Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2025/10/02

Experimental Jazz Guitarist Ian Smit to Release New Album “¿QUÉ?” Feat. David Torn, Tom Rainey, and Scott Petito

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Experimental Jazz Guitarist Ian Smit to Release New Album ¿QUÉ? Feat. David Torn, Tom Rainey, and Scott Petito

Experimental jazz guitarist Ian Smit announces that he will release his new album ¿QUÉ? on December 5, 2025. The album features Scott Petito on acoustic/electric bass and as recording engineer, Tom Rainey on drums, Ian Smit on electric/acoustic guitar/effects, and David Torn on electric/national steel guitar/effects.

Smit’s purpose for making music with David, Tom and Scott was to be conversational with lots of dynamic ups and downs, which is very natural to all of them. That was the only stated “instruction” before getting into the studio. This recording is fully improvised. The tracks “Bee Still” and “Raindrops and Waterspouts” began as loose harmonic structures that Smit presented to the band. Everything else was created in the moment with no discussion prior to the red light going on.

When playing music that isn’t formally composed, the goal was to create spontaneous compositions through musical dialog and interactions between the players, whether by use of melody, groove, sound interventions, or even through silence. Not everyone needed to be “speaking” to make a point.

Ian Smit has known David Torn for decades. David produced his first professional recording called Ping with Peter Biedermann and Steve Meltzer, as Steve introduced Smit to David way back when, and they recorded at Scott Petito’s first studio in 1987. Both David and Scott played on that which was only released on cassette.

Smit reacquainted with Scott Petito after many years through a recording session with a friend, where Scott was the mixing/mastering engineer. Smit was blown away at the vibe in the studio, and that planted the seed to create this unique recording. At that moment, Scott was destined to play bass and record ¿QUÉ?.

After hearing and seeing Tom Rainey perform with David Torn over the years, Smit decided he was the perfect drummer for this session, as he is so expressive and interactive. Says Smit, “Tom was definitely number one on the list. This recording would not have come to fruition if Tom wasn’t available.”

¿QUÉ? was recorded with David, Tom and Smit in the same room, with only gobo panels between them to intentionally generate feedback when needed. Scott meanwhile was in a separate room, as he played acoustic bass on several tracks and electric on others.

David played national steel as well as guitar for this recording (his oud was under the weather). When Smit played acoustic, or David played the national steel, they were in a separate room. When either of them played acoustically, the other played electrically. In the stereo spectrum, Smit’s guitar is on the left with a sometimes-utilized effects amp almost in the middle, and David is on the right.

Says Smit, “It was the first time Tom and Scott ever played together, but their interactions were inspiring. Scott hadn’t played with David in a very long time, and even though Scott and David played on that 1987 recording of mine, they overdubbed. I, on the other hand, never played with any of the fellas. Was all that risky? Evidently not…I was riding on a rocket ship!”

Personnel:
Scott Petito: Acoustic/Electric Bass, Composer, Production Assistant, Recording/Mastering Engineer
Tom Rainey: Drums, Composer
Ian Smit: Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Effects/Loops, Left Side/Center, Composer, Producer
David Torn: National Steel/Electric Guitar, Effects/Loops, Right Side, Composer, Production Assistant
David Payette: Assistant Engineer
Recorded Live: Scott Petito Productions/NRS Recording Studio, Catskill, NY April 28, 2025
Cover Art Design: Stephen Byram

Track list:
1. Bee Still (8:24)
2. Next is a Good Place to Be (11:01)
3. That Not So Clear Day in September (5:27)
4. Oil Can Sweets (7:17)
5. Raindrops and Waterspouts (5:48)
6. A Quiet Cafe Until It’s Not (8:47)
7. Oil Can Beets (2:48)
8. Barker de la Carnivale (6:47)
9. Oil Can Leeks (4:54)
10. Wizard of Wut (3:47)
11. Pitter Patter All That Matters (4:58)

Scott Petito:

Scott Petito is a bassist, composer and producer from the Hudson Valley of New York. Scott has recorded, produced and performed on more than 1000 recordings. His clients and collaborators in such diverse artists as, the Band, James Taylor, Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck and Keith Richards. He attended the Berklee College of Music as a jazz composition major and has lent his skills to countless major artists in jazz (Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Dave Holland), folk (Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton) Blues (Lucky Peterson, Rory Block) and rock (Mercury Rev, The Fugs, Sting, Jon Anderson, NRBQ). Petito has also worked in music for film and television.

Scott is a long-time member of the legendary poet/punk band the Fugs, and the Blues Project. Over the years he had many other roles as sideman and leader. Including live performances and recordings with Leslie Ritter, Livingston and James Taylor, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm, Allan Ginsberg and more. He currently leads the jazz/world music band Modern Times featuring Omar Hakim, Rachel Z, Mino Cinelu and Joe Locke, and the Trio ELP with Peter Erskine, Joe Locke and Petito.

Scott has released a number of records under his own name, including the critically acclaimed album Rainbow Gravity (with Jack DeJohnette, Mike Mainieri, David Spinozza, Warren Bernhardt) and his latest CD Many Worlds with Randy Brecker, Steve Gadd, Bob Mintzer and more. His otherworldly solo bass recording Sbass Music was his first album as a leader.

Scott does most of his production work from his personal studio NRS Recording in Catskills, NY. He can be contacted at www.scottpetitoproductions.com

Tom Rainey:

Tom Rainey was born in Pasadena, California in 1957. Since moving to New York in 1979, he has performed and/or recorded with the following artists:

John Abercrombie, Mose Allison, Julian Arguelles, Ray Anderson, Tim Berne, David Torn, Jane Ira Bloom, Anthony Braxton, Nels Cline, Ted Curson, Kris Davis, Mark Ducret, Mark Feldman, Michael Formanek, Drew Gress, Mark Helias, Fred Hersch, Andy Laster, Ingrid Laubrock, David Liebman, Joe Lovano, Tony Malaby, Albert Mangelsdorff, Carmen McRae, Mike Nock, Simon Nabatov, New and Used, Anita O’Day, Andrea Parkins, Herb Robertson, Angelica Sanchez, Louis Sclavis, Brad Shepik, Fay Victor, Ken Werner, Denny Zeitlin.

