Classical/Heavy Metal Review: McCormick Percussion Group-Between Rock and A Hard Place

Release Date: January 13, 2015

Label: Ravello Records

Website

The McCormick Percussion Group is headed up by Robert McCormick, who is the Director of the group and Corey Harvin plays guitar while Ciro Scotto, John Cage and Dan Senn are the composers. It is an interesting collaboration and the music they create on Between Rock and A Hard Place (Plugged & Unplugged) is fascinating.

The idea of classical music meeting heavy metal is nothing new however I felt listening to this purely instrumental take on that expression to be quite attention getting. The focus is more on the percussive side of the equation however, the use of the guitar and other instruments make for some thought provoking soundscapes, it’s like listening to a movie rather than watching it yet different things jump in and out of your mind while it’s playing.

The only track under 5 minutes is “Composition for Three Voices” then at the opposite end of the spectrum is “Unplugged” clocking in at a beefy 16:24. They never bite off more they can chew regardless of the time invested into any one track.

This is very progressive music, not progressive like legendary groundbreaking bands like Yes or ELP but with the same idea and goals of intermingling two genres to come out the other side with a digestible end product for the ears. The lead off track is titled  “ I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night” It is a good warm up for what is to come. It serves as a strong introduction for a suite of compositions that have you listening over and over at first out of curiosity then that turns into awe and pure enjoyment. This will not be for everyone but what progressive music is? It depends on your taste, mood and personal preferences, just like purchasing any other product, the choice is yours. I choose to explore and expand my listening experiences and this was the perfect album to engage my senses and push me forward, to be more progressive with my ears.

“II. On Death Ground” is a bit more moody and intense, kind of like the soundtrack you would hear during a suspenseful segment of a movie. It jumps back and forth and flows like an effortless stream down a mountain. Nothing sounds forced or difficult although it may sound like cacophony at times it does all come together and make sense but it may take a few listens to get to that point of understanding. This is why I feel the first three tracks are the most important. This is the foundation to the fortress of sound being built before the story coalesces then comes to an end.

“III. Onryõ” takes you down a different road and combines some lighter parts with the hard edged guitar sounds in a much different way in that the pace is like a musical stutter step. The percussive back end holds it all together and keeps a steady rhythm so everything else seems to fall into place somehow. Trying to explain what you hear is not always the easiest thing to do but in the end it’s all dependent on the listeners view and personal aural filter if you will.

If you like progressive, fusion, experimental and or metal this is something you need to hear then decide for yourself if it is something you want more of or if the journey should be over after one trip. I took more than one trip and expect to take some more. There is a lot to process here and that is the beauty of it. 

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night, II. On Death Ground, III. Onryõ

Tracks: 
1. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “I. Hard Light-Hybrid Night”  (Ciro Scotto)
2. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “II. On Death Ground”  (Scotto)
3. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “III. Onryõ  (Scotto)
4. Between Rock and a Hard Place: “IV: Mjölnir (Crusher)”  (Scotto)
5. Five  (John Cage)
6. Rivus  (Dan Senn)
7. Between Rock and a Hard Place-Unplugged  (Ciro Scotto)
8.Compositions for 3 Voices  (John Cage)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

January 15, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music 
 

Featured Track: McCormick Percussion Group-Between Rock and a Hard Place I-Hard Light-Hybrid Night

The McCormick Percussion Group is an intriguing prospect for music enthusiasts looking for something different and challenging. The featured track is "Between Rock and a Hard Place I-Hard Light-Hybrid Night." 

It's where classical meets heavy metal and although it is very percussive in nature I think that metal fans will find interest in hearing this interesting composition. It clocks in at just over nine minutes.

The intent is clear here, to present classical music with a different twist to garner interest from a large cross section of listeners. That mission is accomplished and the track will challenge and inspire aspiring and expereinced musicians alike.

Give it a good listen and judge for yourself!

More About The McCormick Percussion Group:

htmlhttp://mb3creative.com/mccormick/McCormickPercussionGroup/McCormickPercussionGroup/About_Me.html


The McCormick Percussion Group was formed for the purpose of recording new classical music in the percussion ensemble idiom.  The  McCormick Percussion Group has received world wide recognition in Fanfare Magazine, Gramophone, American Record Guide and other leading journals. They have recorded over 2 dozen CDs, many available on Capstone Records and Ravello Records. (Ravello is distributed by Naxos)  Their latest CD on Ravello Records (published 2014) titled: Soli for Soprano with Percussion Orchestra (with Jamie Jordan) received three Global Music Awards! Many of our CD’s are also available on iTunes and major internet sites. Often our CD’s feature well known non-percussion artists  to provide the best available contemporary literature at the highest performance level. The McCormick Percussion Group uses Grover Pro Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals and Encore Mallets. Please contact us for a list of CD’s and upcoming projects.

