Author Archives: glassonyonpr

Rock Trio Blurred Vision To Release Debut Album and Tour With Uriah Heep

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For Immediate Release

Rock Trio Blurred Vision To Release Debut Album and Tour With Uriah Heep

Easy to see why a band whose young career began with the support and endorsement of Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters, is being hailed as an iconic band in the making with their debut album.

London, UK – Blurred Vision is a 3-piece progressive/psychedelic/pop rock outfit comprised of guitarist & vocalist Sepp Osley, bassist Sohl Osley and drummer Ben Riley. The band’s career was launched in 2010, when the endorsement of Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters brought them international acclaim.

Blurred Vision release their debut album ‘Organized Insanity’ on April 6, signed to a worldwide distribution deal through Cherry Red Records (UK). ‘Organized Insanity’ reveals personal stories of the modern day culture of relationships and love, while also touching on controversial themes of war, politics, religion, and the state of the music scene today. Produced by multi platinum selling producer Terry Brown, the band’s unique style varies from the progressive and psychedelic rock of the 70’s, the mystical and exotic sounds and melodies of the Mid East, to an amalgamation of contemporary and unique new Rock ‘N’ Roll songs with memorable hooks and great pop sensibilities.

Says Sepp, “When we wrote ‘Organized Insanity’ we knew right away it was a title that would define our debut album. It not only depicted the personal relationships we were in at the time that were inspiring some of the songs on the record, but also the broader more global theme of the struggles our generation faces in our world today. Relationships, Love, war, religion, politics…all formed to make what is the first chapter of our band’s musical story.”

UK music writer Malcolm Dome, writes in the latest issue of Prog Magazine (UK): “…a debut album that will surely be one of the best of 2015.” Full article here: http://prog.teamrock.com/reviews/2015-03-06/blurred-vision-organized-insanity

Track Listing:

NO MORE WAR
ROLLIN’ ON
TONIGHT
LONG MAY YOU RUN
PROMISE
DEAR JOHN
ARMS OF OUR WORLD
ALL I WANTED
WHEREVER YOU ARE
THE KEEPER
ORGANIZED INSANITY

To purchase Blurred Visions ‘Organized Insanity’:
iTunes: http://geni.us/OrganizedInsanity
Amazon: http://geni.us/OrganizedInsanityAmzn

For more information: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4994

Official Blurred Vision Website: http://www.blurredvisionmusic.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/blurredvisionmusic

Blurred Vision will head out on tour with British Rock legends Uriah Heep in late April, opening for the iconic group on a 10 date run across the UK.

For tour dates, tickets & details visit:
http://blurredvisionmusic.com/tour
http://uriah-heep.com

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


Italian Rock Ensemble The Mugshots Release New Single “Frozen” Featuring Clive Jones From Legendary Black Widow!

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For Immediate Release

Italian Rock Ensemble The Mugshots Release New Single “Frozen” Featuring Clive Jones From Legendary Black Widow!

“I am very proud of this music and of The Mugshots for their tenacity and terrific talent!” – Dick Wagner

Brescia, Italy – Gcm Music & Alka Records proudly present “Frozen”, the new single by The Mugshots; the first European band ever produced by legendary Dick Wagner. The song is a very personal cover of a famous Madonna’s masterpiece and features (unfortunately his last work) Clive Jones on sax and flute, from the legendary English band Black Widow – the first group to introduce occult themes in Rock music. Mastering has been accomplished par excellence by Dr. Gil Markle, long time collaborator of Dick Wagner, who has also worked with Aerosmith, Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones, just to name a few.

Says lead vocalist Mickey E. Vil ,“Working on ‘Frozen’ has been a unique human and artistic experience. Clive Jones knew this would have been his final work and, as his life faded away, he channeled all of his vital energy into his flute and saxophone to add the song an ethereal dimension.”

The Mugshots are an Italian rock group who’s influences are primarily Alice Cooper, along with The Stranglers and The Misfits. The quintet from Brescia have already released two albums and several EPs. Though based in Italy, The Mugshots were born in New York City in 2001 when lead singer, Mickey E. Vil, visiting the United States, chose the band’s name after listening to an Alice Cooper record (“DaDa”, 1983). As their name would suggest, dark crime stories have infused the band’s lyrics from the very beginning. As the Mugshots’ line-up was developing over the next few years, the band released two full-length albums, “House Of The Weirdos” and “Weird Theater” plus an EP, titled “Doctor Is Out”. Then in 2009, the band’s present line up was consolidated. In 2010, The Mugshots released a limited edition EP titled “In Disguise” through an independent Italian record label. This EP was made available on both red vinyl and CD and garnered enthusiastic reviews around the world.

