MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Concept Album

Showing posts with label Concept Album. Show all posts

3/10/2017

EchoTest Feat. Bass Virtuoso Julie Slick To Release New Concept Album “From Two Balconies”

Featuring special guest artists including King Crimson drum legend Pat Mastelotto!

Philadelphia - Bassists Julie Slick (Adrian Belew Power Trio, Crimson ProjeKct) and Marco Machera are proudly presenting a new EchoTest album, exploring new heights in this bassist collaboration with their third release: “From Two Balconies”. Displaying an even higher production value, a new member (drummer Alessandro Inolti), many more guests (Pat Mastelotto, Tim Motzer, Ali Wadsworth, Ian Gray, Greg Rosen, and Sarah Anderson), the record is a departure from the heavily instrumental and bass-dominated “Fourth Dementia” (2014) and “Le Fil Rouge” (2015). It features lead vocals on 7 out of 10 tracks - Marco takes this role on a few songs, but he also shares this job with Mike Visser (Imaginary Tricks) and Claire Wadsworth. The result is a modern-sounding, yet classic record that defies genres, showcasing music that is truly progressive in nature. Featuring artwork by the legendary Derek Riggs.

“From two Balconies' chronicles a contemporary tragedy, the resulting resonance of characters in a tempestuous tormented limbo.” - Julie Slick

“This is not what you would expect from EchoTest after an album like 'Le Fil Rouge'. There's obviously a common thread in all of our music - but we naturally set new goals and redefine ourselves with every new effort.” - Marco Machera

Julie Slick is a virtuoso bassist and composer known for her wide array of unique tones and substantial melodic invention. Throughout her career, she has developed a distinctive voice through international performances and recording with acclaimed first class musicians in both the progressive rock and jazz communities (with the Adrian Belew Power Trio, Crimson ProjeKct, EchoTest, R_M_S, Motzer Slick Ti, PAPER CAT, and Springs).

Says Julie, “We originally had the idea to use the title after Marco explained to me the Italian expression 'Fuori come un balcone', which means 'out like a balcony' or 'you're crazy!' We tend to get in this manic, highly productive, highly hilarious place when are together, so this seemed to suit our third release... but then the album was written during a very in-limbo, purgatorial period in my life, and I actually still live nowhere, so the music has this feeling, this sense of being strewn out quite literally between two balconies.”

EchoTest are:

Julie Slick - bass VI, drum programs
Marco Machera - bass V, vocals
Alessandro Inolti - drums

Featuring:

Pat Mastelotto - drums (track 3, 5)
Tim Motzer - guitar (tracks 1, 3, 5, 10)
Ian Gray - trombone (track 1, 6)
Greg Rosen - trumpet (track 1, 6)
Zach Lopresti - guitar (track 1)
Mike Visser - vocals (tracks 1, 2, 6), guitar (track 8)
Ali Wadsworth - vocals (tracks 3, 6, 8, 10)
Sarah “flossy” Anderson - violin (track 6)
Claire Wadsworth - vocals, piano (track 8)
Gary Slick - vocals (track 9)

Produced by EchoTest and mixed by Todd Mecaughey at Cambridge Sound studios in Philadelphia

To purchase EchoTest's “From Two Balconies”: https://julieslick.bandcamp.com/album/from-two-balconies

Videos:
EchoTest Official Music Video for “Supercell”:

EchoTest “The Plight” Album Release 2k17 (New live video featuring four different venues from the tour):

For more information:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slickmachera/
Julie Slick's official website: http://julieslick.com/

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

EchoTest Feat. Bass Virtuoso Julie Slick To Release New Concept Album “From Two Balconies”

Featuring special guest artists including King Crimson drum legend Pat Mastelotto!

EchoTest “The Plight” Album Release 2k17 (New live video featuring four different venues from the tour):

7/08/2016

Prog Keyboardist/Composer Leon Alvarado To Release New Concept Album “The Future Left Behind” Feat. YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood!

