Category Archives: Press Release

2012/02/11

Psychedelic Surf Music Legend Merrell Fankhauser’s ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ Volumes 1&2 DVDs Now Available on Gonzo MultiMedia

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Psychedelic Surf Music Legend Merrell Fankhauser’s ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ Volumes 1&2 DVDs
Now Available on Gonzo MultiMedia

2/10/2012 – London, UK – Hailed as the godfather of surf music, legendary Merrell Fankhauser, who has led one of the most diverse and interesting careers in music, has released ‘Best Of The Tiki Lounge’ volumes 1&2 DVDs, featuring performances from his famed TV show ‘Tiki Lounge’, on UK’s Gonzo MultiMedia. Merrell Fankhauser is considered one of the main innovators of surf music and psychedelic folk rock, and is widely known as the leader of the instrumental surf group The Impacts who had the international hit “Wipeout”. His travels from Hollywood to his 15 year jungle experience on the island of Maui have been documented in numerous music books and magazines in the US and Europe. Merrell has gained legendary international status throughout the field of rock music; his credits include over 250 songs published and released.

Merrell Fankhauser has presented a number of television programs over the years including ‘California Music’, ‘Route 66 TV Live’, and in 2001 he began hosting a music show called ‘Tiki Lounge’ that airs on the California Central Coast, Southern California, Hawaii and parts of the East Coast. ‘The Best Of The Tiki Lounge’ volumes 1&2 feature highlights from Merrell’s cable TV show. Volume One features Merrell performing alongside other music artists, such as Willie Nelson, Randy California, Dick Dale and Nicky Hopkins. The DVD also includes clips from Merrell’s Birthday Boogie with Mary Ramsey of 10.000 Maniacs, Fito De La Parra of Canned Heat, Ed Cassidy of Spirit and many others! Joined once again by former Spirit drummer Ed Cassidy, along with John Cipollina, Mark Tullin and others, the ‘Best Of The Tiki Lounge’ Volume Two features new original songs by Fankhauser, including “The Whole Day Ahead of Us”. Also in this volume, Merrell takes an expedition into the Nevada desert to the edge of the secret airbase Area 51 in search of UFOs.

To purchase Merrell Fankhauser ‘Best Of Tiki Lounge’ DVDs http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15360

Visit the official Merrell Fankhauser website at http://www.merrellfankhauser.com

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

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2012/02/03

Prog Rock Records To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album By Prog Duo Centric Jones ‘The Antikythera Method’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Prog Rock Records To Release Highly Anticipated Second Album By Prog Duo Centric Jones
‘The Antikythera Method’

2/2/2012 – Loveland, CO – One of the most highly anticipated new CD releases in 2012 by prog duo Centric Jones has the music community buzzing with excitement. Slated for release on March 6th by Prog Rock Records, ‘The Antikythera’ is Centric Jones’s sophomoric release and promises to take the listener on a sonic adventure. With influences like Rush, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, UK, YES and King Crimson, Centric Jones has taken progressive rock to a whole new level!

Centric Jones is Chris Fournier and Tobe London, augmented by an eclectic set of revolving musical guests. Chris plays bass, guitars, keyboards and electronic percussion, and Tobe plays drums, acoustic/electronic percussion and keyboards. They met in 2007 and discovered a shared goal: to create songs that broke through musical boundaries without sacrificing feel and an emotional connection to the audience. Fournier and London had the ability to excel at doing this, which in 2009 resulted with the duo’s critically acclaimed debut CD ‘Foreign Tea’. Centric Jones continued to build up the emotional appeal and complexity of their music both rhythmically and melodically following that first album, culminating in the up-coming release of their new CD ‘The Antikythera’ on Prog Rock Records. With both musicians being involved in various bands since the late 1970s, Centric Jones is able to stand apart from much of the musical pack today by merging their mature musical senses with the drive to create ever-more-expansive sonic imagery.

When asked if there was a concept behind the new Centric Jones album Tobe had this to say: “I’ve always had a fascination with mechanical devices and gizmos. Of particular interest to me is the Antikythera mechanism – the ancient Greek mechanical computer designed to calculate astronomical positions. I’d like to go on and on about the thing, given the fact that it predates anything like it by about a thousand years. The most fascinating aspect of it for me would be its inherent rhythm. I picture all those handmade gears turning and churning in an amazing visual if not audible display of polyrhythmic wonder. Centric Jones loves to apply this as much as we can to our music. We call it The Antikythera Method.”

In support of their new CD release, Chris and Tobe are currently putting together a live show consisting of some of their favorite album songs combined with improvisations and some theatrics. The duo plan on performing locally on the Front Range of Northern Colorado in addition to some of the progressive rock festivals going on in the US and elsewhere during the summer of 2012. They are also implementing a new recording setup in Tobe’s studio in order to more directly compose and trade tracks together – new albums of increasing ambition are on the horizon for sure!

Finally, Chris and Tobe have this to impart to their listening audience: “We would like to sincerely thank anyone who purchases our album and gives us a chance to share our music with them – it is truly exciting and enjoyable to compose and perform, it’s the kind of thing we’ve both dreamed of since high school! As we continue to perform live, we are hoping to add more musicians to our collective to bring you an ever-increasing wall of sound. We hope to see you at a festival during he summer of 2012.”

‘The Antikythera Method’ is the first release from Centric Jones on Prog Rock Records and is available for immediate ordering at a $2 discount till early-February 2012 and will be shipped in mid-February. It will be available at retail and digital outlets March 6, 2012. Audio samples, information and ordering can be found at http://www.therecordlabel.net/progressive-rock/centric-jones/the-antikythera-method

For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Centric-Jones/154174534602065#!/pages/Centric-Jones/154174534602065?sk=app_2405167945

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

1 Comment | posted in Centric Jones, Press Release

2012/01/24

Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit In The Sky Still Popular In 2012

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit In The Sky Still Popular In 2012

1/23/2012 – Santa Rosa, CA – After 40 years, one of music’s greatest gospel-rock hits ‘Spirit In The Sky’, penned by Norman Greenbaum, remains as popular today in 2012 as it did in 1970 when it rocketed to number #1 in the US and UK. While being named song of the year by Cashbox magazine, the track would go on to sell two million copies in 1970 and through the next 4 decades would be featured in 47 movies and dozens of commerical ads and TV series. In addition, two British cover versions of “Spirit In The Sky” also made it to number one on the charts, making the song a three-time number one hit!

So the question remains, why does ‘Spirit In The Sky’ still resonate with the music listener today? Norman explains, “A few reasons: It’s just a great song, with a terrific production that has stood the test of time, still sounding as vibrant today as 40 years ago. It also sounds great in the car, yep, car radio. When we mixed it, we made sure it sounded as great on car stereos as it did on home systems. It has an unforgettable opening musical riff, at times referred to as ‘the heavy duty industrial fuzz tone’. It gives people chills listening to it. Plus, when it was included on Rock Band 2 it brought a new generation into the mix. Now that the song is aging in years, but not excellence, many fans have aged with it and now recognize it not only as a great song that reminds them of their life back then, such as taking their first date to my concert, ‘Spirit’ being the first album they ever bought, their parents screaming to turn the volume down, love making in the back seat to it and my favorite, naming their car ‘the green-bomb’, and as a song to take with them as we near the time to go up to the Spirit In The Sky. Because I answer my own e-mail, many people relate to me the circumstances of a loved one passing and how my song has brought them solace and each time they hear my song, either on the radio, in a movie or on TV, they are reminded that their loved ones are OK and looking down on them.”

The story behind the song “Spirit In The Sky” is an interesting one. The original idea for the song came from Norman watching a performance on TV one night by country legend Porter Wagoner, who was singing about a preacher. This inspired Greenbaum to write a religious rock song. Although many have believed through the years that Norman, born of Jewish heritage, was a ‘born again Christian’, in truth, this is not the case. He made the decision to challenge himself to writing a gospel lyric, hoping he wouldn’t flub it and meticulously crafted music that went on to surpass everyone’s expectations. The guitar riff to ‘Spirit In The Sky’ undoubtedly is just as important to the song’s success as the words and music. “My riff is a take on old blues riffs, common in the ’20s and ’30s,” Norman explains. “Although a few other songs have similar riffs, my riff really stands out, as I infused a few original notes and changes the others do not have. Plus, the fuzz just ripples your mind. It is a sound that has never been reproduced, another reason the song stands so well.”

Recently, Norman Greenbaum has redesigned his official website – http://www.spiritinthesky.com and has made available his much sought after CDs from the ’60s and ’70s, along with T-shirts, hats, mouse pads, signed photos and other memorabilia! Although Norman has not recorded anything in recent years, he is very active with his new website, posting messages to his fans and making available rare photos for viewing. “Since my website has been redesigned it is much more efficient and compact, with photo viewers and better links,” says Norman. “It also has an improved store, where I have introduced a new product, Going-Greenbaum tote bags; the small-sized bag is made of cotton and the large-sized bag is made of canvas. The new site also has music clips of all of my songs available on CD and ‘The Best of Norman Greenbaum’ import is available again. I also will be introducing some new shirt designs soon.”

Much to the excitement of his fans, Norman will be making a rare live appearance in February! “I’ll be doing a guest performance of 3 songs with the band Time In A Bottle at The Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa, CA on February 18th,” says Norman. “My original back-up singers The Stovall Sisters will be joining me, the first time ever this has happened on stage! Time In A Bottle is a local rock/soul band. The Stovall Sisters will also be doing a few of their own songs with the band.”

Finally, Norman has this to impart to aspiring songwriters everywhere: “Keep at it until it all fits, you’ll know when. One song will stand out. Put all your effort into that song. Of course, ‘catchy’ helps.”

For more information visit Norman Greenbaum’s official website at http://www.spiritinthesky.com

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

Leave a comment | posted in Norman Greenbaum, Press Release

2012/01/21

Percussion Virtuoso River Guerguerian To Release Highly Anticipated New Solo CD ‘Grooves for Odd Times’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Percussion Virtuoso River Guerguerian To Release Highly Anticipated New Solo CD
‘Grooves for Odd Times’

1/19/2012 – Asheville, NC – The percussion community is buzzing with excitement about the highly anticipated forthcoming solo CD by virtuosic Multi-Percussionist/Composer/Educator River Guerguerian titled ‘Grooves for Odd Times’. River has been inspiring audiences with his ecstatic and versatile percussion for over 30 years, and has performed and recorded with such groups as the BBC Concert Orchestra, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Tan Dun, Tibetan Singing Bowl Ensemble, Paul Winter Consort, Chuck Berry, Sophie B. Hawkins, The Billy Sea and Ziggy Marley/Gipsy Kings. He also co-founded the world jazz group Free Planet Radio and Talujon Percussion Ensemble. The music on his new CD ‘Grooves for Odd Times’ represents a body of work that spans five years. This time period includes: 1) composing music for solo and mixed ensembles, 2) performing with inspiring artists, 3) recording/archiving the process of these creative cells.

“The inspiration for ‘Grooves for Odd Times’ was to create a sonic palette in the same way a painter might approach canvas,” River explains. “The album’s roots are heavy grooves mixed in with the lyrical side of percussion. There is a dance in the odd time rhythmic structures.”

River has performed in many prestigious venues and places worldwide including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Madrid International Jazz Festival, Barbican Hall (London), World Music Sufi Festival (New Delhi), Jerusalem Hall (Jerusalem), Edinburgh International Festival (Scotland) and even the White House! River received his Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory, and has recorded on over 150 albums and film soundtracks. He also creates music for the purpose of meditation. His passion is researching the scientific effects of sound on the mind and body. River travels the world conducting Sound Exploration and Rhythm Workshops for people of all ages, and is Director of Music at the Creative Technology and Arts Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

Here’s what the press has raved about River Guerguerian:

“Guerguerian made magical sounds…” – New York Times

“Superb drumming!” – Savannah Morning News

“Creative and spectacular! Asheville is truly fortunate to have world class musicians.” – Asheville Citizen Times

“Guerguerian’s composition, sensationally performed, devoted itself even more religiously to the possibilities of pure sound.” – New York Times

Whether playing with world-class symphonies or studio musicians, partnering with Grammy-award winning composers, or creating dynamic plays of rhythm for his own projects, River’s passion and attention to the vibrant life off the drum reverberates throughout the crowd. “I will be doing many performances in the southeast area, some in NYC collaborating with composers from the Aaron Copeland School of Music at the City University in New York, and a tour of Spain,” says River.

In closing River instills a message to his listeners, “Try to listen to the music with your whole body and not just your mind. There is a message in the sound.”

For more information visit http://www.sharethedrum.com

To Purchase River Gurguerian – ‘Grooves for Odd Times’ CD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/riverguerguerian
http://www.amazon.com/Grooves-for-Odd-Times/dp/B006LYYB8G
http://itunes.apple.com/album/grooves-for-odd-times/id488957170?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1

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

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2012/01/14

Spain’s Progressive Rock Legends Kotebel To Release Highly Anticipated New CD ‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Spain’s Progressive Rock Legends Kotebel To Release Highly Anticipated New CD
‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’

1/11/2012 – Madrid, Spain – With 5 albums released since 2000, including the highly acclaimed ‘Omphalos’ (nominated for ‘Best Foreign Record’ by ProgAwards in 2006) and ‘Ouroboros’ (Winner – ‘Best Foreign Record’ by ProgAwards in 2009), Kotebel is one of the main progressive rock acts to emerge from Spain and Latin America. And now, much to the anticipation of prog fans across the globe, Kotebel is preparing to release their 6th album ‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’. “The main body of the album is formed by the four movements that comprise the ‘Concerto for Piano’,” explains keyboardist and founding member Carlos Plaza Vegas. “It is pure music; no reference to extra-musical elements. However, the other four pieces on the album are based on conceptual elements.”

Formed in 2000, Kotebel is an eclectic project, immersed in the mainstream of progressive “art” music. Kotebel’s music is an elaborate, yet accessible blend of avant-garde symphonic rock, with a wide range of influences from classical to jazz to world music. The group sites influences as diverse as Genesis, Debussy, YES, ELP, Ravel, Messiaen, Thinking Plague, The Enid, Steve Hackett, Gentle Giant, King Crimson and Chopin. Kotebel has participated in prestigious festivals including BajaProg (Mexico – 2004), Gouveia Art Rock (Portugal – 2007/2010), ProgSud (France – 2007), Madrid Art Music Festival (Spain – 2008/2009), Go Prog (Portugal – 2009), Crescendo (France – 2010), sharing the stage with artists like Robert Fripp, Magma, After Crying, IQ, Allan Holdsworth, Deus Ex Machina, Isildurs Bane, Jerry Marotta, Pat Mastelotto and others.

Here’s what the press has said about Kotebel:

“This is one stellar disc of symphonic progressive rock!” – Jerry Lucky – The Progressive Rock Files

“This is a masterwork!” – Vitaly Menshikov – Progressor

“Outstanding symphonic prog!” – César Inca – Progarchives

“One of the great contemporary prog rock bands!” – Nuno – Prognosis

“Kotebel appear to be content on exploring and extending the boundaries of their chosen genre, and are definitely a band to watch out for.” – Dave Sissons – DPRP.net

“The musicianship is top-notch!” – Yves Dube – Sea of Tranquility

Kotebel’s current line-up:

Carlos Franco Vivas – drums and percussion
César Garcia Forero – guitars
Jaime Pascual Summers – bass
Adriana Nathalie Plaza Engelke – keyboards
Carlos G. Plaza Vegas – keyboards

Between the years 2000 and 2008 Kotebel went through a number of line-up changes, with Carlos Plaza Vegas remaining as the driving force throughout. Kotebel’s configuration as a five piece instrumental ensemble in 2008 quickly became an efficient performance engine, exploring aesthetic grounds that required more complex and demanding skills as individuals and collective performers. Along with releasing an album ‘Ouroboros’ in 2009, Kotebel toured Japan in the summer of that year and participated in a number of music festivals and performances in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. Between September and December 2011 the ensemble recorded their forthcoming album ‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’, in which pre-orders are currently being taken. To be released in early 2012, the album will also include a DVD with a full rendition of the recording of the Piano Concerto.

“Since the first Kotebel album back in 2000, one of our goals has been to integrate elements of classical music in a language based in progressive rock,” explains Carlos. “’Ouroboros’ (2009) was a further step in that direction (for example, the ‘Ouroboros’ song is constructed upon a ‘Theme and Variations’ structure). However, it is in the ‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’ where this integration has been taken to its greatest extent in our music.”

Finally, Carlos has this to impart to the listening public: “For those still not acquainted with our music, I would invite you to visit our website where we have plenty of fragments from each and every track on our albums. Kotebel’s language is very eclectic and appealing to both fans of more traditional prog as well as more adventurous ones.”

To pre-order Kotebel ‘Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble’ CD:
http://www.kotebel.com/e-store/concerto.php

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

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

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2012/01/10

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin Records An Astonishing New CD

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin Records An Astonishing New CD

1/9/2012 – Clearwater, FL – Insiders who have heard bass legend Jeff Berlin’s newest CD are buzzing about the forthcoming release – a release that they are saying could possibly be the greatest bass album of all time! The word is that Jeff Berlin has recorded a jazz CD so astonishing that the artist himself is in shock with what he played! “I prepared for it by practicing 5 hours a day for weeks,” Jeff explains. “What came of my preparation was to record solos on the bass that I believe have never been heard before from a bass player!”

Also included on these virtuosic recording sessions are Richard Drexler on piano and upright bass and legendary drummer Mike Clark, best known for his work with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, who had this to say about Jeff’s new CD: “Everyone knows that Jeff is a virtuoso, but on his new CD he went past this! I’ve played with all of the great jazz bassists in the world and Jeff is at the top of my list. We locked from the first beat! The harmonic ideas that he played were unbelievable, and our time was astonishing. Jeff is the most forward-looking bassist I have ever played with. Jeff played like he wasn’t afraid to take a chance at any moment – he played at the highest level without a net. There just isn’t a CD like this one anywhere. He is a player’s player, a total artist and it showed on our collaboration together!”

Jeff added that, “Richard and Mike made this CD happen! Without them I never could have had the support and interplay that pushed me to play what I played. Mike’s time was swinging like a pendulum. And Richard is a freak: he actually played acoustic bass while I was soloing and then put it down to walk to the piano and take a solo. I don’t know of anyone else who could have done what he did!”

Jeff Berlin’s new CD, titled ‘Low Standards’ due to the performance of two bass players and Jeff’s penchant for puns (his previous recording was called ‘High Standards’) is scheduled for release at the end of February 2012. For more information visit Jeff Berlin’s official website at http://www.jeffberlinmusic.com

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

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2012/01/04

Italian Alternative-Metal Group Klogr To Release Debut CD ‘Till You Decay’ and Tour US West Coast

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Italian Alternative-Metal Group Klogr To Release Debut CD ‘Till You Decay’ and Tour US West Coast In January 2012

1/2/2012 – Milan, Italy – One of the heaviest new Alternative-Metal groups to emerge from Italy, Klogr (pronounced Kay-log-are), will be releasing their mind-blistering debut CD titled ‘Till You Decay’ in January 2012 on Valery Records. Described as “an alternative rock/metal album in which both the instrumental and the vocal lines are delivered very heavily at times and more melodic at other times creating the sound of Klogr”, fans of the band and music press worldwide have been anticipating the CD release.

The album is based on the concept that the society around us controls us, judges us, conditions us and ultimately suffocates us. A psychological game of massacre, control and power over the masses, in which they use fear and anxieties to destabilize a person into something more fragile, more controllable and more subservient… till you decay.

The Klogr’s name is a reference to the law of Weber-Fechner, developed in the second half of the the 800, which is known as the fundamental psychophysical relationship (S=K log R). The project, which resides on the thin line between alternative rock and alternative metal, is led by Gabriele “Rusty” Rustichelli (producer at ZetaFactory, former guitarist of SensAzionE and other Italian alternative projects). Klogr develops a a powerful sound that draws energy from a philosophy that challenges the contemporary culture, where every sense is cleverly used against men in the name of profit. Along with Rusty (vocals and guitars), and the other members of the Italian/American line-up include: Nicola Briganti (guitars and a member of Lena’s Baedream), Todd Allen (bass and a member of Beside Myself) and Filippo De Pietri (drums). All together they complete the Klogr circle.

The idea took shape in May 2010 and in June 2011 the group began recording their debut album at the ZetaFactory studio. From that point on, Klogr captured the attention of the public and aroused much curiosity among professionals and fans by posting several viral videos, showing the progress of the band in the studio. The date 11-11-11 brought the world premier of the group’s live show. The powerful attack of the eleven songs that make up the track list for ‘Till You Decay’ was greatly enjoyed and well-received by the enthusiastic audiences.

After the ten video presentations of the band’s sound, the first complete track to run on its network was “Live Dying”, the album’s opening track. “Bleeding”, the first chosen single due out in January, will be accompanied by a video that combines graphics and cinematography in line with the mood of Klogr. ‘Till You Decay’ is scheduled to be released worldwide on January 10, 2012 and will be supported by a US west coast tour and several European dates.

For more information: http://www.klogr.net

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com
Valery Records s.r.l.
V-Promotion agency
Via G.Pastorelli,12
20143 Milano ( MI ) – Italy
Tel: +39 (0)2 89421949
Fax: +39 (0)2 8361611
info@valeryrecords.com
promotion@valeryrecords.com
http://www.valeryrecords.com

Leave a comment | posted in Klogr, Press Release

2011/12/07

CIRCA: New Year’s Eve Internet Concert December 31st 2011

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

CIRCA: New Year’s Eve Internet Concert December 31st 2011

12/7/2011 – Los Angeles, CA – CIRCA: featuring former YES members Billy Sherwood & Tony Kaye with Johnny Bruhns & Scott Connor will be in concert, live, interactive, in real time and brought directly to your home via their new UStream channel “CIRCA: HQ” on December 31, 2011 (6:00 PM PST / 9:00 PM EST).

Performing songs from the newly released CIRCA: ‘And So On’ CD (available at http://www.circahq.com) as well as selected cuts from their previous studio CDs ‘CIRCA: 2007’ and ‘CIRCA: HQ’, and other tracks from their collective musical pasts.

HD cameras and pro audio combined puts you right in the center of the action. There will be a host taking questions for the band from the audience between songs making it a totally interactive experience and the first ever of its kind for CIRCA:

Put the champagne on ice, start the countdown and bring in the New Year with CIRCA: December 31st– tickets can be ordered directly from CIRCA: HQ UStream channel using paypal at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/circa-hq Anyone who misses the show in real time can at any point purchase a ticket and watch it at their own convenience from the UStream archives.

Preview 3 excerpts “Life’s Offering”, “Till We Get There” and “And So On” from the new CIRCA: CD ‘And So On’ on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CircaHQ?feature=mhee#p/c/D2D8A5458B653210/4/swbxCGqX3ds

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in Circa, Press Release

2011/12/05

Macon Guitar Legend Joey Stuckey Receives Prestigious Award, Gains New Endorsers and Composes Radio Theme Song

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Macon Guitar Legend Joey Stuckey Receives Prestigious Award, Gains New Endorsers and Composes Radio Theme Song

12/5/2011 – Macon, GA – Truly one of the hardest working people in the music industry, 2011 has been a landmark year for blind recording artist, engineer, producer and inspirational speaker Joey Stuckey. With the release of his latest acclaimed CD ‘The Shadow Sound’ in February of this year, Stuckey has been hitting the road performing and speaking all over the country – October alone saw Stuckey in Hawaii, Los Angeles and Nashville. However, October was a landmark month because Joey was honored by a non-profit organization in his hometown of Macon, Georgia where he serves as the official music ambassador. The organization “New Town Macon”, a non-profit tasked with revitalizing the downtown area of Macon, presented Joey with a special recognition award for his contribution to his community. Joey has been instrumental in shaping Macon’s musical landscape. Stuckey was also recognized for his active role in preparing for Macon’s future.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my efforts in promoting the music and history of Macon,” says Stuckey. “I look forward to being of service to my community for the rest of my life. I feel like this area, and Macon in particular, has as much musical talent as New York City or Los Angeles. We just have to find a way to make sure the rest of the world knows about it and come together as a community to ensure our musical economy continues to prosper!”

Stuckey’s father accepted the award on Joey’s behalf, from Greg Dent, a New Town Macon board member. Dent presented the award and said: “As Macon’s first official ‘Ambassador of Music’, Joey is a tireless and enthusiastic promoter of downtown, whose life work advances the city’s musical legacy. Joey’s business, Shadow Sound Studio on Third Street, brings musicians from around the globe to downtown Macon to record. Several of (Joey’s) own recordings have been nominated for Grammys. Joey is a band leader, educator, and promoter of civic activities who leads with a powerful and generous spirit. He has donated his time and talent to area schools and local organizations and recently provided a young boy in hospice care with his wish of recording in Joey’s studio. Anyone who knows Joey Stuckey knows that his enthusiasm and love of Macon never waivers.”

While October was a busy month with many exciting and amazing events for Stuckey, November has also been busy and a month of growth. First, Joey welcomes two new endorsers to the family. To enhance his studio and live performances and take his music production ability to the 23rd century, Joey has partnered with Misa Digital makers of the “Kitara”. “The Kitara is one of the most remarkable instruments to come out since the advent of the electric guitar,” says Stuckey.

This amazing MIDI controller gives guitarists new and innovative ways to make music both live and in the studio. For more information please visit http://www.misadigital.com, http://www.facebook.com/misadigital, twitter: misadigital, YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/misadigital

To add even more reasons to come out to one of Joey’s live performances, Joey has partnered with Kazoobie Kazoos. “As the official ambassador of music for Macon, Georgia – the birthplace of the kazoo – I am thrilled to partner with Kazoobie Kazoos to provide a limited number of souvenir kazoos to be given away and used during the audience participation parts of my concerts and inspirational talks,” says Joey. “I am excited that my fans will have this unique souvenir and fun musical instrument which truly allows us to share the gift of music! As a blind musician, sound is the only thing that I care about and Kazoobie Kazoos are unparalleled in their tonality and quality construction.” For more information or to acquire your own Kazoobie Kazoo go to http://www.kazoos.com

Stuckey’s studio records theme song for Talent Watch Radio: “We are proud to be working with Talent Watch, the fastest growing source for new talent discovery on the internet! It’s like ‘American Idol’ but better – and a great way for talent bookers, record labels, management firms and artists to connect.” Joey Stuckey, recording engineer, producer and owner of Shadow Sound Studio, was hired to compose and record the Talent Watch theme song being used to audio brand the Talent Watch radio show. Joey was also used to produce the most current episode of the radio show http://soundcloud.com/talent watch/talent watch-radio-show and train the staff of Talent Watch on producing future episodes of said show. Stuckey also has his voice heard in the intro of the show and the various promos for the show, both video and audio and throughout the program between songs branding the show.

Says Hugh Hession, Talent Watch radio host and partner of TalentWatch.net, “Talent Watch Radio decided to record and produce our latest show at Shadow Sound Studio with owner Joey Stuckey. We chose Shadow Sound because of Joey’s reputation of being a results-oriented engineer and producer. He understood our vision and was able to transform that into the caliber of show we desired. Talent Watch highly recommends Joey to anyone who wishes to up their game.” To check out Talent Watch and what it has to offer to both artists and industry pros alike visit: http://www.talentwatch.net

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

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

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2011/11/17

When Good and Evil Collide – Original Judas Priest Vocal Legend Al Atkins and Christian Guitarist Paul May Release ‘Atkins / May Project – Serpent’s Kiss’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

When Good and Evil Collide – Original Judas Priest Vocal Legend Al Atkins and Christian Guitarist Paul May Release ‘Atkins / May Project – Serpent’s Kiss’

11/17/2011 – London, UK – The rock world is buzzing with proof that good and evil can in fact work together in the form of former Judas Priest vocal legend and Holy Rage heavy metal frontman Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites combine creating a powerful new CD called ‘Serpent’s Kiss’, now available on Gonzo Multimedia. The 10-track album is the product of two of the Midlands finest architects of rock and metal coming together to create something that is unique and totally exhilarating!

There are enough doses of melody and metal madness to entice all fans of the genre, and while it is solid, honest working class heavy metal, it also has its roots in contemporary metal with some fine axe-work and killer choruses. The cover art for ‘Serpent’s Kiss’ is also unique as it was created by world famous fantasy artist Rodney Matthews.

Al Atkins: More noted for forming UK’s Judas Priest and fronting them for four years and laying down the foundations which would see them eventually selling 40 million albums worldwide. He also wrote songs for them which went gold like “Dreamer Deceiver”, “Never Satisfied”, “Winter”, “Caviar and Meths” and Priest’s all time classic “Victim of Changes”. Al’s unique powerful vocal style sites influences by noted rock singers Roger Daltrey, Paul Rodgers and longtime friend Robert Plant. Al has done countless radio and TV interviews worldwide and recently was filmed for BBC TV ‘British Heritage’ and ‘Banger Films’ Canada for the metal evolution series on VH1. He has even written a book on his musical life about growing up in Birmingham, UK alongside Robert Plant and Black Sabbath called ‘Dawn of the Metal Gods’. Al has released 6 solo albums to date, toured the US twice, and has worked with Brian Tatler (Diamond Head), Dave Holland (Judas Priest), Dennis Stratton (Iron Maiden) and Bernie Torme (Ozzy/Gillan). Al recently released a new self titled album with his offshoot band Holy Rage and has now teamed up with brilliant Christian writer/guitarist Paul May and recorded an album called ‘Serpent’s Kiss’, which Al says are the best recordings to date!

Paul May: Some people learn to play guitar, Paul was born (again) to play guitar! Paul has become respected for his passionate, soulful guitar work and noted for his explosive and exciting solos. As a world class professional guitarist and songwriter, Paul has played and recorded sessions across the globe, touring and playing throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Eastern block. Paul appears on around 50 albums to date, featured in both the secular and Christian arenas. Paul is also a record producer and has covered the entire spectrum of musical tastes in production. Paul has played, recorded with and produced alongside the bands and members of: Al Atkins (Judas Priest), Dave Holland (Judas Priest), Roy Wood (Move, ELO, Wizard), Jon Brooks (The Charlatans), Smokin Roadie/Tempest, MC5, V-Rats, Janus, A.N.D, Dave Rowley Band, Larry Norman and many others. Along with working with Al Atkins, Paul currently plays guitar with A.N.D and Temple Dogs.

“Working with Paul May on the ‘Serpent’s Kiss’ album was a fantastic journey,” says Al. “From the opening song ‘The Shallowing’ to the last song ‘Theatre of Fools’, it was an honor to have been asked by the brilliant guitarist Paul May to put this project together… Without a doubt this is one of the best albums I have appeared on since my early days with Judas Priest and that says something having written and recorded several of my own works.”

“This album was meant to be,” explains Paul. “When Al agreed to do the vocals it inspired me to write specific tracks tailored for his voice. Not only did Al deliver in abundance, he did so with world class! It’s what I’d call a ‘Classic Hard Rock/Metal’ album; that covers a wealth of subject matters and life experiences. It’s all rock ‘n’ roll! And a real triumph to me in so many ways. I just feel blessed! To again, be involved with such a great vocalist and friend and end up with such a cracking album is a gift indeed – rock on!”

Atkins / May Project ‘Fight’ video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP2px44Q-Wg
For more information: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk

To purchase Atkins / May Project ‘Serpent’s Kiss’:
https://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15396
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Serpents-Kiss-Atkins-May/dp/B005OQ7VU2

http://www.AtkinsMayProject.com
http://www.AlAtkins.com
http://www.PaulMayMusic.co.uk

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

Leave a comment | posted in Atkins / May Project, Press Release