Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2013/01/17

Blastzone Online Interview with John Lawton

Interview With Singer John Lawton Ex Front Man Of Lucifer’s Friend and Uriah Heep

Interview Done By Mike Wilkerson

MW: Please introduce yourself?

JL: Hi this is John Lawton ex front man of Uriah Heep and Lucifers Friend and various other projects….

MW: You got your start in Asterix in 1970. Why did you all decide to change the name to Lucifer’s Friend?

JL: Actually Asterix was a Lucifer’s Friend project recorded at the same time as the first Lucifers album, but with a different theme running through it and 2 vocalists…..

MW: Tell me about each of the following Lucifer’s Friend albums:

MW: Where The Groupies Killed The Blues…

JL: 2nd Lucifer’s Friend album, very progressive I thought. Several lyrics written by a guy called John O’Brian Docker buta very strong album, got into the Billboard chart which was very good for an unknown German band..

MW: Banquet

JL: My own personal favourite of all the Lucifer’s albums. Featured the brass section from the James Last Orch. Great songs only 6 of them, but great to record….A bit jazzy for some fans but it just showed how diverse we were….

MW: Mind Exploding

JL: Back to the rock roots and again a good album with some terrific musicianship from the band….

MW: Mean Machine

JL: After a time away from the band with Uriah Heep I rejoined the guys for this album which we recorded in England. Wasn’t the best work we have done, but still had some good songs on it and was unfortunately the last album with the original line up.

MW: Sumo Grip

JL: The last album that the original guitarist Peter Hesslein and I worked on. Again some great material but some say the album was overproduced and I tend to agree, but it was well received….

MW: During this time you were pretty busy because you would also sing for Uriah Heap from 1977 – 1979. How did this come about?

JL: After David Byron left Heep, they contacted some friends of mine who new my work from Lucifers Friend and my work with Deep Purple’s Roger Glover. I had sung for Roger on the iconic Butterfly Fly Ball concert at the Albert Hall in London. I received a call from Ken Hensley from Heep asking me to come to London for an audition. I got the job and the rest is history….

MW: Tell me about each of the following Uriah Heap albums:

MW: Firefly

JL: The tracks were already recorded when I joined, so it was a case of me learning the songs and putting my own style to them…Some great songs here including on of my favourites WISE MAN.

MW: Innocent Victim

JL: Back to a more rocky style for the band and a chance for me to write something. The single FREE ME became a big hit for Heep all around the world and took the album on to greater things….

MW: Why did you leave Uriah Heap after such a short time in the band?

JL: Many reasons really and too many to list here but basically musical differences. I think the guys had got the taste for commercial success after FREE ME and were consequently looking for the next hit. To my mind that is not what Uriah Heep were noted for. Songs like JULY MORNING, THE WIZARD, SUNRISE and songs of that ilk is what made the band different….

MW: You would go back to Uriah Heap in 2001 to do the live album The Musicians Birthday Party?

JL: Actually I went back to the band in 1995. The singer Bernie Shaw was having some problems with his voice so they asked me to do a tour of South Africa with them, which of course I did. The Magicians Birthday was a good gig with the original lineup including Ken Hensley….

MW: Do you think you will ever go and play with Uriah Heap or record with them again?

JL: I have learnt in this business to never say never J) who knows we have remained friends throughout the years and Mick Box and I collaborated on a Bulgarian Cinema Movie a year ago. Heep are very settled in their present formation and I can’t envisage my going back or them asking me, we both have our paths to follow.

MW: Tell me about each of the following bands:

MW: Rebel

JL: I was invited to go over to Germany to produce an album by the band. Unfortunately the singer they had couldn’t crack it in the studio, so they asked me to sing it. It turned out okay and opened the doors for future productions…

MW: Zar

JL: The same guitarist but different musicians in the “engine room” J) some really good songs on this album and we did do a couple of presentation gigs, but it was never going to be long term for me….

MW: Gunhill

JL: A band I put together with some friends to try and get back to what I started off doing all those years ago, ie playing songs that I liked and playing smaller clubs really just for fun…but we were very good I have to say J).

MW: the Hensley Lawton Band

JL: After so many years away from the music scene, Ken Hensley decided to make a come back. We put our differences to one side and played together at the Uriah Heep convention in 2000. The gig was recorded and we went out on the road together promoting the album and playing the good Heep stuff. It was never our intention to take it further than this and after 6 months we went out separate ways…

MW: the Lawton Dunning Project

JL: Myself and Steve Dunning from the John Lawton Band did a couple of acoustic gigs as a duo and it was so successful that we were asked to record an album which we did called STEPPIN IT UP. It was never going to be more than that and it was just a slight side step from the John Lawton Band.

MW: the John Lawton Band

JL: A terrific band with some great musicians and we recorded an album called STING IN THE TALE. We were together for about 2 years and did lots of gigs abroad aswell as England but the guitarist decided to go back to Canada and my buddy Steve Dunning developed some health problems, so we called it a day…pity but there you go.

MW: OTR – On The Rocks

JL: I met with ex Focus axeman Jan Dumee who played me some of his new material which sounded very exciting for me. He had written most of the music for guitar, so it was a challenge to convert the melodies for vocals. The musicians were from Brazil and the basic tracks were recorded in Sao Paulo. I did the vocals in a studio in Holland and we did plan to take the album out on the road. However the lack of promotion from the record company didn’t help, so we had to let it slip.

MW: How did Diana Express – The Power Of Mind come about?

JL: I have done a lot of work in Bulgaria over the past few years and one of my musician friends introduced me to a guy called Milen Vrabevski who is actually a doctor. Milen had written and produced an album with some Bulgarian musicians called DIANA EXPRESS who had been a very successful band back in the 70’s. Milen asked me to have a listen to this album with the idea that I would sing it in English…. I liked the album a lot, the songs were very well played and produced, so after looking at the English lyrics and thank god they were not a Google translation, I decided to do it. It’s a great album and just goes to show that there are some excellent musicians on the other side of the world J)

MW: What do you have planned for 2013?

JL: We have some new material to sort out for the next album, but right now the plan is to get out there and present POWER OF MIND live….

MW: What would you like to say in closing?