Percussionist and conductor Robert McCormick is a Professor of Music at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He has won many awards for his teaching and percussion composition.  He served as Principal Percussionist of the Florida Orchestra for 20 seasons, and is a former member of the Harry Partch Ensemble. He is also a member of the McCormick Duo, a well known flute/percussion chamber group.  Bob is available for concerts as conductor, percussionist or clinician. His email: bobpodrum@gmail.com

Featured Track: McCormick Percussion Group-Between Rock and a Hard Place I-Hard Light-Hybrid Night

The McCormick Percussion Group is an intriguing prospect for music enthusiasts looking for something different and challenging. The featured track is "Between Rock and a Hard Place I-Hard Light-Hybrid Night." 

It's where classical meets heavy metal and although it is very percussive in nature I think that metal fans will find interest in hearing this interesting composition. It clocks in at just over nine minutes.

The intent is clear here, to present classical music with a different twist to garner interest from a large cross section of listeners. That mission is accomplished and the track will challenge and inspire aspiring and expereinced musicians alike.

Give it a good listen and judge for yourself!

More About The McCormick Percussion Group:

htmlhttp://mb3creative.com/mccormick/McCormickPercussionGroup/McCormickPercussionGroup/About_Me.html


The McCormick Percussion Group was formed for the purpose of recording new classical music in the percussion ensemble idiom.  The  McCormick Percussion Group has received world wide recognition in Fanfare Magazine, Gramophone, American Record Guide and other leading journals. They have recorded over 2 dozen CDs, many available on Capstone Records and Ravello Records. (Ravello is distributed by Naxos)  Their latest CD on Ravello Records (published 2014) titled: Soli for Soprano with Percussion Orchestra (with Jamie Jordan) received three Global Music Awards! Many of our CD’s are also available on iTunes and major internet sites. Often our CD’s feature well known non-percussion artists  to provide the best available contemporary literature at the highest performance level. The McCormick Percussion Group uses Grover Pro Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals and Encore Mallets. Please contact us for a list of CD’s and upcoming projects.

Percussionist and conductor Robert McCormick is a Professor of Music at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He has won many awards for his teaching and percussion composition.  He served as Principal Percussionist of the Florida Orchestra for 20 seasons, and is a former member of the Harry Partch Ensemble. He is also a member of the McCormick Duo, a well known flute/percussion chamber group.  Bob is available for concerts as conductor, percussionist or clinician. His email: bobpodrum@gmail.com

Progressive Rock/Classical/Instrumental Review: Cailyn-Voyager

Release Date: January 1, 2015

Label: Land of Oz Music

Website

Progressive rock finds inspiration in classical music then molds and shapes it into its own interpretations and the final results can be awe inspiring. That is not news to listeners of the genre however there always seems to be something new to discover. What is challenging is taking classical gems and creating a magnum opus about a spacecraft and its journeys through space. More specifically, this about an ambitious and multi-talented lady named Cailyn and her recently released projectVoyager. I have included an explanation of each track from the artist for your pleasure if you choose to listen to the provided Bandcamp player. 

Personally I have always had a fascination with the stars and planets and the space program since I was a little boy. That interest and wonder has not diminished, in fact it has grown stronger over the years. So it seems I have a common interest with the artist right from the start.

Cailyn is a fantastic guitar player however she does a bit more including playing bass, keys, synthesizers and drums/percussion on three tracks. There are a few friends that help along the way on select tracks such as Neil Holloman (drums), Deryn Cullen (cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn) and Shelby with vocals (“Neptune”).

The overall mix of the recording is superb. These are complex undertakings and one giant leap for this musician. To venture into this territory is risqué and difficult to say the least. I must admit straight away that the end result is a marvelous achievement of instrumental progressive rock with classical as the rock solid foundation. Classical is the springboard to the eventual music bliss a listener can experience taking in such a recording as Voyager.

The epic “Jupiter” puts everything previously discussed into proper perspective. The track has it all, flourishes of great leads on guitar, percussive elements that stand tall and ready like an army of frontline soldiers digging in for battle, then the keyboards take you from the launching pad in your mind’s eye right into warp drive. It is the most brilliant track in the album. The “Titan” follows that lead with more of the same explosions of sound and beauty which come at you from all sides and the many colors of the musical universe embark your senses on yet another journey into deep space, it is indeed quite a voyage. One could not ask for more in two consecutive tracks like this. Then the icing on the cake is the rocking “Miranda,” which Cailyn says to all the guitar aficionados - “Besides all the beauty of space and the craft that takes you on this voyage there is some shredding of the six- string offered up to show I can flat out rock.” It is an eye opener to be sure. When people talk about all time guitar legends do you ever hear a woman’s name mentioned? I am a guilty party as well. Perhaps with more people like Cailyn that can change and why not?

As the music plays on and takes through the universe you begin to understand just what a great musician and particularly good guitar player this lady Cailyn is. An indie artist such as this will never be as famous as someone like Rick Wakeman who took all the best of his classical influences and created masterful solo albums we shall never forget. Cailyn has done the same thing in a most professional and precise manner, much like those that came before her (Yes, King Crimson etc.) so why shouldn’t that kind of recognition be bestowed upon this musical genius created by this very talented individual? Because those kinds of things only happen to a miniscule segment of the musical population, as unfortunate as that is. 

