Author Archives: glassonyonpr

2021/11/17

Classic Jump Blues and Swing Group Virginia and The Slims Release Debut Full-Length Album “Busman’s Holiday”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Classic Jump Blues and Swing Group Virginia and The Slims Release Debut Full-Length Album “Busman’s Holiday”

Popular North Carolina jump blues and swing group Virginia and The Slims have released their debut full-length album “Busman’s Holiday”! The CD features 10 original songs, seven of which were composed by founding member James Kamp. As described by Mountain Xpress’s Bill Kopp, “The results balance modern musical sensibilities with the retro quality of classic jump blues and swing.”

Says the band, “The CD seeks to bridge and capture the nostalgic vintage of jump blues with new song material. We even insisted on using a vintage photo for the cover art.”

Virginia and The Slims started in the Summer of 2013 with Virginia DeMoss on vocals, Perry Lavin on drums, James Kamp on tenor sax, Harry Schaefer on bass, Ginger Drake on alto sax and Sean Anderson, on guitar. Virginia’s husband came up with the name and the band loved it.

The idea was to play blues but to play songs people would respond to, especially swing or jump blues as no one else locally was focusing on that. Eventually Virginia left to start a family, Ginger left for Nashville, and Perry and Harry left to pursue their first love, Indian classical music. James and Sean reorganized with Sid Heilbraun, a rock solid bassist, and Brian Gant, a Nashville pro on drums. Rebecca O’Quinn came on board as the new singer. After about a year she left, and the band met their current vocalist, Joanna Best. Joanna can bring across old time blues like no one’s business and has a great disposition. Then Virginia and The Slims added a long term friend and killer harmonica player, Bill Mattocks as well as saxophonist Vinny Corda and Marco Noto on drums. Howie Neal joined on Guitar, John Davis on Bass, John Barrett on drums for the recording of the CD.

“A highlight of ‘Busman’s Holiday’ is the Kamp composition ‘Let it Go.’ With a saucy melody and a familiar blues structure, the song showcases the straightforward simplicity of Virginia and the Slims’ current configuration. The tune has been in the band’s repertoire since at least 2016, but the new recording takes the song at a faster tempo and showcases newest member Neal’s lead guitar skills.” – Bill Kopp, Mountain Xpress

In support of the release of “Busman’s Holiday” album, Virginia and The Slims have taken a mini tour across NC with backup guitar by Charlie “Mojo” Rapp and Charles Singletary on bass. Currently Charlie plays bass and Charles plays keys. The band’s calendar stays relatively busy with local venues. Plans to travel more and play festivals are currently in the works.

In closing the band has this to impart, “We will keep playing so folks can dance and enjoy blues-based music that is upbeat.”

To purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MLC42G1/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1WJYDZUFBWVU2&psc=1
https://open.spotify.com/album/2XnLUwzbyuNJj4UeYSCSP0
https://jaxsta.com/release/1ce1aded-efbf-5a28-b364-d2b623f90fb8/d73627b4-8adf-57f0-be30-14de4885d295/overview
https://virginiaandtheslims.hearnow.com/busman-s-holiday
https://www.pandora.com/artist/virginia-and-the-slims/busmans-holiday/ALZKVnZp2fgtXlK
https://music.apple.com/sa/artist/virginia-and-the-slims/1540282301

For more information:
www.virginiaandtheslims.net
www.facebook.com/virginiaandtheslims

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Virginia And The Slims

2021/11/16

Italian Bassist ALBERTO RIGONI Announces New Album “Songs for Souls” in Memory of His Father, Feat. Jordan Rudess, Mark Zonder & More!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Italian Bassist ALBERTO RIGONI Announces New Album “Songs for Souls” in Memory of His Father, Feat. Jordan Rudess, Mark Zonder & More!

Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI (solo, BAD As, Natural Born Machine, Bassists Alliance Project, Vivaldi Metal Project etc.) has announced his new album, entitled “Songs for Souls”, in memory of his Father recently passed away. The album features Jordan Rudess and Mark Zonder + other musicians, to be announced.

