Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2012/12/04

UK Prog Ensemble Landmarq Releases Highly Anticipated New Studio Album ‘Entertaining Angels’

By glassonyonpr

Landmarq cover resized

For Immediate Release

UK Prog Ensemble Landmarq Releases Highly Anticipated New Studio Album ‘Entertaining Angels’

December 4, 2012 – London, UK – The progressive rock music community worldwide is buzzing with excitement about the new release by celebrated UK prog ensemble Landmarq. Pushing their songwriting skills to new heights and crossing previously unexplored musical boundaries, Landmarq’s ‘Entertaining Angels’ is being held as the band’s finest album to date! Vocalist Tracy Hitchings has pulled out all the stops to deliver some truly dazzling performances and has taken a more hands-on role with some stunning vocal arrangements. Multi-talented keyboardist Mike Varty has also brought his production and mixing skills to the band and along with excellent performances from guitarist Uwe D’Rose, drummer Dave Wagstaffe and bassist Steve Gee, Landmarq’s new CD is rapidly becoming one of the top prog releases of the year!

Says Tracy, “All of the lyrics I have written for this album, starting with ‘Entertaining Angels’, were born of my spiritual beliefs. Other lyrics I penned had that same concept, just different stories that got reshaped as I was overcoming Cancer with a very unconventional method as part of the belief in reshaping my life and helping me rid my nemesis. In particular, ‘Glowing – Part 1 & 2′ is a testament to that and was an amazing and cathartic experience. Writing lyrics and vocal arranging on this album has been an amazing journey and healing process in my life, which has completely changed from the one I once lived.”

“’Entertaining Angels’ is a triumph…full of power and passion…” – Geoff Barton, Classic Rock Magazine

Since it’s formation in London in 1990, London-based prog-rock band Landmaq has so far released eight albums, two of which have been recorded live at various concerts in the UK and Europe and a third live CD taken from the DVD ‘Turbulence – Live In Poland’. Initially signing to a Dutch record company (SI Records) then forming their own label, Synergy Records, the band soon firmly established itself within the world of progressive rock, though their appeal extended beyond these boundaries to a more mainstream audience. After three well-received albums, original lead singer Damian Wilson left to pursue a solo career and was replaced by award-winning vocalist Tracy Hitchings. Landmarq has played concerts around the world and has worked with artists such as Marillion, John Wetton, Steve Hackett, Nik Turner, Annie Haslam, Suzi Quatro and many others.

Now with Landmarq’s fifth studio album, ‘Entertaining Angels’, the band has reached a watershed in it’s career with a CD guaranteed to please old and new fans alike. The band is also proud to include guest appearances from, among others, cellist Hugh McDowell (ELO, Wizzard) and saxophonist Laurent Hunziker (Logicaltramp, Tiptop, Gino Sitson). Aside from brand new compositions, the album also includes new studio recordings of material first released on Landmarq’s critically acclaimed DVD and CD ‘Turbulence – Live In Poland’. All in all, ‘Entertaining Angels’ will be a worthy addition to all discerning lovers of not just prog-rock, but simply good music!

Says Tracy, “’Entertaining Angels’ is rich in backing vocals, the arrangements of which were so important in order to give the warmth and brightness that was not quite as present in our previous work. I so loved arranging to the backdrop of Steve’s and Uwe’s music, which overall has been given the life-force of Mike Varty’s production work. This has created a more accessible and maturer sound without losing the concept flavor. Both the cello work of ELO’s Hugh McDowell and the sultry saxophone of Laurent Hunziker has provided the icing on the cake!”

“…without a doubt, ‘Entertaining Angels’ is the strongest album of their career…” – Nick Shilton, PROG magazine

In closing Tracy has this to impart to the band’s longtime followers, “I simply say to everyone – crank up the volume, fasten your seat-belts, and enjoy the Landmarq ride of your life. This album oozes atmosphere – hot and sexy!!!”

To purchase Landmarq ‘Entertaining Angels’ CD: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3898
Available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/entertaining-angels/id577921189

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

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

1 Comment | posted in Landmarq, Press Release

2012/12/03

musicradar Interview with Jon Anderson

By glassonyonpr

yes-stack-640-80

Jon Anderson talks Yes’ Close To The Edge track-by-track

“We were on top of the world when we made Close To The Edge,” says singer-songwriter Jon Anderson, recalling the early months of 1972 when he and his Yes mates (guitarist Steve Howe, bassist Chris Squire, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and drummer Bill Bruford) holed up inside London’s Advision Studios to record the follow-up to their breakout hit, Fragile, which was released a year earlier.