Houston, TX – Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed third album “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”, keyboardist/composer Leon Alvarado will be releasing his new album “The Future Left Behind” on July 30, 2016! The highly anticipated new concept album features guest appearances by YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood, as well as Johnny Bruhn (CIRCA:) and Steve Thamer.

According to Leon, “The idea of creating a concept album out of instrumental progressive rock music had appealed to me ever since I first heard Rick Wakeman's 'Journey To The Centre of The Earth'. What I found difficult was to create all the individual pieces that would unify the set of ideas into a single concept. It meant for me to come up with a story, some music and a set of visuals that together would form an inclusive experience. I started by working on music that had more of a cinematic feel than my usual, meaning that when played, it evokes certain imagery in the listener's mind.”

Says Leon, “My goal was to create something that would combine the artwork and the music into one cohesive vision. I thought that basing my project on a sci-fi story would be very fitting and would give me the necessary creative space to make music that entices the imagination, like what Vangelis', Rick Wakeman's and YES' music do for me.”

Billy Sherwood had this to say about his participation on the album, “It was my pleasure to be a part of Leon's new record… I had a blast working on it and I'm sure fans of great music are going to enjoy this new record!”

Leon's first album, “Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff,” drew on his strongest musical influences, primarily, the many styles in Genesis's lengthy career. By the time Leon released his second album, “Strangers in Strange Places,” he had refined his method and his vision, and it's the audience who wins. “Strangers” features Brand X's John Goodsall on guitar and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford (YES, King Crimson, Earthwork) and reveals an intertwining of progressive rock and ambient textural sound that blossoms in, “2014, Music from an Expanded Universe”. For this third release, he enlisted the talents of Trey Gunn (King Crimson) and Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oats).

And now, much to the excitement of Prog fans worldwide, Leon is set to release his latest masterpiece, “The Future Left Behind.” In regards to the guest performers, Leon explains, “To help the story along and properly set the pieces of music we recorded some narrated bits. I wanted a voice with a large presence. A deep resonating voice that more or less commands to be heard. Steve Thamer is a Canadian voice-over talent who majored in Classical Theatre and has work doing voice-overs for audio books, films and animated shorts.

“As for Billy Sherwood, I envisioned his involvement in the project from the outset. He played a big part in the recording and helped me in elevating the music as a whole. Billy is very down to earth and has to be one of the hardest working musicians I have ever met. He is also extremely proficient and doesn't waste any time when it comes to getting things down musically.

“During one of my visits to California I went to see Billy's other band CIRCA:. The guitar player was Johnny Bruhn. I've seen many people perform YES music before but Johnny's guitar playing captured the feel of it so well that it left an impression on me. When this album was conceived, I knew I would have a place for him.

“I have the greatest respect for all the people involved in the project. I must admit that when it came to working with Rick Wakeman, I was a bit nervous at first. But in the end, it was one of those 'pinch me' moments that worked brilliantly. It's not everyday that you have one of your musical heroes performing on a piece you composed.

“The last person to touch the material was Andy Jackson. This is my third project working with him and I couldn't be happier about it. Andy is better known as Pink Floyd's engineer of 30 years and his work has been nominated twice for Grammys. He won two British Hi-Fi Awards for his work with Pink Floyd and was a co-producer for 'The Endless River' album. What I really like about Andy's work is his personal taste for sound. To me he is truly a magician at the controls.”

For the fans, although also available as a digital download, the CD version of the album has the most to offer. Leon envisioned the album to be something more than just a set of musical pieces. Instead, he immerses the listener in the world he has conceived through music, story and imagery, and allows their own imagination to fill in the details, creating a very personalized experience for each. “It is the most ambitious album I have created so far. 'The Future Left Behind' speaks to those who like Science-fiction stories and futuristic artwork. Like many of my projects, my approach is always to create something that I would want to see.”

