Author Archives: glassonyonpr

Prog Keyboardist Leon Alvarado To Release Third Album Featuring Former King Crimson and Peter Gabriel Members!

Leon Alvarado cover 2014

For Immediate Release

Prog Keyboardist Leon Alvarado To Release Third Album Featuring Former King Crimson and Peter Gabriel Members!

“Full of atmosphere and beautifully put together.” – Steve Hackett

Houston, TX – Much to the anticipation of prog fans worldwide, keyboardist/composer Leon Alvarado will be releasing his third album ‘2014, Music from an Expanded Universe’ on October 30, 2014, the first under the Melodic Revolution Records banner. For this mini-LP, Leon enlists the guitar skills of Trey Gunn (King Crimson), the masterful drumming of Jerry Marotta (better known for his work with Peter Gabriel, as well as Orleans and later Hall and Oates) and the ambient music duo better known as “Cyber Zen Sound Engine.”

Says Leon, “The whole idea of the CD started by the need to put out some new product in between full albums. It had been a long time since I had put out new music and I decided to make sure I released something in 2014. What drove me to take the path I took was my wanting to work with some of the King Crimson guys on new music. Once the project started to take shape I kicked around some ideas regarding the packaging visuals. I have always liked the out-of-this-world look of the artwork by the recently departed Swiss artist H.R. Giger and I thought something with that sort of flavor would give the thing an air of futuristic surrealism. I think in a strange sort of way it suits the music. The actual song titles got settled in at the end of the project with the exception of ‘Blood Like Red’ which is in a way an homage to King Crimson’s music. The way I pitched the music to Trey Gunn was by describing it as a sort of ‘Crimson-Light’ type of project. So, if there is a message in this thing it would be the fact that I am consciously trying to move forward with my music while expanding the catalog with something that is fresh with creative ideas and the creative input from some very talented and well-respected musicians.”

As with many musicians, The Beatles were Leon’s first musical influence. However, as a teenager he was introduced to progressive rock via Genesis…and he was hooked. Other music artists that attracted Leon were Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Jethro Tull, Camel, Gentle Giant, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, Synergy (Larry Fast), Tomita and Vangelis. And of course, there were solid rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

Leon’s recordings date back to the late 70’s, but it wasn’t until 2008 that he released his first album, ‘Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff’. The record drew on his strongest musical influences, primarily, the many styles in Genesis’s lengthy career. By this time he had been living in the United States for some time as an award-winning designer creating, among other things, artwork for album covers and promotional posters for many of the bands and musicians he had been originally impacted by, such as Jethro Tull, Roger Waters, Phil Collins, King’s X, Yes, Genesis and Jeff Beck. Approaching the work as both soundscape and visual has given Leon unique insight into broadening the experience as a whole.

By the time ‘Strangers in Strange Places’ was released in 2010, Leon had refined his method and his vision, and it’s the audience who wins. ‘Strangers’ features Brand X’s John Goodsall on guitar and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, Earthwork) and reveals an intertwining of progressive rock and ambient textural sound that then blossoms in his third release, ‘2014, Music from an Expanded Universe’.

Not one to sit idle, Leon already has his next project slated for release in 2015, an album of original music featuring ex-Yes men, Billy Sherwood and Rick Wakeman, as well as a solo project of previously unreleased pieces. These push further into the artist’s evolution as a first foray into cinematic instrumentals and classically inspired composition.

Leon explains, “The new CD is more or less another expansion of my musical reach. It’s very different from anything I put out before and yet, it still has some of the DNA found in my other pieces of work. The name ‘2014 Music From An Expanded Universe’ is indicative of my intentions. I wanted to release a CD in 2014 and I wanted to be different from my previous work and be fresh. The expanded universe in the title refers to my personal musical universe and how I as a musician, try to take the border of my envelope and push it a bit further. At the time I was also involved in working on two other projects. One of them has a couple of ex-Yes men in it and the other is a compilation of pieces from sessions I have done throughout the years but have never been released before. For ‘2014’ I wanted to work with some of the Crimson guys that I had met over at Dreamland Studios outside of Woodstock. Dreamland is a studio operated by Jerry Marotta, the brilliantly creative drummer better known in the prog circles for his work with Peter Gabriel. It was there where I met Tony Levin and Trey Gunn. These guys weren’t only some of the best at what they do but also some of my personal musical heroes. It took well more than a year before I contacted Trey to participate in the album. I asked him if he would be interested in taking on the bass parts as well as the guitar’s and he agreed which ended up working brilliantly. Trey is the consummate professional and I got to say that working with him was a great experience. On two tracks I have Jerry Marotta’s drumming on his Taos drums kit which is a set consisting of hand-made natural log drums built by a company of the same name in New Mexico. Jerry is an extremely talented musician who happens to be a natural for percussion. The album also includes the ambient music duo of Smith6079 and Gracenotex (better known as Cyber Zen Sound Engine).”

