Birdsong At Morning Spins Elegant Tapestries of Sound, Words, and Music on New Album "Signs and Wonders"

“Beautiful acoustic textures… a deep, compelling listening experience.” – Guitar Player

Lowell. MA - From the quietly ambitious 4-CD box set debut, “Annals of My Glass House” (2011), through the expansive territory of “A Slight Departure” (2015), to the masterful new album, “Signs and Wonders” (2018), Birdsong At Morning has garnered rave reviews and airplay around the world.

Led by songer/songwriter Alan Williams, along with compatriots Darleen Wilson (guitar) and Greg Porter (bass), and a host of new and old collaborators, Birdsong At Morning spins elegant tapestries of sound, words, and music.

Produced by leader Alan Williams, the band's new album contains 10 original compositions by Alan, and an inventive (and timely) interpretation of Supertramp's “The Logical Song.” Joining the core trio of Alan, Darleen and Greg, are drummer Ben Wittman (Sting, Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson) and guitarist Thomas Juliano (Seven Mary Three, Aimee Mann), along with a 20-piece string orchestra. Basics were recorded with David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound, and the strings were recorded at WGBH, engineered by Antonio Oliart. The album was mastered by Grammy award winner Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, and the Blu-Ray was authored by Neil Wilkes of Opus Productions, the same folks behind the King Crimson, Yes, and XTC reissues.

Says Alan, “Just as the album art is a bold, full-color shift from our previous sepia-toned artwork, so the music inside represents a wider sonic spectrum, and musical pace. The general theme is that there is often hidden and overlooked beauty to be found in unexpected places. There are references to the natural environment in many of the songs, and some of these are contrasted with a more urban experience, or interior mindset. To quote the title song, 'take a look around.'”

“Signs and Wonders” is available for streaming and download on September 28, 2018, but will also be issued in a 2-disc CD/Blu-ray package, with 44.1/16 stereo mixes on the CD, and 96/24 vocal and instrumental mixes in stereo, LPCM 5.1 surround sound, and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound, along with a 16-page lyric book.

Additionally, there are videos to accompany every song on the album. These videos are available on the Blu-ray, and will be posted on YouTube throughout the year.

Watch Birdsong At Morning's video for the lead track from the album, “Waterfall”:

Photo by Jude Porter - L-R: Darleen Wilson, Alan Williams, Greg Porter

Formed in 2008, Birdsong At Morning began as an exercise in resurrecting long-dormant musical energies. Williams and Porter had gone to the New England Conservatory of Music, then played together in several groups, notably the star-crossed folk-rock ensemble, Knots and Crosses. Porter was a founding member of Talking To Animals, before playing for Aimee Mann and Patty Griffin, among others. Wilson established herself as a groundbreaking recording engineer in Boston, working with a broad spectrum of artists from punk (Salem 66), to pop (New Kids On The Block), before becoming the pre-eminent producer of New England singer/songwriters – Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Chris Smither.

During the long period between the demise of Knots and Crosses – a demise precipitated by their calamitous signing with Island Records – and the formation of Birdsong At Morning, Williams embarked on parallel careers in music production and academia. He served as musical director for Dar Williams and engineered a number of records for Patty Larkin, while earning a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Brown University. He is currently Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also serves as the Richard and Nancy Donahue Endowed Professor of the Arts, and has published a number of scholarly chapters and journal articles, all while maintaining a presence as a creative, performing musician. In his spare time, he is also a certified yoga instructor.

The depth of experience present in every aspect of the band's work helps to explain the professional quality that exists in this totally DIY project. The group releases its own records, designs its packaging, and does much of the engineering and musical production work. Of course, like many indie-minded endeavors, Birdsong At Morning is assisted by extraordinarily talented friends – long-time collaborative partner Ben Wittman (Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson, The Story) plays drums, Greg’s Talking to Animals compatriot Thomas Juliano frequently contributes guitar, and the band’s last two albums were recorded with David Minehan (The Neighborhoods, Paul Westerberg, Aerosmith) at his studio Woolly Mammoth Sound, and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer, Adam Ayan.