Tracks:

1. PREFACE 1:16
2. LAUNCH OVERTURE 6:10
3. A VOYAGE… 0:49
4. JOURNEY INTO SPACE 2:39
5. WEIGHTLESS 2:24
6. HARD CHOICES 0:50
7. THE ONES LEFT BEHIND 6:14
8. LIFE IN THE OUTSIDE 0:55
9. AMONG THE STARS 6:06
10. MUCH ADO ABOUT… 0:36
11. IN OUR QUIET ORBIT 6:36
12. TO BE LOVED 2:43
13. A SILVER LINING 0:39
14. THE STAR SEEKERS 3:28

Leon Alvarado: Keyboards, sequencing, drums, percussion, launch control voices
Billy Sherwood: Lead and rhythm guitars on all except for “To Be Loved”
Rick Wakeman: Moog solo on “Launch Overture” and extra keyboards
Johnny Bruhns: Acoustic guitar on “To Be Loved”
Steve Thamer: Narration

Produced and mixed by: Leon Alvarado
Guitar tracks produced by: Billy Sherwood
Mastered by: Andy Jackson / Tube Mastering
All songs by Leon Alvarado
except “To Be Loved” by Johnny Bruhns and Leon Alvarado
Based on “The Future Left Behind”, an original short story by Leon Alvarado
Design and Illustrations: Synergy Design / LA

To purchase:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/leonalvarado5
http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/leon-alvarado/id304356695

For more information:
www.melodicrevolution.com
www.leonplaysmusic.com

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

Prog Keyboardist/Composer Leon Alvarado To Release New Concept Album “The Future Left Behind” Feat. YES Legends Rick Wakeman & Billy Sherwood!

3/16/2016

Raving Wild Is Set To Release Concept EP ‘Kolmanskop’

“Raving Wild has all the seriousness of good indie folk music but is very pop-alt relevant!”

-Jamsphere-

Raving Wild is set to release contemplative indie EP ‘Kolmanskop’, a cathartic project that deals with life lessons learned from past mistakes.

Having appeared on Tom Robinson’s BBC 6 show and BBC Introducing Three Counties amongst others, Raving Wild is one of the most intriguing and riveting singer songwriters on the indie scene at the moment. Signed to Coffee Jingle Records, the musician has earned praises from media platforms such as The National Student declaring that Raving Wild aka. Graham Iddon is “crafting a sound that is delicate yet powerful, embedding subtle instrumental intricacies within hook-heavy ballads.” Other people who complimented his music include Liz Mitchell of Boney M.

With a touch of Jeff Buckley and City and Colour, the EP and eponymous single ‘Kolmanskop’ is an ode to an abandoned mining town in the Namib desert which Raving Wild used as a symbol for the EP’s concept “Lessons learned in the desert”, an inspiration that derived from a soul searching mission in which the artist wanted to understand how he could learn from past mistakes and understand the world around him better. The lead single, ‘At The Crossroads’, sets the perfect mood for the life journey that the singer describes in the record.

Check out ‘At The Crossroads’ here:
Having lived in a miner’s town himself during his early childhood years (albeit not in the desert but in the North East of England), Raving Wild has managed to mix concept with personal experience. To make the recording process as authentic and ‘desert-like’ as possible, the singer dehydrated himself 24 hours prior to the making of ‘Kolmanskop’. He also explains: “This is, to my knowledge, the only track in the world where a pickaxe makes part of the percussion.”

Raving Wild has recently had the opportunity of playing at the film set of the latest Star Wars movie at the prestigious Pinewood Studios in London as well as in front of a couple of thousand people at Parklife Festival in Aylesbury last year.

Apart from being a talented songwriter and lyricist, Raving Wild’s interests range from attempting to break the record in the land speed of an office chair or eating a tin of hot dogs in the fastest time possible. He’s managed eight in 16 seconds which means he did not break the record.

We might not read about Raving Wild in the Guinness Book of Records, but it is more than likely that he will gain growing attention for his music in the world’s entertainment sections.

