Category Archives: Press Release

2017/11/11

EXCALIBUR IV – THE DARK AGE OF THE DRAGON The Rock Opera Album Feat. Members of Jethro Tull, Saga, Uriah Heep, Curved Air, Clannad, Supertramp and others! OUT NOW!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

EXCALIBUR IV – THE DARK AGE OF THE DRAGON The Rock Opera Album
Featuring Members of Jethro Tull, Saga, Uriah Heep, Curved Air, Clannad, Supertramp and others!
OUT NOW!

EXCALIBUR IV is the widely anticipated fourth NEW STUDIO ALBUM in the Celtic Rock Opera series, following on from the GOLD and PLATINUM selling original trilogy. EXCALIBUR IV was played live in its entirety to 12 ARENAS in Germany in December 2016 and will be touring again in 2018.

Released on Babaika Productions, via Cherry Red Records, the album features appearances by:
Alan Stivell
Michael Sadler (Saga)
Jesse Sibenberg & John Helliwell (Supertramp)
Martin Barre (Jethro Tull)
Moya Brennan (Clannad)
Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth)
Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep)
Siobham Owen
Sonja Kristina (Curved Air)
John Kelly (The Kelly Family)
Maite Itoiz (Elfhental)

Excalibur – the legendary rock opera is back!
After a thousand years of imprisonment, Merlin – the wizard – finally escapes from Morgana’s spell. Initially intrigued by the beauty of the new world that he returned to, he soon discovers the decay of knightly and sublime virtues, which once had been so bravely defended by King Arthur’s roundtable. An enraged Merlin casts his biggest spell over this world and brings the mighty dragon to life. A epic return of the legendary Celtic rock opera on to German stages, a new chapter in the saga around the sword Excalibur – this is “EXCALIBUR – The Dark Age Of The Dragon”.

A trailer for the album can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4rRmUpT3xs

Track List:

1. THE WINGS OF THE DRAGON
2. ALONE
3. STONEHENGE
4. I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE
5. CALLING FOR YOU
6. DON’T BE AFRAID
7. SILVER MOON
8. DREAMERS
9. THE LAST LAMENT OF A FAIRY
10. THE NEW TIMES
11. FORGET YOUR SORROW
12. THE FIFTH SEASON
13. THE PASSION
14. I WILL BE FOR EVER
15. BEHIND THE MIST
16. YOU DON’T KNOW
17. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE
18. THERE IS SOMEONE
19. DUN AENGUS II

To purchase EXCALIBUR IV:
Amazon CD: http://geni.us/Excal4
iTunes: http://geni.us/Excal4dig

For more information:
Official Excalibur Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Excalibur.The.Celtic.Rock.Opera/ ;
Alan Simon’s official website: http://www.alansimononline.com/eng.html ;
Excalibur is represented by Daniel Earnshaw of QEDG Management DANIEL@QEDG.CO.UK
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com .

Photo by Christian Roch

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2017/11/09

Sound of Contact’s Dave Kerzner Releases New Studio Album “Static” Feat. Members of Genesis, Big Big Train, Porcupine Tree and others! OUT NOW!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Sound of Contact’s Dave Kerzner Releases New Studio Album “Static” Feat. Members of Genesis, Big Big Train, Porcupine Tree and others! OUT NOW!

Miami, Florida – Dave Kerzner, co-founder of the progressive rock group Sound of Contact, has released his second solo album “Static” with a physical CD version available in mid-October. “Static”. The album is the follow up to his highly acclaimed debut album “New World”. Joining him are special guests Steve Hackett (Genesis), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and more in addition to his core group consisting of guitarists Fernando Perdomo and Randy McStine, fellow SOC band mate Matt Dorsey and drummer Derek Cintron.

“Static” is a “progressive rock opera” about the clutter and chaos in modern everyday life. It boldly navigates through subjects ranging from noise in our heads of ego, jealousy, technological distractions, substance abuse and narcissism to profiling the hypocritical and corrupt characters in politics, media and society today.

With a bit of dark humor, sarcasm and a retro-future dystopian view, with rich imaginative artwork created by Ed Unitsky, “Static” merges elements of a twisted Broadway musical with familiar vintage rock flavors like that of King Crimson’s “Red” or Genesis’ “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.” Other strong detectible influences include The Beatles, Queen, Radiohead and Kerzner’s late band mate from “Thud,” Kevin Gilbert.

“I aim to bring forward some of my favorite qualities of classic rock and prog albums and blend it with something new that feels right today. “ Says Kerzner “I like creating memorable songs that tell a story in a melodic musical way. This is what I love about the timeless rock albums in my collection and my goal is to contribute to other people’s collections in the same way.”

About working with Steve Hackett: “Having Steve Hackett guest on guitar again is a dream for me because I grew up listening to Genesis and wanting to play with a guitarist as innovative and melodic as Steve. I also love these sort of cross-generation collaborations where we meet in the middle of modern and retro,” says Kerzner.

Dave Kerzner and his band embarked on a US tour starting with headlining the ProgStock festival on October 14th in New Jersey where they performed all of the album “Static” live and then headed over to Chicago for the Progtoberfest at Reggie’s on October 20th. From there the Dave Kerzner Band and fellow American proggers District 97 continue on their “Static-Vaults Tour” playing in other cities around the East Coast. In February 2018, the Dave Kerzner Band will be performing on Yes’s Cruise To The Edge for the third time with plans to do a short tour of Europe in the Spring.

Dave Kerzner’s “Static” is OUT NOW!

