Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2014/03/14

Goldmine Review of Getting the Holy Ghost Across by Bill Nelson

By glassonyonpr

Bill Nelson Getting the Holy Ghost Across

Bill Nelson – not Be Bop, but still Deluxe

March 12, 2014 | Dave Thompson

Be Bop Deluxe were an interesting band. Regardless of whether or not you actually liked them (and a lot of people didn’t, which is why they remained a defiantly second division act in terms of rock history), they never failed to fascinate; and, in so doing, erected an aura around themselves that defied you to ever reject them out of hand.

They certainly traced a fascinating musical trajectory, from the studied-chic glam of their debut Axe Victim, to the icicle new wave of their farewell Drastic Plastic, Be Bop essentially delineated the course that British rock’s most potent obsessions would trace through the decade, and did so with just enough of a head start that only David Bowie could really claim to have topped them as an influence.

“Ships In The Night,” their sole major hit single, remains a pristine moment of pomp amid the drudgery of 1976, and Modern Music, their best-selling album (#12, fact fans) prefigured punk with a potency that only Zig’s Low could otherwise reach for. And that came out a few months later.

As Brian Eno probably didn’t really say about the Velvet Underground, but that hasn’t stopped people repeating it, not many people listened to Be Bop Deluxe. But everyone who did formed a synthipop band – and, in so doing, translated the angular cool of their role model into something that even your gran could tap toes to.

They split in 1978, which was both the right time and the wrong. Right, because it meant frontman Bill Nelson could move on to something else, something more in tune with the demands of the time… Red Noise. And wrong, because Be Bop surely had more to offer, if only because their albums-so-far had skirted across so many crucial issues that who knows what they might have posited next?

For the rest of the review, please visit the Goldmine website!

Leave a comment | posted in Bill Nelson, Review

2014/03/12

RoSfest 2014 Lineup To Feature Prog Legends Caravan, Beardfish, Collage, Sound Of Contact, Clepsydra and Others – May 2-4, 2014

By glassonyonpr

RoSfest Poster

For Immediate Release

RoSfest 2014 Lineup To Feature Prog Legends Caravan, Beardfish, Collage, Sound Of Contact, Clepsydra and Others – May 2-4, 2014

Featuring Caravan, Beardfish, Clepsydra, Elephants of Scotland, Sound of Contact, Thank You Scientist, Fright Pig, Red Sand, Subsignal and Collage!

Gettysburg, PA – The most anticipated music festival of 2014, the legendary RoSfest, will take place this year May 2-4, 2014, and will feature progressive rock icons Caravan, Beardfish, Collage, Clepsydra, Sound Of Contact and others! The Rites of Spring Festival, or RoSfest as it’s commonly called, is an annual progressive rock festival held every spring in Gettysburg, PA. RoSfest is in its 11th year, and are thrilled to be presenting UK prog icons Caravan, who has not performed in the US in many years, along with 9 other amazing bands this year. RoSfest has always been at the forefront of bringing new and upcoming progressive rock bands to an American audience, while also bringing in bands that were at their peak during the heyday of prog rock in the 70’s. This year’s lineup features 10 bands over three days, with Friday night’s show featuring Clepsydra (Switzerland) and Caravan (UK). Saturday’s show features Elephants of Scotland (US), Sound of Contact (UK), Thank You Scientist (US), and Beardfish (Sweden). Sunday’s lineup features Fright Pig (US), Red Sand (Canada), Subsignal (Germany), and Collage (Poland). All three days feature a strong lineup with a mix of different sounds and styles within progressive rock.

