Category Archives: Press Release

2012/06/17

Two Deluxe Multimedia Releases from Erik Norlander and The Galactic Collective Now Available!

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Two Deluxe Multimedia Releases from Erik Norlander and The Galactic Collective Now Available!

Studio and live companion editions from the noted prog rock keyboardist and synthesizer guru

June 12, 2012 – El Dorado Hills, CA – The official release date for the DVD/CD sets, Erik Norlander – The Galactive Collective “Definitive Edition” and “Live in Gettysburg,” is August 6th, 2012 when the titles will be available at retailers worldwide, but you can get them NOW from Gonzo Multimedia in the UK and on June 21st from Think Tank Media in the USA.

In 2009, master keyboardist, Erik Norlander, went into the studio with a new set of virtuoso musicians to record re-imaginings of his favorite instrumental compositions as a project called “The Galactic Collective.” In 2010, Erik released a preview of the project on CD-R through Chian Productions in Ohio. In 2011, Erik took the project on the road and recorded the results. Now in 2012, we finally have the complete document of Erik’s massive undertaking in two remarkable releases, one in studio, the other on stage. Each title includes a video DVD and two audio CDs released by Erik’s company, Think Tank Media, in partnership with UK prog giant, Gonzo Multimedia. All discs are replicated — not CD-R or DVD-R — and each contains deluxe, full-color 5×7″ booklets with extensive liner notes written by those directly involved with the project.

THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE: DEFINITIVE EDITION

The long-awaited DVD/2CD studio release from symphonic rock keyboard master, Erik Norlander, is now here. THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE is a brand new take on the best of Erik’s vast instrumental compositions written for Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane and his own solo albums over the years. Recorded on an amazing arsenal of classic analog synthesizers (including 6 Moog instruments), Hammond organ and an incredible Steinway model B grand piano at Cleveland Ohio’s prestigious Magnetic North Studio with engineer Chris Keffer and executive producer Dena Henry along with bassist Mark Matthews, drummer Nick LePar and choral vocal sections by Lana Lane and John Payne along with a suite of guest guitarists including John Payne, Mitch Perry, Mark McCrite, Ron Redfield and Freddy DeMarco, THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE is a must have for all fans of keyboard – oriented instrumental progressive rock. The DVD and 2CD set includes the complete album, ERIK NORLANDER – THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE, both on CD and DVD with the complete in-studio video shot during the actual sessions (as seen on YouTube). The DVD includes extensive interview footage of Erik discussing each song, its conception and new interpretation for this project. A second disc of well-crafted (not filler!) unreleased alternate versions and a new recording of Erik’s classic arrangement of “Space: 1999” makes up the second CD as Echoes from the Collective. Full color, detailed booklet with liner notes by Michelle Moog, Executive Director of The Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of maverick synthesizer pioneer and inventor, Robert Moog.

Featuring Erik Norlander (keyboards), Freddy DeMarco (guitars),
Mark Matthews (bass) and Nick LePar (drums) with special guests:
John Payne (guitars, choral vocals), Lana Lane (choral vocals), Mitch
Perry (guitars), Ron Redfield (guitars) and Mark McCrite (guitars)

THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE: LIVE IN GETTYSBURG

First came the studio version, now here is the live version! The DVD and 2CD set includes the complete album, ERIK NORLANDER – THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE, performed LIVE at The Rites of Spring Festival 2011 along with the “Into the Sunset Suite” and the Norlander-penned Lana Lane songs, “Capture the Sun” and “Secrets of Astrology” creatively woven into medleys to complete the celestial sojourn with guest vocals by none other than Lana Lane herself! Erik’s Modular Moog synthesizer, “The Wall of Doom,” was used extensively at this concert, and band is introduced with an excellent and informative monologue from Michelle Moog, Executive Director of The Bob Moog Foundation and daughter of the late maverick synthesizer pioneer and inventor, Robert Moog. Full color, detailed booklet includes not only beautiful photos from the concert but also liner notes by Erik’s synth tech, former Moog Music designer and ELP keyboard tech, August Worley, along with an additional article written by Erik himself especially for this release. LIVE IN GETTYSBURG is the inevitable companion to its partner release, THE GALACTIC COLLECTIVE – DEFINITIVE EDITION, that contains the complete studio recordings along with extensive video interviews.

Featuring Erik Norlander (keyboards), Freddy DeMarco (guitars),
Mark Matthews (bass) and Nick LePar (drums)
with special guest vocalists Lana Lane and Debrissa McKinney

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

Order NOW from Gonzo Multimedia:

The Galactic Collective – Definitive Edition (UK/Europe)
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15476

The Galactic Collective – Definitive Edition (US)
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15476

The Galactic Collective – Live in Gettysburg (UK/Europe)
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15477

The Galactic Collective – Live in Gettysburg (US)
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15477

( LINK for cover art: http://www.thetank.com/graphics/tgcdvds-2cvrs.jpg )

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

Leave a comment | posted in Erik Norlander, Press Release

2012/06/15

Guitar Legend Steve Hillage To Re-Release ‘Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention’ CD and DVD – September 10, 2012

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Guitar Legend Steve Hillage To Re-Release ‘Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention’ CD and DVD – September 10, 2012

The first live performance of The Steve Hillage Band in 25 years!