“The band had just done a huge tour for Fragile,” says Anderson, “and we were quite pleased at how the audiences were loving the longer pieces that we played live. Roundabout was eight minutes long, Starship Trooper was nine, and Heart Of The Sunrise was over 11 minutes. These are well-constructed pieces of music that really worked on stage. We were feeling very powerful, like we could do anything.”

And that they did. Comprised of just three songs – the title track along with And You And I, both four-movement epics, plus the relatively short (at eight minutes, 55 seconds) Siberian Khatru – Close To The Edge was the result of the progressive rock band’s musical impulses running on full, a broad canvas of dizzying instrumental exchanges supporting Anderson’s sublime, mystical poetic vistas.

“It’s very representative of what I think is the Yes style,” Anderson says. “We experimented a lot, but we also had the talent to back it up – it wasn’t just solo after solo. We told stories and created moods. It was all very daring and wonderful.”

The group eschewed making demos, preferring to work on rough ideas while co-producer Eddy Offord rolled tape. After several weeks, concepts were sewn together into elaborate song structures. “We’d get the basic sketch of something, and then it was a matter of refinement,” says Anderson. “A piece would start to feel complete, but then I’d look to Steve and say, ‘We need a very poignant 12-string guitar introduction.’ He’d come up with it, it would be great, and we’d be off.”

Released on 13 September 1972, Close To The Edge bested the performance of Fragile, reaching No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and placing a spot higher on Billboard’s Top 200 in the US. “FM stations really supported us, particularly on the college campuses in the States,” says Anderson. “They weren’t interested in what was commercial – they were just into playing great music.”

On the following pages, Anderson looks back at the writing and recording of Close To The Edge, offering his insights into the record track-by-track (and, more specifically, movement-by-movement). “It was the beginning of my musical journey in terms of really understanding structure,” he says. “I was able to help guide the band into Tales From Topographic Oceans, The Gates Of Delirium and Awaken. Everybody was so talented, so we could play these epic songs marvelously. The biggest thing was that we were all in harmony. We were truly connected.”

For the full interview, please visit MusicRadar.com.

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2012/12/01

Virgil Guitars Create The Most Elaborate Custom Made Guitars Ever Built!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Virgil Guitars Create The Most Elaborate Custom Made Guitars Ever Built!

Nov. 28, 2012 – Tampa, FL – An artist and guitarist since the 1970’s, Virgil Mandanici set out to make guitars that would be exceptional in tone and playability first and foremost. After 35 years of playing guitar, he decided it was time to craft guitars that would feel, play and look better than anything anyone has ever played before – thus Virgil Guitars was born! As a master craftsman,Virgil has drawn his building career from several luthiers over the past couple years to make these incredible guitars. The inlay and appointments on his guitars are simply a testament to his attention to detail.

Says Virgil, “After playing guitar for over 35 years, I knew what I was looking for in tone and how a neck should feel and had been willing to go to any length to achieve the ‘perfect’ guitar fit for myself, and ironically, other players. On my Signature & Artisan Series guitars, they come with a DVD that shows the birth of my guitars starting out with a chunk of wood all the way to a music video – I do every step of this process by myself, in-house. I am not aware of any other builder in the world that is doing this… Yet, I am also planning on making ALL unique guitars – there will NEVER be two guitars alike, so all owners of a Virgil Guitar will have their own unique tone and feel. I am also working on making guitars to fit different budgets.”

Virgil Guitars makes custom, one-of-a-kind boutique guitars in Tampa, Florida. Each guitar has it’s own story, a one-of-a-kind inlay and certain models even come with a DVD of the build. Virgil carefully documents each build with amazing photography and videography assuring the buyer the guitar’s tone/sound before purchase. Says Virgil, “The inspiration for all designs come naturally since I have been a guitarist and artist since the ’70s. Watching the masters like Larry Robinson and Grit Laskin helped quite a bit as well – I was amazed at the detail. I love the fact that I can also ‘paint’ my designs with no paint… I use various shells, stone, prehistoric shark teeth, precious metals and natural wood for all the colors I would ever need.”

