Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2015/08/10

Legendary Artist Roger Dean To Appear At Rick Wakeman’s WAKEmanFEST

For Immediate Release

Legendary Artist Roger Dean To Appear At Rick Wakeman’s WAKEmanFEST

London, UK – Legendary artist Roger Dean is the latest celebrity to be added to the line-up for Rick Wakeman’s WAKEmanFEST in October 2015 in Lincolnshire. Roger will be holding a Question & Answer session on Saturday October 31st at 3:40pm – 4:00pm, as well as showcasing his spectacular art.

Known primarily for the dreamy, other-worldly scenes Roger Dean has created for Yes, Budgie, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant and other bands, Dean has said, “I don’t really think of myself as a fantasy artist but as a landscape painter.” His first album cover work was in 1968 for The Gun. He also did the artwork for Atomic Rooster’s album In Hearing of… This album cover hinted at the inimitable style for which he would later become famous. In the same year Dean produced the cover for the first album by the African/Caribbean band Osibisa, which featured a hybrid insect/elephant. This was much closer to Dean’s work as we came to know it and it attracted widespread attention. Later that year, he began the partnership with the progressive rock bands Yes (and Asia) for which he is best known. His first design for Yes was for their album Fragile. Dean designed the now-classic Yes “bubble” logo, which first appeared on the album Close to the Edge, and continued to create covers for the band. In addition to their album covers, Dean also contributed to his brother Martyn Dean’s stage set designs for the band.

Though he primarily works with watercolour paints, many of his paintings make use of multiple media, including gouache, ink, enamel, crayon and collage. In addition to his cover paintings, Dean is respected for his calligraphic work, designing logos and titles to go with his paintings. There are three books chronicling Roger Dean’s art: “Views” (1975) “Magnetic Storm” (1984) “Dragons Dream” (2008).

His work has inspired generations of young men and women who have become professional designers and artists!

WAKEmanFEST is the brainchild of Rob Ayling from Gonzo Multimedia and was conceived as a three day event that would revolve around people Rick Wakeman has worked with spanning over 40 years in the music industry and his own band, The English Rock Ensemble. The festival will run Friday 30th October, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.

The event will be held at the legendary Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire. The venue started life as a roller skating rink, but began to attract musical acts in the 1950’s. The venue’s golden age came after it was rebuilt in 1964 following a fire. The rink remained but the Starlight Rooms opened and the biggest names in pop headed to the east of England, which includes Yes, The Kinks, Small Faces, Elton John, T.Rex and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

Says Rick, “I wanted to create a festival I would want to go to myself. We have chosen as the venue for this 3 day event, The Boston Gliderdrome in Lincolnshire because of its amazing history. I remember playing there many times over the years, especially with YES. We are also hoping to organising various hotel deals for people to book into as well. It all starts on the Friday with a full day Saturday and a very special charity day on the Sunday which finishes around 5pm so everybody can head off home”.

As of June 1st, WAKEmanFEST is lining up like this…

Friday October 30th
Registration from 2:00pm
Video room open showing RW and related DVDs.
5:30pm – 6:00pm – Q&A with Cadbury Sisters
6:30pm – 7:00pm – Q&A with The 3 (or possibly 4) Wakeman’s.

Evening performance:
7:30 – 8:15pm – The Cadbury Sisters.
9:00 – 11:00pm – Wakeman Cubed.

Saturday October 31st
Video room running all day
VIP room open all day
2:00pm – 3:00pm – Q&A with cast of Sir Henry of Rawlinson’s End
3:40pm – 4:00pm – Q&A with Roger Dean
4.30pm – 5:00pm – Q&A with Rick & The English Rock Ensemble
5.30pm – 6.00pm – Q&A with The Electric Strawbs.

Evening performance:
6:30pm – 7:30pm – Sir Henry of Rawlinson’s End.(Rick Wakeman guesting)
8:00pm – 9:00pm – Strawbs (with Rick Wakeman guesting at end)
10:00pm – 11:30pm – English Rock Ensemble

Sunday November 1st
11:30am – Reception before buffet lunch
Midday – 2:00pm – lunch and table magic
During lunch – Three games people for people to play with all proceeds to the Grand Order of Water Rats plus an auction.

Entertainment:
2:00pm – 2:30pm – The Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra
2:35pm – 3:00pm – Magician !
3:05pm – 3:45pm – Kevin Orkian
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Rick Wakeman & The English Rock Ensemble – Chrissie Hammond also making a guest appearance.

For more information: http://www.wakemanfest.com
http://www.rwcc.com/notice_wakemanfest.asp

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Rick Wakeman, Roger Dean, WAKEmanFest

2015/08/08

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Return to North America for Fall Road Warriors Tour

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash Return to North America for Fall Road Warriors Tour

Danbury, CT – Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, returns to these shores in September with the Road Warriors North American Tour. The tour begins in Colorado and moves eastward through the month, passing through 12 states and Ontario, Canada. 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 and showcase selections from their latest studio release, “Blue Horizon.”

True road warriors, each year Wishbone Ash logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth; but this year may just set an all-time record with a series of July performances in South Africa. “We are looking forward to reconnecting with fans from the past who are just catching on that we’ve been touring non-stop for 46 years, to see and hear how we’ve grown while carrying the torch,” says founding member Andy Powell “And for our faithful fans who have walked with us consistently through the years, we have some special things in store to reach new heights in our relationship.”