June 14, 2012 – London, UK – The Gong Family Unconvention at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006 was a unique 3 day event in which all the original members of the legendary psychedelic band Gong came together and performed their own individual sets. Guitar legend Steve Hillage, who was a prominent part of the “classic” Gong line-up of 1973-75 felt it was a great opportunity perform again some of the songs from his 1970s solo albums. Steve Hillage is widely considered a guitar innovator, and is associated with the Canterbury scene, working in experimental domains since the late 1960s. Besides his critically acclaimed solo recordings, along with Gong, Steve has been a member of the ensembles Khan and System 7.

Steve’s live set at the Gong Family Unconvention in 2006 provoked a rush of excitement and emotion at the event, and this was beautifully captured on film and recording – and is now available on this DVD and CD.

Performing with Steve were his long-time musical partner Miquette Giraudy on synthesisers, Gong bass player Mike Howlett who played on Steve’s ‘Fish Rising’ album from 1975, and Gong drummer Chris Taylor who started playing with the band in the 1990s. Also guesting was Basil Brooks on synthesiser, who played in Steve’s band in the ’70s.

Tracks played were as follows:

1. Hello Dawn (from the album ‘Motivation Radio’)
2. It’s All Too Much (the Beatles cover – from the album ‘L’)
3. Aftaglid (from the album ‘Fish Rising’)
4. Solar Musick Suite (from ‘Fish Rising’)
5. The Salmon Song (from ‘Fish Rising’)
6. These Uncharted Lands (from the album ‘For To Next’ and never before played live)

In addition the audio CD has 4 exclusive bonus tracks from Steve’s 1970’s archive.

Tracks recorded live at Amsterdam’s Sonesta Koepelkerk on Dec 14th 1979 just a few days before the the 1970’s Steve Hillage Band stopped touring are:

7. Palm Trees
8. Unzipping the Zype
9. Healing Feeling

And finally an interesting early version of one of Steve’s ‘Fish Rising’ classics performed before it was recorded with the band Gong:

10. Solar Music Suite (early version)

The DVD has bonus material in the form of a substantial interview with Steve and Miquette, and background clips from around the Gong Melkweg event.

The audio for the CD and DVD was mixed by Steve in his A-Wave Studio and has a rich, warm sound. The video DVD was edited and authored by long time friend and Gong family member Harry Williamson in his Spring Studio in Melbourne Australia.

The artwork was put together by Z3 who do the artwork for Steve and Miquette’s dance music project System 7.

If indeed Steve does create some more music in the psychedelic rock sphere this powerful and unique live recording can be seen as a launch pad. Steve currently sees his System 7, Mirror System, and Steve Hillage Band entities as operating in parallel and has been writing some new rock-based material for a possible Steve Hillage Band album for release in 2013/14.

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/stevehillageband
http://www.g-wave.co.uk

To pre-order Steve Hillage – ‘Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention’ CD & DVD:
http://www.planetgong.co.uk

Watch YouTube video of “Aftaglid” (from ‘Live in Amsterdam 2006 at the Gong Family Unconvention’ DVD) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxk4YLRd-c

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
Steve Hillage is available for interviews – please contact Glass Onyon PR

Released on G-Wave AAGWDVD002 (DVD) and AAGWCD002 (CD) distributed by SRD

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Steve Hillage

2012/06/07

Rare TV Performances By Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band ‘The Lost Broadcasts’ To Be Released On DVD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Rare TV Performances By Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band ‘The Lost Broadcasts’ To Be Released On DVD

London, UK – Don Van Vliet, (1941-2010) better known to his legions of fans as ‘Captain Beefheart’ was one of the most enigmatic figures in rock music. Unashamedly an artist, rather than a pop star, he forged his own idiosyncratic furrow through popular culture, producing some of the most innovative and uncompromising music ever committed to recording tape. From the age of three he painted and sculpted, and had an obsession with animals and the natural world. As a teenager he was friends with Frank Zappa, and as early as 1963 they recorded a demo under the name ‘The Soots’. Sadly this was unsuccessful, and the world would have to wait a few more years before Beefheart’s own unique take on the blues would be heard by anyone outside his own particular circle of friends. His first album, ‘Safe as Milk’ came out in 1967, and Hunter Davies’ eponymous biography of The Beatles notes that John Lennon was an early fan. It is not surprising considering that the primal rock and roll that Lennon idolized and the pioneering surreal blues of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band, had much the same cultural genesis. Probably the most important album of the Captain’s career was the Zappa produced ‘Trout Mask Replica’ which was released in 1969. Its mixture of blues, free-form improvisation and heavily structured Van Vliet avant-garde compositions proved too much for many listeners but eventually ensured him a place in the history books. High profile fans of this album include the late John Peel, who would remain a champion of Beefheart’s until he died.