The EP Kolmanskop is out on 28^th March 2016

Pre-order ‘Kolmanskop’ here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/kolmanskop-ep/id1082191006

Links:

www.twitter.com/ravingwild

www.soundcloud.com/ravingwild

www.ravingwild.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ravingwild

9/03/2015

Prog Ensemble The Aaron Clift Experiment To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album "Outer Light, Inner Darkness"

Austin, TX - One of the most eagerly awaited Prog albums of 2015 will be released in September by The Aaron Clift Experiment! Titled “Outer Light, Inner Darkness”, this is the second CD by the Austin ensemble and marks a musical plateau for the group with its intricate compositions, complex arrangements and virtuosic performances!

Band leader, Aaron explains, “ 'Outer Light, Inner Darkness' is a concept album about duality: light vs. darkness, individual vs. group, hope vs. despair, etc. Songs in the first half of the album detail the conflict between these opposing forces, while the songs in second half of the album are a journey toward reconciling the extremes. The album culminates with 'Bathed in Moonlight,' a song about how humanity can learn to embrace its outer light and inner darkness and become one with both sides of its nature.”

Just as scientists conduct experiments by using their knowledge to explore the unknown, The Aaron Clift Experiment combines elements of classic and cutting-edge music into an innovative whole. The band's unique songs draw from a wide range of influences – from classic progressive rock acts like Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Rush to modern groups like Porcupine Tree and Opeth to classical and jazz composers like Beethoven, Schubert, and John Coltrane. Aside from its diversity, The Aaron Clift Experiment is dedicated to producing soulful, powerful music and an intense live show.

In 2012, the band released its critically acclaimed debut album, “Lonely Hills,” to rave reviews from both fans and the music press and was named one of the best unsigned bands of 2013 by Prog Magazine.

With the release of the band's second album, “Outer Light, Inner Darkness” in September 2015, The Aaron Clift Experiment continues to lead the way in fusing the sophistication and depth of classical music with the passion and raw power of rock and roll. What began as an idea of how to create music has now blossomed into a full-fledged experiment. The band invites you to join them in this experiment as they embark on their new path.

Says Aaron, “Although The Aaron Clift Experiment started as my solo project, 'Outer Light, Inner Darkness' marks the birth of ACE as a full-fledged band. Unlike the first album, in which I wrote all the songs and arrangements, the songwriting and arranging process for the second album was a largely collaborative process, with all of the band members contributing elements to the sound that makes the album our most diverse to date. One of the fun challenges of co-writing between me and my band mates is that we all have very distinct songwriting styles and music preferences. As a result, we all pushed each other to write outside of our comfort zones. Sometimes this could be disorienting process, but in the end, it helped us write our strongest songs to date. The song, 'Aoide, Goddess of Song,' was in a way my commentary on what it can be like to come up with brand new music.”

Here's what the press has raved about The Aaron Clift Experiment:

“The Aaron Clift Experiment strikes a nerve right away . . . pleasing as well as entertaining for the ears and mind, a true prog experience.” - Closet Concert Arena

“There is a journey to be taken while listening to The Aaron Clift Experiment’s songs, and for me that is one of the most appealing aspects of progressive music.” - Dr. Music’s Weekly Checkup

“The Aaron Clift Experiment has great melodies. . .the music is tight and controlled.” - Austin Mix Tape

Featuring:
Aaron Clift – Vocals/Keyboards
Eric Gutierrez – Guitar
Joe Resnick – Drums
Devin North – Bass

In support of the new CD release, The Aaron Clift Experiment is currently filming a music video for the album's lead single, “Kissed by the Sun.” The video will debut in late August to coincide with their August 27 album release show in Austin. Next year, they're looking to play some progressive rock festivals, particularly in Europe.