The Road Warriors North American Tour also comes on the heels of two live recording projects in May, including a direct-to-vinyl performance at renowned Metropolis Studios complex in London slated for a fall release, expected to be available on both vinyl and CD. “Recording live in a studio and going straight to acetate is rarely done,” says Powell. “The conditions have to be just right, because you only get one shot. Everything has to be in sync.”

Immediately following the Metropolis session, the band did a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris that was recorded for a DVD release in October. Powell says, “We recorded three nights of material, including current versions of some classic songs, plus some deep tracks that people won’t necessarily expect.”

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash is led by Powell on guitar and vocals, trading licks with Finnish guitar master Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, an 18-year veteran of the band, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers whose performance credits include Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.

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. 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”).

In 2014, the band released “Blue Horizon” (Solid Rockhouse Records) to international acclaim. Praised for its stylistic variety and powerful performances, the album features guest artist, Ireland’s Pat McManus, on fiddle for two tracks. “Blue Horizon” also includes two songs written by Aynsley Powell (Andy Powell’s son) and one by former Wishbone Ash guitarist Roger Filgate.

According to Powell, the album’s diversity reflects the culmination of several factors. “The band basically lives together year-round, so we have a very strong level of communication that translates in our performances and recordings,” he says. “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.”

Powell has been working on his autobiography, “Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior,” which is slated for October publication and will be available through Amazon. “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 Road Warriors Tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found at http://www.wishboneash.com.

WISHBONE ASH ‘ROAD WARRIORS NORTH AMERICA’ SEPTEMBER 2015
SEPT. 3 DENVER CO SOILED DOVE
SEPT. 5 WICHITA KS CROWN UPTOWN THEATRE
SEPT. 6 KANSAS CITY MO KNUCKLEHEADS
SEPT. 8 MINNEAPOLIS MN FAMOUS DAVE’S
SEPT. 9 DAVENPORT IA REDSTONE ROOM
SEPT. 10 MILWAUKEE WI PABST THEATRE
SEPT. 11 WOODSTOCK IL WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 12 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE
SEPT. 13 EDWARDSVILLE IL WILDEY THEATRE (featuring “Argus Live”)
SEPT. 15 AUBURN HILLS MI CALLAHAN’S
SEPT. 16 CLEVELAND OH BEACHLAND BALLROOM
SEPT. 17 BUFFALO NY SPORTSMEN’S TAVERN
SEPT. 18 BARRIE ONT VIOLET’S VENUE
SEPT. 20 BEACON NY TOWNE CRIER CAFE
SEPT. 21 NEW YORK NY B.B. KING’S
SEPT. 22 FAIRFIELD CT FAIRFIELD THEATRE
SEPT. 23 SELLERSVILLE PA SELLERSVILLE THEATER
SEPT. 24 SHIRLEY MA BULL RUN
SEPT. 25 ALBANY NY VAN DYCK
SEPT. 26 JIM THORPE PA MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
SEPT. 27 BORDENTOWN NJ RECORD COLLECTOR

North American Booking: Steve Ozark, Ozark Talent, PH: 785-760-3143 OzarkTalent@gmail.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Marketing & PR assistance: Kate Goldsmith – kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com

To download electronic press kit: http://www.wishboneash.com/epk

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2015/08/06

Americana Music Legend Tokyo Rosenthal Releases “Afterlife”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Americana Music Legend Tokyo Rosenthal Releases “Afterlife”

Chapel Hill, NC – Rock & Sock Records announced today that their recording artist, Tokyo Rosenthal, will be releasing his sixth studio album on their label on August 1, 2015. The new album is entitled “Afterlife”. It’s Rosenthal’s first release in over two years and the disc contains 10 original compositions as well a new video for the single, “The Cold War”.

The new tunes cover subjects as diverse as the Deep South, child loss, illness, burials, war options, and two of Toke’s favorite performing venues. Joining Tokyo on this record are some of his regulars as well as some new contributors. Chris Stamey once again performs on bass as well as engineering the record and assisting in the production. Andrea Connolly returns to help on vocals. David DiGiuseppe takes a larger role in this Tex Mex leaning album with his great accordion playing. “Toke” of course plays both lead and rhythm guitar, piano, and harmonica. He authored all songs as well as handling lead vocals on each track.

The new collaborators bring some diversity and new sounds not heard before on a Tokyo Rosenthal project. Recent Rosenthal tour partner, Jick Wins-Low, handles the drum chores as well as mandolin. Dobro makes it’s Tokyo Rosenthal debut with the stellar picking and sliding of Dan Mahoney. Tom Ed White brings his viola to the party and Juanito Laguna lends his Mexican heritage to the album with his Charango. Rounding out the eclectic sound of “Afterlife” is Emily J. Farmer on French Horn.

“It was great to have the opportunity to record with such a variety of great players,” said Rosenthal. “It allowed me to take chances and put out a very different sounding album. I missed being in the studio and after many months I’m quite pleased with the results. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the great job by Brian West who produced the video for “The Cold War”. It really captured what I was trying to say on that track.” The video of “The Cold War” can be seen here. The brilliant album design was made possible thanks to the beautiful cover picture by Carrie Klein and on the back by Mike Green.

The album will be supported both by Domestic and Foreign touring. Most notable is an upcoming 3 week tour of Ireland, Scotland, and England in October. The album will be available through most sources including iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, and Spotify.

