MuzikMan's Reviews And News

Showing posts with label Crack The Sky. Show all posts

7/27/2026

NEW CRACK THE SKY ALBUM 'BLESSED' TO RECEIVE PHYSICAL RELEASE WORLDWIDE AUGUST 21, 2026

20TH STUDIO ALBUM BY THE PROGRESSIVE ROCK BAND

"KISS THE DOG" MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES AUGUST 3

CRACK THE SKY PLAYED THIS YEAR'S CRUISE TO THE EDGE

UPCOMING APPEARANCE AT PROGSTOCK 2026

"There are some of us out here who live in fear and pain. Others, in peace and calm. Those others are the truly blessed." – John Palumbo

Crack The Sky's 20th studio album, Blessed, carries their unmistakable sound: intelligent lyrics, inventive arrangements, dueling lead guitars, stop-start rhythms, melodies that linger long after the album ends, and a sense of humor that never undercuts emotional impact. Blessed has thus far only been available on streaming services and as a limited-edition CD-R. Blessed is now receiving a full worldwide retail release on CD from Iconoclassic Records on August 21, 2026.

The band celebrates its 50th anniversary with four of its five original members intact: songwriter and frontman John Palumbo – whose unmistakable creative vision has made Crack The Sky one of rock's most enduring treasures – guitarist Rick Witkowski, and the locked rhythm section of Joe Macre (bass) and Joey D'Amico (drums). Guitarist Bobby Hird's Crack The Sky tenure spans 40+ years, and debuting keyboardist Bill Hubauer (of the Neal Morse Band) adds another dimension with his virtuosic solos. "I don't think that this record could be titled any better than simply Blessed," asserts Hird. "We really got to dig in and being in the same room, recording live, and bouncing ideas off each other was just wonderful. Just a great experience and we feel that the end product speaks for itself." Blessed plays as the work of artists who continue to challenge themselves creatively while never losing sight of their history. "To be able to release a new and relevant album 50 years from our original debut is nothing less than ‘Blessed,'" believes Witkowski, who also produced the album.

2026 is a particularly busy year for Crack The Sky. Headline dates are bookended with an acclaimed performance on Cruise To The Edge in March and upcoming appearance at ProgStock 2026 in October. John Palumbo's socially conscious solo album (and Iconoclassic Records debut), R U SCIENCE? was released this May; Crack The Sky's Bobby Hird and Joe Macre perform throughout the record. Simultaneously, Palumbo published his book, Swimming the Cleveland Ocean, a work of absurdist fiction. CRACK THE SKY: 50th Anniversary Documentary (A Film by Duane Tudahl) was successfully funded through Kickstarter and is in production.

Emerging from the industrial town of Weirton, West Virginia, in the early 1970s, Crack The Sky burst onto the progressive rock scene with a unique blend of power-pop hooks, hard-rock guitar riffs, and quirky lyrics. Their debut album, released in 1975, was hailed by Rolling Stone as the "debut album of the year," cementing their status as a rising star in the genre.

Led by the songwriting prowess of John Palumbo and the guitar virtuosity of Rick Witkowski and Bobby Hird, Crack The Sky quickly established themselves as innovators within the progressive rock landscape. Their music drew inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including the Beatles, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and James Brown, resulting in a sound that was both familiar and groundbreaking.

Crack The Sky's first three albums charted on the Billboard 200, and they toured extensively with prominent acts like Frank Zappa, ELO, Rush, Kansas, and Supertramp. Their live performances were renowned for their energy and precision, earning them a reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting bands on the circuit.

Despite challenges and setbacks over the decades, Crack The Sky has remained a consistent force. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to combine technical proficiency with catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Today, they continue experimenting with new sounds and styles, proving their creative spirit remains as vibrant as ever.

