Showing posts with label Gong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gong. Show all posts

9/16/2024

NEW ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ OF GONG’S ‘UNENDING ASCENDING’ SET FOR RELEASE ON KSCOPE SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

INCLUDES 6 BONUS TRACKS RECORDED LIVE FROM EDINBURGH IN 2024

Progressive, psychedelic rock pioneers Gong have announced a new special edition of their highly praised 2023 release Unending Ascending today. The new release, a CD package with an 8-page booklet, includes 6 previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live from the band’s superb 2024 show at Edinburgh’s Summerhall as part of the ‘Gong + Ozric Tentacles UK Tour’.

The release coincides with Gong’s extensive late-2024 North American & European tour which will see them play shows across the USA, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, amongst others. “It’s been a long time coming but, following the release of Unending Ascending, Gong are delighted to be playing in the US. No minds left unblown or else” says Kavus Torabi.

Cosmic rock of the highest order” - PROG

If Unending Ascending is your first time encountering Gong, this is a spectacular introduction” - LOUDER THAN WAR

PRE-ORDER GONG UNENDING ASCENDING SPECIAL EDITION CD DIGIPAK WITH 8-PAGE BOOKLET: https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition

GONG UPCOMING SHOWS
15/08 Woodstock Forever ’24, Eisfeld - DE
16/08 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells - UK
17/08 A New Day Festival, Hernhill - UK
24/09 Chapel at Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA - USA
25/09 The Southern Music Hall, Charlottesville VA - USA
26/09 King's Raleigh, Raleigh NC – USA
27/09 The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC – USA
28/09 Mockingbird Theater, Franklin TN – USA
30/09 The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids MI – USA
01/10 Reggie’s, Chicago IL – USA
02/10 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI – USA
03/10 Token Lounge, Detroit, Westland MI – USA
04/10 Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati OH – USA
05/10 Irving Theater, Indianapolis IN – USA
06/10 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH – USA
09/10 75 Stutson Street Auditorium Stage, Rochester NY – USA
10/10 Homer Arts Center, Homer NY – USA
14/10 Space Ballroom, Hamden CT - USA
15/10 The Iron Horse, Northampton MA – USA
17/10 The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls NY – USA
19/10 Orion Studios, Baltimore MD – USA
20/10 Progstock Festival @ Williams Center, Rutherford NJ – USA
07/11 O13, Tilburg - NL
08/11 Boerderij, Zoetermeer - NL
10/11 MS Stubnitz, Hamburg - DE
11/11 Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen - DK
12/11 Babel, Malmö - SE
13/11 Musikens Hus, Goteborg - SE
15/11 Debaser, Stockholm - SE
16/11 Rockland, Sala - SE
18/11 Validi Karkia Club, Pori - FI
19/11 Louhisali, Espoo - FI
21/11 Hybrydy, Warsaw - PL
22/11 Kuźnia, Bydgoszcz - PL
23/11 CK Zamek, Poznan - PL
24/11 Rialto, Katowice - PL
26/11 Kofferfabrik, Fürth - DE
27/11 KuBa, Jena - DE
28/11 Akropolis, Prague - CZ
29/11 Kino Ebensee, Ebensee - AT
30/11 Porgy & Bess, Vienna - AT
03/12 Backstage, Munich - DE
04/12 Das Rind, Rüsselsheim - DE
05/12 Jubez, Karlsruhe - DE
06/12 Cafe de la Danse, Paris - FR
07/12 Le Grillen, Colmar - FR
09/12 Harmonie, Bonn - DE

TICKETS: https://www.gongband.com/shows/

The universe of Gong began in 1969 when visionary Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative, and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically.

Watch the videos for:
My Guitar Is A Spaceship - https://youtu.be/RrJRaWzXvW8
Tiny Galaxies - https://youtu.be/jqoFLJlxpWw
All Clocks Reset - https://youtu.be/PVjU7LX0YiQ

The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.


Photo credit – Layla Burrows

For promo photos and further media please head to: https://kscopemusic.com/media/gong/

The current lineup of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong's illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen's passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia.

The Unending Ascending Special Edition will be released on Kscope on 27th September on digipak CD with an 8-page booklet. Pre-order: https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition

GONG ONLINE:
https://www.gongband.com
https://gongband.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialgong
https://twitter.com/gong_band
https://open.spotify.com/artist/47yvARr7dCOKqvjDVwfbf3
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gong/6663678
https://kscopemusic.com/artists/gong
https://linktr.ee/gongband

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

8/23/2023

Intergalactic Prog Legends Ozric Tentacles Announce New Album “Lotus Unfolding” Out Via KScope on October 20, 2023

Ozric Tentacles return with their new excursion into the worlds of the magical and brilliant with another aural treat!

“Lotus Unfolding” is the new release from UK based instrumental intergalactic travelers Ozric Tentacles. Six new tunes have been added to the Ozric universe, conceived, written and recorded in their own ‘Blue Bubble’ studio in Fife.

The album was recorded, written and produced during 2022 - 2023 by Ed Wynne with a little sonic help from Silas. Mastered by Adam Goodlet and illustrated with some nicely detailed ethereal artwork by Steve McKeown and Sally Clark.

“Lotus Unfolding” is another sonically illustrated excursion through the musical realms the band has explored in their latest chapter. Album opener “Storm In A Teacup” kicks the album off in spectacular style traversing the realms of time and space with flair and virtuosic poise. It’s followed by the groove driven “Deep Blue Shade”, whose melodies are vividly brought to life by Ed Wynne exquisite trademark guitar playing. This is swiftly accompanied by the serene title track - as close to a musical yoga session at the center of the hippocampus you’ll ever experience.

Ozric Tentacles’ aural synapses buzz throughout the album to channel the band’s limitless creativity, making “Lotus Unfolding” the perfect conduit of the spiritual and the physical. It’s an essential addition to the band’s catalogue.

Ed Wynne comments: The concept is, as usual, wide & open to interpretation but basically is a sonically illustrated excursion through some of the musical realms we found ourselves in this time around. Designed to elevate and delight the senses, should that be required, because if the day feels like an unfolding lotus, it’s probably going to be a good one!

“Lotus Unfolding” line up consists of Ed Wynne (Guitars, Synth and Bass) and Silas Wynne (Modular Synth and Keyboards) . Alongside Ed and Silas is Brandi Wynne (bass), Saskia Maxwell (Flute), Tim Wallander (Drums) and Paul Hankin (Percussion).

Lotus Unfolding” track list:

1. Storm In A Teacup
2. Deep Blue Shade
3. Lotus Unfolding
4. Crumplepenny
5. Green Carnation
6. Burundi Spaceport

“Lotus Unfolding” will be available on CD Digipak, Limited Marble LP with limited die cut sleeve, Blue LP also with limited die cut sleeve, Black LP and available digitally.

Preorder HERE: https://ozrictentacles.lnk.to/Lotus_Unfolding

Alongside the announcement of the new album, the band will be heading out on tour for a co-headline run with fellow label mates Gong in November 2023 and picking up for the second run in 2024.