Tracks include:
1. IRREVERENCE PART I
2. THE 2014 MICROCOSM
3. BLOOD LIKE RED
4. IRREVERENCE PART II
5. CINEMANIA “ALIVE”

In closing Leon has this to impart, “I try to create the type of music that I would like as a fan. I feel that there are many people out there that have a similar taste in music to mine. For those people, I would strongly encourage them to give it a listen because they may like what they hear. There are lots of influences in my music but my own pieces transmit their own original sound and vibe. I try to put my imprint on what I do, even when working on a cover song. I do music for music’s sake.”

To purchase:
CD Baby: https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LeonAlvarado
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/leon-alvarado/id304356695?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Melodic revolution records: http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leon-Alvarado/e/B0055PD4LC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1412696839&sr=8-1

For more information: http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado

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


Zappa/Bowie/King Crimson Guitar Legend Adrian Belew Announces Massive North America Tour!

Adrian Belew Gary and Jill Bandfield photo med res photo by Gary and Jill Bandfield

For Immediate Release

Zappa/Bowie/King Crimson Guitar Legend Adrian Belew Announces Massive North America Tour!

Asheville, NC – Adrian Belew is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist, who has released 20 critically acclaimed solo albums. He has worked alongside some of the most innovative artists of the past 30 years, including Paul Simon, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, Laurie Anderson and Nine Inch Nails. For 33 years he was the frontman, singer, and guitarist in art-rock giant King Crimson. Known as a highly inventive guitarist, much of Belew’s music mixes pop songwriting with complex time signatures, witty lyrics, wild sounds, and technical mastery of his instrument.

Adrian is happy to announce his first North American tour since the Crimson ProjeKCt tour of 2011. The tour runs from Oct 22 to Dec 21, coast to coast in the USA and hitting three Canadian Provinces.

The Adrian Belew Power Trio includes bassist Julie Slick and drummer Tobias Ralph, both virtuoso musicians, with a setlist celebrating Adrian’s massive body of work. Belew first appeared on the guitar-world radar when he toured with Frank Zappa who later said, “Adrian reinvented electric guitar”. Adrian’s signature tones, and his unique use of effects and whammy bar remain unique, and his techniques continue to be a huge influence on today’s guitarists.

Adrian has had a career that commands both awe and respect from fellow musicians and loyal fans. From his first solo record “The Lone Rhino” to his current endeavors, his work pushes sonic boundaries while maintaining artistic integrity. His upcoming projects include his groundbreaking music app “Flux: Music that is never the same twice” and his effects suite for iPad “FLUX:fx”. The focus over the next few months however is to get out and burn onstage, city by city!

USA/Canada 2014 Tour dates below:

10/22/2014 Charlottesville, VA Southern Cafe
10/23/2014 Vienna, VA Jammin Java
10/24/2014 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live
10/25/2014 Boston, MA Sinclair (early show)
10/26/2014 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
10/28/2014 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
10/29/2014 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theatre
10/30/2014 Buffalo, NY The Tralf
10/31/2014 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
11/01/2014 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk Music
11/02/2014 Turtle Lake, WI St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Event Ctr
11/04/2014 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater
11/07/2014 Vancouver, BC Rio Theatre
11/08/2014 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
11/09/2014 Seattle, WA Triple Door
11/11/2014 Sacramento, CA Harlows
11/12/2014 San Francisco, CA The Chapel
11/13/2014 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst Club
11/14/2014 Santa Monica, CA McCabes Guitar Shop
11/15/2014 Big Bear Lake, CA The Cave Big Bear
11/16/2014 San Diego, CA Casbah
11/18/2014 Scottsdale, AZ Talking Stick Resort Showroom
11/20/2014 Oklahoma City, OK Acadamy Of Contemporary Music @ UCO
11/21/2014 St. Louis, MO Old Rockhouse
11/22/2014 Nashville, TN 12th & Porter
12/03/2014 Asheville, NC New Mountain Theatre
12/04/2014 Atlanta, GA Terminal West
12/05/2014 Carborro, NC Cats Cradle
12/06/2014 Annapolis, MD Rams Head
12/07/2014 Sellersville PA Sellersville Theater
12/09/2014 Dunellen, NJ NJProghouse Presents Roxy And Dukes
12/10/2014 Bay Shore, NY YMCA Boulton Center
12/11/2014 Falls River, MA Narrows Center For The Arts
12/12/2014 Laval, QC Salle Andre-Mathieu
12/13/2014 Quebec City, QC Salle Sylvain Lelilevre
12/14/2014 Trois-Rivieres, QC Salle J-Antonio Thompson
12/16/2014 Gatineau, QC Maison des Culture
12/17/2014 Toronto, ON Mod Club
12/18/2014 Ferndale, MI Magic Bag
12/19/2014 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
12/20/2014 Knoxville, TN The International
12/21/2014 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theatre

For more information: http://www.adrianbelew.net/

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


Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Releases ‘KillSmith And The Greenfire Empire’ – The Last Rock Opera

Neal Smith GreenFire CD Cover_jpeg

For Immediate Release

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Releases ‘KillSmith And The Greenfire Empire’ – The Last Rock Opera

Westport, CT – From Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame drummer, song writer and founding Alice Cooper band member, comes his latest killer album. Neal’s most recent album, the third in his critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith series that has garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide. And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time “KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire” weaves a tapestry of musical styles to tell the “GreenFire” story along with a little help from his friends.