Alberto stated: “Dear all, as you may have read I was going to give up with music but suddenly my father (Professor at the University of Padua and author of poems and tales) passed away 2 weeks ago… So I decided to make an album in his honor. It will be instrumental with some incredible special guests such as Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning) and many others to be announced. So I set a pre-order/crowd funding at http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com.

Release date is expected in early January. Thanks so much to who will support this album. Sincerely yours, Alberto”

More information TBA, stay tuned!

Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines Lady & THE BASS,  co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).

Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo albums (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.

Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”

Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.

In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.

On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.

In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.

Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc) and many others as session bassist.

His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others was released on April 2nd 2021 and it’s available worldwide.

To pre-order/fund Alberto Rigoni’s “Songs for Souls”: http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com

Two songs are streamable and downloadable now.

For more information:
http://www.albertorigoni.net
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.youtube.com/albertorigoni
http://www.twitter.com/albertorigoni
http://www.vivaldimetalproject.com
http://www.badas.rocks
http://www.theitaliansband.com
http://bassistsallianceproject.bandcamp.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Alberto Rigoni, Press Release

2021/11/16

Stage/Screen Legend ANN-MARGRET Shares Brand New Holiday Recording!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Stage/Screen Legend ANN-MARGRET Shares Brand New Holiday Recording!

Los Angeles, CA – It has been awhile since one of Hollywood’s brightest lights and star of the film classics such as Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, Ann-Margret, has gifted the world with new musical recordings. So what better time than Christmas for the woman once dubbed the “female Elvis Presley” to return to the medium that launched her epic career? Ann-Margret is happy to announce the release of her brilliant and vivacious new version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” today on all digital platforms. With special guest, southern blues icon Sonny Landreth, joining in the fun, these two artists have crafted a vibrant rendition of a holiday favorite that seems tailor-made for Ann-Margret’s sultry voice.

Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/ann_margret_rockin_around_the_christmas_tree

The track presages a new full-length album that Ann-Margret has been hard at work on and will be released in 2022. The project will pair her with several stellar guest artists including Bobby Rydell (who co-starred in Bye Bye Birdie), Blondie’s Clem Burke, Wrecking Crew member Don Randi, rockabilly superstar Danny B. Harvey and more!

Also, for those in the Los Angeles area, Ann-Margret will be making an appearance at a special private engagement on January 13 at the Montalban Theater with special guest Rydell!

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


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
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Leave a comment | posted in Ann-Margret, Press Release, Sonny Landreth

2021/11/15

MAGMA “BBC 1974 LONDON” 2 LP Red Vinyl Limited Edition Numbered Gatefold 180g Audiophile Now Available For Pre-Order!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

MAGMA “BBC 1974 LONDON” 2 LP Red Vinyl Limited Edition Numbered Gatefold 180g Audiophile Now Available For Pre-Order!

Available November 26 For RSD BLACK FRIDAY

This high quality recording carried out on March 14th, 1974 in the London BBC studios, is here carefully remastered for a vinyl release. This double LP includes two Magmaian masterpieces in unique versions, performed by the group that was at the origin of their creation. If the completed versions played by the MAGMA of 75-76 are most familiar to us, those offered us here present a major interest on several levels: their structure first of all, which at that time was not yet finalized, and comprised sequences which were subsequently either re-arranged, thereafter in a different way, or deleted: THEUSZ HAMTAAHK whose pseudo-slowness of tempo is matched only by the contained violence that inhabits it, and KÖHNTARKÖSZ where the magic of the keyboards brings to this work an alternative just as bewitching as the one engendered at the Taverne de l’Olympia the following year, by the divine soaring of Didier LOCKWOOD’s violin.