BIO:
Dave Kerzner is a singer, keyboardist, songwriter and producer from the US. He co-founded the Prog-award-winning rock group “Sound of Contact” with Simon Collins, son of Phil Collins, in 2009 and over the years has worked with artists such as Kevin Gilbert, Steve Hackett, Keith Emerson, Alan Parsons, Billy Sherwood, Jon Anderson, Steven Wilson, Joe Lynn Turner and more. His debut solo album “New World” featured the song “Stranded” which was nominated for “Anthem of the Year” in the 2015 Progressive Music Awards and it featured Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Steve Hackett (Genesis) and Jason Scheff (Chicago). Kerzner has released both a standard 1 CD and deluxe 2 CD version of his concept album “New World” as well as a live album and now a second studio album called “Static”. He continues to write and record with Sound of Contact as well as other musical projects.

To purchase: http://geni.us/Static

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in Dave Kerzner, Press Release, Sound of Contact

2017/11/08

King Crimson To Release “Earthbound – 40th Anniversary Edition” Expanded CD & DVD!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

King Crimson To Release “Earthbound – 40th Anniversary Edition” Expanded CD & DVD!

Now available for pre-order – to be released November 17, 2017

King Crimson’s “Earthbound – 40th Anniversary Edition” expanded CD & DVD is now available for pre-order and wll be released on November 17, 2017! “Earthbound,” originally released in 1972, was one of the earliest (if not the first) “official bootleg” released by a major rock band, consisting of a series of deliberately lo-fi live recordings of King Crimson’s “Islands” era line-up on tour in the USA. When issued, because of its mid-price it was excluded from the main album charts in the UK but topped the mid-price charts rubbing shoulders with Jim Reeves & Mantovani. Atlantic in the USA didn’t even bother to release it. By then, the band had broken up and the label had already been alerted to the likelihood of a new King Crimson line-up promised for later in the year. Like the later live album, “USA,” “Earthbound” remained unavailable in the early CD era, with both finally being released in 2002 on CD. Ironically this non-availability served to enhance interest in the album while DGM’s live releases made fans aware that there was a larger story to be told of this line-up’s history.

When Robert Fripp was asked to guest on the second Grinderman project, Nick Cave noted: “I wanted to work with Robert Fripp because he has done some of the most uniquely unsettling guitar work I have ever heard along with some of the most delicate and finessed. I grew up listening to a lot of the King Crimson stuff. The vinyl copy of the phenomenal live album ‘Earthbound,’ is one of my most treasured possessions.”

Featuring:
Boz Burrell: Vocals, Bass
Robert Fripp: Guitar, Mellotron
Mel Collins: Saxes, Flute
Ian Wallace: Drums

The new version of “Earthbound” features an expanded version of the original album on CD & DVD. As a series of stereo only/low-fi recordings, a 5.1 edition was neither possible nor appropriate. However, also included on the DVD of this release is the full performance from Summit Studios, captured on the same US tour in 1972, appearing in both new stereo & quadraphonic mixes, providing the only live surround recordings of this line-up. This release also features 15 minutes of material not included on the original mail order only CD of Summit studios as issued by DGM in 2000. The DVD also features the “Schizoid Men” sequence from the “Ladies of the Road” live album & a transfer of a 1972 vinyl edition of the “Earthbound” LP.

• “Earthbound” – is the twelfth release in the acclaimed King Crimson 40th anniversary series.
• The album has been expanded ON CD & DVD
• CD features an expanded 12 track version of the original 5 track album.
• DVD features the 12 track expanded album in 24/96 hi-res stereo audio.
• DVD also features the Summit Studios performance in a new stereo mix & in quadraphonic.
This is the only surviving multi-track performance from the 1972 tour.
• DVD features the album length “Schizoid Men” sequence of edits of 21st Century Schizoid Men taken from the “Ladies of The Road” live album
• A transfer of the original vinyl album completes the audio selections.
• Presented as a 2 x digi-pack format in a slipcase with new sleeve notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith along with rare photos & archive material.
• Continues the highly collectable King Crimson series.

To pre-order King Crimson’s “Earthbound – 40th Anniversary Edition” Expanded CD & DVD:
http://shop.schizoidshop.com/king-crimson—earthbound–40th-anniversary-series-p1700.aspx
( Distributed via Alliance Distribution)

DGM website: http://www.dgmlive.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in King Crimson, Press Release

2017/11/06

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album “Badass Generation”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album “Badass Generation”

“Love this album—the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal

Los Angeles – Grammy winning guitar legend & Johnny Winter protege Paul Nelson will be touring the US in support of his critically acclaimed latest album “Badass Generation.” For Paul Nelson, a new musical chapter beckons… Nelson was not only the hand picked guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today’s top guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands you the torch, and then you try to run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues – all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative for that.”

Check out the Trailer for the band’s new single “Down Home Boogie”:

Paul Nelson Live With Warren Haynes and The Gov’t Mule Band and G-Love on “Good Mornin’ Little School Girl”:

Paul Nelson Tour Dates 2017

EXCLUSIVE VIP PACKAGES
Meet & Greets and More!