Photo credit: Glenn Povey

One of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK’s festival scene, Ozric Tentacles formed during the solstice at Stonehenge Free Festival 1983, going on to become psychedelic staples at Glastonbury and other festivals. The creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Ed Wynne, the Ozrics’ uniquely trippy soundscapes connect fans of progressive rock, psychedelia and dance music culture.

Ozric Tentacles online:
https://ozrics.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialOzricTentacles
https://www.instagram.com/ozrictentaclesofficial/
https://twitter.com/OZRICSOFFICIAL
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ozric-tentacles/464266722
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Iv00ucAIqr5KVS7bXGFa9

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

9/20/2021

Gong “Live At The Gong Family Unconventional Gathering” 15th Anniversary DVD Reissue and First Time Release on DBL CD!

The classic line-up performing together for the first time in 31 years!

The Gong Family Unconvention at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006 was a unique 3-day event in which all the surviving original members of this legendary psychedelic band came together and, after performing their own individual sets, performed once again as Gong. This climactic and joyful 2hr 16min Gong live set was beautifully captured for this DVD video and for the first time CD audio recording! This was the last time that Gong played with the full “classic” line-up (minus just Pierre Moerlen on drums, who died the year before).

The line-up for this unique and special performance:

Daevid Allen - Guitar, Voice
Gilli Smyth - Voice, Space Whisper
Steve Hillage - Guitar
Didier Malherbe - Flute, Soprano Sax, Duduk
Theo Travis - Tenor Sax
Tim Blake - Synthesiser, Voice
Miquette Giraudy - Synthesiser
Mike Howlett - Bass
Chris Taylor - Drums

Watch the promotional video: 

Tracklist:
1. You Can’t Kill Me (from the album ‘Camembert Electrique’)
2. Radio Gnome Invisible (from the album ‘Flying Teapot')
3. Tomorrow Afternoon (I Am Your Fantasy) (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
4. Dynamite / I Am Your Animal (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
5. Flute Salad (from the album ‘Angel’s Egg’)
6. Oily Way (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)  
7. Outer Temple (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
8. Inner Temple (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
9. Zero The Hero and the Witch’s Spell (from ‘Flying Teapot’)
10. I Am Your Pussy (from ‘Flying Teapot’)
11. Tropical Fish (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
12. Selene (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
13. I Never Glid Before (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
14. Prostitute Poem (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
15. Magdalene (from the album ‘Zero To Infinity’)
16. A Sprinkling of Clouds (from the album ‘You’)
17. She Is the Great Goddess (Magick Mother Invocation) (from ‘You’)
18. Master Builder (from ‘You’)
18. The Isle of Everywhere (from ‘You’)
18. You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever (from ‘You’)

Release date on Fri Nov 5th – the 15th Anniversary of the Gong performance.

Released by G-Wave Records through UK distributors SRD. Digital release via Ingrooves (North and South America) and Orchard (UK & rest of world).

DVD: AAGWDVD005
DBL CD: AAGWCD005

To pre-order: planetgong.co.uk

For more information:
http://facebook.com/gong2032
http://planetgong.co.uk

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

1/29/2018

Gong Expresso's New Album "Decadence" Available For Pre-Order!


Featuring Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe!

Montreal - Gong Expesso featuring Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe with guitarist Julien Sandiford's new album titled “Decadence” is now available for pre-order!

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening, a coming together. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass



PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with the release of their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

Gong Expresso's “Decadence” will be distributed digitally worldwide through The Orchard on Feb 20, 2018.

To pre-order Gong Expresso's “Decadence”: https://www.gongexpresso.com/store

For more information: https://www.gongexpresso.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

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

Gong Expresso's New Album "Decadence" Available For Pre-Order!


Featuring Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe!

Montreal - Gong Expesso featuring Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe with guitarist Julien Sandiford's new album titled “Decadence” is now available for pre-order!

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening, a coming together. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass



PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with the release of their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

Gong Expresso's “Decadence” will be distributed digitally worldwide through The Orchard on Feb 20, 2018.

To pre-order Gong Expresso's “Decadence”: https://www.gongexpresso.com/store

For more information: https://www.gongexpresso.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

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

2/07/2017

Gong Expresso Feat. Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe To Release New Album “Decadence”


Montreal - Hansford Rowe's HRIII merges with Gong Expresso! Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe join HRIII guitarist Julien Sandiford for the recording of the new album by Gong Expresso titled “Decadence.”

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass


PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with finishing their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hr3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

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

Gong Expresso Feat. Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe To Release New Album “Decadence”


Montreal - Hansford Rowe's HRIII merges with Gong Expresso! Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe join HRIII guitarist Julien Sandiford for the recording of the new album by Gong Expresso titled “Decadence.”

Says Hansford, “ 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion.”

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass


PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as “Ommadawn”, “Incantations”, “Exposed” and “Platinum.” Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with finishing their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

For more information: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hr3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GongExpresso/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDb7pRK9A-fBjZTbp3vbd_w

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

11/10/2016

A 6CD Supernova Box Set Of The Universe’s Finest SPACE ROCK Set To Launch In November!


Featuring Can, GONG, Hawkwind, Popol Vuh, Nektar, Guru Guru, Tangerine Dream and many others!

Los Angeles, CA - An intergalactic roadmap to the most mind-blowing sounds in the Universe will be landing in record stores everywhere starting November 18 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records. Space Rock: An Interstellar Traveler’s Guide is a brand new collection of 6CDs of the best Space Rock from the outer reaches of the galaxy including tracks by such legendary acts as Hawkwind, Amon Düül II, Gong, Can, Guru Guru, Tangerine Dream, Ozric Tentacles, Popol Vuh, Alice Cooper, Nektar, Chrome, and more! Joining these mythic figures is a broad assortment of spectacular bands from all over the great Planet Earth including bands from Germany, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, France, Hungary, Finland, Italy, and elsewhere! This one-of-a-kind set also includes a never before released track by Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner from his forthcoming new album. Each CD comes in its own individually designed jacket and all are housed in a deluxe 7"x7" box with oversized booklet featuring liner notes by music journalist Dave Thompson, band biographies, photos, and out of this world artwork!