In 2012, The Mugshots teamed up with the legendary Dick Wagner, producer and guitarist for such great rock icons as Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Kiss, Aerosmith, Peter Gabriel, Ray Manzarek and Mark Farner among others. This collaboration resulted in another EP titled “Love, Lust and Revenge” on which Wagner arranged, co-wrote and played lead guitars. Dick Wagner sadly passed away in July 2014, making this EP one of his last productions.

“A perfect European/American mixture of Rock sensibilities and mystery that is worldly and unearthly at the same time. I am very proud of this music and of The Mugshots for their tenacity and terrific talent!” – Dick Wagner

Throughout their career, The Mugshots have shared the stage with The Stranglers, The Damned, UK Subs, Hugh Cornwell, Dick Wagner, Brian James, TV Smith, Eddie And The Hot Rods, Baz Warne, The Lords Of Altamont, Demented Are Go, Koffin Kats, Zombina & The Skeletones, among many others.

“I made the decision: Mute the TV and put on my new favorite band, The Mugshots. And it hit me…like a steam train…like a gang-fight, like an atomic bomb – I was bruised, beaten and pummeled by the incandescent brilliance of The Mugshots!” – Matt Malley, Oscar nominated songwriter and founding member of Counting Crows

“A mix of Pop & Rock perfectly balanced and held together by great keyboards and melodic vocals!” – Clive Jones, Black Widow, Agony Bag

“I would say regardless of Genre the sound is brutally bombastic, rude, crass, and altogether beautiful. Definitely worth nabbing for fans of energetic and bizarre music.” – Fangoria Magazine

CHECK THE VIDEO OUT HERE: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A6eWp3EOYDI

THE MUGSHOTS:
http://www.mugshots.it
http://www.facebook.com/themugshots
http://www.twitter.com/mugshotsarmy
http://www.reverbnation.com/mugshots
http://instagram.com/themugshots

GCM MUSIC:
https://www.facebook.com/gunclubmusic

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


The World’s Leading Orchestra Joins Prog Rock Superstars For An Epic Album Of Symphonic Adventure!

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For Immediate Release

The World’s Leading Orchestra Joins Prog Rock Superstars For An Epic Album Of Symphonic Adventure!

Featuring members of Porcupine Tree, Asia, Yes, Focus, Alan Parsons Project & more!

Los Angeles, CA – Only a world-class orchestra could pull off a project this ambitious, an undertaking so vast that none other than the hallowed halls of Abby Road Studios could contain and record music of this magnitude. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra proudly presents an epic album of fully orchestrated renditions of progressive rock masterpieces by the likes of Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull and more! What’s more, a stellar group of musical virtuosos from the prog rock stratosphere join the orchestra, lending their talents to these intricately arranged masterworks in a collaborative match made in prog rock heaven. Longtime Moody Blues & Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz adds his own unique flare to the orchestrated version of Gentle Giant’s “Think Of Me With Kindness” while Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison lays down the rhythm on a brilliant version of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man.” This album also contains an electrifying contribution by Three Dog Night keyboardist Jimmy Greenspoon, sadly, one of the final recordings he made before his passing earlier this year. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Plays Prog Rock Classics will be made available on both CD and vinyl starting March 31 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records. Fans of progressive rock and epic symphonic rock will not want to miss this!

1. ELP Suite: Tarkus / From The Beginning / Tarkus (Reprise)
2. Comfortably Numb feat. Ian Bairnson
3. Thick As A Brick feat. Richard Harvey
4. 21st Century Schizoid Man feat. Gavin Harrison and Guthrie Govan
5. Focus II feat. Thijs Van Leer
6. Nights In White Satin feat. Mark Feltham
7. Think Of Me With Kindness feat. Patrick Moraz
8. Roundabout feat. Jimmy Greenspoon
9. Watcher Of The Skies [CD ONLY]
10. Red Barchetta feat. Adrian Smith [CD ONLY]

Pre-order the CD: http://geni.us/RPOProgCD
Pre-order the LP: http://geni.us/RPOProgLP
Pre-order the digital album: http://geni.us/RPOProgdigital

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


Prog Ensemble Exovex Releases Debut Album Radio Silence Featuring Members of Porcupine Tree, NIN, Devo, Sting & Steely Dan

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For Immediate Release

Prog Ensemble Exovex Releases Debut Album Radio Silence Featuring Members of Porcupine Tree, NIN, Devo, Sting & Steely Dan

Greenville, SC – The Prog community is buzzing with excitement about the new release by progressive rock ensemble Exovex featuring members of Porcupine Tree, NIN, Devo, Sting & Steely Dan! Radio Silence is the project’s debut album and features Josh Freese (NIN, A Perfect Circle, Devo) and Keith Carlock (Sting, John Meyer, Steely Dan) on drums. The album also showcases two members of Porcupine Tree, Gavin Harrison on drums and Richard Barbieri on keyboards and synthesizers. All songs on the album were written, performed and produced by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dale Simmons.