Date Venue Location Tickets
Nov 03 Chans Woonsocket, RI Tickets RSVP
Nov 08 Country Store Saint George, DE VIP RSVP
Nov 10 The Blue Note Grill Durham, NC Tickets RSVP
Nov 11 Darwins Sandy Springs, GA RSVP
Nov 12 Capital Oyster Bar Montgomery, AL RSVP
Nov 16 Terra Fermata Stuart, FL Tickets RSVP
Nov 17 Arts Garage Delray Beach, FL VIP Tickets RSVP
Nov 18 Porkie’s Roadhouse Punta Gorda, FL VIP Tickets RSVP
Nov 19 LOU’S BLUES Indialantic, FL RSVP
Nov 22 The Green Parrot Key West, FL RSVP
Nov 23 The Green Parrot Key West, FL RSVP
Nov 24 South Street Naples Naples, FL RSVP
Nov 25 The Alley Sanford, FL Tickets RSVP
Nov 26 Earl’s Hideaway Sebastian, FL RSVP
Dec 02 Kettleworks Columbia, PA RSVP
Mar 12 Fairfield Theatre Company Fairfield, CT Tickets RSVP

More dates to come!
Fri 01/26/18 Miffenburg PA – The Rusty Rail
Sat 01/27/18 Stanhope House, NJ – Stanhope House
Sun 03/25/18 Pomeroy IA – Byrons Bar
Sat 03/31/18 Springfield IL – The Third Base
Fri 04/06/18 Toronto Canada – Cadillac Lounge
Sat 04/07/18 Gravenhurst Ontario Canada – Peter’s Playe
Fri 05/18/18 Fort Myers FL – The Barrel Room

Worldwide touring has always been a constant in his career. Nelson and his time with Winter was no different, performing and/or recording along side an array of today’s top artists such as: Slash, Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Billy Gibbons, Leslie West, Susan Tedeshi, Joe Bonamassa, Dr. John, Dickey Betts, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and countless others. Major appearances such as television performances on “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” soon followed. This finally led Nelson to perform on and produce “Step Back,” a posthumous, star- studded affair, – pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album”. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

Nelson received a Grammy award for his work performing on and producing Winter’s “Step Back” release on Megaforce/Sony winning “Best Blues Album of the Year” highlighting his already long list of Grammy Nominations. As well as the BMA “Blues Music Award” for “Best Blues/Rock Album” reaching #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and staying at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts for weeks. He is also a recipient of the Blues Foundation’s KBA “Keeping The Blues Alive Award”.

His music has reached millions with appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and on award winning documentaries: “Down and Dirty” The Johnny Winter Story and “Sideman: Long Road to Glory” (feat: Bonnie Rait, Gregg Allman, Hubert Sumlin), as well as music written/performed and broadcast nationally on NBC and on multiple major album releases, books, instructional guitar columns, live Concert DVD’s, and guest performances on countless recordings.

Staying at #1 on the “Hot New Releases” charts for months Nelson’s latest project “Badass Generation” on Sony Records still maintains his unmistakable connection to the Blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his many other musical dimentions fans have come expect considering him one of music’s most respected and influential contemporary artists.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and new self-titled album marks the next step in that evolution. Nelson’s latest project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Nelson’s sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain’t got nothin’ on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” – Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson’s fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar – what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Track List:
1. Down Home Boogie
2. Keep It All Together
3. Goodbye Forever
4. Cold Hearted Mama
5. Please Come Home
6. Root Too All Evil
7. Swamp Thing
8. Come With Me
9. Out Of Time
10. Fooled By Love
11. Take It Back

Produced by: Paul Nelson
Engineered: Morten Fredhiem
Mixed, and Mastered by: Phil Magnotti
Recorded at: Chop Shop Studios
Photography by: Michael Wientrob
Art Direction and Design: Marion Amundsen
Special Guest Musicians: Danny Louis (Gov’t Mule) on Hammond Organ (track 2) Frank “King Bee” Lattore on Harp (track 3 )

Approved Media Hi-Res Press Photos here:
http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com

Website: http://www.paulnelsonguitar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulnelsonofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulnelsonguit1

To purchase Paul Nelson’s “Badass Generation”:
Buy the CD: https://www.amazon.com/Badass-Generation-Limited-Digipak-Nelson/dp/B017VORJFQ
Buy the digital version: https://www.amazon.com/Baddass-Generation-Paul-Nelson-Band/dp/B01BLWOJ98

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

Booking:
Bobbi Llewellyn, Highway Key Touring
http://www.highwaykey.com
http://www.facebook.com/hwykey
Tel: + 1 586 420 4728 USA
bobbillewellyn7@gmail.com

Leave a comment | posted in Paul Nelson, Press Release

2017/11/02

Effervescent Prog-Rock Ensemble Fischer’s Flicker Releases New Album “Open 28 Hours”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Effervescent Prog-Rock Ensemble Fischer’s Flicker Releases New Album “Open 28 Hours”

Chicago – The musical mind of native Chicagoan Scott Fischer has been described as a colorfully symphonic amusement park. Whether it’s a song-length concept piece, a full album, a rock opera or something else entirely, big bright melodies and ambitious composition always take center stage. As a contributor to Zappacast (the official Frank Zappa podcast), a performer in The Rod Stewart Experience with the legendary Carmine Appice and now on his seventh album, it’s no wonder this latest release is titled “Open 28 Hours”: Whatever you’re expecting from Fischer’s Flicker, you’re going to end up with more.

“Open 28 Hours” revisits the humor and camp of Fischer’s previous musical bodies of work, and also maintains a musically mature songwriting style and Fischer’s signature elastic vocals. Part prog, part power pop, part funk, part piano magic, part 80’s extravagance and all at once endlessly intriguing, “Open 28 Hours” plays like a diverse mixtape from another planet. Diversity is not only this band’s strong suit, but its card to play in an industry where singular genres seemingly come hardwired in these days. Instead, Fischer’s Flicker has something for everyone without kowtowing to trends or passing whims. Good songs are universal, and this is a record that’s full of them.

Anchored by odd time signatures filled with sweeping arpeggios played in unison, “Spiders” still could find a home on rock radio thanks to its harmonious structure, while the obscure Kinks cover “No More Looking Back” honors its muse in keen Fischer-esque fashion. Album starter “The In-Betweener” rides high on a soul-rock groove, and although closing number “Zen” is far and away the album’s most serene track, it does so in a way that still packs a punch.