JL: Happy New Year to all the readers…and take care

Source

2 Comments | posted in Interview, John Lawton

2013/01/15

The Morton Report Interview with Jon Anderson

By glassonyonpr

A Short Conversation with Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson once fronted the popular rock band, Yes, and hopes to again.
January 11, 2013
By Matt Rowe, Columnist

To talk with those who journeyed with you, in their way, as you made your way through this thing called life, well, that’s special.

Being a Yes fan, I followed much of their music as I made my uncertain way through my teens. They were unlike any other band I had heard. And they still are. So when I discovered that Audio Fidelity would reissue Close to the Edge, the enduring 1972 classic that, as Jon Anderson so eloquently puts it, “…changed the musical landscape a little at that time,” as a high-resolution Super Audio CD (SACD), I became excited.

It’s not every day that a fan can get one of their favorite albums remastered in the highest quality. It has the potential to become a whole new experience.

I sought out an opportunity to talk with one of the architects of Close to the Edge and other Yes classics, Jon Anderson. What follows is a short—and memorable—conversation I had with the writer and voice of all those songs.

Yes has been an important part of not only my life, but many others as well. Part of that is the distinctive voice that powered many of those great albums and songs. Another part of the allure is the great songs, their lyrics, and their music that you had a deep part in helping create. Let me take this moment to thank you on behalf of myself and a wealth of fans that feel the same. We’re deeply grateful for Jon Anderson.

You were a part of the original configuration of Yes that did not have Steve Howe in it. Somehow, in strange ways, that seems inconceivable. The legacy of Yes owes much to the collaborative talents of both you and Steve, lyrically and musically. How did that partnership begin, and how did it evolve?

When Steve joined the band, we became inseparable. His knowledge of the guitar was amazing to me, and it was very easy to to sing melodies and write lyrics with him at that time. We were free spirits in a way.

As time progressed, so did we. He would come to me with ideas of a song. I would help develop the songs and add my ideas. That’s how we were able to write longer format songs, like “And You and I” and “Close to the Edge.” Again, with his guitar knowledge, I would ask him to try ideas out. He would happily follow my thoughts, and there it was, ‘magical’ moments that seemed to last forever.

The Yes Album and Fragile are excellent albums. But many, myself included, have a profound love for Close to the Edge. Would you tell us what ideas went into the creation of that album?

I think, first and foremost, we had a connection to create a very large work. Steve sang to me, “…close to the edge, down by the corner…”, and I sang, “…down at the end, round by the river…”, and off we went creating the verse and chorus to the song. It was then that I thought of a sort of ‘chanting’ intro, even starting with some sound effects, like the cosmic ocean, diving into a guitar-based solo intro, then into the ‘chanting’, “a seasoned witch,” etc.

After creating the first half of the song, jumping from a verse-to-chant-to-verse-to-chant sort of thing, we needed a middle section. Again, I created a cosmic ocean of sound, and we needed a song. So Steve played me these chords, and I sang, “I get up, I get down”, and “two million people barely satisfy,” etc. Steve then remembered that he had written a song on those very same chords, which he started to sing, “in her white lace,” etc. And lo and behold, the two songs worked together. The rest of the song needed Rick’s solo building to the chant once more, and then the final verse. We all felt that we had changed the musical landscape a little at that time.

There are few Yes albums that I do not revere as much as others. Those include releases without you in them. Despite the absence of Rick Wakeman, I have a deep love for Relayer. I also deeply appreciate the whole of Going for the One. Do you have any Yes albums that you value over others?

Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans,Relayer, Going for the One, especially “Awaken” [from that album], 90125, Talk, Magnification. All of them were very worthwhile creations.

Your first solo album, the brilliant Olias of Sunhillow, showed Yes fans that there were facets of the band that could be enjoyed outside the confines of Yes. Even so, it is difficult to escape the majesty of the Yes sound. CouldOlias of Sunhillow have been a Yes album?

Not really. I was very committed to this idea of ‘solo’, creating a work by myself. Like going to a musical university and learning about my potential.

I have followed and enjoyed your work outside of Yes, including your collaborations with Vangelis, as well as your film contributions (“Loved by the Son” with Tangerine Dream). All of your solo albums after Olias of Sunhillow take on various musical styles. Do you have a side that you particularly enjoy exploring musically?

I always feel the need for adventure when I create an album. That’s why they are all so different.

I understand the sequel to Olias of Sunhillow is underway, with you playing all instruments? Can you tell us about this album?

Again, it was just like going to school every day, and being guided by ‘spirit’ to make this enormous musical project come to life. It drove me a bit crazy, but in the end, it was amazing to me that it worked so well.

Your Three Ships Christmas collection is an essential for my holiday enjoyment. Did you record other standards that didn’t make the cut for the LP?

Not really. I wanted to try something different, like the jungle making music, and songs for spirits, it was such a fun album to do. Maybe one day I will sing the carols I sang at school.

Will there be a time that you re-record popular Yes classics, perhaps with Rick Wakeman?

Maybe some acoustic versions for fun. Rick and I already perform those songs on the live albums.

Will there ever be a chance at reconciliation with Yes that could result in a new tour, perhaps even a new Yes album?

I would love that to happen!

Are you aware of the reissue of Close to the Edge in the audiophile format SACD coming from Audio Fidelity?

Yes, very cool!

It will be presented in stereo, however many love a multi-channel effect. If such technology were available to you back when your albums were created, would Yes have widely availed themselves of it?

I’ve always wanted to record in surround sound, still do.

Assuming that you have heard the DVD-Audio multi-channel of Fragile released some years ago by Rhino Records, do you have any thoughts on how it made the album sound?

Not really. I just remember that great feeling I had at Advision Studios when we recorded it.

Have you heard the SACD version of Close to the Edge that was mentioned earlier? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

I don’t have it, sorry.

Thank you for your time. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it was to communicate with one of the greats. Thanks again for your immeasurable impact on my recognition of beauty in song and lyric.

My pleasure.

If the thought of hearing Close to the Edge in great clarity appeals to you, Audio Fidelity will release the intended SACD version on January 22.

Source

2 Comments | posted in Interview, Jon Anderson

2013/01/13

Singer/Songwriter JL Stiles Presents The House Of Murmurs

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Singer/Songwriter JL Stiles Presents The House Of Murmurs

Jimmy Reed, John Hurt, Ted Hawkins…JL Stiles? Well, maybe….