Two and half years in the making Radio Silence was completed in February of this year. The album’s musical style reflects progressive rock icons of the past while staying firmly rooted in the modern art rock genre. There is a broad range of influences in the music, but echoes of Pink Floyd and David Gilmour can be heard in several of the album’s tracks. The cover of the album features stunning works of art by Babak Tafreshi, an award winning photographer working with National Geographic, Sky&Telescope Magazine, and the European Southern Observatory.

Says Simmons about the concept behind the album, “The central theme of the album focuses on the downward spiral and ultimate demise of a man due to the psychological and physical effects of a long term, self-imposed isolation. The songs on the album are a sequence of events, which document his thought processes and eventual deterioration. They are snapshots in time that speak to personal circumstances that drive us to make life-changing decisions…both good and bad. The central figure in the story chooses a solitary life in a remote location only to find that he is unable to come back when he realizes his needs are still unfulfilled by his seclusion. Although the storyline of Radio Silence is set in the near future, it is roughly based on the life events of Sibond Alleman, a recluse, who lived in residence at Chateau d’Uriage in 14th century France. A great deal of the emotional content and lyrics for the album comes from my time spent as an expatriate in Europe and living in Chateau d’Uriage.”

In regards to the guest artists, Simmons explains, “In each case, I asked the guys to do whatever they thought would best serve the song, I gave them complete creative control over their contributions to the recording. These musicians are amazing artists, and I don’t think they would have delivered the great performances that they did had I tried to control the process more. That unknown creative variable was critical for me because it made the effort a true collaboration. Chance, chaos and the unknown can produce beautiful results if you can just let it happen. That’s more difficult than it sounds”.

Radio Silence has an approximate running time of 44 minutes and was mixed by multi-platinum award winning mixing engineer Steve Hardy. The album was mastered by Andy VanDette, at Engine Room Audio, in New York. Andy’s mastering credits are too numerous to list here, but they include David Bowie, Deep Purple, Rush, Beastie Boys, Porcupine Tree (In Absentia and Deadwing) as well as Steven Wilson’s first solo project Insurgentes.

About the Exovex sound, Simmons comments, “I have a broad range of influences with great appreciation for the work of artists like Steven Wilson, Peter Gabriel and David Gilmour. There are certainly degrees of influence by those artists in my music…some greater than others”. Simmons is particularly influenced by the progressive rock icon Pink Floyd and reverently reflects Gilmouresque melody and phrasing as a guitarist. As singer, songwriter, guitarist and front man for several bands since the early nineties, Simmons covered a wide spectrum of musical genres ranging from progressive art rock to jazz and funk.

The concept of an “unknown creative variable” led Simmons to conceive the name Exovex. A known function in mathematics can be written as f(x) (pronounced “F of X”). In the f(x) scenario, you know exactly what will happen to the resulting number because that function (f) is defined. On the other hand, if you have x(x) (pronounced “X of X” or “Exovex”) you are dealing with an unknown function (x) so you have no idea what the resulting output will be.

The Exovex debut album Radio Silence was released in March 2015 on iTunes and BitTorrent as a downloadable Bundle. A special limited CD edition is now available exclusively through http://www.exovex.com.

Buy the Limited Edition CD (begins shipping April 15th)
http://www.dalesimmons.com/store-2/?model_number=XOX0001

For more information:
http://www.dalesimmons.com
http://www.exovex.com (redirects to http://www.dalesimmons.com)

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


Blodwyn Pig/Jethro Tull Original Guitarist Mick Abrahams Releases New CD/DVD “Revived” Featuring Guest Appearances By Bill Wyman, Martin Barre, Bernie Marsden and Others!

Mick Abrahams Revived med res

For Immediate Release

Blodwyn Pig/Jethro Tull Original Guitarist Mick Abrahams Releases New CD/DVD “Revived” Featuring Guest Appearances By Bill Wyman, Martin Barre, Bernie Marsden and Others!

London, UK – Over the years legendary Blodwyn Pig/Jethro Tull original guitarist Mick Abrahams has recorded a number of solo albums, steeped in the delta blues DNA that had mystically been passed down to him by Robert Johnson. Mick is 71 now, and still has the heart of a bluesman – the remarkable musicianship on this gem of an album Mick Abrahams and Guests “Mick Abrahams Revived” pays testament to that!

Mick Abrahams has made what is possibly the strongest album of his career. This time he is accompanied by a whole slew of special guests including Martin Barre his successor in Jethro Tull, legendary singer Paul Jones, Steely Dan’s one-time guitarist Elliott Randall, Jim Rodford drummer from The Kinks, Bernie Marsden the guitarist from Whitesnake, and Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman!

