2012/06/19

Glam Rock Icon Michael Des Barres Returns To His London Roots With ‘Carnaby Street’

By glassonyonpr

For Immediate Release

Michael Des Barres Returns To His London Roots With ‘Carnaby Street’

June 18, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – There is much excitement within the music press and fans alike around the world about the news of the return of glam rock icon Michael Des Barres and his forthcoming CD release ‘Carnaby Street’ On Gonzo MultiMedia, UK. Michael Des Barres has been in the rock ‘n’ roll scene for four decades now. A European nobleman, brought up in England, living in Los Angeles, but with an enduring love of delta blues and the rock and soul of the mid-60s beat boom, he was front man for such seminal 1970s bands as Silverhead and Detective (featuring Tony Kaye of Yes). Jimmy Page personally signed Detective to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song records in 1975. From 1982 to 1985, Michael was a member of Chequered Past, which included Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols. Clem Burke and Nigel Harrison from Blondie, and Tony Sales of Todd Rundgren (‘Runt’) and Tin Machine fame. Michael Des Barres was also the singer with the touring and LiveAid version of The Power Station, a Duran Duran spin-off band that became one of the most iconic live acts of the mid-1980s. In 1985, Michael penned the song “Obsession”, which became a number one hit in 27 countries for LA new wave group Animotion; the track has been featured in numerous movies throughout the years.

After over 40 years of recording and performing, Michael has returned to his mid-Sixties roots with ‘Carnaby Street’, his first new album in many years. Revisiting his youth in swinging London, ‘Carnaby Street’ is an aural window into rock and roll’s past through the eyes and mind of Michael Des Barres. “The music I am making now is inspired by my past in the mid ’60s / early ’70s,” Michael explains. “As a kid I would go watch all the skinny white blues rock ‘n’ roll musicians in the clubs and it hit me like a hammer! I was so influenced by both the courage of these young white guys combined with the soulful rawness of the African American bluesmen, and the hybrid was so fascinating to me that it really stimulated my entire musical vocabulary. So, a couple of years ago, when I started writing songs again, I realised that I wanted these new songs to be as authentic as I had initially heard and was inspired by.”

This album may quote from the idioms laid down by Wilson Pickett, Zoot Money, and The Rolling Stones, but it is no exercise in retro-stylings. This is very much a piece of the second decade of the 21st Century. It may even be Michael Des Barres’ most important work to date. The opening line of the title track immediately sets the tone of the album; “I was 19 in 1967, on the streets of London. I was in Heaven. I was Oscar Wilde in velvet jeans. Everything you’ve heard is everything I’ve seen.” He is adamant that this is not an homage to mid-Sixties music, but a contemporary album by a contemporary band presenting songs about that particular time in his life: a time when as a teenager just entering manhood the world as a whole was celebrating ‘The Summer of Love’. “The name of the album ‘Carnaby Street’, for me, is a metaphor for the swinging London ’60s,” says Michael, “that whole youth cultural revolution that literally changed the world. So the name reflects my desire to go back to the roots, the joy and the love of the music when I first heard it.”

British born the Marquis Michael Philip Des Barres, along with his excursions into rock stardom, is also a gifted actor and is best known for his reccurring role as Murdoc on the popular television show ‘MacGyver’. He has been featured in dozens of movies and television shows over the past 40 years (including Seinfeld, ALF, Frasier, Bones, Ellen, Nip/Tuck and Pink Cadillac with Clint Eastwood) and was also a featured actor in the ’60s classic movie ‘To Sir With Love’ featuring Sidney Poitier. Michael was formerly married to GTO’s member Pamela des Barres, best known for her top-selling book ‘I’m With The Band’.