In 1972 Captain Beefheart released two albums; ‘The Spotlight Kid’ and ‘Clear Spot’. He also toured the UK and Europe with the Magic Band, even performing two concerts at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall. On April 12th , in the middle of the European leg of the tour, Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band stopped off at the Beat Club studios in Bremen, Germany to film a session for later transmission. Of the four songs filmed that day only one track has ever been broadcast. The band at that time included: Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) vocals, harp; Rockette Morton (Mark Boston) guitar and bass; Zoot Horn Rollo (Bill Harkleroad) guitar; Orejon (Roy Estrada) bass; Ed Marimba (Art Tripp) drums; and Winged Eel Fingerling (Elliot Ingber) guitar. Author Jon Kirkman describes the recordings: “The session kicks off with a bass solo entitled ‘Mascara Snake’. This short piece was named after a former member of the Magic Band Victor Hayden (Don’s cousin), who had appeared on the ‘Trout Mask Replica’ album. The solo is played by Mark Boston, although at this point former Mothers of Invention bassist Roy Estrada had joined The Magic Band following his departure from Little Feat in early 1972. The other songs in the set here include a track dating back to ‘Trout Mask Replica’ (‘Steal Softly Thru Snow’) and also a track that would be featured on ‘Clear Spot’ some eight months later (‘Golden Birdies’).

Now, over 40 years later, much to the excitement of Capt. Beefheart fans worldwide, premier UK label Gonzo MultiMedia will be releasing these historic Beat Club sessions on DVD titled ‘Capt. Beefheart and his Magic Band – The Lost Broadcasts’. These films have not been seen in over 4 decades and are the complete sessions from April 12, 1972. Only one song was broadcast at the time and then never to be seen again. This DVD contains all the material filmed during that session now available for the very first time!

Pre-orders are being taken now at https://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15486/Captain_Beefheart_and_his_Magic_Band-The_Lost_Broadcasts.html

Tracks: 1. MASCARA SNAKE (BASS SOLO) 3:06, 2. CLICK CLACK 1 3:44, 3. CLICK CLACK 2 1:26, 4. GOLDEN BIRDIES 1:58, 5. BAND INTROS 0:56, 6. I’M GONNA BOOGLARIZE YOU BABY 1 4:26, 7. I’M GONNA BOOGLARIZE YOU BABY 2 5:02, 8. STEAL SOFTLY THRU THE SNOW 3:33, 9. I’M GONNA BOOGLARIZE YOU BABY 3 5:19

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in Captain Beefheart, Press Release

2012/06/06

Five Years in the Making, San Francisco Singer/Songwriter and Composer/Sound Designer Karney Announces the Release of Her New “Love & Respect” CD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Five Years in the Making, San Francisco Singer/Songwriter and Composer/Sound Designer Karney Announces the Release of Her New “Love & Respect” CD

June 1, 2012 – San Francisco, CA – One is likely to notice several common threads running through Karney’s musical creations, whether they involve her funky indie rock band, her singer-songwriter outings with only a guitar, her compositions for video games and other commercial clients, or her work with a variety of name brand artists and bands. Karney’s music has always contained elements of solid musicianship based on diverse influences, a knack for writing appealing and energetic songs, and the benefits of frequent collaboration with top artists.

Karney shows an ear for poetic phrasings that encapsulate the impact of socio-political themes that are often as unsettling as they are urgent. This is true of her new CD “Love & Respect”, which releases digitally and physically on July 10th, 2012. Karney has addressed such topics as war victims, the unreasonably harsh penalties enforced on those violating marijuana prohibition, global warming, and outsourcing and its affects on workers. Her heavy lyrical themes are balanced out by winsome rhythms and some lighter fare that veers away from the political into more personal musings on life’s small pains and pleasures, along with the occasional wry wink at unvarnished sexuality. She also dedicated her 2011 EP “A Beautiful Day” to the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Throughout her career, Karney has blended musical influences ranging from punk, to Salsa, to the flower-powered music and politics of her hometown, San Francisco. In addition to this blend of influences, she also enjoys direct cross-pollination with many artists. She frequently works with PSM Recordings founder Steffen Franz, who co-produced her single “My Little Bush” in 2003. The single also enjoyed the studio talents of mixer Dennis Bovell and engineering by Bill Ortiz. Reggae veteran Dennis Bovell is a producer, solo artist, and founding member of Matumbi, a venerated reggae act from UK, while Bill Ortiz, owner and founder of Planet Recording also plays trumpet for Santana. Karney’s second full-length album “All Connected” was released in 2004 to wide media acclaim.