For more information on “Afterlife” and Tokyo Rosenthal, contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR (glassonyonpr@gmail.com) and log on to http://www.tokyorosenthal.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Tokyo Rosenthal

2015/07/31

Guitar Virtuoso and Composer Stephen Duros To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album ‘AEAEA’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitar Virtuoso and Composer Stephen Duros To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album ‘AEAEA’

“This sense of balance between aesthetics and virtuosity is a real measure of talent, and this album displays plenty.” – Culture Court

Oakland, CA – Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, guitar virtuoso and composer Stephen Duros will be releasing a concept album titled ‘AEAEA’ on July 31, 2015! The rippling, rhythmic sounds Stephen Duros coaxes out of his nylon string acoustic guitar has roots in the traditional sounds of flamenco, but he’s developed his own style. Bluesy bent notes with a hint of Asia and the Middle East in their tone, octave melodies and rhythms that include suggestions of jazz, reggae, pop and Arab music join the familiar pulse of flamenco’s gypsy rumba in his emotionally satisfying compositions.

Stephen Duros performed with Ottmar Liebert from 2006-2009. His playing is featured on Ottmar Liebert’s Grammy nominated album ‘The Scent of Light’ and on his own three solo albums ‘Miranda’, ‘Urban Flamenco’ and ‘Thira’, which won Duros a place on the Grammy Ballot for a nomination in the Best New Age Album of the year category. He has worked with Billboard top 10 World Music artist, Lawson Rollins as the associate producer on the “Urban Trilogy” section of Rollins’ newly released album ‘Traveler’. He also plays in a band called “Path of Light” with Haitian percussionist, Jeff Pierre.

Duros explains that the concept behind the album is, “to recount a musical journey or odyssey. The album tells a story, much like a book does. Instead of songs, the album has 12 chapters that are filled with twists and turns in the place of traditional songs. If listened to continuously, all the music connects into one long piece. The album title ‘AEAEA’ (ee-EE-a) is actually a mythological island found in the Greek poem ‘The Odyssey’. The album isn’t about that island per-se, to me it was more of a great starting point for the journey.”

On ‘AEAEA’, Duros played the flamenco, electric and bass guitars, oud, keyboards, percussion, palmas and drum programming. Andrew Reissiger played the charango and also co-produced the record along with Duros. Louis Romanos played the drums and percussion, Gary Moser played the riq and darbuka, Jeff Pierre played a conga solo and the album also features a special guest electric guitar solo by Nouveau Flamenco pioneer, Ottmar Liebert.

Says Duros, “I came up with the first 10 minutes of ‘AEAEA’ in late 2011, shared it with Ottmar and he was really intrigued by not only the music, but also the concept. He suggested that I continue the journey and see where it goes without worrying about staying in the traditional boundaries of song length and I loved that idea. It was total musical freedom, no boundaries and the writing process was addicting. I do most everything in my home studio from writing, playing, engineering, you name it. Some great musicians also played on some of the sections including an amazing trippy electric guitar solo by Ottmar. I was thrilled he played on the record, he’s such a great musician and friend, I’ve learned so much from him over the years.”

Duros has also been the head lighting designer for the Grammy award winning band Toto from 1999-2014. His lighting work is showcased on Toto’s 35th Anniversary – Live in Poland DVD. Also an artist, his cartoon work is featured on on Steve Lukather’s signature pedal ‘The Luke’ made by the award winning pedal company, ToneConcepts.

“Stephen Duros is not only one of the most gifted guitarist musicians I know, he is also a renaissance man in that everything he touches in art, music and beauty becomes his own. You hear it in his playing… and my God he is also the best rock ’n roll lighting designer I have ever worked with at the arena level. He did the lighting for our TOTO Live in Poland DVD which went # 1 worldwide in 2014 and is a total pro with humor, love and passion screaming for his work in any and all of these areas. When I heard his music I was floored because not one person could have all this diverse talent and soul.” – Steve Lukather, 2015

“You can dig this, people. Romanticism and the call of history, lost civilizations, dream chambers and the effigies of Kings.” – Culture Court

To purchase Stephan Duros ‘AEAEA’ CD:
http://www.amazon.com/Aeaea-Stephen-Duros/dp/B00YH4XDJU
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/aeaea/id1023547179

STEPHEN DUROS – AEAEA: “Chapter II” video on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/129000288

For more information: http://www.stephenduros.com/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Stephen Duros

2015/07/30

UK Acoustic Ensemble Auburn To Release New Album “Mixed Feelings”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

UK Acoustic Ensemble Auburn To Release New Album “Mixed Feelings”

London, UK – Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, UK acoustic ensemble Auburn is releasing a new album titled “Mixed Feelings” on September 11, 2015! Last year proved to be a hugely exciting year for the band, who reformed in 2011 after almost a decade apart. With a new album and a major UK tour supporting the legendary Jefferson Starship’s 40th anniversary tour, Auburn has been captivating audiences around the country with their unique blend of Americana, blues and roots music.

Fronted by female vocalist Liz Lenten, who’s voice has been described as “so sweet it’ll make your hair curl” and “husky, with an emotional frailty”, who isn’t afraid to show her full range of vocal tones or emotions. With varied influences from Bonnie Raitt, Billie Holiday, Ricki Lee Jones, Amy Winehouse, Kate Bush and Janis Joplin to name a few, Liz’s songs grab you melodically, but also tell a story of love and life.

Says Liz about the band’s forthcoming album, “It’s been a funny old year! Lots of confusion and uncertainty in my life- which is really what ‘mixed feelings’ is about – love and hate (or at least anger – if not hate!) are very close emotions, and I wanted to explore them.”