Recently, Michael Des Barres reunited with Silverhead for the first time in 38 years and performed to sold out audiences in Japan in April 2012. The reaction from the Japanese audience was electric! Michael is still very active acting and was featured in the US FOX television show ‘The Finder’ on May 4, 2012. A recent guest appearance on the new season of USA Network’s ‘Suits’ will air sometime this summer. He is also featured in the movie ‘California Solo’, in which Michael plays the manager of Robert Carlyle’s ex-rocker character, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on January 25th. In support of Michael Des Barre’s new album release, several live shows are currently being scheduled. “The majority of the people that have come to see us play, and we’ve only played perhaps a dozen shows, has been 80 percent a young audience, early and mid-twenties, who consider us an indie band, ironically,” says Michael. “The music we are playing is below the waist rock ‘n’ roll, and I think that the audiences are kind of starved for a carnal, sensual, sexy blues music. There’s nothing ironic about our music – there’s nothing angry or apologetic about our music. We are there to make people happy and joyous and fall in love.”

In closing Michael Des Barres has this to impart to his followers of the past four decades: “The message that I have to say to fans and friends, and I don’t think of them as fans, I think of them as friends – and they are friends. We should all be friends, and really my belief in connection and engagement and letting people into your life… and I say it in the briefest possible way – LOVE EVERYONE NOW!”

Michael Des Barres ‘Carnaby Street’ CD release date July 10, 2012

For more information visit Michael Des Barres official website: http://www.desbarres.com
‘Carnaby Street’ website: http://www.mdbimmedia.com/

To pre-order Michael Des Barres ‘Carnaby Street’ CD (Special Edition):
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15483/Michael_Des_Barres-Carnaby_Street.html

