2024 Work in Progress..ive [Archive] - Aural Moon

nicola

02-18-2024, 04:43 AM

SONIQ THEATER
1904

ABOUT

SONIQ THEATER

...SONIQ THEATER
From Official website

Soniq Theater is a one-man project, presenting a blend of progressive styles, mainly symphonic progressive rock with
elements of metal, ambient, electronic music, classical music and fusion.
The music is composed, performed, recorded and mixed by Alfred Mueller. As it is a one-man-project, the music is not planned to be played live.
Nevertheless Soniq Theater is heard already by many people in about 80 radios,
on the Soniq Theater website, in Youtube and many other music portals.
Soniq Theater is recommended to all open-minded progressive rock-fans and is appreciated
as well by “normal people” with some musical education.

Influences:
- prog-bands of the 70’s: Yes, Genesis, Kansas, ELP, King Crimson, UK, Camel, Happy The Man,
Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Supertramp
- progressive rock of the 80s: Saga, Marillion, IQ, Rush, It Bites
- german progressive rock: Anyone’s Daughter, Ines, Eloy, Eela Craig (Austrian)
- progmetal bands: Dream Theater, Enchant, Symphony X, Royal Hunt
- progbands of the 90s: Magellan, Cairo, Everon, Spock’s Beard, Porcupine Tree, Glass Hammer
- progbands of the new millenium: Unitopia, Brother Ape, Moth Vellum
- electronic music of Tangerine Dream, Christopher Franke, Michael Hoenig, Vangelis, Jean Michel Jarre,
Rainbow Serpent, Davol
- fusion of Bruford, Colosseum II, Jean-Luc Ponty, Dixie Dregs, Pierre Moerlen's Gong,
Dave Grusin, Spyro Gyra, Pat Metheny Group, The Rippingtons
- prog-related artists: Rick Wakeman, Kit Watkins, Mike Oldfield, Alan Parsons Project,
Karl Jenkins (of Soft Machine and Adiemus), Rupert Hine, Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs),
- other artists: Yanni, David Arkenstone, Rondo Veneziano (Gian Piero Reverberi), Gandalf, Liz Story
- classical music: symphonies and baroque music

Studio-Equipment:
Alfred uses a midi-system, consisting of: Ensoniq TS10 as a masterkeyboard, Ensoniq EPS sampler, Yamaha SY85 Synthesizer,
Roland JV1080 soundmodule, Korg TR-Rack, E-MU Vintage Keys, E-MU B-3 Hammond Organ module
E-MU Orbit soundmodule, Alesis DM5 drummodule.
Effectprocessors: Digitec Studioquad Multieffectprocessor, Alesis Microverb III,
Ibanez SDR1000 Digital Reverb.
Tascam 788 8-track harddisc recorder
Mixing console: Behringer Eurorack MX2802
Sony DAT-Recorder

Biography of Alfred:
Born in 1962
Taking organ lessons since the age of 12
First synthesizer when he was 17
At the age of 18 he had his first band
Played in bands of different styles (see below history of bands and projects)
In 1992 he won the rock-contest HEADLINER in Germany with his band Rachel’s Birthday
In 1996 Rachel’s Birthday’s CD “an invitation to” was released
In 1998 he received the Award First Class from the Preston University for his compositions
1999 start of Soniq Theater

part of the band's history and Projects:
1999 – now: SONIQ THEATER
1995 TIMELESS ( funk, soul jazz band)
1991 – 1997 RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY (progressive rock band)
1992 Joerg Weigand (he accompanied the folk guitarist Joerg Weigand in his ensemble)
1990 – 1991 FISCHER X ( rock-cover-band)
1987 – 1989 EMERALD (artrock band, pre-Rachel’s Birthday)
1986 – 1998 RED ELF (projectname for all solo-productions during that time)
1984 – 1986 QUENYA (artrock band)
1984 BAUMSTUMPF (band with different styles)
1983 – 1985 UTOPIA (later ON FUNCTION) (artrock-band)
1981 – 1983 SUNSET (jazzfusion-band)
1980 – 1982 DECAY OF INNOCENCE (rock’n roll and artrock band)

Alfred’s 10 favourite albums:
KANSAS – Leftoverture
GENESIS - Selling England by the Pound
YES - Relayer
DREAM THEATER – Images and Words
ENCHANT – A Blueprint of the World
BRUFORD – One of a Kind
TANGERINE DREAM - Optical Race
MICHAEL HOENIG - Xcept One
INES – Hunting the Fox
UK – Danger Money
MAGELLAN - Impending Ascension

1903

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

1905

1906

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brjvl1wZkHc

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

02-20-2024, 04:39 AM

HUGO TORO

ABOUT

HUGO TORO

At the moment I haven't been able to find a photo or any news about him, maybe I'll write to him and see if I can get something, at least I have a contact.
the only information is that he is a Spanish multi-instrumentalist,
he composed all the tracks on the album,
all the instruments are played by him
Production, mastering and art cover always all handled by Him

1907

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

1908

1909

The End-HUGO TORO
https://hugotoro.bandcamp.com/track/the-end

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

02-21-2024, 03:00 AM

KARFAGEN
1921

ABOUT

KARFAGEN

...KARFAGEN
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Karfagen biography
Founded in Ukraine in 1997

KARFAGEN (meaning Carthago) is a symbol of glory and wisdom, a never-ending journey into the world of the forgotten past and unpredictable future.

KARFAGEN is the brainchild of multi-talented musician and composer, Antony Kalugin. The name was first used in 1997, when Antony formed a band at school. While he was studying at the architectural university a year later, he began to record the first Karfagen compositions in one of the local studios, and a few tracks from this period can be found on the `Key to Perception' compilation from 2009.

In 2005 Antony Kalugin with his assembled musicians went into the studio to record `Continium', the first Karfagen album, which led the band to sign with Unicorn Digital (Canada) the following year. It was highly acclaimed by listeners, which inspired Antony to continue his work and release a second album `The Space Between Us' in early 2007. Later that year he signed with Caerllysi Music (UK).

In order to expand the boundaries of the musical landscape, Antony often collaborated with many different unique musicians. Therefore, in 2011 on the `Lost Symphony' album, Roberto Diaz (Cuba) from ANIMA MUNDI took part as an additional guitarist; in 2013 on `Aleatorica', Tomek Mucha provided electric violin and Sergey Klevenskiy added clarinet, whistles and flutes. In 2014 Mathieu Spaeter appeared as a main guitarist on `Magicians Theatre' as well as Pascal Gutman playing some stick-bass on the `Yuletide' track.

Karfagen is mainly an instrumental band that shows imaginative use of keyboards and guitars, classical and ethnic instruments. Their style can be described as symphonic art-rock with a hint of new-age, folk, jazz-rock and neo-prog in places. Their influences are CAMEL, FOCUS, HAPPY THE MAN, GREENSLADE, THE FLOWER KINGS, UK and KAYAK.

Also inspired by the composers Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Prokofiev, Edward Grig and Pyotr Chaikovskiy, Antony's compositions are always well-constructed and thoughtful. The sound is enhanced by such instruments as oboe, bassoon, accordion, violin, cello, flutes, saxophone and pipes.

In addition to imaginative music, every Karfagen album cover is picturesque and charismatic in the tradition of the classic progressive rock era.

Antony doesn't stand still. On one hand, the sound of Karfagen is unique and recognisable, but on the other hand, with each consecutive album Antony brings something new and special, and always fresh and innovative. You never know what to expect from the next chapter of Karfagen's symphonic rock poem. So, welcome to the show and to Antony's Magician Theatre!

Antony: `With every album and every track I try to bring the warmth and atmosphere of the Seventies. It doesn't mean that I'm blindly copying it, just that I'm in a constant flow of searching and experimenting. I'm not a fan of the frequent aggression of modern albums, the artificial complicity in much of it or technique and virtuosity over songcraft. For me, melody and the ability to write proper compositions are first. That is something that still makes us excited about the sounds of the `Golden Era' of Prog of the Seventies. I produce music that I would want to hear as listener, who seeks those natural emotions and charm in a boundless sea of sound...'

Biography updated by Michael Hodgson (Aussie-Byrd-Brother)

1920

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

1922

1923

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lo3Z2eitRg

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

02-22-2024, 10:05 AM

SCOTT HENDERSON
1930

ABOUT

SCOTT HENDERSON

...SCOTT HENDERSON
From Official website

Born in 1954, Scott Henderson emerged in the 1980s with his legendary band Tribal Tech, and has since become one of the top guitarists/ composers in jazz fusion. Scott grew up in South Florida where he played blues-rock and funk, and was influenced by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, and his favorite blues guitarist Albert King.
Even though Henderson began his career as a blues-rock player, it was the influence of jazz that led him to the style of playing and composing that he's now famous for. Besides being a world class player and premier composer, Scott's trademark is his beautiful tone and striking ability to blend jazz with blues, rock and funk, creating a soulful and unique voice on the guitar.

Scott studied arranging and composition at Florida Atlantic University, then moved to Los Angeles in 1980. He toured and recorded with Chick Corea's Elektric Band, violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, and was pleased to get the opportunity to work for four years with one of his favorite musicians, Weather Report's Joe Zawinul. He recorded three albums with the Zawinul Syndicate, then left his career as a sideman to form Tribal Tech, one of the most popular fusion groups of the 80s and 90s, recording ten critically acclaimed albums. In 1992, he was named #1 Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player's Annual Reader's Poll, and in 1991, #1 Jazz Guitarist in Guitar World magazine.

After Tribal Tech, Scott became a solo artist in a guitar trio format, and has been touring extensively since 1997 in over 70 countries. In 2019, he won both Best Guitarist and Best Jazz-Rock/Contemporary Group in Jazz Times Reader’s Poll. “People Mover”, featuring Romain Labaye on bass and Archibald Ligonniere on drums, was voted best fusion album of 2019 by Jazz Times magazine. His first solo album "Dog Party", a welcome retreat to his musical roots, won Best Blues Album of 1994 in Guitar Player Magazine. His next albums "Tore Down House" and "Well to the Bone" paired Henderson with legendary vocalist Thelma Houston. "Vibe Station", released in 2015, was listed by many music critics as one of the top 10 instrumental albums of the year.

Scott has also released two albums with "Vital Tech Tones", a trio collaboration with bassist Victor Wooten and former Journey drummer Steve Smith. In 2009 he began touring worldwide with the HBC Trio, featuring bassist Jeff Berlin and drummer Dennis Chambers, recording their album "HBC" in 2012.

Also very well known as a clinician, Scott is on the faculty at Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, and has written columns for Guitar Player Magazine and many other guitar publications. His instructional books and videos for top publishers such as Hal Leonard Publishing, Alfred Music, and My Music Masterclass, are highly popular with guitarists studying jazz and fusion.

1929

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

1931

1932

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhIR0_QqAD0

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

03-19-2024, 04:45 PM

STEVE HACKETT
1944

ABOUT

STEVE HACKETT

...STEVE HACKETT
From Progarchives.com

Steve Hackett biography
Stephen Richard Hackett - Born February 12th 1950 (Pimlico, London, UK)

GUITAR BASED MUSIC WITH VARIOUS STYLES
(Blues, Classical, Folk, Jazz, New Age and Progressive Rock)

Steve HACKETT needs no introduction. He is definitely one of the major guitarists of this century. Ex-GENESIS, he is now a major force in the domain of music composed for guitar, rock as well as classical. Steve is a complex musician, drawing influence from a wide variety of styles and melding them into super compositions. His music has evolved over the years, and while some of it was not up to the standards that he set with other albums. They are still excellent.

HACKETT joined GENESIS as guitarist in early 1971 and featured across ten albums of their history. He replaced Anthony PHILLIPS, and stayed with the band during their successful mid-70s progressive rock period. I remember once reading that, if GENESIS lost their "brains" when Peter GABRIEL left, then they surely lost their "heart" when Steve left. In a way, it is easy to see how HACKETT was "crowded out" of Genesis in 1977. From "Nursery Crime" in 1971 to the double-live "Seconds Out" in 1977, he created in his solo albums his own style, dominated by his guitars, sometimes very classical or at times furious. His tracks go from a symphonic Progressive style to a more energetic rock.

From the first album "Voyage Of The Acolyte" while he was still with GENESIS to his most recent ones, all are MUSTS. For the most part, all of the compositions on HACKETT's first five solo albums are well-thought-out and impeccably well crafted. I would highly recommend "Voyage of the Acolyte" (missing GENESIS album), "Please Don't Touch" (powerful), his TRADEMARK "Spectral Mornings" (pure magic), "Defector" (another amazing album by Steve), and "Cured" (pop-oriented). This, along with "Time Lapse", "The Unauthorised Biography", "Guitar Noir", "Darktown" and "To Watch The Storms", are the best for people curious about the HACKETT "feel". However I believe these are his bests - it could rightly be called "THE HISTORY OF MUSIC ACCORDING TO STEVE HACKETT." Get them ALL...and HAPPY LISTENING!!!

1943

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

1945

1946

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYwwEfDv4yk

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

03-28-2024, 03:57 AM

DRIFTING SUN
1948

ABOUT

DRIFTING SUN

...DRIFTING SUN
From Progarchives.com

Drifting Sun biography
Founded in Chesham, UK circa 1994 - Hiatus between 1999-2013 - Reformed in 2014

DRIFTING SUN were formed sometime during early-90's (originally named Drama), after French natives Pat Sanders (keyboards) and Manu Sibona (bass) left their homecountry and landed in the UK. There they met American singer Rafe Pomeroy and four pieces were recorded in a London-based studio, then sent to Musea for evaluation. The French label decided to sign the band on their branch-label Brennus and in 1996 the self-titled debut of the band sees the light with Karl Groom participating on one track.

Drifting Sun decided to move on as an independent group, the line-up was expanded with the addition of Tobin Bryant and Bryant's friend, guitarist John Spearman, while Pomerey was replaced by another American vocalist, Chris Martini.By the end of the year 1998 the band had launched the sophomore effort "On the Rebound".

What followed was a very long break, but recently Sanders gave his band another chance, gathering a new line-up with singer Peter Falconer, drummer Will Jones and bassist/guitarist Dan Storey. The third work of DRIFTING SUN "Trip the Life Fantastic" was released in early 2015, a digital album, available via several online digital stores.

1947

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

1949

1950

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN
https://driftingsun.bandcamp.com/track/frailty

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

03-28-2024, 04:13 AM

HEAD SPIN
1952

ABOUT

HEAD SPIN

...HEAD SPIN
From Progarchives.com

Head Spin biography
Nottingham, UK musician Andy SCOFFIN is single handedly writing, playing, programming and producing his instrumental psychedelic/space rock project HEAD SPIN which formed in 2020.

The lefthanded guitarist started playing at age 13, inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Steve Hillage, Andy Garcia and Frank Zappa among others. Over the next 10 years he played in a number of short lived bands before joining the Grateful Dead tribute band, the Grateful Dudes in 2015, remaining there until today. HEAD SPIN's debut, the 2021 ep "Digitalis" was followed by the single "Wax Donor" and the lp "Escape Velocity" the year after. 2023 saw the release of a single with a re-imagined version of "Moai", a track off the debut ep.

The music bears clear affinities with Ozric Tentacles - and Ed Wynne's solo material - as well as You-era Gong and the solo work of Steve Hillage.

1951

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

1953

1954

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN
https://headspin.bandcamp.com/track/half-remembered

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

04-09-2024, 10:21 AM

BIG BIG TRAIN
1956

ABOUT

BIG BIG TRAIN

...BIG BIG TRAIN
From Official Website

Big Big Train – 2023 Biography

‘Big Big Train have revisited the sound world of early Genesis and Yes and have managed to create music with great emotional clout‘

THE TIMES

‘Big Big Train channel the ambitions of 50 years ago but mix in enough of themselves to create work that sounds vivid and fresh. Melancholy has rarely sounded so seductive’ MOJO

‘They make beautiful, pastoral quintessentially English music’

BOB HARRIS, BBC RADIO 2

Big Big Train was founded by songwriter Gregory Spawton in 1990 and went through several line-up changes during the course of five albums. In 2009, with the recruitment of a new lead vocalist, David Longdon, and drummer, Nick D’Virgilio, the band embarked on a fresh start. Since then, Big Big Train have earned significant critical acclaim in both the mainstream and music press, won numerous Progressive Music Awards, played sold out shows and seen their albums reach number 1 in the Official UK rock charts and break into the top 40 in the Official UK album charts.