“Mixed Feelings” has 12 brand new songs, covering all the usual emotional issues, including love, loss, domestic abuse and manslaughter, confusion, perseverance, trust, friendship and psychotic-stalker-dumped-girlfriends!

Auburn’s critically acclaimed 2014 album, “Nashville”, also featured songs written by Liz Lenten, and established the band’s place as a compelling force in contemporary Americana. Showcasing Liz’s versatility as a writer and vocalist, the album’s sonic world fuses elements of blues, Alt-country and roots music, with soulful lyrics and catchy pop rhythms.

Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee with award-winning producer Thomm Jutz (Nanci Griffiths, Mary Gauthier, Kim Richey) “Nashville” featured musicians who have played with everyone from Roy Orbison to Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton. Three tracks from the album were made available on ReverbNation prior to its release and within a few weeks had reached No.1 in the UK Americana charts and No.7 in the Global Americana charts. “Nashville” has gained extensive airplay and great reviews across Europe – notably Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal and France.

In January 2015 Liz returned to Nashville, TN, and again with producer/guitarist Thomm Jutz, and fantastic Nashville Musicians, and recorded the new CD “Mixed Feelings”. The album features Lynn Williams on Drums (Tinsley Ellis, Mary Gauthier, Delbert McClinton, The Wallflowers); Mark Fain on Bass (Ricky Skaggs, Bruce Hornsby, Jonny Cash, Mac Wiseman); Barry Walsh on Keys ( Gretchen Peters, Tom Russell); Justin Moses on Banjo, Dobro and Fiddle (Alison Krauss, Emmy-Lou Harris, Sierra Hull, Ricky Skaggs); and JT Brown on Harmony Vocals (Mary Chapin Carpenter, Nancy Griffiths)

Says Liz, “The songs were written over about 2 months, on my beloved vintage Martin guitar called Rosie (the one I ‘stole’ with a little persuasion, from my good friend and sound engineer Justin) and I was meant to go to Nashville in October last year to record them, but due to my son needing an operation (thankfully he’s fine now), and my Mum becoming very ill, I had to cancel most of the last 6 months of 2014. So I went very early January, in the snow and ice, and we had a fantastic time recording the album. Thomm Jutz, the producer, and the rest of the musicians were as amazing as before, and we actually finished a day early! The whole album was recorded, and mixed in 6 days! It was so relaxed and easy – I just love the place, feel so at home in Nashville. I could live there easily!”

Here’s what the press have raved about Auburn:

“A remarkable energy is ever-present” – David Innes, R2

“A sound that is as evocative as it is moving” – Neil King, Fatea

“Auburn have cemented their place within the genre with this album” – Ravenheart

“We’ve been stopped in our tracks by Liz Lenten and Auburn’s dramatic genre-amalgam Nashville” – Flying Shoes

“A cultural microcosm of the new sound for American roots music!” – Bop n Jazz

“Despite the harrowing subject of domestic abuse….Auburn succeeds through the quality of the song writing and in vocalist Liz Lenten’s delivery” – R2 Un-Herd Volume 51 May/June 2015

To get the year started with a bang, they played a few live dates, again supporting Jefferson Starship on their 2015 UK tour.

“Opening up the musical proceedings were ‘Auburn’, a British group led by Liz Lenten, they played a set consisting of country. blues and Americana which really hit the spot on a cold, miserable February evening. The set consisted of 6 tracks, spanning their 2 CD’s (‘Indian Summer’ and more recently ‘Nashville’) and a couple of tracks lifted from their forthcoming album ‘Mixed Feelings’which is due to land later in 2015. Liz’s voice echoed the stars of the Nashville country musicscene and the stripped back band produced a balanced platform for her to launch herself, winning many hearts with this solid performance.” – EXETER PHEONIX – LIVE REVIEW FEB 2015 –WWW.MUSICMUSO.COM

Auburn live dates 2015:
11th Sept -The Artrix, Bromsgrove (Supporting The Strawbs)
12th Sept – The Met, Bury (Supporting Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick)
13th Sept – The Glasshouse, Peterborough
15th Sept – Club Wotever, London
18th Sept – The Drill Hall, Lincoln (supporting Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick)
25th Sept – Voodoo Lounge, Stamford
4th October – The Convent, Gloucestershire – to be netcast LIVE @ 9pm – http://www.theconvent.net

In closing Liz has this to impart, “There is a lot of very blatant personal misery and hurt in the songs, including one about domestic violence and manslaughter (that one is actually a fictional story – I have yet to shoot anyone!) some of the songs were inspired by a close friend who was separating from her partner, after a very long relationship, although they do have some resonance for me too in terms of adjusting to new situations and dealing with uncertainty. I just hope the listener can find something in the songs that they can relate to – and most of all, enjoy the superb playing of the band on the record.”

To purchase Auburn’s “Mixed Feelings” CD:
http://www.auburn.org.uk/albums/
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15865 ;

Contacts:
Management – Scarlet Records – 01775841750 info@scarletrecording.co.uk
EPK: http://www.reverbnation.com/weareauburn
website: http://www.auburn.org.uk
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weareauburn
twitter: @weareauburn

International Press & Radio: Peter Holmstedt (www.hemifran.com) – peter.holmstedt@telia.com
USA Radio and press: Billy James, Glass Onyon PR glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Publishing: World Domination Music Limited
Distribution/Label: Bat Country /Gonzo Media

Leave a comment | posted in Auburn, Press Release

2015/07/29

AndersonPonty Band Featuring Music Icons Jon Anderson & Jean Luc Ponty To Release New CD/DVD “Better Late Than Never”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

AndersonPonty Band Featuring Music Icons Jon Anderson & Jean Luc Ponty To Release New CD/DVD “Better Late Than Never”

Los Angeles – One of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2015 by the AndersonPonty Band, featuring music icons Jon Anderson and Jean Luc Ponty, is scheduled to hit the streets early Fall 2015! “Better Late Than Never” is the new album taken from a live performance, and enhanced with innovative production. The package includes a bonus DVD featuring outstanding performances by the band captured in September 2014 at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colorado.