San Francisco, CA – “If it weren’t for his appearance, listening to JL Stiles’ gritty, twangy voice, you’d swear you were hearing an old bluesman like the late Ted Hawkins, to whom he’s been compared,” LA’s Music Connection magazine touted about singer/songwriter JL Stiles. In many ways, the essence of this extraordinary music artist, along with his unique songwriting and blues guitar style, is his distinctive soulful voice – a voice that harkens to the days of classic blues and jazz crooners. In regards to his guitar prowess, says Performing Songwriter, “Stiles lays into his 12-string guitar with the vigor and ambition of a streetwise punk who just discovered Leo Kottke.” And now with the release of his highly anticipated new album ‘JL Stiles Presents The House Of Murmurs’, he reaches a new plateau in his exploration of blues, pop, and psychedelic folk musical territories.

Says JL Stiles about his new album, “I’d like to play like Blind Blake. Never will equal the pure joy of the legend, but I’ll die tryin’. My biggest influences as a player and singer come from Blind Blake, Mississippi John Hurt and Jimmy Reed. This CD also includes a heavy dose of Maybelle Carter’s guitar style, essentially, though the songwriting is different so you might not peg it as such. The song ‘Beside My Grave’ is really what started the whole album idea and the guitar part is based on a Blind Blake thumbroll. I did the track in my apartment very late at night and figured it to be a demo because my equipment is awful, but regardless of what or where I recorded after, it never had as good a feel as on that night. The piano was out of tune a little and I used the wrong mic, go figure. For the rest of the stuff my apartment would not do. I wanted a producer to to create an essence to the sound, to be the other ears beside my own in order to access sounds I wouldn’t ever consider. So I sent some demos to Etienne de Rocher and he agreed to produce the album. We started out in Athens, GA, recording vocals and guitar live off the floor with Andrew Borger on drums in a house-come-studio called The Bakery. Had a lovely time that weekend, so the whole thing started on the right foot. I love the sounds of the late 1960’s recordings so, in a way this CD is a re-routing from that juncture in time.” The album is dedicated to Seth Koller, a student of JL’s who died in an accident at the age of 16. The song ‘Movin” is about him. He also dedicated the album to Mike Morrison, who died recently at the age of 70 from unknown causes.

Here’s what the press have been raving about JL Stiles:

“Remember the name JL Stiles. The San Francisco via New Orleans songwriter is the real deal.” – Stan Hall, The Oregonian

“Catch him while you can…JL Stiles is an artist on the rise…brings a modern polish and quirky writing to his songs.” – Michael Shapiro, North Bay Bohemian

“While his blues chops may have gotten him through John Lee Hooker’s door, it’s the introspective harmonica and guitar ballads that best show off his songwriting…coolly crooned in between harp licks over homespun finger-work on a 12-string acoustic.” – SF Weekly

“His exquisite guitar playing is like falling in love and his songs are treasured mementos with words to keep you pondering.” – Char Ham, Southland Blues

“Stiles plays with such a quiet unassuming style that at first you don’t realize how good it is…clearly he’s done something right.” – Genevieve Williams, Blues Revue

JL Stiles is a unique animal who for the first time is merging two totally different fields of truth seeking: Ragtime and higher mathematics. Both of these disparate strands filtered through a lifetime on the run, searching for a universal truth from psychedelic Brazilian forests to US college campuses and further into his own unique vision. JL Stiles has a mind that sees music in a similar way to how J.S. Bach saw music. However, Bach never played the blues.

As for the blues: JL has opened for many a blues great, including BB King, Etta James and JJ Cale. Surprisingly, looking at such a history, most of his originals would not be considered blues or folkways yet Maybelle Carter, Blind Blake and the rest of his honored forebears haunt everything he does, including his most recent song-of-the-ages release, ‘JL Stiles Presents The House Of Murmurs’, on which producer Etienne de Rocher (Sean Hayes) plied his remarkable talents. It’s a bit confounding to box a one-off like JL, so the artist decided to mostly reserve his stunning rag time and blues guitar madness for his other band, Hobo Paradise, which recently tore the house down at the legendary jazz club Yoshi’s in San Francisco. In support of his new CD release, this spring JL will embark on a fully backed national tour over two months covering most of the US and shooting into Canada as well. Says JL about his new album, “I wanted to have an overall feel and arc to the CD as a complete listen straight through. Love, death, celestial connection and fighting the tyranny pretty much covers the whole album, but the album fits together by going from personal stories to epic stories and back to personal.”

To purchase JL Stiles Presents The House Of Murmurs: http://jlstiles.bandcamp.com

‘Beside My Grave’ video: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sPDNOqqyWjI

For more information: http://www.jlstiles.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jlstileshouse

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

2 Comments | posted in JL Stiles, Press Release

2013/01/11

UK Rock Legends SWEET Revisit Hit Album ‘Desolation Boulevard’ With New Live CD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

UK Rock Legends SWEET Revisit Hit Album ‘Desolation Boulevard’ With New Live CD

London, UK – Hot on the heels of their recent critically acclaimed album release ‘New York Connection’, UK rock legends SWEET have released a new live CD only available by digital download. Performing the band’s most famous and influential album from 1974 ‘Desolation Boulevard’ live, SWEET’s ‘Desolation Boulevard Revisited’ recaptures the album in concert with all of the raw energy that can only come from a live performance. Originally titled ‘Sweet Fanny Adams’ in the UK, the 1974 US release of the album, re-titled ‘Desolation Boulevard’, was a turning point for the band featuring, for the first time, more of a hard rock sound. The album yielded classic hits such as ‘Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Fox On The Run’ and ‘The Six Teens’, catapulting the band to international stardom!

Says original member Andy Scott, “SWEET’s ‘Desolation Boulevard’ album was groundbreaking back in 1974 and proved to be a major influence on soon to be famous rock bands such as Kiss, Motley Crue, Def Leppard and many more. The album was a tightly produced collection of Power Pop Heavy Rock Radio Friendly tunes that still sound great today. This was the album that accelerated SWEET into a Major Headlining Touring Band in the ’70s, a testament of anyone who saw the band ‘live’. Several of the songs from the album have been covered by other artists which pays true homage to a great band. Now in 2013 we have ‘Desolation Boulevard Revisited’. A ‘live’ album release, almost 40 years on from the original but sounding as fresh as the day the songs were conceived. This is a ‘must’ for SWEET fans everywhere!”