Featuring!
Bill Wyman – bass
Martin Barre – gtr
Bernie Marsden – gtr
Graham Walker – drums
John Gordon – bass
Jim Rodford – bass
George Murayni – keyboards
Elliott Randall – gtr
Geoff Whitehorn – gtr
Emily Gardner – gtr
Josh Phillips – hammond organ
Mark Feltham – harmonica vox
Paul Jones – harmonica vox
Beverley Skeete – vox
Don Andrews – vox
Patrick Walshe – vox
Peter Aldridge – vox
Frank mead – saxophones, squeezebox
Nick Payn – saxophones, vox
Terry Taylor – gtr

Tracks:
Summer Day
What About Us
Elz & Abys Jam
On The Road Again
Nadine
Remember Abrahams
I Can Tell
I’m A Hog For You
Bright Lights Big City
Dragonfly Alex
Boney Moronie
Goodnight Irene
Poison Ivy
Red River Rock
North By North West
Hungry For Love
Summer Day With Hammond

Mick Abrahams and Guests “Mick Abrahams Revived” will be released on April 7, 2015. The dvd version is a limited edition and exclusively available at Gonzo.

Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcnh86v1gcI&feature=youtu.be

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15786

Mick Abrahams official website: http://www.squirrelmusic.com

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


Bangtower Producer Jon Pomplin Signs Endorsement Deal With Conquest Sound USA

Jon Pomplin a

For Immediate Release

Bangtower Producer Jon Pomplin Signs Endorsement Deal With Conquest Sound USA

Chicago IL – Declassified Records is proud to announce that Bassist, Composer. Producer and company founder Jon Pomplin has signed an endorsement agreement with Conquest Sound USA, a leading designer and manufacturer of audio/video/data cable and wiring systems since 1977.

“Reliability accuracy and quality is required from all the gear I use, no matter the project type. Whether I’m plugging in a bass, console or HD camera, I need to know it will work and the signal will be accurate. I can always count on products from Conquest USA.”

Jon Pomplin is most recently known for his work with the band BangTower, featuring Grammy winner Neil Citron, fretless bassist Percy Jones and percussionist Walter Garces. Jon (and Neil) produced the internationally acclaimed 2010 debut record “Casting Shadows”, and the 2013 single “This is My Town”. Jon is currently recording and producing BangTower’s follow-up CD due in 2015. He has produced and directed several award winning music videos including those from BangTower and composed/performed the music for an award winning Independent film. Jon is a BMI publisher and songwriter, a voting member of NARAS (Grammy’s) and is the president of Declassified Records. With over 35 years professional experience performing live and in the studio, Jon also proudly endorses GHS Strings, Rocktron FX, Morley Pedals, EbTech Power and Hot-Wire Basses.

Adding “I tested all my cables after moving to a new location and discovered all the Conquest cables I owned, no matter the age, were still in excellent condition. Like many, I had acquired cables from various companies over 36 years in music, and even many of the “high-end” heavy duty cables failed. I decided it was time to stick with the best for all my needs, and started working with Conquest.”

Conquest Sound USA has been a leading manufacturer of Audio/Video/Data wiring systems since 1977. 4000+ different products are manufactured at their Illinois facility including Audio Cables, Snakes, Splitters, Patching systems, Wall Plates, Stage Lighting Cables, Video Breakout and custom designs from their Custom Shop Studio. Products carry a lifetime warranty.

Conquest Sound USA – http://www.conquestsound.com/
Declassified Records – http://www.declassifiedrecords.com
BangTower – http://www.bangtower.com
GHS Strings – http://www.ghsstrings.com
Rocktron FX – http://www.rocktron.com
Morley Pedals – http://www.morleypedals.com
EBTech Audio – http://www.ebtechaudio.com/
Hot-Wire Bass Guitars – http://hotwire-bass.com/
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


UK Prog Icons Karnataka To Release New CD ‘Secrets Of Angels’ Featuring Epic 21-Minute Opus!

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For Immediate Release

UK Prog Icons Karnataka To Release New CD ‘Secrets Of Angels’ Featuring Epic 21-Minute Opus!

London, UK – ‘Secrets of Angels’ is the eagerly anticipated new album from UK rock ensemble Karnataka. Featuring eight brand new tracks and showcasing a more dynamic and symphonic direction, the new album propels the band to powerful and majestic new highs. Recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios and Quadra Studios in London the new album explores themes from despair, anguish and the futility of war to love across cultural divides and culminates in the 21-minute opus and epic title track, “Secrets of Angels”. The music was written over a period of two years following on from the band’s last tours in 2012. The new tracks showcase a more dynamic and symphonic direction.