Is this conceptual heavy metal adventure, being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie! The story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes “Diablos the Emerald King” the most ruthless, furious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins. The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called “GreenFire.” As GreenFire’s deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called “Blue Soul Land.” The havoc it creates in “Blue Soul Land” and with grave consequences it unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero who’s nicknamed “KillSmith.” “GreenFire Born Of Poison” is the first single off of the album.

Says Neal, “My newest album/CD “KillSmith & The GreenFire empire” is my first concept album since the glory gory days of the band “Alice Cooper.” It’s a story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes “Diablos the Emerald King” the most ruthless, ferocious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins. The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called “GreenFire.” As GreenFire’s deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called “Blue Soul Land.” The havoc it creates in “Blue Soul Land” unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero nicknamed “KillSmith” with grave consequences. Is “KillSmith & The GreenFire empire,” the new heavy metal concept adventure CD being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie?”

KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire features: Neal Smith, lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar and synthesizer. Peter Catucci, bass guitar, backing vocals and lead vocals on “Noelle No Wonder.” Very special guests performances by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger, backing vocals and intro lead vocals on “I Want Money.” Kevin Franklin, lead guitar. Pete “Keys” Hickey, synthesizer and keyboards. The amazing Hubert Martin lead vocals on “Good Morning Blue Soul Land.” Joe Meo, saxophone. Rick Tedesco, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Doug Wahlberg, lead guitar.

Neal Smith and Kachina records presents “KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire”

Tracks:

1. BLESSINGS AND CURSES
2. GOOD MORNING BLUE SOUL LAND
3. SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER
4. THE KILL$MITH ÖVERTURE
5. PALACIO de ESMERALDAS
6. GREENFIRE – BORN OF PÖISON
7. I WANT MONEY
8. PÄNDEMÖNIUM
9. I REMEMBER BLUE SOUL LAND
10. DEATH TO THE KING
11. NOELLE NO WONDER

To purchase Autographed CD’s:

NealSmithRocks.com – Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (Autographed CD’s available NOW!)

Store

To purchase CD’s & digital downloads:

CD Baby – Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (CD’s available NOW! plus digital album and song downloads)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/nealsmith4

To purchase digital downloads:

iTunes – Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!)
https://itunes.apple.com/bf/album/killsmith-greenfire-empire/id907441353

Amazon.com – Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!) Listen to 30 second samples of all songs!

Amazon.com UK – Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!) Listen to 30 second samples of all songs!

Neal Smith is best known worldwide for his innovative drumming and outrageous stage antics with the original Alice Cooper band. His solid drumming is the hallmark sound behind such classic 1970’s Alice Cooper hits as “School’s Out”, “I’m Eighteen”, “Billion Dollar Babies” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy”. Neal is also a prolific songwriter, who helped pen many of the groups best known songs. Alice Cooper was the first band to introduce theatrics to the rock and roll stage, the group has sold over 25 million records worldwide. Neal has six gold and five platinum records to his credit and has performed before millions on extensive grand world tours from the late 1970s to the present. Smith’s trademark drum style can be heard on additional albums, including the Billion Dollar Babies “Battle Axe,” The Plasmatics “Beyond The Valley Of 1984.” Buck Dharma “Flat Out.” Deadringer “Electrocution Of The Heart.” Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith “Back From Hell” and “BDS Live In Paris.” Cinematik “Cinematik” and “One Full Moon Away.” And Neal’s most recent critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith. KillSmith CD’s “Sexual Savior” and “KillSmith Two” garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide. And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time “KillSmith And The GreenFire” weaves a tapestry of musical styles to tell the “GreenFire” story with a little help from his friends.

KillSmith And The GreenFire Empire features: Neal Smith, lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar and synthesizer. Peter Catucci, bass guitar, backing vocals and lead vocals on “Noelle No Wonder.” Very special guests performances by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger, backing vocals and intro lead vocals on “I Want Money.” Kevin Franklin, lead guitar. Pete “Keys” Hickey, synthesizer and keyboards. The amazing Hubert Martin lead vocals on “Good Morning Blue Soul Land.” Joe Meo, saxophone. Rick Tedesco, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Doug Wahlberg, lead guitar.