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

Leave a comment | posted in Michael Des Barres, Press Release

2012/06/18

Rock Chicago Magazine Review – Jon Anderson in Viper Alley

By glassonyonpr

Jon Anderson Blows Away Viper Alley!
by rockchicago

I had seen Yes during their 35th Anniversary Tour in 2004 and was so impressed by Jon Anderson’s voice which was as outstanding as ever after all these years. However, he had suffered from some life-threatening health issues since that time and had recovered, so I was eager to see if his voice had held up. In addition, I was also interested to see how his solo acoustic concert would compare to the Yes show I had seen and if it could keep my interest.
I attended the concert with my wife, who absolutely loves Jon Anderson’s voice. As we were waiting for the concert to begin she noticed an empty table at the front center of the stage which had a bouquet of roses laying there. Our question of who they were for was quickly answered as a woman walked out from the side of the stage just before the concert began and took her place at the table…it was Jon Anderson’s wife! All of a sudden there was the sound of birds over the speakers and then Jon Anderson came on stage to a standing ovation.
Before I delve into the music let me talk about Jon Anderson himself. There is an aura or a glow about this man which is so compelling. Warmth, sincerity, and spirituality emanated from him which engulfed the audience throughout the entire concert. There was absolutely no doubt that he was beloved by the concertgoers and he repaid the adoration with a wonderful concert experience.
As I inferred earlier, I was concerned that a solo acoustic concert would be less than compelling. When he began singing and I heard that distinctive voice, all my trepidation disappeared. He opened with a Yes song, “Yours is No Disgrace” playing the acoustic guitar and gave a very spirited rendition. He followed with another Yes song, “Sweet Dreams” and his enthusiasm swept over the audience who joined in by clapping along.
The most surprising aspect of the evening for me (and my favorite part) was his interaction with the audience. He would reminisce about his life/career and would then segue into a song. He was very entertaining, was quite the storyteller, and quite humorous.
He introduced the next song “America” by announcing he had become an American citizen a couple years ago. He then said he “can sing what I want now without worrying about being chucked out.”
In one of the humorous exchanges of the evening he talked about how he composed the Yes song “A Time and A Word” in 1969 as a reggae song. He said it was the only thing he remembered from that time and that he must have had a good time. He said he showed the song to his Yes band mates who said “We don’t do reggae, Jon.” He then performed it in a very spirited reggae style which the audience got into and clapped along enthusiastically. He then moved seamlessly into a cover of Bob Marley’s “One Love” which became an audience participation sing-along.
He then brought out a Chinese stringed instrument he called “George” and explained during his illness when he could not sing he would play this instrument to pass the time. He played two songs with this instrument “Under Heaven’s Door,” which the audience once again clapped along to and a selection from his solo album from the mid-1970s “Olias of Sunhillow” which was greeted with resounding applause “Flight of the Moorglade.” As I was watching him perform I was struck by the fact that he was having so much fun up there and was feeding off the enthusiasm of the audience.
Jon then shared a story about Vangelis, one of his frequent collaborators. He had mentioned that after Rick Wakeman left Yes he recruited Vangelis to replace him on keyboards. During rehearsals when Vangelis saw Steve Howe and his guitar he said “the electric guitar is not a real instrument.” Jon said Steve and Vangelis never spoke again and Vangelis left the band two weeks later. Back on guitar he played “I’ll Find My Way Home,” a Jon and Vangelis song which made the top ten inEngland.
Jon then went into a rousing rendition of the Yes classic, “Starship Trooper” and when he was hitting the high notes the audience roared its approval. When he went into “Wurm,” the closing instrumental section, his guitar playing intensified and he began scatting along! A definite highlight in my book. The audience agreed and rewarded him with a standing ovation.
He had a bit of a senior moment as he began the Yes song “To Live Again” when he said “I can’t remember the first line.” Well he eventually did and it was a very touching song, knowing all his past health trials and tribulations. He reflected that in 2006 his wife saved his life over and over again as he went through “seven or eight operations.” He then introduced the song “Unbroken Spirit” which he had received the lyrics to from a Polish musician and talked about its importance to him. As he sang the audience understood the song’s significance to him and I could see they were really into the lyrics as he performed. That is the effect of his charisma.
He followed that poignant moment with “Owner of a Lonely Heart” remarking that in 1984, Yes was the number one band in the world. He closed out the song with some scat vocals once again.
For the next segment of the concert he sat behind the keyboards. The audience was treated to a semi-Yes medley, “Close to the Edge,” “Heart of theSunrise,” and “Revealing Science of God.” My only complaint with these songs done on the keyboard was that they sounded a bit “piano lounge-like” which detracted a bit. That said a highlight of the piano set was when he did “Marry Me Again” which was absolutely lovely and he would occasionally gaze at his wife as he was singing…a special moment. To close out the piano segment he played “The Light of Love” which he turned into audience participation. He had them clap and join in on the chorus.
He took up the guitar once again and began to perform the Yes song “And You and I.” The crowd began to join in with clapping and he abruptly stopped. He said “I need to gargle.” He took a swig of water, gargled and started again! The audience got a big kick out of this as he wore a sheepish grin. As the song went on many in the audience began singing along. That led into another Yes standard, “Long Distance Runaround.”
In what was definitely one of the most interesting segments of the show he began to talk about writing his memoirs. He talked about his brother Tony, how they grew up on a farm and how they started in a band together. He then shared stories about the 60s music scene and how he met the curly haired lead singer of the band, Listen, Robert Plant, who gave him his first exposure to marijuana. He then performed the song “Tony and Me” which was basically reminisces of growing up with his brother.
He picked up “George” again and played another lively “Olias” song, “To the Runner.” Once again the “Olias” selection was well-received by the crowd.
The ensuing Yes song, “Turn of the Century” has always been one of my favorites and I was not disappointed by his version.
He closed out the set with two Yes classics. He began “Your Move” and the audience was instantly into it, clapping and singing along. Jon had the biggest smile on his face and continued to encourage the audience along. He continued into “All Good People” and the crowd was swept along. He closed with “Roundabout” and the entire audience was standing, clapping, and singing along. He received a well-deserved standing ovation.
When he came back for the encore he performed a Jon and Vangelis song “State of Independence” and the Yes song “Wondrous Stories.” Another highlight of the night was his closing song, the beautiful Yes song, “Soon.” It is such a meaningful song, wonderfully sung and the audience listened with rapt attention, almost hanging on every word, totally spellbound. When he finished the audience responded with another standing ovation. What a great show.
After the show my wife and I were speaking about the concert with both of us in agreement that it was an outstanding show. She remarked how great his voice still sounded. I know all in attendance felt the same way. As stated earlier he has such a charismatic presence and he really touches you. As he sings, he has such sincerity and he draws you right in with him. He is an amazing talent and I completely enjoyed all aspects of the show. Because of his stories he shared, I left the show knowing more about him, endearing him to me even more.
I would like to comment on the venue, Viper Alley. It is truly a great place to attend a concert. There is an intimate feel, a “club-like” setting, and the sound was superlative. An added bonus is the food. My wife and I arrived early and had dinner before the show. I was not to sure what to expect, but the food was delicious, ample portions, and the service excellent. All around it made for a wonderful evening and I know for a fact my wife and I will be back for more dinners and shows!
Reviewed by Peter S. Sakas on 6/8/12

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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

2012/06/16

Santa Cruz Patch Interview with Jon Anderson

By glassonyonpr

5 Questions with former Yes singer Jon Anderson, who is Touring Solo
Anderson brings an artistic solo show to the Rio Theatre June 21.