The album embraces several interlinked themes – temptation, lust, secrets, darkness, division and betrayal but with a constant underlying message of searching for an inner strength, to battle through when hope is lost or emotions are at their weakest, ‘to step free from shadows cast’…. a sense of defiance that always wins through. Says bassist Ian Jones, “There are threads running through the album. The title track ‘Secrets of Angels’ has a theme of war through the ages – the futility of war – told through the eyes of two people. The despair and anguish experienced. ‘Secrets of Angels’ refers to the secrets a person takes to the grave… ‘Road To Cairo’ is a love letter to Egypt as a country but it also has a personal theme about love across religious and cultural divides. ‘Forbidden Dreams’ is about temptation and passion. ‘Poison Ivy’ is about betrayal, anger, danger…

The album features guest appearances from Nightwish’s Troy Donockley on uilleann pipes and whistles, one of Ireland’s top young harpists Seána Davey and a string section from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Karnataka rose to the forefront of the female-fronted symphonic progressive rock scene with the release of their landmark album ‘Delicate Flame of Desire’. Their follow up and critically acclaimed album ‘The Gathering Light’ won best International Album at the World Prog awards.

The band features an international line up of world class musicians. The beautiful voice of enigmatic lead singer Hayley Griffiths (Riverdance, Lord Of The Dance), the virtuoso fretwork of Italian guitarist Enrico Pinna, the melodic driving bass of Ian Jones, the innovative and symphonic orchestrations of Turkish keyboard player Cagri Tozluoglu all powerfully driven forward by the dynamic drumming of French sticks man Jimmy Pallagrosi. Together they create a beautiful tapestry of sound that transcends musical boundaries and showcases the band‘s sublime songwriting and musicianship all of which have won plaudits from Radio 2’s Bob Harris, Rick Wakeman and many others.

The band’s powerful live performances have entranced and captivated audiences across the UK, USA and European mainland and also seen them perform alongside prestigious artists such as Robert Plant and Porcupine Tree. Karnataka will be launching the album with a full UK tour in March 2015.

Tracks:
Road To Cairo
Because of You
Poison Ivy
Forbidden Dreams
Borderline
Fairytale Lies
Feels Like Home
Secrets of Angels

In closing Ian has this to impart, “We hope you enjoy listening to the new album as much as we enjoyed making it. Every Karnataka album is a labour of love and ‘Secrets Of Angels’ is no exception. We’re very proud of our new creation – time to let it loose! We’ve explored some darker themes in the new album… temptation, lust, secrets, darkness, division and borders and betrayal but also war… we’re all living in a time of constant war… many experience the loss and anguish first hand… for others it has become a white noise constantly in the background of our lives. Writing about war is a sensitive and difficult issue – the temptation is not to try… but we didn’t feel we could ignore it. The title track ‘Secrets of Angels’ is about the futility of war – the anguish and despair – war through the centuries seen through the eyes of two people. A repeating theme is division and borders… both personal and cultural – another theme that is touching many today.”

Release Date: 9th March 2015
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15814

SECRETS OF ANGELS TOUR 2015
Feb 27 Bury The Met Theatre
Feb 28 Lowdham Hall
March 7 Derby Flowerpot
March 8 Bilston Robin 2
March 13 Edinburgh The Voodoo Rooms
March 14 Chesterfield Classic Rock Society
March 20 Bristol BierKeller
March 21 Worcester Huntingdon Hall
March 22nd Leamington Spa (special guests of Arena)
March 26th Norwich Arts Centre
March 27th Milton Keynes The Stables
March 29th Southampton The Brook
April 12th Swansea The Scene
April 17th Leicester Y Theatre
May 9th London Islington Assembly Hall

http://www.karnataka.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/karnatakaOfficial
http://www.twitter.com/karnataka

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


Italian Prog Ensemble Not a Good Sign To Release Sophomore Album “From a Distance” On Fading Records/AltrOck

copertina from a distance web med res

For Immediate Release

Italian Prog Ensemble Not a Good Sign To Release Sophomore Album “From a Distance” On Fading Records/AltrOck

Milan, Italy – Italy’s Fading Records/AltrOck will be releasing the highly anticipated second album by the Milan-based band Not a Good Sign, who acquired a worldwide following thanks to their catchy, dynamic, dystopian versions of prog-rock merged with pure rock. The new album is titled “From a Distance,” and in these tracks many will recognize the ‘old school’ Prog from the ’70s, but in a modern key, with a pinch of hard-rock and psych. Resonant vocal melodies and lyrics complete the gloomy but colorful imagery of the band.