Klaus BLASQUIZ
vocals, percussions

Claude OLMOS
guitar

Michel GRAILLIER
Fender piano, keyboards

Gérard BIKIALO
Fender piano

Jannick TOP
bass

Christian VANDER
drums, vocals

To pre-order: https://www.seventhrecords.com/en/magma-19/bbc-1974-london-2-lp-red-vinyl-1307.html

For more information:
Magma’s official website: www.magmamusic.org
Seventh Records: www.seventhrecords.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Magma, Press Release

2021/11/10

King Crimson Print Collection by Tony Levin Available For Pre-Orders, Shipping Early 2022

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

King Crimson Print Collection by Tony Levin Available For Pre-Orders, Shipping Early 2022

Bass Legend and Photographer Tony Levin’s King Crimson Print Collection Available for Pre-Orders, Shipping Early 2022

• Eight stunning, limited-edition prints spanning Tony Levin’s work with King Crimson since the early 1980s
• Every print is signed, numbered, and certified by Intaglio Editions LLC
• Prints are made by contemporary photogravure printmaker, Jon Lybrook
• Available as individual prints or in a limited-edition, custom-crafted clamshell print collection box
• The first public orders are assigned print numbers 11-50 out of 500 prints total in each edition
• Pre-orders are now being accepted at TonyLevinPrints.com

“Tony Levin is not a bassist. He just happens to play the bass.” – Robert Fripp

Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) has been photographing his touring experiences since the early 1980s. Tens of thousands of photos later, he’s compiled eight of his favorite photographic moments from forty years of touring with King Crimson. These prints include:

1. Adrian Belew, Backstage 1981
2. Bill Bruford, Bristol 1981
3. King Crimson, Faro, Portugal 1982
4. King Crimson, Royal Albert Hall 2019
5. King Crimson, Asbury Park 1982
6. On the Shinkansen 1981
7. Perkins Palace Marquee 1981
8. Robert Fripp, Krakow 2018

This collection is a must-have for any serious King Crimson collector and can be purchased as a set or individually. Tony’s photography offers a unique perspective from the stage that cannot be replicated.

All photos are hand-titled and signed by Tony Levin. They are a limited print run of 500 photogravure prints. The first public orders of the Special Edition Box are assigned print numbers 11-50.

Each print is handmade on a traditional intaglio press using materials that will last for generations. They are printed with low or acid-free ink on 22.25 x 15.5” Hahnemuhle Copperplate Brite White, 300 g/sm alpha cellulose paper with torn, deckled edges. These same ink and paper formulas used in Tony Levin’s print collection have been used by printmakers in Europe for hundreds of years.

Signed and stamped certificates of authenticity are issued with every print.

The traditional, fabric-lined, limited-edition, clamshell-style, 24” x 17” print collection box for Tony Levin’s King Crimson Print Collection is custom-crafted using archive-grade materials for storing and preserving prints cleanly and elegantly. Cotton gloves are included for clean handling of the prints.

“Jon Lybrook is a true master. His prints exude an expertise, that only very few fine art printers in the world control on the same level.” – Professor Henrik Bøegh – Grafisk Eksperimentarium – Copenhagen, Denmark

Jon Lybrook is a Fine Art Printmaker based in Colorado. Jon has worked with photographers and artists for nearly two decades through his company, Intaglio Editions LLC (https://intaglioeditions.com/). He has studied the craft with traditional printmakers from around the world including Henrik Boegh, Dan Welden, Mark Lunning, Ron Pokrasso, David Hoptman, and has worked as both a printmaker and consultant.

Watch the Make Weird Music interview with Tony about his history with photography and art: https://youtu.be/N3pJdFQdEHI

To pre-order: https://TonyLevinPrints.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in King Crimson, Press Release, Tony Levin

2021/11/05

Steppenwolf “Magic Carpet Ride: The Dunhill / ABC Years (1967-1971)” 8CD Set To Be Released November 19, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Steppenwolf “Magic Carpet Ride: The Dunhill / ABC Years (1967-1971)” 8CD Set To Be Released November 19, 2021