Track List:
DISC 1
1. Can - All Gates Open
2. Hedersleben - Gulf Of Lost Souls
3. Øresund Space Collective - The Trichophantic Spire
4. Popol Vuh - Steh Auf, Zieh Mich Dir Nach
5. Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Sign From Space
6. Ozric Tentacles - Space Out
7. Secret Saucer - Lift Off
8. An Emerald City - Seizuretron
9. Nik Turner - Out Of Control
10. Melting Euphoria - Flying Eyes Like Saucers
11. Guru Guru Groove Band - UFOlove
12. Maat Lander - The Comet Rider
13. Gong - Fohat Digs Holes In Space (Live Paris 1972)

DISC 2
1. Tangerine Dream - Ultima Thule Part 1
2. Brainticket - Watchin' You
3. Faust - Parasiten
4. Pyramidal - Black Land
5. Shawn Lee - Low Riders In Space
6. Hydravion - Passadena Airport
7. Pressurehed - Altitude
8. Het Droste Effect - You Know That I Knew
9. German Oak - Shadows Of War (A. Rain Of Destruction / B. B1 To London)
10. Daevid Allen Weird Quartet - The Cold Stuffings Of November
11. Omega - Don't Keep On Me Waitin’
12. Kalutaliksuak - What Are Your Feet Eating?
13. Oranssi Pazuzu - Reikä Maisemassa

DISC 3
1. Steve Hillage & William Shatner - Rocket Man (Alternate Mix)
2. Black Rainbows - Hawkdope
3. Guru Freakout - Notre Dame (Mothership) [Edit]
4. XYNN - Lost In Space (English Version)
5. The Spacelords - Pyroclastic Monster
6. Aqua Nebula Oscillator - Human Toad (Live)
7. Magic Wands - Jupiter
8. Atomic Simao - Descending
9. White Manna - We Pretend Space Isn't There
10. Yuri Gagarin - At The Center Of All Infinity
11. Federico Farnè - What Illuminates The Night

DISC 4
1. Guru Guru - Spaceship (Edit)
2. Hawkwind - Seeing It As You Really Are
3. It's Not Night: It's Space - Vibration Eater
4. Earthling Society - EA1729
5. Robert Calvert - Lemmy & I Swallowed Massive Amounts Of Drugs
6. Gilli Smyth - What Do You Really Want (Live)
7. The Re-Stoned - Faces Of Earth
8. The Dunes - Badlands
9. Exxasens - Helios
10. Oranjjoolius - Tiki Sleep Cycle
11. Equations - SSSUUUNNN
12. Secret Symbol Society - Canes Venatici
13. Lord Fuzz - The Freak

DISC 5
1. Amon Düül II - Archangels Thunderbird
2. Naxatra - Space Tunnel
3. Celestial Bums - Child of the Moon
4. Dark Buddha Rising - L
5. My Education / Theta Naught Sound Mass - End Masse
6. Sun Araw - Deep Temple
7. Hidria Spacefolk - Kaneh Bosm
8. Dasputnik - Orbitary Volcano
9. Ava Cherry - Highway Blues
10. Orlando Monday - Moonchild
11. MKM - Retorn Al Planeta Imaginari
12. Sons Of Hippies - Spaceship Ride

DISC 6
1. Nektar - Astronaut's Nightmare
2. Chrome - Eyes In The Center
3. Space Debris - Phonomorph
4. Leroy Powell And The Messengers - Weightlessness
5. Electric Orange - Meals Of Confusion
6. Floorian - Overruled
7. Alice Cooper - B.B. On Mars (Live 1969)
8. Gdeva - Autobahn
9. Vespero - Vision 7. Kidish Hail
10. ST 37 - The ‘In’ Crowd
11. Nik Turner - 1975 Interview

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/SpaceRockBoxCDCleo
Buy the digital version: http://flyt.it/SpaceRockBoxDig

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

A 6CD Supernova Box Set Of The Universe’s Finest SPACE ROCK Set To Launch In November!


Featuring Can, GONG, Hawkwind, Popol Vuh, Nektar, Guru Guru, Tangerine Dream and many others!

Los Angeles, CA - An intergalactic roadmap to the most mind-blowing sounds in the Universe will be landing in record stores everywhere starting November 18 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records. Space Rock: An Interstellar Traveler’s Guide is a brand new collection of 6CDs of the best Space Rock from the outer reaches of the galaxy including tracks by such legendary acts as Hawkwind, Amon Düül II, Gong, Can, Guru Guru, Tangerine Dream, Ozric Tentacles, Popol Vuh, Alice Cooper, Nektar, Chrome, and more! Joining these mythic figures is a broad assortment of spectacular bands from all over the great Planet Earth including bands from Germany, Scandinavia, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, France, Hungary, Finland, Italy, and elsewhere! This one-of-a-kind set also includes a never before released track by Hawkwind co-founder Nik Turner from his forthcoming new album. Each CD comes in its own individually designed jacket and all are housed in a deluxe 7"x7" box with oversized booklet featuring liner notes by music journalist Dave Thompson, band biographies, photos, and out of this world artwork!

Track List:
DISC 1
1. Can - All Gates Open
2. Hedersleben - Gulf Of Lost Souls
3. Øresund Space Collective - The Trichophantic Spire
4. Popol Vuh - Steh Auf, Zieh Mich Dir Nach
5. Joel Vandroogenbroeck - Sign From Space
6. Ozric Tentacles - Space Out
7. Secret Saucer - Lift Off
8. An Emerald City - Seizuretron
9. Nik Turner - Out Of Control
10. Melting Euphoria - Flying Eyes Like Saucers
11. Guru Guru Groove Band - UFOlove
12. Maat Lander - The Comet Rider
13. Gong - Fohat Digs Holes In Space (Live Paris 1972)

DISC 2
1. Tangerine Dream - Ultima Thule Part 1
2. Brainticket - Watchin' You
3. Faust - Parasiten
4. Pyramidal - Black Land
5. Shawn Lee - Low Riders In Space
6. Hydravion - Passadena Airport
7. Pressurehed - Altitude
8. Het Droste Effect - You Know That I Knew
9. German Oak - Shadows Of War (A. Rain Of Destruction / B. B1 To London)
10. Daevid Allen Weird Quartet - The Cold Stuffings Of November
11. Omega - Don't Keep On Me Waitin’
12. Kalutaliksuak - What Are Your Feet Eating?
13. Oranssi Pazuzu - Reikä Maisemassa

DISC 3
1. Steve Hillage & William Shatner - Rocket Man (Alternate Mix)
2. Black Rainbows - Hawkdope
3. Guru Freakout - Notre Dame (Mothership) [Edit]
4. XYNN - Lost In Space (English Version)
5. The Spacelords - Pyroclastic Monster
6. Aqua Nebula Oscillator - Human Toad (Live)
7. Magic Wands - Jupiter
8. Atomic Simao - Descending
9. White Manna - We Pretend Space Isn't There
10. Yuri Gagarin - At The Center Of All Infinity
11. Federico Farnè - What Illuminates The Night

DISC 4
1. Guru Guru - Spaceship (Edit)
2. Hawkwind - Seeing It As You Really Are
3. It's Not Night: It's Space - Vibration Eater
4. Earthling Society - EA1729
5. Robert Calvert - Lemmy & I Swallowed Massive Amounts Of Drugs
6. Gilli Smyth - What Do You Really Want (Live)
7. The Re-Stoned - Faces Of Earth
8. The Dunes - Badlands
9. Exxasens - Helios
10. Oranjjoolius - Tiki Sleep Cycle
11. Equations - SSSUUUNNN
12. Secret Symbol Society - Canes Venatici
13. Lord Fuzz - The Freak

DISC 5
1. Amon Düül II - Archangels Thunderbird
2. Naxatra - Space Tunnel
3. Celestial Bums - Child of the Moon
4. Dark Buddha Rising - L
5. My Education / Theta Naught Sound Mass - End Masse
6. Sun Araw - Deep Temple
7. Hidria Spacefolk - Kaneh Bosm
8. Dasputnik - Orbitary Volcano
9. Ava Cherry - Highway Blues
10. Orlando Monday - Moonchild
11. MKM - Retorn Al Planeta Imaginari
12. Sons Of Hippies - Spaceship Ride