Current activities include performing and recording music with the Tom Rainey Trio as well as his quintet, Obbligato. Tom also continues performing with many of the aforementioned artists.

Ian Smit:

Ian Smit is a composer, guitarist, melodist, noise maker. As a self-proclaimed “closeted folkie” he plays within no particular genre as he grew up exposed to so many styles of music and influences from all over the world, all of which passed through the “Smit Filter” to emerge in his own personal voice.

He decided early on that he would rather work a day job than play music that would make him view playing music as a job…a sentiment initially shared by David Torn who obviously carved a career as an influential musician…”It all comes down to choices!”

Still, Smit has managed to create art for many decades starting with Ping in 1987 produced by David Torn, recorded at Scott Petito’s studio.

Monkeyworks: 7–13-piece band depending on the situation: Monkeyworks

e’fessioux: An improvising quartet with Bill Weisbach, Steve Foreman, Clive Smith: Music | e’fessioux

Savage and Smit: A series of duo, quartet and quintets with Rick Savage, Joe Vincent Tranchina, Pete MacDonald, Steve LaSpina: of course | Savage & Smit

So It Goes: A vocal improv ensemble with Kevin Brown and J. Brunka on acoustic bass, Steve Decker on drums, and Doug Gill on vocals/lyrics and guitar. The self-titled tune has been entered for consideration for the 68th Annual Grammy Nomination under Best Alternative Music Performance: So It Goes… in | So It Goes

Brian Kastan: Icelandic Journeys. A fully improvised excursion with Brian Kastan on Bass, Dave Berger on drums: Colors of Iceland (feat. Ian Smit & Dave Berger)

Smit has also played and collaborated on countless recordings of singer/songwriters and instrumentalists over 40 years, most notably on Chris Koch’s Scenes from the Coastal Evacuation and QWERT’s Book of M.

David Torn:

David Torn (aka “splattercell”) is a composer, texturalist, guitarist, producer & whatnot of actual international stature, renowned for his unique musical voice which seems to span & un-define a range of idioms and styles.

His characterful & compositionally textural work has had material impact & influence on both film scoring — through his own scores, in addition to his creative contributions to scores by Carter Burwell, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Cliff Martinez, Howard Shore, Mark Isham, and others — and, generally, upon contemporary electric, electro-acoustic & electronic music.

In addition to the medium of film scoring, David’s creative contributions have graced & assisted the works of other musical artists-of-note as diverse as David Bowie, k.d. lang, Tim Berne, John Legend, Madonna, Tori Amos, Bill Bruford, Tony Levin, Mick Karn, David Sylvian, Chocolate Genius, Michael Shrieve, Steve Roach, Patrick O’Hearn, Matt Chamberlain, Meshell Ndegeocello and Don Cherry.

The New York Times described Torn’s 2015 solo release, Only Sky, as “[an abstract landscape that is] both immersive and deftly disorienting.” He continues to work with Tim Berne and Ches Smith, Sun of Goldfinger.

David Torn has a Bandcamp release earning a 5 star review in Downbeat’s Solo section by Jim Macnie called: peace upon you.

In closing, Ian Smit has this to say:

“Play because you love it, and maybe good things might come your way if you’re lucky enough to see and latch on to them, like playing with a bunch of truly exceptional ringer nice guys like David, Tom and Scott!”

For more information:
https://iansmit.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@racketlauncher

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

Leave a comment | posted in Ian Smit, Press Release

2025/09/30

LEGENDARY KEYSMAN RICK WAKEMAN SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘MELANCHOLIA’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

LEGENDARY KEYSMAN RICK WAKEMAN SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘MELANCHOLIA’

TITLE TRACK FROM THE NEW PIANO OPUS MELANCHOLIA
(out 17th October on Madfish)

ALBUM COMPLETES A REMARKABLE TRILOGY OF SOLO PIANO WORKS

“One of the most meaningful suites of piano music I have ever written”
– Rick Wakeman

Legendary Yes keyboardist and composer Rick Wakeman CBE has today shared ‘Melancholia’, the first single and title track from his forthcoming new album Melancholia. The single arrives alongside a beautiful new video which is out now.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Wakeman said:

“The album, and indeed the music, was heavily inspired by my wife Rachel, who heard me playing a piece on the piano (which eventually became the track ‘Garo’) and asked me about it. I explained that when I was feeling depressed or sad, I would always sit at the piano and play, as I found it healing – such is the power of music. She immediately said it was something I should share musically, as all the pieces could have a personal meaning to anyone listening… and so ‘Melancholia’ was born.”

WATCH THE NEW VIDEO FOR ‘MELANCHOLIA’

Set for release on 17th October via Madfish, Melancholia stands as the crowning jewel in a remarkable piano trilogy that began with 2017’s Piano Portraits and continued in 2018 with Piano Odyssey – both landmark albums that saw Rick Wakeman reach new heights of popularity and critical acclaim as a solo artist.

While those records looked outward, reinterpreting beloved melodies and exploring sweeping themes, Melancholia turns inward, inviting us into the most personal, introspective, and perhaps profound music of Wakeman’s storied career.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD THE NEW SINGLE ‘MELANCHOLIA’

PRE-ORDER MELANCHOLIA (17th October)

1. Sitting at the Window [03:24]
2. Reflection [03:41]
3. Pathos [04:13]
4. Dance of the Ghosts [03:57]
5. Alone [04:46]
6. The Morning Light [03:28]
7. Garo [03:50]
8. All in the Mind [05:01]
9. Sea of Tranquility [02:59]
10. Missing [03:39]
11. Watching Life [03:50]
12. Melancholia [03:39]

Melancholia will be released on the following formats:

• CD
• Special Edition 2- disc CD+DVD set – inc. hi-res stereo + ‘Inside Melancholia’ short film
• Silver vinyl LP
• Black vinyl LP
• Digital

“Long live the King of the Keyboards” – Sunday Express

Wakeman, of course, needs little introduction. A virtuoso keyboardist, composer, and arranger, he rose to fame with Yes, helping to define the sound of progressive rock and earning his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His solo output spans over a hundred albums, from grand concept works to soundtracks and acoustic meditations. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE for services to music and broadcasting. Rick continues to be prolific on the live scene with a UK tour scheduled in October 2025.