• NEWLY REMASTERED EIGHT DISC BOXED SET FEATURING EACH ALBUM RECORDED BY THE LEGENDARY STEPPENWOLF FOR THE DUNHILL/ABC LABEL BETWEEN 1967 AND 1971
• WITH 26 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM RARE SINGLES AND MONO MIXES
• INCLUDING THE ALBUMS “STEPPENWOLF”, “THE SECOND”, “AT YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY”, “EARLY STEPPENWOLF”, “MONSTER”, “STEPPENWOLF LIVE”, “STEPPENWOLF 7” and “FOR LADIES ONLY”
• REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL DUNHILL/ABC MASTER TAPES

Steppenwolf was formed in 1967 in LA by John Kay (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Goldy McJohn (organ, piano) and Jerry Edmonton (drums) who were previously members of the Canadian band The Sparrows. They were joined by Michael Monarch (lead guitar) and Rushton Moreve (bass). The band signed to Dunhill/ABC the same year and with producer Gabriel Mekler they recorded their self-titled debut album. The band were propelled to success with their classic single “Born To Be Wild” (a #2 hit in the USA) and became even wider known when the track was featured, along with their version of “The Pusher” in the classic 1969 counterculture film “Easy Rider”.

“The Second” was released in October ‘68 and featured the hit single “Magic Carpet Ride” (another US #2 hit). In March ‘69 “At Your Birthday Party” was released to further success and was their first record to feature Nick St Nicholas on bass and their last to feature Michael Monarch. The July 1969 release “Early Steppenwolf” featured live recordings made at The Matrix in San Francisco in May 1967 and featured a 20-minute version of “The Pusher”.

The band’s next studio album, “Monster”, was issued in November 1969 and dealt with America’s involvement in the Vietnam War. 1970 saw the band release two albums, the double LP “Steppenwolf Live” and “Steppenwolf 7”. By the release of the latter the band’s popularity began to wane slightly, although they would retain a large and loyal fan base. Their November 1971 album “For Ladies Only” was their last for Dunhill/ABC and Steppenwolf disbanded in February 1972 only to reform in 1974.

Disc One: Steppenwolf – Remastered
Released In  January 1968
1. Sookie Sookie
2. Everybody’s Next One
3. Berry Rides Again
4. Hootchie Kootchie Man
5. Born To Be Wild
6. Your Wall’s Too High
7. Desperation
8. The Pusher
9. A Girl I Knew
10. Take What You Need
11. The Ostrich
Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions)
12. Sookie Sookie
13. Born To Be Wild
14. Everybody’s Next One
15. Take What You Need
16. A Girl I Knew
17. The Ostrich
18. The Pusher
19. Berry Rides Again

Disc Two: The Second – Remastered
Released In October 1968
1. Faster Than The Speed Of Life
2. Tighten Up Your Wig
3. None Of Your Doing
4. Spiritual Fantasy
5. Don’t Step On The Grass Sam
6. 28
7. Magic Carpet Ride
8. Disappointment Number (Unknown)
9. Lost And Found By Trial And Error
10. Hodge, Podge, Strained Through A Leslie
11. Resurrection
12. Reflections
Bonus Tracks
13. Magic Carpet Ride (Mono Single Version)
14. Spiritual Fantasy (Mono Single Version)

Disc Three: At Your Birthday Party – Remastered
Released In March 1969
1. Don’t Cry
2. Chicken Wolf
3. Lovely Meter
4. Round And Down
5. It’s Never Too Late
6. Sleeping Dreaming
7. Jupiter Child
8. She’ll Be Better
9. Cat Killer
10. Rock Me
11. God Fearing Man
12. Mango Juice
13. Happy Birthday
Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions)
14. Rock Me
15. Jupiter Child
16. It’s Never Too Late
17. Happy Birthday

Disc Four: Early Steppenwolf – Remastered
Released In July 1969 (Live At The Matrix 1967)
1. Power Play
2. Howlin’ For My Baby
3. Goin’ Upstairs
4. Corina, Corina
5. Tighten Up Your Wig
6. The Pusher