Lyrically, relationships play a huge part in Fischer’s storytelling, whether it’s the acceptation of a fraught back-and-forth, a realization of being a victim to circumstance or an urge to run and hide, Fischer puts all on display in a way that’s both vulnerable and brave. Mid-album cut “Smoke Signals,” Fischer’s most autobiographical tune in the bunch, comes from an awakening that “no matter how many times in your life that you feel things have finally settled down or that have achieved some type of state of consistency, and then see just how many people have passed in and out of your life,” he states. “You wonder which of your friends will betray you further down the road. You wonder if someone is there to help you or hinder you or take advantage. And then the realization is that it’s OK to have change. That starting over allows you the chance to learn from mistakes and create new memories.”

This is all without mentioning the nearly 10-minute epic “Mother of a Ship,” where an existential crises leads to a chance meeting with an alien who offers the protagonist all he can dream of in exchange for fellow humans who are taking up space. It’s a premise that leads to discussion and questions on the listener’s end, sprawled over a blissful, enormously enjoyable funk/prog backdrop.

Granted, Fischer’s ideas are big and the delivery is equally so, but the ideas presented are mainly about the little things we can all do to stay happy (or at least, retreat from the darkness). More so than the length of time given, the first word in the album’s title is key: These songs are open, in every sense. Taking it all in, like any great piece of art, is a process and if given the time, this seventh album pays off for the listener in spades.

To purchase Fischer’s Flicker “Open 28 Hours”: https://goo.gl/eLg2eu

For more information:
http://www.fischersflicker.com
http://www.facebook.com/fischersflicker

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

Leave a comment | posted in Fischer's Flicker, Press Release

2017/10/25

Drum Legend Simon Phillips To Release “Protocol 4” October 27, 2017!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Drum Legend Simon Phillips To Release “Protocol 4” October 27, 2017!

Drum legend & producer extraordinaire Simon Phillips will be releasing “Protocol 4” on October 27th on Phantom Recordings, distributed by AMPED™. Simon Phillips is by far one of the world’s most renowned and respected drummers, whose style not only reflects his technical gift but also his distinct musical sensibility. Whether it is Rock, Fusion, Jazz or World, Simon applies the same precision and intensity to his drumming, which is never lacking in emotion and feel.

Simon has upped the ante with his newest instrumental recording “Protocol 4.” Building on his past Protocol projects, Simon has again enlisted the highly talented bassist Ernest Tibbs along with Protocol newcomers, the superb veteran guitar shredder Greg Howe and keyboard virtuoso Dennis Hamm. All compositions were written by Simon while on tour.

“The first time I’ve really been able to concentrate on writing material on the road. Lots of creativity on airplanes and in hotel and backstage dressing rooms,” says Phillips. Perhaps the vibe and energy of touring accounts for the slightly more “metallic edge” to this new album. But, as is always the case, Simon’s music defies specific labels as he fuses elements of rock, jazz, funk, classical and even world music into the mix. A case in point being the track “Celtic Run” combining a Celtic rhythmic motif with blazing guitar and synthesizer leads all held together with Phillips signature ultra-tight drumming and Tibbs ever solid bass work. “Passage to Agra” is a rhythmic musical excursion to an exotic foreign land. The tracks “Pentangle” and “Solitaire” both contain some super funky grooves underlying jaw dropping metallic jazz/rock soloing. Greg Howe’s guitar work shines throughout the recording, perhaps no more so than the plaintive and anthem-like track “Phantom Voyage.” Dennis Hamm’s keyboard work is stunning on each and every track, whether he’s soloing or adding lush orchestration. The album concludes with the monster high energy fusion track “Azorez.”

In addition to awesome musicianship, Simon’s impeccable production and recording technique shine once more on this album. “Protocol 4” is certain to please longstanding Simon Phillips aficionados and is certain to also bring new Protocol fans into the fold.

Bios

Simon Phillips (Drums) – To date Simon Phillips has toured and recorded with many bands and artists, including: Mick Jagger, The Who, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Peter Gabriel, Joe Satriani, Tears for Fears, Judas Priest, Roxy Music, Michael Schenker, Nik Kershaw, Al DiMeola, 801, Pete Townshend, Robert Palmer, Mike Oldfield, Stanley Clarke, The Pretenders, Whitesnake and Dave Gilmore… to name but a few. Expanding his career from drumming to composing, Simon recorded his first solo album “Protocol” in 1988, followed by a live album, “Force Majeure,” in 1992. During that year he joined Toto on their Kingdom Of Desire tour of the World, the start of a 21 year collaboration. He recorded his third solo album, “Symbiosis,” in 1995 and “Another Lifetime” in 1997. “Out of the Blue,” a live album, followed in 1998 and in 1999 he released “Vantage Point,” which is a pure, straight ahead jazz album in collaboration with pianist Jeff Babko. Yet another expansion to Simon’s musical career is producing and engineering, which he first started back in England with British composer Mike Oldfield, working on three albums with him. Aside from his solo projects, Simon also co-produced several albums by Toto. In 2009 he formed PSP with Philippe Saisse and Pino Palladino. A live CD and an EP was produced and tours of Europe and Japan in 2011 & 2012. In 2010 he joined Michael Schenker for a short tour of Japan and performed with Trilok Gurtu and the NDR Big Band for an amazing project resulting in the “21 Spices” CD. That year Simon was approached by Japanese virtuoso pianist Hiromi to form “The Trio Project” together with bass legend Anthony Jackson. The trio has recorded four CDs: “Voice,” “Move,” “Alive” and “Spark” and has been touring throughout the World the past 6 years. 25 years after his first solo recording, Simon released “Protocol II” featuring Andy Timmons (Guitar), Steve Weingart (Keys) and Ernest Tibbs (Bass). The band, under the name of “Protocol II,” toured in Europe, the US and Japan. At the beginning of 2014 “Protocol III” was recorded and tours of Europe, Japan and the US followed. And now much to the excitement of Simon Phillips fans worldwide, the new CD, “Protocol 4,” will be released on October 27th!