Voyager is great album that needs to be heard now by not only everyone in the prog rock community but anyone that loves and appreciates good music that happens to takes you on an unforgettable adventure. That is what you will get with this album, a ride you will not soon forget.

If you support artists like this by purchasing the download or CD, great music will continue to become available and then some of the focus can be taken away from the 2% percent of which are millionaires that are constantly being pushed on the radio whether they have any talent or not, and most don’t. It’s all about discovery and the best part is you can listen before you take out your wallet. This is a wonderful time to be alive and be a music lover, we have it all at our disposal and thanks to artists like Cailyn our faith is restored. We find that there are some talented musicians that are willing to share their gifts with us without any fanfare and millions of dollars in advertising to back them. It is all done on minimal budgets, a lot of heart, sweat, and most of all an honest day’s work. I would support that kind of individual any day over the façade of glitz, glamour and all the booty shaking. This is real and music does not ever get more true or spectacular than this. Wondrous stories indeed…

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jupiter, Titan, Miranda

January 6, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: Voyager - A powerful symphonic introduction leads to a bluesy guitar progression followed by a powerful progression of chords that builds to a grand crescendo before a return to the opening theme complete with synths, voices, guitars, and drums. Io - Pure progressive in 7/4 time.  A brooding concoction of keys, guitars, synths, and drums. Europa - A quiet, reflective track; both New Age and bluesy with a solo cello and sax. Jupiter - The magnificent composition by Holst, arranged for guitars, drums, and synths into a powerful progressive rock piece.  This piece adapted very well to a rock arrangement. Titan - A hybrid of classical elements and driving rock.  An eclectic mix of strings, keys, and guitars. Saturn - Although Holst based his pieces on the astrological rather than the astronomical, he seemed to capture the essence of the outer planets very well.  This track has an eerie wistful feel. Enceladus - The outlier of all the arrangements, free form, no key or time signature.  Synths, keys, voices, and some cool effects. Miranda - An intriguing mix of metal and classical reflecting the chaotic nature of this moon. Uranus - Holst wrote this piece in 6/4 time which adapted well to a heavy bluesy triplet drum track and screaming guitars. Ariel - Pure hard progressive rock mania mostly in 5/4. Triton - A piano intro, followed by a manic rock guitar/synth solo and then a reflective bluesy guitar finish. Neptune - Holst penned this piece in 5/4, an eerie piece that closes with a wordless choir that is sung by a very talented session artist. Pale Blue Dot - Carl Sagan used this phrase to describe a final photo that Voyager took of the Earth as it was leaving the Solar System behind.  This plaintive New Age-Rock hybrid includes a solo cello and English horn. Heliopause - Returns to the opening theme of Voyager and then builds over variations on the opening theme to a powerful conclusion of voices, keys, synths, drums, guitars.

Progressive Rock/Classical/Instrumental Review: Cailyn-Voyager

Release Date: January 1, 2015

Label: Land of Oz Music

Website

Progressive rock finds inspiration in classical music then molds and shapes it into its own interpretations and the final results can be awe inspiring. That is not news to listeners of the genre however there always seems to be something new to discover. What is challenging is taking classical gems and creating a magnum opus about a spacecraft and its journeys through space. More specifically, this about an ambitious and multi-talented lady named Cailyn and her recently released projectVoyager. I have included an explanation of each track from the artist for your pleasure if you choose to listen to the provided Bandcamp player. 

Personally I have always had a fascination with the stars and planets and the space program since I was a little boy. That interest and wonder has not diminished, in fact it has grown stronger over the years. So it seems I have a common interest with the artist right from the start.

Cailyn is a fantastic guitar player however she does a bit more including playing bass, keys, synthesizers and drums/percussion on three tracks. There are a few friends that help along the way on select tracks such as Neil Holloman (drums), Deryn Cullen (cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn) and Shelby with vocals (“Neptune”).

The overall mix of the recording is superb. These are complex undertakings and one giant leap for this musician. To venture into this territory is risqué and difficult to say the least. I must admit straight away that the end result is a marvelous achievement of instrumental progressive rock with classical as the rock solid foundation. Classical is the springboard to the eventual music bliss a listener can experience taking in such a recording as Voyager.

The epic “Jupiter” puts everything previously discussed into proper perspective. The track has it all, flourishes of great leads on guitar, percussive elements that stand tall and ready like an army of frontline soldiers digging in for battle, then the keyboards take you from the launching pad in your mind’s eye right into warp drive. It is the most brilliant track in the album. The “Titan” follows that lead with more of the same explosions of sound and beauty which come at you from all sides and the many colors of the musical universe embark your senses on yet another journey into deep space, it is indeed quite a voyage. One could not ask for more in two consecutive tracks like this. Then the icing on the cake is the rocking “Miranda,” which Cailyn says to all the guitar aficionados - “Besides all the beauty of space and the craft that takes you on this voyage there is some shredding of the six- string offered up to show I can flat out rock.” It is an eye opener to be sure. When people talk about all time guitar legends do you ever hear a woman’s name mentioned? I am a guilty party as well. Perhaps with more people like Cailyn that can change and why not?

