MuzikMan's Reviews And News

7/11/2018

Soft Machine Announce New Album Hidden Details & World Tour Dates, with First North American Dates Since 1974!

NYC - In support of their forthcoming new album, British music legends Soft Machine will embark on their first North American tour since 1974 in October 2018, followed by the second North-American leg of the tour in January/February 2019. In concert, their set list will include material from all parts of the band's repertoire from 1970 onwards, but this is emphatically not a nostalgia act resting on its laurels. Last weekend Soft Machine played their first two shows in North America since 1974 (it was in 1974 they toured USA and Canada during the Bundles/Allan Holdsworth era). Both shows, at the Montreal Jazz Festival and Quebec City, were exceptionally well received by the enthusiastic audience and local press.

Hidden Details is a new studio album of Soft Machine, recorded at the late great Jon Hiseman's Temple Studio in Surrey, England, last December 2017, and it will be released in September 2018 on MoonJune Records (North America; on CD and HD Download), on John Etheridge's Dyan Records (UK/Europe on CD, and iTunes), and on Vivid Records (Japan), exactly 50 years since the release of the band's 1968 debut album The Soft Machine. Limited and highly collectible vinyl edition of only 200 coloured vinyl (orange, blue and tour edition orange & blue marbled) will be released on the Dutch label Tonefloat, on September 8, 2018.

“'Hidden Details' is very much the product of an active, contemporary sounding outfit striking out with its own agenda. Though informed by the past, the music here is neither weighed down nor beholden to it. Animated with the same ineffable and inquisitive spirit that has always made this group throughout its fifty years such a compelling experience, it’' good to have a new Soft Machine with us in 2018. The yearning tenderness of 'Heart Off Guard' and the come-down reveries of 'Broken Hill' and 'Drifting White' showcase the more intimate aspects of Soft Machine's personality while in contrast, 'One Glove' gives the more pugilistic side of John Etheridge's playing an outing. The terse angularities of the title track and 'Life on Bridges' highlight a fearless disposition, as does the buzzsaw interplay heard during 'Ground Lift' and 'Flight of the Jett,' both featuring Roy Babbington's decisive interventions. The surging lyricism of 'Fourteen Hour Dream' flirts with an almost popish sensibility, underscoring the sense that this is a quartet that is fundamentally at ease with itself. The return of what some older fans of the band have called 'cosmic tinkles’'– the appearance of layers of cyclical electric piano motifs – is especially welcome. Their brief manifestation on 'The Man Who Waved at Trains' and Third-era, 'Out-Bloody-Rageous,' both stone-cold Mike Ratledge-composed classics, adds an extra spacey dimension to the overall sound. Travis' use of looping technology with his flutes creates its own beguiling world and can be heard to powerful effect on the beautiful and enigmatic 'Breathe,' where his hovering notes are underpinned by Marshall's oblique yet atmospheric percussion.” - Sid Smith

Soft Machine:
JOHN ETHERIDGE - guitar
THEO TRAVIS - sax, flute, Fender Rhodes
ROY BABBINGTON - bass guitar
JOHN MARSHALL - drums
with special guest GARY HUSBAND drums on selected dates

photo by Geoff Dennison

2018 North American Tour Dates:
October 6 - Orion Studios - Baltimore, MD, USA [John Marshall on drums]
October 7 - Theater Of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA, USA
October 9 - Roxy's & Duke - Dunellen, NJ, USA
October 10 - Darryl's House - Pawling, NY, USA
October 12 - The Iridium - NYC, NY, USA
October 13 - The Iridium - NYC, NY, USA
October 14 - The Iridium - NYC, NY, USA
October 16 - Mod's Club - Toronto, ON, Canada [Gary Husband on drums]
October 17 - The Tralf - Buffalo, NY, USA [Gary Husband on drums]
October 18 - Beachland Music Hall - Cleveland, OH, USA [Gary Husband on drums]
October 19 - The Irving Theater - Indianapolis, IN, USA [Gary Husband on drums]
October 21 - Progtober Festival - Reggie's - Chicago, IL, USA [Gary Husband on drums]
October 22 - Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI, USA [Gary Husband on drums]

2019 North American Tour Dates:
January 24 - Freight & Salvage - Berkeley, CA, USA
January 25 - Flynn's - Santa Cruz, CA, USA
January 27 - Alberta Rose Theater - Portland, OR, USA
January 28 - Triple Door - Seattle, WA, USA
January 29 - Triple Door - Seattle, WA, USA
January 31 - The Baked Potato (2 shows) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
February 1 - The Baked Potato (2 shows) - Los Angeles, CA, USA
February 2 - Scottsdale Performing Arts Center - Scottsdale, AZ, USA
February 4-9 - Cruise To The Edge - Key West, FL / Cozumel, Mexico