Ernest Tibbs (Bass) – Ernest has worked with Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight (musical Madam Lilly), James Ingram, Melba Moore, Eloise Laws, and Debra Laws. Ernest has also toured and/or performed with Allan Holdsworth, Simon Phillips, Dean Brown, Harvey Mason, Scott Henderson, Andy Summers, Jeff Richman, Thom Rotella, David Benoit, David Garfield, Phil Upchurch, Dan Segal, Tom Scott, Eric Marienthal, Brian Auger, Ronnie Laws, Jeff Lorber, Gregg Karukas, Kevin Toney, Pat Kelley, Lee Ritenour, John Pisano, Brian Bromberg, Brandon Fields, Norman Brown, Russian Pop Star Alsou, as well as symphony orchestras in San Francisco, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Greg Howe (Guitar) – Greg has collaborated with artists such as Dennis Chambers, Victor Wooten, Richie Kotzen, Jason Becker, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Simon Phillips, Marco Minneman, John Wetton, Dave Weckl, Bernie Worrell, Gregg Rolie, Eddie Jobson, and many others. He’s also made a name for himself as a stellar sideman and session musician with artists like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Enrique Iglesias, and many more. Greg Howe endorses: DV Mark Amps, Kiesel Guitars, D’Addario Strings, Seymour Duncan Pickups, and Carl Martin Pedals.

Dennis Hamm (Keyboards) – Currently he can be seen on tour around the world performing with Thundercat (Stephen Bruner), Flying Lotus (Captain Murphy), Larry Carlton, Jonathan Butler, and Virgil Donati. Recent past tours and performances include Allan Holdsworth, Chris Cornell, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Ryan Leslie, John Densmore (The Doors), Bilal, and Judith Hill (Michael Jackson). Other artists he has performed or recorded with are Kenny Loggins, Pete Escovedo, Will Kennedy & Jimmy Haslip (The Yellowjackets), Walter Smith III, Jojo Mayer, Ronald Bruner Jr., Cliff Almond, Frank Gambale, Hadrien Feraud, Jimmy Johnson, Janek Gwizdala, Bob Reynolds, Marcus Belgrave, Tony Macalpine, Mike Miller, Thomas Pridgen, Sheila E, Justo Almario, Tony Royster Jr., Melvin Davis, Jimmy Branly, Brian Bromberg, Renee Olstead, Carlitos del Puerto, Sandro Albert, Buck Owens’ “Buckaroos”, Monty Byrom, The Smokin’ Armadillos, and his own original projects including funk/jazz group Mother Funk Conspiracy featuring L.A. saxophonist Zane Musa.

Protocol European & US Tour 2017
Simon’s new band will be on tour promoting “Protocol 4” starting October 26th.
October 26, 2017 Zug CH Theatrer Casino Zug
October 27, 2017 Verona IT Theatro Ristori
October 28, 2017 San Dona Di Piave IT Revolver Club
October 29, 2017 Rome IT Crossroads
October 30, 2017 Bologna IT Bravo Caffe
October 31, 2017 Bologna IT Bravo Caffe
November 2, 2017 Waidhoen AD Ybbs AT Plenkersaal
November 3, 2017 Katovice PL NOP SR
November 4, 2017 Krakow PL Club TBA
November 6, 2017 Vienna AT Porgy & Bess
November 8, 2017 Buhl DE Jazztival
November 9, 2017 Ravensburg DE Trans4Jazz
November 10, 2017 Reichenburg DE Bergkeller
November 11, 2017 Munster DE Jovel
November 13, 2017 Hobro DK Bil Forretningen
November 14, 2017 Kolding DK Godset
November 15, 2017 Copenhagen DK Amager Bio
November 16, 2017 Oslo NO Cosmopolite
November 17, 2017 Larvik NO Bolgen Kulturhus
November 18, 2017 Gothenburg SE Nefertiti
November 19, 2017 Stockholm SE Fasching
November 20, 2017 London UK Ronnie Scott’s
November 21, 2017 London UK Ronnie Scott’s
November 23, 2017 Hasbergen DE Masterclass
November 24, 2017 Hasbergen DE Gaste Garage
November 25, 2017 Hasbergen DE Gaste Garage
November 26, 2017 Zoetermeer NL De Boerderij
November 27, 2017 Hengelo NL Metropol
November 28, 2017 Verviers BE Spirit Of 66
November 29, 2017 Aschaffenburg DE Colos-Saal
November 30, 2017 Tallinn EE Russian Cultural Cnt
December 1, 2017 Rorschach CH Jazzclub Rorschach
December 2, 2017 Lichtenstein LI Little Big Beat Studios
December 4, 2017 New York City NY Iridium
December 5, 2017 New York City NY Iridium
December 6, 2017 New Hope PA Havana
December 8, 2017 Chicago IL Reggie’s
December 9, 2017 Chicago IL Reggie’s
December 10, 2017 Detroit MI Jazz Café @ Music Hall
December 12, 2017 Hollywood CA Catalina’s Bar & Grill
December 13, 2017 Hollywood CA Catalina’s Bar & Grill
December 14, 2017 Santa Cruz CA Kuumbwa Jazz Center
December 18, 2017 Oakland CA Yoshi’s