After a lengthy period as a studio band, Big Big Train returned to live performances in 2015. Following successful mini-residencies in London in 2015 and 2017, the band headlined the Night Of The Prog festival in Germany in summer 2018. They toured the UK for the first time in 2019, culminating in a sold out show at London’s Hackney Empire, subsequently released as the critically acclaimed Blu-ray Empire. The band also released two studio albums in 2021 and 2022, Common Ground and Welcome To The Planet.

Tragedy struck Big Big Train in November 2021 with the death of David Longdon. After careful consideration, and with the full support of David’s partner, in spring 2022 the band decided to continue and brought Italian vocalist Alberto Bravin on board.

Big Big Train played their first live shows in almost three years in September 2022 in the UK and the Netherlands. Joining Spawton, longstanding American drummer Nick D’Virgilio (Genesis, Spock’s Beard, Tears For Fears), Swedish guitarist/keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom (Beardfish, Gungfly) and the Big Big Train brass ensemble, these shows marked the live debuts of Alberto Bravin (PFM), Norwegian keyboardist Oskar Holldorff (Dim Gray) and British violinist Clare Lindley (Stackridge) and guitarist Dave Foster (The Steve Rothery Band, Mr So & So).

For their shows in August & September 2023, Italian guitarist Maria Barbieri is deputising for Dave Foster, who has prior commitments with the Steve Rothery Band.

In August and September 2023 the band played 17 shows in nine countries over the course of 21 days, with Maria Barbieri deputising for Dave Foster. The band will release their first album featuring Alberto Bravin as lead vocalist on 1st March 2024. This will be the band’s recording debut for the InsideOut/Sony label. The album will be issued as a limited edition media book, featuring Dolby Atmos and 5.1 mixes by The Pineapple Thief’s Bruce Soord as well as the regular stereo mixes by Rob Aubrey and Alberto Bravin, as well as a standard CD and in four different vinyl formats (black, tangerine orange, olive green and sky blue), as a Bandcamp hi res download and via all major streaming platforms. The band has announced a number of live shows for 2024 including four shows in the United States, co-headlining Cruise To The Edge in March and Night Of The Prog in July and performing at Cropredy in August

1955

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

1957

1958

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFXIp3-ygGY

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

04-09-2024, 12:02 PM

SAQQARAH
1960

ABOUT

SAQQARAH

...SAQQARAH
From Official Website

Saqqarah biography
Overlooked French group from Vannes, formed in 1992 by Patrice Mauvieux on guitars, Lou Van Der Cruyssen on vocals, Dominique Renault on drums, Christophe Bastien on keyboards and Herve Juguet on bass. Two years later they recorded a 3-track mini CD (''Peti eref tra su''), but the following year Bastien quit with Mauvieux playing also the keyboards. In 1996 a very good debut is released under the title ''Genese'', but another departure put the group on ice for four years, this time it was Lou Van Der Cruyssen who moved permanently to Egypt in 1998. In 2002 Saqqarah returned with new singer Jack Feys and released another album, ''Awakening'' in 2005. The same year Christophe Bastien rejoined forces with Saqqarah and stayed with the band for another four years, before parting ways again due to many constraints. Since 2009 Saqqarah continued as a quartet, but any further album activity has yet to see the light.

1959

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

1961

1962

The Watcher-SAQQARAH
https://saqqarah.bandcamp.com/track/the-watcher

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

04-09-2024, 02:53 PM

LEVIATHAN
1964

ABOUT

LEVIATHAN

...LEVIATHAN
From progarchives.com

Leviathan biography
It's very common to find Italian Symphonic bands, but no so much when we are talking about Italian Neo Prog bands. So when I knew I had to write again the LEVIATHAN bio, I placed special interest in them, to see how they blended their traditional and peculiar melodic sense with the strength and modernity of Neo Prog.

LEVIATHAN was formed in 1985 by three very young Italian musicians, Alex Brunori (vocals and lyrics), Franco Pezzella (keyboards) and Andrea Moneta, drums. Immediately the band started to work at their first demo "The 7% Solution EP" which saw the light in the same year. This demo has two long tracks, but sadly and because it was a tape and the distribution was limited, there are almost no copies of it today. But the point was made and they caught the attention of the critics due to their particular sound.

In 1987 LEVIATHAN recruits Sandro Wlderk (bass) and Rocco Paterna (guitar) and their definitive lineup was complete, with Wlderk credited for all the compositions and Brunori for all the lyrics and the conceptual art direction. Just before recording their first album, Rocco Paterna leaves the band, replaced by Giorgio Carana (recently deceased in 2016). They produced and released their official debut called "Heartquake", which for many is the first Neo Prog Italian release, in 1500 copies, 300 of which in red vinyl limited edition. The band starts a long and successful Italian tour in 1988 to support the album.

"Heartquake" presents clear influences of GENESIS, MARILLION and PENDRAGON, but with a clear respect to the lyrical and melodic roots of Italian Symphonic bands like PFM or BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO.

In 1989 Pezzella leaves the band and is replaced by the classically trained keyboardist Andrea Amici and they start the recording sessions of their second album, "Bee Yourself", which was again released independently in 1500 copies, 300 of which in yellow vinyl limited edition. The album was later reprinted on CD by Contempo and on vinyl by the Korean label Jigu Records (in 1991).

The album was a great success among critics and fans. It presented a 25 minutes suite, "Bee Yourself", that gave them the chance to perform not only in Italy, but also in France as well as in an epic presentation at the Teatro Olimpico in Roma.

In this occasion the Neo Prog tendencies blend with an exquisite Jazzy vibe which makes of "Bee Yourself" a rich and versatile album.

In 1993, Musea Records gets interested in the band and releases a CD version of "Heartquake" with a previously unreleased bonus track, but it was the beginning of the end. Giorgio Carana first and Sandro Wlderk later left the band with internal problems culminating with Alex Brunori, singer and lyricist, leaving the band as well. LEVIATHAN remained almost in a sabbatical until 1998, when they released their third album "Volume", which was the first to be sung exclusively in Italian by the new singer, Paolo Antinori (while the previous ones where sung in English).

Sadly, according to their fans, "Volume" is also the weakest of the trilogy, but still you can find many wonderful sounds, arrangements and solid guitar performances that make it worth getting.

In 2003 the Finnish Prog Conceptual Epic Opera "Kalevala" was released, and LEVIATHAN was invited to contribute to the project, adding the 10 minutes track "Filo di Lama" (Edge of the Blade). The success was so strong that they were invited to participate in a similar project called "Colossus of Rodhes" in 2004, where they contributed with a 26 minutes suite called "Un Pensero e Sempre Libero", which symbolizes their long and solid 24 year career.

Still it's not too late to see more from them.

Iván Melgar Morey

Thanks to Ghost Rider for the translations of the Italian material and to Alex Brunori for the latest (2016) updates.

1963

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

1965

1966

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSCEULVS3rcr

Heartquake-LEVIATHAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaaBwshrxJo&list=OLAK5uy_nXat6_UhdDymPNFrFExodHahDo8msHJlc&index=6

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

04-10-2024, 08:56 AM

MONKEY3
1973

ABOUT

MONKEY3

...MONKEY3
From progarchives.com and official website

Monkey3 biography
Founded in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2001

MONKEY3 are an instrumental psychedelic rock band from Lausanne/Switzerland showing Picasso (bass), Walter (drums), Boris (guitar) and keyboarder Mister M aboard. The music units elements of stoner, post and space rock, all this presented with a rather hypnotic fundament, a repetitive nature. Their self-released debut came out in March 2003.

One year later Belgium label Buzzville re-issued this album including a differing artwork. Afterwards they extensively toured Europe alongside bands like Alabama Thunderpussy, Mono, Dozer and Hypnos 69. April 2006 they went to the studio again in order to work on the follower album. February 2007 saw the release of '39 Laps' then.

MONKEY3 are currrently preparing for the next album, entitled 'Beyond The Black Sky'. Bands similar in style are The :Egocentrics, 35007, Serpentina Satellite, Los Natas.

Following their latest, much-acclaimed album, Sphere(2019), instrumental psych rock frontrunners MONKEY3 will herald 2024 with a true album highlight of the new year: The Lausanne-based four-piece has announced a brand new, cosmic studio offering, entitled Welcome To The Machine, set for release on February 23, 2024 via Napalm Records!

Once again, MONKEY3envelops listeners in their unique, cosmic auditory haze. Welcome To The Machine not only marks their seventh and most epic, dark and captivating record to date, but will also clearly prove why they are one of the most exciting instrumental rock bands in the modern stoner and psychedelic rock scene.

Welcome To The Machine’s musical themes are inspired by movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix, Sunshine, Solaris and1984, while unveiling an intense mankind vs. machines story that instantly launches the listener into deep space. Right from its first tones, the album immediately emerges as a perfect soundtrack to a journey into the unknown. Tracks such as "Rackman"perfectly showcase how MONKEY3, who formed in 2001, are one of only a few instrumental bands that know how to tell an enthralling story. Welcome To The Machineexplores as much as it poses questions. It is dark and menacing; evoking melancholic destruction while somehow bursting with hope at the same time, moving between haunting passages and progressive breaks, mesmerizing grooves and colossal riffs.

1972

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

1974

1975

Ignition-MONKEY3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4o2C6Fd3Q

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

05-20-2024, 12:20 PM

THE TANGENT
1977

ABOUT

THE TANGENT

...The TANGENT
From progarchives.com

The Tangent biography
Formed in 2002 in Northern England, UK

THE TANGENT is a project originally formed by Andy Tillison, Guy Manning and Sam Baine of PARALLEL OR 90 DEGREES [Po90] as well as half of THE FLOWER KINGS including Jonas Reingold, Zoltan Csorsz and guitar virtuoso and former KAIPA member Roine Stolt. Of course to put further icing on the cake David Jackson of VAN DER GRAFF GENERATOR would lend his legendary sax to the band for their debut album. This started out as a mere project and was actually intended to be a Tillison solo effort before it became a full fledged band as Tillison felt the need to produce something more typically 'prog' than he'd been doing in Po90. Of course it has to be noted that this really is Andy Tillison's affair since over the years the entire roster (spare Tillison and Manning) has been changed due to many different circumstances, which has really not affected the supergroup as many would expect. Often asked about his changing line up, Tillison responds by saying that it's all part of a prog band's life and fans of the genre know all about line-up changes by now. THE TANGENT is quite a dynamic band in terms of line up even now as they recruit several members of BEARDFISH onto their team, having been impressed by them on the "Not As Good As The Book" tour. This does make for a very dynamic sound which leaves the band with a fresh angle for each album. Often touted as a 'retro' band thanks to their old school sound, the band does have a very 'classic' prog feel to them with Tillison's prominent synths. THE TANGENT has often been compared to YES and KING CRIMSON in style because of the mixture of Light and Dark with Stolt and Tillison (respectively) at the helm of the project. Highly melodic and very inclined to write sprawling epics THE TANGENT should satisfy the tastes of any prog listener who wants to go back to the roots of the genre while maintaining a contemporary message and feel.

Their music is often cynical as Tillison has often been seen as 'the dark horse' of the modern progressive scene, his lyrics often poking fun at modern music and tendencies as shown in every one of their albums, but especially "The Music That Died Alone" and their newest effort to date, "Not As Good As The Book", which is a largely sarcastic and cynical look at the world that turned out to be not as good as we thought it would be. heir second effort, "The World That We Drive Through" continued the band's approach as on their first one but without the help of David Jackson on the sax. The first two albums can easily be seen to work in connection with each other even in naming conventions and the similar, striking artwork that graces both albums. If there's one thing that the second album did that really made it different from the first was establish that this was more than just a mere project, making cohesive suits (as opposed to split) and even changing their sound slightly (this one often seen as more jazz oriented) while keeping the general tone of the debut. "A Place In The Queue" remains a modern prog essential and proved that Tillison would be able to continue the band without the Flower King (Roine Stolt) on the roster.

This band is highly recommended to anyone who is a fan of THE FLOWER KINGS and anyone who wants to hear what's new in the prog scene. This is music by prog fans for prog fans as Tillison himself proves to be just as big as a prog freak as any of us would expect him to be and seems to know just how to quench the progressive thirst.

Bio Written by King By-Tor, Canada

1976

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

1978

1979

Andy Tillison presents the album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbqa5QP77L4

Good vision

The North Sky - THE TANGENT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuXZSL1Qi3Q

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

05-21-2024, 08:01 AM

THE DAME
1981

ABOUT

THE DAME

...The DAME
From progarchives.com

The Dame biography
Founded in The Hague, Netherlands in 2016

A Dutch female-fronted rock quintet The DAME have founded by Marian van CHARANTE (voices, guitar), Stephen de RUIJTER (guitars), Michel KREMPEL (bass), Thijs de RUIJTER (keyboards), and Ruben MEIBERGEN (drums), finally coming down to the earth in 2016. Their debut album "Losing Sight Of What You Want" has been released in February, 2018.and their second album in 2024

1980

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

1982

1983

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME
https://thedame.bandcamp.com/track/into-the-wastelands

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

05-21-2024, 02:48 PM

GLASS ISLAND
1988

ABOUT

GLASS ISLAND

...GLASS ISLAND
from an interview by Artur Chachlowski

Wojciech Pielużek, independent rock composer from Wrocław, guitarist, singer and, increasingly, music producer, has already written quite a list. In the years 2001-2007, as a very young musician, he was the frontman of the interesting and promising band Lavender. He then had the opportunity to share the stage with, among others, recognized prog-rock companies such as Riverside and RPWL. A few years later, he becomes the driving force behind the Strange Moments project, in which he is responsible for the compositions and parts of all instruments, and the microphone is entrusted to singers Asia Łukaszuk and Marzena Słowik. Pilużek is a very prolific and eclectic creator, a musical researcher who constantly searches for new solutions. Therefore, despite Strange Moments being well developed, he launched another project: Glass Island. The second album under this banner has just been released. An excellent album, harmonious and prog-rock. "The Damage Report" would not fail to win the ranking of the best albums created or co-created by Wojciech Pielużek.

Wojciech Pielużek another multi-instrumentalist, this way of creating albums is becoming more and more widespread and the results are always positive, lots of good music as in this case an album to listen to from start to finish, for now I choose a "stay_under_cover" but I could change

1984

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

1986

1987

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND
https://glassislandpoland.bandcamp.com/track/stay-under-cover

almost_human-GLASS ISLAND
https://glassislandpoland.bandcamp.com/track/almost-human

false_memories-GLASS ISLAND
https://glassislandpoland.bandcamp.com/track/false-memories

a_different_kind_of_tomorrow-GLASS ISLAND
https://glassislandpoland.bandcamp.com/track/a-different-kind-of-tomorrow

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

05-23-2024, 01:48 PM

COLIN MASSON
1993

ABOUT

COLIN MASSON

...COLIN MASSON
from Official Website

I have a BA hons degree in graphic design, and about 30 years of experience working in different parts of the industry. I am proficient in the use of photoshop, and Blender 3d, as well as in the use of traditional media. In the course of my career I have produced CD and vinyl album covers for numerous bands, music videos, 3d animated videos, including promotional videos for clients abroad working in the themepark industry. I have made 3d models for computer games, as well as standalone artwork, I have designed book covers, and worked with authors, in producing maps for their fantasy novels. In the traditional media, I have painted pub signs, murals, and produced logos for various companies. I am also a musician, having played in a band for 20 years, all over the country, including two stints at Glastonbury festival. I have released several albums, and have used my recording skills to make music for short films and computer games.