On her self-titled debut CD, “Karney” (released in 2001) recruited fellow musicians from the Bay Area to use a variety of less common instruments, including the bassoon and the Karna, a double reeded oboe-like instrument from the Marakech region. Her collaborative approach to music dates back to when she co-founded the band Stepchildren, an innovative crossover blend of Heavy Metal and Hip-Hop, in a time before rap-metal bands became commonplace. Stepchildren released an album with London’s Big Red Records and had funk luminary George Clinton remix its college radio hit “Jericho.” Clinton then invited Karney to appear in a video for his CD “Cinderella Theory.” Shortly thereafter Karney went on to play international tours as keyboardist and guitarist for Angel Corpus Christi, and shared her piano and songwriting abilities on collaborations with Linda Perry of 4-Non Blondes.

Karney currently applies her considerable talents both to her own material, as well as to compositions commissioned by clients in the multimedia and computer gaming industries. Her crossover Ambient Electronic and Groove sounds provide accompaniment for Monkey Island IV, several SIMS games including SIMS House Party 2, SIM City 3000 and 3000 Ultimate, Star Wars Galaxies, and other Lucas Arts titles. She has also written scores for Showtime’s Heavyweight Boxing events. She also currently writes and designs sounds for Fisher-Price. For more information on this aspect of Karney’s career please visit karneymusic.com.

The use of dynamic changes, unusual instrumentation, and poetic lyrics has gained Karney considerable attention since she set out on her solo recording career. CMJ Music Monthly, Relix, the Stranger, and Zero have all profiled Karney in recent issues while her tours reach increasingly larger audiences along with fans tuning in from far-flung locales thanks to web simulcasts of several recent shows. Low tech indie rock fans have been able to keep up with Karney through radio play on numerous stations and the availability of her “My Little Bush” single on CD and 7-inch vinyl. Fans who appreciate fine songwriting, a vibrant live sound, and lyrics that don’t shy away from harsh realities have been getting on board as Karney’s growing musical enterprise gathers steam!

For more information visit Karney at http://www.karney.org

http://www.karney.org/splash.html

http://www.facebook.com/thekarneyband

http://karney.bandcamp.com/album/a-beautiful-day

For Digital Distribution enquiries, please contact Jerome Forney at IDCDigital via email at Jerome@independentdistro.com

For US distribution enquiries, please contact Steffen Franz or Ben Lang at Independent Distribution Collective, telephone: 415-292-7007 or via e-mail at sales@independentdistro.com

For radio enquiries please contact Brandon Day at Tinderbox Music at 612-375-1113
Or via e-mail at brandon@tinderboxmusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
To arrange interviews or request a copy of Love and Respect for review, please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

Leave a comment | posted in Karney, Press Release

2012/05/31

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Releases Archival Concert From 2003 On CD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Keyboard Legend Rick Wakeman Releases Archival Concert From 2003 On CD

5/30/2012 – London, UK – For the last forty years Rick Wakeman has immersed himself in music. Leaving the Royal College of Music Rick has worked with some of the biggest names in rock and pop music playing on some of the biggest hits by artists as diverse as Cat Stevens, Marc Bolan and David Bowie. Likewise he has played with one of the biggest rock bands in the world; As a member of YES Rick played some of the biggest arenas in the world and released massively successful albums including ‘Fragile’, ‘Close To the Edge’ and the live album ‘Yessongs’. In 1973 he released his first proper solo album ‘The Six Wives of Henry the VIII’ following that album up in the seventies and eighties with other hugely popular and successful albums. In the eighties Rick also recorded albums in the then popular genre entitled “New Age”, releasing such popular albums as The Aspirant Series of recordings (‘Aspirant Sunrise’, ‘Aspirant Sunset’ and ‘Aspirant Sunshadows’).

After leaving YES following a world tour in 2004, Rick concentrated on his solo career and collaborated with Jon Anderson on a number of projects including tours of the UK and US and a studio and live album. The latest release from Rick Wakeman is an archive live album titled ‘In The Nick Of Time’, which was recorded in 2003. The album was recorded during the tour to promote the then current studio album ‘Out There’. Rick performed with the “New English Rock Ensemble” which featured Rick alongside old hands Ashley Holt, Tony Fernandez and new boys Ant Glynne and Lee Pomeroy. Tracks featured include: “Out There”, “Catherine Parr”, “No Earthly Connection”, “White Rock” and “Wurm”. The album has been much anticipated by the large and dedicated Rick Wakeman audience and this release will be the first time this album has been commercially released.