DISC 6
1. Nektar - Astronaut's Nightmare
2. Chrome - Eyes In The Center
3. Space Debris - Phonomorph
4. Leroy Powell And The Messengers - Weightlessness
5. Electric Orange - Meals Of Confusion
6. Floorian - Overruled
7. Alice Cooper - B.B. On Mars (Live 1969)
8. Gdeva - Autobahn
9. Vespero - Vision 7. Kidish Hail
10. ST 37 - The ‘In’ Crowd
11. Nik Turner - 1975 Interview

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/SpaceRockBoxCDCleo
Buy the digital version: http://flyt.it/SpaceRockBoxDig

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

11/02/2016

Spirits Burning & Clearlight Feat. Members of GONG, Hawkwind & Clearlight To Release New Album “The Roadmap In Your Head”


London, UK - “The Roadmap In Your Head” is the 13th studio album from the Spirits Burning space rock collective, and the second to feature keyboardist Cyrille “Clearlight” Verdeaux. The album has a strong Gong presence, as it includes performances by four musicians from Gong's Radio Gnome Invisible Trilogy (Daevid Allen, Steve Hillage, Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe), and four members of the current Gong (Ian East, Fabio Golfetti, Dave Sturt, Kavus Torabi). Clearlight is a project of French songwriter and composer Cyrille Verdeaux that blends classical romanticism and prog-rock experimentation. The first Clearlight album was released under the name “Clearlight Symphony,” in 1974, by British major label Virgin Records. The most recent release was 2015's “Impressionist Symphony.”

“Spirits Burning is a musical collective overseen by American composer/producer Don Falcone that has released a pluralistic combination of ambient, jazz and full-on space-rock with input from many of the genre's luminaries. Spirits Burning has become a respected melting pot of the space-rock fraternity.” Ian Abrahams, Rock N Reel, July-August, 2008.

Says founding member and band leader Don Falcone, “ 'Roadmap' is a musical journey from the beginning of one possible day to the next, touching different styles of music along the way. Like the previous Spirits Burning & Clearlight album, the songs are primarily instrumental. The new album is also a salute to Daevid and what he has meant to Spirits Burning, as he has been part of every release, except one.” Gong legend Daevid Allen, who sadly passed away in 2015, co-wrote two songs on this release. He sings on the closing track “Roadmaps,” and plays guitar on this track and the opening title track.

There are thirty-five musicians on Spirits Burning's “The Roadmap In Your Head.” Besides members of the Gong global family, there are some special new crewmembers: Paul Booth (who recorded his part while touring with Steve Winwood), Theo Travis (who has played with David Gilmour, Porcupine Tree, and Gong), Judy Dyble (who provided some autoharp flourishes), and Jonathan Segel from Camper Van Beethoven (who Don invited after discovering he was a Gong fan). Returning crewmembers include: Hawkwind family members Steve Bemand, Nik Turner, and Bridget Wishart, plus Albert Bouchard (BÖC). “The Roadmap In Your Head” was mastered by well known ambient recording artist Robert Rich.

Titles:
1. The Roadmap In Your Head 3:56
2. Sun Sculptor & The Electrobilities 3:50
3. The Birth Of Belief 8:38
4. Coffee For Coltrane 6:58
5. Isolation In 10 80 2:55
6. Mrs. Noonness 4:12
7. The Old College Sky Is Where We Left It 1:28
8. Fuel For The Gods 13:05
9. Early Evening Rain 3:31
10. Black Squirrel At The Root Of The Staircase 7:34
11. Outsiders Parachute In 5:48
12. Déjà Vu 2:25
13. La Rue Inconnue 4:48
14. Roadmaps (The Other Way) 5:59

Release date November 4, 2016

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15992

For more information:
www.spiritsburning.com
https://www.facebook.com/spiritsburning/
https://www.reverbnation.com/spiritsburning

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

Spirits Burning & Clearlight Feat. Members of GONG, Hawkwind & Clearlight To Release New Album “The Roadmap In Your Head”


London, UK - “The Roadmap In Your Head” is the 13th studio album from the Spirits Burning space rock collective, and the second to feature keyboardist Cyrille “Clearlight” Verdeaux. The album has a strong Gong presence, as it includes performances by four musicians from Gong's Radio Gnome Invisible Trilogy (Daevid Allen, Steve Hillage, Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe), and four members of the current Gong (Ian East, Fabio Golfetti, Dave Sturt, Kavus Torabi). Clearlight is a project of French songwriter and composer Cyrille Verdeaux that blends classical romanticism and prog-rock experimentation. The first Clearlight album was released under the name “Clearlight Symphony,” in 1974, by British major label Virgin Records. The most recent release was 2015's “Impressionist Symphony.”

“Spirits Burning is a musical collective overseen by American composer/producer Don Falcone that has released a pluralistic combination of ambient, jazz and full-on space-rock with input from many of the genre's luminaries. Spirits Burning has become a respected melting pot of the space-rock fraternity.” Ian Abrahams, Rock N Reel, July-August, 2008.

Says founding member and band leader Don Falcone, “ 'Roadmap' is a musical journey from the beginning of one possible day to the next, touching different styles of music along the way. Like the previous Spirits Burning & Clearlight album, the songs are primarily instrumental. The new album is also a salute to Daevid and what he has meant to Spirits Burning, as he has been part of every release, except one.” Gong legend Daevid Allen, who sadly passed away in 2015, co-wrote two songs on this release. He sings on the closing track “Roadmaps,” and plays guitar on this track and the opening title track.

There are thirty-five musicians on Spirits Burning's “The Roadmap In Your Head.” Besides members of the Gong global family, there are some special new crewmembers: Paul Booth (who recorded his part while touring with Steve Winwood), Theo Travis (who has played with David Gilmour, Porcupine Tree, and Gong), Judy Dyble (who provided some autoharp flourishes), and Jonathan Segel from Camper Van Beethoven (who Don invited after discovering he was a Gong fan). Returning crewmembers include: Hawkwind family members Steve Bemand, Nik Turner, and Bridget Wishart, plus Albert Bouchard (BÖC). “The Roadmap In Your Head” was mastered by well known ambient recording artist Robert Rich.

Titles:
1. The Roadmap In Your Head 3:56
2. Sun Sculptor & The Electrobilities 3:50
3. The Birth Of Belief 8:38
4. Coffee For Coltrane 6:58
5. Isolation In 10 80 2:55
6. Mrs. Noonness 4:12
7. The Old College Sky Is Where We Left It 1:28
8. Fuel For The Gods 13:05
9. Early Evening Rain 3:31
10. Black Squirrel At The Root Of The Staircase 7:34
11. Outsiders Parachute In 5:48
12. Déjà Vu 2:25
13. La Rue Inconnue 4:48
14. Roadmaps (The Other Way) 5:59

Release date November 4, 2016

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15992

For more information:
www.spiritsburning.com
https://www.facebook.com/spiritsburning/
https://www.reverbnation.com/spiritsburning

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

9/15/2016

Prog Legends Gong To Release New Studio Album “Rejoice! I'm Dead!”