1992

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

1994

1995

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2gq0auWLSA

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

08-01-2024, 04:43 AM

CEN-projekt
2004

ABOUT

CEN-projekt

...CEN-projekt
from progarchives.com and official website

Cen-ProjekT biography
From Germany, this is the project of multi-instrumentalist Chirs ENGELS and a trio with bass player Wolfgang KROPF and drummer Marius BOFFGEN. The lyrics are inspired by poems. Chris has also released many studio albums under his name, but these are more on the heavier side. The music here in his 9 albums with the band has some influences from the 70's symphonic prog and bands like GENESIS and PINK FLOYD.

I am happy to release the new concept album "The Story of Enja" today :-) I assume it will be released on bandcamp first and then on all the usual platforms in the next few days. This album was important to me. It might be a bit different from the last albums. Sophie Brown and friends are also on it :-) I would like to thank Wolfgang Kropf, who recorded the bass and was a great help with the mixing. Have fun!

Chris Engels

each new album from this multi-instrumentalist is a confirmation of his value

2003

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

2005

2006

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt
https://cen-projekt.bandcamp.com/track/encounter-with-the-elven-prince

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

08-02-2024, 02:00 AM

AIRBAG
2008

ABOUT

AIRBAG

...AIRBAG
from official website

Airbag BIO
Airbag is hailed as one of the most important bands to emerge from the Norwegian progressive scene over the past decades. Their five critically acclaimed albums reveal a band that masterfully blends diverse musical styles and sounds, with a strong narrative listening experience. The band’s 6th album, The Century of the Self, will be released on Karisma Records summer 2024.
Airbag was formed in the mid 2000s by five high school class mates, including Asle Tostrup (vocals) and Bjørn Riis (guitars). The band released their first EP, titled Come on In in 2004 and a string of self produced EPs was offered for free on their website receiving nearly a quarter of a million downloads within a few months. The networking paid off and Airbag signed with the now prestigious Norwegian prog label Karisma Records in August 2008.

Airbag’s debut album, Identity (Karisma Records 2009) feature remixed songs from their previously released EPs. Identity received several album of the year awards, with the single, Colours, reaching top 3 on Polish national radio. Their second album, All Rights Removed (Karisma Records 2011) saw a change in the line-up and a more mature and confident band, with Henrik Bergan Fossum behind the drums. The album feature the epic seventeen minute long Homesick – a fan favourite showcasing the band’s ability to blend bombastic arrangements with ambient soundscapes.

2012 saw Airbag touring and opening for Marillion. Over the years, the band has shared the stage with several prominent names in prog, including Yes, Saga, Anathema, Pineapple Thief and Riverside. Airbag frequent some of the biggest venues in Europe and are three times returning guests at the annual Cruise to the Edge in the US.

The band’s next albums, The Greatest Show on Earth (Karisma Records 2013) and Disconnected (Karisma Records 2016) reveals a darker side of the band, with lyrics dealing with society’s destructive forces and the individual’s struggle to fit in. The ever current topics are underlined by heavier guitars and dramatic arrangements. Both albums received much praise for impressive production and musicianship.

Airbag’s 5th album, A Day at the Beach (Karisma Records 2020) was inspired by the resurgence of 1980s electronica, new wave and movie scores. Airbag created a powerful sound combining ethereal soundscapes with their signature guitar driven progressive rock. The result was a stunning selection of songs revealing a mature band looking forward, with an impressive legacy.

Airbag will be out touring in 2024/25 supporting their upcoming release The Century of the Self.
AIRBAG IS
Asle Tostrup (Vocals)
Henrik Bergan Fossum (Drums)
Bjørn Riis (Guitar)

2007

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

2009

2010

Tear it Down-AIRBAG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYNO5XLrCiQ

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

08-08-2024, 11:35 AM

BAROCK PROJECT
2012

ABOUT

BAROCK PROJECT

...BAROCK PROJECT
from official website

Barock Project was born in 2003 and have the goal to match classic music (mainly baroque), rock and a few jazz, substained by a pop structure to renew the beloved Progressive Rock of 70s. The head and founder of the project is the keyboard player and composer Luca Zabbini, affected by the passion for the famous keyboardist Keith Emerson (ELP). In the summer of 2004 Giambattista Giorgi, a young bass player, the drummer Giacomo Calabria and the voice of Luca Pancaldi joined to the band.
In January 2007 they performed live in Bologna with a string quartet. The arrangements are made by Zabbini and Rock In Theater is the DVD of the concert. In the end of the same year come out the first album Misteriose Voci under the label Musea Records and in the summer of 2009 the second record, Rebus under the italian label Mellow Records, gained good reviews both.

In March 2012 the french label Musea Records publish their third album Coffee in Neukölln, wrote totally in english.
Was the work which consacrate Barock Project such as Symphonic Prog Rock international band with a nomination to the Prog Awards 2012.
In the same year joined to the band Eric Ombelli(drum) and Marco Mazzuoccolo (guitar) and in 2014 started recording of the fourth and more complex album. At the end of 2014 the bassist Giorgi left the group and Francesco Caliendo took his place.

In January 2015 Barock Project announce the exit of Skyline,edited by Artalia with the help of a fundraising campaign and with partecipation of two big name of prog: Vittorio De Scalzi (New Trolls) and Paul Whitehead (first cover artist of Genesis).

In November of the same year Alex Mari take the place of Luca Pancaldi.
In May 2016 came out the live Vivo,a double cd of two hours of music, recorded during the tour played in 2015.
In March 2017 the sixth album Detachment saw the light, and the band performed in several concerts and festivals such Prog Dreams Festival in Holland and at Symphonic Night Festival at Tsutaya O-East in Tokyo.
In 2018 Barock Project was in tour in Holland, in USA at RosFest festival and one more time in Japan at Tsutaya O-West in Tokyo. The band completes the year with a concert to Auditorium Parco della Musica in Roma.
On August 2019 the band signs with the label Immaginifica by Aereostella and in September the band release the new album Seven Seas.
In February 2021 the band released Barock Project – The Boxset, that include the entire remastered band’s discography in studio.

In 2022 the band resumed concerts in England, participates in the prestigious Night Of The Prog festival in Loreley in Germany and in autumn perform as an opener on the P.F.M. italian tour.

In 2023 the band works again for the production of the new studio album, Time Voyager, out in 2024.

2011

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

2013

2014

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHusDgdXc4A

Live at TUSCANY HALL 2022 - BAROCK PROJECT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EDb_Qi_k8A

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

09-19-2024, 03:40 AM

INFRINGEMENT
2017

ABOUT

INFRINGEMENT

...INFRINGEMENT
from official website

Infringement

Hans Andreas Brandal // Vocals

Kristoffer Utby // Drums

Stig André Clason // Guitars

Bård Thorstensen // Keyboards

Emil Olsen // Bass

Our story so far

Infringement is an Oslo-based progressive rock band that formed in November 2015. The group’s origins trace back to a cold evening when Stig André Clason (guitar), Kristoffer Utby (drums), and Hans Andreas Brandal (vocals) met for the first time. Over whiskey and conversation, they began to forge the idea of creating a new musical project. The trio quickly bonded over their shared love for progressive rock and started to lay the groundwork for what would become Infringement.

By the spring of 2016, bassist Espen Larsen had joined the lineup, completing the core of the band. With the full ensemble in place, they decided to embark on an ambitious first project—a concept album titled Transition. Released in May 2017, Transition tells the story of a local community’s evolution over the course of centuries. The narrative is centered around one family, whose experiences are chronicled across generations, all viewed through the unique perspective of an anthropomorphized house. To bring their music to life on stage, keyboardist Bård Thorstensen joined the band for their live performances and soon became a permanent member of the group.

After the release of Transition, Infringement spent the next two years meticulously crafting their follow-up album, Alienism. Released in 2019 to critical acclaim, Alienism delves into the minds of patients at the fictional Gentmire Institute, a cutting-edge psychiatric facility. The album provides listeners with a glimpse into the world of The Alienist through the eyes of the Commissioner of Lunacy, who documents his findings in a series of journals. Alienism is a sonically ambitious work, characterized by its dramatic scope, intense atmosphere, and intricate storytelling.

Shortly after the release concert for Alienism, bassist Espen Larsen departed from the band, with Emil Olsen stepping in as his replacement. Despite the lineup change, Infringement continued to build momentum following the success of their sophomore effort.

Now, the band is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated third concept album, Black Science & White Lies. Set within the same intricate universe that ties all of Infringement’s albums together, this upcoming release promises to expand on their unique storytelling approach and further solidify their reputation as innovators in the progressive rock scene. With each new project, Infringement continues to push the boundaries of their genre, blending deep narrative elements with complex, emotive musicianship.

Live member

Stian Delbekk Johansen // Backing vocals

Former member:

Espen Larsen // Bass

2016

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

2018

...INFRINGEMENT
from official website

Tracks // 43:05

01 // White Lies // 20:08

pt. 1 - Doctrine

pt. 2 - Debasement

pt. 3 - Apostasy

pt. 4 - Devolution

pt. 5 - Heresy

02 // Black Science // 22:57

pt. 1 - Vacillation

pt. 2 - Conjugation

pt. 3 - Evolution

pt. 4 - Crimson Skies

pt. 5 - Dissension.

pt. 6 - Redemption

Formats:

Vinyl // Ltd Black and white Vinyl (150 copies numbered)

CD Digipak // Digital //

Straming // Spotify, Apple Music and all the others

Synopsis Black Science & White Lies

"Black Science and White Lies" is a complex narrative exploring themes of faith, identity, and redemption. The story is divided into two parts: "Devolution" and "Evolution," each portraying a distinct phase in the protagonist's journey.

Introduction: Doctrine

The narrative begins with an exposition of the teachings from the sacred text, Azamoth, which describes the creation myth and the dichotomy between good and evil. The protagonist's society believes they are the chosen ones, destined for salvation in Seenithe, the divine home of their mother. Those who stray are condemned to Nidir, a place of eternal damnation.

Part I: Devolution

Debasement The protagonist reflects on his oppressive upbringing under his father, a preacher. Struggling with the rigid doctrines and the prevalent despair, he ultimately abandons his faith. He engages in self-destructive behavior, feeling isolated and hopeless, and contemplates returning to his mother in Seenithe for solace.
Apostasy After a failed suicide attempt, the protagonist is rescued by a city guard from Periophous, who introduces him to a new ideology and a life free from the constraints of his former religion. This new belief system, coupled with a vaccine, liberates him from his previous afflictions.
Heresy The protagonist grapples with guilt and the loss of faith. His newfound beliefs bring peace but at the cost of his self-identity. He experiences a transformation, integrating into a collective society devoid of individuality.

Part II: Evolution

Vacillation Now part of Periophous, the protagonist finds himself in a seemingly perfect society. However, he feels misplaced and begins questioning the true nature of this utopia. Doubts about the society's intentions and the absence of suffering lead him to flee and seek the truth.
Dissension The protagonist escapes and reflects on his past, finding solace in a relationship with a broken woman. He battles inner turmoil and confronts the violent, indifferent world. The war-torn landscape and the genetic cleansing initiatives expose the harsh realities of his society.
Redemption Returning to his birthplace, the protagonist seeks reconciliation with his estranged father. He reflects on his life's mistakes and the burdens of his past. In a final act of introspection and atonement, he acknowledges his imperfections and expresses a desire to return home to his mother, symbolizing a quest for ultimate redemption.

Redemption and Atonement: The pursuit of forgiveness and redemption through introspection and reconciliation with the past.

Hans Andreas Brandal // Lead vocal, backing vocals

Stig André Clason // Guitars, backing vocals

Kristoffer Utby // Drums, backing vocals

Bård Thorstensen // Keyboards, backing vocals

Emil Olsen // Bass, baritone horn, backing vocals

Stian Delbekk Johansen // Special thanks for contribution

with backing vocal on album, and as a faithfull live member.

Music by Infringement

Lyrics by Hans Andreas Brandal

Arrangement by Infringement

Produced by Infringement and Simon Dolmen Bergseth

Recorded by Infringement

Mixing by Simon Dolmen Bergseth

Mastering by Kjetil Bergseth

Artwork, artwork concept by Beate Persdotter Løken

Photo of artwork by Per Buhre

Post work, colours and grading by Kristine Clason

Graphical design by Stig André Clason

Black Science (Part 1-6)- INFRINGEMENT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGMEtOwJM1o

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

09-19-2024, 06:19 AM

UNIVERSE EFFECTS
2020

ABOUT

UNIVERSE EFFECTS

...UNIVERSE EFFECTS
from progarchives.com

Universe Effects biography
Founded in 2012, Quebec based act UNIVERSE EFFECTS perform an epic and theatrical style of progressive metal with influences pertaining to bands such as DREAM THEATER and RUSH but also incorporating certain aspects of groups such as Porcupine Tree into their overall sound. Beginning as an instrumental outfit consisting of Gabriel CYR on guitar, Francis GREGORY on keyboards, Philippe POULIOT on drums and Dominic TAPIN-BROUSSEAU on bass, the band's chemistry immediately gelled, and the desire for a vocalist eventually resulted after numerous auditions with the addition of Antoine Gabriel VALLEY into the fold, who also performs acoustic guitar. After two years of writing and practicing, the act recorded their first full length album entitled ''In The Haze That Surrounds Us'', which was released in February of 2015. Highly melodic yet intricate in nature, their music features strong interplay between guitars and keyboards while retaining heaviness with their tight rhythm section.

Biography by Prog Sothoth

2019

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

2021

2022

2023

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS
https://universeeffects.bandcamp.com/track/waves

Release-UNIVERSE EFFECTS
https://universeeffects.bandcamp.com/track/release

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

09-25-2024, 07:01 AM

KAIPA
2031

ABOUT

KAIPA

...KAIPA
from progarchives.com

Kaipa biography
Founded in 1973 as "Ura Kaipa" - Disbanded in 1982 - Reformed in 2000

In their early years, KAIPA was one of Sweden's best Symphonic Prog bands. Roine STOLT from THE FLOWER KINGS was a member of KAIPA. Their albums contain mostly instrumental music, drawing its influences from classic progressive Rock bands (CAMEL, YES, GENESIS...), Classical music (BACH), and also Swedish Folk music.

The first three albums ("Kaipa", "Inget Nytt Under Solen" and "Solo") are beautiful and probably most representative of their style - dreamy Symphonic Rock with simple, yet very effective melodies and a great deal of emotion. "Notes From The Past" is their 6th studio album since 1975 and the first one since 1982. All colours of the unique KAIPA-music from the 70's are present but with a brand new collection of masterpieces. With the new album "Keyholder", Hans LUNDIN and Roine STOLT perform some new music, searching for a new level of progress, yet echoing fragments of the glorious 70's, trying to bring the new Kaipa-sound to a higher level. The melodies linger on and will probably stay with you for decades to entertain and to thrill. An essential band for fans of Symphonic progressive Rock!

2030

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

2032

2033

Spiderweb Train-KAIPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRQZSQn5Oh4&list=RDxFzWsvjf6MY&index=2

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

09-25-2024, 04:08 PM

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
2035

ABOUT

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks

...Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
from official website

Jon Anderson

JON ANDERSON is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the lead vocalist and creative force behind Yes. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the series of epics produced by Yes and his role in creating such complex pieces as Close to the Edge, Awaken, and especially The Gates of Delirium was central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including I've Seen All Good People, Roundabout, and Owner Of A Lonely Heart.

Jon was born John Roy Anderson in Accrington, Lancashire, England, on October 25, 1944 to Albert and Kathleen Anderson, who were of Scottish (father) and Irish (mother) ancestry. Anderson dropped the h from his first name in 1970.

Early career

In 1962, Anderson joined The Warriors, where he and his brother Tony shared the role of lead vocalist. He quit this band in 1967, released two solo singles in 1968 under the pseudonym Hans Christian Anderson, and then briefly sang for the band The Gun. In March 1968, Anderson met bassist Chris Squire and joined him in a group called Mabel Greer's Toyshop, which included guitarist Peter Banks.

