Category Archives: Press Release

2019/01/11

O.R.k. Premier “Kneel To Nothing” The Debut Single & Video From New Album “Ramagehead”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

O.R.k. Premier “Kneel To Nothing” The Debut Single & Video From New Album Ramagehead

O.R.k., featuring Italy’s celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree’s Colin Edwin (bass), Marta Sui Tubi’s Carmelo Pipitone (guitars) are ready to reveal the first single “Kneel To Nothing” from their forthcoming new album on Kscope – Ramagehead.

WATCH “KNEEL TO NOTHING” HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMfs1ph1ZGU&feature=youtu.be

The track “Kneel To Nothing” emphasises the band’s bewilderment brought about by our modern world; a world of technological information overload, of uncertainty and post-truth messages. Songwriter Lef explains more “We’re not preaching, we’d rather leave the lyrics open to different interpretations, but I guess this is one possible interpretation of the ‘Kneel To Nothing’ lyrics. 

“As musicians, we collaborate across the miles thanks to the internet, so it goes without saying we aren’t against technology in general, but at the same time, it’s unarguably clear that the same technology has successfully made its way inside our bodies (and lives) in a potentially dangerous way in the last 20 years.

“How we react to impulses, live our relationships, and feel in general has become deeply influenced by new tech. We all seem to be trying to outdo each other, we can’t get enough of this constant competition through social media, and it’s making us more insular in real life. We also place an innate trust in the strength of our senses, but in a evolutionary perspective, we could end up diminishing of all our senses due to our evolving lifestyle. We’re becoming too lazy to read an article – let alone a book, too bored to listen to a song that is longer than 3 minutes, and we relentlessly skip from one impulse to another without really feeling anything. In a way we’re therefore ‘slaves’. It’s not as spooky as the visionary movie directors from the past have pictured it, but it’s happening in a subtler, yet still potentially hazardous way. We have somehow we’ve become both devoted and addicted to our smart phones”

The forthcoming album Ramagehead was created from the band’s collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The resulting epic contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres. Recorded during 2018 at LefMusicStudio (Italy), The Wormhole (USA) and Nightspace (UK). The mixing for Ramagehead was handled by Adrian Benavides and three-time Grammy-winning engineer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave), the mastering by Michael Fossenkemper, engineering by Benavides and Bill Munyon (King Crimson), cover art by Adam Jones (TOOL) and design by Denis Rodier (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman). The recordings, and involvement of SOAD’s Serj Tankian on a forthcoming single, solidifies the band’s serious intent to use their musical chemistry in exploring the hard-edged possibilities within rock.

Ramagehead tracklisting:
Kneel to Nothing (instant download on digital pre-orders)
Signals Erased
Beyond Sight
Black Blooms (feat. Serj Tankian)
Time Corroded
Down the Road
Some Other Rainbow Part 1
Strangled Words
Some Other Rainbow

Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February on CD / 180g Black vinyl LP / Digital and is available to PRE-ORDER HERE https://ork.lnk.to/RamageheadPR

O.R.k. have an extensive live campaign planned in support of Ramagehead which will begin in February 2019 with a European and UK head line run as well as being special guests on the continuing “Dissolution Tour” from new label mates The Pineapple Thief.

Colin Edwin comments “‘Ramagehead’ is our most intense, ambitious and accessible work to date and I am really looking forward to exploring the new material in a live environment and sharing our unique collective energy together. For me, O.R.k. is always a completely immersive and unforgettable experience in the live arena, so with new tracks to play and an opportunity to reach places and people we’ve yet to get to, this tour will be our best yet.”

Tour Dates:
** show with The Pineapple Thief
15.2 Ravenna (IT) – Bronson
16.2 Lugagnano di Sona/Verona (IT) – Il Giardino
17.2 Pisa (IT) – Lumiere
21.2 Bari (IT) – Garage Sound
22.2 Roma (IT) – Largo Venue**
23.2 Milano (IT) – Santeria Social Club **
24.2 Pratteln (CH) – Z7 **
26.2 Stuttgart (DE) – LKA Longhorn **
27.2 Frankfurt (DE) – Batschkapp **
28.2 Strasburg (FR) – La Laiterie **
1.3 Zoetermeer (NL) – Borderij **
2.3 Hamburg (DE) – Grosse Freiheit 36 **
3.3 Copenhagen (DK) – Store Vega **
5.3 Stockholm (SE) – Nalen **
6.3 Oslo (NO) – Rockefeller **
8.3 Iserhagen/Hannover (DE) – Blues Garage
10.3 Cologne (DE) – Yard Club
12.3 Munich (DE) – Backstage
13.3 Budapest (HU) – Durer
14.3 Nove Mesto nad Vahom (SK) – Blue Note
15.3 Berlin (DE) – Music & Frieden
17.3 Paris (FR) – Petit Bain
19.3 London (UK) – Borderline
20.3 Newcastle (UK) – o2 Academy **
21.3 Glasgow (UK) – St. Luke’s **
22.3 Manchester (UK) – o2 The Ritz **
23.3 Birmingham (UK) – o2 The Institute 2 **
24.3 Bristol (UK) – SWX **