Their first album since the death of Daevid Allen - Released on Madfish September 16, 2016!

London, UK - Some say it couldn't, or shouldn't, be done. How could Gong exist without Daevid Allen? A few minutes into listening to the title track of their brand new album, “Rejoice!”, aspersions will be cast aside. It is undeniably Gong

Gong have had many, many line-ups. Formed when Australian beatnik/freak Daevid Allen quit The Soft Machine and moved to France at the tail end of the '60s, before debuting in 1970 with Magick Brother, the band have remained fluid, even playing without their founder from the mid-to-late '70s, fracturing and reassembling and constantly taking on new shapes and forms: an undeniably amorphous unit. David Bowie told Vanity Fayre in 2003 that Daevid Allen's Banana Moon is one of his favorite albums, and today everyone from indie artists Temples and Ty Segall to hip hop artist Madlib and techno DJ Surgeon are inspired, and borrow, from Gong's music and ideology. The funky grooves, avant-garde flourishes and counter-cultural stance is timeless. So timeless that Gong fully exists even without their creator and guiding light. For those who are unaware Daevid Allen died in March 2015.

“I have been co-presenting The Interesting Alternative Show with Steve Davis for the last six years or so,” begins the story of how Gong's new singer/guitarist Kavus Torabi met Daevid. “In 2011, Steve rang up excitedly saying 'You'll never guess who we've got as a guest next week... Daevid Allen.' I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'd met Daevid briefly a couple of times with Tim Smith (Cardiacs) but never properly. As a lifelong Gong lover, this filled me with delight. Straight away the two of us seemed to really click, within minutes the conversation had taken a turn for the absurd and I was more than a little flattered when he told me, after about an hour, 'You're a poet man, I can tell.'

“Over the forthcoming months we would text each other on a fairly regular basis, whenever Daevid was in town playing a gig he'd get in touch to see if I wanted to come along. 'I've been thinking about this a lot,' he told me, 'Do you want to play guitar in Gong?' This came somewhat out of the blue. 'But you've never actually heard me play, Daevid' I told him. 'I don't need to,' he replied. 'I felt the same way about Mike Howlett when I met him too and I'm never wrong about this stuff.' Of course I said 'Yes' instantly. 'You know, I can't play like Steve Hillage,' I told him. His response was priceless 'I don't care about what you can't do, I care about what you can do.'

“Since being a teenager, I have often come up with riffs that, while I loved them, had to be shelved because I always felt they sounded a little TOO much like Gong. One of which I started playing. Daevid got up and started improvising lyrics and melodies over the top, his beautiful eyes twinkling. This would become 'When God Shakes Hands With The Devil (from I See You).' 'Wow Kav!' Daevid said afterwards, 'Got any more like that?' Realizing that 20 years or so of shelved riffs had not gone to waste, I blurted out 'Yeah! Loads!'

Kavus joined Gong in 2014 in time for the last album the “new” band made with Daevid, “I See You,” unaware of the direction his new gig as a guitar player would take. “It was shortly after our Brazilian tour in March 2014 that, following a broken arm, Daevid told us that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would be unable to fulfill the 47 date world tour that had been booked to promote (the album). To my, and I guess all of our, minds there was no question that he would beat this thing. The most enlightened and switched on guy I ever knew, with light shooting out of every pore, he seemed indomitable. Nonetheless, he started making noises about how he wished the band to continue without him. I think everyone in the band felt ambivalent about this, particularly as we watched the majority of the gigs get canceled upon news that he was too unwell to fulfill them. I certainly had no desire to front it. I have my own band Knifeworld in which I play this role. We did, however, have a new album to promote, so we reluctantly agreed to play the remaining shows and bow out gracefully after that. Each night we sent Daevid recordings or links to YouTube footage and, from his sick bed in Australia, he wrote gushing praise about what had happened to the band and how this was exactly what he had hoped. By the end of the tour and with the full blessing of Daevid we decided to carry on.

“ 'Rejoice! I'm Dead!' came together over several weeks in an East London rehearsal studio. In terms of the writing, the songs became very elastic, what may have been brought to the band as a fixed idea, through experimenting, discarding, expanding and mutating evolved into the songs as you hear them now. Every member was key in the development of each song,” closes Kavus. Thus, Kavus (vocals/guitar), Fabio Golfetti (guitar/vocals), Dave Sturt (bass/vocals), Ian East (sax/flute) and Cheb Nettles (drums/vocals) took on the mantle of steering the Teapot further into outer space and the inner ear.

On the album you'll also notice the voice of Daevid in an early song idea rehearsal, along with Gong alumni Steve Hillage, Didier Malherbe and Graham Clark. Fans of the “Virgin trilogy” won't be let down!

In the words of bassist Dave Sturt: “You bet it's a Gong record!”

It depends on your knowledge of Gong history and what constitutes as a Gong record, but if “Rejoice! I'm Dead!” is classified as their 28th album the Gong legacy is the strongest it has been since 1974. Consider the differences between “Angel's Egg,” “Gazeuse!,” “Floating Anarchy” and “I See You,” the various splinter projects and collectives… what is it that make Gong who they are? Their spontaneity and numerous Phoenix-like rebirths – this is just the latest installment. Nothing more, nothing less. New members and old coalesce, the sound unmistakably Gong.

Even without Daevid Allen Gong will continue ….. And long may it do so.

Fans can have a hint of what's to come with a clip from the song “Rejoice!” featuring Steve Hillage:



Check out the video teaser for “Rejoice! I’m Dead!” here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOapU-WdLXg
https://vimeo.com/181632625

“Rejoice! I'm Dead!” will be released on CD, a double LP and as a limited edition deluxe 3 disc hardback book edition featuring 44-page book, CD, DVD-AV & Bonus CD and digitally.

CD/LP & deluxe edition are available to pre-order here: http://www.planetgong.co.uk
Digital pre-orders: http://smarturl.it/REJOICE_IM_DEAD

For more information: www.madfishmusic.com

Gong Online:
www.gongband.net
www.planetgong.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/officialgong/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/planetgong/

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

Prog Legends Gong To Release New Studio Album “Rejoice! I'm Dead!”


Their first album since the death of Daevid Allen - Released on Madfish September 16, 2016!

London, UK - Some say it couldn't, or shouldn't, be done. How could Gong exist without Daevid Allen? A few minutes into listening to the title track of their brand new album, “Rejoice!”, aspersions will be cast aside. It is undeniably Gong

Gong have had many, many line-ups. Formed when Australian beatnik/freak Daevid Allen quit The Soft Machine and moved to France at the tail end of the '60s, before debuting in 1970 with Magick Brother, the band have remained fluid, even playing without their founder from the mid-to-late '70s, fracturing and reassembling and constantly taking on new shapes and forms: an undeniably amorphous unit. David Bowie told Vanity Fayre in 2003 that Daevid Allen's Banana Moon is one of his favorite albums, and today everyone from indie artists Temples and Ty Segall to hip hop artist Madlib and techno DJ Surgeon are inspired, and borrow, from Gong's music and ideology. The funky grooves, avant-garde flourishes and counter-cultural stance is timeless. So timeless that Gong fully exists even without their creator and guiding light. For those who are unaware Daevid Allen died in March 2015.