Yes

Anderson, Squire, and Banks went on to form Yes, with drummer Bill Bruford and keyboardist Tony Kaye. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1969. Amongst the line-up changes (Rick Wakeman would replace Kaye in 1971 and Alan White would replace Bruford in 1972) Jon stayed with the group until 1980, and this period is now known as the classic period of Yes. Jon was a major creative force and band leader throughout the period (describing himself as the 'team captain' and 'catalyst'; nicknamed by his band mates Napoleon for his diminutive stature and leadership of the band) and is recognized as the main instigator of the series of epics produced by Yes at the time. His role in creating such complex pieces as Close to the Edge, Awaken, and especially The Gates of Delirium is central, despite his limited instrumental abilities. Yes released 11 critically acclaimed albums (including one live album 'Yessongs' and one early compilation 'Yesterdays') between 1969 and 1979, including such classic titles as 'Fragile' (which contained the band's first hit "Roundabout"), 'Close To The Edge', 'Tales from Topographic Oceans', 'Relayer' and 'Going For The One'.

Jon rejoined a reformed Yes in 1983, which produced their most commercially successful album '90125' with newcomer Trevor Rabin. After a second album 'Big Generator' and several world tours, Jon departed again in 1988 over the band's continued pursuit of major commercial success and mainstream radio play. In 1989, Anderson and other former Yes members formed the group Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe (ABWH), augmented by bassist Tony Levin who had played with drummer Bill Bruford in King Crimson. After the successful first ABWH album, a series of business deals caused ABWH to reunite with the then-current members of Yes (Squire, Rabin, White, Kaye), who had been out of the public eye while searching for a new lead singer. The resulting eight-man band assumed the name Yes, and the album 'Union' (1991) was assembled from various pieces of an in-progress second ABWH album as well as recordings that Yes proper had been working on, without Anderson. A successful tour followed, but the eight-man lineup of Yes never recorded a complete album together before splintering in 1992. Although many more personnel changes followed, Anderson would remain with the band until 2004. The '90125' line-up recorded one more album in 1994 titled 'Talk'. The 'classic' line-up (Anderson, Squire, Wakeman, Howe, White) reformed with 'Keys To Ascension (1996) and Keys to Ascension 2 (1997). Wakeman was replaced by Igor Khoroshev, who was featured on 'Open Your Eyes' (1997) and 'The Ladder' (1999) along with guitarist Billy Sherwood. The album 'Magnification' released in 2001 marked the second album Yes recorded with an orchestra, the first being 'A Time And A Word' in 1970. In 2002, Rick Wakeman returned to the band to celebrate their 35th anniversary with a major worldwide tour. The band ceased to tour in 2004, partly due to health concerns regarding Anderson and Wakeman.

Vocal and lyrical style

It is a commonly held misconception that Jon Anderson sings falsetto, a vocal technique which artificially produces high, airy notes by using only the ligamentous edges of the vocal cords; however, Jon Anderson does not sing falsetto. His normal singing (and speaking) voice is naturally above the tenor range. In a 2008 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jon stated, "I'm an alto tenor and I can sing certain high notes, but I could never sing falsetto, so I go and hit them high." He is also noted for singing in his original Lancastrian accent.

Anderson is also responsible for most of the mystically-themed lyrics and concepts which are part of many Yes releases. These elements are crucial components of the classic Yes sound. The lyrics are frequently inspired by various books Anderson has enjoyed, from Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' to Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha'. A footnote in Paramahansa Yogananda's 'Autobiography of a Yogi' inspired an entire double album 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' (1973). Recurring themes include environmentalism, pacifism and sun-worship.

Outside of Yes...

In 1970 Anderson appeared as a featured guest singer on King Crimson's 'Lizard' album, on the track Prince Rupert Awakes. The tune was outside the range of the group's then-vocalist, Gordon Haskell.

In September 1975 Anderson appeared on the Vangelis album 'Heaven and Hell'.

In 1979 Anderson composed the score for a ballet 'Ursprung'. 'Ursprung' was part of a grouping of three dance works collectively entitled 'Underground Rumours' which was commissioned and performed by The Scottish Ballet. The choreographer was Royston Maldoom, the set and costume designer was Graham Bowers, and the lighting designer was David Hersey. The principal dancers were Andrea Durant and Paul Russell.

In early 1980 when Anderson and Wakeman left Yes, Jon Anderson started recording again with Vangelis and by summer 1980 Jon & Vangelis had released 'Short Stories', followed in November by Jon's solo album 'Song of Seven' and a major UK tour with The New Life Band. Jon would record four celebrated albums with Oscar winner Vangelis, each of which sold over a million copies worldwide.

In 1981 Anderson appeared on Rick Wakeman's concept album '1984'.

In 1982 Anderson released the album 'Animation', which featured Jack Bruce, David Sancious and Simon Phillips. A major tour ensued which included a high profile live radio broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour.

In 1983 Anderson appeared on Mike Oldfield's In High Places from the album 'Crises' as well as another song called Shine (In 2010 Jon's vocals from "In High Places" were sampled on Kanye West's track "Dark Fantasy" from his 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' CD). In 1983 Anderson also appeared on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones album 'Outbound', which also featured Adrian Belew.

In 1984 Anderson appeared on the song Cage Of Freedom from the 1984 soundtrack for a re-release of the silent Fritz Lang film 'Metropolis'.

In 1985 Anderson's song This Time it Was Really Right was featured on the soundtrack for the movie 'St. Elmo's Fire'. He also sang Silver Train and Christie on the film soundtrack 'Scream for Help'. Along with Tangerine Dream Anderson appeared on the song Loved by the Sun for the film 'Legend' directed by Ridley Scott. Jon also released the critically acclaimed Christmas album 'Three Ships' that year (reissued in 2007 with bonus tracks).

The 1986 film 'Biggles: Adventures in Time' features a song sung by Anderson.

In 1987 Anderson sang on Moonlight Desires on Gowan's album 'Great Dirty World'.

In 1988 Anderson released the CD 'In the City Of Angels', and sang on the song Stop Loving You on the Toto album 'The Seventh One'.

In 1992 Anderson appeared on Kitaro's album 'Dream', adding both lyrics and vocals to three songs: Lady of Dreams, Island of Life and Agreement. Jon toured the far east and the US with Kitaro in 1992.

In 1993 Anderson appeared on the song Along The Amazon which he co-wrote for guitarist Charlie Bisharat's album of the same name.

In 1994 Anderson released two albums: 'Deseo' and 'Change We Must'. He also sang on the 7th Level children's video game Tuneland.

In 1995 Anderson released 'Angel's Embrace', his first CD comprising mainly of instrumental ambient / meditation music.

In 1996 Anderson released the CD 'Toltec'; an album made up of 13 tracks divided into three parts that tells the tale of the Toltec, a Native American concept of a group of people who have been all over the earth, existing within different cultures throughout the centuries.

In 1997 Jon released two albums: 'The Promise Ring', a CD of Celtic-inspired songs, and 'Earth Mother Earth', an effort recorded in Anderson's home studio where he plays most of the instruments, and is accompanied on vocals by his wife Jane.

In 1998 Anderson released 'The More You Know'; an exploration of his more commercial music.

In 1999 Anderson appeared on the song The Only Thing I Need by act 4Him; it was recorded for a multi-group album called 'Streams'.

In 2004 Anderson appeared with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland. The concert was recorded but only released to the orchestra members.

In 2005 Anderson embarked on a series of successful solo tours. The resulting live DVD 'Tour of The Universe' was released that year.

In 2006 Anderson appeared with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (East Coast Troupe) during two December 16 shows in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to play Roundabout.

In 2007 Anderson contributed vocals to an album 'Culture of Ascent' by American progressive rock group Glass Hammer; and appeared as part of a vocal ensemble on the track Repentance from the Dream Theater album 'Systematic Chaos'. In 2007 Anderson toured both the USA and England with The Paul Green School of Rock Music.

In 2008 Anderson appeared on the song Sadness of Flowing which he co-wrote for Peter Machajdik's album 'Namah'. He made similar contributions to a remastering of Tommy Zvoncheck's album 'ZKG'. One of Jon Anderson's passions is his painting and he uses his art as yet another channel for his creativity and self expression. His artwork is available to view on his official website.

Throughout 2009 and 2010 Jon Anderson toured the US and Europe solo, and in 2010 he toured the UK with former Yes band mate Rick Wakeman. Anderson and Wakeman released the critically acclaimed album 'The Living Tree' in 2010 on Voiceprint Records / Gonzo MultiMedia, UK. On May 24, 2010 Jon shared the stage with the 112 member Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra and 60 member student chorus. The concert was filmed and shown on HDNet.

In the spring and summer of 2011 Anderson toured the northeast US to full capacity audiences - the tour was a major success. June 14, 2011 marked the official release of Jon Anderson's new album 'Survival & Other Stories' on Voiceprint Records / Gonzo MultiMedia. The album received rave reviews by critics and fans alike worldwide along with substantial airplay. Two new songs written by Jon, with music by Michael Mollure, titled "The Highest Pass' and "Waking Up" were included in the film 'The Highest Pass' released in August 2011. In the fall of 2011 Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman reunited for a tour of the northeast US and some dates in Canada. Once again the tour was a huge success with concert goers and the music press. Plans for more US and UK dates are currently in the works in support of the recent CD release 'Anderson / Wakeman - The Living Tree In Concert Part One' (featuring live tracks from the duo's 2010 UK tour) on Gonzo MultiMedia, UK.

On October 25, 2011, Jon Anderson's 67th birthday, his latest musical masterwork, a 21-minute opus titled 'OPEN' was released digitally. A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, ("Close To The Edge", "Gates of Delirium", Revealing and "Awaken"), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson's iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson's musical roots, as Yes music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience!

From 2016 through 2018, Jon Anderson joined forces with former Yes collegues Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin to tour the US and Europe, first as 'Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman' (ARW) and then 'Yes Featuring ARW'.

In 2019, Jon released a solo album titled '1000 Hands: Chapter One' on a limited basis, followed by a wider release in 2020. The album featured music originating from early '90s sessions along with newly-written/recorded material, performed by all-star cast of musicians. A US tour with the '1000 Hands Band' followed the initial release.

During 2021-22, Jon kept busy performing live Yes music on tour with the The Paul Green Rock Academy Band, an ensemble of young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18.

In 2023, Jon hit the road in the US with The Band Geeks for their critically-acclaimed "Yes Epics & Classics Tour".

In 2024, Jon and The Band Geeks recorded their first album, "True", and embarked on a second US tour.

2034

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

2036

2037

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOaBIsn-qI&list=PL62_dFuKwOxMQLSgeuhqXI_F0l_ZmLini&index=1

Once Upon A Dream-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAqkvUh5I9A

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-06-2024, 02:47 AM

RENDEZVOUS POINT
2041

ABOUT

RENDEZVOUS POINT

...RENDEZVOUS POINT
from official website

The musicians in Rendezvous Point met when they studied rhythmical music at the University of Agder. In 2012 the band was titled the most promising band in southern Norway and held a concert with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
They have spend their early years touring Europe with bands like Haken, Leprous, Long Distance Calling and Circus Maximus.

Rendezvous Point delivers a fierce and hard hitting energy bomb in the realm of progressive metal. With highly educated and skilled musicians, they are able to push the boundaries within the genre, creating a larger than life sounding experience for the listener as well as for themselves. With heavy drums, rumbling bass, raw guitars, large synthesizer sounds and powerful vocals, they explore new areas of the genre, daring to expand upon that which is already there. The band consists of Geirmund Hansen on vocals, Baard Kolstad on drums (Leprous), Petter Hallaråker on guitar, Nicolay Tangen Svennæs on keyboards (Ihsahn, Bernhoft, Emilie Nicolas) and Gunn-Hilde Erstad on bass.
The epic arrangements of Rendezvous Point are truly one of a kind, and should really be experienced live.

2040

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

2042

2043

Once Upon A Dream-RENDEZVOUS POINT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx8nQuEZ2sA

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-13-2024, 02:48 AM

PLANISPHERE
2045

ABOUT

PLANISPHERE

...PLANISPHERE
from progarchives website

Planisphere biography
A Köln-oriented unit PLANISPHERE were founded in 2010 by four musical mates - Andre (bass, synthesizers), Jens (guitars, synthesizers), Robin (guitars), and Tilo (drums, percussion, synthesizers) - each of whom has been inspired by authentic progressive rock scene especially Post / Math Rock. They released the debut ep "Porphyrogen" in 2011 compiled with rehearsal recordings, whilst they gigged for the first time at the local band competition "Köln Rockt" of the Kölner Stadtanzeiger in cooperation with the sponsor Musicstore 2012 and reached the semifinals. During their local gigs or attendance at festivals, they created and matured material for the full-length debut album "Into The Known" released in June 2018 finally.
PLANISPHERE Videos (YouTube and more)

2044

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

2046

2047

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSI8ho7AZU0&list=OLAK5uy_ki6AgVhkapnFD8y4hNIkuHHJecNNqZ718&index=6

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-17-2024, 10:10 AM

FROST*
2054

ABOUT

FROST*

...FROST*
from official website

In September 2004 musician Jem Godfrey, better known to the wider world at the time for creating chart-topping hits for acts including Atomic Kitten, Shayne Ward and Holly Valance, was privately becoming increasingly frustrated by the creative limitations of the pop genre and made a conscious decision to record an album true to his own childhood roots in progressive rock to let off a bit of steam. After 6 months of writing and recording in isolation, Godfrey approached John Mitchell, who had himself just released the now classic Kino album “Picture” and asked if he would contribute guitar to the as yet untitled project. Mitchell agreed and soon introduced Godfrey to John Jowitt, bass player at the time for IQ and Jadis. This subsequently lead to contact with ex-Robert Plant drummer Andy Edwards who was also in IQ, they listened to the demos and agreed to get involved. John Boyes, a former band-mate in Godfrey’s first band Freefall had already performed significant rhythm guitar work on the recordings and so with a bassist, guitarist and drummer to complete the line-up, recordings were completed over the winter of 2005 on what would become Frost*’s first album, “Milliontown”.
Named after the 26 minute long final track inspired by the book “The Apprentice” by Gordon Houghton, Milliontown was released in the United States on 18 July 2006 and in Europe on 24 July to widespread critical acclaim. The band went on a brief tour to play a selection from the album, supporting Pallas on a four date tour of the Netherlands and Germany in October 2006, but it wouldn’t last for long….
Shortly after returning from the tour, Godfrey announced – by way of an article on the band’s blog on MySpace and re-iterated by InsideOut in a bulletin on the same site two days later – that due to his increasing professional and personal commitments elsewhere, Frost* would be dissolved after fulfilling four remaining concert dates. The final appearance of Frost* in support of their album Milliontown, was as support for The Flower Kings at The Scala in Kings Cross, London, on 10th December 2006. However, in early 2007, Godfrey changed his mind, revived the band name and wrote in his blog about writing material for a second Frost* album…
Following the band’s reformation, Godfrey recruited Declan Burke of Darwin’s Radio (whom he had met at the Flower Kings gig) to contribute vocals and guitars on the follow-up album, Experiments in Mass Appeal, which was released worldwide on 17th November 2008. Throughout the recording, Godfrey posted many vblogs on YouTube called “Frost* Reports” which became cult items in themselves. In the midst of this, Frost* supported Spock’s Beard for an 8 date tour across Europe and the UK. Shortly before the album’s release, Andy Edwards announced that due to his new job as a college lecturer he would retire from live playing,
On 17th January 2016, Jem Godfrey announced the new album would be called ‘Falling Satellites’. The band also announced an 8 date UK tour in the summer of 2016. ‘Falling Satellites’ was released on 27th May to critical acclaim.
In May 2021 FROST* released their fourth full length studio album ‘Day and Age’ through InsideOutMusic. ‘Day And Age’ features Jem Godfrey, once again joined by John Mitchell & Nathan King, as well as 3 guest drummers: Kaz Rodriguez (Chaka Khan, Josh Groban), Darby Todd (The Darkness, Martin Barre) & Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Mister Mister). The album also features spoken word on one track from actor Jason Isaacs. Jem Godfrey comments of the new album: “2020 was the year of the studio for obvious reasons. As a result 2021 is going to be a bumper year for new music I think and we’re very happy to be riding that wave too into what I hope will be a better year for everybody. It’s great to be back.” ‘Day And Age’ was recorded over the course of 2019 and 2020, featuring 8 tracks and striking cover artwork by Carl Glover of Aleph Studios (Steven Wilson, Marillion, Steve Jansen).