Here's what the press has said about Birdsong at Morning:

“Sweeping strings, gorgeous sonics, and soulful singing, Birdsong at Morning is the greatest act you’ve never heard of.” – Electronic Musician

“Art music both unpretentious and ravishing” – The Boston Herald

“Birdsong at Morning's creative intents find full fruition, making 'A Slight Departure' a fascinating point of embarkation. Lovely indeed.” – No Depression

“A sprawling collection of poignant beauty delivered through Williams' keenly poetic eye. Simple and direct, carrying with it the breadth and depth of the kind of observation only an acute student of the world around him can deliver.” – BMI MusicWorld

“A remarkable convergence of lush, patient music and intriguing poeticism performed with conviction and grace.” – Songwriter's Monthly

In closing Alan has this to impart, “I think our listeners pick up and respond to the attention to detail that is put into the songwriting, arrangements, and recording. Nothing is assembled like a factory; everything is meticulously crafted, even when captured as complete performance elements. We think repeated listenings should reward with new perspectives, new discoveries. This mirrors the concept of small wonders revealing themselves on closer inspection that can be found in many of the song lyrics. And woven throughout is a sensitivity to the political conditions of the moment, and an underlying call to value the humanity in each and every one of us.”

To purchase  Birdsong At Morning's “Signs and Wonders”:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com/store/
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/BirdsongAtMorning

For UK/EUROPE:
https://burningshed.com/birdsong-at-morning_signs-and-wonders_cd_blu-ray?filter_name=birdsong%20at%20morning&filter_sub_category=true

For more information:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com
https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-At-Morning-344540888309/

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

Birdsong At Morning Spins Elegant Tapestries of Sound, Words, and Music on New Album "Signs and Wonders"

“Beautiful acoustic textures… a deep, compelling listening experience.” – Guitar Player

Lowell. MA - From the quietly ambitious 4-CD box set debut, “Annals of My Glass House” (2011), through the expansive territory of “A Slight Departure” (2015), to the masterful new album, “Signs and Wonders” (2018), Birdsong At Morning has garnered rave reviews and airplay around the world.

Led by songer/songwriter Alan Williams, along with compatriots Darleen Wilson (guitar) and Greg Porter (bass), and a host of new and old collaborators, Birdsong At Morning spins elegant tapestries of sound, words, and music.

Produced by leader Alan Williams, the band's new album contains 10 original compositions by Alan, and an inventive (and timely) interpretation of Supertramp's “The Logical Song.” Joining the core trio of Alan, Darleen and Greg, are drummer Ben Wittman (Sting, Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson) and guitarist Thomas Juliano (Seven Mary Three, Aimee Mann), along with a 20-piece string orchestra. Basics were recorded with David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound, and the strings were recorded at WGBH, engineered by Antonio Oliart. The album was mastered by Grammy award winner Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, and the Blu-Ray was authored by Neil Wilkes of Opus Productions, the same folks behind the King Crimson, Yes, and XTC reissues.

Says Alan, “Just as the album art is a bold, full-color shift from our previous sepia-toned artwork, so the music inside represents a wider sonic spectrum, and musical pace. The general theme is that there is often hidden and overlooked beauty to be found in unexpected places. There are references to the natural environment in many of the songs, and some of these are contrasted with a more urban experience, or interior mindset. To quote the title song, 'take a look around.'”

“Signs and Wonders” is available for streaming and download on September 28, 2018, but will also be issued in a 2-disc CD/Blu-ray package, with 44.1/16 stereo mixes on the CD, and 96/24 vocal and instrumental mixes in stereo, LPCM 5.1 surround sound, and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound, along with a 16-page lyric book.

Additionally, there are videos to accompany every song on the album. These videos are available on the Blu-ray, and will be posted on YouTube throughout the year.

Watch Birdsong At Morning's video for the lead track from the album, “Waterfall”:

Photo by Jude Porter - L-R: Darleen Wilson, Alan Williams, Greg Porter

Formed in 2008, Birdsong At Morning began as an exercise in resurrecting long-dormant musical energies. Williams and Porter had gone to the New England Conservatory of Music, then played together in several groups, notably the star-crossed folk-rock ensemble, Knots and Crosses. Porter was a founding member of Talking To Animals, before playing for Aimee Mann and Patty Griffin, among others. Wilson established herself as a groundbreaking recording engineer in Boston, working with a broad spectrum of artists from punk (Salem 66), to pop (New Kids On The Block), before becoming the pre-eminent producer of New England singer/songwriters – Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Chris Smither.

During the long period between the demise of Knots and Crosses – a demise precipitated by their calamitous signing with Island Records – and the formation of Birdsong At Morning, Williams embarked on parallel careers in music production and academia. He served as musical director for Dar Williams and engineered a number of records for Patty Larkin, while earning a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Brown University. He is currently Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also serves as the Richard and Nancy Donahue Endowed Professor of the Arts, and has published a number of scholarly chapters and journal articles, all while maintaining a presence as a creative, performing musician. In his spare time, he is also a certified yoga instructor.