As the music plays on and takes through the universe you begin to understand just what a great musician and particularly good guitar player this lady Cailyn is. An indie artist such as this will never be as famous as someone like Rick Wakeman who took all the best of his classical influences and created masterful solo albums we shall never forget. Cailyn has done the same thing in a most professional and precise manner, much like those that came before her (Yes, King Crimson etc.) so why shouldn’t that kind of recognition be bestowed upon this musical genius created by this very talented individual? Because those kinds of things only happen to a miniscule segment of the musical population, as unfortunate as that is. 

Voyager is great album that needs to be heard now by not only everyone in the prog rock community but anyone that loves and appreciates good music that happens to takes you on an unforgettable adventure. That is what you will get with this album, a ride you will not soon forget.

If you support artists like this by purchasing the download or CD, great music will continue to become available and then some of the focus can be taken away from the 2% percent of which are millionaires that are constantly being pushed on the radio whether they have any talent or not, and most don’t. It’s all about discovery and the best part is you can listen before you take out your wallet. This is a wonderful time to be alive and be a music lover, we have it all at our disposal and thanks to artists like Cailyn our faith is restored. We find that there are some talented musicians that are willing to share their gifts with us without any fanfare and millions of dollars in advertising to back them. It is all done on minimal budgets, a lot of heart, sweat, and most of all an honest day’s work. I would support that kind of individual any day over the façade of glitz, glamour and all the booty shaking. This is real and music does not ever get more true or spectacular than this. Wondrous stories indeed…

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jupiter, Titan, Miranda

January 6, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: Voyager - A powerful symphonic introduction leads to a bluesy guitar progression followed by a powerful progression of chords that builds to a grand crescendo before a return to the opening theme complete with synths, voices, guitars, and drums. Io - Pure progressive in 7/4 time.  A brooding concoction of keys, guitars, synths, and drums. Europa - A quiet, reflective track; both New Age and bluesy with a solo cello and sax. Jupiter - The magnificent composition by Holst, arranged for guitars, drums, and synths into a powerful progressive rock piece.  This piece adapted very well to a rock arrangement. Titan - A hybrid of classical elements and driving rock.  An eclectic mix of strings, keys, and guitars. Saturn - Although Holst based his pieces on the astrological rather than the astronomical, he seemed to capture the essence of the outer planets very well.  This track has an eerie wistful feel. Enceladus - The outlier of all the arrangements, free form, no key or time signature.  Synths, keys, voices, and some cool effects. Miranda - An intriguing mix of metal and classical reflecting the chaotic nature of this moon. Uranus - Holst wrote this piece in 6/4 time which adapted well to a heavy bluesy triplet drum track and screaming guitars. Ariel - Pure hard progressive rock mania mostly in 5/4. Triton - A piano intro, followed by a manic rock guitar/synth solo and then a reflective bluesy guitar finish. Neptune - Holst penned this piece in 5/4, an eerie piece that closes with a wordless choir that is sung by a very talented session artist. Pale Blue Dot - Carl Sagan used this phrase to describe a final photo that Voyager took of the Earth as it was leaving the Solar System behind.  This plaintive New Age-Rock hybrid includes a solo cello and English horn. Heliopause - Returns to the opening theme of Voyager and then builds over variations on the opening theme to a powerful conclusion of voices, keys, synths, drums, guitars.

Swedish Composer and Keyboard Virtuoso Pär Lindh Releases New Classical Christmas Album 'Three Christmas Concertos'

¨Classical Rock Keyboard Legend Pär Lindh goes all the way and releases his first Concerto in Classical style!¨

Sweden - Possibly one of the most talented composer and keyboardist to emerge from Sweden, Pär Lindh will be releasing a new classical CD titled 'Three Christmas Concertos'. For those in the progressive rock community Pär Lindh is considered a keyboard wizard – so much so that he was chosen to play keys for the reunion of the legendary Nice (a prestigious position only held by keyboard visionary Keith Emerson). With the release of several highly acclaimed albums, Pär Lindh has garnered worldwide acclaim. And now, for the first time, he has released a purely classical Christmas album!

Says Pär, “I have every Christmas since my youth been listening to the 'Arcangelo Corelli' concerto (as well as Greg Lake's 'I Believe In Father Christmas') so it became a natural idea once I had my own Christmas piece. When I rewrote my concerto 2011 and extended it from the three movements I composed 1979-1981 to four movements. I found then that the third movement had a distinct Christmas carracter. And since my idea is to write four concertos to form a modern version of the four seasons suite by Vivaldi. This Christmas concerto would then have the nickname 'The Winter'. So in the future there will be the spring, summer and autumn.”