O.R.k. are:
Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF – lead vocals
Pat Mastelotto – drums
Colin Edwin – bass
Carmelo Pipitone – guitars

Follow O.R.k.
http://www.orkband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/O.R.k.band/
https://www.instagram.com/orkband/
https://twitter.com/ORKBAND


Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

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

Leave a comment | posted in O.R.k., Press Release

2019/01/09

New PledgeMusic Campaign For “200 Motels” by Frank Zappa & Tony Palmer Box Set – CD & DVD with Extras & Exclusives!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

New PledgeMusic Campaign For “200 Motels” by Frank Zappa & Tony Palmer Box Set – CD & DVD with Extras & Exclusives!

London – “200 Motels” is a 1971 American-British musical surrealist film co-written and directed by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer and starring The Mothers of Invention, Theodore Bikel and Ringo Starr.

Gonzo Mulitimedia is releasing a limited edition box set of “200 Motels” – CD & DVD with Extras & Exclusives! The film DVD is mastered from Tony Palmer’s original 2-inch masters. This is for the first time these masters have ever being used. The second disc contains extra concert material specially edited by “200 Motels” original director Tony Palmer.

In “200 Motels”, the film attempts to portray the craziness of life on the road as a rock musician. While on tour, The Mothers of Invention go crazy in the small fictional town of Centerville (“a real nice place to raise your kids up”), wander around, and get beaten up in “Redneck Eats”, a cowboy bar. In a cartoon interlude passed off as a “dental hygiene movie”, bassist “Jeff”, tired of playing what he refers to as “Zappa’s comedy music”, is persuaded by his bad conscience to quit the group, as did his real-life counterpart Jeff Simmons, who was fired for insubordination before the film began shooting. Simmons was replaced by Martin Lickert (who was Ringo’s chauffeur) for the film.

The Orchestra was the Royal Philharmonic, including the great classical guitarist John Williams, and was conducted by Elgar Howarth who went on to become one of Britain’s most distinguished conductors. And the choreography was devised by Gillian Lynne, who went on to ‘invent’ the Lloyd-Webber musical “Cats”. She always said that “200 Motels” was the inspiration for much that she later incorporated into “Cats”.

It was also the first film ever to be shot on 2-inch analogue videotape and successfully transferred to celluloid. “Star Wars” was only just around the corner.

The Cast

Frank Zappa as himself
The Mothers of Invention as themselves
Theodore Bikel as Rance Muhammitz, the narrator/Master of Ceremonies
Ringo Starr as Larry the Dwarf, dressed as Frank Zappa
Keith Moon as the hot nun
Howard Kaylan as himself
Mark Volman as himself
Ian Underwood as himself
Ruth Underwood as herself
Don Preston as himself
Jimmy Carl Black as Lonesome Cowboy Burt
Euclid James ‘Motorhead’ Sherwood as himself,
Aynsley Dunbar as himself
George Duke as himself
Jim Pons as himself (uncredited)
Pamela Des Barres as the interviewer
Martin Lickert as “Jeff”
Janet Neville-Ferguson as Groupie #1
Lucy Offerall as Groupie #2
Dick Barber as Chunga – The Vacuum Cleaner
Judy Gridley as the chorus leader

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/frankzappaandtonypalmer

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

Leave a comment | posted in Frank Zappa, Press Release

2019/01/06

Avant-Jazz Group The Oddyssey Quartet To Release Sophomore Album “We Are All Branches of the Same Tree” – January 19, 2019

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Avant-Jazz Group The Oddyssey Quartet To Release Sophomore Album “We Are All Branches of the Same Tree” – January 19, 2019

Following up their debut of composed music “Suite for the End of the Earth,” “We Are All Branches of the Same Tree” is the second release from avant-jazz group the Oddyssey Quartet,  featuring twelve improvised pieces from four musicians who have only played together a handful of times but who share the common ancient language of music, bringing them together in a cohesion of intuitive conversation, and demonstrating in real time that we all really are branches of the same tree. Featuring former Albert Ayler Quintet bassist Bill Folwell, and former Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra saxophonist David Pate, with Jose Cochez on drums, and Rex Shepherd on guitar and prepared guitar.

“After recording ‘Suite for the End of the Earth,’ which consisted of composed music, and having only played together as a group a few times, we wanted to see what we would get playing totally free. There was such a good vibe in the room with the four of us that it made playing so easy, the ideas flowed, I could respond to the sounds around me and the natural ebb and flow of conversational music happened. For me it is a spiritual thing, experiencing a wordless connection to others, when the music comes together and reveals the common thread in all of us.” – Rex Shepherd

Tracks
1. Surculus
2. Osier
3. Telgo
4. Spray
5. Switch
6. Ramus
7. Seten
8. Bough
9. Vimen
10. Shrag
11. Stofn
12. Withie

Release Date January 19, 2019

To purchase: https://rexshepherd.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-all-branches-of-the-same-tree

For more information: 
https://rexshep.com
https://www.facebook.com/musicpagerexshepherd/
Contact: jazzman465@yahoo.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, The Oddyssey Quartet

2019/01/04

Mike Oldfield’s “The Killing Fields” Soundtrack & DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set Now Available For Pre-order!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Mike Oldfield’s “The Killing Fields” Soundtrack & DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set Now Available For Pre-order!