“Without The Sweet there would not have been a Kiss”
GENE SIMMONS

“Mötley Crüe wanted to be The Sweet”
NIKKI SIXX

“The Sweet are the band that I wish I had been in”
JOE ELLIOTT, DEF LEPPARD

With worldwide album sales of more than 55 million copies, SWEET have notched 34 Number One smashes across the globe as part of a run of timeless hits that includes ‘Blockbuster!’, ‘Hell Raiser’, ‘The Ballroom Blitz’, ‘The Six Teens’, ‘Action’, ‘Fox On The Run’ and ‘Love Is Like Oxygen’. Seen on Top Of The Pops on what felt like a weekly basis throughout the 1970s, their über-harmonious, multi-tracked guitar work and layered production was to provide inspiration to other acts such as Queen, the Electric Light Orchestra and, in later decades, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and The Darkness.

SWEET are a National Treasure, British at the core and a rock music phenomena that has taken every continent by storm for more than four decades. The golden thread that links the past through to the present and into the future is Andy Scott. His determination to maintain high standards with the band’s musical legacy and touring is legendary. The band today has an illustrious pedigree recreating “live” the high energy and soaring vocals associated with the SWEET sound that is the band’s trademark. SWEET are Andy Scott – guitar and vocals, Pete Lincoln – lead vocals and bass, Bruce Bisland – drums and vocals, Tony O’Hora – guitar, keyboards and vocals. 2013 sees SWEET commencing their ‘NYC World Tour’ in support of their latest smash studio album ‘New York Connection’. The tour kicks off in Europe in March 2013, with more dates in other territories to be announced soon.

To purchase SWEET – ‘Desolation Boulevard Revisited’ (digital download only):
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/desolation-boulevard-revisited/id582459152
http://www.amazon.com/Desolation-Boulevard-Revisited-Live/dp/B00AFITEWC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357380547&sr=8-1&keywords=desolation+boulevard+revisited

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

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

1 Comment | posted in Press Release, The Sweet

2013/01/07

Tokyo Rosenthal Releases “Tokyo’s Fifth”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Tokyo Rosenthal Releases “Tokyo’s Fifth”

Chapel Hill, NC – Rock & Sock Records announced today that they are releasing “Tokyo’s Fifth” by their recording artist, Tokyo Rosenthal. Appropriately titled, this is Rosenthal’s fifth album on the Rock & Sock label, and number five in only six years. The record includes 9 new original tunes penned by “Toke” and a rare cover of Lennon and McCartney’s “Helter Skelter”. Also included on the new CD is a video of the album’s first single, “What Did I Used To Be?”, which went “mini-viral”. This is Tokyo’s latest release since the critically acclaimed “Who Was That Man?” from 2011. That album made the Top 10 on most Americana Charts.

Tokyo is joined once again by a stellar cast of musicians including himself on lead and rhythm guitar, piano, organ, and vocals. Chris Stamey (dB’s) returns on bass, Will Rigby (Steve Earle and dB’s) and Logan Matheny on drums, Toke’s constant touring partner Charlie Chamberlain on mandolin and lead guitar, John Teer (Chatham County Line) on fiddle, Allyn Love (Pedal Steel), and Matthew Douglas and David DiGiuseppe round out the players on clarinet and accordion respectively. In addition, Tokyo is accompanied on vocals by the amazing talent of Andrea Connolly.

As eclectic as ever, “Tokyo’s Fifth” opens with a clarinet lick and continues to demonstrate his versatility in writing and arranging throughout the entire album. As always the subject matter is controversial, political, and personal. Never a stranger to controversy, Toke covers unemployment, suicide, and out sourcing on the album’s first single, “What Did I Used To Be?”, and the immigration situation in Arizona on “The Immigrant”. Tokyo revisits songs dedicated to cities and neighborhoods with “Killaloe” and “Mulberry Place”, and euthanasia on “We Put You Down”. Rarely recording material by other writers, Rosenthal, along with the screaming violin of Chatham County Line’s John Teer, take on “Helter Skelter”, in a very creative and unique arrangement of The Beatle’s classic. Andrea Connolly’s vocal harmonies were born to be on Tokyo’s ode to his father, “Waste Of A Heart”, the reggae styled, “Smoke and Mirrors”, and she will bring a tears to your eyes on her heartfelt duet with Tokyo on “We Put You Down”.

“I can’t believe it’s only been six years since my first record. Seems like we’ve been doing this forever, and here we are at number five, said Rosenthal.” “I certainly couldn’t have done it without the support of my wife Carrie Klein and our daughters, Americana radio, my accompanists, especially my touring partner Charlie Chamberlain, my guru Chris Stamey, and the folks who buy my music and come to our shows. I hope this album will make you think, cry, and feel it to be unique, both musically and philosophically. A lot of great players took part in this project in order to deliver my vision of how these songs should be presented to my listeners. I trust we won’t disappoint them and any new friends we pick up along the way.”

As of this writing, Clare FM Radio in Ireland, will be giving “Killaloe” its radio debut on their station, and Toke has been asked to come there to be honored and perform in concert early in 2013. Rosenthal will begin touring world wide and visiting radio stations to support the “The Fifth” and will announce dates, times, and locations shortly.

The video of “What Did I Used To Be?” was produced and directed by Emmy Award winner Nic Beery from Carrboro, North Carolina. It features not only Tokyo but has classic footage from earlier times contrasting footage of contemporary hardships and situations. The response to the video and the song in the U.S. and abroad has been overwhelming. To view the video log on to http://youtu.be/LAU_hRBwLTE

For more information please visit http://www.tokyorosenthal.com. “Tokyo’s Fifth” and other Tokyo Rosenthal CDs and downloads are available at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com, FYE Stores, and most music outlets.