Melancholia will be released on 17th October 2025 on Madfish. Pre-order here.

For more high-res images please see: https://www.madfishmusic.com/media/rickwakeman/

For more information:
https://www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com/
www.rwcc.com
www.instagram.com/rickwakemanmusic
https://www.facebook.com/RickWakemanMusic
https://twitter.com/GrumpyOldRick

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Rick Wakeman

2025/09/26

‘Long Lost’ David Cousins & Brian Willoughby Album ‘The Bridge’ To Be Released 28th November

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

‘Long Lost’ David Cousins & Brian Willoughby Album ‘The Bridge’ To Be Released 28th November

‘Lost’ album features Blue Weaver, Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez, Richard Hudson, Rod Demick, and Mary Hopkin

‘The Bridge’ from Cousins & Willoughby will be released on Friday 28th November on digipak CD and digital via Witchwood Records, distributed by RSK Entertainment. A true labour of love from the late great David Cousins and his longtime band mate and music collaborator Brian Willoughby, this release is a real treat for fans of The Strawbs, and more. This 2025 version has been remastered by Blue Weaver, who said of the process, “the most important thing was to just get these great songs out there again for all to hear”.

‘The Bridge’ was made by Cousins & Willoughby in 1993. Teaming up with David and Brian were Strawbs alumni Blue Weaver, Chas Cronk and Tony Fernandez, plus Richard Hudson and Rod Demick. Four songs feature the incredible voice of Mary Hopkin. The result was quite simply an unforgettable album. Yet, with only 1000 copies produced, it has been ‘long lost’ to fans for many years.

David Cousins liked to make bridges between what was in his thoughts, and what his songs were appearing to say. One might say, he liked to keep us all guessing. As Brian Willoughby has pointed out, the album provided a bridge between a Strawbs’ recording and the duo’s approach to the songs. He chose the Bridge of Sighs, rather than any other, as it is one that remains in one’s memory after going back home from the inspiring City. The photograph of David with Brian emphasises their musical empathy and obvious enjoyment at being in Venice.

For his last trip abroad, before the final stages of his illness meant no more travel abroad, David went to Bergamo and spent an unforgettable day going back to Gandino to visit Gigi again. His love of Italy and his happy memories of making the album encouraged him to have ‘The Bridge’ re-issued. Blue Weaver enthusiastically agreed to re-master the album, and Brian went into action to provide all the help necessary.

This album is for you, and for all the Strawbs fans and others over the years, as well as for all those Italian friends, who were able to enjoy hearing David and Brian, and could say afterwards, “Oh what a day we had”.

Track list:
1. You Never Needed Water
2. Further Down The Road
3. Strange Day Over The Hill
4. Heat Of The Street
5. Morning Glory
6. Cry No More
7. Do You Remember
8. The Plain
9. Oh So Sleepy
10. Song For Alex

Bonus Tracks
11. Desert Song
12. Ways And Means
13. David Talks About Sandy Denny
14. Ringing Down The Years
15. Beat The Retreat

Pre-order ‘The Bridge’: https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/cousins-and-willoughby

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

Press inquiries (United Kingdom): Chris Hewlett PR, 07966491786, chris@chrishewlett.com

Leave a comment | posted in Brian Willoughby, David Cousins, Press Release

2025/09/23

7d Media Releases “Then Again”, A New Album By Andre LaFosse, Marking 30 Years Of His Work At Live Looping’s Cutting Edge

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

7d Media Releases Then Again, A New Album By Andre LaFosse, Marking 30 Years Of His Work At Live Looping’s Cutting Edge

“Then again.” It’s the act of revisiting something from a different point of view. It’s also an apt description of live looping: old audio (“then”) is repeated (“again”), while newer layers examine previous ideas from an endlessly evolving perspective.

All of these interpretations apply to the newest release on 7D Media by guitarist and looper Andre LaFosse, which wears that phrase as both title and mission statement.

The autumn 2025 release of Then Again marks three decades since LaFosse began exploring live looping. During those 30 years, the concept of a musician sampling and looping their own playing has gradually infiltrated popular culture. What began as a tool of fringe experimentation is now a fixture of contemporary music creation.

Throughout that time, LaFosse has followed an utterly singular path, drawing on hip-hop, avant-garde, funk, noise, prog, contemporary classical, and many other influences. Rather than sampling his guitar playing and repeating it verbatim, Andre uses looping to deliberately mangle and reshape the sound of his instrument. Deeply inspired by post-DJ culture and turntablism, he’s often described his style as “turntablist guitar.” It’s a live performance craft that’s both highly abstract and viscerally focused, developed over decades of gigs in venues ranging from art galleries and concert halls to dive bars and dance floors.

“Terry Riley, Public Enemy, and Aphex Twin walk into a bar” might be a dubious joke, but it’s also a shorthand for the sounds and styles happening on Then Again. Webs of rhythmic layers create pulsating, percolating textures that morph and evolve throughout, evoking the hypnotic landscapes of early minimalism and tape loop experiments. But the use of modern tech to fragment, fracture, and reconstruct LaFosse’s playing gives the music an angular, digitized flavor, far removed from the aesthetics of 20th century analog.

All of this belies the fact that Then Again is essentially a live album. Recorded in-studio and polished after the fact with a minimum of editing, it’s a collection of solo performances, reconciling electronic sound design with instrumental musicianship.