London – Mike Oldfield’s “The Killing Fields” Soundtrack & DVD Limited Edition Deluxe Box Set is now available for pre-order. “The Killing Fields” is a 1984 British biographical drama film about the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, which is based on the experiences of two journalists: Cambodian Dith Pran and American Sydney Schanberg. It was directed by Roland Joffé and produced by David Puttnam for his company Goldcrest Films. Sam Waterston stars as Schanberg, Haing S. Ngor as Pran, Julian Sands as Jon Swain, and John Malkovich as Al Rockoff. The adaptation for the screen was written by Bruce Robinson; the musical score was written by Mike Oldfield and orchestrated by David Bedford.

The film was a success at the box office as well as being an instant hit with critics. At the 57th Academy Awards it received seven Oscar nominations, including Best Picture; it won three, most notably Best Supporting Actor for Haing S. Ngor, who had had no previous acting experience. At the 38th British Academy Film Awards, it won eight BAFTAs, including Best Film and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Ngor.

In 1999 the British Film Institute voted “The Killing Fields” the 100th greatest British film of the 20th century. In 2016 British film magazine Empire ranked it number 86 in their list of the 100 best British films.

“The Killing Fields” is the 10th record album by Mike Oldfield, originally released in 1984 on Virgin Records. It is the only full-length film score written by Mike Oldfield with the music was orchestrated by David Bedford.

Though Oldfield’s music had been used in films before (see “The Exorcist” and “The Space Movie”), this was the first time he had written specifically for film, and so far the only time. Oldfield composed the album on a Fairlight CMI.

Like many movies, the album is not a comprehensive record of all the Oldfield soundtrack music used in the film. Most notably, the music accompanying the darkroom sequence does not feature on the album.

Oldfield’s work on the score was partially instigated by Virgin boss Richard Branson when he took Oldfield to see David Puttnam, a producer on the film, which then secured him the role. Oldfield spent six months working on the score for “The Killing Fields” before going on tour, but when Oldfield returned, the producers of the film asked for more music to be written, prompting Oldfield to ask for the use of an orchestra and a choir; three months later the score was finished.

Tracklisting

“Pran’s Theme”
“Requiem for a City”
“Evacuation”
“Pran’s Theme 2”
“Capture”
“Execution”
“Bad News”
“Pran’s Departure”
“Worksite”
“The Year Zero”
“Blood Sucking”
“The Year Zero 2”
“Pra’’s Escape” / “The Killing Fields”
“The Trek”
“The Boy’s Burial” / “Pran Sees the Red Cross”
“Good News”
“Étude”
“Evacuation (Single edit)” (Bonus track)
“Étude (Single edit)” (Bonus track)

Personnel

Mike Oldfield – guitars (Gibson Les Paul Junior and SG Junior), synthesizers (including Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, DMX and Roland VP 330), Fairlight computer, producer, engineer.
Preston Heyman – oriental percussion
Morris Pert – percussion
Eberhard Schoener – conductor
Bavarian State Orchestra
Tölzer Boys Choir

This deluxe box set brings together both the soundtrack CD and the film DVD for the first time, along with reproduction memorabilia from the film and a numbered certificate. This edition is bound to be a collector’s item for both fans of Mike Oldfield and of the movie alike!

Box Set comprises of:

DVD
CD
Numbered certificate
With reproductions of:
Lobby cards,
A3 poster,
Press Pack (In English),
German Press Book
10″ × 8″ black and white promotional photos

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/mikeoldfield

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

Leave a comment | posted in Mike Oldfield, Press Release

2018/12/28

New Holiday Song By Jon Anderson – Love Is Everything

By glassonyonpr

Here’s a new Holiday song by Jon Anderson – Love Is Everything

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldBOR28JRkc&feature=youtu.be

www.jonanderson.com

Leave a comment | posted in Jon Anderson, Press Release

2018/12/18

Guitar Legend Jason Becker’s New Album “Triumphant Hearts” Receives Rave Reviews Worldwide!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitar Legend Jason Becker’s New Album “Triumphant Hearts” Receives Rave Reviews Worldwide!

Jason Becker is a musical phenomenon!

Guitar legend Jason Becker released his eagerly anticipated new album “Triumphant Hearts” on December 7, 2018. The album has been receiving amazing reviews around the globe!