Tracks: 1. Catherine Parr 2. Out There 3. No Earthly Connection 4. Dance of a Thousand Lights 5. The Cathedral In The Sky 6. White Rock 7. Wurm

To purchase Rick Wakeman – In The Nick Of Time CD http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15423/Rick_Wakeman-In_The_Nick_of_Time.html

For more information visit Rick Wakeman’s official website http://www.rwcc.com/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Rick Wakeman

2012/05/29

Asheville Percussion Festival To Take Place June 8th-10th, 2012 at the Creative Technology and Art Center – Odyssey School in Asheville, NC

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Asheville Percussion Festival To Take Place June 8th-10th, 2012 at the Creative Technology and Art Center –
Odyssey School in Asheville, NC

5/29/2012 – Asheville, NC – The first annual Asheville Percussion Festival will take place June 8th-10th, 2012 at the Creative Technology and Arts Center – Odyssey School in Asheville, NC. The theme is ‘Tradition to Innovation’. The festival will be hosted by Asheville’s ambassador to rhythm River Guerguerian. There will be workshops with Master teachers such as Jamey Haddad (Paul Simons percussionist), David Cossin (who tours with STING) and many other local and regional teachers. They will be covering topics such as performing, improvising and composing. There will be a concert with the Master Teachers for the community on Saturday June 9th at 8pm.

The mission of the Asheville Percussion Festival is to provide a creative environment where percussionists of all traditions gather to explore, create and innovate. World-class percussionists will exchange ideas about performing, improvising and educating. Over the course of the weekend there will be workshops for drummers of all levels and concerts for the community.

Teachers/Performers:

Jamey Haddad is highly regarded as one of the foremost world and jazz percussionists in the US. For the past nine years Haddad has performed as Paul Simon’s percussionist and played with countless others including Yo Yo Ma and Esperanza Spalding. He teaches at Berklee College of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory. http://www.jameyhaddadmusic.com

David Cossin can play just about any percussion instrument. A leading specialist and composer in new and experimental music, he preformed this last year with STING on his world tour and currently plays with Steve Reich and Bang on a Can All-Stars. http://www.davidcossin.com

River Guerguerian is the Artistic Director of the Festival and is known all over the globe for his unique hybrid set-ups that include frame drums, hand drums and drumsets that can be applied to many styles of music. He plays with Omar Faruk Tekbilek, his world jazz trio Free Planet Radio and is an active touring, recording and teaching artist. http://www.guerguerian.com

Raquy Danziger is one of the most popular performers, teachers and composers of Middle Eastern Drumming today. Her band Raquy and the Cavemen, a duo with Liron Peled, tours all over the world. She now lives in Istanbul and New York. http://www.raquy.com
Rohan Krishnamurthy has been acclaimed as a “percussion prodigy” will teach and demonstrate Indian classical percussion. He plays Tabla, Mridangam, and Kanjira, and teaches at the Eastman School of Music. http://www.rohanrhythm.com

Jeff Sipe AKA “The Apartment Q-258” has an amazing touch and feel on the drumset. He is well known on the touring circuit and has performed with Trey Anastasio, Bela Fleck, Steve Vai, John Medeski, Joan Osborn and his own group the Aquarium Rescue Unit. http://www.jeffsipemusic.com

Adama Dembele is a master 33rd generation Djembe player from Ivory Coast, Africa.
He has traveled internationally and leads his own group Zansa, and is a frequent guest with afro-surf-rock outfit Toubab Krewe. http://www.adamadembele.com

Michael Lipsey is an incredible educator and plays everything from Afro-Cuban percussion to Balinese Gamelan. He is the Director of the Percussion program and the New Music Ensemble at the Aaron Copland School of Music as well as the City University of New York.
http://www.lipseypercussion.com

Matthew Richmond is an accomplished Jazz Vibraphonist and is well known in the WNC community. He is currently a member of the Asheville Symphony, Stephanie’s Id, and is a Percussion instructor at UNC-Asheville. http://www.matthewrichmond.net

Rohan Krishnamurthy is a leading, young musical ambassador of Indian music and percussion. A specialist in South Indian percussion, Rohan has performed in hundreds of concerts, presented Indian percussion summer camps, workshops, and academic lecture-/ at eminent institutions Rohan founded and directs an Indian percussion ensemble at the Eastman School of Music. Rohan will offer lessons in Indian drumming and vocal percussion techniques. http://www.rohanrhythm.com. http://www.rohanrhythm.com

Workshops
There will be workshops for beginners and advanced players that will focus on the following styles:

Middle Eastern, West African, Indian, Drumset, Jazz Vibes, South American, Performance Techniques, Improvising, Composing, Electronics, Microphone Techniques, Multiple hand drum set-ups, Hybrid set-ups.