Disc Five: Monster – Remastered
Released In November 1969
1. Monster / Suicide / America
2. Draft Resister
3. Power Play
4. Move Over
5. Fag
6. What Would You Do (If I Did That To You)
7. From Here To There Eventually
Bonus Tracks
8. Monster (Single Version)
9. Move Over (Mono Single Version)
10. Power Play (Mono Single Version)

Disc Six: Steppenwolf Live – Remastered
Released In April 1970
1. Sookie Sookie
2. Don’t Step On The Grass
3. Tighten Up Your Wig
4. Monster
5. Draft Resister
6. Power Play
7. Corina, Corina
8. Twisted
9. From Here To There Eventually
10. Hey Lawdy Mama
11. Magic Carpet Ride
12. The Pusher
13. Born To Be Wild
Bonus Tracks (Mono Single Versions)
14. Hey Lawdy Mama
15. Twisted
16. Corina, Corina

Disc Seven: Steppenwolf 7 – Remastered
Released In November 1970
1. Ball Crusher
2. Forty Days And Forty Nights
3. Fat Jack
4. Renegade
5. Foggy Mental Breakdown
6. Snow Blind Friend
7. Who Needs Ya
8. Earschplittenloudenboomer
9. Hippo Stomp
Bonus Tracks
10. Screaming Night Hog
11. Snowblind Friend (Single Version)
12. Hippo Stomp (Single Version)

Disc Eight: For Ladies Only – Remastered
Released In November 1971
1. For Ladies Only
2. I’m Asking
3. Shackles And Chains
4. Tenderness
5. The Night Time’s For You
6. Jaded Strumpet
7. Sparkle Eyes
8. Black Pit
9. Ride With Me
10. In Hopes Of A Garden
Bonus Tracks
11. For Madmen Only
12. For Ladies Only (Single Version)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/steppenwolf-magic-carpet-ride-the-dunhill-abc-years-1967-1971-8cd-box-set/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Steppenwolf

2021/11/02

Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman’s “Dark Fables” To Be Released November 5, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman’s “Dark Fables” To Be Released November 5, 2021

Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman’s “Dark Fables” will be released on November 5, 2021. This standalone release was originally the third CD from Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman’s “Tales By Gaslight” box set released earlier this year.

“Dark Fables” contains over 30 minutes of music conceived for the abandoned “Frankenstein” album which would have joined the duo’s “Jabberwocky” and “Hound Of The Baskervilles” collaborations. As with the previous albums, “Dark Fables” features the duo’s virtuosic keyboard playing with sublime performances from Gordon Giltrap, Paul Manzi (The Sweet, Arena, Oliver Wakeman Band). Andy Sears (Twelfth Night), Karl Groom (Threshold), David Mark Pearce (Oliver Wakeman Band, Munroe’s Thunder) and Charlotte Dickerson.

The set also includes unused pieces from their “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” album; “The Man Called Sherlock”, which was the original version of the “Overture”, and “221B”, inspired by Sherlock Holmes’ famous address in Baker Street. In addition, the release also features Rick Wakeman narrating the “Jabberwocky Poem” in full, a perfect way to round off the twists and turns of another Nolan/Wakeman project!

Clive Nolan (Pendragon, Arena) and Oliver Wakeman (YES, Strawbs) first combined their considerable keyboard and compositional talents to create the two aforementioned rock opera/concept albums in 1999 and 2002. Peter Pracownik was the creative behind the original “The Hound Of The Baskervilles” artwork 20 years ago and has employed his talents again for the sleeve of “Dark Fables”.