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

2014 has been a great year for the five members of the original Alice Cooper band. In February the Super Audio CD “SACD” was released for the bands “Billion Dollar Babies” album. The bands album that reached number one topping the record charts in April 1972 in Billboard, Record World and Cash Box magazines.

In April of 2014 the documentary movie “Super Duper Alice Cooper” was premiered at the New York’s Tribeca Film Festival.

The film festival also premiered the movie “Super Minch.” The amazing story about the Alice Cooper bands illustrious manager and friend, Shep Gordon.


Spiders & Snakes Celebrate 25th Anniversary With 9th Studio Album Year Of The Snake Featuring Guest Appearances from Members of Fishbone, Asia, Yes, Steeler, Bitch, London & More!

Spiders Cdbook-f-d6 (1)

For Immediate Release

Spiders & Snakes Celebrate 25th Anniversary With 9th Studio Album Year Of The Snake Featuring Guest Appearances from Members of Fishbone, Asia, Yes, Steeler, Bitch, London & More!

Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood’s underground glam-metal rockers SPIDERS & SNAKES celebrate their 25th Anniversary with their 9th studio album – and first since 2008’s Melodrama (distributed by E1) – full of 10 new original glitter-rock anthems and a gloriously campy remake of the 1978 ANGEL hit “I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore”, featuring guest appearances from members of 80s L.A. Metal legends STEELER and BITCH. The album will be released on digital stores worldwide on October 28th, 2014 on the Sansei Records Label.

On Year Of The Snake, band founders Lizzie Grey (guitars/vocals) and Tim Yasui (drums/keys/vocals) are joined by Phil St. Vincent on bass/vocals and former SWEET SAVAGE lead guitarist/vocalist Chris Sheridan. The album shows off this lineup’s songwriting depth as each band member shares their lead vocal chops and songwriting duties – differentiating this album from previous releases sung mainly by front man Lizzie Grey.

Guest appearances by Angelo Moore (FISHBONE), Billy Sherwood (YES), Ryo Okumoto (ASIA) and Dave Soble (THE FREEWHEELERS) “put the album above and beyond even our own expectations” says front man Lizzie Grey, who was recently put back in the spotlight after the re-release of the Penelope Spheeris classic film “Decline of Western Civilization: The Metal Years” as the leader of the infamous Hollywood band LONDON.

The album was mixed by Anthony Focx (STEVEN TYLER, VINCE NEIL, NIGHTRANGER, TED NUGENT) in Nashville and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (ROB HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, DOKKEN, YES, SEPULTURA) in Los Angeles.

A 25th Anniversary and official Record Release party will be held at the Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood (location of their first show back in 1990) on Thursday, December 18th, 2014 at 8:00pm.

STREAMING SONG SAMPLE “Kawasaki City” featuring Ryo Okumoto

Track Listing:

1. Don’t Step Outta Line (featuring Angelo Moore from FISHBONE)
2. Too Angry (featuring Angelo Moore from FISHBONE)
3. Kawasaki City (featuring Ryo Okumoto from ASIA)
4. Neutron Baby
5. Driving Me Crazy
6. Hey You
7. Hello
8. Crazy
9. Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore (featuring Rik Fox from STEELER, Betsy Weiss from BITCH)
10. Over And Over (featuring Dave Soble from THE FREEWHEELERS)
11. The Digital Church (featuring Billy Sherwood from YES)

Website: http://www.spidersandsnakes.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spiders-and-Snakes/208670952570091

Order from Amazon: http://geni.us/1GIJ
Order from iTunes: http://geni.us/1VVU

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


Roger Waters Guitar Legend Dave Kilminster Releases Long Awaited New Solo Album …and THE TRUTH will set you free… OUT NOW!

Dave Kilminster The Truth Cover med res

For Immediate Release

Roger Waters Guitar Legend Dave Kilminster Releases Long Awaited New Solo Album
…and THE TRUTH will set you free… OUT NOW!

London, UK – Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, is preparing to release an exciting new rock album titled ‘…and THE TRUTH will set you free…’! This incredible project sees Dave reunited with drummer Pete Riley and bassist Phil Williams who toured with Dave as part of the Keith Emerson Band, and also recorded with Dave on his first solo rock album ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’.

Says Dave about his new CD, “I returned from THE WALL tour, both exhausted and exhilarated, and ready to direct all of that inspiration, passion and creativity into a new project. A year later, I held the master for this album in my hand… knowing it’s undoubtedly the best solo work I’ve ever done…”

For the last eight years Dave was the featured lead guitarist with ROGER WATERS, joining Roger on his last two record breaking world tours; ‘THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON LIVE’, and (the highest grossing tour by a solo act EVER) ‘THE WALL LIVE’!

Critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring and collaborating a number of years with ELP legend Keith Emerson, fans will also know Dave from his work along side luminaries John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes, Guthrie Govan and John Young, among others.

