Category Archives: Press Release

2021/11/10

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021/11/05

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Steppenwolf

2021/11/02

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

Track Listing:

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

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

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

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

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

2021/11/01

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2021/10/29

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Renaissance

2021/10/28

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

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Release date November 19, 2021

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

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

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

Leave a comment | posted in King Crimson, Press Release

2021/10/27

The Blast That (Will Be) Heard Around The World! “San Fernando Blast” Sandy McKnight w/Fernando Perdomo

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

The Blast That (Will Be) Heard Around The World! “San Fernando Blast” Sandy McKnight w/Fernando Perdomo

It’s a Bandemic!

All this downtime, staying home, collecting stimulus checks, has affected the world of music. Musicians are rehearsing, songwriters writing, and recording studios are busier than ever. Add that to the fact that entire records can be made remotely, and the virus has generated a new golden era for original music.

Which brings us to the story of one such project/band/duo, Sandy McKnight w/Fernando Perdomo. The story of the “San Fernando” series of releases began in 2019, when artist/studio musician/performer/producer Perdomo met songwriter/musician/producer/author McKnight at a session at Reseda Ranch, Fernando’s L.A. studio. Some months later, Sandy returned to the left coast (from his home base in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts), and booked a few hours to record one of his power pop tunes.

Then, as they worked, they suddenly realized they had a certain magic together – Perdomo on drums, guitars and keys, McKnight on bass and vocals. After that session, the virus intervened, and all travel options became temporarily, well…not an option. But the World Wide Web allowed for the speedy travel of bits and bytes on the information superhighway, and so the boys continued to groove long-distance.

They completed a 6-song EP, “San Fernando Beat”, and released it in the spring of 2020. The reviews were rapturous, and the boys knew they’d hit all the right pop targets. Reviewers were familiar with Fernando, from his many solo albums in the Prog world, his participation with Jacob Dylan in the documentary “Echo in the Canyon”, and his ubiquitous session work. But Sandy was something of an unknown, flying under the radar in a number of semi-successful bands in New York. His solo recordings were used in many TV shows and movies, so chances were they’d heard his work without hearing his name.

In combination with Perdomo’s musical skills, McKnight’s hook-laden tunes came to life. And so, when 2020 came to an end, PowerPop News named “San Fernando Beat” the top EP of the year! But the pair was just getting started.

In early 2021, a second EP, “San Fernando Blitz”, was released to wide acclaim, including a glowing review in American Songwriter magazine. And PowerPop News, who’d named their first EP the best of 2020, said incredulously, “this one’s even better!”

Which leads us to the “band’s” first full-length album, “San Fernando Blast”. They took the 12 songs from the 2 EPs, added 3 new recordings of McKnight originals, and voila! A 15-song tour-de-force that may actually be even better than the sum of its parts. They’ve created a cohesive soundscape by sequencing the tunes with a fluid listening experience in mind, they may have done the impossible: made a ‘greatest hits’ album that makes sense as a continuous listen. While each song stands on its own, they are even more fun together!

Their manifesto said “The concept was thus: create a 15-song album of power pop/pop/pop-rock recordings, each of which sound unique, yet hold together as a single work by an identifiable performer/artist. Ideally, the songs should be under 3 minutes (2 went longer), with killer hooks and simple production. I think we pulled it off!” Ambitious, yes. Mission accomplished? YES!

Now their job is to get the world listening. They’re pretty sure that once heard, “San Fernando Blast” will be your favorite pastime. And as the ‘Bandemic’ winds down, those in the know will undoubtedly start talking about this dynamic duo who can do it all…15 hook-filled hits, magical musicianship, prodigious production, and the immeasurable passion for music that separates these two from the crowd. Social distancing? More like sonic distancing, as McKnight and Perdomo move ahead of the pack.

To purchase:
www.sandymcknight.bandcamp.com
www.amazon.com/SAN-FERNANDO-BLAST-Sandy-Mcknight/dp/B09GM9SVMB/ref=sr_1_1

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/sandymcknightmusic

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

Leave a comment | posted in Fernando Perdomo, Press Release, Sandy McKnight

2021/10/26

Prog Ensemble Anyone To Premier New Music Video “The Pale Blue Dot”

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Prog Ensemble Anyone To Premier New Music Video “The Pale Blue Dot”

“Avant Garde, very complex. I’ve never heard anybody else do that – play all those instruments on that level.” – Herbie Hancock

TogethermenT Records is proud to announce the world premiere of the first music video from the forthcoming album, “In Humanity” by the critically acclaimed band ANYONE. The music video is for the track “The Pale Blue Dot” and will premiere on October 26th on the YOUTUBE platform. The album is now available in download, streaming and CD on over 200 digital distributors including iTunes, Spotify and Amazon.