And that combination, in turn, suggests a broader sort of balancing act. As LaFosse puts it,

“‘Digitally multiplying ourselves across a virtual landscape’ works as a summary of live looping… but it also sounds a lot like the state of communication and connection in modern society. As our lives navigate an increasingly complex relationship between community and solitude, looping feels like both a literal and figurative reflection of that state. It’s a singular way of making music that feels – and sounds – like nothing else.”

Each track here is a live performance with an electric guitar and a Hologram Microcosm. Half of them (tracks 1, 3, 4, and 8) also use the Glou-Glou Loupé; the other half are Microcosm by itself.

Says Andre, “My baseline goal with looping is to present a live performance that holds up strictly on its own musical merits, exactly as played, from the very first note. But, sometimes a bit of post-performance tweaking can elevate the material – especially when a live performance becomes a recorded document.

“So, some of the performances have been edited, usually at the very start and/or end. There’s a tiny bit of more substantial tweaking here and there: a few redundant repetitions removed, an intro spliced onto the end to bookend a performance, two parts of a single performance cross-faded together, and some volume adjustments during mixing and mastering, to flatter and enhance the arc of the material.

“As always: thank you very much for listening.”

Track list:
1. Entry Level
2. Most Microbial of Forms
3. Bugs in the System
4. Species of Glory Trees
5. Then Again
6. Why Does It Sudden
7. Imaginary Friends
8. Mean Means Tried

All songs written/performed by Andre LaFosse, ASCAP
Produced by Andre with Trey Gunn
Mixed + Mastered by Andre
Cover art: photograph of an original paint pouring by Rebecca Lee

For more information:
https://andrelafosse.com
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/andre-lafosse/167810709
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zlJkfi1FBld3WyDM6w7ZJ
https://www.youtube.com/andrelafosse
TikTok: /andre.lafosse.gtr
Instagram: /andrelafosse
Facebook: /andrelafosse
X: /andrelafosse
Threads: /andrelafosse

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

Leave a comment | posted in Andre LaFosse, Press Release

2025/09/15

LEGENDARY PROG MASTERS SPOCK’S BEARD RETURN WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM “THE ARCHAEOPTIMIST” (21st November, Madfish)

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

LEGENDARY PROG MASTERS SPOCK’S BEARD RETURN WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM THE ARCHAEOPTIMIST (21st November, Madfish)

FIRST SINGLE ‘INVISIBLE’ OUT TODAY

Following their recent signing to the Madfish label, legendary prog outfit Spock’s Beard have announced their highly anticipated new album The Archaeoptimist. Set for release on 21st November, the new album sees the group at their effervescent and experimental best delivering some of their finest work from a career spanning more than 30 years.

“a true heir of the legacy of bands as Yes, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd and old Genesis…a truly fascinating voyage.” – METAL TEMPLE

Speaking on the news, frontman Ted Leonard shared: “The new album is largely the brainchild of Ryo and a co-writer, Michael Whiteman, with lyrical contributions from Alan and myself. While not a concept album, the title is taken from one of the tracks called ‘The Archaeoptimist’. This epic follows the story of a young girl being raised by her father in a post-cataclysmic world and her pathway from being an inspiration to a leader. Other songs vary in theme from obsession with one’s work or task to musings about the passage of time forging ahead despite obstacles.

Musically, while tipping a hat to the Spock’s legacy, the new album has an energy that arguably surpasses many or our previous releases due, in no small part, to the addition of Nick Potters on drums. He’s an amazing and well-rounded musician who has perfect pitch and a great singing voice (yes, we found a drummer that is an amazing singer…named Nick!). Between Michael and Ryo’s writing, this album also has a melodic complexity that may sound new to fans. Anyone who has heard Ryo improvise will have likely picked up on a fusion influence and that certainly shows up in the writing.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m very proud, excited, and honestly relieved that it turned out as good as it did.  Everyone put in a ton of work but none so much as Ryo in pushing this over the line.”

STREAM/DOWNLOAD THE NEW SINGLE ‘INVISIBLE’ NOW

At the centre of this particular storm is Ryo Okumoto, whose fingerprints are all over the album, not just as a performer, but as a driving creative force. Teaming up with co-writer Michael Whiteman (I Am the Manic Whale) and longstanding bandmembers Alan Morse & Ted Leonard, Ryo has helped shape an album that is undeniably Spock’s Beard with a characteristic wry smile to boot.

The album was produced by Okumoto and recorded at each band member’s respective home studio. Esteemed producer Rich Mouser (Dream Theater/Weezer) takes up the mixing and mastering duties.

Spock’s Beard – The Archaeoptimist
1. Invisible [06:33]
2. Electric Monk [06:16]
3. Afourthoughts [07:31]
4. St. Jerome In The Wilderness [08:46]
5. The Archaeoptimist [20:57]
6. Next Step [10:58]

THE ARCHAEOPTIMIST WILL BE RELEASED ON 21ST NOVEMBER, PRE-ORDER HERE

Formats:
• 2LP red vinyl gatefold edition
• 2LP black vinyl gatefold edition
• 2 Disc CD/DVD edition of The Archaeoptimist, features 5.1 & hi-res 24/48 stereo mixes and is presented as a digipack CD including an 8-page printed lyric booklet
• digipack CD, includes a 12-page printed lyric booklet

Over more than 30 years, Spock’s Beard have established themselves as one of modern progressive music’s most exciting and consistent acts, with live shows as renowned as their studio work and tours that draw sold-out audiences across the globe. Their albums regularly chart worldwide, with 2018’s Noise Floor reaching #3 on the UK Official Rock & Metal Chart and #6 on the Official Progressive Albums Chart.