The depth of experience present in every aspect of the band's work helps to explain the professional quality that exists in this totally DIY project. The group releases its own records, designs its packaging, and does much of the engineering and musical production work. Of course, like many indie-minded endeavors, Birdsong At Morning is assisted by extraordinarily talented friends – long-time collaborative partner Ben Wittman (Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson, The Story) plays drums, Greg’s Talking to Animals compatriot Thomas Juliano frequently contributes guitar, and the band’s last two albums were recorded with David Minehan (The Neighborhoods, Paul Westerberg, Aerosmith) at his studio Woolly Mammoth Sound, and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer, Adam Ayan.

Here's what the press has said about Birdsong at Morning:

“Sweeping strings, gorgeous sonics, and soulful singing, Birdsong at Morning is the greatest act you’ve never heard of.” – Electronic Musician

“Art music both unpretentious and ravishing” – The Boston Herald

“Birdsong at Morning's creative intents find full fruition, making 'A Slight Departure' a fascinating point of embarkation. Lovely indeed.” – No Depression

“A sprawling collection of poignant beauty delivered through Williams' keenly poetic eye. Simple and direct, carrying with it the breadth and depth of the kind of observation only an acute student of the world around him can deliver.” – BMI MusicWorld

“A remarkable convergence of lush, patient music and intriguing poeticism performed with conviction and grace.” – Songwriter's Monthly

In closing Alan has this to impart, “I think our listeners pick up and respond to the attention to detail that is put into the songwriting, arrangements, and recording. Nothing is assembled like a factory; everything is meticulously crafted, even when captured as complete performance elements. We think repeated listenings should reward with new perspectives, new discoveries. This mirrors the concept of small wonders revealing themselves on closer inspection that can be found in many of the song lyrics. And woven throughout is a sensitivity to the political conditions of the moment, and an underlying call to value the humanity in each and every one of us.”

To purchase  Birdsong At Morning's “Signs and Wonders”:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com/store/
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/BirdsongAtMorning

For UK/EUROPE:
https://burningshed.com/birdsong-at-morning_signs-and-wonders_cd_blu-ray?filter_name=birdsong%20at%20morning&filter_sub_category=true

For more information:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com
https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-At-Morning-344540888309/

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

New Pledge Campaign Started For Martin & Eliza Carthy's Live At The Pavillion CD/DVD

Also available limited T shirts, signed handwritten lyrics sheets, test pressings & more!

London - Martin & Eliza Carthy together, recorded live in February 2018 at Hailsham Pavillion, East Sussex CD/DVD is now available for pre-order along with limited T shirts, signed handwritten lyrics sheets, test pressings & more!

Martin Carthy is a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position. Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eliza Carthy is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation. Twice nominated for the Mercury Prize and winner of innumerable other accolades over a 20 year career, Eliza has performed and recorded with a diverse array of artists including, Paul Weller, Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Patrick Wolf and Bob Neuwirth. More than most, Eliza Carthy has revitalised folk music and captured the most hardened of dissenters with intelligent, charismatic and boundary-crossing performance.

Release date 2nd August 2018.

Pre-order Eliza & Martin Carthy's Live At The Pavillion on Signed CD/DVD, Vinyl, Test Pressings & Check Discs: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/eliza-martin-carthy

Gonzo Multimedia: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/

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

George St. Clair Voices Heartfelt Narratives About Life in the American West on His New Album Ballads of Captivity and Freedom

London, UK – Part western balladeer, part borderland chronicler, songwriter GEORGE ST. CLAIR is a master of conjuring feelings and images of lives past and present. Growing up on the high plains of Texas put George in touch with the vastness of the American West, and his songs evoke the dry deserts, rolling grasslands, and high mountains of his West Texas homeland. Living for the past several years in the UK has given him a renewed perspective on the land where he grew up, and these reflections take shape on his new album BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM. Although George is based in Europe, the album was recorded at Bird and Egg Studios in Richmond, CA, mixed by Ben Bernstein at Petting Zoo Studios in Oakland, and will release in stores and online worldwide March 2, 2018.

GEORGE ST. CLAIR has known Ben Bernstein for many years as a friend, collaborator, and producer, and has long trusted his taste, musicianship, and technical expertise. To break the ice on their first recording session at Bernstein's Petting Zoo Studio, they laid down a quick demo of George’s song “The Places Where They Prayed,” with George playing Ben's vintage Gibson acoustic and singing into a single mic. It seemed to George that they were just getting started, but the initial bounce of the song didn't sound bad at all. George went back to his home in the UK and was floored when he later heard Ben's version complete with drums, bass, and pedal steel. The song came bursting through, sounding authentic and natural. After that George knew he wanted Ben to produce the whole record.