By Brad Kava

With the band Yes, singer Jon Anderson has sold more than 50 million discs since the late 1960s and his band’s following has been so passionate, it has been written about as a religion.
Along with Pink Floyd and King Crimson, Yes is one of the cornerstones of progressive rock, a genre that infused classical and operatic sensibilities with rock. It told stories in long, elegaic songs miles and light years away from the three-minute singles that were the mainstay of popular radio, but not that far from what bands such as the Beatles tried in concept albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
For Yes fans it’s tragic that the band hasn’t been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which seems as predictable and slavish to fashion as the earlier stone-walled museums it tried not to be.
Anderson has left the band he co-founded and plays a rare Santa Cruz show June 21 at the Rio Theatre. Yes, meanwhile, goes on without him, using a singer from a Yes tribute band when it appears in San Jose August 14.
Anderson’s show includes classic Yes material, new songs and stories told from five decades on the road. He’s still working and constantly recording; he most recently released a beautiful single called Limitless Lives with Italian composter Marco Sabiu.
Anderson took some questions by phone from his home near San Luis Obispo, a place he fell in love with on a car trip.

Why aren’t you touring with Yes?

I got very sick, as you know (he suffered acute respiratory failure) and they wanted to go off and keep making money and keep touring. They got a young Canadian singer who looked and sang like me. Then that didn’t work and they got another one. After a year and a half they are just out there. It’s not the best thing in the world for the legacy.
They are doing their thing. They love being on the road, but there’s more to life than that kind of work. It’s not really very healthy.

Why are you playing solo?

I still believe in the music, Yes music. Bands split up. The Beatles split up and that really pissed me off. It’s disappointing as a real fan. I feel a bit of a heartache, but you get on with your life.
I’m 67 this year. I’ve toured and toured and toured and toured with Yes. This solo tour is more like a holiday. It’s fun just putting on a good show. I play guitar, ukelele, dulcimer and I’ll be selling a small amount of open painted jeweled cases, six per show. I love creating art work.

Are you still living in San Luis Obispo?

I live south of there. I’ve been living here nearly 15 years. I’m an American citizen now. I’m always in my studio working. I finished a dozen songs with a friend in L.A. I’m working on an album with Rick (Wakeman, Yes’s keyboardist, who has also left the band).

What about your new song, Open, a symphonic-style piece with orchestral instruments that reminds me of Tales from Topographic Oceans?

It’s a 20-minute piece of music that I started last spring and wanted to put out on my birthday (Oct. 24). People like it. Music is more than just having a hit record or being on TV. Music is more powerful than everything. I’ll play some of it in concert. I wrote it on acoustic guitar. (You can get it here, or on iTunes.)

Why isn’t Yes in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

I just don’t think the people in charge – I was there last year doing a show and I got on very well with them – they just don’t recognize Yes as being very important. Maybe in 10 years time they will and we’ll all get together.

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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