2052

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

2055

2056

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*
https://frost.bandcamp.com/track/life-in-the-wires-pt-2

Moral and Consequence-FROST*
https://frost.bandcamp.com/track/moral-and-consequence

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-24-2024, 02:57 AM

NICOLA LORI
2058

ABOUT

NICOLA LORI

...NICOLA LORI
from official website

Born in Rome, Nicola Lori, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, co-founder of the Italian band FJIERI. Coming from classical studies, he trained with Italian and English Progressive Rock through groups such as Area, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, PFM, Orme, New Trolls, Arti & Mestieri and English groups such as Gentle Giant, , King Crimson, Jethro Tull Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin etc... In 1997, after many musical experiences, together with his brother Elio Lori on bass, Stefano Panunzi on keyboards and Angelo Strizzi on drums, he began the experience with FJIERI which contains the influences of Progressive Rock heading towards new sounds of the 90s and especially towards an English group, Japan, and David Sylvian. In 2000 he met the English keyboardist of Porcupine Tree, Richard Barbieri (former keyboardist of Japan, Rain Tree Crow, JBK) and from an initial collaboration of Richard Barbieri, after a careful examination of the material produced by Fjieri, he decided to artistically produce the debut Album “Endless”, recorded at Forward Studio’s in Grottaferrata in Rome. This first work brought very interesting collaborations with international artists such as Tim Bowness, Peter Chilvers, Haco, Mick Karn, Gavin Harrison, Richard Barbieri, Andrea Chimenti. In 2004, in parallel with the production of the first album of Fjieri, he began to work actively on the debut album of Stefano Panunzi (Timelines) as a composer, acoustic and electric guitarist, bass player in 7 tracks of the album then published in 2005. In 2009 “Endless” finally came out, the first album of Fjieri. Subsequently, the release of 3 other albums by Stefano Panunzi (A Rose, Behind the Illusion and Songs from the See) followed, where he continued to collaborate by composing and playing in various songs. In 2016, the second album by Fjieri was released (Words are all we Have) with the participation of the guitarist and singer Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson). In February 2024, the same album was remastered but in the reloaded version a new track composed by Panunzi-Lori was added (A sense of Lost). Now, the release of Nicola Lori's debut album is scheduled for October. In the album (Urban Vision) there are great musicians who collaborated on the project including Grice Peter, Robert Aceto, Colin Edwin, Robert Nissim, Cristiano Roversi, Andrea Chimenti, Nicola Alesini Danilo Cherni, Angelo Strizzi, Stefano Panunzi, Sergio Romano, Giacomo Anselmi Daniele Iacono, Luca Fareri, etc…
The guitarists who contributed to his musical education are, Andres Segovia, Robert Fripp, David Torn, Gary Green, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Pat Metheny…

2057

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

2059

2060

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI
https://nicolalori.bandcamp.com/track/the-psychology-of-persuasion

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-25-2024, 06:29 AM

BENJAMIN CROFT
2062

ABOUT

BENJAMIN CROFT

...BENJAMIN CROFT
from official website

Benjamin Croft is a British keyboardist, music producer and songwriter.
From a very young age, Benjamin developed a strong interest for music. His next-door neighbour was a professional trumpet player and pianist. As a toddler, he used to sit in the corner of his music room and watch him perform. He promised young Benjamin to teach him music when he would be old enough to sit still and concentrate. At the age of 7, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons.

“Around age 17, my life was forever changed after hearing the album 'Close to the Edge' by the band Yes. I quickly developed a love for progressive rock. Keyboard players such as Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson inspired me to practice for up to 8 hours a day.“ says Croft.
At 19, he won a scholarship at Leeds College of Music, where he spent 4 years studying piano, trumpet and composition.
After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines, travelling and performing. He lived and played in the US, and toured the world twice, working with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters.
"One night I was playing country, the next musical theatre and then jazz or rock."
Benjamin relocated to London (UK) in 2012 and quickly began to make a name for himself performing in some of the city's most notorious jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s, and the Vortex among others . He played in the West End Show ’ Straight From the Heart’, and became a rehearsal pianist for TV shows such as ‘The Voice’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. In 2018, he recorded for Beautiful South founder Dave Hemingway’s latest project ’Sunbirds', and worked as a session musician, composer and arranger for various singers and instrumentalists.
While keeping up with a busy schedule performing and recording, Benjamin started composing his own music and released his first album ‘10 Reasons To...’ on 33Jazz Records in March 2019. 12 original compositions blending jazz fusion, classical and progressive rock.
"The musicians who collaborated on my first project were friends I had met performing at Ronnie Scott's.These included trumpet player Andy Davies and violinist Benet Mclean."
His second album, "Far and Distant Things", was recorded throughout 2020 and released in the summer of 2021 on Ubuntu Music. It features some prestigious guests musicians such as Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti, Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller, and Chad Wackerman.
Both albums have been critically acclaimed in the UK, US and Europe.
Benjamin spent the last 2 years making his latest album, “We Are Here To Help,”.
“It has been a great honour to record with legendary musicians including Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale.”
“We Are Here To Help “ is an epic project with a heavier blend of progressive rock and metal, pushing further the boundaries of creativity, musical mastery and sonic excellence. The album also marks the launch of his record label "Galactic Receiver". It is due for release on May,3rd 2024.

2061

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

2063

2064

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mcLlvAYpbg

Caught In The Flypaper-BENJAMIN CROFT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L7AMtmuv7c

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-26-2024, 03:16 PM

FRANCIS GREGOIRE
2066

ABOUT

FRANCIS GREGOIRE

Francis Grégoire (Keyboards) I have been following him since 2015, when he released his first album with Universe Effects, a group that I think has a great chance of getting noticed in the Prog World. With this first solo album Prologue Francis Gregorie tries his hand at a mix of Jazz-Prog and I didn't know this tendency of his but since he is an excellent artist composer, no goal is precluded to him.

...FRANCIS GREGOIRE
from official website

Francis est un pianiste, claviériste et compositeur originaire de Québec, Canada.

Dès l’âge de 7 ans, il entame une formation en piano classique jusqu’au niveau collégial. Il est détenteur d’un baccalauréat et d’une maîtrise en musique en interprétation jazz/pop à l’Université Laval, où il pu apprendre auprès d’excellents musiciens jazz reconnus tels que Jean-François Lambert et Rafael Zaldivar. Francis oeuvre principalement dans le domaine musical à titre de musicien de scène et de studio, de compositeur, d’arrangeur et d’enseignant.

Musicien et compositeur versatile, ses intérêts musicaux oscillent notamment entre le jazz, le classique, la pop, le rock et même le métal. Il a d’ailleurs cofondé le groupe de rock/métal progressif, Universe Effects, avec lequel il a composé et coréalisé deux albums, où il a pu travailler notamment avec l’ingénieur de renommée internationale Paul Northfield (Rush, Dream Theater, Gentle Giant, Queensrÿche, etc.). Il est également claviériste au sein du Carl Mayotte Fusion Quintet et s’est produit sur scène aux côtés notamment de Paul Brochu (UZEB), Luc Boivin, Jean-Pierre Zanella, Marie-Denise Pelletier et Senri Kawaguchi. Il a également collaboré avec le compositeur et directeur audio Jim Bonney (Bioshock, Mortal Kombat, Mafia) pour la composition de la musique pour le jeu vidéo Romancelvania de la compagnie Deep End Games. Francis a de plus agi à titre de directeur musical et de claviériste de Prog Story, un spectacle de revue musicale du rock progressif britannique des années 70.

Francis prépare actuellement en tant que compositeur, réalisateur et interprète, la sortie de son premier album, Prologue, qui paraîtra le 11 octobre prochain sur toutes les plateformes numériques ainsi qu'en copies physiques.

Cet album réunit un quintet jazz ainsi que le Quatuor Crema une section de cordes regroupant des musicien/nes de l’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec et des Violons du Roy.

2065

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

2067

2068

2069

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE
https://francisgregoiremusic.bandcamp.com/track/blue-shift

Blues Interstellaire-FRANCIS GREGOIRE
https://francisgregoiremusic.bandcamp.com/track/blues-interstellaire

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

10-31-2024, 02:12 PM

FOUETTE
2071

ABOUT

FOUETTE

...FOUETTE
from PROGSKY WEB - CARLOS VAZ

FOUETTE is a new-generation Progressive Rock band hailing from Kempele, Finland. FOUETTE is a duo project, and its present line-up consists of Kimmo Blom - vocals and Timo Vuoppola - all the instruments. In January 2024 they released their debut album, entitled “Subliminal Messages”. The unique sound of FOUETTE is delightfully emotional, moving, and symphonic, passing on to the listener a sensation of finitude before the vastness of our surrounding world. But far from being minimalist, FOUETTE’s music is rich in melodies, textures, and harmonies, which are carefully and cerebrally arranged by the musicians to form a complex multilayered structure that, to be assimilated, must be continuously explored and experienced by the listener. The instrumentation features amazing guitars, mild-mannered bass and drums, and a dreamy arrangement with a modern classic style, all being supported by keyboards and immersed in an intriguing musical ambiance. The electric guitar is the main solo instrument, soaring over the songs on sensitive solos. Vocals are a strong point of FOUETTE, melodic, and especially fit exactly with the music, the voice of Kimmo Blom is perfectly harmonized on the arrangements, in sequence with the instrumental parts. As a matter of comparison, FOUETTE’s sonority is like a mix of the music of the Prog seventies with the modern Progressive Rock. But you must listen to their debut album, you can bet your life, you will like it a lot. All music, lyrics, photography, production, artwork, and engineering by Timo Vuoppola. Highly recommended.

2070

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

2072

2073

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxtw7-vNPDM

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-07-2024, 05:16 AM

CIRCULINE
2075

ABOUT

CIRCULINE

...CIRCULINE
from Official Website

“The vocal arrangements give Circuline’s sound an extra dimension…..an appealing combination of vocal melodies, that have a contemporary, mainstream rock vibe, and retro-prog instrumental sections.”

The modern cinematic progressive rock band Circuline features two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a jazz-rock genius on guitar, a rocking bass player from another galaxy, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA. One review of their 2016 release, COUNTERPOINT, raves that “Circuline has arrived, time for Progland to embrace them wholeheartedly…easily one of the very best US bands in recent memory”, while PROG magazine describes it as “healthy doses of Yes, Rush, and Gentle Giant, but there are also creeping, [Steven] Wilson-esque atmospherics, cinematic soundscapes and modern tonal beef…powerful harmony vocal arrangements…an intriguing, impactful record that spans the classic and modern prog worlds.” Their debut release from 2015, RETURN, has been called “breathtaking and imaginative, at times bombastic and grandiose, occasionally diving into more obscure sounds that will seem dark and ominous, always propelled by first rate vocal dynamics…a hugely entertaining debut from a band that certainly has set its sights on becoming a prog staple.”

Nominated for PROG Magazine’s 2016 Limelight award for best new band, Circuline recently performed at the 13th International Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania alongside headliners Spock’s Beard and Zebra. Additional 2016 gigs include the New Jersey ProgHouse, Philadelphia’s Liberty Music Fest, and Chicago’s Progtoberfest.

Circuline has previously opened for 20-year prog veterans Glass Hammer (east coast U.S. tour), and has repeatedly co-headlined the traveling Sonic Voyage Fest. The band members are: Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Darin Brannon (drums, percussion), Beledo (guitars), Joel Simches (bass), and lead vocalists Billy Spillane and Natalie Brown.

2074

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

2076

2077

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulvDGkVYMws

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-11-2024, 02:21 AM

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF
2084

ABOUT

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF

...THE PINEAPPLE THIEF
from Official Website

The Pineapple Thief revel in opposing forces. Muscle and fragility. Chaos and precision. Distorted introspection and warm, dreamlike expanse. Conceived in 1999 by Bruce Soord, the progressive quartet underwent a rebirth in 2017 with the arrival of Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree) on drums. Completed by bassist Jon Sykes and keyboardist Steve Kitch, they’ve honed a lean yet lush, quietly timeless sound that soars on It Leads To This.

The Pineapple Thief had the following to say regarding the new single:

“We worked on these new songs for nearly 3 years. It was the most intense time I can remember within The Pineapple Thief. Personally I was being pushed well beyond my known limits, which is great from an artistic perspective but also very very challenging from a personal perspective.

Bruce continues:

Conceptually ‘It Leads To This’ continues my desire to observe and (try to) make sense of life and the world around me. It’s all there in the lyrics.

The initial concept for the songs came together very quickly but the final lyrical and musical elements took a huge amount of work to piece together between the four of us, at least to a point where we were all satisfied. After so long in the business, being ‘satisfied’ is constantly being pushed further, constantly redefined. That’s the thing, we just kept pushing…”

To coincide with their formidable return, the band reveal a beautifully shot, compelling video for the first chapter of ‘It Leads To This’ in the form of ‘The Frost’. The video for the new single shot by Jeremy George brings the vibrant landscape of Iceland to life in the post-apocalyptic world pictured on the cover.
It all feeds into It Leads To This. Comprising eight fat-free epics – all about five minutes long, mixing rock urgency with delicate atmospherics, pensive keys and captivating melodies – it finds Soord looking back and fearing for the world his children will inherit. His lyrics also drew from literature: accounts of Ancient Rome, John Williams’ classic Stoner and epistolary Augustus. All conveyed through Soord’s fragile yet penetrative tenor, nodding to storytellers like Nick Drake, Thom Yorke and Katatonia’s Jonas Renkse.

In a way, that’s The Pineapple Thief all over. Idiosyncratic but relatable. Devastating and life-affirming, in the same breath. Not married to a single genre, just melody served by tones and textures. Music that only the four of them could make.

2083

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

2085

2086

2087

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3tBW7Pl6R0

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-11-2024, 03:45 AM

THE SAMURAI OF PROG
2089

ABOUT

THE SAMURAI OF PROG

...THE SAMURAI OF PROG
from Progarchives.com

The Samurai Of Prog biography

Multinational ensemble THE SAMURAI OF PROG (or TSoP, for short) was formed in 2009 by Finland-based Italian bassist Marco Bernard. (The band name originates from Marco's nickname.) Marco Bernard has been active in the Finnish Association for Progressive Music since 1995, and have been involved in their Colossus Magazine since 1996 - and instrumental in the Colossus series of theme albums they have created in cooperation with French label Musea Records. Originally conceived as a one-off album covering some of Marco's favorite songs, the project quickly outgrew its original charter, as several of the musicians formed long-lasting associations and a proper band emerged. Finnish drummer and mix engineer Kimmo Pörsti, and USA-based multi-instrumentalist/singer Steve Unruh joined Marco to become a core trio that would last over a dozen years and produce over a dozen albums.

For each album, Marco, Kimmo, and Steve were joined by an ever-rotating cast of high-caliber keyboardists, guitarists, and guest singers. But moreover, a defining characteristic of TSoP is their use of guest composers. This unusual methodology has enabled TSoP to create albums of high quality at a frenetic pace, recently releasing, on average, two full-length original albums per year! These albums manage to sound cohesive despite a plethora of composers and musicians, because certain elements (including Kimmo's drumming and mixing style) remain consistent throughout.

Marco (who organizes and manages the TSoP projects) and Kimmo (who operates the record label Seacrest Oy, which distributes them) have long held the belief that an album is more than the music; it's an experience which includes poring over the elaborate packaging and booklets which accompany TSoP CDs. These typically feature Ed Unitsky's fantastical artwork. The band has been reluctant to offer their music on streaming and download services, leading to their CDs becoming collector items which tend to sell out quickly after their release date.