Spock’s Beard are:
Alan Morse – guitars, vocals
Dave Meros – bass, keyboards, vocals
Ryo Okumoto – keyboards, vocals
Ted Leonard – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards
Nick Potters – drums, vocals

The Archaeoptimist will be released on 21st November on Madfish. Pre-order here: https://spocksbeardmadfish.lnk.to/The_Archaeoptimist

For more information:
Facebook
Spotify
Apple Music


www.madfishmusic.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Spock's Beard

2025/09/10

Garage Rock Pioneers The Fifth Estate Unleash Second Music Video from Acclaimed Album “Then and Now” – “Junkies To The News” Premieres September 10

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Garage Rock Pioneers The Fifth Estate Unleash Second Music Video from Acclaimed Album Then and Now – “Junkies To The News” Premieres September 10

Stockton, NJ – Legendary rock band The Fifth Estate is set to release the second official music video from their critically praised album Then and Now. The video for the track “Junkies To The News” will premiere on September 10 at 12:00 PM EDT via Deko Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

A standout track from the album, “Junkies To The News” delivers a biting commentary on media obsession and cultural overload, wrapped in the band’s signature blend of garage rock grit and modern edge. The video promises a visually arresting experience that amplifies the song’s message with raw intensity and cinematic flair.  The song becomes anthemic much in the way Oasis’s do at times.  But they are not like Oasis.  Oasis is like them.  They were first.

Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_5bEeJgMgM

The Then and Now Album, released earlier this year, marks a triumphant return for The Fifth Estate, bridging decades of rock history with fresh, resonant storytelling. With contributions from Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson, the album has been hailed as “one of the most timeless rock and roll records out these days”.

Fans can stream “Junkies To The News” now: https://push.fm/fl/cmphxkjx

Order your copy on CD or Vinyl: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/the-fifth-estate

Track list:

CD

HOLD YOU CLOSER
JUNKIES TO THE NEWS
SUZIE Q
MEDIA STAR
BANG BANG BABY
A GIRL WHO CAN RIDE
CHEAPER AT TWICE THE PRICE
BABY LOOK AT ME NOW
BIGGER THAN YOU
GREAT BALLS OF FIRE
MARYDAZE
SHE CAN TELL YOU SOMETHING
SO FAR AWAY
JUST A SONG
CYNTHIA BEND THE RULES

LP

SIDE A
HOLD YOU CLOSER
BABY LOOK AT ME NOW
CYNTHIA BEND THE RULES
MARYDAZE
SO FAR AWAY

SIDE B
JUNKIES TO THE NEWS
MEDIA STAR
BANG BANG BABY
A GIRL WHO CAN RIDE
CHEAPER AT TWICE THE PRICE
BIGGER THAN YOU

For more information:
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

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

Leave a comment | posted in The Fifth Estate

2025/09/05

LEGENDARY KEYSMAN RICK WAKEMAN RETURNS WITH HIS NEW PIANO OPUS “MELANCHOLIA” (17th October, Madfish)

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

LEGENDARY KEYSMAN RICK WAKEMAN RETURNS WITH HIS NEW PIANO OPUS MELANCHOLIA (17th October, Madfish)

COMPLETES A REMARKABLE TRILOGY OF SOLO PIANO WORKS THAT BEGAN WITH PIANO PORTRAITS (2017) AND CONTINUED WITH PIANO ODYSSEY (2018)

“one of the most meaningful suites of piano music I have ever done”
– Rick Wakeman

Madfish are proud to announce the new album from legendary Yes keyboardist and composer Rick Wakeman. The new album Melancholia is set for release on 17th October and takes its place as the crowning jewel in a remarkable piano trilogy that began with 2017’s Piano Portraits and continued in 2018 with Piano Odyssey – both landmark albums that found Rick reaching new heights of popularity and critical esteem as a solo artist.

But while those records looked outward, reinterpreting beloved melodies and exploring sweeping themes, Melancholia turns inward, inviting us into the most personal, introspective, and perhaps profound music of Wakeman’s storied career.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR MELANCHOLIA


1. Sitting at the Window [03:24]
2. Reflection [03:41]
3. Pathos [04:13]
4. Dance of the Ghosts [03:57]
5. Alone [04:46]
6. The Morning Light [03:28]
7. Garo [03:50]
8. All in the Mind [05:01]
9. Sea of Tranquility [02:59]
10. Missing [03:39]
11. Watching Life [03:50]
12. Melancholia [03:39]

PRE-ORDER MELANCHOLIA (17th October)

Melancholia will be released on the following formats:
• CD
• Special Edition 2- disc CD+DVD set – inc. hi-res stereo + ‘Inside Melancholia’ short film
• Silver vinyl LP
• Black vinyl LP
• Digital

The album began, as so much of Wakeman’s finest work has, with a quiet moment at the piano. One afternoon, his wife Rachel overheard him playing a contemplative piece – what would later become “Garo” – and was struck by its quiet emotional power. And because she knew well that he often turned to the piano in times of sadness or inner turbulence, using music as a kind of emotional compass, she encouraged him to share it.

What followed was not a conceptual record in the traditional sense, but a deeply cohesive suite, written intuitively at first and later shaped in collaboration with long-time producer and engineer Erik Jordan at The Granary Studio in Norfolk and recorded on a beautiful Steinway Model D.

“Long live the King of the Keyboards” – Sunday Express

Wakeman, of course, needs little introduction. A virtuoso keyboardist, composer, and arranger, he rose to fame with Yes, helping to define the sound of progressive rock and earning his place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His solo output spans over a hundred albums, from grand concept works to soundtracks and acoustic meditations. In 2021, he was awarded a CBE for services to music and broadcasting. Rick continues to be prolific on the live scene with a UK tour scheduled in Autumn 2025.

Melancholia will be released on 17th October 2025 on Madfish. Pre-order here.