2012/06/13

Examiner.com Review – Jon Anderson in Chicago

By glassonyonpr

Jon Anderson shares stories and favorite songs at Chicago show

Ashley Perez
Chicago Music Examiner

Jon Anderson, former singer of the band Yes, stopped by Chicago June 6 as part of his North American tour. He performed a two hour set at the Mayne Stage that brought the audience back to the hazy days of the 60’s and 70’s. He played a slew of instruments, including the Chinese string instrument called gorge, a ukelele, the keyboard and of course his trusty acoustic guitar. It was Anderson’s wife’s birthday, who was sitting in the front row. He asked the audience to join him in a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” to which they happily obliged.
Some of the songs in the set list included Yes’ “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Heaven’s Door,” the sweet and humorous song dedicated to his brother “Tony and Me,” “Turn of the Century,” “Sweet Dreams,” and a snippet of the beautiful and epic “Open.” He even threw in a cover of the Bob Marley classic “One Love” that got the crowd singing along. Anderson’s voice was on point and never cracked once during the entire performance. Though he has faced health problems in his later years, it’s quite clear that it hasn’t affected his wonderfully unique voice in the slightest.
In between songs, Anderson shared stories of his days in Yes or on his early performing days. One interesting and funny story that was told was about how he met a young Robert Plant who offered him a “special cigarette.” Another story was about going to collaborator Vangelis’ house where he shot an arrow out of an open window. The stories were interesting, fun and humorous and gave the audience a chance to interact with Jon, making it a night to remember. It was clear the audience was having a good time as they sang along with Anderson, cheered him on, danced at their tables, and gave him a standing ovation during the end of the show and the encore. You could hear their excitement and applause as the opening chords of their favorite song were played. The place was filled with excitement, happiness, and lots of love.
Jon Anderson is currently working on a follow up to the 21 minute masterpiece “Open” called “Ever.” If you missed the show or just want to see Jon again, you’re in luck. There are still several dates left on his North American tour. To see where Jon will be playing next and to buy your tickets visit hisofficial site.
Jon Anderson North American Tour dates
June 3 – Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theatre
June 6 – Chicago, IL – Mayne Stage
June 8 – Lincolnshire, IL – Viper Alley
June 11 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
June 12 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
June 16 – Napa, CA – Napa Valley Opera House
June 19 – Livermore, CA – Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center

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2012/06/12

The Barn Presents Interview with Jon Anderson

By glassonyonpr

Legendary Yes Vocalist Brings Classics and Great Stories to Town with Solo Tour

Posted on June 5th, 2012 by steve in Features, Interviews, Top Stories

Dial up any classic rock station in the world and you’ll likely hear Jon Anderson within an hour or two. As lead singer of the prog-rock stalwarts Yes, his iconic voice weaves through the musical lives of baby-boomers and Gen Xers everywhere.

But sidelined by his former Yes bandmates after an extended illness — in favor of (heard this one before?) a cover band vocalist — you would think Anderson would be bitter. Not so. In fact, in The Barn’s conversation with Jon, he was quick to reinforce how much fun he’s having with the stable of exciting projects that he’s currently involved in. Ever the optimist, Jon has kept himself busy with studio and live work, and finds himself headed to the Chicago area for two solo shows filled with classics, new songs and old stories never told before.

The Barn talked to Jon about his split with Yes and relationship with his bandmates, his upcoming solo tour and what keeps the progressive pioneer positive and healthy into his 67th year.

You have two shows coming up in the Chicago area [June 6 @ Mayne stage, June 8 @ Viper Alley]. What’s in store for fans who make it out?

I do an acoustic show with a guitar. I play a little piano and dulcimer… a few songs on the ukelele. I tell stories about my life and sing my favorite Yes songs that everybody likes. Some of the songs from collaboration with Vangelis and some new ones.

What about the storytelling? What types of things can we expect to hear?

Generally how songs came about. Crazy things that happened on the road. Meeting Vangelis for the first time and what a crazy guy he was.

I’m a huge fan of musical journeys. I just stumbled across a project you did called Open. Can you tell me about your approach to longer form pieces?

That’s been a part of what I do going way back to Gates of Delirium. I wrote [Gates] on piano and presented it to the band as just me playing piano. It must have sounded really bad. Long form music was something I really enjoyed doing so last year I started writing with the guitar and and an open structure. I had a friend who did beautiful orchestration. Over about a period of a few weeks here and there, I was in touch with some young people that I had been working with and got a couple of them to come and help me and do some work on the project.

They were brilliant — just young kids who listened to the music and just played on it. Really good! We used some seniors from the local school who have an acapella band. My wife sang; so did a couple of other friends. It was an ongoing thing that I worked on now and again for four months.

I released it in October on my birthday.

Do you have a next phase?

I’ve already worked on the next piece. I’ve got the structure down and I’m just now working on it. I’m doing other things now but eventually it’ll be ready later this year.