You can listen to the single release, “Why Do You Hate Me” on Oliver’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hHgejgg5Wy4

Track Listing:

1 The Overture
2 I’d Give You Anything
3 The Mirror
4 Elizabeth
5 Why Do You Hate Me?
6 The Wedding Approaches
7 Time Passe
8 A Descent Into Madness
9 221B
10 The Man Called Sherlock
11 The Baker Street Irregulars
12 The Jabberwocky

To purchase: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/clive-nolan-oliver-wakeman-dark-fables/

For more information:
Twitter: @OliverWakeman
Website: www.oliverwakeman.co.uk
YouTube: Oliver’s YouTube Channel
Facebook: Oliver on Facebook

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

Leave a comment | posted in Clive Nolan, Oliver Wakeman, Press Release

2021/11/01

Prog Duo Mark Murdock and Dmitry M. Epstein Release New Concept Album “Oblivion Bound” Feat. Ron Howden of Nektar & Fernando Perdomo

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Prog Duo Mark Murdock and Dmitry M. Epstein Release New Concept Album “Oblivion Bound” Feat. Ron Howden of Nektar & Fernando Perdomo

Out on October 30th via Bandcamp, “Oblivion Bound”: the first full-length collaboration between Mark Murdock and Dmitry M. Epstein

The eve of Halloween 2021 sees the release of “Oblivion Bound”: a concept album, devised by Dmitry M. Epstein on Mark Murdock’s request, a record which tells a story of a rock star who dies and is given a second chance to live – provided he can change and get cleansed through his love, his only constant on this mortal coil – but what if he returns and no one remembers his name? It’s a story of Orpheus and Eurydice turned inside out and upside down, with a possible happy end – recounted over the background blending hard-rock vigor and prog sophistication and set to a string of highly memorable melodies.

The joint project of Japan-based American Murdock, famous for his part in Peter Banks’ Empire, and Canadian Epstein, a music journalist and a runner of the “Let It Rock” website (dmme.net), who followed the veteran’s career and reviewed albums he released with such ensembles as Cymbalic Encounters and Masheen Messiah, started in early 2021.

Perceived initially as a Murdock record, “The Game of the Name” – this is the opus’ original title – turned into a duo’s one once Mark asked Dmitry to come up with a concept which would run through all the songs they planned to write. The latter obliged, even though he had never penned a narrative-based lyrics, as opposed to image-driven words, and the former sketched out demos to be fleshed out by artists often present on his discs. Thus, The Id’s Tim Pepper became the voice of “Oblivion Bound” and NEKTAR’s Ron Howden shared drumming duties with Murdock, while Fernando Perdomo, his colleague in The New Empire, and his son Preston are but two of the guitarists featured on the album.

While the record was being prepared, Dmitry co-wrote two songs on Mark’s Atomic Rooster tribute, Nuclear Bird’s debut “Tyrannical Megalomaniac,” and Mark finished and has just released his new solo CD, “Visitors from Another Planet.”

Says Mark Murdock, “Based on the creative writing of Dmitry’s reviews, I felt he was the right person to approach about doing a concept project with. In this project the lyrics were written after the music, but perhaps as follow up we can reverse the process.”

Adds Dmitry M. Epstein, “It was a gripping experience directing Mark’s music as well as being directed by it. The result of our efforts is open to interpretation, but don’t hurry to jump to conclusions just because the end of this story might have to be written yet.”

Watch the “Oblivion Bound” Promotion Video: https://youtu.be/JOSFikirnaM

The album is available for streaming and download at: https://markmurdockanddmitrymepstein.bandcamp.com/
and will also soon be made available on all digital platforms.

Mark and Dmitry are available for interviews
Murdock: cymbalicencounters@gmail.com
Epstein: dmitry@epstein.to

The tracklist:
1. Coming To
2. Ain’t No Avalon
3. Echo of My Ego
4. A Way Out For the Weak
5. The Game of the Name
6. Voices in My Mind
7. Outside Whorl
8. Vanishing Point
9. Will You Take Me Back (to the Fold)?