The AndersonPonty Band has created some breathtaking new musical compositions. “Better Late Than Never” also showcases rearrangements of classic YES hits like “Owner Of A Lonely Heart”, “Roundabout” and “Wonderous Stories”, as well as some of Jean Luc Ponty’s beloved compositions, with Jon’s lyrical vocals and melodies enhancing the music and creating a very special and unique sound such as “Infinite Mirage” a new song incorporating Jean Luc’s classic tune “Mirage”.

YES’s original singer/songwriter for 35 years, Jon Anderson has had a successful solo career, which includes working with such notable music artists as Vangelis, Kitaro, and Milton Nascimento. International violin superstar Jean Luc Ponty is a pioneer and undisputed master of his instrument in the arena of jazz and rock. He is widely regarded as an innovator who has applied his unique visionary spin that has expanded the vocabulary of modern music. Together these two music legends have formed a musical synergy that is unparalleled!

“A breakthrough feeling came as I sang with Jean Luc’s music, to be in a band again is very exciting on many levels, we will play and sing our way around the world and have fun, for music is pleasure, music is all that is.” – Jon Anderson

“Collaborating with Jon who is such a creative singer/songwriter is unlike any project I have done before. I knew that we had plenty of musical affinities to make it work, but the result is way beyond my expectations. It is also a lot of fun to reunite with these excellent musicians who played with me in the past, they really put their heart in this project and with Jon’s creative input we are not just rehashing the past but giving a new life to the music we started developing decades ago.” – Jean Luc Ponty

The AndersonPonty Band also includes Jamie Glaser on guitars – well known guitarist who has worked with Jean Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Bryan Adams and Lenny White; Wally Minko on keyboards – virtuoso player and composer who has performed and recorded with many worldwide stars including Pink, Toni Braxton, Jean Luc Ponty, Tom Jones, Gregg Rolie and Barry Manilow; Baron Browne on bass who has played with Steve Smith, Billy Cobham and Jean Luc Ponty; and Rayford Griffin on drums and percussion, who has played with Stanley Clarke Band, George Duke, Jean Luc Ponty and Michael Jackson. The band visit the music created by Jon Anderson and Jean Luc Ponty over the years with new arrangements, virtuosic performances and new energy.

Jean Luc Ponty was originally approached by Jon Anderson with the idea of working together as far back as the 1980’s. Now 30 years later the dream has finally come to fruition! In support of the new release, a world tour is currently in the works. Also, a videography documenting the making of the “Better Late Than Never” album will be released along with videos and performances.

AndersonPonty Band tour dates:

OCTOBER
10/27 – Philadelphia – Keswick Theater
10/29 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie
10/30 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse

NOVEMBER
11/1 – Pittsurgh – Carnegie Theater
11/3 – Chicago – Arcada Theater
11/4 – Milwaukee – Milwaukee PAC
11/6 – Detroit – Detroit Music Hall
11/7 – Toronto – Danforth Music Hall
11/10 – Washington, DC – Howard Theater
11/11 – Long Island – Paramount Theater
11/13 – NYC – Ethical Culture
11/14 – Boston – Berklee Performance Center
11/17 – San Francisco – Regency
11/18 – Sacramento – Crest Theater
11/20 – Los Angeles – Saban Theater
11/21 – Scottsdale – Talking Stick

For more information and forthcoming tour dates visit the official AndersonPonty Band website: http://www.andersonpontyband1.com/
AndersonPonty Band Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/andersonpontyband1?fref=ts

Jon Anderson official website: http://www.jonanderson.com
Jean Luc Ponty official website: http://www.ponty.com

Manager: Jim Lewis, andersonpontyband@gmail.com

Booking agent: APA
O: (212) 205-4328 | C: (310) 895-6144 | F: (212) 245-5062
JLashnits@apanewyork.com| http://www.apa-agency.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
(interview requests contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR)

Photos: Ioannis (artwork – top), Deborah Anderson (photo of Jon Anderson – top)

9 Comments | posted in AndersonPonty Band, Jean-Luc Ponty, Jon Anderson, Press Release

2015/07/21

Greg Lake’s Legendary 1981 Performance At the Hammersmith Odeon In London To Be Issued On CD & Vinyl

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Greg Lake’s Legendary 1981 Performance At the Hammersmith Odeon In London To Be Issued On CD & Vinyl

Los Angeles – Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing legendary Greg Lake’s live album from the Hammersmith Odeon in London, November 5, 1981, featuring guitar hero Gary Moore on CD & vinyl! The concert recording features ELP and King Crimson classic tracks such as “Lucky Man”, “Karn Evil 9”, “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “In The Court of The Crimson King”, as well as songs from his critically acclaimed first solo album from 1981. As a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake has been a major force in music for over 40 years. He has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. Many simply refer to him as “The Voice”.