2018 confirmed shows in Japan & Europe:
July 7 - Montreal Jazz Festival - Monument National - Ludger Duvernay - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
July 8 - Salle Jean-Paul Tardif - Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
July 28 - Billboard Live Tokyo - Tokyo, Japan (2 shows) [special guest Gary Husband, keyboards]
July 29 - Billboard Live Tokyo - Tokyo, Japan (2 shows) [special guest Gary Husband, keyboards]
July 30 - Billboard Live Osaka - Osaka, Japan (2 shows) [special guest Gary Husband, keyboards]
September 6 - Cosmopolite - Oslo, Norway
September 8 - De Boerderij - Zoetemeer, The Netherlands
September 9 - Musikbunker - Aachen, Germany
September 10 - Franzis - Wetzlar, Germany
September 12 - Muhle Hunziken - Rubigen, Switzerland
September 13 - La Casa Di Alex - Milano, Italy
September 14 - Club Il Giardino - Verona, Italy
September 16 - Porgy & Bess - Vienna, Austria
September 17 - Museum - Bratislava, Slovakia
September 18 - Akropolis - Prague, Czech Republic
September 19 - Kulturbanhof - Jena, Germany
November 3 - Marlow Theater - Canterbury, UK
November 6 - Sage - Gateshead, UK
November 8 - Green Hotel - Kinross, Scotland, UK
November 9 - Hebden Bridge Townhall - Hebden, UK
November 10 - The Trade's Club - Howden, UK
November 16 - Borderline - London, UK
November 17 - West End Center - Aldershot, UK
November 18 - Lews Con Club - Lewes, UK
November 20 - Epic Studios - Norwich, UK
November 22 - Trading Boundaries - Fletching, UK
November 25 - Talking Heads - Southampton, UK
December 15 - Peppel - Zeist, The Netherlands
December 16 - Harmonie - Bonn, Germany

Soft Machine is a legend and an institution of British music, a band who included Robert Wyatt, Daevid Allen, Mike Ratledge, Kevin Ayers, Andy Summers (later of The Police), Hugh Hopper, Elton Dean, Roy Babbington, John Marshall, Karl Jenkins, Allan Holdsworth, John Etheridge, Percy Jones, Rick Sanders, Dave McRae and Jack Bruce among others (Jimi Hendrix briefly jammed with the band in 1968!). Since its creation in 1966, this band pioneered Psychedelic and Progressive Rock, led the 'Canterbury' trend, pioneered jazz-rock, and then guitar-led fusion (launching the guitar god Allan Holdsworth in 1974), influenced generations of musicians. Disbanded in 1978, recreated in few occasions in 1981 and 1984, the band resurfaces in 1999 under the name of Soft Ware. Much was said about this band with a very complex intriguing history of constant personal changes during the 1966-1978 period. The band resurrected in 1999 under the name of Soft Ware, then as Soft Works 2002-2004 and Soft Machine Legacy 2004-2015. In December 2015, it was confirmed that the band had dropped the “Legacy” tag from their name, as the band featured three of the group's 1970s era members – guitarist John Etheridge, drummer John Marshall and bassist Roy Babbington (from the seminal 1976's album Softs), in addition to flute and sax player Theo Travis – returning to the original name from 2015, and performing numerous concerts all around Europe, South America and Japan.

To pre-order Soft Machine's Hidden Details CD and HD 24bit Download:
https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/hidden-details-hd ;
All CD orders come with HD 24bit downloads.
Pre-ordered CDs will be shipped in the end of August 2018.
Pre-ordered Downloads will be released the first week of September.
Those who purchased either the CD or HD Download, will receive instant download of one tune before the official release date. Downloads of two more tunes will be released on August 4 2018, and the full album download will be released on September 7 2018.
$15 for the CD + shipping (from USA) and $10 for HD 24bit Download.

Pre-orders are also available on Theo Travis' website:
www.theotravis.com/index.php/shop/recordings/soft-machine
£10 for the CD plus shipping (from U.K.).
Special package is also available comprising: the CD signed by all 4 members of Soft Machine - John Etheridge, John Marshall, Roy Babbington and Theo Travis; an exclusive color photo print of the band signed by all 4 members; high resolution bonus track only otherwise available on the vinyl edition. £22 plus shipping (from UK).

A special 2LP vinyl edition on Tonefloat Records which includes a whole side of six bonus studio tracks from the same recording sessions as the main album. The vinyl double album comes in 3 editions - blue vinyl, orange vinyl and a special limited edition of orange and blue marbled vinyl only available at concerts on the Soft Machine Hidden Details world tour. (29.99 Euros + shipping)
https://tonefloat.com/2018/06/28/soft-machine-new-studio-album-with-vinyl-only-bonus-tracks-out-on-tonefloat

MoonJune Records: http://www.moonjune.com/

Soft Machine's Official Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/softmachinelegacy

Current Soft Machine's BandCamp:
https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com

John Etheridge's Soft Machine page:
https://www.john-etheridge.com/bands/soft-machine

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

Soft Machine Announce New Album Hidden Details & World Tour Dates, with First North American Dates Since 1974!

