A Deep Journey Into the Music and Poetry of Greg Lake - Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti's MOONCHILD

Produced by Greg Lake! Limited edition 1000 papersleeve CD and 500 gatefold coloured audiophile vinyl!

Italy - Much to the excitement of Greg Lake & ELP fans worldwide, Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti are releasing MOONCHILD - A deep journey into the music and poetry of Greg Lake! To be issued as Limited edition 1000 papersleeve CD (MAN002) and 500 gatefold coloured audiophile vinyl (MANLP002) on Manticore Records on May 18, 2018, this album marks Greg Lake's final production before his passing on December 7, 2016.

“Amongst the many projects Greg Lake and I planned for Manticore was the re-arranging of his favourite songs in a black and white, contemporary way. A sort of back to the bone, vocals and guitar setting, as simple as that. I remember Greg became an advocate of the new 'less is more' concept and he often reminded us that 'simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.'

“As we went further into the project, we soon discovered that an acoustic guitar could be fine for some tunes, but not suitable for others; so Greg decided we should go for piano and vocals and asked me to look for a talented piano player. I knew Max Repetti who I considered to be the perfect pianist for Greg. Apart from the fact that he had the entire ELP songbook in his repertoire, he is a very able musician. The audition lasted just a few minutes in a countryside restaurant on an upright piano which had seen better days, slightly out of tune, where Repetti dared to propose a medley of 'The Stones Of Years,' from 'Tarkus,' and 'Take a Pebble.' Greg was so delighted that he immediately asked Max to arrange for him a list of tunes he intended to put on the album that we called 'Moonchild,' after one of our favourite early songs.

“Sadly, in early 2014 Greg called me with the very worst news. Shortly after that, he decided to ask his young friend and talented singer and musician Annie Barbazza to take his place and carry on his legacy with this album. He patiently trained Annie using all the available technology to keep him up to date with our progress, while continuing to work with Max Repetti and me on the arrangements and production. We all spoke on Skype several times a week to ensure this project matched his standard of perfectionism and musical integrity.

“When Greg was awarded with an honorary degree for lyrics and music composition by Conservatorio Nicolini in January 2016, he was already too ill to attend the ceremony in person. I decided to surprise him by having Annie and Max perform his music on his behalf in front of the dignitaries. Greg was attending via Skype and you may listen to his encouraging comments on Greg Lake's Official Channel on Youtube. He was so happy with the results that he pushed even harder for Annie to improve her skills as a singer. Annie Barbazza and Max Repetti performed Moonchild again at a sold out concert for Greg's last birthday on November 10, 2016. As Greg wanted, we will keep the flame alive by playing his music. So this is for you, Grande Gregorio wherever you are. May your music resound forever in our hearts.” - Max Marchini


Greg Lake, Annie Barbazza

“Annie and Max recorded such a wonderful and touching tribute to the music I have made during my lifetime. Max's arrangements are absolutely superb! What a magical touch he has and Annie's vocals are at the same time beautiful, brave and heartfelt. It is a very moving experience for me to hear them perform these songs so passionately.” - Greg Lake, 2016

Tracks
01. In The Court of the Crimson King - 21st Century
Schizoid Man
02. Trilogy - The Endless Enigma part II
03. Moonchild
04. The Stones Of Years - Take A Pebble
05. C’est La Vie
06. Battlefield including Epitaph
07. Karn Evil 9 1st impression, part 2
08. Memories Of An Officer And A Gentleman
09. In The Wake Of Poseidon
10. Lucky Man
11. The Sage / The Great Gates Of Kiev

Produced by Greg Lake and Max Marchini
music arranged by Max Repetti
Project coordination: Regina Lake
Recorded by Alberto Callegari @ Elfo Studios
© 2018 Manticore Records Ltd.

Visit Manticore Italy Records to purchase Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti's MOONCHILD: www.manticorerecords.com

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

A Deep Journey Into the Music and Poetry of Greg Lake - Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti's MOONCHILD

Produced by Greg Lake! Limited edition 1000 papersleeve CD and 500 gatefold coloured audiophile vinyl!

Italy - Much to the excitement of Greg Lake & ELP fans worldwide, Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti are releasing MOONCHILD - A deep journey into the music and poetry of Greg Lake! To be issued as Limited edition 1000 papersleeve CD (MAN002) and 500 gatefold coloured audiophile vinyl (MANLP002) on Manticore Records on May 18, 2018, this album marks Greg Lake's final production before his passing on December 7, 2016.

“Amongst the many projects Greg Lake and I planned for Manticore was the re-arranging of his favourite songs in a black and white, contemporary way. A sort of back to the bone, vocals and guitar setting, as simple as that. I remember Greg became an advocate of the new 'less is more' concept and he often reminded us that 'simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.'