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

2 Comments | posted in Press Release, Tokyo Rosenthal

2013/01/03

Debut CD Release By Vocalist Paul D’Adamo Features Genesis and Phil Collins Members

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Debut CD Release By Vocalist Paul D’Adamo Features Genesis and Phil Collins Members

Grapevine, TX – Vocalist extraordinaire Paul D’Adamo is no stranger to the world of Phil Collins and Genesis. His debut CD ‘Tell Me Something’ not only showcases a mixture of original compositions and re-done, lesser known classics by Phil Collins and Genesis, but also features essentially the core of Phil Collins’s touring band: Brad Cole, Leland Sklar, Daryl Stuermer, Chester Thompson, Luis Conte, Arnold McCuller, Amy Keys, Lynne Fiddmont, and renowned jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright (who also worked with the Phil Collins Big Band). Of course, many members of Phil’s touring band are active session players, and there have been projects where a couple of them have played together, but ‘Tell Me Something’ represents the first time almost all of Phil Collins’s entire ensemble of musicians have come together on a project…without Phil Collins!

“Paul D’Adamo’s cover of ‘Entangled’ is a very beautifully put together version – magical. Paul’s voice is really good.” – Steve Hackett

And just what is it about Phil Collins and Genesis that Paul D’Adamo finds so appealing? Paul explains, “As a vocalist first, then keyboardist and drummer, the music of Genesis was written with those thick ‘outside the box’ voicings to certainly establish their distinctive sound. I always tend to challenge myself as a musician, and their use of time signatures to fit lyrically and melodically inspired me. Phil’s music was very autobiographical for me. It seemed that his melodies and lyrics provided a day to day soundtrack for my life. I enjoy that both Genesis and Phil Collins music tends to be the round peg that can also fit into the square hole. Neither the band nor solo artist were ever the type of musicians to play it safe!”

From the time he started formal lessons at the age of six, Paul has had diverse musical influences. Some of these styles include classical, jazz, pop, musical theater and rock. His passion for singing, performing, and piano playing continued through his college years where he studied with some of the finest teachers at the Indiana University School of Music, The Juilliard School and Berklee College of Music. He also began teaching a number of students, as well as studying privately to further his art and hone his craft. In 2002, Paul opened The D’Adamo School of Performing Arts, where he still teaches private voice, piano, drums, music theory and songwriting lessons in his Grapevine studio.

‘Tell Me Something’ was mostly recorded in Nashville at the Colemine Studios owned by Brad Cole, who produced the album. We made a few trips to LA to track with Leland Sklar, Arnold McCuller, Amy Keys, Lynne Fiddmont, Darlene Koldenhoven and Grant Geissman. The album took two years to the day to complete and was a true labor of love for Paul, allowing him to make great music with his influences, who have since become dear friends. Fans of Genesis will enjoy hearing things on Paul’s new album like Daryl Stuermer’s take on “Entangled” (from the 1976 album ‘A Trick Of The Tail’) alongside a fairly faithful version of the song. But it must be stressed that Paul D’Adamo is not a Genesis tribute act by any stretch of the imagination, he is an accomplished songwriter in his own right, which is witnessed by his unique compositions also included on ‘Tell Me Something’. Says Paul, “I wanted a collective of songs that were very personal to me. Songs that had seen me go through the highs and lows of my life both professionally and personally. So if I wanted a musical autobiography, I guess this would have been it.”

“Paul D’Adamo’s reworking of ‘Entangled’ from ‘A Trick Of The Tail’ – a real gem among the embarrassment of riches that is the Genesis catalogue – is probably the most interesting and entertaining thing here, though the echo-swathed acapella rendition of ‘Guide Vocal’, previously a showcase for Collins on the ‘Duke’ album, ends proceedings on a high note.” – Dave Ling, Classic Rock Presents Prog magazine

And how did Paul’s ultimate dream band come to fruition, he explains, “I had reached out to Brad Cole, keyboardist with Phil Collins since 1989, and mentioned to him about the potential of doing an album of some Genesis/Phil Collins songs as well as a few of my own. I didn’t really have a band, so when he asked if I had a drummer in mind, before I could give him an answer, he was like, ‘No worries, we’ll just get Chester to do it’ – as in Chester Thompson! Then it became, let’s get Daryl, Leland, and so on and so on… No one said ‘no’, everyone seemed to be thrilled with the idea. So the Phil/Genesis family kept growing until I realized I had 9 musicians associated with the Genesis and Phil Collins bands.”

As far as future plans, in the afterglow of the success of Paul’s latest release, he has ventured back into the recording studio to record his next album. Says Paul, “I’m currently working on a new album that will be released on the label I am signed to, Melodic Revolution Records. The new album is titled ‘Rawfully Organic’ and is being produced by long time Peter Gabriel drummer Jerry Marotta. I’ve been traveling up to Woodstock, and this album will feature some musicians off of ‘Tell Me Something’, as well as musicians from the Peter Gabriel Band, King Crimson, and so many other fine artists as well. I expect my second album to have more of an edgier sound to it. It will consist of a handful of Gabriel/Genesis tunes, as well as some original songs. We plan on having the release sometime in 2013, possibly with a DVD or some short film on the making of the album.” Paul is no stranger to live performances as well. His first gig promoting ‘Tell Me Something’ consisted of his band that included members of Phil Collins, Genesis and the Elton John band, which featured renowned drummer, Charlie Morgan, who also recorded 2 tracks on Paul’s album. Paul’s first show…sharing a triple bill with Ambrosia and Kansas late last year!

“I very much look forward to producing Paul D’Adamo’s new recording. Paul approached me a few months ago and we started a creative/musical dialogue on how we could collaborate. In the process, Paul sent me a copy of his current recording ‘Tell Me Something’. I was immediately blown away by the first track ‘Tell Me Something’, a song Paul wrote with his longtime friend and collaborator, Chris Remediani. You could say I was hooked from the first 20 seconds. As I listened on, I was really impressed with Paul’s interpretations of a few Phil Collins songs as well as a few Genesis compositions. One of many high points is his interpretation of the song ‘Entangled’, an absolutely beautiful vocal arrangement. Paul has an amazing voice. He stacked the deck in his favor when he hired longtime Phil Collins collaborator Brad Cole to produce his record. Brad did an incredible job of helping Paul redesign some Collins/Genesis classics. Add to this a who’s who of world class musicians like Chester Thompson, Leland Sklar, Daryl and Duane Stuermer and you’ve got a formula for a phenomenal recording. Keep your eyes open for this guy!” – Drum legend/Producer Jerry Marotta.