Dave has released a series of instructional DVDs for Lick Library after the success of his global satellite series ‘Killer Guitar’. Dave also won the inaugural ‘Guitarist of the Year’ competition, run by Guitarist magazine.

Watch the promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmE9ATrlckI

TRACK LIST:

1. MESSIAH
2. ADDICT
3. THIEVES
4. CIRCLES
5. SAVE ME
6. CASSIOPEIA
7. THE FALLEN
8. STARDUST
To purchase …and THE TRUTH will set you free…:

ALSO AVAILABLE:
DAVE KILMINSTER – SCARLET THE DIRECTOR’S CUT

MURRAY HOCKRIDGE & DAVE KILMINSTER – CLOSER TO EARTH

DAVE KILMINSTER – PLAYING WITH FIRE (digital only)

For more information: http://davidkilminster.com/

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


Keyboard Legend Keith Emerson’s 70th Birthday Tribute Concert – Long Island, NY – Oct. 10 & 11, 2014

Keith Emerson South Shore-Symphony-FB-Cover

For Immediate Release

Keyboard Legend Keith Emerson’s 70th Birthday Tribute Concert – Long Island, NY – Oct. 10 & 11, 2014

New York, NY – The South Shore Symphony Orchestra presents Keith Emerson’s 70th Birthday Tribute Concert – The Classical Legacy of a Rock Star Featuring: Keith Emerson! The concerts will be held at The Madison Theatre at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York on October 10 (Fri) at 8:00PM and October 11 (Sat) at 8:00PM.

Along with performing, Keith Emerson will be conducting his own composition “Glorietta Pass”, orchestrated by Kjetil Bjerkestrand. The piece has never been recorded in orchestrated form. Also featured on Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977), pianist Jeffrey Biegel, originator of the project.

Program
Scott Jackson Wiley: Conductor and Music Director
Keith Emerson: Glorietta Pass (Conducted by Keith Emerson)
Keith Emerson: Piano Concerto No. 1 (1977) – Jeffrey Biegel: Piano Soloist
Mussorgsky/Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
Keith Emerson’s Piano Solos – Titles: TBA

Featuring:
Keith Emerson, Conductor
Keith Emerson & Jeffrey Biegel, Piano
Scott Jackson Wiley, Conductor and Musical Director
A very special thanks to Wayne Lipton, President of South Shore Symphony and Cellist

Ticket info:
http://madisontheatreny.org/current-season/the-south-shore-symphony-the-classical-legacy-of-a-rock-star-featuring-keith-emerson-2/
Tickets: $30, $45 and $55

For more information:
http://www.keithemerson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KEITH.EMERSON.OFFICIALPAGE
“LIKE!” and post your comment about this event on Keith Emerson Official Facebook Page

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


Kinks Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Davies To Release New Album ‘Rippin Up Time’!

Dave Davies Rippin Up Time Cover med res

For Immediate Release

Kinks Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Davies To Release New Album ‘Rippin Up Time’!

London, UK – The man who forever changed the sound of rock ‘n’ roll when he invented distortion, Kinks legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material called ‘Rippin’ Up Time’ on New York based Red River Entertainment. Produced by Dave Davies & David Nolte, the new CD features 10 original new songs written in the classic Kinks style that fans of all ages will want to hear. Listen to ‘Rippin Up Time’ here.

Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960’s and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song “You Really Got Me”. Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: “ ‘You Really Got Me’, ‘All Day And All Of The Night’ … were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre … The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock.” In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, “As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave’s massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day.”

Dave explains that ‘Rippin Up Time’ is about “a man’s reflections of the past, his fears, anxieties and optimism about the present and hopeful expectations about the future. I had a lot of ideas in my head thinking about the past and how we started and the Kinks and my own life and the present and what’s happening with my life now and concerns and worries, anxieties about the future. I suddenly had an image of all the times overlapping as if they’re all in one place in my mind. I thought I’d just write it from the point of view of a dream. It’s a mixture of emotions that I was going through as I was writing the songs, some would be happy or reflective or sad.”

Hard hitting tracks “Johnny Adams”, “Nosey Neighbours” and title track “Rippin Up Time” show Dave’s classic riffs, distinctive singing and playing style while songs like “Semblance of Sanity” and “Mindwash” take the listener to otherworldly, inner landscapes. Dave’s son musician/producer Russ Davies’ appearance is a surprise treat with his smokey vocals on “In the Old Days” and “Through my Window”. Says Dave, “It was wonderful working with my son Russ Davies and old friend David Nolte on this project and am really excited about the album.” Dave’s accent and cockney brogue gives a delightful English flavour to many tracks. He shows his sensitive side in the pensive, futuristic ballad “Between the Towers” while “King of Karaoke” takes a humorous look at many people’s favorite pastime. David Nolte’s musical contributions and thoughtful co-production throughout ‘Rippin Up Time’ reveals an inspiring creative collaboration. Former E1 and PolyGram executive Bob Frank’s Red River label which is distributed via Sony RED in the US is proud to be releasing ‘Rippin Up Time’ due out on October 28, 2014.