Says Not a Good Sign, “For every band, a second record is a great achievement and at the same time an occasion to focus on past experience and visions. We expect we’ll satisfy all the people who enjoyed our first work and we hope to gain new fans, even amongst people who don’t like progressive rock.”

Not a Good Sign are proud and full of hope. Their second release, “From a Distance”, follows up where their 2013 self-titled debut album left off. Released, like their first work, by Fading Records/AltrOck, one of the best known and most appreciated Italian record labels, priding itself on the innovative quality of its products, “From a Distance” starts from the best parts of its predecessor and presents new developments and solutions. The Milan-based band, created in 2011 by Paolo “Ske” Botta and Francesco Zago (Yugen) along with producer Marcello Marinone, has a renewed line-up. During the February 28th album presentation, Not a Good Sign introduced to the fans their new guitarist Gian Marco Trevisan, replacing founding member Zago who left the band after the recording of “From a Distance.”

Not a Good Sign began as a project by AltrOck and some members of bands signed to the label. Marcello Marinone, Paolo “Ske” Botta and Francesco Zago, after a successful collaboration in Yugen and Ske, propose a new blend of their musical attitudes. The result is an ominous, fascinating sound melting vintage keyboards, powerful guitars and voice, besides ethereal and autumn nuances, supported by a compelling rhythmic drive. In 2011 Botta and Zago began to write the music, and Zago provided the lyrics too. Soon G. Guidi Colombi and Alessio Calandriello, from La Coscienza di Zeno, joined the band.The drummer Martino Malacrida completed the line-up in 2012. Alessandro Cassani joined the band in 2013 after the release of the first album.

Different from the classics in the progressive genre, “From a Distance” doesn’t feature long suites, being instead limited to ten songs of medium length in which various souls merge – from the most melodic to the hardest. One of the aspects that makes Not a Good Sign stand out is their new interpretation of the progressive rock musical language, often labelled as unable to renovate itself. “We are unable to consider Not a Good Sign simply a creature of its time: our music features too many references to the 1970s – the golden age of progressive. At the same time, there are a lot of much more recent references, particularly for what concerns the production; some of them even stray from rock. Our originality is in a honest approach, derived on one side from the present days on the other from the memory of an unforgettable period in music history.”

The five-piece is supported by Maestro Maurizio Fasoli (Yugen) on the piano, Eleonora Grampa on oboe and English horn, Jacopo Costa on glockenspiel and vibraphone, and Gian Marco Trevisan on guitar. “The band, on ‘From a Distance’, is more mature, more aware, and its vision is clearer and easier to understand. There is a deeper melodic research that highlights the shadow play. The guest musicians and their instruments enrich the band’s sound and occasionally take center stage.” Not a Good Sign also filmed a clip for “Flying Over Cities”, a video highlighting and strengthening the contrast between the dystopian lyrics and the musical dynamism.

After the February 28th showcase, the band will perform on the following dates:
March 1st – Arlecchino Club (Vedano Olona – Varese); March 2nd – Live Unplugged Radio Lombardia; March 13th – Floyd (Legnano – Milan); March 27th – Musicolepsia (Melegnano – Milan); May 29th – live unplugged Radio Cernusco Stereo; August 20th – Crescendo Festival (St. Palais sur Mer, France).

“From a Distance” studio personnel:
Paolo “Ske” Botta, keyboards
Alessio Calandriello, vocals
Alessandro Cassani, bass
Martino Malacrida, drums
Francesco Zago, guitars

Guests:
Maurizio Fasoli (Yugen), grand piano
Eleonora Grampa, English horn/oboe
Jacopo Costa, vibraphone/glockenspiel

Live 2015 line-up:
Paolo “Ske” Botta, keyboards
Alessio Calandriello, vocals
Alessandro Cassani, bass
Martino Malacrida, drums
Gian Marco Trevisan, guitars

To purchase Not a Good Sign’s “From a Distance” CD: http://altrock.highsite.it/?wpsc-product=from-a-distance

For more information: http://www.notagoodsign.org

Fading Records/AltrOck: http://www.altrock.it

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


Country Rock Superstars Little Texas Pay Tribute To A Fallen Soldier With “Slow Ride Home” From The Band’s New Studio Album!

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For Immediate Release

Country Rock Superstars Little Texas Pay Tribute To A Fallen Soldier With “Slow Ride Home” From The Band’s New Studio Album!