This is the first release by Pär's new record label based in Sweden called NORDVERK CLASSICAL MASTERWORKS. Next release is due for early 2015. You will find on this album a new work, which has been predicted to become a future classic, as well as two well-known classical Christmas concertos played in such a way as to give listeners who are familiar with this music a possibility to hear it performed in a new light. 'Three Christmas Concertos' includes the first ever recording of Pär's concerto 'Then Svenska Julkonserten', which was recorded winter 2013/2014. 

The premiere which took place in Sweden on December 4, 2011 was a huge success. Says Pär, “The work recieved thunderous applause after each movement and on one occasion even during a movement. I realised then that this work had the quality to go directly to the hearts of an audience. In November 2013, we recorded the three concertos. Kennet Boman oboe, Anders Lagerqvist kapellmeister and the orchestra has beautifully captured the mood of my work. Manfredini, having written several Christmas concertos, we choose this lovely work to be the sweet balacing piece in C-major between two concertos both in minor keys and of greater length. It has also been a pleasure to record this version of 'Corellis' famous concerto.”

Three Christmas Concertos including a new concerto by Pär Lindh

1. Pär Lindh Concerto grosso in a-minor for oboe, violin, celesta, tubular bells and string orchestra

2. Francesco Manfredini (1680-1748) Concerto grosso per il Santissimo Natale in C-major

3. Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) Concerto Grosso i g-minor Fatto per la notte di Natale

Musicians: 

Pär Lindh celesta & harpsichord

Kennet Bohman oboe

Anders Lagerkvist violin (known from Pär Lindh project album Time Mirror)

Kern Westerberg 2nd violin

Torbjörn Helander viola

Natalia Goldman cello

Per Björkling bass

Urban Grip tubular bells

Produced by Pär Lindh

Artistic director Pär Lindh

Kapellmeister Anders Lagerqvist

Recorded by Crimsonic Label Studios

Engineered by Pär Lindh

Mixed at Recordia by Fredrik Larnemo & Pär Lindh

Cover Artwork by Davide Guidoni (www.davideguidoni.com)

Special thanks to Mr David Hoyland

NORDVERK/Crimsonic Label 2014

Here's what the press have been raving about Pär Lindh:

¨Pär Lindh is the Mozart of our time!¨

“A brilliant renaissance for Swedish classical music!¨

“Pär Lindh is the Scandinavian king of the keyboards!”

¨The music was filled with pure magic, beautiful harmony and of such beauty that Pär Lindh should be called the greatest composer of Sweden. He surpasses the world-famous composer Arvo Pärt by far!¨ 

¨Lindh's tonal language goes directly to the heart. Like the music of the great Jean Sibelius!¨ 

¨This unique piece is really a musical gem. Nothing like it has ever been written in Sweden before!¨

¨A storming success! After the last movement the applause just would not stop and the orchestra had to play the last movement allegro moderato once again as an encore!¨

¨A Swedish masterpiece without equal!¨

¨The Vivaldi of Sweden!¨

In closing, Pär has this to impart, “Well the message is that since we unfortunately live in a very dark and seemingly hopeless reality today I just wanted to give people a very positive and beautiful message of hope and goodwill and to help us all meet our tomorrows in a cool, progressive and positive way.”

To purchase Pär Lindh's 'Three Christmas Concertos': http://www.parlindh.com/Content.aspx/Shop

For information & booking:
www.parlindh.com ;
www.parlindhproject.com ;
info@crimsonic.com

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

Swedish Composer and Keyboard Virtuoso Pär Lindh Releases New Classical Christmas Album 'Three Christmas Concertos'

¨Classical Rock Keyboard Legend Pär Lindh goes all the way and releases his first Concerto in Classical style!¨

Sweden - Possibly one of the most talented composer and keyboardist to emerge from Sweden, Pär Lindh will be releasing a new classical CD titled 'Three Christmas Concertos'. For those in the progressive rock community Pär Lindh is considered a keyboard wizard – so much so that he was chosen to play keys for the reunion of the legendary Nice (a prestigious position only held by keyboard visionary Keith Emerson). With the release of several highly acclaimed albums, Pär Lindh has garnered worldwide acclaim. And now, for the first time, he has released a purely classical Christmas album!

Says Pär, “I have every Christmas since my youth been listening to the 'Arcangelo Corelli' concerto (as well as Greg Lake's 'I Believe In Father Christmas') so it became a natural idea once I had my own Christmas piece. When I rewrote my concerto 2011 and extended it from the three movements I composed 1979-1981 to four movements. I found then that the third movement had a distinct Christmas carracter. And since my idea is to write four concertos to form a modern version of the four seasons suite by Vivaldi. This Christmas concerto would then have the nickname 'The Winter'. So in the future there will be the spring, summer and autumn.”

This is the first release by Pär's new record label based in Sweden called NORDVERK CLASSICAL MASTERWORKS. Next release is due for early 2015. You will find on this album a new work, which has been predicted to become a future classic, as well as two well-known classical Christmas concertos played in such a way as to give listeners who are familiar with this music a possibility to hear it performed in a new light. 'Three Christmas Concertos' includes the first ever recording of Pär's concerto 'Then Svenska Julkonserten', which was recorded winter 2013/2014. 