“It feels so good that people are experiencing the music in a deep way. When I was writing the album, it was what my soul needed, and I hoped others would feel the same. To see that people are feeling my heart is the greatest gift any artist could ask for.” – Jason Becker

Watch the album’s trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=250&v=IXSR85mwRXw

Jason Becker’s story is one of brilliance, talent, determination, adversity, and, ultimately, triumph. A child prodigy on guitar, Jason rose to prominence as a teenager when he was one half of the legendary rock guitar duo Cacophony (with his great friend Marty Friedman). After wowing audiences all over the world with his amazing guitar chops and deep compositions, Jason auditioned for—and got—the gig with David Lee Roth, following in the huge footsteps of Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. He wrote and recorded the DLR album “A Little Ain’t Enough” and was poised to take over the rock guitar world when a nagging pain in his leg was diagnosed as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a debilitating and fatal condition with a life expectancy of maybe five years. Maybe.

That was 29 years ago.

Jason did indeed lose the ability to play guitar, walk, talk, and breathe on his own. But he never lost his will to live or his desire to create music. Communicating through a series of eye movements with a system developed by his father, Jason spells out words as well as musical notes and chords. He imparts his musical vision to his team who then can input the notes into a computer, edit the parts to his exacting standards, and then generate charts for session musicians. It is through this amazing process that Jason composes his profoundly beautiful music, rich in melody and counterpoint, brimming with emotion. His inspiring music and life story have been the subject of countless news articles, magazine cover stories, and an award-winning documentary, “Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet.”

Not only is Jason not dead yet, he’s busier and more prolific than ever, as evidenced by his latest release, Triumphant Hearts. The album’s 14 tracks showcase Jason’s gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Many of the guitar parts are performed by a who’s-who of 6-string gods including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Neal Schon, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. And, in what will absolutely delight his fans, Jason’s amazing guitar playing—recorded in the ’80s and ’90s—graces several tunes.

Jason Becker is unquestionably the sexiest man alive, but he’s also the most positive, upbeat, and inspiring man alive. “I really feel lucky,” says Jason. “I am surrounded by loving people, and I can still make music.”

Here’s what the press have raved about Jason Becker’s “Triumphant Hearts”:

https://maafbox.com/post/180956511075/triumphant-hearts-jason-becker?fbclid=IwAR0jCm-lYTimj5oADfzTj3a9zTRQ4BjDdro8EKbCWe8R0PHK2TA9_p3vOW4
“Jason Becker is Beethoven for the 21st Century. Listen to how he composes each song. Each delicate note has purpose. Every instrument ebbs and flows throughout each piece. Each guitar lick enriches the depths of each intricate movement. It makes sense that this isn’t a rock album. It’s a classical album. One I hope that will be around long after I’m gone.”

http://allabouttherock.co.uk/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/?fbclid=IwAR2nLYh6PD4ptfgoOlQ_DDdUzN8RL98-icfWa2DxzQL1gBmpFN9eZgpRusM
“This is an album I never thought would happen, a brand new album by guitar maestro Jason Becker. ‘Triumphant Hearts’ is exactly what it says on the tin. Triumphant. It’s an album full of stunning music composed by a genius musician who has to score the opus note by note. This is quite simply a magnificent record that spews emotion.”

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“If there is one thing that gets high marks for originality, it is a musical genius, a prisoner of his own body, writing a love letter to the world using only his eyes, and the love and support of his family, fans, and friends. The album really has something for everyone, with exceptionally beautiful composition, heart, soul, and even some good old burning it up on the fingerboard. he has given the world a masterpiece and a message of love and triumph.”

https://classicrock.net/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
The music on ‘TRIUMPHANT HEARTS’ is all about the beauty of life and the dignified treatment of one another – the essence of humanity.”

https://darkstars.de/review/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“Jason Becker is a musical phenomenon.”

https://www.photogroupie.com/single-post/2018/12/07/TRIUMPHANT-HEARTS-JASON-BECKER-ALBUM-REVIEW?platform=hootsuite
“It shows Jason Becker as the talented guitarist of his youth, but also a composer of exceptionally high standards. A picture may paint a thousand words, but music says things that words never can and ‘Triumphant Hearts’ manages to say it all. It’s humbling, emotional, inspirational and filled with the brilliance of Jason Becker.”

https://metalwani.com/2018/12/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts.html
“’Triumphant Hearts’ by Jason Becker is a testament to the unyielding spirit of an artist driven to create. No matter what the challenge or hardship, a true artist’s life force is ignited and fueled by their work. You cannot help but be inspired by these compositions and admire the composer for the sheer joy he brings to us through them.”

http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2018/12/album-review-jason-becker-triumphant-heart/
“’Triumphant Hearts’ makes a joyous statement about Becker’s enduring creativity in the face of incredible adversity and the fact he is still a major catalyst to his contemporaries. You will be rewarded by an album that taps into one of the most remarkable musical spirits of the modern rock era.”

https://rocknloadmag.com/album-review/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts-album-review/
“Years in the making, yet well worth the wait. This album is an audible journey through the brain of one of Rock’s finest ambassadors conveyed by those who loved him and the few who are capable of translating such majesty into recorded music. Showcase his compositional skills through mesmerising arrangements and gorgeous atmospheric storytelling.”