Demos were sent, charts were made, and schedules were coordinated, and they got to work immediately upon George’s arrival back from London. Ben had since put together a great core team of musicians – Dan Lebowitz on guitar and pedal steel, Mike Stevens on drums and congas, and Ben himself on bass. He organized the main sessions in the grand live room at Bird and Egg Studios in Richmond, providing the space and equipment to set up as a live quartet. Steve Sarmiento, Ben's assistant, kept everything ticking and brought a relaxed air along with his technical knowledge. On the final day, Kirby Hammel came in to add great feel and fluidity on organ and piano, which turned out to be a key part of the sound on the forthcoming album.

Experienced and prepared, the musicians got it right away, rehearsing and talking through minor adjustments. As with Ben in the studio, George felt he could trust this team implicitly. With only a few minor additions and adjustments in post-production back at Petting Zoo Studio, these live sessions comprise the new album BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM.

GEORGE ST. CLAIR draws on influences from the western Country tradition, Mexican Folk, 1970s Rock, and Texas balladries to narrate hidden stories examining the struggles between Native Americans and white colonizers, and the various plights of migrants to the US. He grew up in and around places where vicious battles were fought over the possession of land, and where large numbers of indigenous people were corralled into encampments. His family background of ranching and wildcat oil prospecting spurred him to probe the more controversial history of that part of the world in his songwriting. With his own sound and point of view, GEORGE ST. CLAIR is a formidable writer who takes the listener to places and times where untold possibilities once existed, and still do.

GEORGE ST. CLAIR cut his musical teeth in Austin, TX, playing Country, Flamenco, and Salsa, and co-founding the band Soniquete, a stalwart of Austin’s Alternative Latin music wave. However, it was while immersed in Latin American music that George’s ideas for melodies and verse still came almost always in the form of country ballads – a type of sound and feeling that was simply in his blood. GEORGE ST. CLAIR found his voice in heartfelt narratives about life in the American West.

For over 20 years George has pursued a career as a professional archeologist and anthropologist, which involved living for extended periods of time in remote places in the American Southwest, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. While in Mexico, his travels crossing and re-crossing the border further ignited his historical imagination and sharpened his awareness of life in the region. This path eventually brought George to London, where he got his PhD in Anthropology, followed by a few years of lecturing and research at the London School of Economics.

All the while his reading, writing, and further reflection kept fueling a vision that would emerge in his songwriting – a nuanced, poetic voice full of wit and rigor, ever-grounded in his connection to home. While music was never far out of the picture, over the last few years the time came to put all his energies toward it. Bringing all his experiences together, songwriting emerged as the way for George to find his true voice.

For more information or to Pre-order BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM please visit www.georgestclairmusic.com or http://smarturl.it/GeorgeStClairBCF

To Pre-order BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM from Bandcamp please visit georgestclair.bandcamp.com

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

For Radio please contact Peter Hay of Twin Vision Radio Promotion at twinvision@aol.com

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

French Musician/Composer Alan Simon Releases New Compilation "Songwriter" 2CD Feat. Jon Anderson, Justin Hayward, Alan Parsons, Martin Barre, John Wetton, Mick Fleetwood and others!

London - Alan Simon is a French folk-rock musician and composer best known for his rock operas which are performed with collaboration from other noted rock musicians. Simon is associated with Breton Celticism, and his most ambitious works are typically on themes linked to Celtic myth and history. Simon has also branched out into film-making. Alan Simon is the creator of the legendary EXCALIBUR: THE CELTIC ROCK OPERA.

This 40 TRACK collection, released on Cherry Red, features a cross-section of Alan Simon's work from his various projects and rock operas.

“The 40 songs on the compilation are all personal selections from my rock operas and concept albums: 'Excalibur (the quadrilogy)', 'Gaia', 'Anne de Bretagne', 'Tristan & Yseult', 'Captain Kid' and various soundtracks...Some of these tracks fans may know already and other tracks offer a deeper insight into my work! 'Songwriter' a sentimental and personal collection which also includes a comic strip of my journey.” - Alan Simon

This collection features songs with guest appearances by:

Members of Supertramp
Midnight Oil
Alan Parsons
Jon Anderson
Fairport Convention
Moya Brennan
John Wetton
Justin Hayward
Maddy Prior
Billy Preston
Roberto Tiranti
Martin Barre
Les Holroyd
Mick Fleetwood
And Zucchero

This collection was previously vinyl only and is now being given its first mainstream CD release.