Friday 3-6pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 11am-5pm

Instruments
Frame Drums, Riq Tambourine, Kanjira, Doumbek, Djembe, Talking Drum, Ashiko, Conga, Gongs, Pandeiro, Cajon, Drumset, Tabla, Mridangam, Singing Bowls, Shakers, Vibes

*Bring you own drums, but some will be available (please RSVP Adam if you need one)
Concerts – June 8th & 9th 8:00pm
Friday night concert will include performances from the teachers and local talent from Brazilian and African troupes, as well as Jazz and Middle Eastern music.

Saturday Night will feature a ‘Masters Concert’ with the collaborative efforts from all the teachers. They will create new and innovative percussion pieces through an Artist Retreat that will take place the week before.

Asheville will become a creative hub for innovative and traditional percussion music by inviting international artists for outstanding collaborations. There will be opportunities for participants to jam with each other and the teachers.

Who: Asheville Percussion Festival

When: June 8th-10th 2012

Where: All Concerts and Workshops will be held at:
Creative Technology & Arts Center
Odyssey Community School
90 Zillicoa St.
Asheville, NC 28801

Registration: ashevillepercussionfestival.com

For interviews/ KaChina Davine 828-225-3232;
photos: kdavine@earthlink.net

More info: http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com

For any inquiries contact:
River Guerguerian (Artistic Director) – riverhumm@yahoo.com (828)-301-6605
Adam Maalouf (Technical Director) – adammaalouf@yahoo.com (864)-420-0145
KaChina Davine (Media Director) – kdavine@earthlink.net

Visit http://www.ashevillepercussionfestival.com for more details, registration, and latest workshop and concert schedule

*scholarships will be available
*teachers and schedules subject to change (see website for latest info)

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, River Gueguerian

2012/05/26

UK Progressive Rock Ensemble Galahad Releases Highly Anticipated New CD ‘Battle Scars’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

UK Progressive Rock Ensemble Galahad Releases Highly Anticipated New CD ‘Battle Scars’

London, UK – ‘Battle Scars’ is the new studio album from established English progressive rock band Galahad just released on Avalon Records. The CD was recorded, engineered and mixed by Karl Groom (Threshold) at Thin Ice studios. ‘Battle Scars’, Galahad’s seventh studio album, shows the band evolving from their well received and critically acclaimed 2007 album ‘Empires Never Last’. ‘Battle Scars’ is the first of two new albums from Galahad scheduled for release this year.

‘Battle Scars’ contains a myriad of styles from rock and prog through to techno, ambient and dance sounds via classical arrangements. Throughout, the production is modern and pristine, incorporating powerful, direct guitar riffs, lush keyboard arrangements and occasional quieter passages of subtle beauty, melding together to create an often massively epic sound. “I guess the whole gamut are in there,” explains vocalist and founding member Stuart Nicholson about the album’s variety of themes, “frustration, anger, disbelief, reflection, the acceptance of reality, fighting spirit against the odds, hope for the future, negativity, positivity and more besides.”

‘Battle Scars’ is Galahad music for the 21st Century: very much looking forward but also showing occasional and affectionate nods to the analogue past.

In recognition of the band’s 25 year plus history, a new recording of their classic song “Sleepers” is included as a bonus track on the CD and download version. “I think the whole package works really well,” says Stuart, “the monochrome graphics and images with the odd splash of red here and various pieces of pertinent imagery match the atmosphere of the music perfectly.”

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the listening, as the band suggests: “Go on, give it a whirl, leave your preconceptions at the door and play it loud! We know it’s our best album yet, and hope you agree.”

Galahad’s ‘Battle Scars’ is available on CD, digital download and limited edition high quality 180gm vinyl LP in a gatefold sleeve.

In closing Stuart Nicholson had this to impart to Galahad’s devoted fans of many years: “I hope you like what we have come up with, and if you know us well you’ll realize that we try and make each album different from the previous one, but still include certain Galahad traits. Plus, I’d like to thank all those who have shown patience and stuck with us – it is greatly appreciated by the band.”

Galahad:
Stuart Nicholson – vocals
Roy Keyworth – guitars
Spenser Luckman – drums
Neil Pepper – bass, guitar & keyboards
Dean Baker – keyboards

Avalon Records: band@galahadonline.com PH: +44 (0)1202 870084

Visit the official website at http://www.galahadonline.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Galahad, Press Release

2012/05/24

Sophie B. Hawkins To Release Highly Anticipated 6th Album ‘The Crossing’ on June 19, 2012

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Sophie B. Hawkins To Release Highly Anticipated 6th Album ‘The Crossing’ on June 19, 2012

5/16/2012 – Sherman, Oaks, CA – Lightyear Entertainment, in association with Trumpet Swan Records, is proud to announce the release of the brilliant new studio album from Sophie B. Hawkins, entitled ‘The Crossing’.

The album will be released through EMI in the U.S. and Canada on June 19, 2012. European distribution will be through in-akustik, who will release the album simultaneously.