To purchase Aaron Clift Experiment's “Outer Light, Inner Darkness” CD: www.aaronclift.com/shop

For more information:
http://aaronclift.com/

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

Prog Ensemble The Aaron Clift Experiment To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album "Outer Light, Inner Darkness"

7/31/2015

Guitar Virtuoso and Composer Stephen Duros To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album ‘AEAEA’

“This sense of balance between aesthetics and virtuosity is a real measure of talent, and this album displays plenty.” - Culture Court

Oakland, CA - Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, guitar virtuoso and composer Stephen Duros will be releasing a concept album titled ‘AEAEA’ on July 31, 2015! The rippling, rhythmic sounds Stephen Duros coaxes out of his nylon string acoustic guitar has roots in the traditional sounds of flamenco, but he's developed his own style. Bluesy bent notes with a hint of Asia and the Middle East in their tone, octave melodies and rhythms that include suggestions of jazz, reggae, pop and Arab music join the familiar pulse of flamenco's gypsy rumba in his emotionally satisfying compositions.

Stephen Duros performed with Ottmar Liebert from 2006-2009. His playing is featured on Ottmar Liebert’s Grammy nominated album ‘The Scent of Light’ and on his own three solo albums ‘Miranda’, ‘Urban Flamenco’ and ‘Thira’, which won Duros a place on the Grammy Ballot for a nomination in the Best New Age Album of the year category. He has worked with Billboard top 10 World Music artist, Lawson Rollins as the associate producer on the “Urban Trilogy” section of Rollins’ newly released album ‘Traveler’. He also plays in a band called “Path of Light” with Haitian percussionist, Jeff Pierre.

Duros explains that the concept behind the album is, "to recount a musical journey or odyssey. The album tells a story, much like a book does. Instead of songs, the album has 12 chapters that are filled with twists and turns in the place of traditional songs. If listened to continuously, all the music connects into one long piece. The album title 'AEAEA' (ee-EE-a) is actually a mythological island found in the Greek poem 'The Odyssey'. The album isn't about that island per-se, to me it was more of a great starting point for the journey.”

On ‘AEAEA’, Duros played the flamenco, electric and bass guitars, oud, keyboards, percussion, palmas and drum programming. Andrew Reissiger played the charango and also co-produced the record along with Duros. Louis Romanos played the drums and percussion, Gary Moser played the riq and darbuka, Jeff Pierre played a conga solo and the album also features a special guest electric guitar solo by Nouveau Flamenco pioneer, Ottmar Liebert.

Says Duros, “I came up with the first 10 minutes of 'AEAEA' in late 2011, shared it with Ottmar and he was really intrigued by not only the music, but also the concept. He suggested that I continue the journey and see where it goes without worrying about staying in the traditional boundaries of song length and I loved that idea. It was total musical freedom, no boundaries and the writing process was addicting. I do most everything in my home studio from writing, playing, engineering, you name it. Some great musicians also played on some of the sections including an amazing trippy electric guitar solo by Ottmar. I was thrilled he played on the record, he’s such a great musician and friend, I’ve learned so much from him over the years.”

Duros has also been the head lighting designer for the Grammy award winning band Toto from 1999-2014. His lighting work is showcased on Toto's 35th Anniversary – Live in Poland DVD. Also an artist, his cartoon work is featured on on Steve Lukather's signature pedal ‘The Luke’ made by the award winning pedal company, ToneConcepts.

“Stephen Duros is not only one of the most gifted guitarist musicians I know, he is also a renaissance man in that everything he touches in art, music and beauty becomes his own. You hear it in his playing... and my God he is also the best rock ’n roll lighting designer I have ever worked with at the arena level. He did the lighting for our TOTO Live in Poland DVD which went # 1 worldwide in 2014 and is a total pro with humor, love and passion screaming for his work in any and all of these areas. When I heard his music I was floored because not one person could have all this diverse talent and soul.” - Steve Lukather, 2015

“You can dig this, people. Romanticism and the call of history, lost civilizations, dream chambers and the effigies of Kings.” - Culture Court

