Multi talented Neil C Young releases instrumental EP 'ReWorks Vol.4 Pt 1'

 

There must be something about people with the name Neil Young that makes them instantly legends. Multi-talented artist Neil C Young has been involved in making music since the young age of 4 years old. Having played in and studied orchestral music, Neil discovered and embraced composition, arranging and improvising in his late teens. Returning with new project ‘ReWorks Vol.4 Pt.1’, Neil’s new release puts his own twist on already classic tracks.

Speaking about the spinetingling version of Alice in Chains’ ‘Them Bones’, Neil states, “When I heard it for the first time, the power and energy hit me immediately. Having that ringing around my head for years led me to create an arrangement for my fusion trio. I wanted to keep the drive of the original but to add some of our/my influences into it, notably the harmony of the original chorus where I got a suggestion of latin harmony from, which I’ve tried to play on in our arrangement”.

The lyrical content is something I am fully aware of and have always accepted life has an end and we can't do anything about that fact so the emotional aspect is something that I've tried to maintain but, as in life, there are emotional moments along the way we can't deny.”

Based in the UK, Neil’s jazz guitar work is best described as effortlessly original. Fuelled with soul and energy with every arrangement that he creates, it’ll come as no surprise that Neil has received praise from the likes of US Magazine ‘Just Jazz Guitar Magazine’ and the ‘Musicians Union’. Having worked with and played alongside many artists such as Nick Blacka (GoGo Penguin), Nathan Bray (Guy Barker, Ronnie Scotts Big Band), Soweto Kinch, Wendy Kirkland (Piano Divas), Ben Crosland (Jim Mullen, Rod Mason, John Etheridge) and Gary Boyle (Isotope) to name a few.

Adding to the project, Neil shares, “The reason it's called Vol.4 Pt.1 is due to two earlier 4 track EPs or 'ReWorked' being completed on commission for a record company who took the music for their own playlist rather than under my name and Vol.3 was a solo guitar set

Various Artists Review: Morning Café

Release Date: May 21, 2021

Label: Domo Records

Website

 

If you take a look at the cover of Domo Records' upcoming release Morning Café, one may say it “Looks Like Heaven.” And it does if you enjoy a nice latte and some kickback music to chill and start your day. That is the title of one of many tracks to take a deep dive into. In actuality this is music for any time, it is all very flexible and worthy of a listen to enliven your spirit.

If variety is truly the spice of life then this compilation defines that very meaning of spice and diversity on one recording. If you are a listener that likes the expectation of something new and different coming with each track then you will love this! Also, if you happen to enjoy being totally immersed in the sounds, this is the kind of varietal selection that will get you on that course rather quickly.

The previously mentioned track “Looks Like Heaven” inspired me. There can be heaven right here on earth. We don’t have to wait until we die to experience that.  

Luis Villegas starts off your first sip with “Noches Guitanas.” The worldly beats and Latino guitar expressions are colorful and vibrant, full of the life that another country or culture can bring to a listener. I thought it was an excellent way to start things off. Personally, I love instrumental music, particularly on guitar with a Latin spark to get your inner spirit aroused and the blood pumping into your veins for a shot of energy. Later into this compilation, you get much of the same with Benedetti & Svoboda on their tasteful flight “Moresca.”

Prior to all of that entertainment, there is so much variety and styles that you are bound to find some things you like. I found I enjoyed every track with varying degrees of interest. I appreciated each one as standalone work of art, as one should on such an impressive gathering of talent on one recording. The idea here is to take an adventure into the label to see all the work by each artist.

Dave Eggar’s “Follow Me To The Sun” is about as different as things can get on one compilation, with a funky beat and a little bit of new-age rap if you will. The bass is particularly good on the track. “Low Pass Dub” by Peas is quite unusual as well, I liked it quite a bit. It is original with a great mixture of sounds and a steady irresistible beat. It is hard to classify or put into a box, which makes it that much more engaging from where I sit. Lots of funky bass lines again lead the way into several transitions to enlighten the soul.

Dino Malito continues your travels with “Tienshan.” This is guitar-based with a bottom layer of steady playing with some beautiful lines on top of it to draw you in. It is mesmerizing, like a walk along the shoreline at around sunset and the feeling of peace and absolute serenity the sound of the waves can give you. This is a form of beauty set to music that will bring lovely visions of solace to your mind with very little effort. You can relax and let the music lead you into the story in your mind’s eye. The sound of the guitar has a surf music tone to it so that is why my vision came to life while listening.