http://www.concertmonkey.be/albumreviews/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts
“Jason Becker will always and everywhere continue to influence guitarists and musicians around the world. His personal story will be an inspiration for millions of people.”

http://www.progrockmusictalk.com/2018/12/jasonbeckertriumphanthearts.html
“Guitar fans get ready for one amazing onslaught of guitar magic on ‘Triumphant Hearts.’ ‘Triumphant Hearts’ is an amazing event that every music fan needs to hear. The man and his music will make an impression on you one way or another, I can promise you that.”

https://allthatshreds.com/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“The album’s 14 tracks showcase Jason’s gift for melody and his deep knowledge of classical composition and orchestral arrangement. Jason has assembled some of the great guitarists of our genre on ‘Triumphant Hearts.’”

http://amongtheliving.fr/chronique-album/jason-becker/
“Jason Becker, in addition to delivering a sublime album, gives us a great lesson in life, confronting adversity and surpassing oneself. Bravo the artist.”

http://planetmosh.com/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“A true masterpiece that has to be one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. buy it because it’s one of the best albums you’ll hear all year. I’d be happy to listen to on repeat for hours on end.”

https://www.stormbringer.at/reviews/14919/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts.html
“One of the greatest works that has happened this year”

https://www.accordo.it/article/viewPub/94812
“A record that should be accepted as one of the most extraordinary declarations of love for music and life ever written. ‘Triumphant Hearts’ is a moving, vibrant, beautiful, excruciating work.”

http://metalnexus.net/review-jason-becker-triumphant-hearts/
“Some of the most genius material I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what a masterpiece sounds like. A true work of art. An overwhelming inspiration.”

To purchase: http://smarturl.it/JasonBecker

Label Media Page: http://mlgpress.com/jason-becker-triumphant-hearts

For more information:
https://jasonbecker.com/
https://jasonbecker.com/#videos
https://www.facebook.com/jasonbeckerofficial/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Jason Becker, Press Release

2018/12/13

Prog Ensemble The Gardening Club Release Eagerly Anticipated New Album “The Riddle”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Prog Ensemble The Gardening Club Release Eagerly Anticipated New Album “The Riddle”

London – Due to the tremendous response UK prog ensemble The Gardening Club received for the reissue of their 1983 self-titled album last year, the band has released a brand new album! The new Gardening Club album, “The Riddle” was recorded at producer/guitarist Norm Macpherson’s Garry Oak Studios in Metchosin British Columbia. This location surrounded by forest and close to the Pacific Ocean, was ideal for writing and recording the new record.

Martin Springett and Norm had known each other as young players while living in Victoria many years ago, both were drawn to the music the other was making; Norm was a phenomenal blues player even at the age of 17. Martin as a new immigrant from England, was setting Tolkien’s words to music. Two very different worlds! The connection that started the new project, was a mutual friend, a poet named Cyril McColgan. Martin had been setting Cyril’s poems to music for many years, and so after meeting up again, Norm and Martin decided it would be fun to ‘do something’ together, and Cyril’s words were the connection for them both, and a starting point for recording together. There was no thought of an album, just an exploration of Martin’s songs, old and new, with Cyril’s words. The tale grew in the telling, to quote somebody or other, and when Gonzo Multimedia re-released the original “Gardening Club” album from 1983 in October of 2017, this inspired the recording sessions with a new hope that perhaps Gonzo might well be interested in this new Gardening Club project.

The shape of the album grew and changed as players appeared, miraculously you might say, that seemed to be a perfect fit for Martin’s music. Norm’s son, James MacPherson brought in his phenomenal drum programming skills, as well as some very effective synth solos. Sean Drabitt, a highly respected jazz bassist, came in with fretless electric bass, to provide a unique underpinning to the songs, Sean’s first love being bands like Rush and King Crimson. Wayne Kozak, with a wealth of studio experience over the decades, provided beautiful soprano sax solos. Finally, Norm Macpherson, an award winning guitarist gave the album it’s ‘second voice’, after Martin’s heartfelt vocals, his signature soaring, slide guitar. Norm also produced and engineered the album, giving it a shape and focus sound wise that again complemented Martin’s songs perfectly.

The art that Martin Springett created for the album was actually a compilation of images created over a year prior to the recording. Inspired by the very positive reaction to his Gardening Club album’s re-release, Martin explored as many aspects of The Garden as he could, and The Three Riddles came out of this fertile creative period. The 24 page illustrated lyric booklet that accompanies “The Riddle”, was the next visual challenge. Martin has always felt that the link between the visual and the musical exemplified the best of the Prog rock releases of his youth, and wished to emulate that particular specific synergy with “The Riddle”.

The band is deep in the recording of the next Gardening Cub album, “Boy On A Bike”. All the songs are written, two thirds of the album recorded. This a very different experience to “The Riddle”, where the band was learning to work together. In the new one, Norm and Martin can afford to experiment just a little more, the songs are all connected together sonically, making this something of a rock concerto. The same team has assembled plus some very cool guests, which of course changes things yet again.