The Greg Lake Band made its live debut on one of the biggest stages available to it, the annual Reading Festival in England in August 1981. Much of the set was new to the audience – Greg’s first solo album would not be released for another month. But the band received a wild reception regardless, and there were enough old favorites on display to ensure the fans remained happy…including the show opener “Fanfare for the Common Man,” truly one of the most effective showstoppers ever to have opened a concert.

The band’s full tour kicked off in October. Purposefully, Lake demanded smaller venues, the theaters and universities that truly represented a refreshing change from the monster domes he’d visited the last time he hit the road in 1977 with ELP. The string of shows launched in Wales, at Aberystwyth University, then moved onto Cardiff University, Dunstable Queensway Hall, Norwich University, Liverpool Royal Court Theatre, Newcastle Mayfair, Glasgow University, Edinburgh Playhouse, Sheffield Lyceum, University of Kent Canterbury, Birmingham Odeon, Leicester Polytechnic, Bournemouth Winter Gardens, Exeter University, St Austell Cornwall Coliseum, Crawley Leisure Centre and, finally, London’s Hammersmith Odeon.

It was not an extravagant performance – no lasers, no levitating keyboards, no priceless Persian carpets. The myths and legends that surrounded ELP when they toured were all firmly locked away. The Greg Lake Band toured like a band, and on stage they simply took up their positions and played. Brilliantly.

That last date on the tour is where this disc was recorded, in front of 2,000 fans who now had every note of Greg’s new album memorized, and the rest of the set firmly entrenched in their DNA: the snatch of “Karn Evil 9” that eased out of the opening “Fanfare”; “Love You Too Much,” the song Lake co-wrote with Dylan in what remains another of the tantalizing collaborations of the age; “Retribution Drive” and “The Lie” from Greg Lake. “21st Century Schizoid Man” and “The Court Of The Crimson King,” from Lake’s stint with King Crimson, wrapped up the evening in positively rhapsodic fashion, and, finally, “C’est La Vie,” from ELP’s Works. (The version of this track included on the CD is taken from a show in New York City 1981)

“A single night at the tail end of a single tour, alive with promise, bristling with presence. And welcoming back some new friends, too” – Dave Thompson, writer

Tracks:
Medley: Fanfare For The Common Man / Karn Evil 9
Nuclear Attack
The Lie
Retribution Drive
Lucky Man
Parisienne Walkways
You Really Got A Hold On Me
Love You Too Much
21st Century Schizoid Man
In The Court Of The Crimson King
Bonus Track: C’est La Vie (Live in NYC 1981)

To purchase:
Pre-order the CD: http://flyt.it/GregLakeCD
Pre-order the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/GregLakeLP
Pre-order the digital: http://flyt.it/GregLakedig

Greg Lake’s official website: http://www.greglake.com

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

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

6 Comments | posted in Greg Lake, Press Release

2015/07/20

Audio Fidelity To Release Mahavishnu Orchestra’s “Birds Of Fire” On Limited Edition 4.0 Quad SACD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Audio Fidelity To Release Mahavishnu Orchestra’s “Birds Of Fire” On Limited Edition 4.0 Quad SACD

“…sets out to further define and refine its blistering jazz-rock direction.”

Camarillo, CA – Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity is releasing the classic fusion album Birds of Fire by the Mahavishnu Orchestra as a limited edition Hybrid 4.0 Quad SACD. Birds of Fire is Mahavishnu Orchestra’s second album. It was released in the first half of 1973 and is the last studio album released by the original Mahavishnu Orchestra line-up before the group dissolved. The album became a major crossover hit, rising to number 15 on the pop album charts, and it remains the key item in the slim discography of the first Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Although it has much of the screaming rock energy of the band’s first album, Inner Mounting Flame, Birds of Fire is audibly more varied in texture, even more tightly organized, and more musical in content. A remarkable example of precisely choreographed, high-speed solo trading – with John McLaughlin, Jerry Goodman, and Jan Hammer all of one mind, supported by Billy Cobham’s machine-gun drumming and Rick Laird’s dancing bass.

Birds of Fire consists solely of compositions by John McLaughlin. This includes the track “Miles Beyond (Miles Davis)”, which McLaughlin dedicated to his friend and former bandleader. The SACD booklet features a poem entitled “Revelation” by Sri Chinmoy.

1. BIRDS OF FIRE
2. MILES BEYOND (Miles Davis)
3. CELESTIAL TERRESTRIAL COMMUTERS
4. SAPPHIRE BULLETS OF PURE LOVE
5. THOUSAND ISLAND PARK
6. HOPE
7. ONE WORD
8. SANCTUARY
9. OPEN COUNTRY JOY
10. RESOLUTION

Produced by The Mahavishnu Orchestra
Stereo CD & SACD mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
4.0 Analog to Hi Def DSD Digital Transfer:Gus Skinas
Quadraphonic Sound Supervision: Harold J. Kleiner
Quadraphonic Re-Mix Engineer: Don Young

Audio Fidelity’s Hybrid Super Audio CDs offer three layers on the same disc
o Single layer 2-channel stereo
o Dual-layer – SACD
o As an added bonus Surround Sound 4.0 all in one disc
Every Audio Fidelity Hybrid MULTICHANNEL Surround Sound SACD is compatible with all standard CD players.

For more information: http://www.audiofidelity.net
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Audio Fidelity, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Press Release, SACD

2015/07/17

Chris Braide, Ash Soan & Lee Pomeroy Launch This Oceanic Feeling With Debut Album “Universal Mind”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Chris Braide, Ash Soan & Lee Pomeroy Launch This Oceanic Feeling With Debut Album “Universal Mind”

London, UK – New exciting three-piece This Oceanic Feeling, fronted by prominent singer/songwriter and producer Chris Braide, has announced the release of their debut album Universal Mind on 17th July 2015 through Cherry Red Records.