“As a player, the most important thing for me in a guitar is playability and sound. Virgil Guitars are the best playing and sounding electric guitars I have ever played. Honest. Then when you add the amazing beauty of the inlay and woodworking, you really have something special.” – Guitarist Todd Grubbs

Bottom line, why would someone want to purchase a custom crafted guitar from Virgil Guitars? Virgil explains, “They should buy them for their playability – don’t let the fancy schmantzy inlay and detailing fool you – everyone who has played my guitars does the same thing; they first give some ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ with the inlay or detailing and even some of them have said, ‘Well, I’m not really into a lot of inlay…’ But as soon as they put it in their laps, it’s the exact same thing we all do as guitarists; we feel the balance of it in the lap, we feel the neck, how open chords and then barre chords feel, then we feel the action of the strings, then the accessibility to the higher frets. The next critique is focused on the tone. I am the same person who pays attention to the details on the inlays as much as every other aspects of my guitars. It would make no sense to spend all the time on the inlay and just blow off the IMPORTANT aspects of a guitar. I make all of my guitars as if it was my last guitar I was to build and have as a guitar!”

For more information visit the official Virgil Guitars website: http://www.virgilguitar.com/

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

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2012/11/29

The Rocktologist Interview with John Lawton

By glassonyonpr

John Lawton: “I think my time in Lucifer’s Friend was the most rewarding from a musical point of view.”
by Daniel Pavlica

John Lawton was the singer with Lucifer’s Friend, Les Humphries Singers and of course the legendary Uriah Heep, which he propelled through more blues oriented mainstream rock with 1977’s “Firefly” album. Years following the Heep adventure were spent building a vibrant CV that included the release of a solo album in 1980, stints with Rebel, Zar and old compatriot Ken Hensley. Fast forward to 2012, he is excited about the release of “Power of Mind”, a concept album he made with Bulgarian hard rock act Diana Express.

You teamed up with Milen Vrabevski and Bulgarian band Diana Express. Can you tell us more about how this came up?

John: I have been going to Bulgaria for the last few years, filming travel documentaries for Bulgarian TV. And doing concerts. A musician friend of mine put me in touch with Milen who had recorded and produced the album POWER OF MIND with the Bulgarian band Diana Express in that language….Milen asked me to sing the album in English. I had a look at the English translation of the lyrics….and yeah I loved it. The next thing I know, I’m in the studio recording it.

What’s behind the idea of “The Power of Mind”?

John: This is a kind of concept album, in that the songs interlink with each other in melody and lyrics. I found it was like reading a book to a friend while I was recording it. Of course everybody hears a song differently, but I think every listener will connect to this album….

Does the album hold any surprises for John Lawton fans?

John: I guess it will! People who know me will expect rock, but I have always tried to do something different with every album I do, but I’m sure the fans will love this album because of the songs….

Are there any plans for bringing this project on the road?

John: We have played some gigs featuring songs from Power Of Mind and they went down really well. The plan is to take to the road after Christmas and bring the album to the fans…..

Another of your southeast musical experiences involved Slovenian hard rock act Mary Rose. It seems that you enjoy spending your time in the Balkans. Is the lure of coffee and ratluk so strong?

John: (laughs) I really enjoyed my time in Slovenia and singing with Mary Rose was great, they are a terrific band and I love them they are great guys. I do hope to go back there again….

Where there any plans to record an album with Mary Rose?

John: We never talked about it, but it would have been nice to record something with them….

You’ve played with a number of bands, Uriah Heep and Lucifer’s Friend being just two of the lot. Where does Diana Express rank as a band?

John: Hey, they are great musicians in their own right as were Lucifers Friend and Heep…some people seem to think musicians are only good if they come from the USA or Great Britain or any country west of Berlin (laughs)….well that’s not the case, there are some really good rock musicians from the Balkan countries and I have worked with many of them….

What is the main driving force behind making music at 65?

John: Thanks for reminding me (laughs)….I still get an adrenalin rush stepping on stage and I still love what I do..As long as the fans still want to see and hear my music, then I shall still continue…

Do you still get excited about releasing a record?

John: Yes I do….I suppose I’m like every singer or guitarist or drummer etc. to hear the final product after spending time putting ideas together and coming out with something you love is a great feeling…It never ceases to amaze me…

This one is a little on the odd side. What’s the biggest misconception people have about John Lawton?