Nashville, TN – Dwayne O’Brien, guitarist/vocalist and founding member of Little Texas, tells the story behind “Slow Ride Home,” a song from the band’s long-awaited new studio album. “We were on a bus heading toward a show in Rooks County, Kansas, just north of Hays. While still a long way out of town, we started to notice a lot of American flags lining the highway, and at every little crossroads and at the corners of the fields there were people on foot, on motorcycles, and standing in the beds of their pickups all waving their own small flags. This went on for miles and miles. It wasn’t the 4th of July, Veteran’s Day or Flag Day, so we wondered what was up. Later, we found out we had been riding just ahead of the funeral procession for a local soldier who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan J. Nichols, a native of the area, was killed on August 6, 2011, when the Chinook helicopter that he was flying was shot down while carrying members of the Extortion 17 special operations unit in Afghanistan (the same Seal Team Six that later brought down Bin Laden). Seeing the way that town welcomed their fallen hero home really moved us to write the song.”

Like the recent hit film “American Sniper,” “Slow Ride Home” is a powerful and moving piece of storytelling that speaks not only to the profound sorrow caused by the death of a soldier but also to the cathartic healing made possible by the love and support of ordinary folks from ordinary towns all across America. That theme of small town life, from the highs of falling in love and partying on weekends to the lows of paying last respects to a local hero, runs right through the heart of Young For A Long Time, the extraordinary new album set to be released on April 14 by Cleopatra Records. Duane Propes, the group’s bass player, declares it “the best album we have ever made” and he may be on to something. Undoubtedly the band has never sounded more confident, as the chorus of the titular lead off track proudly declares “Don’t you know by now we’ve got this down / That Friday night fire still hasn’t gone out / We got a rock solid life and a rock n’ roll state of mind / We were born to run / So sit down, son / We’ll show you just how it’s done / ‘Cause we’ve been young for a long time.” The musicianship has only improved with age as well with Porter Howell truly coming into his own as the band’s lead vocalist in addition to his dazzling lead guitar work, and backed by the always solid playing of drummer Del Gray. “Young For A Long Time pretty much runs the gamut of everything we’ve ever done, plus takes us down some new roads as well,” Propes continues, “the vocals are there, the guitar work is there, the party songs are there, the ‘make you cry’ love songs, the songs about Texas. We even dive off into swamp rock and torch music, so each songs has a totally different fuel behind it.”

As part of the Young Country movement of the early ‘90s, Little Texas were responsible for shaking up the country music world with a new, energetic sound that fused the look and attitude of modern rock music with traditional country themes and styles, bringing a much appreciated bolt of life into the genre. For their efforts, country fans the world over richly rewarded the band, buying up over 7 million of their albums, while critics showered them with 3 Grammy nominations plus honors from both the Academy of Country Music (Vocal Group Of The Year) and the Country Music Association (Album Of The Year)! “God Blessed Texas,” the 1993 blockbuster single, has become that state’s unofficial anthem, while the powerful ballad and mainstream chart success “What Might Have Been” proved the crossover appeal of country music, paving the way for future acts such as Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band, and others. Young For A Long Time is the culmination of everything the band has achieved up to now with 11 superbly crafted compositions plus brand new recordings of the aforementioned hit singles. Add in a whole slew of shows lined up for 2015, and it’s clear that the mavericks of country music are back and ready to shake things up once again!

Track List:
1. Young For A Long Time
2. Can’t Get In A Hurry Here
3. Why I Brought My Boots
4. Slow Ride Home
5. Rednecks Do Exist
6. Kings Of This Town
7. Yeah Yeah Yeah
8. Take This Walk With Me
9. Nothin’ You Can Do
10. How Many Chances
11. This Hot In Texas
12. What Might Have Been
13. God Blessed Texas

Preview the album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9KDndIyQCs
Pre-order the CD here: http://geni.us/2lm4
Pre-order the digital version here: http://radi.al/LittleTexasYFALT

CATCH LITTLE TEXAS ON TOUR!
April 12 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Blueberry Festival
April 25 – New Braunfels, TX – Crawfish Festival of New Braunfels
May 1 – Beaumont, TX – Hill Country Backyard Music Hall
June 12 – Crawfordsville, IN – The Strawberry Festival
June 13 – Hanford, CA – King’s Fair
June 20 – Menoken, ND – Friends 4 Vets Freedom Fest
June 26 – Okmulgee, OK – Muscogee Nation Festival
June 27 – Reno, NV – Boomtown Casino
July 10 – Lake In The Hills, IL – Rockin’ Ribfest
July 11 – Union, MO – Franklin County Fair
July 17 – Fargo, ND – Windbreak Saloon
July 18 – Freeport, MN – Sacred Heart Parish Festival
July 23 – Tooele, UT – Country Fan Fest
August 1 – Beach, ND – HOTR Champions Ride Rodeo
August 6 – Mannington, WV – Mannington District Fair
August 14 – Austin, TX – The Pavilion @ Barton Creek Resort
August 15 – West Point, NE – Cuming County Fair
September 5 – Vienna, MO – Maries County Fair
September 12 – Arzenville, IL – Arzenville Burgoo Festival
September 29 – Lexington, KY – Private Event
November 7 – Wellington, TX – Wellington Ritz Theatre