In a recent interview with Andy Greene of Rolling Stone, Dave imparted, “I like to work quick. You want to attack an idea when it’s living and breathing. I didn’t want to reach the stage where I heard the songs so many times I began to second guess myself, which has happened in the past.” (read the entire Rolling Stone interview here)

Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single “Death of a Clown”, to experimental Kinks records like ‘Village Green Preservation Society’ and ‘Arthur’ as well as the classic ‘Lola’ in the 70’s. In the 80’s Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled ‘Dave Davies’ or ‘AFL1-3603’ named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80’s on hit Kinks albums ‘Low Budget’ and ‘State of Confusion’. In the 90’s he released more solo work such as ‘Bug’ and the compilation ‘Unfinished Business’. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like ‘The Sopranos’, which used his tune “Living On A Thin Line”. His tell-all autobiographical book ‘Kink’ was well received in the late 90’s as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies in the Aschere Project to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album ‘Two Worlds’. The film ‘Mystical Journey’, directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave’s longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary ‘Kinkdom Kome’). In 2013 Dave released ‘I Will Be Me’ on Cleopatra Records. No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.

Ever the visionary legend always ahead of his time, from slashing up a speaker cone all those years ago to his new release ‘Rippin In Time’, Dave Davies, rocks the past, present and, no doubt, the future!

Tracks include:
1. Ripping Up Time
2. Semblance of Sanity
3. King of Karaoke
4. Front Room
5. Johnny Adams
6. Nosey Neighbours
7. Mindwash
8. Between the Towers
9. In The Old Days
10. Through My Window

Dave Davies ‘Rippin Up Time’ is available for pre-order on Amazon

Dave Davies embarks a 13-date American solo tour beginning November 11th in Milwaukee. He will be performing several songs from the new album, along with all the Kinks classics!

Dave Davies tour dates:

11th Nov, 2014 – Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
12th Nov, 2014 – City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL
13th Nov, 2014 – City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL
14th Nov, 2014 – The Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
18th Nov, 2014 – Pullo Center, York, PA.
19th Nov, 2014 – The Center for Arts in Natick, Natick, MA
20th Nov, 2014 – Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
21st Nov, 2014 – Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
22nd Nov, 2014 – Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem, PA
24th Nov, 2014 – City Winery, New York, NY
25th Nov, 2014 – City Winery, New York, NY
26th Nov, 2014 – The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA
28th Nov, 2014 – BergenPAC, Englewood, NJ

Kinks news!

On October 14, Legacy Recordings will celebrate 50 years of Kinkdom with the historic release of ‘The Essential Kinks’, the first-ever career-spanning retrospective anthology comprised of key recordings made for the Pye/Reprise, RCA, Arista and Columbia labels (track list below), and fully endorsed by the band. On November 10, Legacy will release an expanded CD/DVD deluxe edition of ‘Muswell Hillbillies’, The Kinks’ 1971 masterpiece of working class social observation, a musical statement remarkably relevant in today’s world. Newly remastered from the original analog tapes, ‘Muswell Hillbillies’ includes the original album in its entirety as well as nine bonus tracks (seven of them previously unavailable in North America), and a DVD of rare 1972 television appearances (never released in North America).
For more information: http://www.legacyrecordings.com

Dave Davies official website: http://davedavies.com/
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Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
For additional inquiries, contact: ddmusic.media@gmail.com


Captain Beefheart ‘Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977’ Rare Concert Recording Now Available!

Captain Beefheart Paris ticket

For Immediate Release

Captain Beefheart ‘Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977’ Rare Concert Recording Now Available!

London, UK – Much to the excitement of Captain Beefheart fans worldwide, Gonzo Multimedia just released on DBL CD a rare live recording of the Captain in concert at the Le Nouvel Hippodrome in Paris on November 19, 1977! Don Van Vliet (born Don Glen Vliet; January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician, singer-songwriter, artist and poet known by the stage name Captain Beefheart. His musical work was conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians called the Magic Band (1965–1982), with whom he recorded 13 studio albums. Noted for his powerful singing voice with its wide range, Van Vliet also played the harmonica, saxophone and numerous other wind instruments. His music blended rock, blues and psychedelia with avant-garde and contemporary experimental composition. Beefheart was also known for exercising an almost dictatorial control over his supporting musicians, and for often constructing myths about his life.