Says George Roldan, founder of RoSfest, “It’s really an honor to be featuring a classic band like Caravan at RoSfest. They are so well known in the genre, and they have been very instrumental in developing the Canterbury sound that has become familiar to prog fans. We really are thrilled to host Caravan’s first show on American soil in years. Our Sunday night headliner, Collage, is one of the most famous bands in Polish progressive rock, and indeed Polish music in general. They’ve just reunited, and this will be their biggest show in years, so we are honored that they agreed to perform at RoSfest for this special occasion. In addition to the classic bands, we also continue to bring in new rising stars of progressive rock, such as Sound of Contact, which is a project from Simon Collins, Phil Collins’ son, and they bring a refreshing modern sound to the genre. This whole lineup is incredible, and we’re looking forward to bringing all of these wonderful bands to the stage!”

With a history going back to 1968, Caravan is one of a dwindling amount of bands around that merits a description as living legends. They were one of the two principal bands in the Canterbury Scene, a movement that saw bands blending elements from progressive rock and fusion with whimsical lyrics, quirky instrumental movements and a distinct English sound – but often without any major superficial likeness shared between the bands subscribed to this style. Caravan peaked commercially early on, with 1971’s ‘In the Land of Grey and Pink’ their best-selling album. Their early 70’s albums in general are all considered classics today, and while they never made much of an impact in the UK or US in these early days their stature have continued to grow following the resurgence of interest in progressive rock. Following spells of inactivity in the 1980’s and 90’s Caravan have been a mostly going concern since 1995, albeit with a number of line-up alterations along the way. The current incarnation of the band dates back to 2010 and consists of Pye Hastings, Geoffrey Richardson, Jan Schelhaas, Jim Leverton and Mark Walker. Twelve years have gone by since Caravan had their last triumphant return to the US at Nearfest.
Caravan official website: http://www.caravan-info.co.uk/
Caravan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCaravan

While Beardfish is still regarded by many as a fairly new band on the scene they have actually been around for more than a decade already, with seven full length albums to their name. Initially renowned for their fairly eclectic take on retro-progressive rock they have developed towards a harder edged variety of that sound in later years, firmly documented on their 2012 album ‘The Void’. An album they finished promoting in October 2013.
Official website – http://www.beardfishband.com
facebook – https://www.facebook.com/beardfish

Says George Roldan, “As many will see from the bands we have signed for 2014, RoSfest is in development. There’s a steadily increasing number of fine new bands that comes forth that we feel deserve the chance to play at a festival such as ours. Some established with a small following already, others are fresh entities just starting out. We feel we have an obligation to the best of those new artists to make them somewhat better known, especially when conditions for recording artists in general and new artists in particular are as challenging as they are. All of them represent the finest quality in music of course, we do owe our audience a high quality festival after all. They are just not that well known yet. We do take care to sign better known bands too. Newly reunited Clepsydra and Collage for instance, Beardfish as one of the top names among the new generation of progressive rock bands, and in Caravan we managed to sign one of the few remaining giants from the golden age. But all in all RoSfest 2014 has a somewhat higher percentage of lesser known bands than before. We hope our audience understand and support this slight alteration in approach.”

Multinational band Sound of Contact is a new player on the scene, so to speak, but with a potential that secured them a contract with prestigious label InsideOut for their first release. The instigator of this band is one Simon Collins. As a solo artist he has released three full length albums over the past decade, establishing his credentials firmly prior to venturing out into band and progressive rock circles. A vital part of his music resume and presumably more important for him than many others. Simon Collins is a vocalist and drummer both, just like his father Phil was. And Phil Collins is a musician that easily merits a description as famous. With an already established career, Simon has seen to it that he isn’t merely regarded as the son of his father when now following in his footsteps. The reception given to Sound of Contact’s debut album ‘Dimensionaut’ in 2013 emphasize that clearly, with a steadily growing number of glowing reviews following in it’s wake. Sound of Contact live, for live purposes consisting of Simon Collins (vocals, drums), Bill Jenkins (keyboards, vocals), Matt Dorsey (bass, vocals), Randy McStine (guitars) and Ronen Gordon (drums).
Website: http://www.soundofcontact.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soundofcontact
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/soundofcontact

RoSfest once again will be held at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg. Eighty years ago, the doors of the Majestic Theater opened for the first time, welcoming audiences to the largest vaudeville and silent movie theater in south-central Pennsylvania. Built by Henry Scharf as an annex to the historic Gettysburg Hotel, the theater seated 1,200 patrons and proudly served as the cultural crossroads of commerce, college, and community.
MAJESTIC THEATER
25 Carlisle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Majestic Theater website – http://www.gettysburgmajestic.org/ and click BUY TICKET Tab and scroll down to the show to purchase tickets.