It is an important part of my musical experience. It’s an adventure and a lot of fun.

You release a lot of music. It seems like concepts and songs come easily to you. Is that the case?

I like making music. I’m fortunate to be able to work with lots of musicians through the Internet. I get people sending me music every week. I develop it, keep working on it. You get some music that you’d never dreamed you’d work on.

I just finished doing a project with a friend in Los Angeles and now we’re going to get into the production. We’ve written about a dozen new songs and its a very exciting time.

Can you tell me about the songwriting process. Do you have to lock yourself up and create for a week or does it come to you all the time?

It’s something that happens all the time. I’ve got a studio here in the back garden of my cottage and generally what I’m doing is receiving music from others. I’ll sing melodies and lyrics and send it back. After a while, you’ve finished quite a lot of musical ideas. Every time I get to new music, I see a different challenge. I don’t want to keep doing the same thing.

Talk a little about Rick Wakeman. You always seem to find ways to collaborate with him. Are you really good friends?

Oh yeah. We were always friends. We’ve had a couple of times where he got very sick and I went to see him in the hospital. That sort of thing, it really just mulls the friendship. He’s a lot of fun to be around. He’s a crazy guy. We have a good time.

You recently collaborated with him on a live CD. Tell me a bit more about that project.

The tour was a lot of fun. We always enjoy working together on stage just the two of us. We finished up recording a few of the shows and decided to put out a live album since it changed the songs in such a different way.

I was reading about Kanye West, who sampled one of your vocals for one of his songs. I heard that you were flattered by this. Coming from an LP era, what do you make of the digital world? You seem to have taken to it very well.

You know we did that kind of sampling way back when we did 90125 — there was a lot of that going on. You use modern technology as much as you can and really try your best to make it work musically. It is something that is part of life. You can’t discount it. You want to work with it and make it happen, really.

Some people are interested in staying with what they do which is kind of cool. Me, I just like doing different things. It’s just the way I am.

What kind of music do you like to listen to nowadays?

I always have my Sirius radio on the 40′s music. It’s my childhood — I was born in ’44 so I listen to music that I remember as a little kid: Bing Crosby, Big Band, Jazz, things like that.

On the other side of that, I listen to new things that are happening, there are some girls who write beautiful music called First Aid Kit. Really good songwriters and great video work as well.

I tend to keep in touch with different people. I went to see a band the other week called Group Love who were really good. I work with a lot of young musicians and there are many that go to this music school nearby in San Luis Obispo, where I live. I was there a couple of weeks ago, writing and recording a song together.

Are there any other newer artists that you would love to collaborate with?

There are so many talented people out there. I’ve been working a lot with people who get in touch with me that are already making music — they know who I am and what I like to do. Currently, I”m working with a couple dozen people around the world. Writing music with people anywhere from North Africa, France, Australia, New Zealand. Some guys from LA.

Besides singing and playing, I hear you are also a painter.

I used to love painting in school. When I went on the road, I like to paint, sketch, water colors. Over the last few years, I do it like meditation. Sit down. Zone out. Be in the place where you forget about everything. It’s beautiful.

There are some really beautiful pieces of work on the website. How’s your health?

Pretty good. It’s been rough this last month since there’s a lot of pollen in this area. I’m getting ready to go on tour… rehearsing. My voice is sounding good. Life is good and I’m very happy about a lot of things.

Dream Dancing By Jon Anderson

Do you do anything to keep your voice in shape?

I sing everyday. On the road: don’t talk to much, save you energy for that show at night.

You’ve got a tour and expect a CD in the summer. What else is coming down the road?

I’m going to London to perform at the Olympic Games with the Slovakian Orchestra. I’ll go to Brazil and Uruguary. I’m doing a concert with an orchestra in Chile. Generally keeping very busy, keeping going.

It was great to talk to you. Looking forward to the shows. Wishing you well on the road.

It’ll be a good night out!