“I have been co-presenting The Interesting Alternative Show with Steve Davis for the last six years or so,” begins the story of how Gong's new singer/guitarist Kavus Torabi met Daevid. “In 2011, Steve rang up excitedly saying 'You'll never guess who we've got as a guest next week... Daevid Allen.' I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'd met Daevid briefly a couple of times with Tim Smith (Cardiacs) but never properly. As a lifelong Gong lover, this filled me with delight. Straight away the two of us seemed to really click, within minutes the conversation had taken a turn for the absurd and I was more than a little flattered when he told me, after about an hour, 'You're a poet man, I can tell.'

“Over the forthcoming months we would text each other on a fairly regular basis, whenever Daevid was in town playing a gig he'd get in touch to see if I wanted to come along. 'I've been thinking about this a lot,' he told me, 'Do you want to play guitar in Gong?' This came somewhat out of the blue. 'But you've never actually heard me play, Daevid' I told him. 'I don't need to,' he replied. 'I felt the same way about Mike Howlett when I met him too and I'm never wrong about this stuff.' Of course I said 'Yes' instantly. 'You know, I can't play like Steve Hillage,' I told him. His response was priceless 'I don't care about what you can't do, I care about what you can do.'

“Since being a teenager, I have often come up with riffs that, while I loved them, had to be shelved because I always felt they sounded a little TOO much like Gong. One of which I started playing. Daevid got up and started improvising lyrics and melodies over the top, his beautiful eyes twinkling. This would become 'When God Shakes Hands With The Devil (from I See You).' 'Wow Kav!' Daevid said afterwards, 'Got any more like that?' Realizing that 20 years or so of shelved riffs had not gone to waste, I blurted out 'Yeah! Loads!'

Kavus joined Gong in 2014 in time for the last album the “new” band made with Daevid, “I See You,” unaware of the direction his new gig as a guitar player would take. “It was shortly after our Brazilian tour in March 2014 that, following a broken arm, Daevid told us that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would be unable to fulfill the 47 date world tour that had been booked to promote (the album). To my, and I guess all of our, minds there was no question that he would beat this thing. The most enlightened and switched on guy I ever knew, with light shooting out of every pore, he seemed indomitable. Nonetheless, he started making noises about how he wished the band to continue without him. I think everyone in the band felt ambivalent about this, particularly as we watched the majority of the gigs get canceled upon news that he was too unwell to fulfill them. I certainly had no desire to front it. I have my own band Knifeworld in which I play this role. We did, however, have a new album to promote, so we reluctantly agreed to play the remaining shows and bow out gracefully after that. Each night we sent Daevid recordings or links to YouTube footage and, from his sick bed in Australia, he wrote gushing praise about what had happened to the band and how this was exactly what he had hoped. By the end of the tour and with the full blessing of Daevid we decided to carry on.

“ 'Rejoice! I'm Dead!' came together over several weeks in an East London rehearsal studio. In terms of the writing, the songs became very elastic, what may have been brought to the band as a fixed idea, through experimenting, discarding, expanding and mutating evolved into the songs as you hear them now. Every member was key in the development of each song,” closes Kavus. Thus, Kavus (vocals/guitar), Fabio Golfetti (guitar/vocals), Dave Sturt (bass/vocals), Ian East (sax/flute) and Cheb Nettles (drums/vocals) took on the mantle of steering the Teapot further into outer space and the inner ear.

On the album you'll also notice the voice of Daevid in an early song idea rehearsal, along with Gong alumni Steve Hillage, Didier Malherbe and Graham Clark. Fans of the “Virgin trilogy” won't be let down!

In the words of bassist Dave Sturt: “You bet it's a Gong record!”

It depends on your knowledge of Gong history and what constitutes as a Gong record, but if “Rejoice! I'm Dead!” is classified as their 28th album the Gong legacy is the strongest it has been since 1974. Consider the differences between “Angel's Egg,” “Gazeuse!,” “Floating Anarchy” and “I See You,” the various splinter projects and collectives… what is it that make Gong who they are? Their spontaneity and numerous Phoenix-like rebirths – this is just the latest installment. Nothing more, nothing less. New members and old coalesce, the sound unmistakably Gong.

Even without Daevid Allen Gong will continue ….. And long may it do so.

Fans can have a hint of what's to come with a clip from the song “Rejoice!” featuring Steve Hillage:



Check out the video teaser for “Rejoice! I’m Dead!” here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOapU-WdLXg
https://vimeo.com/181632625

“Rejoice! I'm Dead!” will be released on CD, a double LP and as a limited edition deluxe 3 disc hardback book edition featuring 44-page book, CD, DVD-AV & Bonus CD and digitally.

CD/LP & deluxe edition are available to pre-order here: http://www.planetgong.co.uk
Digital pre-orders: http://smarturl.it/REJOICE_IM_DEAD

For more information: www.madfishmusic.com

Gong Online:
www.gongband.net
www.planetgong.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/officialgong/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/planetgong/

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

Prog Legends Gong To Release New Studio Album “Rejoice! I'm Dead!”


Their first album since the death of Daevid Allen - Released on Madfish September 16, 2016!

London, UK - Some say it couldn't, or shouldn't, be done. How could Gong exist without Daevid Allen? A few minutes into listening to the title track of their brand new album, “Rejoice!”, aspersions will be cast aside. It is undeniably Gong

Gong have had many, many line-ups. Formed when Australian beatnik/freak Daevid Allen quit The Soft Machine and moved to France at the tail end of the '60s, before debuting in 1970 with Magick Brother, the band have remained fluid, even playing without their founder from the mid-to-late '70s, fracturing and reassembling and constantly taking on new shapes and forms: an undeniably amorphous unit. David Bowie told Vanity Fayre in 2003 that Daevid Allen's Banana Moon is one of his favorite albums, and today everyone from indie artists Temples and Ty Segall to hip hop artist Madlib and techno DJ Surgeon are inspired, and borrow, from Gong's music and ideology. The funky grooves, avant-garde flourishes and counter-cultural stance is timeless. So timeless that Gong fully exists even without their creator and guiding light. For those who are unaware Daevid Allen died in March 2015.

“I have been co-presenting The Interesting Alternative Show with Steve Davis for the last six years or so,” begins the story of how Gong's new singer/guitarist Kavus Torabi met Daevid. “In 2011, Steve rang up excitedly saying 'You'll never guess who we've got as a guest next week... Daevid Allen.' I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'd met Daevid briefly a couple of times with Tim Smith (Cardiacs) but never properly. As a lifelong Gong lover, this filled me with delight. Straight away the two of us seemed to really click, within minutes the conversation had taken a turn for the absurd and I was more than a little flattered when he told me, after about an hour, 'You're a poet man, I can tell.'