In recent years, due to Steve's hectic schedule (he's a member of RESISTOR as well as UNITOPIA - thanks to a friendship with Mark Trueack stemming from their work together on an early TSoP album), he's had to scale back from full-time TSoP member to periodic guest artist. Steve's last full-time member album was 2023's "The Man in the Iron Mask", composed by Oliviero Lacagnina (of Latte e Miele fame). Steve lists this as one of his proudest achievements.

As of this writing in 2024, TSoP's trajectory is full-speed-ahead with Marco and Kimmo at the helm, plus ever-increasing involvement from long-time collaborators (such as Marco Grieco and Rafael Pacha). What began as Marco's little pastime project has grown into one of this genre's most active and vibrant musical outfits.

========== Bio provided by Marco Bernard, January 2024

2088

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

2090

2091

2092

A QUIET TOWN-THE SAMURAI OF PROG-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ruqq8eMUu5E

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-13-2024, 11:02 AM

THE JOHN IRVINE BAND
2095

ABOUT

THE JOHN IRVINE BAND

...THE JOHN IRVINE BAND
from Official Website

I initially trained as a classical guitarist, studying at Dartington College of Arts for two years after leaving school, and then at the Royal Scottish Academy Of Music & Drama (Glasgow) where I studied with Phillip Thorne, gaining a BA in Music Performance (1989) and winning the Guitar Challenge Prize (1988).

Following a Post-Grad Certificate in Performance (1990), I began a PhD in music composition, with Nigel Osborne at the University of Edinburgh, in 1992. This was completed in 1999. At this time, I was also working in Scottish theatre where I wrote music for over 40 productions, 20 of which were for the Traverse Theatre (Edinburgh).

I have taught at St Mary’s Music School (Edinburgh) and The City of Edinburgh Music School and lectured at Edinburgh Napier University, where I was asked to redesign their ‘Music, Creativity & Communication’ course for the BA in Popular Music. I currently work as a PSA in Edinburgh Schools.

I’m the author of three sci-fi novels comprising ‘The Smith Chronicles’ series of books, and I’m also a published poet and short-story writer, having had works included in several journals and web-zines such as Poetry Scotland, The Open Mouse, Blinking Cursor, Essence, Ink, Sweat & Tears, A Handful of Stones, South and Streetcake Magazine, amongst others.

I formed The John Irvine Band in 2011…

2094

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

2096

2097

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJRnG8A3etk

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-14-2024, 01:48 PM

ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE
2099

ABOUT

ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE

...ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE
from progarchives,com

Isildurs Bane biography
Founded in Halmstad, Sweden in 1976 - Still active as of 2018

Helped by some guests (Horns, oboe, flute, cello...), ISILDURS BANE plays a majestuous orchestral symphonic between vocals, guitar, keyboards and flute. They are very percussion oriented, with a lot of keyboards and some guitar. This swedish band has a unique sound, with great playing, but it might require a couple of listenings to grow on you. Recommended to fans of Eclectic, intricate music.

Symphonic fans should try "Sagan Om Den Irlandska Algen" or the classic "Sagan Om Rigen". One symphonic/modern classical concept album, "Cheval" was recorded with an orchestra and is an unusual, but effective blend of chamber rock and classical music. And the "MIND* Vol. 1" album is a real Classic for all times: a unique, distinguished blend of contemporary Classical Music and Symphonic Progressive Rock with extremely complex structures. "MIND* Vol. 2" (2CDs) consists practically of all (and only) new compositions. On the "MIND* Vol. 3" album, and the band's concept MIND* is still alive. This one is a masterpiece. FOR THE ADVENTUROUS AND OPEN-MINDED!!!

For the first time since 1983, ISILDURS BANE have recorded an album with vocals and lyrics. "MIND Vol. 4: Pass" is characterized by strong melodies, experimental synth sounds and elaborate sound treatments. The music was recomposed and rearranged, new lyrics were written and a new approach to doing songs was the order of the day.

2098

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

2100

2101

Born Afraid _ ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0vSjfY9awI

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-15-2024, 03:18 AM

JORDAN RUDESS
2104

ABOUT

JORDAN RUDESS

...JORDAN RUDESS
from official website

Renowned as the "Best Keyboardist of All Time" by Music Radar Magazine, Jordan Rudess stands out as the extraordinary keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist for the platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning progressive rock band, Dream Theater. Embarking on his musical journey as a classical prodigy, Jordan initiated his studies at the illustrious Juilliard School of Music at the age of 9, laying the foundation for a career marked by a distinctive fusion of classical and rock influences.

Beyond his role in Dream Theater and the power group, Liquid Tension Experiment, Jordan's musical prowess has resonated across a diverse spectrum of collaborations. From Deep Purple and David Bowie to Steven Wilson and Jan Hammer, he has left an indelible mark on the industry. Notable projects such as LMR (his side venture with Tony Levin and Marco Minneman), Steven Wilson’s Blackfield, guest appearances with Deep Purple and the Dixie Dregs and collaborations with artists like Enrique Iglesias, the Paul Winter Consort, Annie Haslam, and many others, underscore the breadth of his musical reach.

Venturing into the realm of cutting-edge technology, Jordan has emerged as a pioneer with a focus on state-of-the-art keyboard controllers and music apps. As the owner of the highly successful iOS app development company, Wizdom Music, he has spearheaded the creation of award-winning apps, including GeoShred, MorphWiz, SampleWiz, Vythm, Polywave, Jam with Jordan and SampleWiz 2. GeoShred, Wizdom Music's latest triumph, was a collaborative effort with moForte, founding members of Stanford University's Sondius team. Rudess is currently working on an AI interactive project as Visiting Artist Lab at MIT’s Media Lab in the Responsive Environments group. Jordan previously held the position of artist-in-residence at Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA).

With a global following, musicians worldwide seek inspiration from Jordan Rudess through his Patreon community which offers a comprehensive range of live events and materials encompassing harmony, rhythm, improvisation, ear training, and technique.

In addition to his musical achievements, Jordan has graced prestigious tech events as a keynote speaker, including MacWorld, Microsoft Build Developer Convention, and Project BBQ. Furthermore, his authorship extends beyond music, with two keyboard technique books to his credit, including the latest, "Total Keyboard Wizardry: A Technique and Improvisation Workbook."

2103

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

2105

2106

Into the Lair _ JORDAN RUDESS-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVjWaBwhXhM

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-17-2024, 02:52 AM

NEAL MORSE
2108

ABOUT

Great progressive rock music Album by Neal Morse with the Resonance group
I chose the track "No Hill for a Climber" but all the tracks deserve the same attention....Well Done Neal

NEAL MORSE

...NEAL MORSE
from progarchives.com

Neal Morse biography
Neal R. Morse - Born August 2, 1960 (Van Nuys, California, USA)

As a young musician, Neal's dream was like many others-to find success in the pop music world. But after years of struggling in the LA singer-songwriter scene, he realized that his dream would not materialize. Eschewing conventional wisdom, Neal took a courageous step: he about-faced and devoted himself to progressive rock, the music truly in his heart. The obscure and fiercely competitive genre held little chance of commercial success. Undaunted, he formed the quirkily-named SPOCK'S BEARD with his brother, Alan. They recorded "The Light" (1995) with what money they could scrape together. Against all odds, it was a breakout success, sending shockwaves through the small genre's community.

Over the next 7 years, Spock's Beard released 6 critically acclaimed CDs, ascending to the top of the "prog" world. Neal also released 2 CDs and 2 live albums with TRANSATLANTIC, the heralded prog "supergroup" comprised of the world's finest prog musicians. The proverbial wayward son, Neal had finally found the success he dreamed of. But something was missing. While on the outside Neal had it all; on the inside, something was missing. Morse came to realize that for him, embracing the Christian faith was the fulfillment of his spiritual quest. His walk was at once gradual and sudden - and like with so many, completely unexpected. As he continued, his path increasingly revealed more of what his heart had sought all along. Yet he also began to find his career growing at odds with his faith. The rising spiritual tension and increasing commercial success finally came to a head with the release of "Snow" (2002), SPOCK'S BEARD's (with Morse) magnum opus and swan song.

The extraordinary 2-CD rock opera, composed by Morse, was widely acclaimed as the group's finest. But it was the end of the era: Neal made the agonizing decision to leave SPOCK'S BEARD. After also leaving TRANSATLANTICc, the transformation was complete. Despite having finally achieved the success he had long sought, Morse began all over again; musically, emotionally and spiritually.
While SPOCK'S BEARD decided to continue without him, TRANSATLANTIC disbanded (though this would later turn out to be a hiatus. Neal then embarked upon the most ambitious musical project of his career. Entitled "Testimony" (2003), it chronicles his spiritual and musical journey in words and music. The 2 CD set (3 CDs for the Special Edition) spans over two hours as one continuous piece of music. It ranges in style from a full gospel choir to hard rock; from a symphony orchestra to contemporary pop. A deftly woven musical tapestry, the album takes the listener on a fascinating journey as unique as the man behind it.

Artistically, "Testimony" was a remarkable solo achievement, with Neal not only writing, arranging and producing; but singing the lead vocals and performing most of the instruments. Recognized as a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, he is endorsed as a guitarist, keyboardist and singer (Yamaha, Gibson, Rode Microphones, and others).

Neal invited Mike Portnoy, with whom he had played in TRANSATLANTIC, to play drums and this was the beginning of a close friendship and musical collaboration which has endured to the present day. For his next solo album, entitled "One", Neal added bassist Randy George to the line-up, and Morse, Portnoy and George have formed the nucleus of Morse's progressive rock albums ever since. Neal has been prolific in releasing solo albums since then, all based on his Christian beliefs yet somehow popular with those who don't share those views. Most have been concept albums, covering such subjects as his journey to faith ("Testimony" and "Testimony 2"), the Reformation ("Sola Scriptura"), the temple of God ("?") and even a rock opera based on the life and passion of Christ.

In 2012 Neal decided to expand his regular band and held auditions via YouTube. As a result guitarist Eric Gillette and keyboardist Bill Hubauer were added to the permanent line up and the project was relaunched as THE NEAL MORSE BAND (subsequently abbreviated to NMB). This was more of a band project, with the new members contributing to writing as well as sharing lead vocals with Neal.

As well as his solo prog albums and those with NMB, Neal has also released several singer-songwriter albums, a series of worship albums, and three albums of covers under the MORSE PORTNOY GEORGE name. TRANSATLANTIC was resurrected as a side project in 2009 with the highly acclaimed "Whirlwind" album, and in 2012 Morse and Portnoy joined with Steve Morse and Dave LaRue of the DIXIE DREGS, plus vocalist Casey MacPherson, to form FLYING COLORS. He also joined with Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD, BIG BIG TRAIN) and Ross Jennings (HAKEN) in 2022 to form an acoustic trio. Last but not least, Morse was once part of the Beatles tribute band YELLOW MATTER CUSTARD.

Neal Morse remains one of the most prolific progressive rock artists around today.

========= Bio written by Symphonic Team, updated by AlanB (June 2023) ============

2107

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

2109

2110

No Hill for a Climber _ NEAL MORSE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZvZOGTYb-A

GOOD LISTENING

All The Rage (OFFICIAL VIDEO) _ NEAL MORSE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSXjvdHqADk

Enjoy the viewing

nicola

11-21-2024, 05:21 AM

A SECRET RIVER
2115

ABOUT
A SECRET RIVER
...A SECRET RIVER
from progarchives.com

A Secret River biography
A SECRET RIVER is a new Swedish rock group led by John BERGSTRAND and Andreas ALOV. The drummer and bassist respectively have been creating music inspired by progressive rock since 1995 when they met in Gothenburg. First songs created under the name A SECRET RIVER were released in 2012 as an EP; after that guitarist with background in folk music Mikael GRAFSTROM and keyboardist Bjorn SANDBERG from Smaland joined the line-up which released their debut album in 2014.

2111

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

2116

2117

the_bridge _ A SECRET RIVER-
https://asecretriver1.bandcamp.com/track/the-bridge

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-26-2024, 08:55 AM

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX
2121

ABOUT
CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX
...CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX
from season-of-mist.com

The thread that binds CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s bold and towering discography — a dozen studio albums, a half-dozen mini-albums, a handful of compilations and swaths of bootlegs — could not be more apropos circa 2022. Since its 2004 creation by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Justin Greaves, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX has served as the voice for the voiceless, whether it be animals, the unequal and the different. Greaves and longstanding vocalist and lyricist Belinda Kordic have often proffered that these beings cannot fend for themselves. Henceforth, CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s mission has been to shed light on the human condition and the inequalities that befall humankind and its creatures. Their battle marches on with their latest studio album, Banefyre.

Banefyre follows 2020’s Ellengæst — an effort that found CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX employ a series of notable guest vocalists alongside Kordic, prompting Metal Hammer to describe it as their “most cohesive and emotionally devastating record.” Kordic is now paired with Swedish vocalist Joel Segerstedt, who made his CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX debut last year via the “Painful Reminder/Dead is Dead” single. Piano, synth and trumpet player Helen Stanley and additional guitarist Andy Taylor complete the lineup. Greaves says Stanley and Taylor “fit so well creatively,” which has made CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX feel like a band when making plans and decisions.

Also central to this is Segerstedt. According to Kordic, the vocalist and lyricist lives a mere five minutes from her in Sweden and has quickly integrated himself into the band. “What I like about Joel is that he’s a good person,” she says. “There’s no fakeness with him; he has cajones. He’s not a bitch-talker, either. I can’t handle people who don’t have a backbone, but Joel is real and can speak his mind.”

“I like how Joel has come in and spoke for himself,” adds Greaves. “He’s in the band for the right reasons. I see him the same way as Belinda — she took an interest in the whole artistic thing behind CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX, like the vocals, lyrics, artwork and aesthetic. It’s the same with Joel. He has taken an interest in all of those things. In the past, we had people who didn’t contribute artistically and only cared about what they got out of the band. But Joel is really proactive and takes the initiative.”

Greaves assembled 13 songs (including “No Regrets,” a bonus track for his new project with Kordic, Johnny the Boy) imbued with the depth and introspection that will reinforce CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s standing as a band that defies genre. The album was tracked at Chapel Studios in South Thoresby, Lincolnshire, with vocals cut at Monolith Studio and Kapsylen Studio in Stockholm, Sweden. Kurt Ballou handled mixing in GodCity Studios in Salem, Massachusetts — a pivotal move in determining the album’s overall sound.

“I love the album so much because it was a different approach with the production,” says Greaves. “For my part, it was a little bit of a reaction. I didn’t want to do the same warm, safe CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX album. I’m aware that when we did [2012’s] I, Vigilante, everyone wanted I, Vigilante again. As it so often happens with this band, people complain about the next one, then grow into it. Ellengæst is like I, Vigilante. It’s a shorter album. It hit the mark and was done really well, but everyone will expect another Ellengæst. I feared that, but I care enough not to make another Ellengæst. It’s the right thing to do. That’s why we got Kurt to mix it — we wanted that analog, raw power. Even though the album has mellow moments, those are edgy as well. We just didn’t want to do the same album twice. We’re never going to be a band that people can rely on.”

Greaves’ summation of his band notwithstanding, his distinctive guitar playing and enduring knack for immersive songwriting is the propellent behind the haunting, chant-laden “Ghostland,” pensive “The Reckoning” and forlorn “Everything is Beautiful but Us,” the band’s spot-on analysis of the retreat of humankind indoors during the pandemic that revealed nature’s priceless beauty. The album is also stocked with no less than four ten-minute-plus cuts (“Rose of Jericho,” “Down the Rabbit Hole,” “I’m Okay, Just Not Alright” and “The Scene is a False Prophet”) that are intermixed with drama and melancholy.