TRACK LISTING:

DISC ONE
1. CELTIC RING (Feat. Alan Parsons)
2. LES CAVALIERS DU VENT
3. WORLD (Feat. Brankica Vasic)
4. MORHOLT
5. THE ORIGINS PT 1 (Feat. Moya Brennan)
6. THE KINGS
7. LETTRE À YSEULT (Feat. Christian Décamps)
8. DIHUN
9. WAR
10. AD LIBITUM (Feat. Carlos Nũnez)
11. CELTIC LAND
12. BELTAINE (Feat. Fairport Convention)
13. SKYE (Feat. Skilda)
14. CASTLE ROCK (Feat. Fairport Convention)
15. DUN AENGUS (Feat. Martin Barre)
16. THE END
17. IN THE WIND OF THE CELTIC DREAM (Feat. Konan Mevel)
18. THE VISION (Feat. John Wetton)
19. ADELA (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
20. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg And John Helliwell)

DISC TWO
1. NO MAN’S LAND (Feat. Midnight Oil)
2. COME (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
3. THE ELEMENTS (Feat. Roger Hodgson & Dan Ar Braz)
4. DANCING HEART (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
5. CIRCLE OF LIFE (Feat. Jon Anderson)
6. FAME AND GLORY (Feat. Fairport Convention)
7. PEACE ON EARTH (Feat. Heather Small & Billy Preston)
8. ANGEL'S TEARS (Feat. Jeremy Spencer)
9. WHERE IS THE WAY (Feat. Billy Preston)
10. ON THE ROAD (Feat. Justin Hayward)
11. JANGADERO (Feat. Cesaria Evora)
12. EVIL DAY (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
13. SECRET GARDEN (Feat. Maddy Prior)
14. WORLD (Feat. Zucchero & Anggun)
15. MOTHERLAND (Feat. Jimmy O Neill)
16. SAMAN (Feat. Les Holroyd & Mick Fleetwood)
17. MARIE LA CORDELIÈRE (Feat. James Wood & Fairport Convention)
18. LUGH (Feat. John Wetton & Martin Barre)
19. DESIRE (Feat. Les Holroyd)
20. A PRAYER FOR MY LOVER (Feat. Siobhan Owen)

To purchase:
Amazon: http://geni.us/BAB001

Alan Simon's official website: http://www.alansimononline.com/eng.html

Forthoming on November 3, 2017!
Alan Simon's EXCALIBUR IV is the widely anticipated fourth NEW STUDIO ALBUM in the Celtic Rock Opera series, following on from the GOLD and PLATINUM selling original trilogy. EXCALIBUR IV was played live in its entirety to 12 ARENAS in Germany in December 2016 and will be touring again in 2018.

This new album based on the legendary story of KING ARTHUR features guest appearances from:
Alan Stivell, Michael Sadler (Saga), Jesse Sibenberg & John Helliwell (Supertramp), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Moya Brennan (Clannad), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Siobham Owen, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), John Kelly (The Kelly Family), Maite Itoiz (Elfhental)

Official Excalibur Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Excalibur.The.Celtic.Rock.Opera/

French Musician/Composer Alan Simon Releases New Compilation "Songwriter" 2CD Feat. Jon Anderson, Justin Hayward, Alan Parsons, Martin Barre, John Wetton, Mick Fleetwood and others!

London - Alan Simon is a French folk-rock musician and composer best known for his rock operas which are performed with collaboration from other noted rock musicians. Simon is associated with Breton Celticism, and his most ambitious works are typically on themes linked to Celtic myth and history. Simon has also branched out into film-making. Alan Simon is the creator of the legendary EXCALIBUR: THE CELTIC ROCK OPERA.

This 40 TRACK collection, released on Cherry Red, features a cross-section of Alan Simon's work from his various projects and rock operas.

“The 40 songs on the compilation are all personal selections from my rock operas and concept albums: 'Excalibur (the quadrilogy)', 'Gaia', 'Anne de Bretagne', 'Tristan & Yseult', 'Captain Kid' and various soundtracks...Some of these tracks fans may know already and other tracks offer a deeper insight into my work! 'Songwriter' a sentimental and personal collection which also includes a comic strip of my journey.” - Alan Simon

This collection features songs with guest appearances by:

Members of Supertramp
Midnight Oil
Alan Parsons
Jon Anderson
Fairport Convention
Moya Brennan
John Wetton
Justin Hayward
Maddy Prior
Billy Preston
Roberto Tiranti
Martin Barre
Les Holroyd
Mick Fleetwood
And Zucchero

This collection was previously vinyl only and is now being given its first mainstream CD release.