“Over the forthcoming months we would text each other on a fairly regular basis, whenever Daevid was in town playing a gig he'd get in touch to see if I wanted to come along. 'I've been thinking about this a lot,' he told me, 'Do you want to play guitar in Gong?' This came somewhat out of the blue. 'But you've never actually heard me play, Daevid' I told him. 'I don't need to,' he replied. 'I felt the same way about Mike Howlett when I met him too and I'm never wrong about this stuff.' Of course I said 'Yes' instantly. 'You know, I can't play like Steve Hillage,' I told him. His response was priceless 'I don't care about what you can't do, I care about what you can do.'

“Since being a teenager, I have often come up with riffs that, while I loved them, had to be shelved because I always felt they sounded a little TOO much like Gong. One of which I started playing. Daevid got up and started improvising lyrics and melodies over the top, his beautiful eyes twinkling. This would become 'When God Shakes Hands With The Devil (from I See You).' 'Wow Kav!' Daevid said afterwards, 'Got any more like that?' Realizing that 20 years or so of shelved riffs had not gone to waste, I blurted out 'Yeah! Loads!'

Kavus joined Gong in 2014 in time for the last album the “new” band made with Daevid, “I See You,” unaware of the direction his new gig as a guitar player would take. “It was shortly after our Brazilian tour in March 2014 that, following a broken arm, Daevid told us that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would be unable to fulfill the 47 date world tour that had been booked to promote (the album). To my, and I guess all of our, minds there was no question that he would beat this thing. The most enlightened and switched on guy I ever knew, with light shooting out of every pore, he seemed indomitable. Nonetheless, he started making noises about how he wished the band to continue without him. I think everyone in the band felt ambivalent about this, particularly as we watched the majority of the gigs get canceled upon news that he was too unwell to fulfill them. I certainly had no desire to front it. I have my own band Knifeworld in which I play this role. We did, however, have a new album to promote, so we reluctantly agreed to play the remaining shows and bow out gracefully after that. Each night we sent Daevid recordings or links to YouTube footage and, from his sick bed in Australia, he wrote gushing praise about what had happened to the band and how this was exactly what he had hoped. By the end of the tour and with the full blessing of Daevid we decided to carry on.

“ 'Rejoice! I'm Dead!' came together over several weeks in an East London rehearsal studio. In terms of the writing, the songs became very elastic, what may have been brought to the band as a fixed idea, through experimenting, discarding, expanding and mutating evolved into the songs as you hear them now. Every member was key in the development of each song,” closes Kavus. Thus, Kavus (vocals/guitar), Fabio Golfetti (guitar/vocals), Dave Sturt (bass/vocals), Ian East (sax/flute) and Cheb Nettles (drums/vocals) took on the mantle of steering the Teapot further into outer space and the inner ear.

On the album you'll also notice the voice of Daevid in an early song idea rehearsal, along with Gong alumni Steve Hillage, Didier Malherbe and Graham Clark. Fans of the “Virgin trilogy” won't be let down!

In the words of bassist Dave Sturt: “You bet it's a Gong record!”

It depends on your knowledge of Gong history and what constitutes as a Gong record, but if “Rejoice! I'm Dead!” is classified as their 28th album the Gong legacy is the strongest it has been since 1974. Consider the differences between “Angel's Egg,” “Gazeuse!,” “Floating Anarchy” and “I See You,” the various splinter projects and collectives… what is it that make Gong who they are? Their spontaneity and numerous Phoenix-like rebirths – this is just the latest installment. Nothing more, nothing less. New members and old coalesce, the sound unmistakably Gong.

Even without Daevid Allen Gong will continue ….. And long may it do so.

Fans can have a hint of what's to come with a clip from the song “Rejoice!” featuring Steve Hillage:



Check out the video teaser for “Rejoice! I’m Dead!” here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOapU-WdLXg
https://vimeo.com/181632625

“Rejoice! I'm Dead!” will be released on CD, a double LP and as a limited edition deluxe 3 disc hardback book edition featuring 44-page book, CD, DVD-AV & Bonus CD and digitally.

CD/LP & deluxe edition are available to pre-order here: http://www.planetgong.co.uk
Digital pre-orders: http://smarturl.it/REJOICE_IM_DEAD

For more information: www.madfishmusic.com

Gong Online:
www.gongband.net
www.planetgong.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/officialgong/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/planetgong/

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

2/03/2016

GONG Legend Daevid Allen's Final Album “Daevid Allen Weird Quartet - ELEVENSES” To Be Released February 12, 2016


The Final Recordings from Gong & Soft Machine Co-Founder Daevid Allen!

Los Angeles - Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing on February 12, 2016 the final album from legendary Daevid Allen, one of the most innovative music artists to emerge from this planet! Daevid Allen Weird Quartet is a recording project bringing together Daevid Allen, founder of The Soft Machine and Gong, with Don Falcone of Spirits Burning, Michael Clare of Daevid Allen's University of Errors, and drummers Trey Sabatelli (The Tubes) and Paul Sears (The Muffins). “ELEVENSES” is the second album by this band, following 2005's “DJDDAY”, which was released under the band name “Weird Biscuit Teatime.” Daevid Allen Weird Quartet “ELEVENSES” is the last band album that Daevid worked on before his death, in March of 2015.

Christopher David Allen (13 January 1938 – 13 March 2015), better known as Daevid Allen, sometimes credited as Divided Alien, was an Australian and had a brilliant career as a poet, musician, artist, and one-time cab driver that spanned over fifty years. Daevid was constantly pushing boundaries and was always the center of activity. He continually inspired those around him to be creative and to achieve their best.

The Daily Telegraph said, “Allen revelled in being the court jester of hippie rock and never lost his enthusiasm for the transcendent power of the psychedelic experience. He once remarked, 'Psychedelia for me is a code for that profound spiritual experience where there is a direct link to the gods.' That he never attained the riches and fame of many of his contemporaries did not concern him.”

Daevid Allen Weird Quartet “ELEVENSES” album is a mixture of styles of music found throughout his career, plus a few surprises: a blues song in 7/4, a catchy Irish-tinged folk song, ambient and explosive instrumentals, a post-punk rave-up with Daevid's final message on a record.

Track List:
1. TransloopThisMessage
2. Imagicknation
3.The Latest Curfew Craze
4. Kick That Habit Man
5. Secretary Of Lore
6. Alchemy
7. The Cold Stuffings Of November
8. Grasshopping
9. God's New Deal
10. Dim Sum In Alphabetical Order
11. Killer Honey
12. Under The YumYum Tree Cafe
13. Banana Construction

Available on both CD and vinyl February 12, 2016!

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetCD
Buy the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetLP
Buy the digital: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetdig

Daevid Allen Weird Quartet Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DAWQ2015/?ref=bookmarks&__mref=message_bubble

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

GONG Legend Daevid Allen's Final Album “Daevid Allen Weird Quartet - ELEVENSES” To Be Released February 12, 2016


The Final Recordings from Gong & Soft Machine Co-Founder Daevid Allen!