During his teen years in Lancaster, California, Van Vliet developed an eclectic musical taste and formed friendship with Frank Zappa, with whom he sporadically collaborated. He began performing with his Captain Beefheart persona in 1964 and joined the original Magic Band line-up, initiated by Alexis Snouffer, in 1965. The group drew attention with their cover of Bo Diddley’s “Diddy Wah Diddy”, which became a regional hit. It was followed by their acclaimed debut album ‘Safe As Milk’, released in 1967 on Buddah Records. After being dropped by two consecutive record labels, they signed to Zappa’s Straight Records. As producer, Zappa granted Beefheart unrestrained artistic freedom in making 1969’s ‘Trout Mask Replica’, which ranked 58th in Rolling Stone magazine’s 2003 list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. In 1974, frustrated by lack of commercial success, he released two albums of more conventional rock music that were critically panned; this move, combined with not having been paid for a European tour, and years of enduring Beefheart’s strict discipline, led the entire band to quit. Beefheart eventually formed a new Magic Band with a group of younger musicians and regained contemporary approval through three final albums: ‘Shiny Beast (Bat Chain Puller)’ (1978), ‘Doc At The Radar Station’ (1980) and ‘Ice Cream For Crow’ (1982).

Van Vliet has been described as “…one of modern music’s true innovators” with “…a singular body of work virtually unrivaled in its daring and fluid creativity.” Although he achieved little commercial or mainstream critical success, he sustained a cult following as a ‘highly significant’ and ‘incalculable’ influence on an array of New Wave, punk, post-punk, experimental and alternative rock musicians. Known for his enigmatic personality and relationship with the public, Van Vliet made few public appearances after his retirement from music (and from his Beefheart persona) in 1982. He pursued a career in art, an interest that originated in his childhood talent for sculpture, and a venture that proved to be his most financially secure. His expressionist paintings and drawings command high prices, and have been exhibited in art galleries and museums across the world. Van Vliet died in 2010, having suffered from multiple sclerosis for many years.

This extraordinary record catches the Captain at his best; live on stage in 1977. A few days after the show he said:

“This band is so good – the best I have ever had! They play with a smile. They really breathe up there when they are playing. After all this time I have finally found the band I’m looking for. It’s amazing! Playing with this group is like going for a walk: they are so happy when they play. People I meet from the audience have been coming up and telling me how pleased they are that I have finally found a band that I am content with – and they are right.

“The gig we played in Paris was monstrous. It was three days ago, but I haven’t slept since – it was so good! And my voice, well, I can still feel that show in my voice. It hit me so hard I am down to three octaves …. I couldn’t get over the way the audience was singing along with it, singing the words back at me in English – and I don’t speak a word of French.

“This group, I tell you, I couldn’t believe that there were such nice people still around on this earth. True, they are playing what I have written, but they really are playing. This band is moving so fast that very soon I won’t have to tell them anything. I really must say this band is the best …”

Tracks:
1. Hair Pie: Bake III
2. Suction Prints
3. Low Yo Yo Stuff
4. Bat Chain Puller
5. I Wanna Find A Woman That’ll Hold My Big Toe Till I Have To Go
6. Abba Zabba
7. Dali’s Car
8. One Nest Rolls After Another
9. The Dust Blows Forward and the Dust Blows Back
10. Nowadays a Woman’s Got To Hit a Man
11. Click Clack
12. Grow Fins
13. Golden Birdies

Disc II

14. Electricity
15. A Carrot Is As Close As a Rabbit Gets To a Diamond.
16. China Pig
17. Sun Zoom Spark
18. My Human Gets Me Blues
19. Floppy Boot Stomp
20. Moonlight on Vermont
21. Carson City
22. Old Black Snake
23. Pachuco Cadaver
24. Veteran’s Day Poppy/Band Intro
25. The Blimp
26. Big Eyed Beans From Venus

To purchase Captain Beefheart ‘Le Nouvel Hippodrome, Paris 1977’ DBL CD: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15713/Captain_Beefheart_and_his_Magi-Le_Nouvel_Hippodrome,_Paris_1977.html

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


World-Renowned Guitar Player Steve Hunter Releases Live CD & DVD ‘Tone Poems Live’

Steve Hunter_DVD_cover med res

For Immediate Release

World-Renowned Guitar Player Steve Hunter Releases Live CD & DVD ‘Tone Poems Live’

“Steve is a wonderful musician with great chops and a big heart.” – Peter Gabriel

Los Angeles, CA – For the first time ever, Blues Rock Guitarist Steve Hunter, renowned for his work with Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper, is captured on film playing a career-spanning anthology in an intimate setting with some of the worlds finest players.

Also featuring Tony Levin, Phil Aaberg and Alvino Bennett!

The DVD, titled ‘Tone Poems Live’, was filmed on August 24th 2013 at a recording studio in LA. Alongside Steve was Tony Levin on Bass (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) Phil Aaberg on Keyboards (Elvin Bishop, Peter Gabriel) Alvino Bennett on Drums (Dave Mason, Robin Trower).

They rehearsed for two days and filmed on the third day as though it were in front of an audience. Fourteen tunes, each played twice, with no overdubs added later. The material was chosen from most of Steve’s solo albums plus a few covers, including ‘Solsbury Hill’ ‘What’s Going On’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s ‘Riviera Paradise’.