RoSfest Schedule:

Friday May 2nd
Clepsydra – 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Caravan – 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Saturday May 3rd
Elephants of Scotland – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Sound of Contact – 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Thank you Scientist – 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Beardfish – 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Sunday May 4th
Fright Pig – 11:00 am to 12:30 pm
Red Sand – 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Subsignal – 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Collage – 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm

Also, doors will be opened at 5:00 pm on Friday, 10:00 am Saturday-Sunday; doors will be closed every night at 11:30 pm.

Gold Tickets for RoSfest 2014 are on sale. The order link can be found on the RoSfest homepage Direct link: http://rosfest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=120
Regular seat tickets may only be purchased on the Majestic Theater website or through the box office by calling (717) 337-8200, or in person at 25 Carlisle Street during box office hours (Sunday: 3-7:30 pm, Monday-Saturday: 12 noon-7:30 pm).
Single day passes go on sale Friday March 14th at the Majestic Theater box office for all three days and online.

For more information: http://www.rosfest.com
Face book https://www.facebook.com/RoSfest?ref=hl
Face book group page https://www.facebook.com/groups/rosfest/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Clepsydra, Press Release, RoSFest 2014, Sound of Contact

2014/03/10

New CD Release By Indonesian Guitar Virtuoso DEWA BUDJANA featuring JIMMY JOHNSON & VINNIE COLAIUTA ‘Surya Namaskar’ Now Available On MoonJune Records

By glassonyonpr

budjana-suryua-promo-pix med

For Immediate Release

New CD Release By Indonesian Guitar Virtuoso DEWA BUDJANA featuring JIMMY JOHNSON & VINNIE COLAIUTA ‘Surya Namaskar’ Now Available On MoonJune Records

New York, NY – Dewa Budjana, Indonesian iconic guitar legend of Balinese ethnic heritage, is releasing his 3rd album (his 7th solo effort on his parallel jazz-fusion career) on MoonJune Records; the New York City independent label of progressive music that explores boundaries of jazz, rock, avant-garde, ethno & the unknown, run by its cosmopolitan honcho and executive producer Leonardo Pavkovic.

Recorded in Los Angeles by the world renowned engineer Robert Feist (who recorded Stevie Nicks, Anita Baker, and 8 albums of Allan Holdsworth, among many others) during two sessions in January and October of 2013, Surya Namaskar (Salute to the Sun, in Budjana‘s native Balinese language) represents a significant change from Dewa Budjana‘s last album, Joged Kahyangan. While bassist Jimmy Johnson (Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor, Flim & the BB’s) is back from that session, this time the drummer is the much in-demand powerhouse Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck, Sting), with ubiquitous guitar session ace Michael Landau (James Taylor, Renegade Creation, Joni Mitchell) and drummer turned keyboardist Gary Husband (John McLaughlin, Allan Holdsworth, Jack Bruce) making valuable guest appearances on one track each.

Full of twists and turns you could never see coming, Surya Namaskar provides ample evidence that the Balinese guitarist is just as much at home in moments of pure spontaneity, ripping over a killer groove, as he is in denser, more orchestrated settings. Exploring previously-unrevealed facets of his artistic mystique, this album highlights a more instinctive, uninhibited approach to both his guitar playing and music making. Served up just-out-of-the-oven fresh and delivered with conviction and urgency, each song is its own unique, engulfing cosmic voyage.