John: (laughs)…this is so hard to answer….probably fans think I’m a 24/7 musician…well that’s not the case. I like to cook, long walks, meeting people who are not in the music business, I think I am a family man at heart….maybe this is the misconception…I don’t know… you tell me (laughs).

Looking back at the time when you joined Uriah Heep, and the release of “Firefly”. How did you deal with that level of success? Was that extra pressure for you?

John: I guess looking back it was. It was of course difficult to follow in the footsteps of David Byron but I tried to sing the songs on Firefly my way. The change of image was one way of getting away from what the fans were expecting, eye make up and leather but it some ways it worked and I think the Heep fans came to accept me, but it took a while…

With your voice carrying a more straight forward, bluesy edge, did you find it hard connecting with the long standing fans?

John: Maybe at the time it was and I did try on occasions to keep it straight, but I had to be true to myself and in the end the other guys in Heep encouraged me to sing the material my way…

How do you view the Lawton era Heep now?

John: Hey, with great affection, we had some great times and we had some hard times, but in the end its the music that counts. Although its been a long time since I was full time in Heep but we have kept contact down the years and we are still friends today. I have stood in with Heep on their tour of South Africa in 1995 when Bernie had some throat problem and done a couple of Magicians Birthday gigs with them….so once you join Uriah Heep, you never really leave.

Which part of your career would you call attention to for being the most prolific? For instance, when speaking to Micky Moody, he marked his time in Whitesnake as a hindrance from the artistic point of view.

John: I think my time in Lucifers Friend was the most rewarding from a musical point of view. It was a very progressive time in terms of studio work and bringing the ideas to the record company, who at that time were very willing to let us experiment. I Think you will find that most musicians from that time will tell you the same…artistic freedom is what they used to call it.

What’s a typical day for you nowadays?

John: Depends where I am, and most times I’m on the road on way or another…I present and direct travel films for a Bulgarian TV company and that takes a lot of my time, not only the filming side of it, but the “after filming” part. Narration, English text correction etc…but its fun and I love it. I have met so many interesting people. Then there are the gigs, so my time is pretty much taken up…but I wouldn’t have it any other way….

John Lawton, thank you very much for your time.

John: It’s a pleasure, I hope you and your readers will find it interesting to read and look out for THE POWER OF MIND CD….you won’t regret it and I do hope to get back to Slovenia one day, it’s a great country……

“The Power of Mind” is out now on Cherry Red Records.

Source

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2012/11/27

David Kilminster, Guitarist on Roger Waters’ The Wall Tour, Releases Debut Solo CD ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

David Kilminster, Guitarist on Roger Waters’ The Wall Tour, Releases Debut Solo CD
‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’

November 26, 2012 – London, UK – Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, has released his debut solo CD titled ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’. David’s radical 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, David is a familiar figure worldwide to fans of progressive rock. And now, much to the elation of his fans, David is releasing an innovative new CD that will amaze all who listen!!

Says David about his new CD, “I guess the album ‘Scarlet – The Director’s Cut’ is just a reflection of all the wonderful music that I grew up listening to on the radio, along with some deeply personal lyrics. It also represents the first time that I’ve ever been let loose in a studio, so I was definitely like a kid in a candy store!!! Hence trying a whole bunch of things I’ve never done before…like singing lead vocals, playing piano and even scoring for a string quartet!”

Fans and critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring for a number of years with such luminaries as John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and ELP keyboard 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 David 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!!

David’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. Says David, “I have a very eclectic list of influences. Musically, it’s anywhere from Debussy to Bjork, Chet Baker to Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley to Queen…it’s all in there, mixed up in my own unique way…” As far as the title goes, David explains, “I really love the provocative images that the word ‘Scarlet’ conjures up in my head… it’s a very passionate color, and brings to mind characters such as ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’, ‘The Scarlet Woman’ (the goddess from the mystical system of Thelema), Scarlet Johansson (very cute!!)… and also the Sir Conan Doyle book ‘A Study In Scarlet’, which I believe is where Sherlock Holmes was first introduced. In a way the last reference seems particularly apt, as I feel like this album is my first real introduction into the world of music…”

In closing David has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “There’s so much of my heart, soul, passion and energy in this recording… you can almost see my DNA in the grooves of the CD!!! So I really hope you enjoy the listening experience…”

To purchase David 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

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2012/11/19

Independent Singer/Songwriter Aria Knight Debuts New Music From Her Upcoming Summer 2013 Release in San Francisco in Early December

