde was a total animal on guitar. I do have to say he knows how to bend those strings and he has one powerful voice The one thing I thought he could have done is cut down the time on his solos but then again there are people that live for that. He does a lot of shredding so if you like that you will love him. He did his own version of Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." and it was fantastic! He also covered Hendrix's "Little Wing." Once that got rolling he was taking it all right out the crowd walking around playing behind his back, much to the delight of the fans. He is a highly entertaining and funny performer I would recommend seeing.
This is the kind of live music experience that is like a once in a lifetime thing that should not be missed. For us it was a 3 hour trip but time well spent to see so many legendary players in one evening. They started at 8pm and finished just around midnight. Each performer got their turn and they did some great things together as well. Just like Steve Vai said "This is a diverse group of guitar players." So if you like to rock and listen to a good cross section of styles on the six string this is a must see show. It comes as advertised A Night of Guitars!
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-May 10, 2016
Labels: Concert Reviews, Generation Axe, Music Reviews, Nuno Bettencourt, Rock, Steve Vai, The Casino Ballroom In Hampton Beach New Hampshire, Tosin Abasi, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Zakk Wylde
Prog/Symphonic Rock Review: Giannotti-The Great Unknown
Label: Northford Pines Music
Giannotti is the US based crossover progressive vehicle for the musician Robert Giannotti, formerly of the band, Jasper Wraith. Robert was a founding member of Jasper Wraith in the early 70's, a band that were very influenced by Yes/Moody Blues and others of that ilk. He left Jasper Wraith and for the best part of 4 decades, and did little in a musical capacity apart from some studio work, preferring to concentrate on his photography. In 2010 he completed a recording studio and set about writing and recording his debut solo album, The Great Unknown, which was finally finished, and released, in 2014.
I am extremely glad that this particular release landed on my review desk as it is a gem, which I was hitherto totally unaware of. The album is a 7 track release with a total playing time of around 58 minutes. The longest track on offer is the title track, "The Great Unknown" with a running time of just under 12 minutes (11:57), and at 5:29 minutes, track 6, "Corridor of Doors" is the shortest.
The musicians involved in The Great Unknown were Robert (guitar, flute, bass, keyboards and drums), George Clini (drums), Mike Soldan (drums and bass) and an array of vocalists, Nicole, Natalia and Jack Tanner, as well as, Ryan and Collin Graveline.
Opening the album, The Great Unknown, is "Intentions – Letting Go" (8:44) and it is a stunning introduction to the music with its symphonic start and excellent guitar soaring high above everything. As it progresses with an acoustic strummed guitar, melodic electric guitar, flute, keyboards and great vocals, this is a very satisfying listen. Over the 8+ minutes there are various influences float across your mind, including The Moody Blues, Yes, Jethro Tull and ELP. Now, don't get the wrong idea with this comparison list, as Robert I believe is playing the music he really likes and his early influences seem to infiltrate here and there, but at no time is there the sense of "copying" from the past. "Intentions – Letting Go" is a stunning opener and makes you eager to sample what follows.
"Voyage" (8:20) starts with some atmospheric, almost dark, acoustic guitar which slowly merges into a more upbeat tempo. Emotive vocals from the guest vocalists are melodic and harmonious and fit the music very well. Some electric guitar starts to be heard off in the background, but remains subdued, as the vocals carry the track along. Just after the halfway point, the electric guitar gets to "show off" a little in front of some excellent keyboards. This is a very atmospheric track and has a plaintive flute passage carrying the track off and away.
There is more of the excellent guitar work at the start of track 3, "Dance of the Gnome" (6:13) and immerses the listener just prior to some wonderful flute phrasings, suggesting an almost pastoral feel. This instrumental flows gently along until the flute provides another terrific passage and at the 4 minute mark, the track "hardens" a little with an almost abrasive guitar theme. The gentleness of the track returns as it fades out.
The title track, "The Great Unknown" (11:57) has a sort of ambient based backdrop over which there is a stunning electric guitar theme, interspersed with the flute. This is another beautiful track with those powerful melodious vocals. A slow building track which eventually moves into an extremely atmospheric area when the soaring guitar reappears. A gentle fading outro ends a very pleasing passage of music and upon reflection, draws influences from Pink Floyd.
"Sacred Ground" (8:45), "Corridor of Doors" (5:29) and "A World Away" (8:20) includes an almost choral style to the first of these tracks, symphonic overtones and amazing flute providing pastoral imagery to the second and sees the final track having a more symphonic, choral style, and is a beautiful building song to the finale of the album.
The Great Unknown is a majestic piece of work from Robert, with the fleeting influences from bands of the past coming and going, but never intruding throughout the 60 minutes. As the music flows over you, you can be transported back several decades and enjoy sublime aural satisfaction. Make no mistake that there seems to have been a massive oversight of this album when released, and I am very glad I was given the chance to hear and review it. How it was passed over, I really do not know, but my advice is very simple, and that is, "Get out and buy this album." Let's ensure that Giannotti get a huge boost in the sales of this superb, but overlooked, debut.
Key Tracks: Intentions – Letting Go, The Great Unknown, A World Away
1. Intentions – Letting Go
2. Voyage
3. Dance Of The Gnome
4. The Great Unknown
5. Sacred Ground
6. Corridor Of Doors
7. A World Away
Jim "The Ancient One" Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
Labels: Giannotti, Music Reviews, MuzikMan Productions, MuzikMan Reviews, MuzikMan.net, Prog Rock Reviews, Progressive Rock Reviews, Symphonic Rock, The Great Unknown, Write A Music Review
Unreleased 1981 Live Gem From Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow Will Finally See The Light Of Day!
Los Angeles, CA - The pot of gold just keeps getting bigger and bigger! Following the release last year of a deluxe box set containing 3 CDs of incredible live performances from 1979, Purple Pyramid Records is proud to announce another superb concert release by guitar god Ritchie Blackmore & Rainbow. Taking its name from the city and year in which it was recorded, features crystal clear audio that captures the vibrant energy and emotion pouring through the band as they offer up scorching versions of "Man On The Silver Mountain," "Long Live Rock N' Roll" and even the epic "Smoke On The Water," a nod to Blackmore's tenure with another legendary band of a certain Purplish hue. Packaged in a mini-LP wallet for the CD and a gorgeous gatefold double LP set featuring a stitched-in 20-page booklet and 3 different colored vinyl options (red, blue, and green), this exciting release will be available everywhere starting May 13!
1. Spotlight Kid
2. Love's No Friend
3. I Surrender
4. Man On The Silver Mountain
5. Catch The Rainbow
6. Can't Happen Here
7. Lost In Hollywood
8. Difficult To Cure
9. Long Live Rock N' Roll
10. Smoke On The Water
Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/RainbowBostonCD
Buy the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/RainbowBostonLP
Buy the digital download: http://flyt.it/RainbowBostonDig
Labels: Live Music, Live Recordings, New Album, New Releases, Previously Unreleased Tracks, Prog Rock, Progressive Rock, Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Rock
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