It all ties into Banefyre’s central theme of the persecution of people who are deemed “different” by society. The album title is a play on the song “Bonefire” that Kordic named and wrote lyrics for. In classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, Greaves turned it into the Olde English translation to represent the bonfires that engulfed witches and politicians through the 15th and 18th centuries, hence, the name Banefyre.

The album begins with “Incantation for the Different,” which was written and orated by Chicago-based witch, artist, author and occultist Shane Bugbee, who, according to Greaves, “brought us some positive, dark energy.” Banefyre then delves into the Salem Witch Trials (“Wyches and Basterdz”), fox hunting in Great Britain (“The Reckoning”), politicians of an unscrupulous and dishonest kind (“Bonefire”) and the New York City Blackout of 1977 (“Blackout77”).

Greaves says Banefyre’s topics may have a decidedly negative and pessimistic tone, but a glimmer of hope and joy remains. “There’s always the random bits, but overall, Banefyre is about the people who have suffered because they are different. The album covers inequality and oppression, like ‘Incantation for the Different,’ which is about overcoming when you’re put down because you’re not like everyone else.”

In true CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX fashion, the Lucy Marshall-created Banefyre cover leaves plenty to the imagination, depicting four animals seated at a table — interacting and dressed like human beings. “It’s sort of like Planet of the Apes showing what animals could do to humans,” says Greaves. “The cover was specially commissioned and is unique to the album. It’s incorporating all the classic CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX elements with the love for animals and twisting the narrative around.”

CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX’s reputation was built on the back of their studio albums and live shows. The pandemic prevented the band from supporting Ellengæst, but it did provide them additional time to bring in new members to their live configuration.

“We’ve done one show since 2019,” says Greaves. “We are going to do something in Europe this year. Hopefully, we can get back on track. We’re also going to do something in the States — that’s not just talk, we’re actually going to do it. It’s well overdue. The live band is fucking amazing. We have the five of us and now we have Jordi [Farré] on drums, Paco [Fleischfresser] on synth and a really good friend of mine, Matt Crawford on bass.

“We did the Leipzig show and even though the rehearsals were better than the show itself, that lineup, our live band, is so good. Because we haven’t been under pressure to put a live band together since 2019 and spent so long talking to people, we’ve got a better band from those results. Out of disaster, we’ve got quite a good, positive thing.”

2120

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

2122

2123

Song For The Unloved _ CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-
https://riseupandfight.bandcamp.com/track/song-for-the-unloved

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

11-30-2024, 04:34 AM

PROPORTIONS
2125

ABOUT

congratulations Andy for the new album
I chose "FATA MORGANA" as a track to include in my best of 2024, I like how it is structured and I appreciate even more the final part that I would have also lengthened a bit, truly an excellent track

PROPORTIONS
...PROPORTIONS
from progarchives.com

Proportions biography
PROPORTIONS is a multi-national Eclectic Prog band that was founded in 2018 by it's four core members: Lennart STAHLE from Sweden (guitars, flute, keyboards), Tomas STARK also from Sweden (keyboards, guitars), Denis BOUCHER from Canada (drums, percussion), and Andy KUBICKI from the U.S. (bass, keyboards, orchestration).

The quartet works over the internet, each one sending the other members rough demos and allowing each one to add their own input musically, then bringing it all together and fine tuning everything to create some excellent, dynamic, mostly instrumental tracks. In 2018, they released their first collaboration called "Reboot" and then in 2019, released their sophomore albums "Visions From a Distant Past".

Their music melds jazz fusion with many different styles of progressive rock from prog folk to symphonic to experimental, dabbling all the while with some quirky time signatures throughout each track. The quartet often works with several guests to create their music before finalizing everything for each album.

Their music reflects several influences and would be recommended to fans of Mike OLDFIELD, THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, GENTLE GIANT, Ian ANDERSON, PINK FLOYD, ALAN PARSONS PROJECT and Larry FAST.

2124

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

2126

2127

Fata Morgana _ The Powers of Ten-
https://propsreboot.bandcamp.com/track/fata-morgana

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-05-2024, 01:18 PM

STEAM THEORY
2129

ABOUT

Journeys is a very particular track, it has a vocal part that doesn't use a single word but fits very well into a particular and fragmented sound, it captured my attention precisely for these two characteristics, I like it

STEAM THEORY
...STEAM THEORY
from progarchives.com

Steam Theory biography
US act STEAM THEORY is the creative outlet for composer and instrumentalist Jason Denkevitz. He records and produces his own material, occasionally employing guest musicians to fulfill his musical visions. So far this has resulted in two full length productions: Enduring Delirium (2010) and Helios Rider (2012). Both creations exploring a musical blend of blues, fusion and world music set within a progressive rock framework.

In addition to the studio part, Denkevitz has also set up a band entity to perform this material live. The most recent incarnation of that side of the project consists of Denkevitz (guitars/synth), Michael Esposito (guitars/guitar synth), Keith Misemer (bass and pedals) and Roger Stewart (drums).

2128

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

2130

2131

Journeys _ STEAM THEORY-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBYpbpIcICk

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-11-2024, 03:24 PM

ALEX CARPANI
2135

ABOUT

The Good Man is definitely a good album or rather one of his best albums which is composed of 2 tracks of just over 28 minutes and up to this point everything is ok, I don't like that the 9 parts that make up the 2 suites are treated as tracks not joined but with that minimal pause that could have been avoided by leaving the description of the detail of the parts. apart from this, Alex Carpani in great shape

ALEX CARPANI
...ALEX CARPANI
from official website

Alex Carpani is an Italian-French composer, keyboardist, singer, producer, musicologist and artistic director. He graduated in DAMS (musicology) at the University of Bologna with a thesis on the music of Nino Rota in Fellini’s films that won the 1st prize of the Fellini Foundation. He graduated at CET (a famous Italian music school) in composition and arrangement of music for films with Stelvio Cipriani, after having won a European Union scholarship that allowed him to attend the school. He has written and self-produced a great amount of instrumental music for more than 15 years: new age, electronic music, symphonic music, music mixed with poetry, drum'n'bass, electro-jazz, music for theatre shows and documentaries. Since 2007 he has dedicated himself to rock, releasing 8 rock albums with Italian and foreign labels which had positive feedbacks with both audience and critics, allowing him to collaborate, in studio and live, with some well known musicians of the national and international scene, such as David Jackson of Van der Graaf Generator, David Cross of King Crimson, Theo Travis of Soft Machine, Jon Davison of Yes, Paul Whitehead, graphic designer of early Genesis, Aldo Tagliapietra of Le Orme, Bernardo Lanzetti of Acqua Fragile and PFM. He has performed more than 140 concerts in 21 countries of 3 continents with his band, appearing in the most important live clubs and festivals of the international progressive rock field. He has founded the band Aerostation with Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (former drummer of Ligabue, Clan Destino, C.S.I.) releasing in 2018 the homonym debut album with Aerostella/Immaginifica label, performing concerts in Italy and abroad and opening for PFM at major events as well. Aerostation's new album "Rethink" will be released in 2025.

2134

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

2136

2137

The Edge Of My Mind _ ALEX CARPANI-
https://alexcarpani.bandcamp.com/track/amnesiac-part-4-the-edge-of-my-mind

Flirting With Darkness _ ALEX CARPANI-
https://alexcarpani.bandcamp.com/track/good-and-evil-part-5-flirting-with-darkness

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-17-2024, 09:48 AM

SOLARIS
2139

ABOUT
SOLARIS
...SOLARIS
from progarchives.com

Solaris biography
Founded in Budapest, Hungary in 1980 - Some hiatuses along the years - Still active as of 2019

The Hungarian formation SOLARIS was originally founded by some school friends in 1980. The band's name was derived from the title of book by SF writer Stanislaw Lem. After they made impression on a talent contest at The Budai Park for a massive crowd (mainly youth) the band was offered an opportunity to make a record. In '80 SOLARIS released their first single entitled "Rock Hullam" (actually this was a split single, SOLARIS got the B-side). The line-up in the early Eighties was Ferenc Raus (drums), Gábor Kisszabó (bass), Csaba Bogdán (guitars) and the remaining schoolfriends István Cziglán (guitars), Attila KOLLÁR (flute) and Róbert ERDÉSZ (keyboards). They released the second single "Eden/Counterpoint" in '81.

In '84 SOLARIS released their first album "The Martian Chronicles", it sold almost 40.000 copies. In those days progrock was popular in Hungary: OMEGA had crowds of 100.000 spectators!
The classical SOLARIS line-up' between '83 and '85 was Attila Kollár, Istvan Cziglan, Róbert Erdész and newcomers László Gömör (drums) and Tamás Pócs (bass). In '90 the controlled Hungarian record company was finally willing to release early SOLARIS recordings entitled 1990 (a 2-LP). Then the members of SOLARIS went their own way and joined or founded new bands.

In 1995 SOLARIS was invited as the headliner of the Progfest Festival in Los Angeles by Greg Walker, mastermind behind the USA progrock label-mailorder service Syn-Phonic. He succeeded in persuading the band for a reunion concert (recorded on a 2-CD and partly on a video with other progrock bands ARS NOVA and WHITE WILLOW). The band got a standing ovation by a bunch of real "symphomaniacs"! A year later SOLARIS performed on the Rio Art Rock Festival, organized by the Brasilian "proghead" Leonardo Nahoum.

On December 27th 1998 guitarplayer Cziglán died of an incurable illness but he can be heard on the surprising new SOLARIS CD entitled "Nostradamus" ('99), perhaps we will hear more from this marvellous progrock band. The Hungarian label Periferic Records released in 2000 "Back to the Roots - Solaris Archive 1" (a great introduction to the band's history but with a bootleg sound) and the solo-albums "Musical Witchcraft" by Kollar Attila (1998) and "Seven Gates of Alhambra" by the late Istvan Cziglán (1999).

On "The Martian Chronicles" SOLARIS creates a very dynamic and compelling progressive mix of classical and rock music. It's build upon sensational interplay between fiery electric guitar, tasteful keyboards and a powerful flute with lots of changing climates, surprising breaks and bombastic outbursts. Although SOLARIS sound rather unique, elements of JETHRO TULL (flute), MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND (Minimoog solos with pitchbend) and Jean Michel JARRE (electronic intro in the first part of the titletrack) can be traced. The 2-LP 1990 contains typical SOLARIS songs: dynamic and propulsive with spectacular synth runs, fiery electric gutiar and beautiful flute-play. Remarkable is the spacy keyboard sound in some songs and the obvious classical influences. The tracks from the mid-period (1986) sound rather accessible: a catchy and often funny combination of classic, pop and rock. But the most impressive composition is their magnus opus "Los Angeles 2026" (almost 24 minutes long): lots of changing climates, bombastic synthesizers, exciting interplay, compelling crescendos and halfway a long and alternating pianosolo. The songs on the live 2-CD "Live in Los Angeles" sound even more powerful and exciting than on the studio-LP's and the bonus material is great: Bonus Game (14 minutes) includes lots of solos on guitar, drums and bass and "Beyond" (12 minutes) is a typical exciting SOLARIS track.

"Nostradamus - Book of Prophecies" is a captivating album in the vein of SOLARIS but with fresh ideas and a modern sound. The titletrack contains outstanding sonic paintings: a howling electric guitar, fat Moog Prodigy runs ("Mark Kelly meets MANFRED MANN"), native North-American indian chants and the Aboriginal didgeridoo. The other songs includes elaborate and dynamic compositions with many changing climates, spectacular breaks, splendid solos and sensational interplay. A "killer-comeback" by SOLARIS!

Erik Neuteboom

2138

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

2140

2141

Flirting With Darkness _ SOLARIS-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms6NYruHn3g

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-27-2024, 04:02 PM

SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR
2147

ABOUT
SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR
...SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR
from official website

Seven Steps To The Green Door
progressive crossover music

aktuelles Line Up ( v.l.n.r. )

Andreas Gemeinhardt ( guit )

Sören Flechsig ( voc )

Marek Arnold ( keys, sax )

Anne Trautmann ( voc )

Robert Brenner ( bass )

Ulf Reinhardt ( drums )

( nicht auf dem Foto: Jana Pöche – voc & George Andrade – lyrics )

Seven Steps To The Green Door made their mark on the music scene at the German Rock and Pop Awards (2006), the largest and most prestigious band competition in Germany. When a debut album wins first prize in two categories (Progressive and Experimental Rock) it is definitely a band to keep a close eye on. The seven-member band was formed around keyboardist & saxophonist Marek Arnold, who is best known as the frontman for Toxic Smile as well as his work with Flaming Row, United Progressive Fraternity, Stern Combo Meissen and other prominent bands; and drummer Ulf Reinhardt, formerly with Prophets of Prunes. The combined talents of these exceptional artists accounts for this unexpectedly successful first album, The Puzzle (2006) which comprised a wide-variety of style by mixing art-rock, progressive metal, jazz, rap, and pop. With the moderate use of cross-genre stylistic devices, a unique cast of three vocalists, and the courage to blend melody with rhythmic experiments, “Seven Steps To The Green Door” have amplified progressiveness in Progressive Rock.

With the release of Step In 2 My World, (2008) the band pushed their sound to extreme measures: poly-rhythmic meets melodious vocal harmonies, crazy jazz phrases followed by soft ballads, raps breaking through soft melodies – without ever losing sight of the golden thread that meshed the songs together. Additionally, various guests add highlights with classical instruments and vocals, including none other than Larry B., lead singer for “Toxic Smile”. Step In 2 My World will delight fans of varied rock music who will discover something new each time they listen to this complex album.

Progressive concept album, THE?BOOK, (2011) is the band’s most uncompromising creation so far. The album features, apart from the core band and other musical companions of Marek Arnold – a variety of great guest musicians such as multiple award winning vocal ensemble “Siaella”, Larry B. and Flaming Row frontman, Martin Schnella, who has also worked with: Yes, Spock’s Beard and Shadow Gallery. Schnella joined Seven Steps To The Green Door for live gigs in 2012. Also, a remarkable point about THE?BOOK, it was one of the first ever progressive rock albums to be converted into an interactive game for iOS–devices (iphone/ipad), programmed by „Glanzkinder“.

4th album “FETISH” was released 2015 /09 / 11 – and still can be ordered at www.ppr-shop.de. It`s mainly written by Marek Arnold and Ulf Reinhardt again, and the first album, which was arranged already with new guitar player Martin Schnella, who was also contributing bass guitar and great backing vocals and took care of final mix. Released at our label „Progressive Promotion Records“ again it featured some amazing guests like Arno Menses ( voc, Subsignal ), Dan Mash ( bass, UPF, Maschine, Ex-Tangent), Justo Suarez ( perc) and Steve Unruh ( UPF, Resistor ) and many others…

After the great success of that album, ssttgd was on FETISH tour until 2017. We already played amazing gigs at festivals like “Night of the Prog” (DE), “Crescendo” (FR), „Artrockfestival“ (DE) or “Summers End” (UK) and other venues in Europe.

2019: “THE?LIE”

With “THE?LIE”, ssttgd are once again proving that they are among the most innovative and creative bands in the genre – and in George Andrade, the band was able to convince and win over a lyricist for the concept, who developed a compelling lyricbook, with stirring and disturbing lyrics, out of Thoralf Koss’ story.
To match the intriguing storyline, some outstanding members of the progrock scene were ensembled to take on the roles of the characters and to perform the instrumental parts: British multi-instrumentalist and singer Pete Jones (Tiger Moth Tales, Camel, Francis Dunnery Band) delivers stunning vocals as the “Father”; gifted guitarist Luke Machin (including Maschine, The Tangent, Francis Dunnery Band, Damanek …) played and arranged most guitar parts; Steve Unruh (Resistor, UPF, Samurai of Prog) and Jason Melidonie (Cytotoxin) added brilliant violin and guitar solos. That’s just to name but a few.

The album, produced by Marek Arnold and mixed/mastered by Martin Schnella (Flaming Row, Melanie Mau & Martin Schnella, ssttgd), will be released by Progressive Promotion Records on April 30, 2019.