BLESSED (Iconoclassic Records ICON 1097)
Imagination
Kiss The Dog
Blessed
Stare
Mojo Man
Brain Police
I Can't Walk On Water
How Can You Sleep?
Little Men With Big Guitars
The Dance
Artificial Man
It's All In My Head
Air Strike

Crack The Sky is:
John Palumbo - Lead Vocals and Guitar
Rick Witkowski - Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
Bobby Hird - Lead Guitar, Acoustic, Slide, Dobro and Backing Vocals
Joe D'Amico - Drums
Joe Macre - Basses
Bill Hubauer - Piano, Keyboards and Backing Vocals

Pre-order "Blessed":

Amazon preorder: https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Crack-Sky/dp/B0GX7N4379
Label preorder: https://iconoclassicrecords.com/album/blessed/
Independent retail preorder: https://recordstoreday.com/UPC/990481103478

For more information:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cracktheskychannel
X: https://x.com/CrackTheSky1975
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cracktheskyofficial/
Website: https://crackthesky.com/

Iconoclassic Records:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iconoclassicrecords
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iconoclassicrecords
X: https://x.com/iconoclassicCDs
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iconoclassicrecords
Website: https://iconoclassicrecords.com

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

6/15/2026

CRACK THE SKY PRINCIPAL JOHN PALUMBO RELEASES POLITICALLY CONSCIOUS SOLO ALBUM, R U SCIENCE?

11 NEW SONGS INCLUDING THE TIMELY SINGLE “ICEMEN”

ALBUM FEATURES CRACK THE SKY’S JOE MACRE AND BOBBY HIRD

AVAILABLE ON CD AND DIGITALLY

RELEASED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH PALUMBO’S DEBUT NOVEL, SWIMMING THE CLEVELAND OCEAN

Visionary leader of Crack The Sky, John Palumbo returns under his own name with his boldest collection of songs yet.

R U SCIENCE? is a rallying cry grappling with the issues of today, from AI to ICE. Palumbo’s trademark sarcasm is barely in evidence but his bite is stronger than ever in his unflinchingly direct lyrics. Different times demand different songs, and Palumbo meets the moment throughout the 11 new compositions on R U SCIENCE?

Palumbo’s voice – weathered, expressive, and unmistakably authentic – conveys his messages with conviction, intelligence, and heart. The album’s full band arrangements feature Crack The Sky’s Joe Macre (bass) and Bobby Hird (lead guitar and background vocals). Yet R U SCIENCE? establishes a distinct sonic identity with electronic elements developing an ominous mood befitting the times we are living through. R U SCIENCE? is an album for now, while instantly establishing itself as a highlight of Palumbo’s voluminous discography.

As a songwriter, Palumbo has a gift for turning complex ideas into memorable music. “Icemen” addresses one of 2026’s most contentious issues. “I’m not a white man. I am a brown man. That used to be okay. But not today. Here they come. They’re coming for me,” Palumbo intones. The arrangement creates an atmosphere of tension and urgency that perfectly complements the song’s themes. Released as the first single from R U SCIENCE?, the “Icemen” lyric video has already been viewed 10K times on YouTube. Immigration topics return on “Big House,” written from three perspectives: a human smuggler, a migrant, and an ICE officer.

The album’s closing track is entitled “I Catch Fire.” Indeed, Palumbo may take heat from his more conservative fans. But John Palumbo refuses to play it safe. His songs have always been stories about obsession, belief, power, and the quiet damage people do to themselves and each other.

Simultaneously released is John Palumbo’s novel, Swimming The Cleveland Ocean. As a novelist, Palumbo brings that same unflinching eye to the page. His fiction is dark, psychological and often unsettling, driven by characters who live just beyond the edge of comfort and control. The wit remains, but the melody is stripped away, leaving something rawer and harder to escape. The move from music to prose is not a departure, but an expansion. These are the stories that could never fit inside a song. Swimming The Cleveland Ocean is available on Amazon in paperback form.

Songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist John Palumbo has led progressive rock band Crack The Sky for over 50 years. The band’s self-titled first album was declared 1975’s debut album of the year by Rolling Stone and ranked as one of Rolling Stone‘s 50 Greatest Prog Rock Albums in 2015. Major success was predicted for Crack The Sky. But due to persistent record label issues, the band never achieved a national breakthrough. Yet their popularity exploded in Baltimore, where Crack The Sky is acclaimed as The Beatles of Baltimore. Throughout Crack The Sky’s existence, John Palumbo’s quirky, edgy, smart songwriting proved constant as the band explored a diverse variety of sounds and styles.

Palumbo launched a parallel solo career in 1978 and nearly scored a hit with 1985’s “Blowing Up Detroit” (later covered by Charlie Sexton). He simultaneously began a songwriting partnership with Donnie Purnell of glam metal band Kix, co-writing the band’s Top 10 power ballad, “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” In the ’90s he produced chart topping dance remixes for Yoko Ono and embarked on a wide variety of side projects including Cruel Shoes, Dogboy, Feed da Cat, and the Precious Brothers, while regularly recording and performing with Crack The Sky.

R U SCIENCE? (Iconoclassic Records ICON 1095)

1. Fear Is The Power
2. R U Science?
3. Vampires
4. Icemen
5. For Dear Life
6. The Evangelist
7. Days Of Our Lives
8. Big House
9. Another Gong
10. White Man
11. I Catch Fire

Produced by John Palumbo and R. Lee Townsend

John Palumbo: Guitar, Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Bobby Hird: Guitar, Background Vocals
Joe Macre: Bass
Max Victor Vacacerdo: Drums

To purchase:
Label store: https://iconoclassicrecords.com/album/r-u-science/
Independent retail: https://recordstoreday.com/upc/990481102440
Amazon CD: https://www.amazon.com/R-U-SCIENCE-John-Palumbo/dp/B0GQ545YNT
Amazon book: https://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Cleveland-Ocean-John-Palumbo/dp/B0H1SC6FQ7

For more information:
Website: https://crackthesky.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cracktheskychannel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialcrackthesky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cracktheskyofficial

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

8/01/2022

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release Second Solo Album “The Dream Is Free”

Hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed first solo album. Bassist Joe Macre will be releasing his second album “The Dream Is Free” on August 1st on Cuppa Joe Records. Joe is known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band Crack The Sky best known for achieving “debut album of the year” in Rolling Stone Magazine and still included in the top 50 albums of all time. Joe was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–1980 and 2004-2009. Joe has also worked with The B. E. Taylor Group, Wild Cherry, King Friday, Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Keith Green, Clint Brown, and others.

In 2018 Joe began work on Joe Mac’s American Garage with the debut album, “Bullet Train” released in 2021 with a cast of musicians and superstars including Grammy Award Artists Oliver Wakeman (Yes), and Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Madukwu Chinwah (Erikah Badu), Chris Elliot and Jerry Oxendyne (86 Bullets), Pete Hewllett (Billy Joel), John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski, Bobby Hird and Joey D'Amico (Crack The Sky).

Joe’s latest effort, “The Dream Is Free” was written immediately after the “Bullet Train” release and features him on all instruments and voices, with guest appearances by Crack The Sky’s Rick Witkowski and Al Macre (keys) and solos by Chris Elliott. It’s a collection of 10 songs with Bonus tracks. The first single is a light commercial song entitled “I Need You.”

Says Joe, “‘The Dream Is Free’ album is a reflection on my life experiences as a musician. The Dream Is Free BUT the pain’s sold separately. It takes some talent to get in but there are consequences if you have no idea of the BUSINESS of music. So, I guess it’s a loosely concept album but also a collection that was written during the covid times. I write all the songs and play all the instruments and vocals with the exception of some solos by Chris Elliott, Rick Witkowski and Al Macre. Two incredible soloists and a classical keyboardist who played on a few songs. My former bandmate Rick Witkowski co-wrote two songs with me on this album. My musical inspirations are The Beatles, Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Strawbs. I grew up playing Funk as a bassist. These early years were filled with Motown, James Brown and anything with a cool rhythm. The context for my songs is positive, giving the listener the chance to explore what I'm saying. Most are based on my musical experiences and years on the road.”