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Independent Singer/Songwriter Aria Knight Debuts New Music From Her Upcoming Summer 2013 Release in San Francisco in Early December

November 19, 2012 – San Francisco, CA – After many years of live performance in both the San Francisco Bay Area and in New York, Aria Knight brings her new songs to a live audience for the first time in San Francisco for two shows in early December. The shows include a performance at Karneycopia, a weekly Singer/Songwriter event in the SOMA district at Brainwash Café, and a set at Independent Distribution Collective’s Holiday Party at the Union Room in the Union Square neighborhood. This run will be capped off with a few studio sessions at Petting Zoo Studios in Emeryville, CA, working with producer/engineer Ben Bernstein (New Monsoon, Deborah Crooks, Ian Franklin).

Aria Knight is a singer/songwriter who was born in San Francisco and who graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts with a degree in Vocal Performance. Over the past few years Aria has been writing music and performing live throughout the New York area, and although New York has provided some inspiration, her Bay Area roots are also at the heart of her musical experiences. The music Aria writes is stylistically diverse, drawing upon an eclectic source of musical influences that range from alternative rock to indie electronic to contemporary folk. Subject matter and the depth of her lyrics (in an age where these aspects of music are commonly neglected in the mainstream) are of utmost importance to Aria as an artist, and are the driving force behind her songs.

Using music to share her personal experience and to voice issues from new perspectives are two of her main goals, which she finds especially pressing as a member of the LGBTQ community. Her lyrics speak to emotions that transcend sexuality, doing so with the kind of raw emotion and honesty that listeners can’t help but find endearing, making accessible the kinds of pervasive struggles and passions that everyone, gay, straight, or otherwise, have to face.

On her debut album, set to release in the summer of 2013, Aria’s music delves into her struggles with personal demons, sexuality, relationships, fear, uncertainty, and pressure to be what you “should” be and not who you are. Through her strong vision and collaboration with a variety of talented musicians, she creates a collection of songs that are musically complex, deeply personal, and widely relatable.

Live performances will be held on Wednesday December 5th at Karneycopia at Brainwash Café 1122 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 861-3663 and on Saturday December 8th at The Union Room 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 292-2583. Both performances will begin at 8pm.

For more information visit Aria Knight’s website at http://www.ariaknight.com for music samples.

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
To schedule an interview with Aria Knight please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

Leave a comment | posted in Aria Knight, Press Release

2012/11/13

Guitar Virtuoso James Williams To Release New CD ‘Eclectic Shred’ Featuring Symphony X and James Labrie Members

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitar Virtuoso James Williams To Release New CD ‘Eclectic Shred’ Featuring Symphony X and James Labrie Members

November 12, 2012 – Plano, TX – Much to the excitement of guitarists around the world, guitar virtuoso James Williams will be releasing his new solo CD ‘Eclectic Shred’ on October 30, 2012. Featuring guest appearances by Mike LePond from Symphony X and Matt Guillroy from James Labrie/Yngwie Malmsteen, and to be released on the Eclectic Shred label, the new CD by James Williams is an exercise in guitar wizardry, the likes of which have not been heard before!

“Quality songs, quality players. Just an honor to work with James Williams and be part of this kick-ass project.” – Mike LePond, Symphony X

Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, James Williams was raised on classical music; his mother was a singer in the church choir and sang Opera locally, and sister sang professionally for the San Francisco Metropolitan Opera for ten years. Composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Stravinsky, Mozart, Carl Orf, Chopin were all part of James’s early musical vocabulary. By the age 12, Jimi Hendrix became his fascination, followed by guitarists Robin Trower, Larry Carlton, Al Dimeola, Gary Moore, Jeff Beck, Alan Holdsworth, Frank Marino, Yngwie Malmsteen and bands like Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Scorpions, ELP, Yes, Boston and Kansas.

James has appeared in Guitar Player Magazine with Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records, who said, “James’s impressive guitar pyrotechnics are highlighted by arpeggios, speed picking, vibrato and guitar harmonies that work together to create inspiring high level passages that sometimes remind me of Yngwie Malmsteen.” James has recorded with the late bassist Wyman Tisdale and also legendary bassist/composer/arranger Marcus Miller. Performances with guitarist Norman Brown, saxophonist Gerald Albright and many other top artists, along with years of exposure to classical, jazz, metal and R&B, James has created a diverse sound that is on the cutting edge of today’s guitarists. Says James,“My inspiration is always to achieve something musical that will last and inspire others.”