“As president of an independent label I receive hundreds of music submissions each week in various stages from demos to finished product. When ‘Tell Me Something’ came across my desk via a friend, I gave it a good spin and halfway through the album I realized this was no ordinary album or band. The production of this album was one of the best I have ever heard from an independent artist. The musicianship was top notch and featuring some of the best in the music business. I immediately contacted Paul and asked him if he would like to sign a deal with us, and the rest as they say is history. We have added ‘Tell Me Something’ to our catalog and are working very close with Paul on his upcoming album due out in early 2013.” – Nick Katona, President, Melodic Revolution Records

To purchase Paul D’Adamo’s ‘Tell Me Something’ CD & DVD combo: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pauldadamo, http://www.melodicrevolution.com
CD available at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-Something-Paul-Dadamo/dp/B0044CO6YQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1355106283&sr=1-1&keywords=paul+D%27adamo%2C+tell+me+something
also available as a digital download from iTunes and Amazon

For more information: http://www.thedadamoschool.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pauldadamo

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

Leave a comment | posted in Paul D'Adamo, Press Release

2012/12/19

In the Midst Of His Critically Acclaimed CD Release ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’, Guitarist Dave Kilminster Performs With Roger Waters In Front Of Over Two Billion Viewers!

By glassonyonpr

Dave Kilminster performing “Comfortably Numb” with Roger Waters at the 12-12-12 benefit concert

For Immediate Release

In the Midst Of His Critically Acclaimed CD Release ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’, Guitarist Dave Kilminster Performs With Roger Waters In Front Of Over Two Billion Viewers!

London, UK – Guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, in the midst of his recently released critically acclaimed solo CD titled ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’, on December 12, 2012 performed with Roger Waters in front of over two billion viewers at the 12-12-12 benefit concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC. The largest gathering of legendary British and American rock stars in recent history, the benefit for Hurricane Sandy was by all accounts a huge success. Unquestionably, Roger Waters set was one of the highlights of the concert, featuring Dave Kilminster’s impressive guitar prowess. Says Dave about this historic music event, “What a truly magical evening…sharing the stage with such musical luminaries as The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Chris Martin, Eric Clapton…and of course performing with Roger Waters, along with our very special guest Eddie Vedder! It was all just totally surreal, and extremely emotional… I feel so incredibly proud and honored to have taken part in such an amazing and historic event, and for such a heartfelt and worthy cause. The footage of the devastation shown during the show was heartbreaking, and as the announcers recounted tales of bravery & suffering, and introduced 1st responders, rescuers, firefighters, nurses, etc that were in attendance at the concert I was just so glad that I was there to help in my own small way.”

Dave Kilminster’s radical guitar techniques and mesmerizing sounds have captivated fans and fellow musicians alike worldwide. Named “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitar Magazine in 1991, the recognition propelled him on a super-charged career as a multifaceted guitarist, vocalist, writer, engineer, and producer. Credited by keyboard legend Keith Emerson for inspiring him to go on the road again, Dave is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock. And now, his sophomore CD release ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’, has fans and critics alike raving about it’s brilliance!

“Dave Kilminster has succeeded in creating one of those great documents that leaves you in wonder – not in just songs and their performances, but in the fact that as you listen, you come away with the impression that this is his soul speaking. I doubt that he could have created any other album – it’s as if the music pours out of his body like a visceral entity, his life blood mixing with the ethers… These are great songs that just happen to be made of brilliant technical proficiency. Whether you are a guitar aficionado, or a casual listener, you will adore the sublime beauty of this album.” – Tony Conley, Rock Guitar Daily

Fans and critics agree that Dave 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 for a number of years with such luminaries as John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and ELP keyboard wizard Keith Emerson, in 2006 David went on the road with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters as lead guitarist and vocalist in the extraordinary global staging of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. More recently Dave was seen atop a thirty foot wall playing guitar on Roger Waters ‘The Wall – Live’ tour, which became the highest grossing tour of the year, playing to over 3 million people worldwide!! Dave’s work is in a class by itself, encompassing technical mastery and enormous power. His vast musical influences are strongly felt on his new album.

In closing Dave has this to impart about the 12-12-12 benefit concert, “All the bands and performers I saw absolutely played their hearts out, and did an amazing job of making it a night to remember…and I know that it’s an evening that will stay with me forever…”

To purchase Dave Kilminster ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3897
Also available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/scarlet-the-directors-cut/id578776042

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in David Kilminster, Press Release

2012/12/12

Chicago’s Circle Of Fate Release Highly Anticipated New Single “The Other Side Of Me”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Chicago’s Circle Of Fate Release Highly Anticipated New Single “The Other Side Of Me”

Dec. 10. 2012 – Chicago, IL – Much to the excitement of fans across the globe, Chicago melodic rock outfit Circle Of Fate released their new single “The Other Side Of Me” digitally on December 1, 2012. For the last 15 years Circle of Fate has been captivating audiences all over the world and now with their new single, fans of the band will not be disappointed! Lead vocalist and founding member Michele Caruso says, “The song is a punky song about different sides that a woman has to her. You never know what you are going to get. The songs, as always, are open to interpretation to the listener.”

Circle Of Fate features Michele Caruso on Lead Vocals. Michele has done jingle work for Chicago’s hit radio station B-96, and has also been an extra on a Bud Light commercial. On top of all that, Michele was on the Howard Stern show, singing one of her original songs. The show was also aired on live radio, CBS, and E-Entertainment. She has has performed jingles for Chicago’s rock station Q101 and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse where she sang the Gateway Chevrolet song live on the air. Danny Charatin is feaured on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals. Danny has been playing the guitar now for about 22 years. Danny’s past bands include Destiny, Moriah, Latent Fury and Ion Vein. Danny has also done some studio work in the past. He has played shows out of state to fill in for other bands and has a blues influence in his playing. He also enjoys playing classical pieces. Danny says, “My ideas and style fit perfect with Michele’s melodies and style. Together it’s the perfect combination for real music that comes from the soul”. Most recently the band acquired two new members; Lynn Parkinson on Drums – Lynn has been in the industry for many years and has played many styles of music. Bassist Jimi Swanson has also been in the music industry for a number of years and has been in many national acts such as Energy Vampires and Odette.