Since her breakthrough with the indelible hit single “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and her acclaimed debut album Tongues and Tails, Hawkins has proved an enduring artist with a fierce commitment to constantly evolving, while remaining steadfastly true to her own authentic history and experience. This comes to the fore as she breaks open her heart without reservation on ‘The Crossing’, her long-awaited first album of new songs in several years. It is a searing, lush and startlingly naked chronicle of the most intense period of Hawkins’ life. All of this emerges in songwriting and vocals that mix the brashly playful and the unabashedly poignant in fresh ways for Hawkins.

“The album is entirely me with just drums, bass, guitar and flugel,” says Sophie. “I didn’t hire a band – I would just meet one musician at a time and have them come to the house to record and it was a very spacious and organic process. I became an engineer really by instinct. I kept things very simple and told the musicians to have fun. It felt like it unfolded all on its own – I really wanted to retain the feel of these songs that were written completely in the moment and I think we did. I felt lucky just to be there watching this be created.”

This is the third Sophie B. Hawkins album released by Lightyear, after 2004’s ‘Wilderness’, and the live double set ‘Bad Kitty Board Mix’ in 2006. The album contains 13 new songs plus 4 bonus tracks, including new acoustic versions of her biggest hits, “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” and “As I Lay Me Down.”

“I’m delighted to release another beautiful album from Sophie,” said Lightyear CEO Arnie Holland. “She’s a true artist with a unique voice.”

For more information: http://sophiebhawkins.com/

2012 is Lightyear Entertainment’s 25th Anniversary year, since its origin in the management buyout of RCA Video Productions in 1987. http://www.lightyear.com

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

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2012/05/22

Jon Anderson To Play Select Summer 2012 Concerts

By glassonyonpr


Photo by Tami Freed

For Immediate Release

Jon Anderson To Play Select Summer 2012 Concerts

5/23/2012 – Asheville, NC – Music legend and original YES vocalist and songwriter Jon Anderson will be playing select concert dates this summer in support of his critically acclaimed new digital download release ‘OPEN’. Jon Anderson, who has one of the most recognizable voices in music, and is best known for his work with YES, Vangelis and Kitaro, as well as his innovative solo efforts, recently completed several successful tours of the US and South America. The new summer tour promises to deliver an exciting mixture of material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic YES songs, along with songs from his latest CD ‘Survival & Other Stories’ and new compositions, highlighted by humorous and enlightening stories told by Jon.

So great to be on tour this summer, always a wonderful evening of fun stories and singing, sing’a’long’a’Yes…why not!!!…come and have a wonderful evening out. – Jon

Jon Anderson Summer 2012 Tour Dates:

June 1 – Minneapolis, MN – Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant http://dakotacooks.com/
June 3 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theatre http://www.pabsttheater.org
June 6 – Chicago, IL – Mayne Stage http://www.maynestage.com
June 8 – Lincolnshire, IL – Viper Alley http://www.viper-alley.com
June 11 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door http://www.thetripledoor.net
June 12 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door http://www.thetripledoor.net
June 16 – Napa, CA – Napa Valley Opera House http://www.nvoh.org
June 19 – Livermore, CA – Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center http://www.mylvpac.com
June 21 – Rio Theatre – Santa Cruz, CA http://www.riotheatre.com
July 6 – The Coach House – San Juan Capistrano http://www.thecoachhouse.com

In other news, on August 8, 2012 Jon will be performing in the UK for the first time in many years at the Sadler’s Wells Theater in London. “The concert in London is with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend composer Peter Machajdik plus a semi acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava,” says Jon. “We will be performing some classic songs I wrote with Yes and Vangelis, plus some new songs in a concert for ‘Earth and Peace at the 2012 Olympic Games.’ “ http://www.sadlerswells.com

Jon is currently recording part two to his recently released 21-minute musical opus ‘OPEN’ titled ‘Ever’. “Music is constantly happening all around me. I’m busy working on ‘Ever’, a follow up to ‘Open’, part two of my journey into the longer form music I love to create.” Also, Jon is working on the highly anticipated sequel to his critically acclaimed first solo album ‘Olias of Sunhillow’ titled ‘Zamran’ “Zamran is slowly finding me, or I’m slowly finding Zamran (Son of Olias), sometimes good things take time I’m told. with love…many blessings…Jon Anderson”

For tour dates visit http://www.jonanderson.com/tour.html

Jon Anderson ‘OPEN’ digital download available: http://www.amazon.com/Open-Single/dp/B005XT5Z8U/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336499182&sr=1-1

Jon Anderson ‘Survival & Other Stories’ available through Gonzo MultiMedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk,

http://www.jonanderson.com, http://www.facebook.com/thejonanderson

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

1 Comment | posted in Jon Anderson, Press Release

2012/05/22

Manfred Mann’s Earthband Vocal Legend Chris Thompson Releases Vintage Concert Live In Berlin On CD & DVD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Manfred Mann’s Earthband Vocal Legend Chris Thompson Releases Vintage Concert Live In Berlin On CD & DVD

Featuring the hits “Blinded By The Light”, “Spirits In The Night”, “The Mighty Quinn” and more!!!