In 2011, Magna Carta Records released the critically acclaimed album by James’s under the name X Opus titled ‘The Epiphany CD’; the band was essentially James on all instruments with two vocalists. Sea Of Tranquility raved about the album, “If you like heavy progressive music with celestial lyrical themes you most certainly won’t go wrong if you invest in this one.” WeLoveMetal.com expressed, “For me personally what stood out was the passion that James Williams talks about comes out on every song and an artist that lays his heart and soul out for the world to explore and critique deserves my applause and genuine appreciation.”

In regards to the outcome of his latest album ‘Eclectic Shred’, James explains, “There is so much diversity in this record it should satisfy the solo hungry guitar fans, the song composition fans, and anyone who likes fusion with odd time signatures, power Symphony X rhythms to Hendrix, Ynwie and classical lovers of guitar and keys.” Adding to his impressive guitar virtuosity, James also plays bass, keyboards, drum programming, along with composing all the symphony arrangements. He also produced and mixed the album at his personal recording facility, X Opus studio. Says James, “As far as the players on ‘Eclectic Shred’, I am really happy with how that turned out, as it can be a challenge to communicate to guys that are in other parts of the US and can’t come to your studio. However, the players I used were great at doing their thing. I am so happy to be able to have gotten my good friend Mike LePond from Symphony X to play bass on the album – he is a bass god! His timing and interpretation is masterful, and he wrote his own lines and played the way he wanted as he heard it. Mike is the best prog-metal has to offer – Symphony X is my favorite modern metal band and the best out there musically. I got in touch with Matt Guillroy through my good friend Mike Varney, the famed progressive guitar producer who brought us Yngwie and Jason Becker. Matt plays keyboards for James Labrie and has worked with Yngwie – he is better on keys sounding like a guitar than most guitar players. He is a master of the keys and I was so glad to get him on the record shredding solos!” Also included on the recordings are guitarists Dave Thomas and Richard Tull.

In conclusion, James has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “I hope that people benefit spiritually as well as musically from this record.”

To purchase James Williams ‘Eclectic Shred’: http://cdbaby.com/cd/jameswilliams12

For more information: http://www.jameswilliamseclecticshred.com
http://www.facebook.com/jameswilliamseclecticshred, http://www.facebook.com/jameswilliamsguitar

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

Leave a comment | posted in James Williams, Press Release

2012/11/08

Original Judas Priest Vocalist Al Atkins and Christian Guitarist Paul May Enter The ‘Valley Of Shadows’ With New ‘Atkins May Project’ CD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Original Judas Priest Vocalist Al Atkins and Christian Guitarist Paul May Enter The ‘Valley Of Shadows’ With New ‘Atkins May Project’ CD

November 6, 2012 – London, UK – The rock world is buzzing with the revelation that good and evil can continue to work together in the form of former Judas Priest vocal legend and heavy metal frontman Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites have come together once again to create a powerful new CD called ‘Valley Of Shadows’, now available on Gonzo Multimedia. Here once again, the men from the “Black Country” have produced an album of outstanding quality straight from the “Home of Metal”! This excellent collection of songs sees Atkins deliver some stand out vocal performances and May shred the axe like the old guitar masters,

‘Valley Of Shadows’ offers 10 “killer” tracks that burst with melody and metal mayhem. You’ll take a journey through what seems to be an “evolution” of rock. With all the elements of “classic” hard rock and metal, yet retaining an underlying progressive core, ‘Valley Of Shadows’ will not disappoint fans of the genre who decide to take the ride!

Says Al Atkins, “We have kept the same format for ‘Valley Of Shadows’ since it worked really well for our debut album ‘Serpent’s Kiss’, so we thought why change a winning formula.” Paul May adds, “I think the new album definitely leans more towards that ‘classic rock’ feel, with some modern twists thrown in for good measure, retaining its metal edge.”

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

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

Now with the release of the new Atkins May Project CD, the dichotomous duo are ready once again to bring their special brand of rock and metal to the masses. Although the CD has no definite concept there are certain underlying themes that run throughout the songs. “The album is mainly about facing trials of life and the ‘demons’ you encounter on the way,” Paul explains. “It’s about standing up and being counted when you understand who you are. The title ‘Valley Of Shadows’ relates to many things…that dark night of the soul that finds us all…”

In closing Al has this to impart to the band’s fans, “We would like to say a big thanks to all our fans and friends that we have amassed over the long years and would just like to say..’KEEP IT METAL.’”