To purchase Stephan Duros 'AEAEA' CD:
http://www.amazon.com/Aeaea-Stephen-Duros/dp/B00YH4XDJU
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/aeaea/id1023547179

STEPHEN DUROS - AEAEA: “Chapter II” video on Vimeo:

For more information: http://www.stephenduros.com/

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

Guitar Virtuoso and Composer Stephen Duros To Release Highly Anticipated Concept Album ‘AEAEA’

3/03/2015

Prog Ensemble Lunden Reign To Release Debut Concept Album 'American Stranger'

“ 'American Stranger' is a masterpiece! Every song is great!” - Dale Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons)

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2015, the debut concept album by Lunden Reign titled 'American Stranger', featuring Lora G and Nikki Lunden, will be released in March. Recorded at Capitol Records in Hollywood, Abbey Road (Studio 2) in London and Stagg Street Studios in LA, Lora and Nikki are joined by platinum-selling producer/composer Luis Maldonado (John Waite, Into The Presence, Lisa Marie Presley), mix engineer Geoff Pearlman (Linda Perry), Morgan Young on drums, Hector Maldonado (bassist for Train) and Cellist Ana Lenchantin (Queens of the Stone Age, The Eels). Lunden Reign was recently chosen as TAXI MUSIC's 'Exclusive Artist of the Month', a great honor from a company with thousands of artists on their roster. (http://www.taximusic.com). Lunden Reign also has signed a distribution deal for 'American Stranger' with Cleopatra Records in Los Angeles. The album will be released on March 17, 2015.

Nikki elaborates about the album's concept, “ 'American Stranger' is a complete story from end to end. It was designed to be a sort of 'rock opera' about intolerance and those willing to stand up to it as well as those it's destroying. The central character is 'Mary' (song #7), a young woman who feels isolated, misunderstood and so disconnected from the world 'I want so hard to be set free, from everyone that judges me. I want to live a live someday, a world away from yesterday.' The song 'Mary' is prefaced by '28IF', 'Hear Me' and 'American Stranger'. In the end she overcomes in 'Hush and Whispers': 'Who cares what I am, it's all insane stop trying to change my life.'”

LORA G (Espinoza-Lunden) is a Composer/Guitarist from Mission Viejo, CA. Lora has a love of composing lyrics with a solid message and music in open-string alternative style. She is also a parent and an activist for the Mexican-American and LGBT communities. NIKKI LUNDEN is a Singer/Songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist who is a 18 year veteran of live performance (solo and ensemble). The Iowa native originally from Franklin, Iowa (pop.143) moved to LA in the fall of 2012 to attend Musician's Institute in Hollywood. Lora G and Nikki Lunden are the core members of Lunden Reign. Currently their lineup includes Matthew Denis - bass, Steve Ornest - guitar and Morgan Young – drums.

Lunden Reign is best described as Soul Stimulating Big Beat Progressive Rock. Their music fuses progressive sounds, ethereal vibes and an array of genres to deliver booming, pulsing, & driving rock. Lunden Reign’s synergistic performances are matched by the relentless desire to unleash layers of haunting melodies through uplifting riffs blended with a harder edge and a progressive big beat. Their music pushes the envelope, exploring every dimension.

Already some of rock’s legends have joined Lunden Reign on stage including PRESCOTT NILES of THE KNACK and DALE BOZZIO of MISSING PERSONS. Their forthcoming album 'American Stranger' (completed and now in pressing) was mastered by Grammy winning Evren Goknar at Capitol Records, Hollywood., with art design and cover design by one of rock’s greatest album designers: IOANNIS. Lunden Reign proudly endorses & records with HIWATT AMPS, UK.

Lora explains how the band recently connected with legendary Dale Bozzio of 80's hit-makers Missing Persons, “Beyond being a legendary singer and composer, Dale is amazing person and a wonderful human being. We met Dale after the great bassist from The Knack, Prescott Niles, performed with us at The House of Blues, Hollywood. Prescott is also the bassist for Dale Bozzio's Missing Persons Band. Dale clicked with us immediately and she guest performed with Lunden Reign at both the LA and Long Beach Pride Festivals.”