Joe Macre’s Award-winning Post Production mixing credits in films include Monster in Law, House of D and Fire Down Below. His “Cuppa Joe Music” Library and Sound Design are chosen for many national spots, including the award-winning Super Bowl Tabasco’s “Mosquito”, Corona’s “Ship in a Bottle”, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonald’s, Corona, Hyundai, and Oprah Winfrey.

Joe was inducted into the board of directors for SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) with Leslie Ann Jones, Audio Director at Skywalker Sound, Kevin Mills at Larrabee West Studios, Tim Butler at Chicago Recording (CRC), Jeff Greenberg at The Village Recorder and Steve Davis at Crawford Communications Atlanta. Joe is an active member of AES and the American Federation of Musicians.

Track List:
The Dream Is Free
Tell Me
Ride Or Die
Drop Me Off At The Rainbow
Life In The Theater
These Cool Years
Not Looking Back Tonight
Tomorrow Is Today
Get Up, Crack Down
The Dark Sky Sea

Special thanks to Chris Elliott, Rick Witkowski and Al Macre for their input and contributions.

To purchase:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/joe-macre/1554759535
https://joemacsamericangarage.bandcamp.com

For more information:
www.joemacre.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUnj3mE99udGF8QHZsDEPCQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/671oRPBGK1PKkhvfwudawb
https://soundcloud.com/cuppajoemusic

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

7/14/2022

Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear Release New Album “Reflective Touch” Featuring Crack The Sky Founding Member!

Guitarist Dario Saraceno and his band Dario and the Clear has released his eagerly awaited new album “Reflective Touch.” Dario was born in Ripacandida, Italy and moved to London, England during the height of Beatlemania. After his mom took him to see the Beatles at an outdoor concert, he was profoundly influenced and became infatuated with becoming a musician.

Fast forward to his teenage years and music became reality when he purchased his first guitar. Dario took an unusual approach. When most musicians were aspiring to play covers, Dario was immediately drawn to writing original music and spent time learning multi-track recording.

After graduating Berklee College of Music, Dario toured with his band, Decoy and worked as a session guitarist, touring and teaching. His instructional book, “The Shapes Remain the Same” was published in 2010. After his Decoy project came to a close, Dario went solo, starting a new band he named Dario and the Clear. Dario and the Clear has released seven albums since 2011. After the release of his previous album, “Optic Nerve,” the creative muse continued to provide inspiration for a new body of work that he named “Reflective Touch.”

Since the album is guitar-driven, he invited a number of his favorite guitarists as special guests: Rick Witkowski, founding member of Crack the Sky, Gabriel Marin, multi-ethnic instrumentalist and experimental guitar player, and Hudson Valley based session guitarist, Tony De Paolo. Dario continued experimenting with his sound palette using his classical fretless guitar on the title track “Reflective Touch” and Chapman stick on the track “Heavy Merge.” Adding to the unique flavor on “Heavy Merge,” is Gabriel Marin's use of the dutar (a Pakistani instrument) and guitar arpeggiator, a fretless electric guitar.

“This album is great for progressive junkies who relish UK and Yes and other bands that are able to blend heavy guitar riffs with expertise, whimsy and creative intensity.” - Laurent Rejto, Executive Director, Hudson Valley Film Commission.

“Guitars are ripping my face hairs off one at a time. Then the vocals come in for the soothing aftershave and nice hooks all the way around.” - Steve Ball, Instructor at Guitar Craft.

To purchase:
https://darioandtheclear.hearnow.com/reflective-touch

For more information:
https://darioandtheclear4.bandcamp.com/album/reflective-touch
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dario-and-the-clear/430371436
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts7uemMlxXA

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

2/16/2021

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”

Joe Macre is best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band “Crack The Sky”, whose debut was voted album of the year in Rolling Stone Magazine and is still included in the top 50 progressive rock albums of all time.

The new release from Joe Macre is a collection of ten songs written and recorded at Joe Mac's American Garage. Scheduled to drop March 1, 2021, “Bullet Train” is one of two albums written and recorded by Joe with friends who visited his American Garage studios. Made famous for housing cars, the garage has become a recording studio for musicians all over the world.