George Andrade explains: ” “THE?LIE” is a new rock opera/concept album that I’ve co-written with the magnificent Seven Steps to the Green Door, the second album of a proposed trilogy**.

It tells the story of a family intimately caught up in the fanatic actions of their religious leaders, their church “fathers”, and the unfolding tragedy that befalls them all, while having to reconcile their faith turned religion with the repercussions of those fanatic actions committed in their God’s name, and coming to terms with the divergent and symbiotic relationship of a faith’s moral authority with the political realities of administrating and growing any organized religion…

I think “THE?LIE” contains some of my best and most ambitious writing for music to date (I hope you’ll agree), and combined with the stellar performances of the musicians and vocalist assembled for this record, I’m confident you’ll be entertained, thrilled, and ultimately moved by the musical experience…”

2024: THE?TRUTH

Seminal progressive crossover band “seven steps to the green door” from Germany is back with the new album “THE?TRUTH” – the third and final part of their concept trilogy “THE?BOOK”, in which authors and band deal critically with religious fanaticism.

2146

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

2148

2149

A Dream That Stayed _ SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-
https://marekarnold.bandcamp.com/track/a-dream-that-stayed

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-28-2024, 12:15 PM

CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH
2151

ABOUT
CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH
...CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH
from official website

Circe Link will entice, delight and treat you to a sound she says comes from her “cosmic radio station”. A native of Los Angeles, Circe was a self-taught fine artist before waking one morning from a dream with a song in her head. While never having written a song before she penned three songs that day and discovered a new artistic path. Originally calling her music Cowboy Jazz, Circe soon found there was so much more to her eclectic style. Circe’s records range in genre and sound from Bob Wills to Bowie, from Patti Page to Patti Smith – essentially from Abba to Zappa and everything in between. This broad diversity has yielded her a collection of songs that are at once charming and familiar, yet surprising and unique, often leaving melodies stuck in the listener’s head for days.

With 10 records and over 90+ songs in her catalog, an Amoeba Records Homegrown Artist pick, the #1 spot in Jazz on Garageband.com for over two years, a Clear Channel ”Emerging Artists” pick, film and TV placements credits that include Starbucks, Hanes, Blades of Glory, School of Rock, Bittersweet, and The Hills Have Eyes among others, a successful tour in Japan, and singing back up for The Monkees, Circe Link has proven her strengths and success as one of L.A.’s most unique independent artists.

Christian Nesmith, raised in a musical family, was given the opportunity to learn and develop his playing and love for music from the moment he was able to reach the piano. A Los Angeles native, Christian’s abilities as composer, guitarist, producer, and engineer reflect his knowledge and capability to deliver quality and creativity with skill.

Christian has produced many independent artists and has placed songs in both Film and TV (Blades of Glory, The Hills Have Eyes, Lionheart) all the while either playing and or composing many commercials for companies such as AOL, Budweiser, Chevron, Chevrolet, Burger King, Citibank, ESPN, Infinity, Pennzoil, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Starbucks, SBC, among dozens of others. Christian has toured and played with a variety of artists such as Air Supply, Debbie Peterson of the Bangles, Doug Pinnick of King’s X Poundhound, Vox Lumiere a Silent Movie Rock Stage Show, his partner Circe Link. his father Michael Nesmith and The Monkees.

Additionally Christian’s theatre credits include musical director of the first ever production of HAiR in Moscow, Russia produced by Stas Namin, and the musical director of The LA Weekly’s 2007 Best Musical of the Year HAiR produced by Michael Butler, Rocky Horror and The LA Weekly’s 2008 Nominated Best Musical of the year Hedwig.

2150

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

The Fool-CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-Arcana

2152

2153

The Fool _ CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Akd7XVhuw

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-31-2024, 09:59 AM

RITUAL
2155

ABOUT
RITUAL
...RITUAL
from official website

BIOGRAPHY

Ritual was formed in 1992 in Stockholm, Sweden, by drummer Johan Nordgren, bassist Fredrik Lindqvist, guitarist-vocalist Patrik Lundström and keyboard player Jon Gamble. Influenced equally by progressive rock of the 70s and contemporary bands like The Police, XTC and It Bites, Ritual forged their own distinctive brand of progressive music. The characteristics of the band's sound were already prominent on their eponymous debut album, released in 1996: song based, melodic and intense, with a great stylistic variation, and plenty of folk music influences seeping in. The latter feature is not least due to the band's frequent use of odd acoustic instruments like bouzouki, mandola, whistles and keyed fiddle (nyckelharpa). Songs like "Seasong For The Moominpappa" and "A Little More Like Me" also showed something that would become a hallmark of the band: lyrics inspired by Tove Jansson's novels about the Moomins.

The album, originally released by the french Musea label, was very well received by both listeners and critics, so the band embarked on an European tour, taking them to Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Hungary and England. During the following years Ritual established themselves as a confident and powerful live act.

In 1999 Ritual had parted ways with Musea, and the follow up to the debut album, "Superb Birth", was released by the band themselves. The music on the sequel showed a certain deviation from the debut, in that the songs were a little more straight forward.

After some sporadic gigging in support of Suberb Birth, Ritual teamed up with the German record label Tempus Fugit, whose first release would be "Think Like A Mountain", the band's third studio album. Released in 2003, this album once again showed a certain stylistic change in relation to its predecessor. The approach was more playful and exploring this time, and together with their constant co-producer and engineer Hans Fredriksson, the group experimented a lot with both sounds and arrangements in the studio. Lyrically, several of the songs revolved around ecosophical themes - another distinctive feature of Ritual.

Following the release of "Think Like A Mountain", the band toured Europe with their German label mates RPWL, and in 2004 they joined forces with their fellow countrymen Anekdoten for another trip around Europe. On this tour, all of Ritual's performances were recorded. The fruit of this effort became the group's first live album, released by Tempus Fugit in 2005: "Ritual Live". The double CD features 18 songs from the band's career up until then. Tempus Fugit also re-released re-mastered versions of the Rituals first and second album.

Ritual's fourth album would be their most successful to date - and perhaps their most progressive. "The Hemulic Voluntary Band" was released in 2007, and this time Ritual went all in on the Moomin valley. While not a concept album per se, all songs but one draws inspiration from Tove Jansson, perhaps most notably the 26 minute epic "The Dangerous Journey", based on Janssons imaginative and haunting picture book "Den Farliga Resan".

The first part of the subsequent tour was carried out together with Beardfish and Andy Tillison's The Tangent. Later Ritual went to Mexico to partake in the "Baja Prog Festival", where they opened for The Tony Levin Band. In 2008 they made their first ever visit to the United States to play at RosFest, one of North America’s longest running art rock music festivals.

In the following years, Ritual stepped away from the limelight, and remained so much and for so long in the shadows that many began to wonder if the band still existed. In fact, the work on the epic "Dangerous Journey" had whet the band's appetite for putting music to a narrative. And so, Ritual begun to indulge in their most extensive and intricate creation ever: "The Story of Mr. Bogd". Based on an original story written by the band's bassist and main lyricist Fredrik Lindqvist, "The Story of Mr. Bogd" consists of over an hour and a half of music, divided into two albums. And so, late in November of 2020, the world finally saw the first release from Ritual in 13 years: "Glimpses From The Story of Mr. Bogd", an EP featuring songs from the two up-coming albums, of which the first will be released in August 2024.

2154

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

The Fool-CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-Arcana

Chichikov Bogd-RITUAL-THE STORY OF MR. BOGD PART 1

2156

2157

Chichikov Bogd _ RITUAL-
https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/track/chichikov-bogd

Dreams In A Brougham _ RITUAL-
https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/track/dreams-in-a-brougham

Forgotten Qualities _ RITUAL-
https://ritualsweden.bandcamp.com/track/forgotten-qualities

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

12-31-2024, 10:33 AM

WEATHER SYSTEMS
2159

ABOUT
WEATHER SYSTEMS
...WEATHER SYSTEMS
from progarchives.com

Weather Systems biography
When Anathema announced an indefinite hiatus on 22nd September 2020, due in part to the financial burdens of a lengthy career that had failed somewhat to live up to expectations in commercial terms, it was a crying shame, but also totally understandable. It always seemed likely, however, that the two remaining founding brothers Daniel and Vincent Cavanagh would eventually make new music again, and 2024 has seen them both emerge from their semi-retirement with new projects.

Vincent's new art-rock project 'The Radicant' released a debut 5-track EP called 'We Ascend' earlier this year, but the debut album by Daniel Cavanagh's 'Weather Systems' (also the name of one of his former band's most acclaimed albums), called 'Ocean Without A Shore' is probably the closest thing that Anathema fans will get to a continuation of that band's at least temporarily halted career.

The album is made up of new versions of songs that were originally intended to form the next Anathema album anyway, since in 2019 Daniel began writing what he thought would become the basis of the next Anathema offering, and to finally bring the album to fruition, he teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Daniel Cardoso, who played drums on the two most recent Anathema albums 'Distant Satellites' and 'The Optimist'. The 'Ocean Without A Shore' album was released on September 27th via Music Theories Recordings (part of the Mascot Label Group).

While Vincent's 'The Radicant' project leans more towards the experimental and abstract side of prog, Danny has chosen to continue focusing primarily on the sound that Anathema migrated towards during its later years, whilst at times also paying tribute to the past. He takes care of vocals, keys, piano, guitars, bass, vocoder and programming, whilst Daniel Cardoso looks after drums and production. The album also features the guest vocalists Soraia Silva, Petter Carlsen, Oliwia Krettek, and Paul Kearns.

'Ocean Without a Shore' can therefore be looked upon as a somewhat of a spiritual successor to Anathema's more modern sound, along with some hints here and there back to Danny Cavanagh's 2017 solo album titled 'Monochrome'. The music could be described as orchestrated rock, laced with electronica, progressive elements, vocal harmonies and celestial atmospheres.

(biography provided by David (yam yam))

2158

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

The Fool-CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-Arcana

Chichikov Bogd-RITUAL-THE STORY OF MR. BOGD PART 1

Synaesthesia-WEATHER SYSTEMS-OCEAN WITHOUT A SHORE

2160

2161

Synaesthesia _ WEATHER SYSTEMS-
https://weathersystems.bandcamp.com/track/synaesthesia

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

01-09-2025, 08:44 AM

ICE
2166

ABOUT
ICE
...ICE
from progarchives.com

Ice biography
ICE was formed after the premature demise of the progressive rockgroup MARYSON. The latter band released two albums ('97 and "98) through WMMS, a German record company. The music was based upon the series of fantasy novels by author W.J.Maryson, aka Wim Stolk, who also composed and played keyboards. After he left the band in 2000 the remaining members reformed as ICE and started writing new material. Since there was a general preference to compose music on a fixed theme the new songs were written, using the original story entitled Ice (hence the name chosen for the band) by René Sterk. Besides the CD, a musical, performed by a cast of young students and live music by ICE was completed in the fall of 2005. Thus the new ICE concept was born. The musicians: Ardie Westdijk, keyboards. Ardie, a longtime active player in the progressive rock scene was a founding member of DIFFERENCES and released two albums with this band. He started collaboration with the other ICE members as a hired keyboardplayer for Maryson and eased into the number one spot in 2000. He is responsible for most of the ICE material and beeing a graphic designer by trade, all the credits for the artwork for the CD are his. Chris van Hoogdalem, guitars and vocals. Chris started his musical journey as a guitarplayer in rockbands. He went on to record with bands like ALPHA and CIRKEL. He played studio dates for quite some time, gaining experience playing different musical styles. Chris wrote a couple of tracks for the album. Hein van den Broek, vocals and guitars. Hein started out as the leadsinger for ARGYLL. He was also involved in several musical projects, for some time his favorite niche in the rock world, one of those beeing "Let's stick together", performing several shows with high profile musicians. Hein currently also performs with his band ORIENTAL GUITARS, playing dates in Holland as well as the United Kingdom. On stage, Hein shares the guitarslot with Chris, playing both acoustic and electric guitars. He also contributes in the writing department. Hennie van Mourik, bass guitars and vocals. Hennie has many years of musical experience, playing and singing in progressive rockbands like CIRKEL and KEY LARGO. Fitting his modest persona, Hennie operates from the background but his playing is of great influence on the overall sound of the band, beeing responsible for many of the complimentary melodies played on either fretted or fretless bass. Rob Boshuijzen, drums. Rob is an experienced drummer and playes drumclinics on a regular base. He also is in high demand as a sessiondrummer, playing mainly live gigs, making him up to scratch on a wide variety of musical directions. His unique style makes Rob a sound defining member in ICE. Unadmittedly, the band sometimes has to work very hard to keep up with his high octane approach to the fine art of playing drums. René Sterk. Alltough not a regular bandmember, René is responsible for the story behind the record. Together with Hein, René wrote all the lyrics. Having a longtime musical background as a musician and producer, he is the "extra pair of ears" for ICE in the studio. René contributed in a big way in putting the album together and recording and producing of the CD. All music is arranged, using everybody's input with respect for every opinion and suggestion. Working this way is concidered very pleasant by everyone, and most importantly, helps the tight fit sound of the band. Story by Ardie Westdijk

Why this artist must be listed in www.progarchives.com :
This debut CD sounds very professional and contains 10 pleasant and varied compositions featuring strong vocals, wonderful guitarwork, tasteful colouring by the keyboards and a good rhythnm-section.

2169

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

The Fool-CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-Arcana

Chichikov Bogd-RITUAL-THE STORY OF MR. BOGD PART 1

Synaesthesia-WEATHER SYSTEMS-OCEAN WITHOUT A SHORE

Man in the Moon-ICE-MAN IN THE MOON

2167

2168

Man in the Moon _ ICE-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tVmOuhPEfc&list=OLAK5uy_mxUEMEM0WUmoefCZfaWZ-jFNAZgbJ44Yk

GOOD LISTENING

nicola

01-15-2025, 11:06 AM

RETURNED TO THE EARTH
2171

ABOUT
RETURNED TO THE EARTH
...RETURNED TO THE EARTH
from progarchives.com

Returned To The Earth biography
Returned To Earth are from Warwickshire in UK and formed in late
2014. Their debut album has taken 18 months to record and was
produced by Paul Johnston at Rhythm Studios, Bidford on Avon,
UK. It is released on the Rhythm Digital label.
A Uk tour is planned for late 2016 to support the album.
www.returnedtotheearth.com

2174

Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive

These are my best tracks of 2024

Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue

Subliminal Messages-FOUETTE- Subliminal Messages

Transmission Error-CIRCULINE-C.O.R.E.

Put It Right-THE PINEAPPLE THIEF-It Leads To This

The Solution (Part II) -THE SAMURAI OF PROG-A QUIET TOWN

Baptism of Fire _ Gordian Knots-THE JOHN IRVINE BAND-The starships are gathering

Born Afraid-ISILDURS BANE & JINIAN WILDE-The Pearl of Ever Changing Shell

Into the Lair-JORDAN RUDESS-Permission to Fly

No Hill for a Climber -NEAL MORSE-No Hill For A Climber

the_bridge-A SECRET RIVER-Mirror Universe

Song For The Unloved-CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX-The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature

Fata Morgana-PROPORTIONS-The Powers of Ten

Journeys-STEAM THEORY-Chrysalis

The Edge Of My Mind-ALEX CARPANI-The Good Man

Suite: ZOO GALACTICA-SOLARIS- Marsbéli krónikák III

A Dream That Stayed-SEVEN STEPS TO THE GREEN DOOR-THE?TRUTH

The Fool-CIRCE LINK & CHRISTIAN NESMITH-Arcana

Chichikov Bogd-RITUAL-THE STORY OF MR. BOGD PART 1

Synaesthesia-WEATHER SYSTEMS-OCEAN WITHOUT A SHORE

Man in the Moon-ICE-MAN IN THE MOON

Dark Morality -RETURNED TO THE EARTH-STALAGMITE STEEPLE

2172

2173

Dark Morality _ RETURNED TO THE EARTH-
https://returnedtotheearth-gep.bandcamp.com/track/dark-morality

GOOD LISTENING