For more high-res images please see: https://www.madfishmusic.com/media/rickwakeman/

For more information:
https://www.rickwakemansmusicemporium.com/
www.rwcc.com
www.instagram.com/rickwakemanmusic
https://www.facebook.com/RickWakemanMusic
https://twitter.com/GrumpyOldRick

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Rick Wakeman

2025/09/04

Guitarist Mike Shouse Returns With New Album “Jaded”, Bringing Along Fellow Axe Slingers Tony MacAlpine, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal & Michael Angelo Batio

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitarist Mike Shouse Returns With New Album Jaded, Bringing Along Fellow Axe Slingers Tony MacAlpine, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal & Michael Angelo Batio

Stockton, NJ  – Shouse was born Michael Stephen Shouse on September 27th, 1970 in Jackson, KY. In 1992 he moved to LA and attended the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. He has written articles and lessons for online sites such as chopsfromhell.com and guitar9.com, and has been featured in magazines like Progression, Fireworks and The Sound guitar magazines. He released “Enter the Soul” in 2001 and the song “Man” was on a compilation CD “International Anthems: Volume 1” in 2002. His second release Alone on the Sun was released in June 2010 and got rave reviews worldwide. The title track “Alone on the Sun” was featured on the new compilation cd “Gods of Indie Guitar 2011” and premiered on the Australian tv show “Guitar Gods and Masterpieces.”

Jaded is his first release in 15 years and he’s back with friends! Featuring guest solos from legends Michael Angelo Batio, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and Tony MacAlpine. Filling out the band on drums, the best of the best, from NY, Charlie Zeleny (Drumageddon, Jordan Rudess and Terry Bozzio). Playing bass, from Los Angeles, James Amelio Pulli (Metal Hall of Fame bassist for Impellitteri). Mixed and mastered by Nashville legend Billy Decker. As Shouse states, “This album is a rebirth for me in many ways,” and critics from around the world are taking notice.

“With flawless production, genre-blending compositions, and virtuosic performances from every contributor, this album is both a technical marvel and a heartfelt journey. Whether you’re a metalhead, a classic rock purist, or simply a fan of world-class guitar playing, Jaded delivers something both familiar and fresh. It’s a long-awaited return that was worth every minute of the wait.” – USA, Music Review World

“Through the nine instrumental compositions that mark this opus, Shouse weaves a sound fresco that is both technical and visceral.” – France’s Iggy Magazine

“Listening to Jaded brought me back to an era when instrumental rock felt bigger than life, when every solo had something to prove. This album does not feel stuck in the past. It feels personal, worked over, and deeply considered. Become A Fan” – USA, Pitch Perfect

“Reborn in the ashes: Mike Shouse’s monumental return with Jaded….Shouse has a triumphant return with an album that challenges the limits of the instrumental and sets a new standard for the genre.” – Argentina’s Revista Sound Loop

Watch “Bucket of Bolts” here: https://youtu.be/MZq6WXb4w9g

Get your copy here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/mike-shouse

Track list:
(Prelude) Romeo and Juliet
Romeo Is Gone
A Bitter Cold
Let’s Go
Smiley Faced Emoji
Bucket of Bolts
Jaded
Memoriam
Upon Looking Back

For more information:
www.dekoentertainment.com
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Shouse

2025/09/01

Legendary Electric Double Violin, Vocal Master L. Shankar To Release New Album “Answers” October 17, 2025

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Legendary Electric Double Violin, Vocal Master L. Shankar To Release New Album Answers October 17, 2025

L. Shankar’s latest star-studded pop-rock album, Answers, is a collection of undeniably replay-worthy tracks that lead listeners through life’s biggest questions and truths. Released by SRI MUSIC INC, each song reflects a different facet of the human experience—from searching for meaning to rediscovering strength and innocence. The record comes to life through an extraordinary lineup of musicians, including legendary bassist Tony Levin, guitarist Josh Lopez, keyboardists Dave Palmer, Zac Baird, and Dileep, along with powerhouse drummers Stephen Perkins and Scott Seiver, guest vocalist Juliett Rose, and percussionist Jeff Gross. With heartfelt songwriting and world-class musicianship, Answers is crafted to be experienced as a complete album from beginning to end, with music that lingers long after it ends. The album will be released worldwide on all major streaming platforms on October 17, 2025.

From a musical standpoint, Answers is shaped by a core group of progressive rock musicians—some of whom Shankar has worked with over 35 years ago. Their depth, emotion, and range allowed him to write songs that explore different moods and messages while showcasing their incredible talents.

The album Answers is a journey, with each track reflecting an experience we all face in life. It opens with “Answers,” a reminder that the truths we spend so much time searching for are often already within us. From there, “Lot of Things” confronts the lies we’ve been told—about ourselves, about life, or whispered behind our backs—something most people can relate to. Then comes “Innocent,” reminding us that we’re all born pure, but as we grow up, the world and the people around us influence us—but that innocence is still somewhere inside. “Heaven & Earth” is one I wrote years ago, after the 2004 tsunami—it’s a tribute to the lives lost and how small we are compared to the forces of nature. “Power Within” is about realizing we already have strength inside us—we just need to tap into it to reach our full potential. “For You” is a softer ballad, reminding us to appreciate the ones we love, whether it’s a special person, a friend, or even a pet. “To Live” asks the question—if today was your last day, what would you do? It’s a reminder to live with love and intention, because life is precious. “Calm Down” is about staying grounded even when things around you feel out of control. Life throws a lot of curve balls at us, but we have to keep our peace and not let it break us. The album closes with “Thinking,” dedicated to the special people who live in our hearts, even if they’re not with us. Taken as a whole, Answers move from confusion and outside noise to clarity and self-awareness—a complete cycle, from questions to answers.

Says Shankar, “This album is not just about my personal journey—it’s something many can relate to. I mentor a lot of people, and I often hear about their struggles and challenges. Answers reflect those shared experiences and offer resilience, perspective, and hope. It’s about how we move forward, how we rise, and how we ultimately find the answers within ourselves.”