Martin will be putting together videos with his art and music from “The Riddle” very soon, as well as for “Boy On A Bike”.

In closing Martin has this to impart, “Life is full of beautiful melancholy, moody mysteries, shadows and light, grand gestures, tiny life changing moments, exploding super novas, cosmic light shows, stalled cars, love, seven year old poets, thoughts on surviving heart surgery, an homage to a brilliant female artist, the original sleep; you know the usual stuff.”

The Gardening Club features:

SEAN DRABITT – FRETLESS ELECTRIC BASS –  Sean Drabitt left Victoria, Canada, in early 90’s to study Jazz bass in Los Angeles with mentor John Clayton. The next decade he spent first in New Orleans, where he worked with all members of the Marsalis family, then in New York, working with the best young players on the modern jazz scene, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Eric Harland and Ari Honig among them. Specializing in a hard driving hard bop informed style of bass playing. Sean recently gave several performances on the West coast of Canada on fretless electric bass with his quartet, A Tribute To Jaco Pastorious! https://www.seandrabitt.com

WAYNE KOZAK – SOPRANO SAXOPHONE – Wayne is one of the most respected sax players on the West Coast of Canada. At home in any genre of music, his improvisations are intense and melodic explorations that add immeasurably to any song he is asked to play on. Wayne ran his own studio for many years in Vancouver, Wayne Kozak Audio Productions, involved in music production, advertising jingles and soundtracks.

JAMES MACPHERSON – James began playing different instruments when he was very young, including woodwinds in a variety of orchestras, then went on to play guitar, bass, drums and keyboards in many bands.  Teaching these instruments professionally, he also became involved with audio production, recording and producing albums for local bands. James brings a fresh and young energy to the music that has become an essential ingredient in The Gardening Club sound.

NORM MACPHERSON –  Victoria (BC) Canada Music Hall Of Fame Inductee 2010 / Lifetime Achievement Award. Norm’s reputation as an outstanding guitarist began with his lead playing in local Victoria bands like Blues By Five and Moxie. His recording and touring credits include The Poppy Family (Terry and Susan Jacks) Skylark (with founding member producer David Foster), Burton Cummings, Roy Forbes, Connie Kaldor, The Sample Stearns Band and many years with Canadian troubadour, Valdy. Norm is also an active bassoon player with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, Victoria Chamber Orchestra, and The Victoria Civic Orchestra.
http://normmacpherson.com

MARTIN SPRINGETT – Martin Springett is an artist, author and musician. He recorded his first album in 1969, settings of JRR Tolkien’s poems. The album was never released, but this experience set Martin on a path to combine his art and music as one effective statement. The early days of the progressive rock movement were a huge influence, especially the combined effect of art and music, as in Roger Dean’s covers for Yes. “The Gardening Club” LP, originally released in 1983, now considered a ‘lost prog classic’ by some, was the first mature linking of his art and music. After many years in the publishing industry, Martin is now committed full time to creating music and art that reflect his connection to this wondrous and terrifying place we call home. Planet Earth.

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/search/product_details/16123/The_Gardening_Club-The_Riddle.html

For more information:
http://gardeningclubmusicandart.ca/the-riddle/
https://www.facebook.com/martin.springett.5

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, The Gardening Club

2018/12/13

David Pate & Rex Shepherd, One Half of the Oddyssey Quartet, To Release New Album “Seeing Sound” – December 21, 2018

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

David Pate & Rex Shepherd, One Half of the Oddyssey Quartet, To Release New Album “Seeing Sound” – December 21, 2018

The first duet release from one half of the Oddyssey Quartet, with David Pate (Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra) and guitarist and composer Rex Shepherd (No End of Now). “Seeing Sound” features the two playing an improvised set, creating palpable musical textures using subtle harmonic and melodic ideas and developing them into intuitive conversations, “seeing” the sound of two like minds speaking with one another.

“Playing duets with David Pate is like having a meaningful conversation with a good friend while standing on the precipice of a steep cliff, all the while wondering if you might fall off. As we played this music, we seemed to intuitively happen upon a common musical vision, so I thought that ‘Seeing Sound’ was an appropriate title.” – Rex Shepherd

Tracks
1. Observation
2. Meaning Everything
3. Concept
4. Saying Nothing
5. Recognition
6. Left is Right
7. Facts?
8.  Turn A Round
9.  Outsideways
10. Seeing Sound
11. Finding Space
12. Mind Full
13. Commonality
14. Sound Seeing

David Pate – tenor & soprano saxophones

Rex Shepherd – guitar and prepared guitar

Release Date December 21st, 2018

To purchase: https://rexshepherd.bandcamp.com/album/seeing-sound

For more information: 
https://rexshep.com/other-projects
https://www.facebook.com/musicpagerexshepherd/
Contact: jazzman465@yahoo.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in David Pate, Press Release, Rex Shepherd

2018/12/08

O.R.k. Announce Details of New Album Ramagehead Set For Release Through Kscope on February 22, 2019

By glassonyonpr


For Immediate Release

O.R.k. Announce Details of New Album Ramagehead Set For Release Through Kscope on February 22, 2019

Highly accomplished band includes award-winning composer /vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari, King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto and Porcupine Tree’s Colin Edwin

Album features special guest vocalist System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian 

Confirmed live headline shows throughout Europe & UK for early 2019 + support to The Pineapple Thief

O.R.k., comprising some of contemporary music’s most revered artists, have combined their creative forces once again for a new studio album; their first for the ground-breaking UK label Kscope; O.R.k’s Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February 2019.