Internationally Acclaimed Soul Artist CORNELL "CC" CARTER to Release His Highly Anticipated New Album ONE LOVE

San Francisco, CA – Cornell “CC” Carter has been gracing stages and entertaining thousands of fans with his signature sound around the world for many years. He is known for his phenomenal stage presence, his high-powered audience engagement, and his extraordinary and dynamic vocal skills. CC is now set to unleash his highly anticipated new album titled ONE LOVE. The CD will release worldwide on August 3, 2018, two weeks ahead of the digital release on August 17, 2018.

The first Single from the album, “That Feelin’,” was released on April 27, 2018 and has been #1 on all significant Soul Charts in the UK. CC achieved what has been called the elusive “Hat Trick” (#1 on All 3 Soul Charts at the same time) which no other artist has ever accomplished! ONE LOVE has a variety of outstanding Producers on its roster such as Morgan Howell (Soulpersona, UK), Brian Braziel, David Council, and Kirk Crumpler. Cornell says, “ONE LOVE is a message of Oneness with the planet and each other and allowing Love and Music to be our guide to a better world!”

Cornell’s strong love for music developed when he was a young man growing up in a San Francisco home chock full of Jazz, Blues, Funk, Soul, and Gospel, which has been the inspiration for his creativity and songwriting. He co-wrote and produced his internationally acclaimed 2016 album In The Moment with co-producer Kirk “KC” Crumpler, who has produced various award-winning artists. A collection of 13 diverse tracks spanning R&B, Funk, and heart-piercing Soul numbers, In The Moment is a mix of the past and present, featuring solid classics and contemporary chart-toppers. CC performed all lead and background vocals on the entire album and was also instrumental in the music’s production.

Following the release of In The Moment, Cornell was able to collaborate with other producers (DJ Spen, Boogie Back) and put out several highly acclaimed remixes which have received great reviews in the US and Europe. On May 19, 2017, Cornell released Vindicated Soul, a remarkable collection of soulful covers of artists including Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Willie Hutch. Vindicated Soul also includes a remix of the classic CC original track “Where Do We Go.” (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NNT7rrkE-k)

CC has had many once in a lifetime musical experiences to draw from, but two of the highest points of his career so far has been sharing the stage as an opening act for the late great Godfather of Soul, James Brown, and the legendary Ray Charles. In addition to his various headline performances, he has also opened for other household name brand artists such as The Whispers, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, and Kool and The Gang. As part of Narada Michael Walden’s all-star band, which performs at various NMW Foundation events, he has shared the stage with other renowned world-class artists such as Neil Schon (Journey), Dionne Warwick, Ronnie Spector, and many other legendary performers!

Throughout the years, CC has appeared on many albums, and he continues to be one of the most in-demand session vocalists in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was honored to perform with world-renowned, multi-platinum guitarist Carlos Santana, providing vocals on two tracks that appeared on Santana IV and on Santana’s latest album with the legendary Ron Isley. His experience and professionalism have made him an A-list vocalist for Tarpan Studios, appearing on many tracks with Grammy and Emmy Award winning producer Narada Michael Walden. He also contributed vocals on various Tarpan artist releases, including Jennifer Saran’s new albums Merry Christmas, You Are Loved and Walk With Me, and many others.

CC loves to share his talents with aspiring artists and veteran performers alike. He established CDC Productions, his own production and record company geared toward assisting these artists to follow their dreams while also teaching them about the time and dedication it takes to reach their goals. Cornell has been involved with many charities and non-profits over the past few years, and his vision is to continue to uplift and engage people all around the world with Music and with One Love.

For more information about ONE LOVE or upcoming tour dates, please visit CC’s website and social media pages via: www.cc2000music.com or https://cc2000music.bandcamp.com/

To Pre-Order ONE LOVE on digital services please visit: http://smarturl.it/CConelove

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

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

7/10/2018

Light Freedom Revival Releases Second Album 'Truthonomy' Feat. Jamie Glaser, Billy Sherwood and Oliver Wakeman

VANCOUVER BC - John Vehadija has reunited with his cast of high class musicians for ‘Truthonomy’, the new album by Light Freedom Revival, which is released on July 3rd, 2018.

Along the bright sounds of Jamie Glaser’s acoustic guitar, and Vehadija’s ethereal vocals, Billy Sherwood returns for the rhythm section (Drums and Bass), as well as Oliver Wakeman (piano and keyboards) and Marisa Frantz (Harmony Vocals). Eric Gillette also joins in the project by providing additional electric guitar as well as mixing and mastering.