Chris and drummer Ash Soan had developed a strong musical connection as founder members of The Producers with Trevor Horn, before Braide moved to the US in 2009. When they linked up again, the old chemistry was still there and the idea of forming a new band immediately took shape.

The muse was swiftly awakened and an album’s worth of new songs came to life, the lyrics facing the unresolved dualism between fake and real self and their eternal fight for dominance. “It’s a positive album, one that I’m proud of and one that I had to make” – says Braide enthusiastically.

Outstanding bassist Lee Pomeroy was called to join Chris and Ash in their distinctive creative venture and This Oceanic Feeling was born. Braide compares the album’s sound to ‘The Police or YES 90125 era, big shiny new wave pop music with rock trousers on and occasionally prog sandals!’

The 12 songs on Universal Mind feature some of the most rich, dynamic musicianship of 2015. In times of self-obsession, virtual personas and overpowering ego, the thought-provoking lyrics are bound to strike a chord with the more conscious listener.

For all those liking their melody with a meaningful aftertaste, this is possibly your album of the year; take the journey across its cinematic landscape, from darkness to light, to escape the person you were and embrace the person you really are.

Tracklist as follows:

1. Lie Detector
2. Put Down The Gun
3. Radio
4. Logotherapy
5. Universal Mind
6. Intensive Care
7. Wake Up
8. I Play Debussy
9. Johnny Tragic
10. Karma Camera
11. Season of Light
12. Finale

About This Oceanic Feeling

Chris Braide’s prestigious curriculum includes producing and writing songs for Beyonce, Lana del Rey, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, David Guetta and Sia amongst others. He recently produced and co-wrote Marc Almond’s new album The Velvet Trail.

As well as performing in the band for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert (Tom Jones, Robbie Williams etc) and for the return of ELO in Hyde Park last year, bass and guitar specialist Lee Pomeroy has worked in the past with Rick Wakeman, It Bites and James Morrison; more recently was busy performing with Steve Hackett on the 2014 Genesis Revisited Tour and is currently working with Take That.

British drummer Ash Soan has played with the likes of Adele, Lily Allen, Rumer, Mark Owen, Cher, Dido, The Wanted, Nelly Furtado and on Billy Idol’s latest album Kings And Queens of the Underground.

Amazon CD edition: http://geni.us/3Zmo

CD Pre-order link: http://shop.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=5104

Vinyl pre-order: http://www.planegroovy.com/planegroovystore.html

UK publicity contact:
Sharon Chevin
sharon@thepublicityconnection.com
Tel: (020) 8450 8882
Twitter@PRConnect
Website: http://www.thepublicityconnection.com

International PR:
Glass Onyon PR,
PH: 828-350-8158 (USA),
glassonyonpr@gmail.com
http://www.glassonyonpr.com

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, This Oceanic Feeling

2015/07/14

Keyboard Legend Extraordinaire Patrick Moraz, Former Member of YES and the Moody Blues, To Release New Album “MAP” (Moraz Alban Project) With Outstanding Drummer Greg Alban!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Keyboard Legend Extraordinaire Patrick Moraz, Former Member of YES and the Moody Blues, To Release New Album “MAP” (Moraz Alban Project) With Outstanding Drummer Greg Alban!

Los Angeles CA- Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban proudly announce the release of their new CD “MAP”.

Says Patrick, “The concept and the meaning of “MAP” is first and foremost the ‘MORAZ ALBAN PROJECT’! Some time ago, Greg Alban, a very good friend of mine and a great drummer whom I have known now for more than 30 years asked me if I would like to start composing and arranging some music that he could play the drums on, with me. He wanted to record a whole album together and eventually of course, release it.”

So Moraz began composing and arranging the music for “MAP” in his studio in Florida, the project then moved to California, where it was further developed and recorded. This new music is a collection of instrumental pieces that range in style and spirit of World-Fusion, Rock and Jazz.

Greg Alban, originally from Columbus, Ohio, attended Ohio University and moved to Los Angeles in 1974 to pursue a career in music. Greg has studied with some of the great drummers and teachers such as Richard Wilson, Joe Morello and Joe Porcaro. Patrick Moraz first heard Greg Alban play drums when he was head of his own band ICE. They were performing at the famous and since shuttered Red Onion in Marina Del Rey, CA. Impressed with the playing skills of Alban and fellow band member John Avila, Moraz asked them to perform on his album, “Timecode”. Greg Alban who has worked with such artists such as “The Miracles”, Denny Laine (Wings) and Mike Pinera (Blues Image and Iron Butterfly) explains: “Patrick and I have been very good friends for a long time and I’m still always being surprised by the depth of his knowledge, not just about music but everything! He’s a creative genius and I’m honored to be working with him.”

Swiss born Patrick Moraz, is best known as an official member and keyboardist for the progressive rock bands “Yes” from 1974 to the end of 1976 and “The Moody Blues” from 1978 to 1991. He was classically trained at the Conservatory of Lausanne, but having a keen interest in jazz and world rhythms he decided early on to pursue composing and playing in these genres of music as well. This led to Patrick and his own trio and quartet, opening for major jazz artists and famous rock bands throughout Europe in the mid-sixties. He then formed the group “Mainhorse” with Jean Ristori in 1968 and released a self-titled album on Polydor. Then, after a long tour of Japan and the Far-East as musical director of a Brazilian Ballet Company, he came back and moved to England in the early Seventies to form “Refugee” with Lee Jackson and Brian Davison, both previously of “The Nice”. They produced one album titled “Refugee” which to date is still revered as one of Prog-Rock’s monumental works known for Moraz’s highly inspired compositions and keyboard virtuosity.