Morning Café is eleven tracks of instrumental bliss for the listeners with a diverse palette ready to get a taste of everything on the menu. And of course, the latte is pertinent to get you in the right frame of mind to discover all the enjoyment and the fragrances and tastes it has to offer. So, are you ready to place your order while you enjoy your morning or evening cup of instrumental bliss?

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net
March 30, 2021 

Tracks:

01. Luis Villegas - Noches Guitanas
02. Dave Eggar - Earth's Paradise
03. Peas - Looks Like Heaven
04. Luna - Alone In Kyoto
05. Dave Eggar - Follow Me To The Sun
06. Tao Of Sound - The Field
07. Benedetti & Svoboda – Moresca
08. Luna - Back To You
09. Peas - Low Pass Dub
10. Dino Malito – Tienshan
11. Steve Anderson - Beau Soir, L. 6

Henry Rollins/David Bowie Guitarist Chris Haskett To Release New Instrumental EP "Insufficient Necessities" on November 15th

Chris Haskett is a Grammy-nominated American guitar player mainly known for his time in the Rollins Band in the 1980s and 90s. After eight albums, Chris is releasing an instrumental EP of original tunes, “Insufficient Necessities,” primarily featuring his European band (Mike Baker of DC go-go band Rare Essence does bass duties on the opening song “Going Back”) on November 15, 2019. The emphasis is decidedly on funk with nods to Chris's hometown go-go scene as well as New Orleans second-line grooves.

As on his other releases, Chris looks to strike a fragile balance of technique, tonal color and letting “interesting accidents” find their way in to the music. He wears his influences on his sleeve, and echoes of Beck, Ribot and Richard Thompson all peek through at various points. As he says himself, “I think I like things to teeter between being fluidly funky and a little fractured too.I'm hard to categorize because I straddle a kind of venn diagram/middle ground where hard rock meets downtown avant garde (with a little bit of 'Dark Star' sprinkled on top).”

The recordings are a mix of both studio and concert multi-track recordings re-edited and overdubbed, sometimes in the studio and sometimes in the concert venue. The four originals on this EP are part of a much larger batch of recordings. The rest, an eclectic collection of covers, are due for release in 2020.



Most of Chris's early life was spent in Washington DC though, by chance, he was living in the UK just as punk was breaking in 1977. The rule-breaking freedom offered by punk had a profound influence on him and remained with him on his return to the US in 1978. His first band, the Enzymes, synthesized diverse influences from both the early punk/no-wave scene as well as the avant-garde and free jazz musics of the time. This overlap of influences reluctance to be pigeonholed has been a constant throughout his career.

Moving back to England in 1980 brought him into collaborations with the Birthday Party's Rowland S. Howard and for Public Image bassist Jah Wobble. It was also during this time that he reestablished contact with old DC friend Henry Rollins who was then singing in Black Flag. When Black Flag broke up in 1986, Rollins immediately suggested they do a project together. The result was the genesis of the Rollins Band. Over the following ten years, the band became known for uniquely powerful, uncompromising hard rock that spanned and yet stood apart from both the grunge and metal scenes of the era. After ten albums, a Grammy nomination and nearly a thousand concerts across the globe, the band members decided to part ways in 1997.

Even in the midst of the Rollins Band's punishing schedule Chris found time for instrumental side projects. In 1995 he released “Language,” a mix of angular acoustic guitar pieces and musique concrête that also featured duets with Rowland S Howard. 1997's “Non-Fiction” was a collaboration with Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers drummer Brandon Finley. This electric guitar album incorporated DC's signature go-go beats alongside a clear influence of both Zappa and Sonny Sharrock. The subsequent releases, “Not Part of the Solution” (2002), “The Return of the Geary Act” (2004), “Maybe Definitely” (2012), “Gravity:Left/Right” (2013), “The Courage Born of Conflicting Terrors” (2014) and last year's “Comprovisations in Linear B,” all defy easy categorization but share a distinctive musical sensibility: funky, angular, lyrical and unpredictable.

In 1999 Chris was hired by David Bowie who said he was looking forward to Chris's “nose bleedingly hostile” guitar to complement Reeves Gabrels for an upcoming tour. The planned tour got sidelined but Chris can be heard alongside Reeves on Bowie's “Hours” album.