Atkins May Project – ‘Valley Of Shadows’ is available through Gonzo MultiMedia and can be purchased at: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15515

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

http://www.AlAtkins.com

http://www.PaulMayMusic.com http://www.PaulMayMusic.co.uk

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

Leave a comment | posted in Atkins / May Project, Press Release

2012/11/03

Progressive Rock Icons Nektar To Release Covers CD “A Spoonful Of Time” Featuring All-Star Guest Line-Up

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Progressive Rock Icons Nektar To Release Covers CD “A Spoonful Of Time” Featuring All-Star Guest Line-Up

Features performances by members of YES, King Crimson, Deep Purple, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Hawkwind, The Zombies and Cream!

Oct. 31, 2012 – London, UK – Progressive rock fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the forthcoming release of a new covers CD by music legends Nektar called “A Spoonful Of Time”, featuring an all-star guest line-up! Celebrating their 43rd Anniversary, Nektar’s contribution over the past four decades has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a “prog legend;” the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. And now on November 27th Cleopatra Records will be releasing the first ever covers album by the iconic UK ensemble, joined by an incredible gathering of musical heroes from a wide variety of genres!

Says founding Nektar member Roye Albrighton, “The idea originated from Cleopatra themselves…they thought it might be a good idea to do an album of classic songs with a multitude of different players but under the Nektar banner. Klaus, Ron and myself were to be the staple musicians taking part and the files would be given out to various musicians to do their parts. I was asked to do most of the vocals except for the one track which was (“Africa”) and quite a few guitars too. Ron did a lot of the drums and Klaus was prominent on several of the tracks on Hammond and mellotron.”

Track listing:
1. Sirius featuring Michael Pinnella (Symphony X)
2. Spirit Of The Radio featuring Mark Kelly (Marillion)
3. Fly Like An Eagle featuring Geoff Downes (Asia / Yes) • Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket)
4. Wish You Were Here featuring Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
5. For The Love Of Money featuring Ian Paice (Deep Purple) • Nik Turner (Hawkwind)
6. Can’t Find My Way Home featuring Steve Howe (Yes) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion) • Mel Collins (King Crimson)
7. 2000 Light Years From Home featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
8. Riders On The Storm featuring Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) • Rod Argent (The Zombies / Argent)
9. Blinded By The Light featuring Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) • Ginger Baker (Cream)
10. Out Of The Blue featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)
11. Old Man featuring David Cross (King Crimson)
12. Dream Weaver featuring Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
13. I’m Not In Love featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes)
14. Africa featuring Bobby Kimball (Toto) • Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)

Nektar’s “A Spoonful Of Time” was produced by the band and mixed by prog icon Billy Sherwood, who also played bass on some of the tracks.
Says Billy, “I really enjoyed working with Nektar on their new record, it was an honor playing bass on the entire project too!! Roye is very creative and inspiring to be around, Ron and Klaus are great to work with too… I felt like it was working with friends, making music, as it should be. I look forward to playing some gigs with them in the future.” Roye adds, “The songs featured on the album were chosen by Cleopatra, of which a few of them I quite like. It was good working with Billy, on this covers album and our new studio album ‘Time Machine’, and like me, he wants the absolute best for the music.”

The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make a significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt (“Remember The Future”, “Down To Earth” and “Recycled”), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan “Taff” Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek “Mo” Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace a rock stage. Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out…until the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions. The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow – by loyal fans across the globe! “It’s pretty timeless music,” says Albrighton, “and what I’m hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it’s like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great thrill to us and some of the older bands from our time.”

An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, became an entity entirely under their own control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. The band released the critically acclaimed CDs ‘Book of Days’ in 2008 and the live DBL CD ‘Fortyfied’ in 2009. Signing with US label Cleopatra in 2011, the band competed it’s first U.S. Tour in seven years by virtue of a successful month-long jaunt of the States, to the delight of their U.S. Fans both old and new. Nektar is set to make its mark once again with the release of their critically acclaimed studio album “Time Machine.” Now with the release of “A Spoonful Of Time,” Nektar is back with a psychedelic head trip through classic rock radio with artful twists on classics by The Doors, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Steve Miller, 10cc and others!