Moraz rose to prominence in 1974 as a new member and keyboardist of “Yes”. He co-composed along with Yes’s” band members and played on the album “Relayer”, which led to what was to be “Yes’s” most successful ever world tour, playing to crowds which numbered from 25,000 to 120,00 at JFK stadium during the bi-centennial year of 1976. In 1975-1976 all the then- members of “Yes” released solo albums. In the interim Moraz had moved to Brazil and composed the music for the “I” aka “The Story of I” which incorporated 16 Brazilian percussionists, making it an important staple of “world music”. “I” was Moraz’s first solo album and in 1976 it was voted the #1 Album of the Year by “Keyboard Magazine”. After his departure from “Yes” Patrick recorded his second album “Out In The Sun” on the “famous” Charisma Record Label, and moved officially to Brazil.

In the last part of 1977 and the first part of 1978, time was devoted exclusively for composing and recording for the production of his 3rd solo Album, simply titled “Patrick Moraz”, in the company of the percussionists of Rio-de-Janeiro and Djalma Correa, who, several years later, was referred by Patrick to Peter Gabriel for his Album “SO”.

Moving back to Europe via an appearance at the famous “Montreux Jazz Festival” in Switzerland, and upon their request, Patrick began touring with ”The Moody Blues” on their “Octave” tour in 1978, replacing their former keyboardist Mike Pinder. The two world Tours, ending in 1979 proved extremely successful!

In 1980, having played and recorded on the new album “Long Distance Voyager” he was asked to become a member of the band. Subsequently, in 1981, “Long Distance Voyager” reached #1 on the US charts and proved to be one of their highest grossing albums to date. He continued touring and recording with “The Moody Blues” until 1991 and played on the four subsequent albums : “The Present”, “The Other Side of Life”, “Sur la Mer” and partially on “Keys of the Kingdom”. Moraz is also credited as composer and co-writer of the song “The Spirit”, which appeared on the 1986 album “The Other Side of Life”.

During recording and touring breaks with the “Moodies”, Patrick had continued to compose, play and record his solo albums “Future Memories 1” “Future Memories II”, (both “Live on TV”), “Human Interface”, and “Timecode”. He also collaborated, (in 1979), with the renowned Romanian panpipe flutist, Simeon Stanciu, (a.k.a. Syrinx), for their album “Coexistence”. From 1983 to 1985, Patrick Moraz and Bill Bruford, former member and drummer for Yes, decide to form a duet and tour under the name “Moraz-Bruford”. They recorded two albums, “Music For Piano and Drums” and “Flags” and managed to do three very successful worldwide Tours.

In 1991 having been with “The Moody Blues” for thirteen years, Moraz embarked on a solo career. To date he has composed and played acoustic piano on three solo CD’s, “Windows of Time”, “Resonance” and “ESP” all of which have been critically acclaimed and extremely well received.

In 1995, exactly 20 years ago, Patrick Moraz performed throughout the USA on his C.H.A.T. tour (Coming Home America Tour). The tour was unique in that it was one of the first, if not the very first to be booked entirely over the Internet. Moraz played solo on acoustic Grand Pianos to audiences that numbered as small as two people to hundreds of people, taking place in eclectic venues which ranged from single homes, to large estates, corporate headquarters, churches, theaters, concert halls and museums. One of the concerts was filmed and recorded for a DVD and CD in Princeton N.J. and is titled “P.M. in Princeton”. The C.H.A.T. tour proved to be a huge success and an experience that Moraz says, “He will always hold very dear to his heart”.

In 2009 he released “Change of Space”, and in 2011 Moraz released the electronic keyboard CD “Moraz Live/Abbey Road” which features Patrick playing live electronic keyboards as well as a live acoustic piano improvisation. There was also a piano-compilation CD titled “Pianissimoraz”, featuring a new and unreleased piece : The “one-&-only take” of the instant composition “Pure Love”.

And now much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban are releasing their first album “MAP” in June 2015!

The album features amazing bass player John Avila, former member of “Oingo Bongo”, who also plays bass on “MAP”. The other great players featured on “MAP” are Lenny Castro on percussion, who has worked with such artists as “The Rolling Stones”, “Elton John”, “Eric Clapton” and many others. Renown and awesome bass player, Matt Malley, founder and former member of “The Counting Crows”, expertly plays Indian Slide Guitar on “MAP’. Swiss virtuoso bass player Patrick Perrier and heavyweight multi-instrumentalist on tenor saxophone Dave VanSuch, both perform on “MAP” as well.

To purchase:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/themap1
http://www.themap.website

Official website:
http://www.themap.website

Patrick Moraz:
http://www.patrickmoraz.com
http://www.patrickmoraz.net
https://www.facebook.com/patrickmorazofficial

Greg Alban:
http://www.GregAlban.com ;
http://www.GregAlban.net ;
http://www.Facebook.com/Greg.Alban.56

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

Leave a comment | posted in Greg Alban, Moraz Alban Project, Patrick Moraz, Press Release

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Keyboard Legend Extraordinaire Patrick Moraz, Former Member of YES and the Moody Blues, To Release New Album “MAP” (Moraz Alban Project) With Outstanding Drummer Greg Alban!

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