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


Eclectic Pop Music Artist Anthony W. Rogers Releases ‘Smile-Era’ Influenced Sophomore Album On Limited 180 Gram Vinyl

Tony Rogers WRONG front cover mod med res

For Immediate Release

Eclectic Pop Music Artist Anthony W. Rogers Releases ‘Smile-Era’ Influenced Sophomore Album On Limited 180 Gram Vinyl

Cumberland, MD – Musician/multi-instrumentalist Anthony W. Rogers announces the release of his second solo album entitled WRONG. The new ten song collection of originals was performed and recorded entirely solo and is now available on limited 180 gram vinyl and download formats.

A stylistically diverse and decidedly homemade effort, Rogers recorded WRONG alone at his home in rural West Virginia from 2011-2014 through a multi-track recording layering all the instrumental parts and vocals.

Says Rogers, “It’s a process I’m used to from the old days and it fits the schedule of my life. On this recording, the cheap equipment I used and the way I used it, is really primitive by 2014 standards. I enjoy it that way. I get a certain perverse kick out of achieving sounds and sonics cheaply.”

Anthony Rogers is a long retired veteran of the local tri-state music scene in many rock and jazz bands in his youth. Rogers continued to blaze his trail through the Washington DC area writing recording and performing original music with local favorites The Now and Ten Below-a band which originated in Frostburg. Besides playing on several recordings while in DC, Tony also performed as drummer on several occasions behind legendary DC vocalist and Grammy winner Eva Cassidy and in several other jazz combos.

WRONG was prepared for release with Chris Biondo (Cassidy’s musical collaborator) at his facility in Kensington Md. Rogers also recorded with Biondo as engineer on Rogers’ 1994 solo debut ‘Identifiction’.

Tony relates that, “I did most all of the mixes at home except for ‘Keep Holdin On’’which we re-did at Chris’. On the way in, I walked past his multiple Emmy awards he won for his TV music (Nat Geo, TLC, etc). He has the best ears and intuition of anyone I’ve been lucky enough to be around. He knows what I’m going for. I trust him and his opinion completely.”

Although there are no plans presently to return to live performance at this time, this album signals a return to recording activity. “I’m better off to use what very little time I have recording creating and writing. I have a full life outside of this. It takes a lot of sustained focus,” says Tony.

Those lucky enough to hear the dizzying and stylistic effort seem to favor the harmony laden wistful look-back track, “White Beach” (about Rogers’ home town); the closer – “Johnny/Janie” a 1950’s influenced let’s runaway theme sung masterfully by his then nine year old children Audrey and Joe Rogers (“People really seem to like this one. It’s easy to understand”); to the more adult themed guitar feedback drenched tribute to his tragically deceased childhood friend Mitch Sanders, “Crunch” (“It’s kind of a twisted blues song for a twisted situation”); and finally, the centerpiece mystical acoustic quasi-prog penultimate track…”Wash” (“the main lyrical gist of the whole record, really”).

As to the influence of Smile, Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, Tony says that “there is no question that the vocal arrangements that Brian did in his heyday are so firmly imprinted on my mind from my youth, it is an integral part of me and my own sound. I bought all the Beach Boys bootlegs, tape trading, past masters stuff since the 70s-Smile is a pillar of modern musical achievement. Brian would be prominent on MY own personal musical Mount Rushmore.”

Says Rogers, “This was designed to be an LP. A two-sided, two-part, two-gals record album. The vinyl package is beautiful. This was made for vinyl people. Top notch 180 gram heavy vinyl, great color artwork, inner sleeve, and lyric insert. The idea is to get out your headphones, play side one, then take a break and then do side two. Like two separate EPs. No CDs this time (like ‘Identifiction’). With downloads, Ipods, phones, even CDRs, you can make your own.”

WRONG is certainly one of a kind… and you can get copy in most cool independent stores in the mid Atlantic/Pennsylvania area and the great Solar Mountain Records in Keyser,WV.
WRONG is also available through the standard download sources (iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon). WRONG is the first release on the Wildflow Unlimited record label which seeks to feature and promote artists on vinyl.

To listen to tracks from WRONG:

To purchase:
CD Baby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/anthonywrogers
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wrong/id961124565
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SQ0MFT0/ref=dm_ws_sp_ps_dp
UK Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrong-Explicit-Anthony-W-Rogers/dp/B00SRF2V5C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423153891&sr=8-1&keywords=anthony+w+rogers+wrong

Direct contact for 180 gram Solar Mountain Records, Keyser, WV. 304 788-1055,
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SOLAR-MOUNTAIN-RECORDS/179968760251

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