Check out the video of Lunden Reign playing Missing Persons hit song “Walking in LA” with Dale Bozzio singing at LA Pride Festival on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/IaK8DpZ85g8?list=PLxoCLLtqY2a5I8zLnhd3IS1qoimyQCc9i

Prescott Niles (bassist - The Knack, Missing Persons): “Every so many years an album comes out that redefines modern music. 'AMERICAN STRANGER' is that next album. Grab some headphones, close your eyes and let your senses explore the music & lyrics of Lunden Reign’s sound. Today the cycle goes full with a long-awaited return to music that touches the soul and embraces the test of time.”

Martha Davis (lead singer of The Motels): “The song 'Hear Me' is wonderful & heartfelt.”

Terri Nunn (lead singer of Berlin): “Lora G is a great songwriter and musician.”

Dale Bozzio (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons): “ 'American Stranger' is a masterpiece! Every song is great!”

Phil Soussan (Bassist - Ozzy, Billy Idol, Grammy BOD): “What an amazing album, incredible songwriting, lyrics and groove!”

In closing, Lunden Reign is more than just music; their lyrics carry important messages about tolerance, love, self-reflection, dignity and inner- strength. 'American Stranger' stands up to intolerance, telling stories about becoming a victim by simply trying to claim ones own identity. It's feeling like a stranger in your own skin and finding the courage to be exactly who you are. There is a re-occurring character, Mary, who represents all of these things. This is her story - how does it relate to yours?”

To purchase Lunden Reign's 'American Stranger' CD: http://lundenreign.com/store/
Distributed through Cleopatra Records: www.CleopatraRecords.com

For more information:
http://lundenreign.com/
https://twitter.com/LundenReign/
https://youtube.com/LundenReign/
https://facebook.com/LundenReign/
https://instagram.com/lundenReign/

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

Prog Ensemble Lunden Reign To Release Debut Concept Album 'American Stranger'

5/27/2014

All-Star Concept Album Featuring Drum Legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Ex-Uriah Heep Member John Lawton Now Available!

Asheville, NC - Possibly the most anticipated new release of 2014, My Kind O' Lovin' featuring drum legend Simon Phillips, Toto's Joseph Williams, and Ex-Uriah Heep/Lucifer's Friend's John Lawton, is now available! Released on the heels of 2012's hit album The Power Of Mind, featuring John Lawton, My Kind O' Lovin' is another innovative new CD, conceived, written and produced by the CGI member, and as of very recently European Citizen of the Year (2013) Dr. Milen Vrabevski. This next charity project of his is dedicated to young talents in EU.

Says Milen, “I allowed myself to play acoustic guitar in just the title song this time. Nothing else. The team was just too good for my level. Happy they liked the pieces. Many thanks to the guys I started this project with, and worked on the arrangements: Ivo Stefanov and Svurry, and to the whole all star band for their devotion.”

Pulling up a chair at Classic Rock Revisited’s Best Releases 2012 with Intelligent Music Project I, The Power of Mind producer Milen Vrabevski is setting a high standard of expectations with his Intelligent Music Project II, My Kind O' Lovin'. The producer's next charity project goes to support education programs for talented kids. Milen was awarded European Citizen of the Year 2013 (by the EU Parliament), and a Member of the Clinton Global Initiative.

My Kind O' Lovin' features a colorful, multifarious and formidable listening experience with hints of melodic hard rock and early prog, featuring the fabulous Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Protocol II etc.) on drums & percussion - brilliantly bringing out the chemistry of this unpredictable format of vintage vocals from John Lawton (ex-Uriah Heep) and Joseph Williams (Toto). Strong melodies and acoustic patterns with impressive vocals of undiminished power - this hefty emotional pool comes across in a very melodic way featuring great lead guitar and spacious orchestral flourishes.