Note: the live ensemble features: Otmaro Ruiz on Keyboards:
Otmaro Ruiz (Keyboards) – Considered one of the most important jazz pianists in the current scene, venezuelan Otmaro Ruiz is known for his versatility and virtuosity. He has worked with music artists: John McLaughlin, Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval, John Patitucci, Paquito D’Rivera, Jing Chi, Nana Caymmi, Dori Caymmi, Akira Jimbo, Frank Gambale, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, Art Davis Quintet, Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra, Alain Caron, Gino Vannelli, Tolu, Frank Morgan, Robben Ford, Vinnie Colaiuta and Jon Anderson. Otmaro Ruiz enjoys a US support deal from KAWAI Pianos and proudly endorses products from the following companies: LP (Latin Percussion), ART, RADIAL ENGINEERING, MACKIE, ZOOM, PRIMACOUSTIC, US MUSIC CORP (QuikLok, Washburn Guitars), SCARBEE and ILIO/SPECTRASONIC.

To purchase Simon Phillips “Protocol 4”: https://www.amazon.com/Protocol-4-Simon-Phillips/dp/B076F4LD3G

For more information: http://www.simon-phillips.com/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Simon Phillips

2017/10/20

French Musician/Composer Alan Simon Releases New Compilation “Songwriter” 2CD Feat. Jon Anderson, Justin Hayward, Alan Parsons, Martin Barre, John Wetton, Mick Fleetwood and others!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

French Musician/Composer Alan Simon Releases New Compilation “Songwriter” 2CD Feat. Jon Anderson, Justin Hayward, Alan Parsons, Martin Barre, John Wetton, Mick Fleetwood and others!

London – Alan Simon is a French folk-rock musician and composer best known for his rock operas which are performed with collaboration from other noted rock musicians. Simon is associated with Breton Celticism, and his most ambitious works are typically on themes linked to Celtic myth and history. Simon has also branched out into film-making. Alan Simon is the creator of the legendary EXCALIBUR: THE CELTIC ROCK OPERA.

This 40 TRACK collection, released on Cherry Red, features a cross-section of Alan Simon’s work from his various projects and rock operas.

“The 40 songs on the compilation are all personal selections from my rock operas and concept albums: ‘Excalibur (the quadrilogy)’, ‘Gaia’, ‘Anne de Bretagne’, ‘Tristan & Yseult’, ‘Captain Kid’ and various soundtracks…Some of these tracks fans may know already and other tracks offer a deeper insight into my work! ‘Songwriter’ a sentimental and personal collection which also includes a comic strip of my journey.” – Alan Simon

This collection features songs with guest appearances by:

Members of Supertramp
Midnight Oil
Alan Parsons
Jon Anderson
Fairport Convention
Moya Brennan
John Wetton
Justin Hayward
Maddy Prior
Billy Preston
Roberto Tiranti
Martin Barre
Les Holroyd
Mick Fleetwood
And Zucchero

This collection was previously vinyl only and is now being given its first mainstream CD release.

TRACK LISTING:

DISC ONE
1. CELTIC RING (Feat. Alan Parsons)
2. LES CAVALIERS DU VENT
3. WORLD (Feat. Brankica Vasic)
4. MORHOLT
5. THE ORIGINS PT 1 (Feat. Moya Brennan)
6. THE KINGS
7. LETTRE À YSEULT (Feat. Christian Décamps)
8. DIHUN
9. WAR
10. AD LIBITUM (Feat. Carlos Nũnez)
11. CELTIC LAND
12. BELTAINE (Feat. Fairport Convention)
13. SKYE (Feat. Skilda)
14. CASTLE ROCK (Feat. Fairport Convention)
15. DUN AENGUS (Feat. Martin Barre)
16. THE END
17. IN THE WIND OF THE CELTIC DREAM (Feat. Konan Mevel)
18. THE VISION (Feat. John Wetton)
19. ADELA (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
20. I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg And John Helliwell)

DISC TWO
1. NO MAN’S LAND (Feat. Midnight Oil)
2. COME (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
3. THE ELEMENTS (Feat. Roger Hodgson & Dan Ar Braz)
4. DANCING HEART (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
5. CIRCLE OF LIFE (Feat. Jon Anderson)
6. FAME AND GLORY (Feat. Fairport Convention)
7. PEACE ON EARTH (Feat. Heather Small & Billy Preston)
8. ANGEL’S TEARS (Feat. Jeremy Spencer)
9. WHERE IS THE WAY (Feat. Billy Preston)
10. ON THE ROAD (Feat. Justin Hayward)
11. JANGADERO (Feat. Cesaria Evora)
12. EVIL DAY (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
13. SECRET GARDEN (Feat. Maddy Prior)
14. WORLD (Feat. Zucchero & Anggun)
15. MOTHERLAND (Feat. Jimmy O Neill)
16. SAMAN (Feat. Les Holroyd & Mick Fleetwood)
17. MARIE LA CORDELIÈRE (Feat. James Wood & Fairport Convention)
18. LUGH (Feat. John Wetton & Martin Barre)
19. DESIRE (Feat. Les Holroyd)
20. A PRAYER FOR MY LOVER (Feat. Siobhan Owen)

To purchase:
Amazon: http://geni.us/BAB001

Alan Simon’s official website: http://www.alansimononline.com/eng.html

Forthoming on November 3, 2017!
Alan Simon’s EXCALIBUR IV is the widely anticipated fourth NEW STUDIO ALBUM in the Celtic Rock Opera series, following on from the GOLD and PLATINUM selling original trilogy. EXCALIBUR IV was played live in its entirety to 12 ARENAS in Germany in December 2016 and will be touring again in 2018.