This talented team was called up by Vehadija once again to help him express his ideas in the form of a new concept album that offers new insights in his own spiritual journey and the science of Truthonomy.

John Vehadija believes in the existence of an absolute truth and he relied on his spiritual knowledge to create a story of soul awakening, for the seeker to rediscover Creation as a living being self aware of itself. Truthonomy is defined to represent a light truth economy in an open universe system which develops society with divine tunnel visions of how to consciously manifest one’s destiny.

“It’s hard to explain how this album came to be because it was totally unplanned, but it’s partially based on my travels to major capitals on different continents, and so I tried to create a unified world perception beyond the countries we live in to reach a standard of a new kind of planetary civilization. As I was writing the songs,” said Vehadija, “I realized it is a concept album of someone moving through many parallel negative timelines, constantly searching for the truth, trying to find the original one that had once been his real home, a place from where it’s safe to project into the future and reality will not anti respond to soul impulse calculations. I’m proud of the way it came out, it represents almost a new style of music, you can love it or hate it, but you cannot dismiss it. I felt it was my soul mission to express this for humanity. I didn’t want to create dogma, I wanted to create freedom and awareness. I wanted it to be like a self reflective mirror for the soul. In my opinion we should all deal with the truth as we understand it, and not just put it aside it and ignore it forever.”

Jamie Glaser had this to say about the record: “‘Truthonomy’ is one of the most interesting projects I have gotten a chance to work on in recent memory. John is great to make music with; he’s a super talented man and I appreciated his positivity; he always makes sure to write stories in both words and music that keep the listener spiritually uplifted and sonically on an adventure. He gave me a lot of freedom to create my parts and it was always a great and fun challenge.”

“As I finished all bases and drums I realized it all sounded very cool!” said Billy Sherwood “I like the general feel for all the music, it’s a bit more simplified and earthy than the last CD! It was a fun record to make and I’m happy with the way it came out.”

Oliver Wakeman tells us: “I’m glad John was happy with the keyboard performances I recorded for his new album... there were a couple of tracks, like ‘Emma’ and ‘Lies No More’, which in particular I really enjoyed playing on. Working on John’s album also gave me the opportunity to use some new keyboard sounds courtesy of IK Multimedia as well as recording using my Dexibell piano. It’s always fun to play on a project with talented musicians and John has gathered a bunch of great artists to bring his vision to life. I’m pleased he asked me to be a part of it.”

Marisa Frantz who did the harmonies for the whole album, shares her thoughts about the song “Truthonomy” which clocks at just over sixteen minutes: “It’s a truly epic song, captivating from beginning to end! It has so many beautiful melodies which were fun to put together. I had to do a variety of backgrounds including lyrical harmonies as well as other vocal textures and dynamics. I also wanted to give it space to breathe in spots. It was a pleasure working on this project for John.”

“I have never seen a more beautiful thought provoking cover” Vehadija tells us about the CD artwork provided again by the international visual artist Ed Unitsky. “I’m very happy about this new album and that John contacted me again to create the cover!” said Unitsky.

Intended to be a true work of art, something that both prog audiences and music lovers in general will be very satisfied with, ‘Truthonomy’ is available in CD Digipack and MP3 Format starting July 3rd on lightfreedomrevival.com as well as Amazon, iTunes, Spotify and other major distributors.

For a limited time, ‘Truthonomy’ is also available in a ‘High Definition Audio’ Crystal USB format with bonus tracks on lightfreedomrevival.com

Song titles:
01 Lies No More
02 Caravan
03 Lady Marian
04 Jesus With A Guitar
05 Allah Is Cool
06 Emma
07 Judgement Day
08 Arcadia
09 Truthonomy

Watch Light Freedom Revival’s new lyric video for Lies No More here:

To purchase:
https://www.lightfreedomrevival.com/shop ;
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/truthonomy/1402455008
https://www.amazon.com/Truthonomy-Light-Freedom-Revival/dp/B07DWLCTT8/

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

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7/11/2018

Soft Machine Announce New Album Hidden Details & World Tour Dates, with First North American Dates Since 1974!

Soft Machine Announce New Album Hidden Details & World Tour Dates, with First North American Dates Since 1974!

Internationally Acclaimed Soul Artist CORNELL "CC" CARTER to Release His Highly Anticipated New Album ONE LOVE

7/10/2018

Light Freedom Revival Releases Second Album 'Truthonomy' Feat. Jamie Glaser, Billy Sherwood and Oliver Wakeman

Light Freedom Revival Releases Second Album 'Truthonomy' Feat. Jamie Glaser, Billy Sherwood and Oliver Wakeman