As far as future plans for Nektar: “To make more music, and to experiment more in different ways,” says Albrighton. Nektar will be a part of the Cruise to the Edge crusie in March with the Yes, Tangerine Dream, Saga, Steve Hackett, Carl Palmer Band, UK and others. In closing Roye has this to impart to the band’s long-standing fans, “A huge thanks to all those fans who have stuck by the band through thick and thin over the years… We are only doing it for you.”

Nektar “A Spoonful Of Time” is available for pre-order now at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spoonful-time-feat.-steve/id570409022

– and at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Spoonful-feat-Wakeman-Sherinian-Argent/dp/B008KRWKGW/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1351272833&sr=1-1&keywords=nektar+spoonful+of+time

For more information visit Nektar’s official website: http://www.nektarsmusic.com

Cleopatra Records: http://www.CleopatraRecords.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Nektar, Press Release

2012/11/01

Former Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend Legend John Lawton To Release New Concept Album – The Power of Mind!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Former Uriah Heep / Lucifer’s Friend Legend John Lawton To Release New Concept Album – The Power of Mind!

October 30, 2012 – London, UK – 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.”

John Lawton began his musical career in North Shields, UK, in the early ’60s with The Deans, a bunch of kids who decided at random that John should be singer. He then moved on to West One and later to Stonewall, which included John Miles, Vic Malcolm (later of Geordie) and Paul Thompson (later of Roxy Music). After Stonewall finished a stint at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg in 1969, John decided to stay in Germany. He is offered the job as singer with legendary German cult rock band Lucifer’s Friend (1969-1976, 1979-1995) and subsequently recorded 9 studio albums during his time with the band. In the early ’70s John also joined the Les Humphries Singers, with whom he recorded more than 20 albums and took part at 1976’s Eurovision Song Contest.

In 1976 John joined Uriah Heep as their front man, and recorded the classic albums ‘Innocent Victim’, ‘Firefly’, ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Live ’79’, and toured Europe and the USA until September 1979. During his longstanding career John has worked with some big names of rock, on various projects, including Roger Glover’s ‘Butterfly Ball’ and Eddie Hardin’s ‘Wizard’s Convention II’. In late 1980 he joined German rock band Rebel on three albums, including their hit singles “Line of Fire” and “Eagles Flight”. He would record one more album with the group, now known as ZAR in the early ’90s. John ventured into the world of classical music when he recorded vocals for Volker Barber’s ‘Excalibur’. In January 1994 he formed GunHill, later known as JLB – John Lawton Band. The band recorded two albums (studio/live) and toured the UK and Europe. In August 2000 John recorded his first solo album, the critically acclaimed ‘Still Paying My Dues To The Blues’.

In December 2008 John entered the world of television by presenting the Bulgarian travel documentary series “John Lawton Presents”. Which leads to the teaming of John and Bulgaria’s Diana Express in November 2011 to record ‘The Power of Mind’ in Plevin, Bulgaria. John comments, “The involvement came via a musician friend of mine from Sofia, Bulgaria, who knows the writer and producer of the album, Milen Vrabevski. I met with Milen briefly in Sofia after an exchange of e-mails and he gave me a copy of the original ‘The Power of Mind’ CD, which had been sung in Bulgarian. I must say I liked it very much, it was very well sung, played and produced. Milen then asked me if I would consider singing the whole album again in English and after looking through the English lyrics I agreed. It was a real joy to record in the studio in Pleven, owned by the guitarist of the band, Maxim Goranov. It took me about a week and a half to complete the solo and backing vocals.”

John Lawton has built a reputation on his powerful vocals and charismatic personality and is regarded as one of the best singers around today! And now with his new CD ‘The Power of Mind’, John has reached an artistic peak. In conclusion John has this to impart to his longtime listeners, “People who know me and my background will expect something new and with ‘The Power of Mind’ they have exactly that. The album is a collection of excellent songs very well played and produced and one which I am very proud of…so make sure you give it a good listen. Think positive and trust in the Power of Mind.”

Available soon on iTunes, “Fairy Tale”, the first single from ‘The Power of Mind’.

Title: John Lawton and Diana Express – ‘The Power of Mind’
Label: Intelligent Music
Release Date: 12th November 2012

‘The Power of Mind’ website: http://www.thepowerofmindalbum.com

Visit the official John Lawton website at http://www.johnlawtonmusic.com/JLmusic.htm

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

Leave a comment | posted in John Lawton, Press Release