This new album based on the legendary story of KING ARTHUR features guest appearances from:
Alan Stivell, Michael Sadler (Saga), Jesse Sibenberg & John Helliwell (Supertramp), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Moya Brennan (Clannad), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Siobham Owen, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), John Kelly (The Kelly Family), Maite Itoiz (Elfhental)

Official Excalibur Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Excalibur.The.Celtic.Rock.Opera/

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

4 Comments | posted in Alan Simon, Press Release

2017/10/19

Rock Singer/Songwriter MICHAEL TRACY Releases Fourth Studio Album STILL GOT SOUL Following Years of Notable Performances

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Rock Singer/Songwriter MICHAEL TRACY Releases Fourth Studio Album STILL GOT SOUL Following Years of Notable Performances

Charlotte, NC – MICHAEL TRACY combines straightforward American Rock and Roll with poignant lyrical themes, reminiscent of Rock Singer/Songwriter idols like Tom Petty, Bob Seger, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Springsteen. He has released four studio albums, and together with his band has shared the stage with Bon Jovi (garnering him a featured article in Billboard Magazine), Poison, George Thorogood, Styx, Foreigner, Don Felder, Jefferson Starship, Dokken, and Zach Myers (Shinedown). MICHAEL TRACY will release his new album STILL GOT SOUL in stores and online November 17, 2017. This latest effort is his most ambitious yet, representing an artist who has clearly found his voice and a “lane” to call his own.

His previous label experiences not being a perfect fit, MICHAEL TRACY was inspired to start his own independent label, TW Music Group, to support his new release, and set out to find the right producer that could capture the sound and style he had spent years cultivating, but had yet to realize on a record. In late 2015 Michael would find what he was looking for with Los Angeles producers Bob Marlette (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper) and Sahaj Ticotin (Ra). He traveled to LA and recorded three songs with them that would appear on his early-2016 release Love And Worries, a short collection of previously unreleased material. From those original sessions, a bond emerged between Michael and producer Sahaj Ticotin, and a shared belief that together they could create great records. They got together again in late 2016, co-writing an original Holiday tune that Michael had been working on called “Poinsettia Red.”

Immediately in 2017 they began plotting STILL GOT SOUL, Michael’s next full-length album. All songs on this stellar new release were written by MICHAEL TRACY and Sahaj Ticotin, and produced, recorded, and engineered by Sahaj in April and May 2017. Featuring mastering by Paul Logus of PLX Mastering and album artwork from Jason Taylor, Scott Hart, and Shannin Washburn, STILL GOT SOUL is an instant classic for every fan’s collection.

Though his time in the studio throughout 2017 kept his performances limited, Michael still booked some of his most notable shows to date. In February MICHAEL TRACY and his band opened for Bon Jovi in Greenville, SC, garnering him a featured article in Billboard Magazine. In the early spring, he played two arena shows opening for Poison, and in September was on the PNC Pavilion stage in Charlotte opening for the Jeff Foxworthy/Larry The Cable Guy Back Yard BBQ featuring Marshall Tucker Band & Foghat.

The new MICHAEL TRACY album STILL GOT SOUL will release in stores and online November 17, 2017 and he will continue to perform in support of the release throughout 2017 and 2018. For more information about MICHAEL TRACY, please visit his website and social media pages via http://www.michael-tracy.com.

MICHAEL TRACY began his journey as a singer/songwriter in early 2011, stepping on stage at a local open mic to nervously perform some songs he had just written. He had spent his early 20’s in the Navy, stationed on both coasts and traveling to countries throughout the Mediterranean. He married his wife while in the Navy and they have two children together. It was later that Michael joined together his love of words and music as a songwriter, having learned guitar as a child fascinated with books and writing. The open mic performance awakened something in him and he continued honing his chops, jumping on stages all over Charlotte and jamming with local musicians. He entered the studio in November 2011 to record his first album, Enough Small Talk.

Over the next two years, MICHAEL TRACY put a band together and impressed audiences with his high-energy and soulful performances. By 2013 he won his first of many regional awards with the reader’s choice award for Best Songwriter from Creative Loafing Best of Charlotte. He also won the Charlotte Music Awards 2013 and performed his first major opening gig as the supporting act for George Thorogood at The Fillmore. He booked more high profile gigs in 2014, including opening slots for Styx, Foreigner, Don Felder, Jefferson Starship, Dokken, and Zach Myers (Shinedown), and ended the year ended with his own headline show at The Fillmore promoted by Live Nation. While spending 2014 performing across the region, Michael also returned to the studio and produced his next album Gonna Smile, which was signed by the indie label Spectra Records and released in February 2015.

To order STILL GOT SOUL on iTunes and other services please visit http://smarturl.it/stillgotsoul

To order on Bandcamp please visit https://michaeltracy.bandcamp.com/album/still-got-soul ;

For Press and Interview inquiries, please contact Billy James of Glass Onyon PR at (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Radio please contact Peter Hay of Twin Vision Radio Promotion at TwinVision@aol.com

For Digital Marketing, please contact Jerome Forney of Independent Distribution Collective at jerome@independentdistro.com

Leave a comment | posted in Michael Tracy, Press Release

2017/10/16

Essential Modern Progressive Rock Albums: Images and Words Behind Prog’s Most Celebrated Albums 1990-2016 Available For Pre-order Now

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Essential Modern Progressive Rock Albums: Images and Words Behind Prog’s Most Celebrated Albums 1990-2016 Available For Pre-order Now

Earlier this summer, a new book dedicated to the resurgence of one of music’s most enduring and underrated genres was announced from The Prog Report. Essential Modern Progressive Rock Albums: Images and Words Behind Prog’s Most Celebrated Albums 1990-2016, authored by Prog Report editor Roie Avin, is the first book to shine a light exclusively on the important albums of the modern progressive rock era. This new book showcases more than 50 albums from the last quarter century of prog, with each chapter dedicated to one album.