Michele describes Circle of Fate’s music as, “A break from the mundane. Our music has great melodies and it’s in your face rock. Our music tells a story and leaves you wanting more.” Andrew Dodge of Blog Critics touts, “This is quite simply driving metal that is done with lots of feeling and ability. If you are into good metal delivered well, then check this lot out soonest, you will be glad you did!” The band’s 2010 break-out release ‘Back To Life’ captured the attention of the music public at large and the response was no less than astounding. Described as “Pop rock with metal undertones”, Circle of Fate’s ‘Back To Life’ is an amalgamation of catchy melodies and hooky rhythms. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with top music artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, the CD garnered rave reviews worldwide.

Here’s what the press raved about Circle Of Fate’s ‘Back To Life ‘CD:

“As Circle Of Fate brings on their heavy repertoire, they may be one of the best bands blending classic hard rock sensibility with modern rock trends, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Recommended!” – Dangerdog Music Reviews

“Overall, the band is tight, seamlessly transitioning from hard, metallic riffing to melodic choruses and killer instrumental work. In particular, their ability to change tempo within a song keeps the listener anticipating their next move.” – Hard Rock Haven

“Given a few spins, this one grows on you. It’s good tradesmen like performance highlighting Caruso’s vocal and Charatin’s rather tasty guitar playing. Keep an eye on this outfit for sure!” – Glory Daze Music Magazine

“Circle Of Fate will be the biggest band out of Chicago since the Smashing Pumpkins!” – Rocktober Magazine

In recent news, Circle Of Fate has been asked to perform on Chicago’s Late Night TV program ‘Seven On Ridge’. Danny explains, “We recently were asked to play for the ‘press release’ for the show ‘Seven On Ridge’, which is a new late night show in Chicago. We were booked for a slot on the show and they had to change the date due to extra taping they needed to do for producers in China. We will post the date we will be on once it’s announced. The host of the show is Michael Essany and he formerly had his own show on the E network.” You can see more on the show at http://www.sevenridge.com

In the past year Circle of Fate has returned to the studio to record a new album, in which the new single “The Other Side Of Me” will be featured on “The new material we are recording will be our 5th CD for original members Danny and I,” explains Michele “With two new members on this CD we are very excited that this will give COF a fresh ‘edge’ in the music scene while keeping our own unique style. This extra ‘edge’ will keep Circle of Fate in the public eye and our fans wondering, ‘What will this band do next?’ This new CD will cross new thresholds for our band and will take us to the next level.” Adds Danny, “The new CD still contains much of Michele’s catchy melodies and strong lyrics, but the music has reformed to having a different edge to it than in the past. We started off on a lighter note on past CDs such as ‘Shades Of Gray’ and ‘Inner Sanctum’, which were more melodic. ‘Dawn Of A New Era’ was much heavier. The new album being put together contains a couple of strong ballads along with heavier faster paced songs such as ‘Too Much’, ‘What If’ and our new single ‘The Other Side Of Me’. We believe when the album is finished it will be a great listen from beginning to end with a nice flow from song to song, so when the CD is finished playing you are wanting more.” Producer extraordinaire Eric Greedy, who has worked with such music legends as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Brian Wilson, Rage Against The Machine, Guns & Roses (the list goes on and on), produced two songs on the new CD. Also, formerly from Slash’s Snakepit, Matt Laug played drums on the two tracks. Both cuts wre mastered by industry legend Big Bass Brian, who’s impressive list of clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Grateful Dead, Hall & Oates and Kiss, just to name a few.

In closing the band has this to impart to their fans and listeners, “We have been together for over 15 years now and truly appreciate all of the support of our fans and listeners. You mean everything to us. We work very hard to not only put out great studio albums but to put on great live performances as well. As always, please spread the word and Step into the Circle… You’ll be glad you did!”

To purchase Circle Of Fate’s “The Other Side Of Me” single: http://www.circleoffate.net/Circle_of_Fate/Store.html

http://www.circleoffate.net (Official Band Website)
http://www.twitter.com/circleoffate
http://www.facebook.com/circleoffatemusic
http://www.facebook.com/CircleOfFate
http://www.reverbnation.com/circleoffate

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

Leave a comment | posted in Circle of Fate, Press Release

2012/12/10

Russell Trunk’s Exclusive Magazine Interview with John Lawton

By glassonyonpr

John Lawton
‘Now I Know – The John Lawton Story’

The music industry is buzzing about the new concept album by former legendary Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend vocalist John Lawton titled The Power of Mind.

An innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, but performed by John Lawton and Bulgarian ensemble Diana Express, The Power of Mind is an exploration into the science of positive thinking and its applications to the subconscious mind. Featuring 14 amazing songs that showcase the soulful vocals of John Lawton and the powerful instrumentals by Diana Express will leave you wanting to hear it again and again.

“The Power of Mind is a concept album with positive thinking being the theme,” John explains. “In the world of today, I don’t think there are many better things to focus on. The way the songs flow into each other is really the way one would read a book or relate stories to friends. The melodies and lyrics say a lot about how we should view each other.”