The premiere which took place in Sweden on December 4, 2011 was a huge success. Says Pär, “The work recieved thunderous applause after each movement and on one occasion even during a movement. I realised then that this work had the quality to go directly to the hearts of an audience. In November 2013, we recorded the three concertos. Kennet Boman oboe, Anders Lagerqvist kapellmeister and the orchestra has beautifully captured the mood of my work. Manfredini, having written several Christmas concertos, we choose this lovely work to be the sweet balacing piece in C-major between two concertos both in minor keys and of greater length. It has also been a pleasure to record this version of 'Corellis' famous concerto.”

Three Christmas Concertos including a new concerto by Pär Lindh

1. Pär Lindh Concerto grosso in a-minor for oboe, violin, celesta, tubular bells and string orchestra

2. Francesco Manfredini (1680-1748) Concerto grosso per il Santissimo Natale in C-major

3. Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) Concerto Grosso i g-minor Fatto per la notte di Natale

Musicians: 

Pär Lindh celesta & harpsichord

Kennet Bohman oboe

Anders Lagerkvist violin (known from Pär Lindh project album Time Mirror)

Kern Westerberg 2nd violin

Torbjörn Helander viola

Natalia Goldman cello

Per Björkling bass

Urban Grip tubular bells

Produced by Pär Lindh

Artistic director Pär Lindh

Kapellmeister Anders Lagerqvist

Recorded by Crimsonic Label Studios

Engineered by Pär Lindh

Mixed at Recordia by Fredrik Larnemo & Pär Lindh

Cover Artwork by Davide Guidoni (www.davideguidoni.com)

Special thanks to Mr David Hoyland

NORDVERK/Crimsonic Label 2014

Here's what the press have been raving about Pär Lindh:

¨Pär Lindh is the Mozart of our time!¨

“A brilliant renaissance for Swedish classical music!¨

“Pär Lindh is the Scandinavian king of the keyboards!”

¨The music was filled with pure magic, beautiful harmony and of such beauty that Pär Lindh should be called the greatest composer of Sweden. He surpasses the world-famous composer Arvo Pärt by far!¨ 

¨Lindh's tonal language goes directly to the heart. Like the music of the great Jean Sibelius!¨ 

¨This unique piece is really a musical gem. Nothing like it has ever been written in Sweden before!¨

¨A storming success! After the last movement the applause just would not stop and the orchestra had to play the last movement allegro moderato once again as an encore!¨

¨A Swedish masterpiece without equal!¨

¨The Vivaldi of Sweden!¨

In closing, Pär has this to impart, “Well the message is that since we unfortunately live in a very dark and seemingly hopeless reality today I just wanted to give people a very positive and beautiful message of hope and goodwill and to help us all meet our tomorrows in a cool, progressive and positive way.”

To purchase Pär Lindh's 'Three Christmas Concertos': http://www.parlindh.com/Content.aspx/Shop

For information & booking:
www.parlindh.com ;
www.parlindhproject.com ;
info@crimsonic.com

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

Instrumental Piano/New Age/Classical Review: Tim Neumark-Storm

Release Date: April 2014

Label: Indie

Website

Tim Neumark creates a Storm of emotions with his piano on his recent release. The CD includes 12 tracks that were released as singles from 2013 to 2014. The artist has released four previous albums and now introduces a beautiful tapestry of emotions and tastes through his talented fingers. 

Neumark’s focus is the range of emotions that include anger and heartbreak and all of the situations that arise during those feelings. The list is long for the human condition and although the atmospheres created have a laid back sad tone to them, the beauty of each track is easy to recognize. This man is tremendously talented. His special touch and classical new age sounds will soothe and heal a soul just waiting for that moment to arrive.

As Neumark explains on his website…There is a different mood than previous albums, Stormcontains almost all minor tracks, reaching a deeper emotional depth including both anger and heartbreak. In an era where individual tracks are the norm, Storm was composed as a single project that's meant to be experienced from the first track to the last, while also providing tracks that are memorable enough to stand alone.

I felt using that passage encapsulates what you will get while listening to Storm. Right from the door opener to your soul “Anticipation,” it sets the mood instantly. Anticipation eventually leads to “Transitions” then to the solace and grace of the heaven sent “Meditation: Calm.” Every track gently nudges you in the right direction while inviting the healing process to begin. 

What I enjoyed most about this album was its utter simplicity. The effect is direct and stunning. This is indeed a most beautiful Storm that you will want to experience over and over. Neumark’s classical influences are everywhere on this recording yet he is able to introduce it all with a new age flare and precision that serves a higher purpose. Music so expressive and elegant definitely can be your own private Chicken Soup For The Soul.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

5/5 Stars

Tracks:
01.Anticipation
02.Ice
03.See You Soon
04.Setting Sail
05.Stolen
06.Transitions
07.Meditation: Calm
08.Storm
09.Waiting
10.Adrift
11.Forgiveness
12.Peace

Key Tracks: ALL

May 7, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Progressive Rock Review: Clearlight-Impressionist Symphony

Release Date:  March 11, 2014

Label:  Gonzo Multimedia

Website

When this particular release for review, Impressionist Symphony by Clearlight, landed on my desk, there was a little light that went on somewhere deep in the recesses of The Ancient One’s mind. Slowly the dimmer switch kicked in and the spotlight slowed and stopped on Clearlight Symphony by Cyrille Verdeaux as an album I had possessed somewhere in the mists of time. Reading a little more info, it was indeed the same band and this new release, Impressionist Symphony, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Clearlight Symphony. With the penny having well and truly dropped, I was very interested to see what changes, if any, had occurred in the interim.