TRACK LISTING:

DISC ONE
1. CELTIC RING (Feat. Alan Parsons)
2. LES CAVALIERS DU VENT
3. WORLD (Feat. Brankica Vasic)
4. MORHOLT
5. THE ORIGINS PT 1 (Feat. Moya Brennan)
6. THE KINGS
7. LETTRE À YSEULT (Feat. Christian Décamps)
8. DIHUN
9. WAR
10. AD LIBITUM (Feat. Carlos Nũnez)
11. CELTIC LAND
12. BELTAINE (Feat. Fairport Convention)
13. SKYE (Feat. Skilda)
14. CASTLE ROCK (Feat. Fairport Convention)
15. DUN AENGUS (Feat. Martin Barre)
16. THE END
17. IN THE WIND OF THE CELTIC DREAM (Feat. Konan Mevel)
18. THE VISION (Feat. John Wetton)
19. ADELA (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
20. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg And John Helliwell)

DISC TWO
1. NO MAN’S LAND (Feat. Midnight Oil)
2. COME (Feat. Jesse Siebenberg)
3. THE ELEMENTS (Feat. Roger Hodgson & Dan Ar Braz)
4. DANCING HEART (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
5. CIRCLE OF LIFE (Feat. Jon Anderson)
6. FAME AND GLORY (Feat. Fairport Convention)
7. PEACE ON EARTH (Feat. Heather Small & Billy Preston)
8. ANGEL'S TEARS (Feat. Jeremy Spencer)
9. WHERE IS THE WAY (Feat. Billy Preston)
10. ON THE ROAD (Feat. Justin Hayward)
11. JANGADERO (Feat. Cesaria Evora)
12. EVIL DAY (Feat. Roberto Tiranti)
13. SECRET GARDEN (Feat. Maddy Prior)
14. WORLD (Feat. Zucchero & Anggun)
15. MOTHERLAND (Feat. Jimmy O Neill)
16. SAMAN (Feat. Les Holroyd & Mick Fleetwood)
17. MARIE LA CORDELIÈRE (Feat. James Wood & Fairport Convention)
18. LUGH (Feat. John Wetton & Martin Barre)
19. DESIRE (Feat. Les Holroyd)
20. A PRAYER FOR MY LOVER (Feat. Siobhan Owen)

To purchase:
Amazon: http://geni.us/BAB001

Alan Simon's official website: http://www.alansimononline.com/eng.html

Forthoming on November 3, 2017!
Alan Simon's EXCALIBUR IV is the widely anticipated fourth NEW STUDIO ALBUM in the Celtic Rock Opera series, following on from the GOLD and PLATINUM selling original trilogy. EXCALIBUR IV was played live in its entirety to 12 ARENAS in Germany in December 2016 and will be touring again in 2018.

This new album based on the legendary story of KING ARTHUR features guest appearances from:
Alan Stivell, Michael Sadler (Saga), Jesse Sibenberg & John Helliwell (Supertramp), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Moya Brennan (Clannad), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Bernie Shaw (Uriah Heep), Siobham Owen, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), John Kelly (The Kelly Family), Maite Itoiz (Elfhental)

Official Excalibur Facebook page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Excalibur.The.Celtic.Rock.Opera/

Guitarist Mark Vickness To Release Debut Solo Album "Places" Inspired by Experiences Traveling America

Oakland, CA - After years as the driving instrumental force behind the guitar/vocal duo, Glass House, guitarist Mark Vickness releases his first solo CD inspired by experiences traveling throughout the US.

“Places” is a modern fingerstyle solo acoustic guitar CD featuring eight original compositions and an arrangement of the spiritual, “I Must Tell Jesus,” which Mark recorded in memoriam to the woman who raised him who died in 2015 at the age of 99.

Says Mark, “Although the music on this CD is inspired by places I have been, it's also about the personal journey of delving into modern fingerstyle guitar in writing and recording these pieces.”

Along the way, Mark enlisted the talents of his wife, Jennifer and his two children, Lucy and Will, to make this a family-inclusive project. Both Jennifer and Will contribute photos to the twelve page color booklet included with the CD. Lucy, who was recently named the Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, offers one of her poems to accompany the arrangement of “I Must Tell Jesus.”

The places and experiences that inspired these pieces include Thousand Islands Lake in the High Sierra Mountains of California (A Thousand Islands) where Mark got engaged, the Wind River Range in Wyoming where Mark had many tranformative first experiences, Prince William Sound in Alaska, New York City and Hawaii where he had a magical ocean encounter with manta rays (Flight of the Rays).

“Mark Vickness dazzles on his 8 string guitar/bass.” - Tom Semioli, Minor 7th

Modern Fingerstyle Guitar is a genre that traces its roots back to a few early proponents, most notably Michael Hedges. The idea was to expand the musical vocabulary for the steel string acoustic guitar by employing percussive techniques, broader use of harmonics, unique tunings and better ways of amplifying the acoustic guitar to produce a richer, more layered, orchestral sound. That initial idea continues to motivate players to come up with new ways to push the envelope including the use of various effects and looping. Mark employs all of these techniques in these compositions.