“The soulful notes that Steve Hunter plays have the perfect balance of fat warm tone, taste and personality” – Steve Vai

This is the first time Steve Hunter has ever been filmed doing his own material plus material of his own choice. Steve is now legally blind and although not out of the question, touring has become more of a challenge. The recording session was produced and recorded by Brian Brinkerhoff and Paul Lani.

Tony Levin: “Steve is one of those wonderful musicians who speaks from the heart”

Phil Aaberg: “There’s something about the subtlety, the texture and the tone quality that he gets with an individual note, to me that’s a great guitar player”

Alvino Bennett: “I’m hearing all three Kings; Albert, BB and Freddy”

Jason Becker: “I can’t put into words how much your soul comes out of your fingers. Everyone should see and hear this DVD”!

Watch some of the DVD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-xsbfVypI

To purchase Steve Hunter’s ‘Tone Poems Live’ DVD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevehunter5

To purchase Steve Hunter’s ‘Tone Poems Live’ CD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevehunter4

Steve Hunter’s website: http://www.stevehunter.com
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com


Original Judas Priest Vocalist Al Atkins and Guitar Virtuoso Paul May To Release Third Atkins May Project Album ‘Empire Of Destruction’

4 ALBUM  COVER med res

For Immediate Release

Original Judas Priest Vocalist Al Atkins and Guitar Virtuoso Paul May To Release Third Atkins May Project Album ‘Empire Of Destruction’

“Empire of Destruction’ offers an Apocalyptic Vision with a Message of Hope”

London, UK – After the Success of their first two albums ‘Serpents Kiss’ and ‘Valley Of Shadows’, the Atkins May Project returns in grand style, with yet another Colossal Album of Gargantuan Proportions!

Like its predecessors ‘Empire Of Destruction’ comes once again straight out of the heart of “Black Country” in the UK, the “Home of Metal”! The album continues its Classic Rock theme with enough metal moments to melt your face off, yet features an abundance of imagination and class to intrigue even the most progressive of tastes.

Says Al, “From ‘World at War’ to ‘Whisper to the Wind’ it will take you on a journey of battle fields to sombre tears…”

Again boasting a superb collection of immense Rock and Metal tracks with standout vocals throughout from Atkins (sounding like he’s gargled with razor blades for breakfast!) To the tasteful guitar work of musical virtuoso May, who still shreds the axe like the old guitar masters themselves. All in all another Authoritative release from these Classic British Rock Merchants.

Says Paul, “Our first album ‘Serpents Kiss’ set the bench mark for the second ‘Valley of Shadows’, a mature classic metal affair, that in turn set a much higher new bench mark for ‘Empire of Destruction’, which has evolved into something I believe will stand the test of time, an to be album to proud of.”

Al Atkins: Noted for forming UK’s Judas Priest and fronting them for four years and laying down the foundations which would see them eventually selling 40 million albums worldwide. He also wrote songs for them which went gold like “Dreamer Deceiver”, “Never Satisfied”, “Winter”, “Caviar and Meths” and Priest’s all time classic “Victim of Changes”. Al’s unique powerful vocal style sites influences by noted rock singers Roger Daltrey, Paul Rodgers and longtime friend Robert Plant. Al has done countless radio and TV interviews worldwide and recently featured in the BBC TV ‘British Heritage’. He has even written a book on his musical life about growing up in Birmingham, UK alongside Robert Plant and Black Sabbath called ‘Dawn of the Metal Gods’. Al has released 6 solo albums to date, and teamed up with brilliant Christian writer/guitarist Paul May to record their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Serpent’s Kiss’.

Paul May: Some people learn to play guitar, Paul was born to play guitar! Paul has become respected for his passionate, soulful guitar work and noted for his explosive and exciting solos. As a world class professional guitarist and songwriter, Paul has played and recorded sessions across the globe, touring and playing throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Eastern block. Paul appears on around 50 albums to date, featured in both the secular and Christian arenas. Paul is also a record producer and has covered the entire spectrum of musical tastes in production.

Now with the release of the new Atkins May Project CD, the dichotomous duo are ready once again to bring their special brand of rock and metal to the masses. If standing in a Wind Tunnel and being hit in the stomach by a bowling ball is your kind of album … rush out and buy it!

The first 1,000 CD’s comes with a limited edition DVD!

Atkins May Project – ‘Empire Of Destruction’ CD sampler:

Release date: September 29, 2014

Atkins May Project – ‘Empire Of Destruction’ is available through Gonzo MultiMedia and can be purchased at: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15720

For more information: http://www.atkinsmayproject.com ;

Al Atkins: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Al-Atkins-OFFICIAL/230067500390122?fref=ts

Paul May: http://www.paulmaymusic.co.uk

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