5/10/2012 – London, UK – You’ve heard his voice on such classic Manfred Mann’s Earthband hits as “Blinded By The Light” “Spirits In The Night”, “The Mighty Quinn” and many others, a staple of FM radio for the past 40 years, legendary vocalist Chris Thompson has released a vintage live solo concert from Berlin, Germany. Available as a 2CD and bonus DVD package, Chris Thompson ‘Live In Berlin’ features all the Manfred Mann Earthband hits you have loved for the past four decades, along with many beloved solo songs.

Chris Thompson has had a long and varied career in the music business. Born in the United Kingdom but raised in New Zealand Chris first experienced local success with bands in New Zealand before relocating to the UK in 1973. Chris’s first big break came when he replaced Mick Rogers in Manfred Mann’s Earthband. His debut with the band was on the ‘Roaring Silence’ album which contained the worldwide number 1 hit single “Blinded By The Light”. Following that single the band re recorded another Bruce Springsteen song “Spirits In The Night” which had featured on the bands previous album ‘Nightingales and Bombers’.

Whilst with Manfred Mann’s Earthband Chris also featured on Jeff Wayne’s concept album ‘War of the Worlds’ recording the track “Thunder Child” which was also a UK hit single. (Chris would regularly perform the song live in the concert presentation of the ‘War of The Worlds’ album). He also enjoyed massive worldwide success with Manfred Mann’s Earthband recording the albums ‘Watch’ and ‘Angel Station’ and hit singles “Davy’s On The Road Again”, “Mighty Quinn”, “Don’t Kill It Carol” and “You Angel You” before deciding to leave the Earthband to concentrate on his solo career by way of the band Night which Chris led for two albums.

Following his time with Night, Chris returned to the Earthband but also continued to record solo albums. More recently Chris has been performing concerts with the Mads Eriksen band where the band perform both new material from Chris alongside other songs Chris is rightly famous for from the Earthband catalogue. To date the band has filmed two live DVDs and live albums for release.

This live 2CD and bonus DVD package is a mixture of a live radio concert and a previous rehearsal and concert that took place ion Aschaffenburg. The Aschaffenburg material was salvaged from a full concert film and recording and is included as a bonus as it was felt that the material contained in the salvaged footage conveyed the excitement of the concert. The Berlin concert is just as it came from the radio transmission and as such is the complete concert as fans heard it at the concert and also on the radio

Chris is backed by a full band which includes Mads Eriksen, Gunnar Bjelland, and Frank Hovland with Szolt Meszaros on drums for the Berlin concert and Steinar Krokstad drumming on the Aschaffenburg material.

Chris Thompson’s profile as an artist is currently high due to extensive touring and also as a result of his previous work with Manfred Mann’s Earthband and also as a solo artist and as such this package will be an attractive and much anticipated release.

Tracks: DVD: LIVE AT THE COLOS-SAAL / THE ASCHAFFENBURG REMAINS: 1. MARTHA’S MADMAN, 2. LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD, 3. WHOLE LOT TO GIVE, 4. IF YOU REMEMBER ME, 5. DEMOLITION MAN, 6. REDEMPTION SONG, 7. DON’T KILL IT CAROL, FAN CAM DEXHEIM: 1. MIGHTY QUINN, 2. DRUM SOLO ( ZSOLT MESZAROS ), 3. YOU ANGEL YOU, 4. DAVY’S ON THE ROAD AGAIN, PLUS INTERVIEW : CHRIS AND BAND BY JON KIRKMAN
CD 1: LIVE AT RADIO BERLIN 88.8: 1. FATHER OF DAY, 2. WASTING TIME, 3. HOT SUMMER NIGHT, 4. SPIRITS IN THE NIGHT, 5. MARTHA’S MADMAN, 6. LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD, 7. WHOLE LOT TO GIVE, 8. IF YOU REMEMBER ME, 9. DEMOLITION MAN, 10. REDEMPTION SONG, 11. DON’T KILL IT CAROL, 12. RUNNER, 13. MIGHTY QUINN, CD 2: LIVE AT RADIO BERLIN 88.8: 1. PIECE FOR THE WICKED ( MADS ERIKSEN ), 2. YOU ANGEL YOU, 3. DAVY’S ON THE ROAD, 4. BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, ENCORES: 5. FOR YOU, 6. YOU’RE THE VOICE, 7. QUESTIONS.

To purchase Chris Thompson ‘Live In Berlin’ two-CD/DVD set:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15409/Chris_Thompson-LIVE_IN_BERLIN.html

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

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