The band feature Italy’s celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree’s Colin Edwin (bass), Marta Sui Tubi’s Carmelo Pipitone (guitars); Ramagehead also features a superstar collaboration in the form of Grammy Award-winner Serj Tankian of System of a Down, who is undoubtedly one of metal’s greatest and most renowned vocalists.

Penned following their headline European tour in support of their second album, 2017’s Soul of an Octopus; Ramagehead was forged from the band’s collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The result contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres and lyrics that reveal the band’s bewilderment brought about by our modern world: a world of information overload, of uncertainty and post-truth messages. Bass player Colin Edwin explains further, “Ramagehead is a not a concept album as such, but there is certainly an identifiable theme, in that we attempt to express the everyday bewilderment bought about by the uncertain times we are living in, and the constant confusing information overload that we are all subjected to in today’s post-fact environment. We also wanted to harness the power, unpredictability and spontaneity of the O.R.k. live experience into a static recording whilst aiming for a high-resolution sonic space that can be revisited repeatedly by the avid listener to discover ever deeper layers.”

Recorded during 2018 at LefMusicStudio (Italy), The Wormhole (USA) and Nightspace (UK). The mixing for Ramagehead was handled by Adrian Benavides and three-time Grammy-winning engineer Marc Urselli (U2, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave), the mastering by Michael Fossenkemper, engineering by Benavides and Bill Munyon (King Crimson), cover art by Adam Jones (TOOL) and design by Denis Rodier (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman). The recordings, and involvement of SOAD’s Serj Tankian on the forthcoming single, “Black Blooms”, solidifies the band’s serious intent to use their musical chemistry in exploring the hard-edged possibilities within rock.

Ramagehead tracklisting
Kneel to Nothing
Signals Erased
Beyond Sight
Black Blooms (feat. Serj Tankian)
Time Corroded
Down the Road
Some Other Rainbow Part 1
Strangled Words
Some Other Rainbow

Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February on CD / 180g Black vinyl LP / Digital and is available to PRE-ORDER HERE: https://ork.lnk.to/RamageheadPR

O.R.k. have an extensive live campaign planned in support of Ramagehead which will begin in February 2019 with a European and UK head line run as well as being special guests on the continuing “Dissolution Tour” from new label mates The Pineapple Thief.

Colin Edwin comments “Ramagehead is our most intense, ambitious and accessible work to date and I am really looking forward to exploring the new material in a live environment and sharing our unique collective energy together. For me, O.R.k. is always a completely immersive and unforgettable experience in the live arena, so with new tracks to play and an opportunity to reach places and people we’ve yet to get to, this tour will be our best yet.”

O.R.k. Tour Dates
** show with The Pineapple Thief
15.2 Ravenna (IT) – Bronson
16.2 Lugagnano di Sona/Verona (IT) – Il Giardino
17.2 Pisa (IT) – Lumiere
21.2 Bari (IT) – Garage Sound
22.2 Roma (IT) – Largo Venue**
23.2 Milano (IT) – Santeria Social Club **
24.2 Pratteln (CH) – Z7 **
26.2 Stuttgart (DE) – LKA Longhorn **
27.2 Frankfurt (DE) – Batschkapp **
28.2 Strasburg (FR) – La Laiterie **
1.3 Zoetermeer (NL) – Borderij **
2.3 Hamburg (DE) – Grosse Freiheit 36 **
3.3 Copenhagen (DK) – Store Vega **
5.3 Stockholm (SE) – Nalen **
6.3 Oslo (NO) – Rockefeller **
8.3 Iserhagen/Hannover (DE) – Blues Garage
10.3 Cologne (DE) – Yard Club
12.3 Munich (DE) – Backstage
13.3 Budapest (HU) – Durer
14.3 Nove Mesto nad Vahom (SK) – Blue Note
15.3 Berlin (DE) – Music & Frieden
17.3 Paris (FR) – Petit Bain
19.3 London (UK) – Borderline
20.3 Newcastle (UK) – o2 Academy **
21.3 Glasgow (UK) – St. Luke’s **
22.3 Manchester (UK) – o2 The Ritz **
23.3 Birmingham (UK) – o2 The Institute 2 **
24.3 Bristol (UK) – SWX **