“As we went further into the project, we soon discovered that an acoustic guitar could be fine for some tunes, but not suitable for others; so Greg decided we should go for piano and vocals and asked me to look for a talented piano player. I knew Max Repetti who I considered to be the perfect pianist for Greg. Apart from the fact that he had the entire ELP songbook in his repertoire, he is a very able musician. The audition lasted just a few minutes in a countryside restaurant on an upright piano which had seen better days, slightly out of tune, where Repetti dared to propose a medley of 'The Stones Of Years,' from 'Tarkus,' and 'Take a Pebble.' Greg was so delighted that he immediately asked Max to arrange for him a list of tunes he intended to put on the album that we called 'Moonchild,' after one of our favourite early songs.

“Sadly, in early 2014 Greg called me with the very worst news. Shortly after that, he decided to ask his young friend and talented singer and musician Annie Barbazza to take his place and carry on his legacy with this album. He patiently trained Annie using all the available technology to keep him up to date with our progress, while continuing to work with Max Repetti and me on the arrangements and production. We all spoke on Skype several times a week to ensure this project matched his standard of perfectionism and musical integrity.

“When Greg was awarded with an honorary degree for lyrics and music composition by Conservatorio Nicolini in January 2016, he was already too ill to attend the ceremony in person. I decided to surprise him by having Annie and Max perform his music on his behalf in front of the dignitaries. Greg was attending via Skype and you may listen to his encouraging comments on Greg Lake's Official Channel on Youtube. He was so happy with the results that he pushed even harder for Annie to improve her skills as a singer. Annie Barbazza and Max Repetti performed Moonchild again at a sold out concert for Greg's last birthday on November 10, 2016. As Greg wanted, we will keep the flame alive by playing his music. So this is for you, Grande Gregorio wherever you are. May your music resound forever in our hearts.” - Max Marchini


Greg Lake, Annie Barbazza

“Annie and Max recorded such a wonderful and touching tribute to the music I have made during my lifetime. Max's arrangements are absolutely superb! What a magical touch he has and Annie's vocals are at the same time beautiful, brave and heartfelt. It is a very moving experience for me to hear them perform these songs so passionately.” - Greg Lake, 2016

Tracks
01. In The Court of the Crimson King - 21st Century
Schizoid Man
02. Trilogy - The Endless Enigma part II
03. Moonchild
04. The Stones Of Years - Take A Pebble
05. C’est La Vie
06. Battlefield including Epitaph
07. Karn Evil 9 1st impression, part 2
08. Memories Of An Officer And A Gentleman
09. In The Wake Of Poseidon
10. Lucky Man
11. The Sage / The Great Gates Of Kiev

Produced by Greg Lake and Max Marchini
music arranged by Max Repetti
Project coordination: Regina Lake
Recorded by Alberto Callegari @ Elfo Studios
© 2018 Manticore Records Ltd.

Visit Manticore Italy Records to purchase Annie Barbazza & Max Repetti's MOONCHILD: www.manticorerecords.com

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

Australian-American New York Rock Band THE WALK-A-BOUT to Release Sophomore Album THINGS ARE LOOKING UP with Ridge Hill Records

Long Island, NY – Aussie-American acoustically driven rock ‘n’ roll quintet THE WALK-A-BOUT hail from the artistic East End of Long Island, New York. THE WALK-A-BOUT are releasing their sophomore album THINGS ARE LOOKING UP, produced by Andrew Michael Bertrand and mastered by Roger Lian, in stores and online worldwide on June 15, 2018. A limited edition 180-Gram Red Splatter Vinyl will also be available with the official album release. The band’s carefully crafted songwriting has allowed THE WALK-A-BOUT to explore the outer reaches of the orchestral atmosphere, and this dynamic new collection explores that avenue with a welcome pop appeal while maintaining their depth and introspection.

The album’s featured single “That’s Just the Way It Goes” will be airing on radio stations with a music video for the song launched to hundreds of broadcast video channels. Members of THE WALK-A-BOUT have worked with the likes of Bill Ortiz (Santana), Vince Welnick (The Tubes, The Grateful Dead), renowned jazz saxophonist David Murray, Earl “Chinna” Smith (Bob Marley and The Wailers), and Grammy winning film composer Alex Wurman. With something in their catalogue for every mood, whether it is a smooth island vibe, a high-stepping funk feel, or straight hard-driving rock, their music is visceral, emotional, fun, and easy.