Featuring full color images of the artists live, original press photos and brilliant album cover art, this 280+ page, soft cover coffee table book will be one every prog fan will want to display proudly as a badge of their fandom.

The book, out in late November, is now available for preorder only at: http://progreport.com/essential-modern-prog-rock-albums/

Preorders come with a download of a chapter from the book on Transatlantic’s The Whirlwind.

Highlighted in the book are prolific and pioneering artists such as Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Spock’s Beard, Marillion, The Flower Kings, Enchant, Fates Warning, Queensryche, and Big Big Train, along with more recent bands like Haken, Karnivool, Riverside, Between the Buried and Me, and The Dear Hunter, among the more than 30 bands included. Drawing on original interviews with band members such as Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Steven Wilson, John Petrucci, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Roine Stolt, Pete Trewavas, Ross Jennings, and dozens more, the book offers an in-depth look at the stories behind the albums that shaped the next wave of progressive rock. This book focuses solely on bands that carried the mantle of the genre’s initial ’70s explosion, artists that expanded the genre further, incorporating new sounds and elements to reach new audiences worldwide.

“The last 25+ years have been an incredibly fruitful period for progressive music, as this books indicates. The albums chosen here represent some of the most exciting music created in the modern progressive period, and it’s only right that they claim their moment in the spotlight.” – Jerry Ewing, Prog Magazine

“There certainly was a period when the majority of bands of the New Prog generation, whilst more than competent, sounded just a bit too derivative of the their first generation idols. But Roie Avin’s book goes some way to establish the credentials of the more recent Neo-Prog bands as having a far more individual and original voice whether it be the virtuosity of Dream Theater, the creativity and appeal of Big Big Train, or the highly impressive path carved out by Steven Wilson firstly with Porcupine Tree and latterly, in his own right.” – Anthony Phillips, Genesis founding member and guitarist

“This looks to be an amazing book and a MUST HAVE for Prog fans!” – Mike Portnoy

Teaser video that was released in July: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuamlgOsIOI

To purchase: http://progreport.com/essential-modern-prog-rock-albums/

For more information: contact@progreport.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, The Prog Report

2017/10/13

Guitarist Mark Vickness To Release Debut Solo Album “Places” Inspired by Experiences Traveling America

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitarist Mark Vickness To Release Debut Solo Album “Places” Inspired by Experiences Traveling America

Oakland, CA – After years as the driving instrumental force behind the guitar/vocal duo, Glass House, guitarist Mark Vickness releases his first solo CD inspired by experiences traveling throughout the US.

“Places” is a modern fingerstyle solo acoustic guitar CD featuring eight original compositions and an arrangement of the spiritual, “I Must Tell Jesus,” which Mark recorded in memoriam to the woman who raised him who died in 2015 at the age of 99.

Says Mark, “Although the music on this CD is inspired by places I have been, it’s also about the personal journey of delving into modern fingerstyle guitar in writing and recording these pieces.”

Along the way, Mark enlisted the talents of his wife, Jennifer and his two children, Lucy and Will, to make this a family-inclusive project. Both Jennifer and Will contribute photos to the twelve page color booklet included with the CD. Lucy, who was recently named the Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, offers one of her poems to accompany the arrangement of “I Must Tell Jesus.”

The places and experiences that inspired these pieces include Thousand Islands Lake in the High Sierra Mountains of California (A Thousand Islands) where Mark got engaged, the Wind River Range in Wyoming where Mark had many tranformative first experiences, Prince William Sound in Alaska, New York City and Hawaii where he had a magical ocean encounter with manta rays (Flight of the Rays).

“Mark Vickness dazzles on his 8 string guitar/bass.” – Tom Semioli, Minor 7th

Modern Fingerstyle Guitar is a genre that traces its roots back to a few early proponents, most notably Michael Hedges. The idea was to expand the musical vocabulary for the steel string acoustic guitar by employing percussive techniques, broader use of harmonics, unique tunings and better ways of amplifying the acoustic guitar to produce a richer, more layered, orchestral sound. That initial idea continues to motivate players to come up with new ways to push the envelope including the use of various effects and looping. Mark employs all of these techniques in these compositions.

Says Mark, “The only rules I set for this CD were that all the pieces be played on a steel string acoustic guitar and that I be able to perform them live as a soloist. I only broke the rules a few times. Because I come from a background as a composer, my focus was on the compositions themselves rather than on any particular fingerstyle technique.”

In addition to writing and performing these pieces on guitar, Mark reached back to his love of composing for string quartet for the coda of the “Wonder Lake Suite.” He also performs the tabla part on “Flight of the Rays.”

“Places” was recorded, engineered and mixed by Dan Feiszli at his studio in El Cerrito, CA and at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The string quartet coda on Wonder Lake Suite was performed by two-time grammy award winning violinist/violist Mads Tolling and cellist Joseph Hebert. The CD was mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, Burbank, CA. The CD artwork was designed by Teo Mok.

Mark plays a Michael Greenfield G4 fan fret, a Greenfield baritone guitar, a Matt Mustapick custom designed eight string and an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe Double Neck acoustic guitar.

In addition to the video of “I Must Tell Jesus” (https://youtu.be/2N7BU1FVZG8), Mark will be recording several more solo guitar videos in the coming months as well as performing both as a solo guitarist and with Glass House. Glass House is currently in production for its next EP.

To purchase Mark Vickness’s “Places”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/markvickness

For more information:
Website: markvickness.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mark.vickness

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

Leave a comment | posted in Mark Vickness, Press Release