Says Mark, “The only rules I set for this CD were that all the pieces be played on a steel string acoustic guitar and that I be able to perform them live as a soloist. I only broke the rules a few times. Because I come from a background as a composer, my focus was on the compositions themselves rather than on any particular fingerstyle technique.”

In addition to writing and performing these pieces on guitar, Mark reached back to his love of composing for string quartet for the coda of the “Wonder Lake Suite.” He also performs the tabla part on “Flight of the Rays.”

“Places” was recorded, engineered and mixed by Dan Feiszli at his studio in El Cerrito, CA and at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The string quartet coda on Wonder Lake Suite was performed by two-time grammy award winning violinist/violist Mads Tolling and cellist Joseph Hebert. The CD was mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, Burbank, CA. The CD artwork was designed by Teo Mok.

Mark plays a Michael Greenfield G4 fan fret, a Greenfield baritone guitar, a Matt Mustapick custom designed eight string and an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe Double Neck acoustic guitar.

In addition to the video of “I Must Tell Jesus” (https://youtu.be/2N7BU1FVZG8), Mark will be recording several more solo guitar videos in the coming months as well as performing both as a solo guitarist and with Glass House. Glass House is currently in production for its next EP.

To purchase Mark Vickness's “Places”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/markvickness

For more information:
Website: markvickness.com
Facebook: facebook.com/mark.vickness

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

Featured Track: Shauna Burns-Scarborough Fair

Shauna Burns' new single is one of the most famous tracks ever recorded and Simon and Garfunkel was one of the most prolific folk-pop duos of all time. They had a ton of hits and one of them was "Scarborough Fair." 

Shauna gives the classic tune her own treatment with a Celtic folk flavor.  Her music can be haunting and this version certainly brings the song new life and puts an entirely different spin on the original.

This is further proof that indie artists like Shauna Burns can be original and interesting, even when doing a cover.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Shauna Burns:

http://shaunaburns.com/music

Burns had developed her captivating vocal and playing style while growing up in Miami, Florida where she was inspired by her mother’s love for the piano and groundbreaking pop/rock artists like Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos. After releasing four studio albums and countless singles, Burns has hit FMQB AC Charts, was one of WCH Radio’s “Top Songs of the Year” and hit #1 on “Song Vault Radio.” The Moon and the Fire Circle album was selected as “Best of 2008” by Collected Sounds and The Promise Live. Shauna Burns continues to capture audiences across the globe with her heartwarming music. Her profound lyrics and piano driven sound has built her reputation in the Celtic music world and has also allowed her to tour extensively through the U.S. and U.K.

Americana-Folk-Contemporary Review: Doug Hammer-Americana

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Doug Hammer’s release Americana was released on a significant day of the year. November 11^th is to honor our veterans, those that have served and given the ultimate sacrifice.

The album in its entirety however is a tribute to all the music that explores our country’s legacy and heritage. It is about some of the building blocks and spirit that makes our country great.

I recently talked to a Servicemember of the Reserves and he said “You can’t ever tell an American that something is not possible.” If you have a dream and are willing to work hard to reach it, then the opportunity will present itself when you are ready to receive it. I honestly take that to heart and have lived it many times over during my life.

There are many great tracks on this recording. In fact, I cannot think of one that I did not enjoy. Highlights for my listening pleasure were “The Good Old Days,” “Americana” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Americana has arrived at the right time for us all. We need to unite as one nation to be strong and resilient.  Most people will easily recognize these tracks. Doug presents 18 tracks and the melodies and rhythms that are familiar will stir emotions and feelings with many listeners. It did for me. The first being that my father was a veteran of World War II. He had emotional scars that would never heal, nor any of us in the family could understand. I also served many years ago but was fortunate to never witness the atrocities of war.

This music will help heal the souls of those that love this country or have lost a loved one serving and in the same instance those that love music in general will have plenty here to appreciate. Doug is a very talented composer and musician. He takes these classic songs while leaving their original melodies intact and infuses them with his own variations, energy and spirit thereby making them his own beautiful interpretations through piano, synth and orchestrations. There are some variations of course that are easier to detect when listening to an instrumental. Without the focus needed on vocals, it is straightforward. He uses a lot of different ideas and brings them to life within the music but you do recognize the songs.

In regards to vocals there are tracks that have them and serve a very good purpose. “The Good Old Days” is a wonderful song. My wife and I often talk about those days gone past when life was so much simpler and we didn’t have all the complexities of technology and society. As much as we would like to go back, we need to embrace what we have and move forward to the future. We want to be a part of the solution, not the problem; some good advice I heard long ago that has stayed with me and will until the day I die. “Shenandoah” is also a beautiful track with the voices of Mia (fiddle) and Ariel (cello) Friedman.