The sum total of Surya Namaskar is most definitely greater than its individual – monstrously talented – parts. Together with his two previous MoonJune recordings – Dawai in Paradise (January, 2013) and Joged Kahyangan (October, 2013) – Surya Namaskar paints the ongoing portrait of a guitarist who may be a superstar in the Indonesian pop-rock world as a founding member of the multi-million selling Gigi (one of the most prolific bands in Indonesian history, with 24 releases to their name, celebrating this year their 20th anniversary with their 25th album Live at Abbey Road, in which Budjana is the main composer and author of many hits), but whose lesser-known credibility and, more importantly, visibility as a jazz and fusion guitarist is slowly on the ascendance, as more and more international progressive music fans discover the depth, the heart, and the profound spirituality of Dewa Budjana, at fifty a new guitar hero of strength, creativity and significance.

In January 2014, Dewa Budjana has recorded in New York City material for another studio album to be released by MoonJune, in October 2014, featuring Antonio Sanchez on drums, Ben Williams on upright bass (both recording and touring with Pat Metheny) and Joe Locke on vibraphone.

“Thank you Dewa for inviting us along for your TRIP, your music is from Jupiter, truly unusual!” – Jimmy Johnson

“Dewa Budjana’s music infuses jazz fusion with renewed vigor, and his wonderfully imaginative and melodic guitar playing pays homage to past masters, while simultaneously providing fresh perspectives.” – Barry Cleveland, Guitar Player

“A monstrously heavy record! Dewa Budjana, at fifty, is a new guitar hero of strength, creativity, and significance.” – John Kelman, All About Jazz contributor

“East meets West and ignites the sky! Dewa Budjana’s latest, a collaboration with jazz giants Jimmy Johnson and Vinnie Colaiuta, elevates guitar-based jazz-fusion with a Balinese flare to new plateaus of nirvana… Mahavishnu, move over: there’s a new master on the block!” – Raymond Benson, music journalist and author of ‘The Black Stiletto’ and six James Bond novels

“Surya Namaskar, the latest sonic blast from Indonesian guitar master Dewa Budjana, is global in its scope, universal in its appeal … Bolstered by some of the greatest musicians on the planet, Surya Namaskar is one for the record books, – a jazz-rock masterpiece of planetary proportions.” – Will Romano, music journalist and author of ‘Mountains Come Out Of The Sky’ and ‘Big Boss Man: The Life and Music of Bluesman Jimmy Reed’

“Hauntingly beautiful and intense, I was moved. No progressive fusion release got me on its first listen since Pat Metheny Group’s 2005 ‘The Way Up’. Destined to be my 2014 favorite album.” – Tom Gagliardi, Gagliarchives Radio

Available from March 10, 2014 on http://www.moonjune.com (CD)
Direct label’s link: http://goo.gl/DMNj0J
and http://www.moonjunerecords.bandcamp.com (FLAC/ALAC/MP3)
Direct BandCamp link: http://goo.gl/NVW7s9
Available on iTunes on March 25, 2014.
Available in stores, Amazon and other outlets on April 18, 2014.

Dewa Budjana is available for interviews via e-mail and occasionally via Skype.
Physical and digital promos available upon requests.

MUSEUM GITARKU (Guitar Museum, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia)
Conceived by Dewa Budjana.
Located in the idyllic village of Payogan in Ubud, Bali, the original intent behind Museum Gitarku (Guitar Museum) was to store his beloved guitars (a collection of more than 130 guitars). However, in the development of the museum, designed by acclaimed Balinese architect Popo Danes as part of the 100-room 5 star Pakayon Hotel & Resort, Budjana felt that not only could it serve as a testament to his lifelong passion for the instrument, but also as his contribution for the people of Bali and Indonesia that would enable future generations to learn more about the musicians whose playing has graced the guitar over the years. The museum will feature instruments donated by an ever-expanding list of Indonesian and international musicians alike, from local guitar heroes of a country of 250+ million people, such as Chrisye, Rhoma Irama and Eross Candra, to world-renowned virtuosos and guitar legends including Allan Holdsworth, Robbie Krieger, Steve Vai, Michael Angelo Batio. Grand opening is planned for January 2015 with a special appearance by one of the world’s best known guitar icons.
For more info: http://www.museumgitarku.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Dewa Budjana, Press Release

2014/03/08

Heart’s Legendary Second Album ‘Magazine’ Gets Reissued On Hybrid SACD

By glassonyonpr

Heart Magazine SACD Mockup

For Immediate Release

Heart’s Legendary Second Album ‘Magazine’ Gets Reissued On Hybrid SACD

“A rare gem…Evocative and controversial”

Camarillo, CA – Heart fans are ecstatic with the release of the band’s evocative and controversial second album ‘Magazine’ on Hybrid SACD by Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity! ‘Magazine’ shows Heart while they were still an idealistically young band, before they became such a worldwide phenomenon. Their second album shows the same impassioned songs that marked the band’s debut, ‘Dreamboat Annie’. They were really hard rockers back then. Ann and Nancy Wilson wove a tapestry of gypsy meets modern woman, and it is highly involved in the early songwriting. The album features a mix of ballads and straight out rock-blues-metal at its purest.

‘Magazine’ was recorded in 1978 and was a victim of legal hassles with the label that delayed its release, yet the album boasts a mix of light and heavy tracks that are pure Heart. There’s the rockin’ “Devil Delight” and the bluesy-rock stomp of “Heartless” – one of their best songs ever! There’s the beautiful, sweet acoustic moment of “Here Song” and the smooth “Just The Wine” and the Badfinger cover “Without You” – Ann’s vocals are incredible; she has the chops to belt out like Janis Joplin! There’s the pure, slow and chugging blues of “Mother Earth Blues” and the stomping live recording, “I’ve Got The Music In Me.”

Heart’s ‘Magazine’ eventually went platinum and peaked at #17 on the album charts, and the album’s only single “Heartless” landed in the Top 40.

Tracks include:
Heartless
Devil Delight
Just The Wine
Without You
Magazine
Here Song
Mother Earth Blues (live)
I’ve Got The Music In Me (live)

Mastered by Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering

For more information: http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/heart-magazine

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

Leave a comment | posted in Heart, Press Release, SACD

2014/03/07

Auburn’s New Album ‘Nashville’ Released On The Heels Of Recent UK Tour With Legendary Jefferson Starship

By glassonyonpr

AUBURN PACK SHOT (small)

For Immediate Release

Auburn’s New Album ‘Nashville’ Released On The Heels Of Recent UK Tour With Legendary Jefferson Starship

“Fronted by a tremendous vocalist in Liz Lenten… the group create mature heartfelt melodies for a new generation” Morning Star Online

London, UK – 2014 is already proving to be a hugely exciting year for acoustic ensemble Auburn, who reformed in 2011 after almost a decade apart. With a new album and a major UK tour supporting the legendary Jefferson Starship as they celebrated their 40th anniversary, Auburn have been captivating audiences around the country with their unique blend of Americana, blues and roots music.

The new album, ‘Nashville’, features 12 newly-penned songs from singer-songwriter and Auburn lynchpin Liz Lenten, and establishes Auburn’s place as a compelling force in contemporary Americana. Showcasing Liz’s versatility as both a writer and vocalist, Nashville’s sonic world fuses elements of blues, 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) ‘Nashville’ features 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.

Auburn were delighted to be asked to support the legendary rock band Jefferson Starship on the band’s 40th anniversary tour during January and February 2014. The 11-date tour gave them the opportunity to showcase new material from the Nashville album to large audiences across the UK, where the feedback was unanimously positive. Liz was invited on stage at the end of each night to perform with Jefferson Starship on their closing number ‘The Volunteers’.

Following this success, Auburn are now lining up dates for festivals and gigs throughout 2014 and beyond, and are already working on new material, as well as a new video from the tour.

To purchase Auburn’s ‘Nashville’ CD:
Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/Nashville-Auburn/dp/B00GOKSCIM
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nashville-Auburn/dp/B00GOKSCIM

For more information: http://www.auburn.org.uk

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

Leave a comment | posted in Auburn, Press Release

2014/03/05

Goldmine Interview with Peter Hammill

By glassonyonpr

peter-hammill-gary-lucas-620x400

Other Worlds, Other Voices – Peter Hammill talks past, present and future

February 28, 2014 | Dave Thompson

Thirty-six albums into his solo career, with another dozen Van Der Graaf Generator discs, and a whole heap of live-and-otherwise too, it’s always surprising when a new Peter Hammill record appears, and you realize that he has still to start repeating himself.

Of course, you know it’s Hammill from the start. The voice alone is so uniquely distinctive that even when it starts its signature gymnastics, you’re not going to mistake it for somebody else. “Ah, I see David Bowie’s found a new way to tighten his trousers,” for example.

But he writes and records at such a breathtaking pace – and here, let us pause to reflect that those forty-eight albums bridge forty-five years, a pace that would probably kill most of today’s active artists – that he could surely be forgiven if he forgot, once or twice, that he’s already broached that subject, tortured that chord, echoed that melody some place else.

For the rest of the bio and the interview, please visit the Goldmine website!

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Peter Hammill & Gary Lucas

2014/03/03

Folk Legends Peter, Paul & Mary’s 1962 Debut Album To Be Released On Hybrid SACD By Audio Fidelity March 4, 2014

By glassonyonpr

Peter Paul and MaryMockup

For Immediate Release

Folk Legends Peter, Paul & Mary’s 1962 Debut Album To Be Released On Hybrid SACD By Audio Fidelity March 4, 2014

“One of the best albums to come out of the 1960s folk music revival”

Camarillo, CA – The group that transformed American folk music into ’60s pop, legendary Peter, Paul & Mary’s debut 1962 self-titled album will be released on Hybrid SACD by Marshall Blonstein’s Audio Fidelity on March 4, 2014. One of the best albums to come out of the 1960s folk music revival, the trio’s debut release featured two of the biggest folk hits of all time, “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had A Hammer”, along with such classics as “500 Miles” and “Where Have All The Flowers Gone.” Peter, Paul & Mary’s first album introduced one of the most popular, innovative and enduring folk music groups of all time!

‘Peter, Paul & Mary’ is a collection of the best songs that the group knew, stirring in its sensibilities and its haunting melodies, crossing between folk, children’s songs, and even gospel; light-hearted just where it needed to be and earnest where it has to be. For a young group on their first album, this was meticulously produced and already showed their incredible sense of professionalism. The angelic voice of Mary Travers blends with Peter Yarrow’s tenor and Paul Stookey’s bass on some gorgeous harmonies.

It’s one of the rare folk albums to reach US #1, staying in the Billboard Magazine Top Ten for 10 months, including seven weeks in the #1 position. At the Grammy Awards of 1963, their recording of “If I Had A Hammer” won the Best Folk Recording and Best Pop Performance by a Vocal Group awards. This classic recording helped to bring modern folk stylings to a mass audience for the first time. The album’s innocent good spirit and optimism remains infectious even 50 years later!

Tracks:
Early In The Morning
500 Miles
Sorrow
This Train
Bamboo
It’s Raining
If I Had My Way
Cruel War
Lemon Tree
If I Had A Hammer
Autumn To May
Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

Mastered by Steve Hoffman at Stephen Marsh Mastering

For more information: http://www.audiofidelity.net/content/peter-paul-and-mary

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

Leave a comment | posted in Paul & Mary, Press Release, SACD

2014/02/28

Visionary Pianist & Composer Sean Wayland Releases His 23rd Album, ‘Barrenjoey’

By glassonyonpr

Sean Wayland CD cover

For Immediate Release

Visionary Pianist & Composer Sean Wayland Releases His 23rd Album, ‘Barrenjoey’

New York, NY – Australian-born pianist, composer and keyboardist Sean Wayland has released the 23rd studio album of his prolific career, a magnificent and stylized take on jazz and funk with roots in Australian rock. In fact, this album, ‘Barrenjoey’, takes its name from Wayland’s homeland in Australia (not, as those familiar with the New York jazz scene might think, from famous local drummer Joey Baron). This album tells a different story, and one that’s highly personal to Wayland.

“I was inspired by surfing in Australia, New South Wales Coast, and Australian rock circa 1980,” says Wayland. “The title track is about a tombolo, or tied island, attached to palm Beach, the most northerly point of the Sydney region.” It’s not difficult to hear these inspirations shine through, particularly on the title track. With drumbeats that crash like waves, the landscape and the lighthouse the lyrics speak of come to life through the song. The passionate musicality and life of this album will transport listeners to the Australia of Wayland’s youth.

As a composer, Wayland is deeply rooted in the jazz piano tradition, and this is highly evident in all his work. He is a graduate of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music, where he won the Jack Chrostowski Piano Award. He established himself as a creative star of the Sydney jazz scene before relocating to the States and making himself a fixture of New York City’s jazz scene. After moving to the city 14 years ago, Wayland has been recording at a staggering pace. Now, with Barrenjoey, he explores broadened stylistic territory in jazz and funk while simultaneously harkening back to his roots.

“Better Down South” is a memory, an autobiographical piece about surfing in the Ulladulla and Jervis Bay regions of Australia when Wayland was young. Stories like these, told through his carefully constructed musical harmonies and rhythms, are close to the artist’s heart. “It’s a stylized, personalized take on various musical traditions including Australian rock, jazz and funk,” Wayland says. “There is a musical message that is hard to put into words.” Listeners to this album will certainly find the message easy to hear: a personal journey drawing from the music and recollections of Wayland’s past.

‘Barrenjoey’ features a number of other talented musicians and performers, including Keith Carlock on drums, James Muller and Nate Wood on guitar, and Jeff Harley on bass. Virna Sanzone lends her beautiful vocals to complement Wayland’s singing throughout the album.

‘Barrenjoey’ is available for download now on Sean Wayland’s Bandcamp page: seanwayland.bandcamp.com

For more information on Sean Wayland, please visit SeanWayland.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Sean Wayland

2014/02/27

Zachary Mule Interview with Joey Molland

By glassonyonpr

Joey-Molland

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

Joey Molland has known the highs and lows that comes from a life in music. He’s experienced those same highs and lows in his personal life, as well. Born in 1947, by the early 1960s, a teenage Molland was performing in bands around his hometown of Liverpool. Playing with the Assassins and the Profiles led to Joey joining a group called the Masterminds in 1965. Members of the Rolling Stones and their manager/producer, Andrew Loog Oldham, heard the group play at a club. Oldham was impressed enough to produce and release a single on his Immediate label. From the Masterminds, Joey became part of a backing band for the Merseys (Tony Crane and Bill Kinsley, formerly of the Merseybeats) called the Fruit Eating Bears. A stint in the Cryin’ Shames led to an opportunity for Molland to show off his songwriting abilities with Gary Wilson and the Rain.

When the Rain washed away, he was offered a spot with a group called the Iveys. The band had been recording music for a movie soundtrack, to be released on the Beatles’ Apple Records. Before the album MAGIC CHRISTIAN MUSIC was released, the Iveys became Badfinger and, though Joey’s name appears in the album credits, he didn’t appear on any of the tracks. The band, including Molland, however, had already begun working on the follow-up, a more proper album from Badfinger. Guitarist/singer Pete Ham, bassist Tome Evans and Joey played on various sessions for solo Beatles projects aside from their work in Badfinger. However, the guitarist/songwriter’s time in Badfinger was, to say the least, tumultuous. Things finally came to head in 1974 when, after the release of WISH YOU WERE HERE, their third album in 12 months, Joey walked away from the band. The decision was based on problems with management. These problems continued and were a factor in Pete Ham’s suicide in April, 1975.

After an album and successful tours with his new band, Natural Gas, Joey reconnected with bassist Tom Evans in 1979 for a couple of albums under the Badfinger banner (AIRWAVES and the hugely under-rated SAY NO MORE). That relationship fell apart, leading to both musicians touring their own versions of Badfinger. Evans, unable to shake the lingering effects of the gross mismanagement of the band’s early ’70s career, hung himself in September 1983. Drummer Mike Gibbins died in October, 2005, leaving Molland as the only surviving member of the once promising Badfinger. Though he still tours with a version of the band, called Joey Molland’s Badfinger, his recorded output since 1981′s SAY NO MORE have been released under his own name. The Molland discography is short: Before the release of RETURN TO MEMPHIS, Joey released his debut solo outing, AFTER THE PEARL, in 1983 with THE PILGRIM following hot on the heels… in 1993. THIS WAY UP, released in 2001, has been called “one of the best solo discs that ex-members of the Beatles never made.” An album of demos called BASIL was offered on Joey’s web-site in 1999.

For the rest of the bio and the interview, please visit the Zachary Mule website!

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Joey Molland

2014/02/26

Celebrated Music Duo GLASS HOUSE Releases “Blackbird” Music Video

By glassonyonpr

Glass House photo med

For Immediate Release

Celebrated Music Duo GLASS HOUSE Releases “Blackbird” Music Video

A musical tribute to Nelson Mandela

Oakland, CA — Glass House is the acclaimed music duo featuring David Worm, best known for his work with Bobby McFerrin and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Mark Vickness. Glass House has collaborated with violinist Mads Tolling and upright bassist Dan Feiszli to release the “Blackbird” music video.

Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/g1kYZXfvAzE

Blackbird was originally written in response to the struggle for civil rights in the U.S. When Nelson Mandela died, “it seemed so right to pay tribute to him and honor the tremendous impact he made,” says Mark.

The arrangement of “Blackbird” grew out of Mark’s unique approach to stringing and tuning his 8-string acoustic guitar. David then added a vocal line and lush vocal harmonies using his VoiceLive 2 Touch. Once the guitar and vocals were established, they collaborated with Mads and Dan to come up with violin and bass parts that filled out and anchored the texture of the song.

Filmed on location by director Paul Nordin of EMB Studios, in Emeryville, California the video was edited by Sharon Knight. The music was mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering in Los Angeles.

About Glass House:
Glass House released its third album “Long Way Down” in October 2013. Songs range from the sparsely haunting solo acoustic guitar and voice rendition of Robbie Robertson’s “Broken Arrow,” to the funk string quartet intro of “Turn Away,” to the driving, world music-infused choral tapestry of “Build A Bridge.” Lyrics run the gamut from tender personal pathos (“For Now,” “Thank You”) to timely political and social narratives (“Turn Away,” “Where I Belong”). Album producer/bassist Jon Evans is well known for his years recording and touring with Tori Amos and Third Eye Blind. Two-time Grammy winners The Turtle Island String Quartet contribute remarkable talents on two songs. Also appearing are drummers Scott Amendola (Charlie Hunter), L.A. studio ace MB Gordy (Frank Zappa, Green Day, Bill Withers), tabla virtuoso Ty Burhoe, violinist Mads Tolling (Stanley Clarke) and vocalists Ashling Cole (Prince) and Julianna Graffagna (Kitka).

Hundreds of thousands of fans have viewed the widely-acclaimed videos by Glass House. When the live-version video of “Broken Arrow” was first released, it was the seventh most-viewed YouTube video according to billboard.com.

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

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

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