L. Shankar describes the recording process for Answers: “The songwriting for Answers came very naturally—it’s something I can do anywhere. Whether I’m on a plane, stuck in traffic, walking, or just watching birds fly across the sky, inspiration can strike at any moment. For me, it’s a discipline more than a process. I wrote these songs across different parts of the world—Los Angeles, Malaysia, and Goa, India—and once I had the core ideas, I’d lay down the basic structure: the chords, the rough vocals, and a reference beat. I’m a drummer at heart, so rhythm is a big part of how I write. I usually start with the beat, which guides the syncopation and feel of the track.

“After building the foundation for this album, I let the musicians record their parts remotely in their own studios after explaining the feel for it. They’d send me their recordings, and if I needed to adjust or change anything, I’d send it back. It was a back-and-forth that allowed a lot of creative freedom while keeping the vision clear.

“I was fortunate to work with some incredible talent. Tony Levin played on every track—he’s a legendary bassist and someone I’ve worked with on Peter Gabriel’s tours, his solo projects, and my previous solo works. I’d send him the full arrangement, and he’d send back these beautifully nuanced bass lines that always elevate the track. On drums, I brought in Stephen Perkins ( Jane’s Addiction )—an amazing drummer with a great feel, one of the finest in  rock. Josh Lopez ( Black Eyed Peas ), an incredible guitarist from Los Angeles, also played on Chepleeri Dream, and I knew I had to bring him back. He also helped connect me with more players for this album.

“I ended up using three keyboardists. Besides Dileep, my long-time excellent keyboardist and engineer, I brought in Zac Baird, who I first met when we toured with Jonathan Davis’s solo band around 2006–2007. Zac was also in my band opening up for Jonathan Davis. He played on three tracks before heading out on tour with Beyoncé. After that, Dave Palmer stepped in—another fantastic keyboardist based in L.A., and a friend of Josh’s. Dave played on six or seven tracks and brought his own sensitivity and feel to the music.

“Drums were also handled by Scott Seiver, another incredible musician. I’d send him the tracks along with reference beats, and he would build from there. Because I write to the beat, I always make sure the groove is strong—it sets the tone for everything.

“Once all the parts were recorded, I tracked my final vocals and double violin in my studio in Malaysia. The album was then mixed and mastered in Los Angeles by the incredibly talented Jeff Gross, an award-winning engineer who really brought everything together with clarity and depth. Jeff has worked with me on the last 6 albums.

“This is a special album from my heart—it’s filled with songs that deal with a range of emotions and experiences people can truly relate to. In times like these, where the world feels uncertain and heavy with conflict, I feel like music like this can uplift, inspire and unite people. I’m really thrilled and proud of Answers—it’s honest, emotional, and deeply meaningful to me.”

Performers:
Lead Vocals, Harmony, Double Violin, Keyboards: L. Shankar
Vocals: Juliett Rose
Bass: Tony Levin
Guitars: Josh Lopez
Keys: Dave Palmer, Zac Baird, Dileep
Drums: Stephen Perkins, Scott Seiver
Percussion: Jeff Gross

Tracks:
1.ANSWERS
2. LOT OF THINGS
3. INNOCENT
4. HEAVEN & EARTH
5. POWER WITHIN
6. FOR YOU
7. TO LIVE
8. CALM DOWN
9. THINKING

“My friend Shenkar is a legendary musician. An extraordinary vocalist, violinist and composer. I always had a great time working with him on Queen of the Damned, my 2 solo albums, my solo world tours and his solo albums.” – Jonathan Davis (Korn)

“My friend Shankar is an exceptional musician, and it’s been a pleasure to work with him both on his own music and Peter Gabriel’s.” – Tony Levin

“Working with L. Shankar has been a great experience. His compositions are very enjoyable to play, and his arrangements are always very interesting. I am very grateful and humbled to be part of this.” – Chester Thompson

“L.Shankar, an acclaimed virtuoso violinist, singer, composer and producer who has sold over ten million albums, is a musical pioneer. He embraces with equal ease three idioms of music: Indian classical, world music and pop/rock” – Hinduism Today

“Grandmaster vocalist and violinist, L. Shankar…considered a living legend, has awed and delighted audiences all over the world live and with his albums” – Celebrity Zones

“Shankar’s music is rich & melodic…” SPIN Magazine

“Two Shankars, one Ravi Shankar and one L.Shankar are probably the best known Indian names in world music. One familiarised the Hindustani sitar, the other took Carnatic raga music through his double violin and voice to every known idiom from classical, to rock and roll, to jazz to EDM creating music that defies definition.” — Times of India

“His solo albums have always drawn not only enormous interest from fans and critics alike but also showcase the collaborative spirit that is integral to Shankar’s art.” – All About Jazz

“In Shankar we encounter extraordinary virtuosity, brilliance of tone, and a fiery radiance of spirit.” – Raves the Record Review

L. Shankar (aka Shenkar) is widely celebrated as a musical genius and legend by his peers, who hold him in the highest esteem. A child prodigy and virtuoso, he is regarded as one of the pioneers of East-West music, enthralling audiences and critics alike all over the world. As an international touring artist with a career spanning decades, Shankar has sold over 100 million albums and achieved international acclaim through his award-winning solo projects and collaborations with legendary artists including Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Michael Jackson, Madonna and numerous esteemed musicians worldwide. Since 1980, Shankar has been using his invention – a 10-string stereophonic double violin—known as the LSD (L. Shankar Double violin)—which he designed to cover the full range of the orchestral string family. His innovative and complex pallavis, featuring unique rhythmic cycles, that he popularized over decades through his critically acclaimed solo albums on ECM Records, have now been adopted by others.

In addition to his classical work, Shankar has released globally acclaimed pop, rock, and EDM albums, and worked on numerous soundtracks for award-winning films, documentaries, and TV series—including The Last Temptation of Christ, The Passion of the Christ, and the hit TV series Heroes. He has released 28 solo albums, the latest being Full Moon and Over the Stars, both released in 2024.

Shankar currently resides in Los Angeles, Malaysia and Goa, India in between tours.