This album was written and recorded from 2019 to 2021. Many friends brought their talents to the garage and those shut in during the pandemic were recorded via the internet. The recording was recorded, mixed and mastered by Joe utilizing Pro Tools, of which Joe is an instructor. Visit Joe’s blog at joemacre.com for details on instruments and software incorporated on this album.

Joe Macre was a member of Crack The Sky from 1975–1980 and 2004-2009. Joe has also worked with The B. E. Taylor Group, Wild Cherry, King Friday, Jim Croce, David Sanborn, The Brecker Brothers, Marie Osmond, Grammy Award Artist, Oliver Wakeman (and Eddie Offord Yes), Andy Timmons (Danger Danger), Robert Schindler (Johnny Nash), Madukwu Chinwah (Erikah Badu), Keith Green, Clint Brown, and others.

Joe’s award-winning Mixing/Composing credits in films and commercials include “Monster in Law,” “House of D” and “Fire Down Below.” Super Bowl Tabasco’s “Mosquito”, Corona’s “Ship in a Bottle”, Nickelodeon, Showtime, Ford, McDonald’s, Corona, Hyundai, and Oprah Winfrey to name a few.

2018 Joe began work on his latest project Joe Mac’s American Garage with the debut album, “Bullet Train” featuring a cast of musicians including Chris Elliott and Jerry Oxendine of 86 Bullets, Pete Hewlett (Billy Joel), Jeff Adams (Facedancer), John Palumbo, Rick Witkowski, Jimmy Griffiths, Bobby Hird and Joey D'Amico (Crack The Sky) and many talented friends who visited Joe’s American Garage Studios.

Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a spring release. Also, tours are currently in the works.

Discography:
Joe Macre - Bullet Train (2021)
Joe Mac’s American Garage (2016)
King Friday - Let the song begin (2014)
Crack the Sky – The Machine (2010)
Crack the Sky – All Access DVD (2009)
Crack the Sky – The Sale – (2007)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin’ Ass – (2005)
Crack the Sky – Alive and Kickin – (2005)
The Precious Brothers – The Precious Brothers ‎(2005)
Crack the Sky –Dogs From Japan (2004)
B.E. Taylor Group – Love Won The Fight (1983)
B.E. Taylor Group – Intermission – (1982)
Crack the Sky – Classic Crack – (1980)
Crack the Sky – Live Sky – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Safety in Numbers – (1978)
Crack the Sky – Live on WBAB – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Animal Notes – (1976)
Crack the Sky – Crack the Sky – (1975)

Song previews: Soundcloud.com/joe Macre

To purchase:
www.joemacre.com

For more information:
www.joemacre.com
Facebook.com/joe macre and Facebook/joemacre.com
https://soundcloud.com/cuppajoemusic
Instagram.com/Atomicbass1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”

Joe’s second album entitled “The Dream Is Free” is scheduled for a spring release. Also, tours are currently in the works.

Song previews: Soundcloud.com/joe Macre

To purchase:
www.joemacre.com

For more information:
www.joemacre.com
Facebook.com/joe macre and Facebook/joemacre.com
https://soundcloud.com/cuppajoemusic
Instagram.com/Atomicbass1

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Pages

7/27/2026

NEW CRACK THE SKY ALBUM 'BLESSED' TO RECEIVE PHYSICAL RELEASE WORLDWIDE AUGUST 21, 2026

6/15/2026

CRACK THE SKY PRINCIPAL JOHN PALUMBO RELEASES POLITICALLY CONSCIOUS SOLO ALBUM, R U SCIENCE?

8/01/2022

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release Second Solo Album “The Dream Is Free”

7/14/2022

Prog Ensemble Dario and the Clear Release New Album “Reflective Touch” Featuring Crack The Sky Founding Member!

2/16/2021

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”

Original Crack The Sky Bassist Joe Macre To Release New Album “Bullet Train”