The author translates to the audience his own experience & vision about everyday life topics in an easy manner, focusing on essential values – solid ground to step on to having a meaningful life.

Says Milen, “The message of the album is what I, as an author, would prefer to raise my kids with. Frustration, constant criticism, and judging people leads to nowhere. Therefore, we present essential things about love, friendship, our own environment we should invest in, getting into substantial initiatives, knowing happiness through serving the others, not limiting our minds with prejudice while seeking togetherness, understanding our life is in our hands, finishing off with the principle that it's good to wake up knowing what follows is a great day, in which fame does not matter, and ego's domination is retrograde, and you enjoy to live for the others, doing things not because of the result, but because you love to be that way.”

Watch the official My Kind O' Lovin' promotional video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwavFSqjV7w&feature=youtu.be

Stand out tracks:

“Get Into Real” - if there is a song from this side act that connects the dots with some of William's Toto-related cuts, this is it, but with hints of Led Zep to Asia nuances.

“Happiness”- a track so cool it deserves a trip around the world. You can take a magic trip through the positive messages of the album via Simple Game, Things We Can’t Do, Love Song to the rockin' No One Can Deny It, Time To Move Along and other pieces on this hit collection.

“Conclusion” - a 6-minute summary of the composer’s key approaches throughout the album and presents the audience with the magnificent culmination of the super group Phillips-Lawton-Williams, the front-men format of Intelligent Music Project II.

Recording sessions for drums (Simon Phillips) and vocals (Joseph Williams) took place at Simon Phillips' Phantom Recordings studio. Producer and composer Vrabevski was provided full creative input by Simon Philips in developing the course of compositions and musical ideas. Says Milen, “We recorded all drums and percussion, and Joe's vocal parts at Simon's recording studio in LA. Simon devotedly played the role of our music co-producer there too. Now he's been kind enough to take part in finalizing all mixes of MKL tracks.”

Simon Phillips is an iconic English drummer and producer. He is also a prolific session drummer, and has played with such well known music artists as The Who, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, Tears for Fears, Mike Oldfield, Pete Townshend, the late Gary Moore and many others.

“Working on this project with Milen Vrabevski was so much fun and I find his enthusiasm for music is so uplifting.” - Simon Phillips

Joseph Williams was part of four Toto albums – Fahrenheit (1986), The Seventh One (1988), Toto XX (1988) and Falling in Between (2006). He has since re-joined the touring edition of Toto for a series of shows across Europe and Japan.

“Milen was such a joy to work with .. Truly a warm and bright gentleman. It's rare thing these days to work with such happy, enthusiastic talented people ... I had a ball!!” - Joseph Williams

John Lawton, who split with Uriah Heep in 1979, was featured on the albums Innocent Victim (1977), Firefly (1977), Fallen Angel (1978) and Live ’79 and is considered the best singer around the British heavy progressive rock institution. After recording the conceptual album The Power Of Mind, Intelligent Music Project I, he joins the super group with Phillips and Williams in the second project of Bulgarian producer and composer Milen Vrabevski – My Kind O' Lovin'.

“My Kind O' Lovin'....Intelligent Music Project II....was for me an absolute pleasure to sing, the melodies flowing out of Milen Vrabevski's head seem to be endless. The album differs a lot from The Power Of Mind, not only in that there are guest artist's in the caliber of Joseph Williams and Simon Phillips both of Toto fame but some searing guitar work from a little known Bulgarian axe man known only to me as Sverri. I spent 2 weeks laying down lead & backing vocals in Intelligent Music's new studio in Sofia / Bulgaria and believe me it wasn't hard work, not when the music is this good.” - John Lawton

To purchase My Kind O' Lovin':
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kind-Lovin-Intelligent-Music-Project/dp/B00JAD115Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400675463&sr=8-1&keywords=my+kind+o%27+lovin%27
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/my-kind-o-lovin-feat.-joseph/id880550938

For more information: www.mykindoflovin.com

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