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Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Jon Anderson

2012/06/11

Something Else Reviews – Rick Wakeman – In the Nick of Time

By glassonyonpr

Rick Wakeman – In the Nick of Time (2012)
Posted by Nick DeRiso
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If there is a central image of prog rock’s excesses, it is likely the cape-sporting Yes man Rick Wakeman surrounded by a semi-circle of towering keyboards.
But strip away at the pomp, the pageantry and, yeah, the cape, and there remains just as much musical brilliance, something you’re reminded of all over again with this never-before-released live date from 2003 with the New English Rock Ensemble. At times, In the Nick of Time has an almost unquenchable propulsion, as Wakeman works in furious bursts of creativity — moving from classically inspired fugues to gnarled rock squalls and back again, with all of these winkling squiggles of color in between.
There’s even a tasty deep-cut nugget for fans from his Yes years in the closing track “Wurm,” originally included as the final segment of “Starship Tooper” on 1970′s The Yes Album. It’s interesting not just because the track dates to before Wakeman’s tenure in the band, but also in that the Steve Howe composition doesn’t end up as a showcase for guitarist Ant Glynne (a veteran of tours and sessions with Asia, Mike Oldfield, Slash, Carl Palmer, Mavis Staples and Simon Phillips), so much as the young percussive bassist Lee Pomeroy — who performs with a thrumming power. Wakeman lets that unspool for awhile, before eventually powering his way to the fore with an expansive solo full of soaring runs.
[SOMETHING ELSE! REWIND: Long before Yes, Rick Wakeman was an ace studio musician. We examine his genius first-take contribution to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”]
In the Nick of Time opens with “Catherine Parr,” originally the finale on Wakeman’s 1973 solo release The Six Wives of Henry VIII, a complex and involving character analysis that finds Wakeman exploring both organ and synthesizer, before the track moves into a leaping, guitar-driven section powered by Glynne. Wakeman’s then-new album Out There provides both the title track and “Cathedral in the Sky.” The former becomes the first to showcase vocalist Ashley Holt — whose best-known work with Wakeman dates back to Six Wives and 1974′s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. (No Earthly Connection, 1976′s stripped-down set piece, also included both Holt and this date’s drummer Tony Fernandez, a sideman on Wakeman’s underrated 1985 release Silent Nights.)
These important assists from the New English Rock Ensemble, with whom Wakeman has been scheduling dates again for this summer, give In the Nick of Time a complexity that swerves well away from the baroque caricature: “Cathedral” includes a thunderous chorus, and a churchy organ turn from Wakeman to boot. Meanwhile, there is a diaphanous classical feel to “Dance of a Thousand Lights,” originally found on Wakeman’s 1999 concept albumReturn To The Centre Of The Earth. “White Rock,” the title song from a 1977 soundtrack, retains the original’s intricate amiability.
It’s not a perfect record. For instance, I have never found a way to like Holt — an often brittle, bombastic vocalist — as much as Wakeman so clearly does. That’s a small thing, however, on a project with so many sweeping delights.In the Nick of Time ends up as a tour de force reminder of the talent that always girded Rick Wakeman’s legend, with or without the cape.

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Leave a comment | posted in Review, Rick Wakeman

2012/06/10

Jon Anderson Seattle Music Insider interview now online

By glassonyonpr

THIS WEEK ON SMI RADIO: THE VOICE OF YES… JON ANDERSON

By Greg Roth

Jon Anderson is a rock legend. You hear his one-of-a-kind voice onYes classics such as Roundabout,And You and I,Long Distance Run Around, Owner of a Lonely Heart, Changes and many more.

His career spans 4 decades, which include several solo records, as well as collaborations withKitaro, Vangelis, and former Yes members, Rick Wakeman and Bill Bruford. His soaring tenor, combined with his spiritual and supernatural lyrics, have won him legions of loyal fans throughout the years.

This week on SMI Radio, it is my honor and privilege to bring to you a conversation with the incomparable Jon Anderson. Get a closer look at his storied career, his music and what inspires him to keep playing live.

Feast your ears on his collaboration with Rick Wakeman called The Living Tree, Survival and Other Stories and his most recent release, the epic Open, as well as your favorite Yes tunes.
Check out Jon’s complete body of solo work from his discography.

Jon will be in town next week playing two shows at The Triple Door, Monday, June 11th and Tuesday, June 12th.

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Leave a comment | posted in Interview, Jon Anderson

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