L. Shankar also has an extensive tour schedule — he will be touring India from November to February, followed by tours in the United States, Europe, Australia. Says Shankar, “In between tours, I travel with a mobile studio, so I’m able to record wherever I am — I’m constantly on the move, creating and recording.”

In closing, L. Shankar has this to impart: “I want listeners to free their minds—don’t come in with any preconceived ideas. This album is like a story, and I see myself as the director, guiding the flow of emotion and experience. It continues in the same spirit as my previous album Chepleeri Dream, but Answers goes even deeper and further exploring a wider range of emotions and life situations. The lyrics play a big part in that. I always encourage people to read or follow the lyrics as they listen, because they help you connect with what I was feeling when I wrote the songs. That said, I know everyone will interpret the music in their own way—and that’s a beautiful thing. These songs are like life lessons, and I hope they resonate with whatever journey you’re on.”

For more information:
Website: www.lshankar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LShenkar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshenkar/
YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@lshankarofficial?feature=shared
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5X75aYCKG5hS5yONW4IPRr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheShenkar/

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

Leave a comment | posted in L. Shankar, Press Release

2025/08/25

Progressive Rock/Metal Collective, SYRINX, Announce New Album, “Time out of Place”!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Progressive Rock/Metal Collective, SYRINX, Announce New Album, “Time out of Place”!

First Two Singles/Videos Out Now! Full Album Releases September 9!

Vancouver, BC – Canadian/U.S. progressive rock/metal band, SYRINX, are set to release their sophomore full-length album, Time out of Place, September 9 on Ocula Records! Pre-sale is now available on Bandcamp.

On Time Out of Place, SYRINX deliver a modern-day rock opera that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal and classic prog rock! Glistening ethereal sounds, heavy moods with unforgettable hooks! This is music with cerebral depth, recorded fully on analog gear with no computer or A.I trickery!

Music videos for the album’s first two singles, “A Waking Dream” and “1875,” are available now:

“A Waking Dream”: youtu.be/bBhxkL3ZqJI

“1875”: youtu.be/YBrvYaVS8VA

The songs are also streaming on Bandcamp.

A limited edition 1st pressing of Time out of Place by Ocula Records (475 blue/purple vinyl LPs and 200 CDs) is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Embrace the dark, Seek the light

Track listing:
1. Mitosis (Second Light)
2. 1875
3. The Master’s Host
4. Solace Within Dreams
5. The Knowing
6. A Waking Dream
7. Shades of Your Purpose
8. Unraveler
9. It Left

Credits:
Album art by Steve at Chronic Creative.
Recorded by Felix Fung December 2024, January/February 2025 at Little Red Sounds, Vancouver BC.
Mixed Analog by Nathan Jackson & Syrinx at MDC studios Toronto Ontario, April 27-29th 2025.
Additional recordings done by Graham McGee at Othello Studios and Bobby Shock at Shock Manor (New Jersey).
Mastered by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering May 2025.
Illustrations and font by Yodth Gnosis.
Layout and additional graphic design by John Gianelli.
All songs written and performed by SYRINX.


Photo Credit: Sara Siraj

Line-up:
Graham McGee – Guitars/Moog Taurus/Little Phatty/Minimoog/Oberheim OB-X/Backing Vocals
JP Abboud – Vocals
Seth Lyon – Drums/Percussion
Bobby Shock – Bass/Moog Taurus/Minimoog/Oberheim Matrix
Lady Chanelle- Supporting Vocals

Bio:

SYRINX – Heavy moods. Hard grooves. Progressive fire from the fringe.

Born in the shadows of a slanted farmhouse outside Vancouver, SYRINX is a heavy metal/progressive rock collective led by guitarist, producer, Graham McGee. Known for their theatrical flair and cerebral songwriting, the band delivers a fresh and unique blend of oldschool heavymetal and classic prog wizardry — echoing the likes of Rush, Genesis, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest.

SYRINX began over a decade ago when McGee met powerhouse vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (JP) during a wild 30-date Canadian tour with their former band Funeral Circle. When that group folded, the two set their sights on a more expansive sonic path — moving away from gothic and occult themes into deeper, more musically daring territory. From this shift, SYRINX emerged. After their first two releases in 2019 and 2020, SYRINX went dormant as McGee battled a severe case of Lyme disease, stepping away from music entirely. But the silence didn’t last. Returning with renewed fire, McGee unexpectedly linked up with drummer Seth Lyon—whose precision, creativity, and shared love of odd time signatures (and black coffee… and Rush) sparked an instant chemistry. In the foothills of the Pacific West Coast mountains, SYRINX breathed again.

Their upcoming sophomore LP Time Out of Place was nearly derailed just weeks before recording when their bassist unexpectedly left the band. But rather than crumble, the band saw it as an opportunity. Enter Bobby Shock — a multi-instrumentalist from New Jersey who slid effortlessly into the SYRINX groove and smashed it out of the park on incredibly short notice. A fully aligned creative energy, Bobby is SYRINX in every way — and his presence elevated the album to a whole new level.

The band’s lineup now includes Graham McGee (guitar/synths), JP (vocals), Seth Lyon (drums), and Bobby Shock (bass/synth), with supporting vocals from Lady Chanelle, McGee’s wife a gifted vocalist whose harmonies add dimension and grace to the band’s already diverse sound. McGee and Shock also both wield Moog Taurus pedals and synths live, giving the band a crushing live presence rarely matched on modern stages!

Despite being spread across Vancouver, Denver, and New Jersey, the members work with focused intensity whenever they’re physically together.

This fall, SYRINX returns with a new album. music videos, a limited vinyl/cd release plus live performances and festival announcements.

Pre-order/Pre-save:
linktr.ee/SYRINXOFFICIAL
priestsyrinx.bandcamp.com/album/time-out-of-place

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/syrinxband/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/@SYRINXBANDOFFICIAL
https://www.facebook.com/SyrinxAstralBand

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Syrinx