O.R.k. are:
Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF – lead vocals
Pat Mastelotto – drums
Colin Edwin – bass
Carmelo Pipitone – guitars

Follow O.R.k.
http://www.orkband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/O.R.k.band/
https://www.instagram.com/orkband/
https://twitter.com/ORKBAND

Hi-res images available to download: www.kscopemusic.com/media/ork


Kscope: 1st floor, 52 Lisson Street, London, UK NW1 5DF

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

Leave a comment | posted in O.R.k., Press Release

2018/12/06

Guitar Legend Scott Henderson Offers 10-Week Course Teaching Basic Steps to Improvisation and General Organization on the Guitar

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitar Legend Scott Henderson Offers 10-Week Course Teaching Basic Steps to Improvisation and General Organization on the Guitar

Legendary guitarist Scott Henderson will take you through the basic steps to improvisation and general organization on the guitar. Over 10 weeks, you’ll learn to use scales and their modes, chord tones, rhythmic ideas, motifs, and chord voicings, all with the focus on musicianship and artistry.

Hi Friends,

I’m happy to announce that I’m teaching an online class at Musicians Institute. Stig Mathisen, head of the guitar department, help me put this course together which we’re really proud of. This is how it works:

It’s a 10-week course which starts every January, April, July, and October. You get 10 videos which are uploaded weekly, and remain active for a year after the 10-week course is over. You also get an online session with me every Tuesday afternoon at 12PM Pacific Time. You can text me questions about that week’s video, or whatever’s on your mind, and see me talking, playing, and giving musical examples over backing tracks. These online lectures are also available for one year after the 10-week course is over.

The course starts with very basic information and moves pretty quickly, up to advanced jazz concepts. The program works because the material is explained very clearly, and as I mentioned, the videos and lectures remain active for a year.

If you’re a guitarist who doesn’t want to attend a school for logistic or financial reasons, but wants to improve your knowledge of guitar, this course could be just what you’re looking for. I’d also add that the course is not designed to be just a study of technical information, but rather a study of how to turn that information into musical ideas, with the emphasis on phrasing, tone, and artistry. 

https://online.mi.edu/lms/?nleloc=classroom/417&r=classroom/417&sess_id=lcgnuast5ghm0flburi6g5sg91

Get $50 off because you saw this on Facebook. Hope to see you online!

Thanks,

Scott

Born in 1954, Scott Henderson grew up in an era where blues-rock was at it’s peak. His formative musical years took place in South Florida where he played the clubs with various bands, playing everything from Led Zeppelin to James Brown. As he was learning his instrument, Henderson was influenced by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, and his favorite blues guitarist Albert King.

Even though Henderson claims to be more of a blues-rock player, it was the influence of jazz that led him to the style of playing and composing that he is now famous for.

Scott studied arranging and composition at Florida Atlantic University, then moved to Los Angeles in 1980. He toured and recorded with Chick Corea’s Elektric Band, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and was pleased to get the opportunity to work for four years with one of his favorite musicians, Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul. He recorded two albums with the Zawinul Syndicate, “The Immigrants” and “Black Water”. Henderson formed the legendary band Tribal Tech in 1984 with bassist Gary Willis, and recorded ten critically acclaimed albums. The most recent recording is “Tribal Tech X” released in March 2012.

In 1991, Scott was named by Guitar World as the #1 Jazz Guitarist, and in January 1992, he was named #1 Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player’s Annual Reader’s Poll. His first solo blues album “Dog Party”, a welcome retreat to his musical roots, won best blues album of 1994 in Guitar Player Magazine. His next solo albums “Tore Down House” and “Well to the Bone” paired Henderson with legendary vocalist Thelma Houston. “Vibe Station”, Henderson’s latest and most accomplished work as a leader, is an instrumental trio record featuring Travis Carlton on bass and Alan Hertz on drums. The trio has toured extensively throughout the world in over 50 countries, playing music from the solo albums as well as some of Henderson’s music recorded by Tribal Tech.

Scott has also released two albums with “Vital Tech Tones”, a trio collaboration with bassist Victor Wooten and former Journey drummer Steve Smith. In 2009 he began touring worldwide with the HBC Trio, featuring bassist Jeff Berlin and drummer Dennis Chambers. Their first record “HBC” was released in October 2012.

As is often the case with a musician of Scott’s caliber, the demand is great that he share his knowledge with the current generation of guitarists. He is on the faculty at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, where his Open Counseling sessions are some of MI’s most popular. Scott has also written columns for Guitar Player Magazine and many other guitar publications.

Alfred Publishing has released Henderson’s instructional DVD entitled “Scott Henderson – Jazz Rock Mastery”, and his first transcription book “The Scott Henderson Guitar Book”. His other two transcription books, “The Best Of Scott Henderson” and “Scott Henderson – Blues Guitar Collection” are available through Hal Leonard Publishing, as well as his instructional book “Jazz Guitar Chord System”, a revolutionary way for students to study the pluralities of jazz harmony.

For more information: https://www.scotthenderson.net/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release