The reasoning behind Impressionist Symphony is to take the influence of some classical composers, such as Ravel, Debussy and Satie, the ethos behind the French impressionist painters and the progressive musical background of Cyrille Verdeaux and see where it led.

Clearlight apparently only became known as Clearlight following the release of Clearlight Symphony, the third album, 40 years ago, and as then, Cyrille has utilized the skills of some of the musicians from the legendary band, Gong. On this album, the musicians involved are, Cyrille Verdeaux (piano, synths), Steve Hillage (guitars), Didier Malherbe (wind instruments), Craig Fry (violin), Vincent Thomas Penny (guitars), Paul Sears (drums, percussion), Linda Cushma (bass), Chris Kovacks (synths), Remy Tran (synths) and Tim Blake (xils synths, theramin).

Impressionist Symphony is an 8 track album with a total playing time of around 64 minutes. The shortest track on offer is track 7, “Lautrec Too Loose” with a playing time of 5:28 minutes, and the longest track is “Gauguin’s Dans L’Autre” with a running time of just over 11 minutes (11:07). There also seems to be a bit of a play on words in the titles as well.

The opening track, “Renoir En Couleur” (8:03) is a simply cracking track, starting with a fairly meandering introduction, with lots of synths, some guitars and then a superb violin cutting across everything. Slowly building, the drums drive the track along until there is a crescendo around the 2:50 minute mark when the sound drops away leaving a tinkling piano, sweeping synths and the gentle sound of the wind instruments painting a beautiful aural soundscape. 4:30 minutes sees that excellent violin joined by a superb guitar, eliciting smooth riffs then more jagged riffs until the tracks gains a more majestic passage with some amazing synth sweeps. From around the 7:00 minute point, the track is beginning to make its exit with some free-form bits and a little guitar flourish whispers “bye bye.”

Following this track, “Time Is Monet” (9:43), kicks off with some superb violin, wind instruments, piano and sweeping synths, “Pissarro King” (6:27) has a more spacey style introduction, still with the synths and piano, but also a cutting guitar passage for this more up-tempo track, “Degas De La Marine” (7:53) continues this spacey feel with the recognizable classical theme deep in the mix and a much more dramatic feel to the sound and then “Van Gogh’s Third Ear” (6:39) builds almost from the start of the track with some very classically sounding piano then guitar and, not forgetting, the synths, before merging into a driving track with the instruments bowling along and ultimately almost tripping over each other to escort the track out.

“Gauguin Dans L’Autre” (11:07) is the longest piece on display and enters with some beautiful wind instruments setting the scene with excellent piano accompaniment. Pictures of gentle winds moving leaves and birds soaring are conjured up in your mind. Synths generate the “wind” sounds before the piano and the synths raise the volume of the track when it then just as quickly moves back to the gentle breeze interlude again. As the track approaches the 6 minute mark, the song becomes very classically styled with little interjections from synths, and to a lesser extent, the guitar. An almost storm-like scenario is built up with the “wind” threatening before the violin superbly brings the epic rack to a wondrous close.

The penultimate track, “Lautrec Too Loose” (5:21) seems to remain overshadowed by the brilliance of the previous track, and although very pleasant, fails to show any of the more memorable moments that seem prevalent in other tracks.

Winding up Impressionist Symphony is “Monet Time Duet” (9:22), which is another very classically tinged piece of music. Slow, but never ponderous, it glides along gently on the wings of piano and violin, carrying the listener along with it. Never varying in tempo much, this track ebbs and flows beautifully and certainly seems to end long before its stated 9+ minutes (9:22).

Having heard nothing from this band since Clearlight Symphony back in 1974, Impressionist Symphony is a very impressive album. There are certainly no new groundbreaking moves angling off in different directions, instead what we have is solid classics/prog collaboration. This will probably requires several listens, but well worth the time invested in this album, and just falls short of gaining the all-important “One to Buy” sticker.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Renoir En Couleur, Gauguin Dans L’Autre, Money Time Duet

Tracks: 
Renoir En Couleur
Time Is Monet
Pissarro King
Degas De La Marine
Van Gogh 3rd Ear
Gauguin Dans L’Autre
Lautrec Too Loose
Monet Time Duet
 

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

April 30, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Rock Review: Clearlight-Impressionist Symphony

Release Date:  March 11, 2014

Label:  Gonzo Multimedia

Website

When this particular release for review, Impressionist Symphony by Clearlight, landed on my desk, there was a little light that went on somewhere deep in the recesses of The Ancient One’s mind. Slowly the dimmer switch kicked in and the spotlight slowed and stopped on Clearlight Symphony by Cyrille Verdeaux as an album I had possessed somewhere in the mists of time. Reading a little more info, it was indeed the same band and this new release, Impressionist Symphony, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Clearlight Symphony. With the penny having well and truly dropped, I was very interested to see what changes, if any, had occurred in the interim.