All music composed by Mark Murdock,
except Song 9 which was composed by Preston Murdock
Lyrics by Dmitry M. Epstein

Mark Murdock – drums, percussion & keyboards
Ron Howden (Nektar) – drums on song 8
Tim Pepper (The Id) – vocals
Fernando Perdomo (The New Empire) – lead guitar on songs 1 & 2
Katsumi Yoneda (French TV) – guitar
Dave Juteau (The Dave Juteau Band) – guitar on song 8
Preston Murdock (Cymbalic Encounters) – guitar on song 9
Jeff Curry (Izmatik) – bass
Daniel Kubota (Cymbalic Encounters) – guitar on song 4

Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock
Recorded at Off-Shore Studios, Tokyo and U.K.
Artwork by TimPani Graphics
Copyright 2021

To purchase: https://markmurdockanddmitrymepstein.bandcamp.com/album/oblivion-bound

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

Leave a comment | posted in Dmitry M. Epstein, Mark Murdock, Press Release

2021/10/29

Renaissance “Scheherazade & Other Stories” Re-Mastered 3 Disc Boxed Set Available November 26, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Renaissance “Scheherazade & Other Stories” Re-Mastered 3 Disc Boxed Set Available November 26, 2021

• A NEWLY RE-MASTERED 3 DISC (2 CD / DVD) EXPANDED CLAMSHELL BOXED SET EDITION OF THIS CLASSIC RENAISSANCE ALBUM
• RE-MASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL FIRST-GENERATION MASTER TAPES
• FEATURING 11 ADDITIONAL TRACKS INCLUDING A NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND UPMIX OF THE ALBUM, A CONCERT IN NOTTINGHAM FROM JANUARY 1976 & PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED STUDIO OUT-TAKES
• DVD ALSO INCLUDES A PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED LIVE PROMOTIONAL FILM FROM 1976

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a newly re-mastered and expanded 3 Disc clamshell box edition of the classic album, “Scheherazade & Other Stories” by Renaissance.

Recorded at Abbey Road studios in May 1975, the album is rightly regarded as one of the band’s finest works, featuring the epic “Song of Scheherazade” (which dominated the album’s second side on the original LP release) and other classic tracks “Trip to the Fair”, “Ocean Gypsy” and “The Vultures Fly High”. Upon its release the album reached the US Top 50 and was one of the best-selling Renaissance albums.

This expanded edition of “Scheherazade & Other Stories” has been newly re-mastered from the original first generation master tapes and also features a stunning 5.1 Surround Sound up-mix on a DVD (NTSC / Region Free) which also includes a high resolution stereo mix and a wonderful bonus feature of a previously unreleased 1976 live promotional film.

The set also includes a bonus CD of a concert recorded in January 1976 in Nottingham, England and a previously unreleased bonus track. The release also features an illustrated booklet with a new essay featuring exclusive interviews.

Disc One: Scheherazade & Other Stories Remastered  
1. Trip To The Fair
2. The Vultures Fly High
3. Ocean Gypsy
4. Song Of Scheherazade
I. Fanfare
II. The Betrayal
III. The Sultan
IV. Love Theme
V. The Young Prince And Princess As Told By Scheherazade
VI. Festival Preparations
VII. Fugue For The Sultan
VIII. The Festival
IX. Finale
Bonus Track
5. Ocean Gypsy (Single Version)
(Previously Unreleased On Cd)

Disc Two: Live At Nottingham University January 1976
1. Can You Understand
2. Running Hard
3. Ocean Gypsy
4. Prologue
5. Song Of Scheherazade
I. Fanfare
II. The Betrayal
III. The Sultan
IV. Love Theme
V. The Young Prince And Princess As Told By Scheherazade
VI. Festival Preparations
VII. Fugue For The Sultan
VIII. The Festival
IX. Finale
6. Ashes Are Burning