Music like this will give you hope, the chills of good feelings that run up your spine, and most of all gratefulness to be living in freedom and experience the wealth that life gives us daily. We would not have any of that if it wasn’t for thousands of brave men and women that were willing to fight for us to keep it. 

I believe in our country and I believe in the music of people like Doug Hammer. He says it all so well on Americana. This is some heartfelt thanks from a grateful man willing to share his respect and love for his country and to tip the hat to those that served and still do so we can live like we do.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Good Old Days, Americana, Battle Hymn of the Republic

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 5, 2016

Tracks:
01. The Spirit of America
02. Americana
03. Yankee Doodle
04. The Star Spangled Banner
05. Battle Hymn of the Republic
06. God Bless America
07. America the Beautiful
08. The Good Old Days
09. My Country 'Tis of Thee
10. Heartland
11. Shenandoah
12. Simple Gifts
13. Taps
14. Elegy
15. Redemption
16. The Water Is Wide
17. The Dream Is Alive
18.Sunnyside Rag
 

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Featured Stream: Cranky George-Misery Road

Cranky George is back on Rate The Tracks to bring listeners another interesting and entertaining track.

This time we get to stream "Misery Road" from their recent album Fat Lot of Good.

"Misery Road" gives you windshield wipers for your tears. Man, what kind of car comes equipped like that? What a great line from the song!

As usual I enjoyed the music, in fact I think the entire Fat Lot of Good is a truckload of musical entertainment. 

This is one example of the band's special blend of rock, Americana, blues and folk. They stir the pot of the emotional stew and its a good time so check it out.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


 
More About Cranky George:

https://www.facebook.com/CrankyGeorgeMusic/

The genesis of Cranky George dates back to 1989, when James Fearnley (accordion-player and founder-member of London/Irish band The Pogues) met, first, Dermot Mulroney (renowned actor, star and co-star of ‘The Family Stone’, ‘The Wedding Date’ and ‘About Schmidt’), and then Dermot’s brother, Kieran (erstwhile actor in ‘From The Earth To The Moon’ and ‘The Spitfire Grill’, now writer and director) on film locations in Colorado and Virginia...READ MORE...

Legendary Songwriter Hugh Prestwood To Release First Full Album "I Used To Be The Real Me"

The hit songwriter is releasing “I Used To Be The Real Me”, featuring Judy Collins

Los Angeles - It may seem Hugh Prestwood is just introducing his name to the world; after all, “I Used To Be The Real Me” is essentially the first album he’s widely distributed, set to be released November 18 on Wildflower Records/Cleopatra Records. But fans of country, folk and bluegrass music are all very familiar with his work - he’s penned numerous number ones and other hits in his thirty-plus years as an Emmy Award-winning, Hall of Fame songwriter.

Discovered in 1978 by Judy Collins, the ethereal folk singer provided Prestwood with first hit when she recorded “Hard Times for Lovers.” It makes sense that she also had a hand in this stage of his career, releasing his new album on her Wildflower Records. She also joined him on two tracks, “Untie These Lines” and “Charlie.”

“I received Hugh’s CD, listened to it and practically fell over,” Collins said. “It blew me away. All of Hugh's songs are unusual and tinged with magic, and it was a pleasure singing them with my old friend.”

In the three decades since first working with Collins, Prestwood has become a well-respected and sought-after songwriter, penning Grammy-nominated number ones for Randy Travis with “Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart” Crystal Gayle’s “The Sound Of Your Goodbye” and Shenandoah’s “Ghost In This House,” among many other hits. But “I Used To Bee The Real Me” is Prestwood singing his own songs, his own way.

“Working with Judy on this record is closing a very big circle,” Prestwood said. “I Used To Be The Real Me is my songs recorded from my demos, whittled down from 30 songs I had in my catalog. I’m so pleased to share it.”

Conway Twitty, Don Williams, Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor, Alison Krauss and Union Station and Jerry Douglas have all recorded Prestwood’s songs, among many, many more. He even received an Emmy for Trisha Yearwood’s “The Song Remembers When.” With that many hits and a long history of working with some of music’s greatest names, it’s hard to believe “I Used To Be The Real Me” is Prestwood’s first full, widely-distributed album of his own work – of his voice singing his songs for a change. The album is a masterwork in lyricism, with Prestwood’s familiar take on life and love as they change through the years.

Although Prestwood is releasing “I Used To Be The Real Me”, he’s nowhere near done with songwriting. Prestwood continues to teach songwriting workshops for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in various locations throughout the country, and is constantly working on his next song.

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/HughPrestwood
Buy the digital version: http://flyt.it/HughPrestwoodDig

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