Los Angeles - Purple Pyramid Records will be releasing on February 12, 2016 the final album from legendary Daevid Allen, one of the most innovative music artists to emerge from this planet! Daevid Allen Weird Quartet is a recording project bringing together Daevid Allen, founder of The Soft Machine and Gong, with Don Falcone of Spirits Burning, Michael Clare of Daevid Allen's University of Errors, and drummers Trey Sabatelli (The Tubes) and Paul Sears (The Muffins). “ELEVENSES” is the second album by this band, following 2005's “DJDDAY”, which was released under the band name “Weird Biscuit Teatime.” Daevid Allen Weird Quartet “ELEVENSES” is the last band album that Daevid worked on before his death, in March of 2015.

Christopher David Allen (13 January 1938 – 13 March 2015), better known as Daevid Allen, sometimes credited as Divided Alien, was an Australian and had a brilliant career as a poet, musician, artist, and one-time cab driver that spanned over fifty years. Daevid was constantly pushing boundaries and was always the center of activity. He continually inspired those around him to be creative and to achieve their best.

The Daily Telegraph said, “Allen revelled in being the court jester of hippie rock and never lost his enthusiasm for the transcendent power of the psychedelic experience. He once remarked, 'Psychedelia for me is a code for that profound spiritual experience where there is a direct link to the gods.' That he never attained the riches and fame of many of his contemporaries did not concern him.”

Daevid Allen Weird Quartet “ELEVENSES” album is a mixture of styles of music found throughout his career, plus a few surprises: a blues song in 7/4, a catchy Irish-tinged folk song, ambient and explosive instrumentals, a post-punk rave-up with Daevid's final message on a record.

Track List:
1. TransloopThisMessage
2. Imagicknation
3.The Latest Curfew Craze
4. Kick That Habit Man
5. Secretary Of Lore
6. Alchemy
7. The Cold Stuffings Of November
8. Grasshopping
9. God's New Deal
10. Dim Sum In Alphabetical Order
11. Killer Honey
12. Under The YumYum Tree Cafe
13. Banana Construction

Available on both CD and vinyl February 12, 2016!

Buy the CD: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetCD
Buy the Vinyl: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetLP
Buy the digital: http://flyt.it/DaevidAllenWeirdQuartetdig

Daevid Allen Weird Quartet Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/DAWQ2015/?ref=bookmarks&__mref=message_bubble

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

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

3/15/2015

Progressive Rock Review: Gong- I See You

Release Date: 17thNovember 2014
Label: Madfish Records

While I am very aware of the existence of the band, Gong, especially having reviewed Steve Hillage releases as Steve was a member of the band in the early days. What I was not aware of was the fact that the band is still on the go. I See You is a new release and makes the number of studio albums released by Gong now reach 23, from the debut album in 1969, Magic Brother, to the previously issued release, 2032, out in 2009.

This new album, I See You, will delight the die-hard fans of the band, Gong, but the information also recently released on the website will have been devastating. Original member, Daevid Allen, who contributes gliss guitar and vocals, had indicated that he had a terminal illness with only months remaining and just passed on March 13th.

The band for the recording of I See You comprises Daevid Allen, Orlando Allen (drums, vocals), Dave Sturt (bass, computer samples), Kavus Torabi (neoprog smart guitar), Fabio Golfetti (guitars) and Ian East (saxophone, flute). Kavus Torabi is also a member of the band Knifeworld, and also joining as guests on the album are Gilli Smyth (sprinkled space whisper) and Mark Robson (keyboards).

I See You is a 12 track album with a total playing time of around 63 minutes, with consecutive tracks, numbers 10 and 11, “A Brew Of Special Tea” and “Thank You,” being the shortest, and longest, at 1:22 minutes and 10:35 minutes respectively. An interesting aside is that the members of the band were recording in different places, Australia, Brazil, Israel and the UK, and then the results seamlessly merged to produce the 12 tracks on offer.

The opening, and title, track, “I See You” (3:24) opens with some spoken word passages and a distinct jazzy feel to the music. The vocals put me in mind of the style of David Byrne (Talking Heads) and the track merges horns, guitars and synth swirls in a fairly pleasant, in unremarkable, manner. This is an easy going track to set the album in motion.

“Occupy” (2:51) almost shouts out “King Crimson,” with some frenetic horn work and sudden unexpected time changes which certainly kept this listener on his toes. As the track moves into its fade-out sequence, it is awash with Gilmour/Floydian style sounds.

Track 3, “When God Shakes Hands With The Devil” (5:36) has almost rap-like vocals and the excellent drumming, guitars and flute contribute to a very interesting track.

“The Eternal Wheel Spins” (7:07) has a soft spoken intro by Gilli and then proceeds to drive along in a manner not unlike an in-form Hawkwind. Some amazing guitar from Fabio is a real highlight of this track and its 7+ minute length seems to fly by. This is my personal favorite track from the first third of the album.
 
“Syllabub” (4:30) is one of those “stop-start” musical pieces which really never grabbed this listener. The constant time changes prevented the track from flowing. “This Revolution” (3:44) is a hard hitting diatribe on revolution set amidst horns and a “spacey” style background. “You See Me” (3:44), which is possibly linked to the title track, shows the King Crimson style again, especially with that bands characteristic time shuffles.

A change of style sweeps in with “Zion My T-Shirt” (6:09) with some excellent choral styled chanting setting the scene. Subdued drumming, subtle guitar and a set of breathy styled vocals make for a very atmospheric track. The longish spoken section of lyrics sits within the track well.

Next up is a real piece of whimsicality with “Pixielation” (4:43). The sections within this track are separated by very atmospheric music, and the result is a very clever track that embeds itself in the mind.

The very short “A Brew Of Special Tea” (1:22) is a mainly sound effect track with an old style radio type vocals in the background, but grabs the listeners attention.

The longest track on offer “Thank You” (10:29) is one of those hypnotic drone style tracks which builds in intensity very slowly with some excellent synth guitar. Just prior to the 4 minute mark, the track becomes very sparse, before building again with some more excellent guitar, but I did find that the “atmospheric” sounds in the background proved more of a distraction than adding to the soundscape. This section seems a little too long, going on as it does to around the 7+ minute point, before the track moves into a simple chant like vocal, but the magic generated by the first 4 minutes seems to have vanished. This genuinely sounds like the final track of an album so it is interesting to see how the band do close the album.

“Shakti Yoni and Dingo Virgin” (9:32) veers in another direction, being built up of atmospheric and ambient soundscapes, instrumental in nature, apart from the “sprinkled space whispers” supplied by Gilli.

I See You is an album that will sell well to Gong enthusiasts, as here we have a band that, while recreating some classic Gong style music, have refused to simply “go through the motions.” There are huge hints at the contents of some early classic Gong albums, but the motivation and enthusiasm of the musicians involved ensure that this is a “new” Gong. I See You could also pick up sales from music aficionados keen to sound out Gong, and several listens to this album could well see them search out early back catalogue material.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Eternal Wheel Spins, Zion My T-Shirt, Pixielation

Tracks:
I See You
Occupy
When God Shakes Hands With The Devil
The Eternal Wheel Spins
Syllabub
This Revolution
You See Me
Zion My T-Shirt
Pixielation
A Brew Of Special Tea
Thank You
Shakti Yoni and Dingo Virgin


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

March 15, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk