MARK DUDA Charts an Exciting New Path with His Transformative Debut Album BODEGA FLOWERS

Featuring Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren & Utopia), Thommy Price (Joan Jett, Billy Idol), Arno Hecht (Dion, Rolling Stones) and others!

New York, NY – MARK DUDA is a New York City-based artist and storyteller who sings, plays guitar, and writes great rock and roll songs. MARK DUDA shines on his debut full-length album BODEGA FLOWERS, which journalist and musician Phil Mitchum praises as a “transformative album from a generational songwriter.” Set for release July 29, 2022, BODEGA FLOWERS is an emotional journey packed with characters, experiences, and swagger straight from Manhattan’s lower east side. MARK DUDA seamlessly blends all of the NY flavors he’s soaked up over the years, from Dion to Lou Reed, The NY Dolls, the Dead Boys, and beyond, bringing his own signature update to the New York rock and roll sound and continuing to forge the musical identity he first introduced with his Month of Sundays EP from 2017.

A singer/songwriter above all else, MARK DUDA is influenced by Dion, Buddy Holly, Lou Reed, David Bowie, and Willie Nile. These influences are effortlessly delivered through the glam rock lens he grew up with, and shine through on BODEGA FLOWERS. Just as Jesse Malin emerged from the glam punk of D Generation to carve out his niche as an important voice for New York singer-songwriters, MARK DUDA is now bringing his own unique voice to the scene. Over his storied career, MARK DUDA has collaborated with rock and roll royalty from New York and beyond. Recent collaborations include legendary guitarists Cheetah Chrome (Dead Boys), Jake Cinninger (Umphrey’s McGee), Pat Travers, and Steve Hackett (Genesis). Mark has also recorded with bassist Kenny Aaronson (Billy Idol, Joan Jett), bassist Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren, Joan Jett), drummers Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult) and Thommy Price (Joan Jett, Billy Idol), and saxophone legend Arno Hecht (Dion, Rolling Stones).

BODEGA FLOWERS was executive produced by MARK DUDA and produced by Jimi K. Bones (Blondie, Joan Jett, Jonas Brothers, Willie Nile.) Jimi’s crisp production and arrangements perfectly showcase Mark Duda at his finest. Two-time Grammy nominee Kostadin Kamcev served as both recording and mastering engineer for BODEGA FLOWERS, while also contributing keys. BODEGA FLOWERS proudly features the legendary rhythm section of Kasim Sulton (bass) and Thommy Price (drums), collaborating here for the first time in 30 years! Jimi K. Bones further energizes the record with his guitar playing and background vocals. Arno Hecht (Dion, Rolling Stones) returns to play saxophone on several songs, and Johnny Pisano (Willie Nile) sings backing vocals throughout the record. Cynthia Longley Richards, who was featured on Month of Sundays, returns to the band to play cello on several songs, and Joan Chew (Lez Zeppelin) contributes keys.

Before recording 2017’s Month of Sundays, MARK DUDA gained wide recognition as the front man for New York hard rockers The Handful. The Handful have released four full-length albums since 2004, including Sons of Downtown in 2015, which was Mark’s first collaboration with Cheetah Chrome, and also features Mark in a duet with Cherie Currie of Runaways fame. Other releases with The Handful include Second Hand Smoke, Palmistry, and Wooden Indian on which Mark wrote, sang, and played guitar. Mark is also the lead vocalist for Rome, Italy-based band Mad City Rockers, who released the album Black Celebration in 2009, and handles guitar and vocals for contemporary heavy rockers August Fire. Mark continues to write and record for himself and with other groups.

BODEGA FLOWERS includes eleven brand new original MARK DUDA songs that are sure to make a fan of anyone who loves New York style rock and roll and is looking for something new to add to their rotation!

To order or stream BODEGA FLOWERS please visit: https://lnk.to/BodegaFlowers

For more information about MARK DUDA or upcoming tour dates please visit:  www.markdudamusic.com or https://markduda.bandcamp.com/

For booking inquiries please email: booking@markdudamusic.com

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

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

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

The Guitar Circle With Robert Fripp August 22-26, 2022 at The Mansion at Glen Cove, NY

Four Immersive Days of Work in the Guitar Circle. Guitar & Audience Craft Techniques and Exercises for Audients and Guitarists.

An Introduction to the Guitar Circle with Robert Fripp will begin at 3pm on August 22nd, 2022, and ends at 12pm on August 26th, 2022.

Each day’s schedule is intense, beginning in the early morning and running through to the night with activities in small and large groups. The exact detailed schedule will be decided at the course itself, responding to the needs of the group.

House of Guitars: everyone welcome to join, with or without guitars (led by RF)

During Robert Fripp’s Introduction to the Guitar Circle, nothing is compulsory but some things are necessary. Robert feels strongly that alcohol and drug use are incompatible with this work and are strongly discouraged. Hey, the anticipated polyrhythms* alone are enough to deter anyone from even thinking about drinking! So, any participant who partakes in drugs or alcohol during the event may be asked to forego participating in our activities. Thank you for your cooperation.

*Polyrhythms: The simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition. Rhythmic conflicts, or cross-rhythms, may occur within a single metre (e.g., two eighth notes against triplet eighths or worse!) and may even be reinforced by simultaneous combinations of conflicting metres. You will happily experience some of these during Robert’s event!

The Guitar Circle welcomes players and audients of all ages and levels of experience, from absolute beginners to professionals.

The art of craft is universal. The artful craft of Guitar Craft is also specific.

Guitar Craft is a way of developing a relationship with guitar, music, and with ourselves. Guitar and Audience Craft techniques and exercises provide a foundation for taking the performance event to a higher level.

The Guitar Circle is a way of working which strengthens community. We also rock out!

If performing music is to enter our world, the role of the audience is as necessary as the role of the musician.

So, for the first time in the life of Guitar Craft and the Guitar Circle, we are inviting audients to this Intro, to learn the performance techniques and approaches available to Crafty Guitarists.

Performing music has its own intelligence, but can music change the world? If so, how? How does a musician become present in the place within them where music lives, or visits for a while? How is an audient present within themself when music visits? How does music come into our lives? What is involved in the process of musical performance?

For those interested in guitar playing, work will be on acoustic guitars in the New Standard Tuning – CGDAEG. Guitar meetings / workshops will be in groups of all sizes, including individual meetings with the Guitar Buddies.

This Introduction to the work of the Guitar Circle will also include classes in Alexander Technique, Orchestral Maneuvers, T’ai Chi, Zen meditation, The Process Of Performance, and Doing Nothing – As Much As You Can!

There is nothing solemn about any of this, and I’m intending to have a good time. This is an approach to perform, performing, serious performing and performing seriously.

I recommend that everyone come with an aim.

You are invited.

Robert Fripp

STAFF

ROBERT FRIPP - Guitarists and More
DEV RAY - Guitarists and More
JACQUELINE BINDER - Guitarists and More
CURT GOLDEN - Guitar Buddies
TOM REDMOND - Guitarists and More
TONY GEBALLE - Guitar Buddies
SANDRA BAIN CUSHMAN - Orchestral Maneuvers
KIM CARY - Orchestral Maneuvers
ERIN WIGGER - Alexander Technique
CHRIS DOERING - The Process of Performance
CHRISTINA FLEMING - Orchestral Maneuvers

PRICING AND REGISTRATION
Robert Fripp, Guitar Circle, and Dreamcatcher Events all respectfully ask that everyone attending be fully vaccinated and/or tested for Covid.

Musicians and music fans of all styles and levels are welcome to attend Introduction To The Guitar Circle – but we do recommend that everyone who plans on playing bring a steel-stringed acoustic guitar!

For more information: https://robertfrippsguitarcircle.com/

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

Singer Karen Ann Hunter To Release New Single “Sweet Love Of Mine” Dedicated To Her Husband Legendary Guitarist Steve Hunter

Produced By Steve Hunter - Released May 31st 2022

Karen Ann Hunter could have coined the phrase “Paying my Dues.”

For over 50 years and from the age of 17 her life has been filled with music and artistic endeavors.

Beginning with band work in the UK covering hotels, bars, jazz clubs and tv, moving on to a wide range of experience as a session singer. Her first label signing was with disco king Giorgio Moroder in Munich, Germany in 1976, this included a single release called “Dr Funk (with Smiley)” plus a session for Giorgio on one of his own disco hits “I Wanna Funk with you Tonight.”

Back in the UK Karen got signed to a producer and through Chas Chandler’s record label and under the name Yuka with her own song “Who Would Believe a Young Man” had ‘record of the week’ on BBC Radio 1, and she did a number of high profile TV advert sessions. In 1984/85 she sang background vocals on two tours with Gary Numan. Then came two children but the jazz gigs continued.

In 2004 under her maiden name Karen Taylor she released an album of her own songs called “Kickin’ Up Dust,” an eclectic mix of jazz and blues.

She performed live on the Paul Jones BBC Radio ‘Best of British Blues’ show and regards Paul as a longtime supporter of both her and her husband.

In 2007 Karen married renowned guitar player Steve Hunter (Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper) and moved to the USA. Regarding her singing career as over and now very happily married it was her husband that encouraged more writing and recording.

In 2010 Steve produced an album for her called “Empty Spaces” and since then his encouragement has brought forth many new recordings. Also in 2010 Karen recorded backing vocals for the 2 Cellos hit “Supermassive Black Hole.”

Now living in Spain, Steve and Karen continue to record both covers and new compositions. In April this year Karen released a cover of the Gary Numan song “Don’t Call My Name” for charity along with other ex Numan musicians and some loyal fans.

On May 31st Steve and Karen celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary, she has written this song “Sweet Love of Mine” as a declaration to the love of her life Steve Hunter.

Watch the video for Karen Hunter’s “Sweet Love of Mine”:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCRk90OK4TJ_uhPo3Z10fxFw

For more information:
HEARNOW - artist page: https://karenannhunter.hearnow.com/sweet-love-of-mine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.a.hunter.3

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

Composer/Acoustic Guitar Fingerstyle Virtuoso Mark Vickness Releases 'Alluvial Fans' On YouTube

Mark Vickness, acoustic guitar featuring Mads Tolling, violin; Matt Renzi, oboe/English horn, Joseph Hebert, cello; Dan Feiszli, bass, MB Gordy, percussion & Ty Burhoe, tabla

Two years after releasing his highly acclaimed CD, Interconnected, composer/guitarist Mark Vickness releases Alluvial Fans on YouTube, the first composition to be released from his upcoming album, In The Rain Shadow. In addition to Mark on acoustic guitars, the ensemble brings together two time Grammy winning violinist, Mads Tolling, oboe and English horn virtuoso, Matt Renzi, cellist Joseph Hebert, Dan Feiszli on electric bass, Grammy winning percussionist, MB Gordy and tabla master, Ty Burhoe.

Says Mark, “My third solo recording project (after Places in 2017 and Interconnected in 2020) In The Rain Shadow takes its inspiration mostly from moving to the high desert (California’s Owens Valley) in 2020. Most of the titles are taken from geological or meteorological features we experience daily. This includes Alluvial Fans – music intended to reflect my appreciation for the opportunity to absorb the wonders of living in the rain shadow. It is humbling, awesome, peaceful, thrilling, tranquil and beautiful all at once.”

Mark Vickness

Mark began his musical training on piano at age six. The road from there to the composer/modern fingerstyle guitarist he is today included a bachelor’s and master’s degree in composition, studies in classical piano, guitar, sitar and tabla, years as a performing jazz guitarist, composer and arranger, several film scores and three decades of recording and performing as the instrumental half of the acoustic fusion duo, Glass House which has released three CD’s, two EPs and a host of widely viewed YouTube videos. Mark’s performing experience spans a huge range of genres from free improv to West African drum and dance ensembles, from Motown and funk bands to big band jazz and orchestral conducting. Schooled in composition by Pulitzer Prize winning composer, Mel Powell, Mark has recorded and performed with world renowned musicians including two time Grammy winners, The Turtle Island String Quartet, legendary bassist, Michael Manring, and guitarists Alex DiGrassi and Don Ross.

Mads Tolling

An internationally renowned violinist and composer, Mads is a two-time Grammy Award-Winner and the 2016 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star winning violinist. As a former member of both Turtle Island Quartet and bassist Stanley Clarke’s band, Mads has spent most of his professional life touring internationally. Mads has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and his recordings have received rave reviews in Downbeat Magazine, Strings Magazine, The Washington Post and the San Francisco Chronicle. He has performed with The Who, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Paquito D’Rivera and many others. Most recently he has been touring with Bob Weir and the Wolf Pack.

Matt Renzi

Matt has been a sought after wind player (oboe, English horn, saxophone) and composer in the U.S. and internationally for the past twenty years as a soloist and the The Matt Renzi Trio. He holds a Bachelor’s in Music/Performance from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts in Classical Composition from San Francisco State University. Matt has performed and recorded with Marc Johnson, Michael Formanek, Eddie Marshall, Herbie Lewis, Ben Monder, Eberheard Weber, and Bobo Stenson.

Joseph Hebert

Joe has recorded and performed across multiple genres with hundreds of artists including Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, Tower of Power and Ray Charles. He is Assistant Principal cellist with the Oakland East Bay Symphony. The Oakland Tribune describes him as “one of the most eloquently expressive cellists in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dan Feiszli

Dan has performed with such notable artists as James Moody, Raul Midon, and Mickey Hart. He has toured nationally and internationally with artists including Julio Iglesias, Nicole Yarling and Raul DiBlasio, and played in the pit orchestras for musical theatre productions including Hamilton, The Lion King and Billy Elliot. In addition to his career as a performer, Dan is featured on hundreds of recordings as both a bassist and recording engineer, and has recorded and mixed albums reaching the highest positions on the US Top 40 and Jazz Radio Charts. Dan’s work with Mark dates back years as both a bassist performing with Glass House and recording engineer for Places and Interconnected.

Ty Burhoe

A disciple of the great tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ty is internationally recognized for being instrumental in creating unique collaborations that weave tabla with other world traditions. He has been featured on many soundtracks including the academy award winning documentary, "Born into Brothels." Ty has recorded and performed with a broad range of artists including Zakir Hussain, Art Lande, Bela Fleck, Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Mamadou Diabate, Kitaro, Jon Anderson (Yes) and many more. Ty’s collaboration with Mark dates back to early recordings with Glass House.

MB Gordy

One of the top studio session players in Los Angeles, Grammy-winning percussionist, MB Gordy has recorded on releases by artists such as Neil Diamond, Aaron Neville, Faith Hill, f.u.n., Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Josh Groban, Guns and Roses, Childish Gambino, and Beck as well as on hundreds of film and television scores (including Agent Carter, American Sniper, Battlestar Galactica, Bourne Legacy, Frozen, Game of Thrones, Spiderman, Straight Outta Compton, Terminator, and many more). MB has toured internationally with Rita Coolidge, Three Dog Night, the Doobie Brothers, John Tesh, and Josh Groban, and performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The National Symphony, Frank Zappa, Jacky Evanho, Andrea Bocelli, Johnny Mathis, Yoko Ono, Seal, and Idina Menzel. Having earned his Master’s Degree in Music from the California Institute of the Arts with extensive study in ethnic percussion, over the last three decades he has worked in a wide variety of roles as performer, composer, professor, and recording musician.

Alluvial Fans was recorded, engineered and mixed by Dan Feiszli at his studio in El Cerrito, CA and at 25th Street Recording in Oakland, CA. It was mastered by Reuben Cohen at Lurssen Mastering, Burbank, CA. Video by Maximum Flavor Media, San Francisco, CA.

Mark is endorsed by Greenfield Guitars, Montreal. He plays a Michael Greenfield G4 fan fret and a Greenfield G2B baritone guitar.

“The fingerstylist makes the most of this opportunity to showcase the limitless sounds and textures that can be achieved primarily with his custom Michael Greenfield steel-string guitars.” - Pat Moran, Acoustic Guitar (on Places)

“’Vickness’ acoustic compositions allow him to use his wonderful technique to convey atmospheric, emotional music that immediately draws attention. His stunning harmonics, perfect chord changes and ability to use the guitar as a percussion instrument are an amazing blend.” - Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Mark Vickness has created something so special and timely. It’s such a hopeful album, packed with artistry and stirring, deeply personal pieces. “Interconnected” is not only the title of the album but the driving force it seems, the purpose and the reason. What better way to perform songs full of power and whimsy, melancholy and heart than with a real sense of togetherness. I love this album! A breath of desperately needed grace and sweetness . . . with a perfect balance of skill and passion . . . glorious harmony of guitar, cello, viola, bass and tabla. Brilliant!” Samantha Simmonds-Romceros – NoHoArtsDistrict.com.

In The Rain Shadow is scheduled for release Winter, 2022. The group is looking forward to touring in support of the new album release.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/b9b3xwYvrjo

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

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

FS3 Trio Featuring Austrian Guitarist Joe Doblhofer Releases Debut Album “Cats ‘n’ Strats”

Joe Doblhofer is a Linz/Austrian based guitar player with musical roots in both European Classical and American Blues and Rock music, fused with a deep dedication to Jazz and other related forms of improvisational and interactive music. Working with German Jazz-Metal crossover band Panzerballett since 2010 he has now released his own trio's debut album with his trio FS3 titled “Cats ‘n’ Strats”, a well-balanced mix of composition and improvisation, stylistically drawing from both traditions in Jazz and Blues as well as conceptional approaches found in contemporary classical music.

The idea behind “Cats ‘n’ Strats” was to combine all the aspects of making music that matter the most to Joe into one project. He wanted to make music that would balance composed parts with space for interaction and improvisation, and satisfy his need for both sophistication and savageness.

Says Joe, “‘Cats ‘n’ Strats’ blends together my affection for the possibilities of expression that the electric guitar provides with my love for Blues and Rock as well as my interest for intellectually demanding approaches known from Jazz and Contemporary Classical Music. The tunes are supposed to work equally well live in a trio setting as well as produced tracks on the album.”

Being born into a musical family Joe experienced education in classical music from an early age on taking his first steps into making music with the violin. It was not until the age of 14 when he first discovered the electric guitar as his means of expression, and with it a musical culture diametrically opposed to the one he had been exposed to so far.

While first being fascinated by the rawness and power of guitar based music he later discovered the limitless possibilities of the guitar in terms of creating a distinct musical language by combining its dynamic and expressional abilities with the offerings that an academic approach to music theory and composition were able to contribute. It is this dialectic between savageness and sophistication that has been driving his musical journey ever since, resulting in his long time engagement with German Jazz-Metal act Panzerballett as well as his own trio project FS3. As a sideman he has worked with Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Randy Brecker, Mathias “IA” Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Trilok Gurtu and others.

Says Joe, “The music to this album was written over the course of several years. After being exposed to a lot of different approaches to composition during my studies of Jazz at the university and as a sideman for projects ranging from Jazz/Metal Crossover to classical Orchestra I had to figure out what in particular would work for the music I had in mind.  The basic tracks were recorded live at a studio to get some musical interaction going. After that a lot of time went into developing parts around the original recordings as I love enhancing a track by creating little arranged details around obvious interactive parts. I want listeners to be aware though that this is a band record with real people interacting and taking musical risks. The music is supposed to be played live which was the reason to make the record in the first place.”

FS3 is:
Florian Kasper - Drums
Gerald Kiesewetter - Bass
Joe Doblhofer – Guitars

The basic tracks were recorded Feb. 14th - 16th, 2020 at Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität Linz. Additional recordings March till May, November 2020.

Produced by FS3, engineered by Matthias Kronsteiner, mixed by Tobi Wöhrer, mastering by  Michael Haider @AlphaMastering & Alphakustik.

Cover Design by Edith Gappmaier. Pics by Reinhard Winkler.

All Tracks composed by Joe Doblhofer

Videos:
Album Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX1H3u79DdY
Soldersniffer Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTcP4EIz94s

Track list:
1 - Necessary Evil 08:18
2 - Hustle & Slo 07:09
3 - Soldersniffer Blues 07:02
4 - Loony & Blue 07:03
5 - (Ballad Of The) Blue Genes 09:51
6 - Tech Republic 05:06
7 - Black Sheep Waltz 06:08
8 - LN (feat. Jan Zehrfeld) 07:56
9 - Lost In The Shuffle 07:24
10 - Ragdoll Boogie 05:14

To purchase:
Released on Cats ‘n’ Strats Records, the album is available from www.joedoblhofer.com/shop as CD, 180g Vinyl and Download, as well as on all major streaming and download platforms.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1FNn9bMoauafkI9Wcq87vE
Apple Music: https://geo.music.apple.com/at/album/_/1601175392?
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09NRYSZMS
Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/209652886
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/album/281274491

For more information:
Web: www.joedoblhofer.com
Joe's artist page on FB: www.facebook.com/joedoblhoferofficial
FS3 on FB: www.facebook.com/FSThreee
Joe on Instagram: www.instagram.com/joedoblhofer/
FS3 on Instagram: www.instagram.com/fs3_official/

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

Guitar Virtuoso Harvey Valdes’ Novare: J.S. Bach Lute Works on Electric Guitar Breaks New Ground with a Fresh, Ear-Opening Interpretation of Music for the Ages

“Harvey Valdes is a fantastic guitarist” - Andy Summers

Guitar Virtuoso Harvey Valdes’ Novare: J.S. Bach Lute Works on Electric Guitar – to be released by Destiny Records on April 8, 2022 – features sublime scores long performed by the world’s greatest lutenists and classical guitarists, but these pieces sound more timeless than ever in the hands of Valdes on steel-string electric guitar.

“Harvey Valdes is a fantastic guitarist – musical to the nth degree and with chops to spare, as anyone knows who has heard the way he handles standards and ballads with astonishing contrapuntal virtuosity. Now, with this new album, the special logic in his playing of Bach is wonderfully revealed.” - ANDY SUMMERS of The Police

Like the art of Shakespeare or Van Gogh, the music of Johann Sebastian Bach has been recognized the world over as universal and timeless – sounding as moving and miraculous now as the day these Baroque scores were written, some three hundred years ago. The lute works that J.S. Bach composed have been recorded by the world’s greatest lutenists and guitarists across the past century, from Segovia to Julian Bream to John Williams to Hopkinson Smith, among a myriad of others. It would take a stroke of something approaching genius to enable us to hear these pieces truly anew. But that is just what Harvey Valdes has accomplished with Novare: J.S. Bach Lute Works on Electric Guitar.

To be released digitally and on CD by Destiny Records on April 8, 2022, the album presents Valdes playing 10 of Bach’s pieces not on the age-old lute or the nylon-string classical guitar but on the modern steel-string electric guitar. The result is ear-opening; the notes are the same ones Bach put to paper in the 18th century, but Valdes performs them with a tone and texture that sounds extraordinarily fresh and of the moment, without ever trying to unduly “modernize” the music. Over the past few years, Valdes has attracted famous fans among iconic guitarists, including Andy Summers of The Police, ECM luminary David Torn and avant-garde notable Elliott Sharp, who says: “With Novare, Harvey brings Bach’s works into the 21st century with a sensuous tone and an articulation that is simultaneously precise and dynamic, even at breakneck tempi. His playing reveals the contrapuntal lines in all their permutational glory.”

But it isn’t just world-renowned guitarists who have been impressed by Novare. Classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein, celebrated for her playing of Bach on the modern grand piano, says: “Harvey Valdes brings an improviser’s sensibility to this music, which is in so many ways the most authentic approach to Bach. There is an understated quality to his interpretations that allows a listener to hear the architecture of the music, and there is a rhythmic malleability that gives breath and presence. The Prelude and Fugue in D-flat stands out in the way that Valdes enjoys the sustained possibilities of the electric guitar. It’s a beautiful new take on old gems.”

Why Bach on electric guitar? Says Harvey, “Why not?! The electric guitar has a capacity for tone, color and dynamics that moves beyond what the acoustic classical guitar can do. There have been some past recordings of electric guitarists who have played Bach or works by Mozart, Beethoven, etc. These often feature the instrument using high gain and distorted sounds with fast virtuosic playing. I respect this approach, but it’s not the one I wanted to take. I was interested in honoring some of the delicate classical guitar approaches and while also taking advantage of the sonic dimensions of the electric guitar.

“For listeners who are guitar players, I want to share with them how it’s possible to play Bach’s lute works on an electric guitar. You can bring a classical guitar approach to the electric guitar that expands the sonic landscape for this historical music and gives it a space to live in the present. As for everyone else, enjoy! I hope it can soothe a listener’s life. Making it certainly brought some peace into my life during a challenging time that has affected us all.”

More about Harvey Valdes

A guitarist of searching, sophisticated musicality, Harvey Valdes can traverse styles from avant- jazz and Middle Eastern/Balkan music to improvised film scores and the compositions of Bach. Harvey has an intrepid curiosity about the guitar’s sonic and expressive range; he is also a trained player of the Arabic oud, as well as the Turkish cümbüş. To date, he has released three albums as a soloist/leader: “Solitude Intones Its Echo” (Destiny, 2019), a set of concise, engaging solo improvisations praised by the likes of Guitar Moderne as “18 lyrical solo performances of compositions that hook you”; “Roundabout” (2015), his solo debut featuring lyrically inventive takes on jazz standards; and “PointCounterPoint” (2015), a bristling, Mahavishnu-meets-math-rock trio album with violinist Sana Nagano and drummer Joe Hertenstein. All About Jazz hailed “Pointcounterpoint” as “cosmic,” while the Free Jazz Collective described Roundabout as “sublimely beautiful.” In April 2022, Destiny Records will present Harvey’s newest album: “Novare: J.S. Bach Lute Works on Electric Guitar.” Underscoring his achievements, Harvey’s venturesome work in the studio and on stage has attracted fans among iconic guitarists, including Andy Summers of The Police, ECM luminary David Torn and avant-garde notable Elliott Sharp.

Based in Brooklyn, NY Harvey earned a BFA degree from The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music. He has worked with artists from Butch Morris, Karl Berger and Rhys Chatham to Daniel Carter, and the Middle Eastern/Balkan ensemble Anistar, among many others. His score for Utopians, which premiered at the 2011 Berlin Film Festival, constituted “one of the longest-lasting guitar improvisations since (Neil Young’s score for) Dead Man.” The Valdes composition “Listen” was chosen as an Editor’s Pick by Guitar Player magazine. Harvey has also performed extensively in New York theater. He held the guitar/oud chair as an onstage musician and cast member for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Band’s Visit, having originated the role Off Broadway at The Atlantic Theater before moving with the ensemble for the hit run at Broadway’s Barrymore Theater. He played on the show’s 2019 Grammy Award-winning cast album, and he received a daytime Emmy Award for his broadcast performance with the ensemble, along with participating in the 10 Tony wins as a cast member. Harvey has also worked with renowned downtown theater ensemble The Wooster Group, including its presentation of Cavalli’s 1640 opera “La Didone”; for that production, which toured the U.S. and Europe, he provided a modern interpretation of the Baroque lute, playing electric guitar and guitar synth within an ensemble that also included harpsichord, theorbo and accordion.

Harvey has played on stages from Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music and St. Ann’s Warehouse to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Chicago Cultural Center, CalArts’ Redcat Theater in Los Angeles, Scotland’s Royal Lyceum Theatre, the United Nations. Harvey has also featured in broadcast performances for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, The Today Show and WNYC-FM, as well as the 72nd annual Tony Awards. Additional collaborators over the years have included Noël Akchoté, Gerry Hemingway, Lukas Ligeti, Killick Hinds, Jamshied Sharifi, Sean Sonderegger, Henri Scars Struck and Bern Nix. Harvey has recently featured on multiple compilation albums, including the fifth in Elliott Sharp’s anthology series “Never Meta Guitar,” and “Walk My Way,” a five volume 577 Records set featuring 49 guitarists of 32 different nationalities from six continents and virtually every sort of musical background. He also played on Eight Hands, One Mind by the Dom Minasi Guitar Quartet with Briggan Krauss and Hans Tanmen, as well as recorded the duo album Nueva Guitarra with avant-metal guitarist Alvaro Domene.

About the imaginative virtuosity of Valdes, guitarist extraordinaire David Torn says: “When I first heard Harvey, I thought: ‘Well, here’s another badass mother on the scene – wow.’”

Harvey Valdes record release show at Barbes in Brooklyn, NY on April 9th 2022

For more information:
harveyvaldes.net
destinyrecordsmusic.com
instagram.com/harveyvaldes
facebook.com/harveyvaldesmusic

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

Renowned Bassist Hansford Rowe Presents His New Signature Bass by Tao Guitars The HR Superleggera

“The Superleggera’s body shape is unique and perfectly balanced. The subtle references to the great Marcello Gandini (Lamborghini Miura, Alfa Montreal) are sublime. The brushed aluminum hardware is entirely bespoke. The bridge is made to my design parameters (as tool free as possible) with Tao’s usual attention to detail and magnificent design aesthetics. The pickups are custom Benedetti.” - Hansford Rowe

American bassist Hansford Rowe began his career in the clubs of New York City. With French drummer Pierre Moerlen, he reformed the jazz-rock group Gong. PM’s Gong is considered one of the great fusion bands of the late 70s. Recording guests included icons like Mick Taylor, Steve Winwood and Didier Lockwood. International touring soon secured Hansford a place among the world’s leading bass players and work with Mike Oldfield, Allan Holdsworth, John Martyn, Biréli Lagrène, La Monte Young, David “Fuze” Fiuczynski, Gary Husband etc Hansford, with Warwick bass guitars and guitarist Jon Catler developed the first Just Intonation bass. He is considered an expert in the use of alternate tuning systems. His last record is Decadence by Gong Expresso.

Tao Guitars was founded by Belgian luthier duo Serge Michiels and John Joveniaux in Brussels in 2004. The boutique builders collaborate closely with customers to perfectly outfit guitars to the individual and since the two luthiers handcraft all of the instruments by themselves they limit their output to just a few instruments per year. Infused by a deep sense of design and inspired by architecture, Italian auto design and Japanese aesthetics, Tao’s work is a perfect balance between functionality, tone and adventurous design. For more on Tao Guitars, please visit: http://www.taoguitars.com/.

HR Superleggera Bass by Tao Guitars

• Lightweight Swamp Ash body
• Neck-through of Bosnian maple with a Wenge center (tinted black)
• Wenge fingerboard with brushed aluminum fret marker inlays
• Custom proprietary Benedetti pickups
• Proprietary aircraft-grade brushed aluminum hardware
• Circular graining of electronics box aluminum lining
• Modified Hipshot lightweight tuners
• Proprietary titanium truss rod by KTS Japan (single bar, double action)
• Fret and nut material 18% Nickel / Silver (Maillechort – copper, nickel, and zinc)
• Paint: Lamborghini Oro Elios
• Scale: 34.5”
• String spacing at nut: 9mm
• String spacing at bridge: 17mm
• Fingerboard radius: 14”
• Weight: 7.8lbs
• Price: 14,000 Euros

For more information: www.hansfordrowe.com

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

Blues Guitarist Brandon Teskey To Release Second Solo Album “Screaming Into The Void” November 25, 2021

Brandon Teskey is a blues guitarist, known most notably as the guitar player and songwriter of the blues rock band, Until the Sun. His music includes and often fuses elements of Blues, Fusion, Alternative Rock, Psychedelia, and Jazz.

Brandon’s forthcoming second solo album titled “Screaming Into The Void’ is an eclectic array of blues, rock, fusion, jazz, psychedelic, and alternative music that spans throughout an album with surprising twists and turns. Discontent with tired formulas, or being confined to a single genre, Brandon Teskey finds creative freedom in an album that breaks all the rules and lets the truth of the music speak for itself. Though the album features two songs with Brandon singing, and two songs with Alyssa Swartz (Until the Sun) singing, the mostly instrumental guitar driven album delves into a variety of styles exploring the expanse of musicianship and virtuosity the players have to offer.

Says Brandon, “I strove to create true musical artwork that spoke for itself. It encompassed many of my favorite musical genres, while still staying true to my blues rock roots.”

The album was recorded at Mind’s Eye Studio in Glendale Arizona. It was produced by Brandon Teskey and engineered by Larry Elyea. There are twelve tracks on the album. Most of the songs are original, however, it does feature a few covers including, “Side Tracked” by Freddy King, “Equinox” by John Coltrane, and “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma and Jacques Prevert.

Brandon assembled a world class group of musicians to play on the project. The personnel includes: Brandon Teskey, on Guitar and Vocals, Chris Tex (Until the Sun), on Drums, Jon Nadel (Marbin) on Bass, Will Kyriazis on Keyboard, Danny Markovitch (Marbin) on Saxophone and Alyssa Swartz on Vocals.

Brandon Teskey was born and raised in Southern California. At age 11 he began playing guitar and was exposed to Blues music shortly thereafter and became consumed with the playing of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Albert King, Robert Johnson, Albert Collins, and T-Bone Walker, as well as Rock artists like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Eric Johnson. Along with his obsession with guitar playing also came the obsession of songwriting and almost as soon as he had picked up the instrument, he began coming up with chord progressions and penning lyrics.

By the time Brandon was 15 years old, he had joined an established blues band with some members forty years his senior and by the time he was 16, he had played the prominent San Juan Capistrano venue, The Coach House, where he had seen many of his idols play as a kid. Brandon further developed his playing, becoming intrigued with the technical and harmonic sophistication of players like Scott Henderson, Robben Ford, and John Scofield and began studying the works of Jazz musicians like Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, and Joe Pass.

Brandon moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University in the summer of 2003, studying Music and Philosophy. While attending ASU, he met Bruce Jensen where they formed their first Rock band, playing gigs all across the Phoenix valley. In 2011 Brandon and Bruce formed bluesy hard rock band ‘Corium’. The band released an EP and opened for many national performers across Arizona.

In 2017, Brandon released “The Chime”, a solo rock instrumental album which combined influences of Rock, Delta Blues, Electronic Rock, and Jazz. The same year Brandon, along with other bandmates, formed ‘Until the Sun’, which allowed Brandon to return to his Blues-Rock roots and opened new doors of creativity in his song writing and playing. In 2019 Until the Sun released their debut album, “Blackheart”, followed by their 2021 album, “Drowning in Blue”. Throughout 2021 Until the Sun played numerous shows and went on some small tours, despite the Covid lockdown.

In June of 2021, Brandon began recording his second solo album, “Screaming Into The Void”. Throughout the recording process, he pushed himself to the limits of his playing ability and the boundaries of his creativity to make true musical art. The mostly instrumental album defies the genre boundaries and includes rock, blues, fusion, psychedelic and jazz songs. Says Brandon, “I pushed myself beyond the limits of my playing and writing ability.”

To purchase:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1590500629?ls=1&app=itunes
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1590500629

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brandon-Teskey/100050206731848/

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

Elton John Guitar Legend Davey Johnstone To Release First Single ‘Melting Snow” From Forthcoming Solo Album!

• Brand new solo album from long-term Elton John guitarist Davey Johnstone

• Recorded during the pandemic hiatus that postponed Elton John’s Farewell Tour

• A personal triumph following his debut “Smiling Face” some 48 years after its 1973 release.

Davey Johnstone has been Elton John’s guitarist for 50 years. He has also played with Alice Cooper, John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, Lenny Kravitz and many, many more! In his role as Music Director he will resume the hugely successful Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with Elton and the band in January 2022.

Davey is releasing the first single “Melting Snow” from his forthcoming solo album “Deeper Than My Roots”!
Watch the video for “Melting Snow”: 

During the COVID-19 recess, Davey has recorded an album utilizing the incredible talents of his children, plus a few close friends. The album has a wide range and crosses genres.

Elliot, the youngest Johnstone, is lead vocalist on the record, with Davey supplying one lead vocal himself. Charlie Johnstone recorded many of the basic tracks at their home in California. Charlie also supplied keyboard and background vocal parts. Jesse Johnstone played drums remotely from his home in L.A. Jesse also joined his father and eldest sibling Tam Johnstone, on writing, recording and producing the album’s two instrumentals, “Black Scotland” and “Walt Dizney”. The beautiful artwork for the sleeve was conceived and designed by Juliet Johnstone.

Denny Seiwell, the legendary drummer from Paul McCartney and Wings helped out on three tracks, and Nigel Olsson supplied drums on “Melting Snow”.

Much of the recording was done by Major Wynn at Marlon Hoffman’s Kenrose Studio in California.

Davey Johnstone’s forthcoming full-length album titled “Deeper Than My Roots” will be available on Spirit of Unicorn Records in January 2022.

For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/johnstonedavey
https://www.facebook.com/SpiritOfUnicornMusic

To Pre-order Davey Johnstone’s “Deeper Than My Roots” CD: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/the-davey-johnstone-band-deeper-than-my-roots/

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

Italian Guitarist/Songwriter Marco Mattei To Release Debut Solo Album “Out of Control” Feat. Tony Levin, Jerry Marotta, Pat Mastelotto, and Chad Wackerman!

Italian guitarist/songwriter Marco Mattei unveils his first solo album, an original mix of prog-rock, dream-pop, folk and world music entitled “Out of Control” on 7D Media/Third Star Records on November 19, 2021.

Featuring Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel), Fabio Trentini (Le Orme, Markus Reuter), Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Hall & Oates), Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, XTC), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth), Clive Deamer (Portishead, Radiohead, Robert Plant)

“Out of Control” is a multi-facet collection of intense, emotional songs. Marco creates a multi-layered, original sound utilizing a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars together with guitar loops, bouzouki and resonator guitars, supported by lifelong friends and globally acclaimed musicians. The musical texture is further enriched with a variety of acoustic/ethnic instruments such as Irish whistle, flute, fiddle, mandolin, pedal steel guitar, sitar and tambura played by a collection of musicians from all parts of the world.

The lyrics of this concept album revolve around things we cannot control such as the place and time we are born, the color of our skin or the people we meet during our life.

Says Marco, “Yes, this is a concept album about things we cannot control. The key insight is the realization that many aspects of what we perceive to be defining our identity are not under our control. And the main message is that this realization should lead to a change of perspective: as we put ourselves in other people’s shoes, we allow ourselves to become more open and empathic. The other aspect of it is that we cannot control the hand we are dealt with, but we can surely decide how to play it. Beside my passion for music, spreading this message of empathy and inclusion is one of the things that motivates me.”

Marco Mattei was born and raised in Civitavecchia, Italy. Very passionate about music from an early age, as a teenager he studied jazz guitar with Max Rosati while developing a deep interest in the creative vision and complexity of prog rock music. He joined DeBlaise, a new prog local band, contributing to the songwriting of their EP “By Common Consent” and to many years of live music. He also co-founded “The Snowdogs” a Rush tribute band.

As he earned his master’s degree in Electronics and MBA, he also developed an interest in sound engineering and design and attended advanced audio engineering and music production programs. Marco lived in six different countries in three different continents, exploring cultural differences, picking up musical influences and learning the value of diversity. He currently lives in the USA and continues to explore different musical styles as a composer, musician and producer, collaborating with artists from all around the world.

In closing Marco has this to impart, “Listen to the album multiple times and you will keep finding new dimensions to it. Pay attention to the lyrics and consider the perspective that, as we realize that many aspects of what we perceive to be defining our own identity are not under our control, we should tend to be more tolerant, empathic, and inclusive.”

“Out of Control” will appeal to listeners of Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Paul Simon.

Track list
1. WOULD I BE ME
2. PICTURE IN A FRAME
3. MORE INTENSE
4. I'LL BE BORN
5. LULLABY FOR YOU
6. ANYMORE
7. TOMORROW
8. VOID
9. ON YOUR SIDE
10. AFTER TOMORROW
11. HIDDEN GEMS
12. GONE

Released November 19, 2021

Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Guitar Loops, Resonator, Bouzouki, Electric Bass, Bowed Electric Bass, Vocals, Shaker, Electronic and Acoustic Percussion, Samples and Programming: Marco Mattei
Vocals: Dave Bond (1,3,9), Matthew Brown (2), Felix Brandt (4,5), Barak Seguin (6), Richard Farrell (8)
Drums and Percussion: Jerry Marotta (1,9,11), Pat Mastelotto (2), Chad Wackerman (8), Clive Deamer (3), Matt Crain (6), Gianni Pierannunzio (7), Salvatore Mennella (12), Matilde Mattei (Shaker on 7)
Bass: Tony Levin (1,2,9), Fabio Trentini (8), Gabriele Bibbi Ferrari (12)
Duilio Galioto: Synths, Moog, Wurlitzer, Piano, Mellotron (3,8,9)
Paolo Gianfrate: Keyboards (6)
Dave Bond: Mandolin (1)
Marco Planells: Sitar (1)
Paul Johnson: Flute and Whistle (4)
Diederik van den Brandt: Pedal Steel (5)
Rob Wakefield : Violin (5)
Max Rosati: Lead Electric Guitar (8)
Mauro Munzi: Reverse Piano (9)

All tracks written by Marco Mattei, except for “Gone” by Andy Timmons.

Recorded in many corners of the world including Italy, the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, India and the United States.

Mixed by Marco Mattei, except for:
Would I be me, mixed by Jeff Jacobs and Marco Mattei
More Intense, mixed by Chris Brown and Marco Mattei

Mastered by Marco Mattei except for Void, mastered by Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios

Produced by Marco Mattei

Third Star Records
A Division of 7D Media
Seattle, WA

To pre-order: https://marcomattei.art/music/out-of-control/

For more information: www.marcomattei.art

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

Guitarist Vinnie Moore Releases New Video “Kung Fu Grip” From Latest Album “Soul Shifter”

Guitarist Vinnie Moore, best known for his solo albums and work with rock icons UFO, has released a new video titled “Kung Fu Grip” from his latest album “Soul Shifter”!

Says Vinnie, “This is one of my funkier and playful songs. Making this video was some of the most fun ever. Scott Johnson from Rock Titan TV filmed and put this video together for me. Our goal for this was to be as cheesy and funny as possible. I showed my absolute mastery of nun chucks, swords, and kicks in this vid. hahaha.”

Watch the video: 

The follow up to Vinnie’s critically acclaimed 2015 “AERIAL VISIONS” album was released at the end of 2019, on his label Mind's Eye Music. Titled “Soul Shifter,” Vinnie's 9th solo album features guest appearances by legendary artists Rudy Sarzo and Jordan Rudess, with Richie Monica on drums, Michael Bean (bassist from Vinnie’s “TIME ODYSSEY” album), Randy McStine on Bass, John Cassidy (Keyboards), and John Pessoni (Drums).

Vinnie is considered one of the originators of shred guitar, and has released eight influential solo albums, and six albums and a LIVE DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO. He’s made countless album guest appearances, and has even recorded the soundtrack for a PEPSI TV commercial. He’s been a member of Alice Cooper’s band and was the opening act for RUSH on their ROLL THE BONES tour with his own band. His solo and UFO recordings as well as LIVE performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, catapulting him into guitar icon distinction! He has been an inspiration for fans and guitarists worldwide.

To order “Soul Shifter”:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1479017115?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1479017115

Find Vinnie Online:
www.vinniemoore.com
https://www.facebook.com/Vinnie.Moore.Official
https://www.facebook.com/vinniemooreofficialfanpage/
https://www.instagram.com/vinnie_moore_guitarist/
https://twitter.com/Vinnie_Moore
http://ufo-music.info/

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

Guitarist Vinnie Moore Releases New Video “Kung Fu Grip” From Latest Album “Soul Shifter”

Guitarist Vinnie Moore, best known for his solo albums and work with rock icons UFO, has released a new video titled “Kung Fu Grip” from his latest album “Soul Shifter”!

Says Vinnie, “This is one of my funkier and playful songs. Making this video was some of the most fun ever. Scott Johnson from Rock Titan TV filmed and put this video together for me. Our goal for this was to be as cheesy and funny as possible. I showed my absolute mastery of nun chucks, swords, and kicks in this vid. hahaha.”

Watch the video: 

The follow up to Vinnie’s critically acclaimed 2015 “AERIAL VISIONS” album was released at the end of 2019, on his label Mind's Eye Music. Titled “Soul Shifter,” Vinnie's 9th solo album features guest appearances by legendary artists Rudy Sarzo and Jordan Rudess, with Richie Monica on drums, Michael Bean (bassist from Vinnie’s “TIME ODYSSEY” album), Randy McStine on Bass, John Cassidy (Keyboards), and John Pessoni (Drums).

Vinnie is considered one of the originators of shred guitar, and has released eight influential solo albums, and six albums and a LIVE DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO. He’s made countless album guest appearances, and has even recorded the soundtrack for a PEPSI TV commercial. He’s been a member of Alice Cooper’s band and was the opening act for RUSH on their ROLL THE BONES tour with his own band. His solo and UFO recordings as well as LIVE performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, catapulting him into guitar icon distinction! He has been an inspiration for fans and guitarists worldwide.

To order “Soul Shifter”:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1479017115?ls=1&app=itunes
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1479017115

Find Vinnie Online:
www.vinniemoore.com
https://www.facebook.com/Vinnie.Moore.Official
https://www.facebook.com/vinniemooreofficialfanpage/
https://www.instagram.com/vinnie_moore_guitarist/
https://twitter.com/Vinnie_Moore
http://ufo-music.info/

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

Guitarists Jon Durant & Stephan Thelen Team Up For An International Musical Conversation “Crossings”

An intercontinental guitar dialogue

Swiss guitarist Stephan Thelen and his American counterpart Jon Durant have teamed up for an international musical conversation. The pair conceived and executed the album “Crossings” during the Covid lockdowns of 2020. Each working in his own home studio, Thelen on Lake Zürich, Durant on the Willamette River, the pair fell into a remarkable sense of shared purpose as they developed the seven tracks that comprise the album. While the album was entirely done with guitars (and one bass part), there are frequent trips into sonic spheres that bear little resemblance to the traditional sounds of the instrument they share.

Following on from Durant’s work on Thelen’s “Fractal Guitar 2,” the pair began the work as a project for a sampler project that MoonJune Records were to release. Those plans were scrapped but the two had so enjoyed the process that they began to explore more pieces together. Thelen noted: “In April 2020, during the lockdown, I immediately thought of doing a duo with Jon. I decided to revisit the title track from my 2004 solo album, 'Vol de Nuit', which we recorded as a homage to two of our favorite guitarists, Robert Fripp and Terje Rypdal.”

The album contains a series of musical dialogues, often begun with Thelen’s polymetric guitar loops, which allowed Durant a wide range of options for textural and lead work, notably his expressive fretless and colorful electric 12 string playing on the title track, “Crossings.” The sublime “Sunrise” features Durant’s cloud guitar drifting above Thelen’s hypnotic minimalist patterns before the deeply emotional lift of fretless lead towards the end. The darker hued “Dream Sequence” and “Infinity” showcase the two guitarists’ textural soundscaping, with the former offering a nod towards innovative trumpeter/composer Jon Hassell.

Durant commented, “Working with Stephan offers me a chance to explore in ways I wouldn’t necessarily do on my own, and it challenges me to step up my game and let my playing be more extroverted.” Thelen added, “We did a lot of file sharing, and I was very pleased at incredibly good, fast, and reliable working with Jon was.”

“Crossings” will be released June 11, 2021 on Alchemy Records.

For North America:
https://jondurant.bandcamp.com/

For Europe:
https://stephanthelen.bandcamp.com/

About the artists:

Innovative guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive “cloud guitar” soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks and his very distinctive use of fretless guitar has been widely admired.

Durant has previously released 10 solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree). Durant has also been featured on the Astarta / Edwin album which was released in 2016. Durant, Colin Edwin and Ukranian singer Inna Kovtun released a CD in 2019 which featured a completely unique and modern take on traditional Ukranian folk music, with a blend of progressive rock, ambient, and pop elements.

Durant’s acclaimed 2018 solo release “Parting Is” was his first ‘solo guitar’ recording and the follow up solo guitar album “Alternate Landscapes” continued to stretch the boundaries of what a guitar record can sound like. Both solo CDs have been nominated for “Best Ambient Album” in US new age radio publications, while “Alternate Landscapes” also spent multiple weeks at the top of the NACC Chill Charts. In 2020, Durant released the well received duo album “Across the Evening” with Estonian guitarist Robert Jürjendal as well as his most recent solo album, “Soul of a River” (Myndstream Records) which featured Jon playing guitars and piano. In addition, Durant released a pair of recordings with keyboardist and Brian Eno collaborator Peter Chilvers, “Always Golden Sands” and “Vista” at the end of 2020 and start of 2021.

Stephan Thelen was born in Santa Rosa, California, where he spent his first ten years. He then moved with his family to Switzerland, where he still lives. After studying mathematics and music at the University of Zürich, he attended several Guitar Craft courses under the direction of King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, closely studied the music of Béla Bartók and Steve Reich, and eventually concentrated on studying  polymetrical music.

As a guitarist and composer, he has worked and recorded with many internationally acclaimed musicians including Bill Laswell, Henry Kaiser, David Torn, Markus Reuter, Eivind Aarset, Hans Koch and Irene Schweizer. He has composed music for many ensembles, most notably the Kronos Quartet, from which he received a commission in 2016 to compose a piece for their “50 for the Future” program: https://www.50ftf.kronosquartet.org/composers/stephan-thelen

He is founder, guitarist and main composer for SONAR, an internationally acclaimed Swiss quartet, that specializes in minimalistic and polymetrical rock music that uses a unique tuning called the tritone tuning. SONAR has recorded five studio albums, the latest two (“Vortex” and “Tranceportation” with David Torn on RareNoiseRecords). He has recently released “World Dialogue,” an album of string quartets on RareNoiseRecords, and “Fractal Guitar 2” on Moonjune Records.

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

Jazz-Fusion Guitarist Gerald Gradwohl To Release 6th Album “Episode 6” April 16 2020

Working at the highest international level of quality has always been a fundamental characteristic of the Gerald Gradwohl Group. He collaborated with Bob Berg, Gary Willis, Kirk Covington, Adam Nitti amongst others. Rooted in the quartet’s own unique approach to instrumental fusion, their sixth album “Episode 6” is a celebration of improvisation set within an exciting and colorful, sonic landscape of imposing compositions. As we have come to know from guitarist and composer Gerald Gradwohl, he continues to work with musicians who, aside from their extraordinary instrumental skills, also bring maturity and creative drive into both concert and recording situations.

“Episode 6” is no exception. Gradwohl’s sophisticated and stylistically diverse instrumental compositions conceptualize exciting musical interactions, and his approach not only continues to keep live recordings fresh and challenging but also fosters the intuition and spontaneity of the musicians, all consolidating the band’s highly dynamic sound. Gerald Gradwohl (g), Thomas Kugi (sax), Jojo Lackner (b) und Harald Tanschek (dr) have once again proved themselves to be an exceptional ensemble, unifying dynamic and intimate musicality with artistic intuition and emotional depth.  

Says Gerald, “Goal of the album was to capture the live sound of this steadily gigging band. We play live with this line up since years which of course influenced my writing a lot. The sound of the live band was the main inspiration, but I also tried to capture the existing vibes during the lockdown. My plan was to work on an album in 2021, but as the pandemic changed all plans and schedules, I preponed this project and finished the song ideas I already had during April/May…We recorded 2 days live as a quartet in one room and added a few overdubs later, so the result is as it would sound live. Recording live is one of my main concepts since years as all the records I made are some kind of snapshots. Moreover, I don’t like to make everything perfect - I love the idea that the listener can feel the energy and spirit of playing together as it would be onstage.”

When looking for terms and names to describe the band, the attempt will leave you with a wide spectrum between jazz and fusion music focusing on grooving funk with a strong “Rock ‘N’ Roll Attitude” mixed with Jazz harmony to fierce discharging jazz rock storms. There is no arbitrariness in this wide array of musical styles and influences, as the band selected team players from the international jazz/fusion scene – renders the stringent compositions in a committed and playfully individual manner, putting its high-quality inventive signature to the music and derives its uniqueness and independence from a sure, pro-active and listening interaction of experienced musician personalities. Gradwohl can jump into and out of the stylistic changes like a true chameleon. He has ventured further into exploratory fusion on this effort than on any of his previous efforts.  Having the support and backing of the great rhythm section has really made this venture for Gradwohl into tribal funk fusion a viable effort of world class caliber. GG pulls all the stops of his musical skills. “As much composition as necessary and as much improvisation as possible” seems to be the dogma and the point of view of fusion-music of today for this worldwide known and acknowledged composer and performer, living in Wr. Neustadt, Austria. The great variety in composition and playing will not only fascinate Jazz and Fusion lovers - watch out for exciting live gigs!  