After self-realized string master Kevin Anderson had composed a growing catalog of guitar vignettes over several years, fate brought him together with Australian singer/songwriter, blues harpist, and didgeridoo player Darren “Sully” Sullivan. Sully was the perfect songwriting partner to translate Kevin’s vision into the lyrical domain, and they began working together in the fall of 2015. At that time, as part of a crew on a ship, Sully penned his lyrics for the material while sailing around the world. He applied his very special brand of wordsmithing, creating imagery for Kevin’s original titles that spanned a wide range of subjects from heartbreak, to soul-searching, adventure, to introspection, to even the simple concept of enjoying being alive, permeating each musical piece with a special energy.

THE WALK-A-BOUT lineup moved closer to completion with a chance introduction to career drummer/producer Drew Bertrand in December 2015. Drew quickly acknowledged the unique nature of Kevin and Sully’s writing and began sculpting arrangements and cadence for every song, carefully recognizing the distinct identity of each piece. As the material coalesced, Drew called on his music business partner Michael Perrotta, multi-instrumentalist and co-owner of Ridge Hill Sound Studios, to come join the sessions and help craft arrangements. He was able to shape the harmonic relationships within each piece in a way that few musicians have such command of doing.

This proved to be the catalyzing factor that led to THE WALK-A-BOUT’s self-titled debut LP, which was recorded and launched independently on April 29th, 2017 on CD, Vinyl, and Digital formats. Recorded at Ridge Hill Sound Studios, the album boasts a multi-faceted exploration of moods, from the hard driving exclamation of the first single “Traveler,” to the introspective depth of “Look at the Moon,” to the funk energy of “Shakin’ It Up,” and beyond. The final track on the record, "Fortune Favors the Brave," describes the overall message in all its epic grandeur. On August 24th, 2017, THE WALK-A-BOUT released a limited edition 12" 45RPM single and B-side including the tracks “Drifting Tide” and “Oasis” called The Walk-A-Bout II, also recorded and mixed at Ridge Hill Sound Studios.

Following these first releases, local radio stations had very positive reactions, and it was apparent at any performances that people loved the band’s sound. After a benefit performance for one of the listener-sponsored stations that was airing their music, THE WALK-A-BOUT had yet another chance meeting with Dave Christian, a longtime musician friend of Drew’s. Dave quickly fell in love with their sound; he expressed interest in working together, and without question he was invited to play on the second release. The subsequent sessions proved that Dave’s influence on the sound was exactly what The Walk-A-Bout was looking for. His vocal and electric guitar contributions were ingredients that rounded out the sound on all the material the band had been recording and performing live. Fan reaction to Dave’s contribution has proven to increase the audience-band relationship during any performance to date.

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP is the second album from THE WALK-A-BOUT and will release in stores and online June 15, 2018. The album was primarily conceived in the studio during pre-production, with the songs on the record representing the momentum that the band was feeling during the time. The essence of urgency within the album was derived from the creative process in the studio and the perspective of lead singer Sully, who was back home in Australia at the time penning the lyrics. As the material was developed and tracked, Dave Christian, working with producer Drew Bertrand, offered his contributions to the recordings. This unique way of developing the record is reflected in the undeniable energy of the release.

THE WALK-A-BOUT will tour to support the album along the East and West Coasts throughout 2018, as well as Australia in February 2019.

For more information including tour dates or booking inquiries please visit: www.walkaboutband.com

To Pre-Order THINGS ARE LOOKING UP on digital services please visit: http://smarturl.it/TheWalk-a-Bout

To Pre-Order THINGS ARE LOOKING UP on Bandcamp please visit: https://walkabout.bandcamp.com/

For Press and Interview inquiries please contact Billy James of Glass Onyon PR: (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing please contact Jerome Forney of Independent Distribution Collective: jerome@independentdistro.com

New Age-Classical Review: Christine Brown-Ascend

Release Date: October 1, 2017

Label: Key Image Music

Website

It has been 4 years since I had the opportunity to enjoy writing about a Christine Brown recording. I covered Souvenirs in 2014. Looking back into the archives I see that I was ill at the time of my first listening experience and her music helped me get in a positive frame of mind and get well again.

Ascend was released in October of 2017, which now seems ions away with the warm weather upon us in May. As people find ascension in life it can come in many different forms, and it also can be disguised as something else that is happening. Even the definition of the word can take different forms such as to move upward, to slope upward, or to conduct nerve impulses toward or to the brain.  

I think in this case those definitions can apply to all fourteen tracks offered on the recording. The beauty and simplicity of solo piano music is something special. I look at it as an uplifting and pure representation of an instrument. The ivory keys in the right hands can bring heaven to earth and peace to one’s soul. I realize that is a prolific statement to make about music however that is the way I truly feel.

Ascend had a positive effect on me. The nerve impulses to my brain engaged my thought process and released all of those good endorphins.  I liked the way Christine explained the process of making the album. She stated in one passage in a sentence in the liner notes “Creating music is a beautiful and evolving process. Each piece develops through many stages, slowly transforming until each song is ready to be released, just like the life cycle of a butterfly, until it finally emerges from the chrysalis.”

That is a brilliant comparison to one of the miracles of nature. This is an accurate statement to make, in my opinion, about the birth of a track from start to finish. I have always looked at the creation of each track as a bit of a miracle, and those that are able to create on such a level are the blessed that walk this great planet of ours.

If you want to Ascend from daily life, relax, absorb, reflect and heal, music can get you there, just let it take you. Christine Brown will gently push you there if you cannot just fall into it and be swept away like some fortunate listeners. This is a journey and one that can be therapeutic in several ways. Ascending from self, sidestepping the ego of our humanity, and letting the music take over is the best choice you can make. Look what happened when Christine let the music flow through her fingers…

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

May 14, 2018

Founder of:

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Tracks:
01. Ascend
02. Love’s Legacy
03. Magic Carpet
04. Gravity
05. Closer
06. Forest for the Trees
07. Ivory Wings
08. Lotus Breeze
09. Floating Colors
10. Soar
11. Cherish
12. The Departure
13. Amethyst Sky
14. Safe and Sound

Motown Songwriting Legend LAMONT DOZIER Reclaims His Most Iconic Hits Feat. Todd Rundgren, Graham Nash & Others

Includes performances by Graham Nash, Todd Rundgren, Sir Cliff Richard, Marc Cohn, Gregory Porter, Lee Ann Womack, and more!

Los Angeles, CA - You may not know his name, but you most certainly know his songs. As one third of Holland/Dozier/Holland, perhaps the greatest songwriting trio of all time, Lamont Dozier is responsible for such timeless classics as “Stop In The Name Of Love,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “Nowhere To Run,” “You Keep Me Hanging On,” just to name a few! These megahits changed the face of music forever, jumpstarting the careers of The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha & The Vandellas, The Isley Brothers and many more figures who defined the Motown Era of pop music.

Now, Lamont Dozier has gifted the world with a brand new project that reimagines these treasured classics using acoustic guitar, resonating piano and sparse arrangements, brought together by producer Fred Mollin to create a moving experience for audiences of every generation. Reimagination packs an enormous emotional wallop as Dozier, now several decades older and more mature as an artist, revisits his masterpieces with both reverence and affection. These new semi-unplugged arrangements bring out new depths of feeling and tenderness that audiences will immediately identify with and serve as a reminder of Dozier’s unparalleled talent as a songwriter. Indeed, one need look no further for proof of the universality of Dozier’s genius than the stellar guest artists who have lined up to lend their own unique voices to this project from Grammy-award winning singer Gregory Porter to rock icon Todd Rundgren, and from British pop idol Sir Cliff Richard to country superstar Le Ann Womack.

Producer Mollin summarizes the sentiments of many involved with the project, stating “I will never produce a more historic project, and I know how deep the music will resonate. Lamont and his music were critically important to the rise and continued success of Motown. It is a known fact that Motown changed the world along with the Beatles.”

Classic rock legend Graham Nash, of Crosby, Stills & Nash, offers this about the project, “When Fred Mollin asked me if I was interested in singing harmony on Lamont’s album, I just couldn’t wait. My former band, The Hollies, recorded ‘Stop In The Name Of Love’ in the early ‘80s and it was my absolute pleasure to be able to work with such an incredible writer. Well done, Lamont!”

And finally, Dozier himself is clearly struck by the significance of these recordings and how fans will react, saying “Who knew that after all these years that these songs would be revisited again in this form? We’re just having a ball with it and, we think that the audience and the fans of this music will get a kick out of it as well.”

Watch this exclusive behind-the-scenes video of the recording for Reimagination here: https://youtu.be/GyF6GSu9Os0

Track List:
1. Supremes Medley: Where Did Our Love Go / Stop In The Name Of Love / Come See About Me / Baby Love feat. Graham Nash
2. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) feat. Gregory Porter
3. Reach Out, I'll Be There
4. Baby I Need Your Loving feat. Lee Ann Womack
5. Bernadette
6. This Old Heart Of Mine / My World Is Empty Without You feat. Sir Cliff Richard
7. Heat Wave / Nowhere To Run feat. Jo Harman
8. In My Lonely Room feat. Todd Rundgren
9. Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While) feat. Marc Cohn
10. You Keep Me Hanging On feat. Rumer
11. Reflections feat. Justin Currie
12. I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
BONUS TRACK
13. Reach Out, I'll Be There (Duet Version with Jo Harman)

Buy the CD: https://www.amazon.com/Reimagination-Lamont-Dozier/dp/B07CCZY32J
Buy the digital version: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/reimagination/1380677059?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

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

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