The reasoning behind Impressionist Symphony is to take the influence of some classical composers, such as Ravel, Debussy and Satie, the ethos behind the French impressionist painters and the progressive musical background of Cyrille Verdeaux and see where it led.

Clearlight apparently only became known as Clearlight following the release of Clearlight Symphony, the third album, 40 years ago, and as then, Cyrille has utilized the skills of some of the musicians from the legendary band, Gong. On this album, the musicians involved are, Cyrille Verdeaux (piano, synths), Steve Hillage (guitars), Didier Malherbe (wind instruments), Craig Fry (violin), Vincent Thomas Penny (guitars), Paul Sears (drums, percussion), Linda Cushma (bass), Chris Kovacks (synths), Remy Tran (synths) and Tim Blake (xils synths, theramin).

Impressionist Symphony is an 8 track album with a total playing time of around 64 minutes. The shortest track on offer is track 7, “Lautrec Too Loose” with a playing time of 5:28 minutes, and the longest track is “Gauguin’s Dans L’Autre” with a running time of just over 11 minutes (11:07). There also seems to be a bit of a play on words in the titles as well.

The opening track, “Renoir En Couleur” (8:03) is a simply cracking track, starting with a fairly meandering introduction, with lots of synths, some guitars and then a superb violin cutting across everything. Slowly building, the drums drive the track along until there is a crescendo around the 2:50 minute mark when the sound drops away leaving a tinkling piano, sweeping synths and the gentle sound of the wind instruments painting a beautiful aural soundscape. 4:30 minutes sees that excellent violin joined by a superb guitar, eliciting smooth riffs then more jagged riffs until the tracks gains a more majestic passage with some amazing synth sweeps. From around the 7:00 minute point, the track is beginning to make its exit with some free-form bits and a little guitar flourish whispers “bye bye.”

Following this track, “Time Is Monet” (9:43), kicks off with some superb violin, wind instruments, piano and sweeping synths, “Pissarro King” (6:27) has a more spacey style introduction, still with the synths and piano, but also a cutting guitar passage for this more up-tempo track, “Degas De La Marine” (7:53) continues this spacey feel with the recognizable classical theme deep in the mix and a much more dramatic feel to the sound and then “Van Gogh’s Third Ear” (6:39) builds almost from the start of the track with some very classically sounding piano then guitar and, not forgetting, the synths, before merging into a driving track with the instruments bowling along and ultimately almost tripping over each other to escort the track out.

“Gauguin Dans L’Autre” (11:07) is the longest piece on display and enters with some beautiful wind instruments setting the scene with excellent piano accompaniment. Pictures of gentle winds moving leaves and birds soaring are conjured up in your mind. Synths generate the “wind” sounds before the piano and the synths raise the volume of the track when it then just as quickly moves back to the gentle breeze interlude again. As the track approaches the 6 minute mark, the song becomes very classically styled with little interjections from synths, and to a lesser extent, the guitar. An almost storm-like scenario is built up with the “wind” threatening before the violin superbly brings the epic rack to a wondrous close.

The penultimate track, “Lautrec Too Loose” (5:21) seems to remain overshadowed by the brilliance of the previous track, and although very pleasant, fails to show any of the more memorable moments that seem prevalent in other tracks.

Winding up Impressionist Symphony is “Monet Time Duet” (9:22), which is another very classically tinged piece of music. Slow, but never ponderous, it glides along gently on the wings of piano and violin, carrying the listener along with it. Never varying in tempo much, this track ebbs and flows beautifully and certainly seems to end long before its stated 9+ minutes (9:22).

Having heard nothing from this band since Clearlight Symphony back in 1974, Impressionist Symphony is a very impressive album. There are certainly no new groundbreaking moves angling off in different directions, instead what we have is solid classics/prog collaboration. This will probably requires several listens, but well worth the time invested in this album, and just falls short of gaining the all-important “One to Buy” sticker.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Renoir En Couleur, Gauguin Dans L’Autre, Money Time Duet

Tracks: 
Renoir En Couleur
Time Is Monet
Pissarro King
Degas De La Marine
Van Gogh 3rd Ear
Gauguin Dans L’Autre
Lautrec Too Loose
Monet Time Duet
 

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

April 30, 2014

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Prog Rock Music Talk Featured Track: EVOLUTION-Svjetlana Bukvich

Nice Mixture of several genres, just chill and take it all in! Listen Now....

Write A Music Review Featured Track: EVOLUTION-Svjetlana Bukvich

Nice Mixture of several genres, just chill and take it all in! Listen Now....