Disc Three: Scheherazade & Other Stories
96 Khz / 24-Bit 5.1 Surround Sound Upmix & High Resolution Stereo Mix
1. Trip To The Fair (5.1 Surround Upmix)
2. The Vultures Fly High (5.1 Surround Upmix)
3. Ocean Gypsy (5.1 Surround Upmix)
4. Song Of Scheherazade
I. Fanfare
II. The Betrayal
III. The Sultan
IV. Love Theme
V. The Young Prince And Princess As Told By Scheherazade
VI. Festival Preparations
VII. Fugue For The Sultan
VIII. The Festival
IX. Finale
Bonus Video Content Renaissance – Live 1976 Promotional Film (Previously Unreleased)
1. Ocean Gypsy (Live Promotional Film)
2. Prologue (Live Promotional Film)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-scheherazade-other-stories-remastered-expanded-3cd-box-set/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Renaissance

2021/10/28

King Crimson “Music Is Our Friend” Live 2CD Set Available For Pre-order

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

King Crimson “Music Is Our Friend” Live 2CD Set Available For Pre-order

“Music is our Friend” – Named after the tour from which the performances were taken, “Music Is Our Friend” is an official bootleg featuring all of King Crimson’s final performance in North America in Washington, D.C. in September, 2021.

This 2CD set is completed with four pieces from the first concert of the tour’s second leg in Albany. Taken together, these tracks represent both a beginning and an end of a tour that took place despite almost insurmountable issues.

Originally scheduled for 2020, postponed for a full year because of the pandemic, the tour began July in Florida as the latest Covid wave hit and the band moved across the country in a tour bus bubble.

Following a two-week break due to scheduling conflicts, they returned to the road again, with the Zappa Band appearing nightly before Crimson.

Now facing gigs that had to be moved due to extreme weather, with one venue flooded a day before a concert, an open-air venue in New York transferred to the more familiar Beacon Theatre, and even a band member flown to hospital via helicopter, King Crimson faced a range of challenging conditions. Happily, the band member was fully recovered and no gigs were missed despite the array of setbacks and obstacles.

By the time King Crimson reached Washington, the band was in ferocious form with a powerful, energetic set with some arrangements reworked and differing from previous tours. Featuring a restored middle section of “Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part One” that had not been played since 1973, substantial keyboard arrangements, Tony Levin on upright bass during “Neurotica” giving the piece an extra swing, there’s an emotional set-closer, Starless and an immensely powerful “21st Century Schizoid Man” as an encore.

King Crimson completed their tour in style and to much acclaim from fans and critics alike. As Robert Fripp notes in his diary entry included in the notes: “David (Singleton, KC manager/producer), pointed out that the very first piece KC played in the US, at Godard College, Montpelier, Vermont on October 29th. 1969, was the same piece as completed KC’s 52 years – 21CSM”.

In contrast to the Washington show, the four performances from the ‘Friends and Family’ concert in late August 2021 at The Egg in Albany, opening show of the second leg of the tour and the same venue where the current band played its first US gig in 2014, have a more intimate feel. As befits a small venue/invited audience, the sound and pacing provide an opportunity to hear a run of material not played in Washington due to time constraints.

Bringing the second disc with a poignant performance of “Islands” – perhaps the best recording of this song by this band, David Singleton, who also prepared all the audio for this release, thought it one of the best sets the band played on this or previous tours.

The release features photos from the concerts, sleeve notes by David Singleton and diary entries for the concert days from Robert Fripp in a 24-page accompanying booklet.

A completion is a new beginning – Robert Fripp, September, 2021

CD One
1. Introductory Soundscape
2. The Hell Hounds Of Krim
3. Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part I
4. Pictures Of A City
5. The Court Of The Crimson King
6. Red
7. Tony Cadenza Deals It Slitheryacious-To-The-Max
8. Neurotica
9. One More Red Nightmare
10. Indiscipline

CD Two
1. Epitaph
2. Radical Action II
3. Level Five
4. Starless
5. 21st Century Schizoid Man
6. Tony Cadenza Serves It Piping Hot
7. Discipline
8. Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Part II
9. Islands

Release date November 19, 2021

Order from Inner Knot (USA): https://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson—music-is-our-friend-live-in-washington-dc-and-albany-2021-cd-p1900.aspx

For more information: www.dgmlive.com
painting by Francesca Sundsten

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

Leave a comment | posted in King Crimson, Press Release