Chatting further with the man himself, and taking it right from the top, he began his music career in North Shields (England) in the early ’60s with The Deans. So, was it true that they were all just a bunch of kids who simply decided at random to name him as the lead singer?! “Yeah it worked out that way. We were 15 years old at that time and of course music was what everybody wanted to do. One of the guys could play guitar a bit, one of the others decided he was the bassman, another took drum lessons, which left me. And so it was decided I was the singer! I spent the early rehearsals with my back to them staring at the wall because it felt so wrong at that moment. Great days though, in many many ways :-)”

You then moved on to West One and later Stonewall, which also included John Miles, Vic Malcolm (Geordie) and Paul Thompson (Roxy Music)! Wow, now that must have been a brilliant band to be part of at the time?! “It was decided that we would put a band together from the best of the local guys and I got the singing spot 🙂 Vic had written some songs so we went out and played in Hamburg (no recordings unfortunately) and by the time we were about to return to England, the band was really tight. However my future seemed to lie in Germany and so I stayed. The rest of the guys returned home went their separate ways and the rest is history :-)”

Things got more commercial for you when you became the lead singer for legendary German rock cult band Lucifer’s Friend. You ended up, through two stints, recording nine studio albums with them, so that must have left an incredible impression on you. Can you, perhaps, pull a true highlight from your time in the band to reveal to us today? “Lucifers Friend was such a great band, as musicians they were first class, always looking for a new way forward musically. It has been said a lot we were ahead of our time in many ways. The 1st album (Lucifers Friend) set out to be heavy rock but after that we went a little more prog. With the 2nd album (Where The Groupies Killed The Blues) and from there we went slightly poppy until my favourite album came along which was Banquet, an absolute stunner of an album in my opinion 🙂 I have worked with some great musicians in my time and the Lucifers guys are up there with the best of them.”

After a shot at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 re: the Les Humphries Singers, you joined Uriah Heep for three years and three studio albums. Again, please reveal a true highlight from your time in the band; something that left you with a great memory? “Joining Heep was momentous for me, coming from the Humphries Singer to one of the best rock bands around – well, what can I say 🙂 In that time I got to see places especially in the USA that I had heard of as a singer starting out. The tours were long compared to what I had done previously, but we toured with some great bands KISS, FOREIGNER, CHEAP TRICK, and played some incredible venues. I think a highlight has to be playing Kansas City stadium to 20/30 thousand people and seeing them flick the cigarette lighters on for the song ‘July Morning.’ Truly memorable.”

Since then you have worked with some of the finest record producers and some incredible musicians through the years – and today have just released your latest album; a concept album entitled The Power of Mind. But, this innovative new album was actually conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, Dr. Milen Vrabevski, but performed by you AND a Bulgarian ensemble, Diana Express! So, first things first, how did you first meet Dr. Vrabevski? “I was introduced via a musician friend in Bulgaria to Milen who gave me a copy of a CD sung in Bulgarian of some really good songs. I really liked the melodies and the way it had been recorded all live no computerised stuff :-)”

“Milen asked me if I was interested in singing the songs in English, so after looking at the translated lyrics (not Google translate, thank god) 🙂 I really wanted to do this album.”

And how long ago did Dr. V. suggest the idea to create a “concept album” to you? (ie: how long did it take to complete the album, from start to finish?) “From our first discussion about the project until actual completion was about 6 months. I had other commitments that had to be fulfilled before I could start, but basically everything was there. The tracks remained as they were from a playing point of view, all I had to do was re-sing all the lead lines. But, of course all the backing vocals had to be re-done as they were all in Bulgarian also! I had everything recorded in the space of 10 days, but it was fun to do.”

With the concept songs showcasing 14 amazing songs that explore the science of positive thinking and its applications to the subconscious mind, did you yourself find that during its recording you were suddenly feeling, well, more positive and free within the confines of your own mind, perhaps? “I understood where Milen was coming from and we had a good time in the studio while putting down the vocals. At the time it felt like I was reading a book to somebody and every song seemed like the next chapter of the story. I was suffering from a bout of flu at the time of recording so I guess positive thinking played a part in getting it all done :-)”

Indeed, with regard this new album, how easy or hard is it to create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderments and accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? “Wooahh !!! That’s a loaded question! I hope that we have created something that will last, and not be seen as a “one off”. Whether it surpasses any musical accomplishments of other artists, remains to be seen. I truly hope that POWER OF MIND opens doors to a second album already in the writing stage, and gives us a chance to fulfil the promise.”

Do you have a favorite track from ‘The Power of Mind,’ perhaps? And if so, which one and why? “I have 2 favourite tracks, TWO HEARTS and THE SEARCH. I just love the melodies especially on HEARTS, but the transitions on THE SEARCH from the intro to the powerful ending, absolutely awesome. Even if I say so myself :-)”

If you had to sum yourself up in just five (5) words today, after all you have been through, encountered and succeeded in/at, what would those five (5) words be? “Actually it would be 7, if that’s allowed? It would be, Still Paying My Dues to the Blues”

If asked to record one for charity, what ’80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today … and why? “I honestly don’t like much from the 80’s. It might be an ABBA song 🙂 But if any, it would have to be ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’ by The Righteous Brothers. I just love the vocals on that song especially Bobby Hatfield. A really good singer, sadly no longer with us :-(”

Lastly, and throwing you a journalistic curve ball, Exclusive Magazine loves Penguins (the birds) … do you?! “Love em !!! And their dancing feet :-)”

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

Source

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, John Lawton

2012/12/08

Skylight Interview with Roye Albrighton of Nektar

By glassonyonpr

1. How did you decide to record this album full of covers?

The idea originated from Cleopatra who thought that Nektar doing a covers album might be of interest to their fanbase.

2. Many famous musicians participate in this album, did you or the label contact the musicians?

The label were the instigators of this..they had the contacts accumalated over the years and conacted them with the offer to do it.

3. Did you meet any of the guest musicians or they had already recorded their own parts before you enter the studios?

Apart from Joel and John Wetton I have never met any of the other musicians..the whole album was recorded remotely via internet. This has it’s advantages in such a scenario, however, recording an album of new music would need a different approach.

4. There a few risky numbers in this album such as covers of non progressive tracks such as “Africa” by Toto. Were you worried about the reactions from your oldschool fans?

Not at all..our fanbase know that we try something different all the time and a covers album wouldn’t be that different, after all when Nektar were in it’s infancy we aso did a couple of covers.

5. What is the scope of this album, to extend your fanbase or satisfy your artistic will?

Bassically just to show that we are human and not a progressive rock machine.

6. Did you ever share the stage with any of the artists that you decided to cover?

Never

7. Who was the artist of the cover artwork?

Pease ask Cleopatra

8. Do you have any plans for an album with new music?

Yes we have a new Nektar studio album called “Time Machine” that appears early 2013.

9. Do you have plans to tour for the Spoonful Of Time album?

Not really but we may put a track or two into the set over the next shows.

10. Are there any other covers that were recorded for a new cover album?

Info: http://nektarsmusic.com

Source

Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Nektar

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