The album “ABQ” (2003) feat. Bob Berg, Gary Willis and Kirk Covington was a big step in Gerald’s international career. Several albums and live tours have been the result of his continuous work. 2007 “Tritone Barrier” is released. On this album Scott Henderson contributes a guest solo on the track “Jeff's Back.” This album is followed by “Sally Beth Roe” in 2009 which he recorded with his Trio - this is a real guitar trio record! In 2013 Gerald released “Big Land” feat. Tribal Tech drummer Kirk Covington on drums. “RAW” (2016) is a critically acclaimed masterpiece of Jazz and Rock music and is the first release with his current band. The band is touring regularly and releases the new album “Episode 6” in April 2021!

Says Gerald, “I hope we can present the album live as soon as possible. My main goal is to bring the Quartet to as many festivals as possible, as we really ‘burn’ onstage. My next project is already in the works - I want to prove that it is possible to do a ‘remote’ recording by sending files back and forth and still creating a live atmosphere almost as we would play together in a room. I already did a few tunes with Kirk Covington and Adam Nitti and hope that I can finish this in 2021!”

Gerald Gradwohl Group:
Gerald Gradwohl - guitar
Thomas Kugi - sax
Jojo Lackner - bass
Harald Tanschek  - drums

Here’s what the press has said about Gerald Gradwohl:

“Gerald Gradwohl is a serious, progressive jazz guitarist who spans a range of styles and influences within multiple jazzish genres from silky smooth jazz to rip-roaring fusion, always with intensive guitar work.” -  EER Music

“A guitarist of extraordinary depth and sensitivity. Gradwohl plays with the same kind of abandon as Scott Henderson, and is able to portray the same gracefulness as Frank Gambale, showing a solid command for his jazz meets rock guitar stylings.” - Jazz.com

“If you want your jazz rock fusion hard hitting and rough, yet well balanced and without the blinding restlessness of shredding, look no further.” - FUSENET

“A highly skilled soloist, Gradwohl’s style combines the hip lines of a jazz player, with the technical proclivities of a shredder.” - The Guitar Channel

Gerald Gradwohl Group “Episode 6” Released on April 6, 2021 Label: gtone211  

To purchase: http://brokensilence.de/lnk/episode6/

For more information:
www.gradwohl.at
www.facebook.com/geraldgradwohlofficial
www.instagram.com/geraldgradwohl
www.twitter.com/gtone2700
www.youtube.com/geraldgradwohlmusic

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

Jazz-Fusion Guitarist Gerald Gradwohl To Release 6th Album “Episode 6” April 16 2020

Working at the highest international level of quality has always been a fundamental characteristic of the Gerald Gradwohl Group. He collaborated with Bob Berg, Gary Willis, Kirk Covington, Adam Nitti amongst others. Rooted in the quartet’s own unique approach to instrumental fusion, their sixth album “Episode 6” is a celebration of improvisation set within an exciting and colorful, sonic landscape of imposing compositions. As we have come to know from guitarist and composer Gerald Gradwohl, he continues to work with musicians who, aside from their extraordinary instrumental skills, also bring maturity and creative drive into both concert and recording situations.

“Episode 6” is no exception. Gradwohl’s sophisticated and stylistically diverse instrumental compositions conceptualize exciting musical interactions, and his approach not only continues to keep live recordings fresh and challenging but also fosters the intuition and spontaneity of the musicians, all consolidating the band’s highly dynamic sound. Gerald Gradwohl (g), Thomas Kugi (sax), Jojo Lackner (b) und Harald Tanschek (dr) have once again proved themselves to be an exceptional ensemble, unifying dynamic and intimate musicality with artistic intuition and emotional depth.  

Says Gerald, “Goal of the album was to capture the live sound of this steadily gigging band. We play live with this line up since years which of course influenced my writing a lot. The sound of the live band was the main inspiration, but I also tried to capture the existing vibes during the lockdown. My plan was to work on an album in 2021, but as the pandemic changed all plans and schedules, I preponed this project and finished the song ideas I already had during April/May…We recorded 2 days live as a quartet in one room and added a few overdubs later, so the result is as it would sound live. Recording live is one of my main concepts since years as all the records I made are some kind of snapshots. Moreover, I don’t like to make everything perfect - I love the idea that the listener can feel the energy and spirit of playing together as it would be onstage.”

When looking for terms and names to describe the band, the attempt will leave you with a wide spectrum between jazz and fusion music focusing on grooving funk with a strong “Rock ‘N’ Roll Attitude” mixed with Jazz harmony to fierce discharging jazz rock storms. There is no arbitrariness in this wide array of musical styles and influences, as the band selected team players from the international jazz/fusion scene – renders the stringent compositions in a committed and playfully individual manner, putting its high-quality inventive signature to the music and derives its uniqueness and independence from a sure, pro-active and listening interaction of experienced musician personalities. Gradwohl can jump into and out of the stylistic changes like a true chameleon. He has ventured further into exploratory fusion on this effort than on any of his previous efforts.  Having the support and backing of the great rhythm section has really made this venture for Gradwohl into tribal funk fusion a viable effort of world class caliber. GG pulls all the stops of his musical skills. “As much composition as necessary and as much improvisation as possible” seems to be the dogma and the point of view of fusion-music of today for this worldwide known and acknowledged composer and performer, living in Wr. Neustadt, Austria. The great variety in composition and playing will not only fascinate Jazz and Fusion lovers - watch out for exciting live gigs!  

The album “ABQ” (2003) feat. Bob Berg, Gary Willis and Kirk Covington was a big step in Gerald’s international career. Several albums and live tours have been the result of his continuous work. 2007 “Tritone Barrier” is released. On this album Scott Henderson contributes a guest solo on the track “Jeff's Back.” This album is followed by “Sally Beth Roe” in 2009 which he recorded with his Trio - this is a real guitar trio record! In 2013 Gerald released “Big Land” feat. Tribal Tech drummer Kirk Covington on drums. “RAW” (2016) is a critically acclaimed masterpiece of Jazz and Rock music and is the first release with his current band. The band is touring regularly and releases the new album “Episode 6” in April 2021!

Says Gerald, “I hope we can present the album live as soon as possible. My main goal is to bring the Quartet to as many festivals as possible, as we really ‘burn’ onstage. My next project is already in the works - I want to prove that it is possible to do a ‘remote’ recording by sending files back and forth and still creating a live atmosphere almost as we would play together in a room. I already did a few tunes with Kirk Covington and Adam Nitti and hope that I can finish this in 2021!”

Gerald Gradwohl Group:
Gerald Gradwohl - guitar
Thomas Kugi - sax
Jojo Lackner - bass
Harald Tanschek  - drums

Here’s what the press has said about Gerald Gradwohl:

“Gerald Gradwohl is a serious, progressive jazz guitarist who spans a range of styles and influences within multiple jazzish genres from silky smooth jazz to rip-roaring fusion, always with intensive guitar work.” -  EER Music

“A guitarist of extraordinary depth and sensitivity. Gradwohl plays with the same kind of abandon as Scott Henderson, and is able to portray the same gracefulness as Frank Gambale, showing a solid command for his jazz meets rock guitar stylings.” - Jazz.com

“If you want your jazz rock fusion hard hitting and rough, yet well balanced and without the blinding restlessness of shredding, look no further.” - FUSENET

“A highly skilled soloist, Gradwohl’s style combines the hip lines of a jazz player, with the technical proclivities of a shredder.” - The Guitar Channel

Gerald Gradwohl Group “Episode 6” Released on April 6, 2021 Label: gtone211  

To purchase: http://brokensilence.de/lnk/episode6/

For more information:
www.gradwohl.at
www.facebook.com/geraldgradwohlofficial
www.instagram.com/geraldgradwohl
www.twitter.com/gtone2700
www.youtube.com/geraldgradwohlmusic

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