PREMIERE DATE: OCT 26, 2021
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uVm0BwFVZg&t=13s

This new DOUBLE album marks a major shift towards a highly progressive direction with founder Riz Story performing all instrumentation in a rare display of virtuosity, as well as producing, mixing and mastering. Featuring a guest lead vocal appearance by YES vocalist (and former ANYONE member) Jon Davison on the song “Misanthropist.” BILLBOARD MAGAZINE said, “ANYONE has invented a new breed of rock, quite literally.”

EXCLUSIVE ALBUM PREVIEW (https://www.anyoneden.net/exclusive-album-preview)

“Avant Garde, very complex. I’ve never heard anybody else do that – play all those instruments on that level.” – Herbie Hancock

ANYONE was formed by Riz Story, along with Jon Davison (Yes) and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) in the early 90’s in Laguna Beach, California. Hawkins and Davison were replaced by the time the band signed with RoadRunner Records in 2000. Their self-titled debut album received much critical acclaim including a 5-star rating from Rolling Stone. In October of 2016 the single “Fly Away” was featured in Story’s debut feature film “” and became the most listened to rock song in America on digital formats, hitting #1 on the DRT National Airplay Rock Chart. The 2020 album release of “On the ending earth…” was met with widespread critical acclaim.

TRACK LISTING
1. Elations
2. The Disappearing Everything
3. Apocalypse
4. The Pale Blue Dot
5. Emergence
6. Don’t Swallow Tomorrow
7. Whole World’s on Fire
8. Transfiguration
9. On the ending earth…
10. Misanthropist
11. The Madness
12. In Humanity
13. Curtain Call

To pre-order: https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-humanity/1580430780?uo=4

For more information:
www.anyoneden.net
www.facebook.com/ANYONEDEN/

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

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2021/10/25

“Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India” 2CD Set Available October 29, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

“Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India” 2CD Set Available October 29, 2021

The album, “Songs Inspired By The Film The Beatles And India” features a diverse cast of Indian artists (Vishal Dadlani, Kiss Nuka, Benny Dayal, Dhruv Ghanekar, Karsh Kale, Nikhil D’Souza, Anoushka Shankar, Farhan Ahktar, Soulmate and many others) all bringing their own musical styles, as well as contemporary and classical Indian influences and techniques to the record. The album features Beatles’ songs written during their stay in Rishikesh, India including “Mother Nature’s Son,” “Revolution,” “Sexy Sadie,” “Dear Prudence,” “Child of Nature” among others. It also includes songs from their incredible catalogue which were colored by their earlier leanings to the magical sounds of India.

The hypnotic, lyrical soundtrack for “The Beatles and India” was written by award-winning composer Benji Merrison and recorded at Abbey Road Studio 2, the legendary home of The Beatles recording sessions, Budapest, Hungary and Pune, India. Both a classically trained composer and a skilled music producer and engineer, Benji has scored music for projects across film, television, installations and events. His distinctive musical voice is in high demand and he is known for SAS: Red Notice, Forces of Nature with Brian Cox, Dynasties, General Magic.

The award-winning film, “The Beatles And India,” is a unique historical chronicle of the enduring love affair between The Beatles and India that started more than half a century ago. Rare archival footage, recordings and photographs, eye-witness accounts and expert comments along with location shoots across India bring alive the fascinating journey of George, John, Paul and Ringo from their high octane celebrity lives in the West to a remote Himalayan ashram in search of spiritual bliss that inspires an unprecedented burst of creative songwriting. It is the first serious exploration of how India shaped the development of the greatest ever rock band and their own pioneering role bridging two vastly different cultures. “The Beatles And India” was directed by Ajoy Bose and co-directed by Peter Compton. The film was produced by Reynold D’Silva (Renoir Pictures / Silva Screen Productions) with executive producers Adam Greenup and Keith Ferreira. The documentary won Best Film Audience Choice and Best Music at the 2021 UK Asian Film Festival.

Here’s what the press has said about “The Beatles And India”:

“…fascinating story of how and why India fell in love with the Beatles” – The Guardian

“The Beatles: The Best Films to check out” – The Times

“…a uniquely Indian take on this pivotal event.” – Financial Times

“…impressive… Rich in content, scope and its use of archive footage and interviews with the Fabs and the other major players in this saga, this is a world apart from anything resembling your stereo typical Beatles documentary.” – Shindig

“…a welcome new perspective” – Radio Times

“As with his 2005 book The Beatles In India, Ajoy Bose’s directorial debut (co-director Peter Compton) suspends current censoriousness to catapult us to a world where it wasn’t unforgivable to get things wrong about other cultures as long as you were trying to get it right… Over 50 years later, what survives is gratitude on all sides that the Beatles and Indian musicians, teachers and fans they met got to be part of each other’s story.” – Uncut (Lead review)

“…fascinating documentary” – Eastern Eye

CD 1: Songs Inspired By The Film

01 Tomorrow Never Knows (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Kiss Nuka
02 Mother Nature’s Son (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Karsh Kale / Benny Dayal
03 Gimme Some Truth (John Lennon) Performed by Soulmate
04 Across The Universe (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Tejas / Mali
05 Everybody’s Got Something To Hide (Except Me And My Monkey) (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Rohan Rajadhyaksha /
Warren Mendonsa
06 I Will (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Shibani Dandekar / Neil Mukherjee
07 Julia (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Dhruv Ghanekar
08 Child of Nature (John Lennon) Performed by Anupam Roy
09 The Inner Light (George Harrison) Performed by Anoushka Shankar / Karsh Kale
10 The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Raaga Trippin
11 Back In The USSR (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Karsh Kale / Farhan Ahktar
12 I’m So Tired (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Lisa Mishra / Warren Mendonsa
13 Sexy Sadie (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Siddharth Basrur / Neil Mukherjee
14 Martha My Dear (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Nikhil D’Souza
15 Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Parekh & Singh
16 Revolution (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Vishal Dadlani / Warren Mendonsa
17 Love You To (George Harrison) Performed by Dhruv Ghanekar
18 Dear Prudence (John Lennon / Paul McCartney) Performed by Karsh Kale / Monica Dogra
19 India, India (John Lennon) Performed by Nikhil D’Souza

CD 2: Original Score – Composed by Benji Merrison

01 Main Titles
02 Diminutive Yogi
03 Crazy Trailblazer
04 Selling Like Hotcakes
05 A Few Lessons
06 Something Very Grateful
07 Rishikesh Bridge
08 Jai Guru Dev
09 A Simple Existence
10 Old Ashram
11 The Prayer Room
12 50 Years Ago
13 Feeling and Heart
14 All Of India
15 Birthday Party
16 Spiritual Teacher
17 A Dealbreaker
18 Secrets Revealed
19 Down To Kerala
20 Small Gift To The World
21 End Credits

Available October 29, 2021

To purchase/stream album (album singles):
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Songs-Inspired-Film-Beatles-India/dp/B082154533/

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/songs-inspired-by-the-film-the-beatles-and-india/1586741514

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3WpfaqAZsMyrJnJx3fgXE0?si=a9aGUnL6R4C8uprDXwlnLA

For more information: WWW.SILVASCREENUSA.COM

For more information about the film “The Beatles And India”: HTTPS://BEATLESANDINDIA.COM/

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

Leave a comment | posted in Press Release, Various Artists

2021/10/25

Legendary Kansas Violinist and Vocalist Robby Steinhardt’s Solo Album ‘Not in Kansas Anymore’ To Be Released October 25, 2021

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Legendary Kansas Violinist and Vocalist Robby Steinhardt’s Solo Album Not in Kansas Anymore To Be Released October 25, 2021

The Prog Opera Event of the Year

Robby Steinhardt and Solar Studios announce Robby’s first and only solo recording, Not in Kansas Anymore. Release date: October 25th 2021.

You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and frontman for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.

The new album, Not in Kansas Anymore is a powerful, well thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby’s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a “Prog Opera”.

In his only interview for the project, he spoke with Bill Shafer of PBS. Steinhardt was asked what the meaning behind the title Not in Kansas Anymore was. Steinhardt responded, “It’s no slight against the band, no never! My time with Kansas defined a big part of my life, of which I am very proud of. Ever since The Wizard of OZ, those words have become an American axiom for moving forward, you can never go back etc.” Robby laughed, “I guess it has a special meaning when it is fixed to me.”

The album, produced by Michael Thomas Franklin, is his latest production since the highly acclaimed Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Chapter One. Franklin used a similar approach using a large cast of renown musicians to lend their talents. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs, Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer on Billy Joel’s hits), Jim Gentry, Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues/Pat Benatar), Lisa Fischer (longtime vocalist for The Rolling Stones), 1000 Hands members Michael Franklin, Tommy Calton, Tim Franklin, Jocelyn Hsu, Rayford Griffin and Benoit Lajeunesse and many others including Orchestra and Choir.

The songs provide powerful lyrics, hard to forget choruses, combined with crafty playing. All this combined with Franklin’s lavish and complicated arrangements makes listening to Not in Kansas Anymore a wonderful hour well spent. The stunning album artwork created by Tom Lupo of Magnificent Pictures and subliminal song quotes from the Wizard of OZ, are another added feature to this complex Prog Opera. Currently four videos are in the works.

Steinhardt was in a reborn state of mind in the months prior to finishing the record. He and wife Cindy were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. He had started rehearsals and was preparing to hit the road in August when he became ill in May. Robby’s musical vision, voice and violin lives on with his first and only solo album, Not in Kansas Anymore! Release was delayed due to Steinhardt’s passing July 17, 2021.

Not in Kansas Anymore, Digital Download, CD and preorder LP with free Digital Download can be found at: www.robbysteinhardtofficial.com or www.solarmusic.com

Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu5T_3aEv0g

Robby was a big fan of local vinyl vendors. Here is where you will be able can to find LPs and CDs locally www.solarmusic.com/distribution

Bill Shafer Growing Bolder at PBS
Growing Bolder episode featuring Robby in 2018 before he started the project can be found here: https://growingbolder.com/stories/robby-steinhardts-unlikely-incredible-journey/

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

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