Aside from numerous concerts fronting his own bands in the US, Europe and Australia, some of Chris's other touring and performance credits include Steven Brown (Tuxedomoon), The Cassandra Complex, Elliott Sharp, Reeves Gabrels, Pigface, Chris D (Divine Horsemen), Utah Saints, and Foetus.. More recently he has been invited as onstage to perform with Helmet as well as MC50.

Chris divides his time between the US, Europe and Australia and is currently working on a percussion-heavy psychedelic live band.

“I first heard Chris Haskett with the Rollins Band, surely one of the most powerful of late 80s bands, and was instantly struck by the intelligence driving the molten guitar tone. What a pleasure to come to know his wide-ranging solo works, spanning the gamut from fun and impressively detailed electric workouts to truly thought-provoking and meditative acoustic compositions. Chris makes guitar music anyone can feel good about obsessing over.” - Mike Keneally

“Chris Haskett !!!!! Love the mans work all the way from Henry Rollins to the present.” - DeWayne Blackbyrd McKnight

“Chris is a gifted musician and guitarist who should be followed as the music he is involved with is real and engaging.” – Paul Reed Smith

“He’s always seemed to effortlessly cross genres with an authenticity and honesty that few are able to match, even in one genre. From punk to jazz, experimental to funk, he brilliantly manages to weave everything together on his albums. He’s like the perfect marriage of Snakefinger and Jeff Beck and a little Ornette Coleman.” - Rich Fortus 

To purchase:
https://chrishaskett.bandcamp.com/
also available iTunes, Amazon etc.

For more information:
https://chrishaskett.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Chris-Haskett-170955906298411/?eid=ARAV-yPcX0vDe8yooqan8hqN-naUOuURxzhorNIcGV16tVbfRLmlvqhiSWh8Pi0rKEnXMFsm3Hgad9si

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

THE FINAL ON VINYL PODCAST: Interview With Todd Mosby - New Age, Jazz, Instrumental Artist

THE FINAL ON VINYL PODCAST: Interview With Todd Mosby - New Age, Jazz, Instrumental Artist

Guitar Virtuoso Scott Henderson To Release Instrumental Album For Guitar Trio "People Mover" On July 1, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – Guitar virtuoso Scott Henderson has finished his new album “People Mover,” the most ambitious project of his career! The highly anticipated instrumental album for guitar trio will be released on July 1, 2019.

Says Scott, “The music has a lot of interplay due to a busy touring schedule with bassist Romain Labaye and drummer Archibald Ligonniere. I'd say this album is a bit more harmonic than 'Vibe Station,' and the rhythm section plays a bigger role in the music. The challenge was to come up with new tones and effects I haven't used before, since like 'Vibe Station,' the songs are layered with multi guitar tracks.”

“People Mover” demonstrates Scott's striking ability to combine elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues in an even more authentic, seamless and musical way than any of his previous work. Proof that after 35 years as a bandleader, Scott is a musician who's playing and composing continues to grow.

From a recent interview, “My music isn't for purists, that's for sure, and I'm very thankful for my fans who are obviously open-minded and share my love for many different styles of music.”

Scott Henderson's impressive work over the years as co-leader of the group TRIBAL TECH, leader of his own ground breaking trio, and sideman to some of the best jazz artists of their generation, including the great Joe Zawinul, has elevated him to the front ranks of both Jazz and Blues. Catch Scott on tour in 2019: July in Europe, September in South America, and October in Asia.

To purchase (available July 1, 2019):
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/scotthenderson

For more information: 
https://www.scotthenderson.net/
https://www.facebook.com/scott.henderson.14418101

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

Guitar Virtuoso Scott Henderson To Release Instrumental Album For Guitar Trio "People Mover" On July 1, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – Guitar virtuoso Scott Henderson has finished his new album “People Mover,” the most ambitious project of his career! The highly anticipated instrumental album for guitar trio will be released on July 1, 2019.

Says Scott, “The music has a lot of interplay due to a busy touring schedule with bassist Romain Labaye and drummer Archibald Ligonniere. I'd say this album is a bit more harmonic than 'Vibe Station,' and the rhythm section plays a bigger role in the music. The challenge was to come up with new tones and effects I haven't used before, since like 'Vibe Station,' the songs are layered with multi guitar tracks.”

“People Mover” demonstrates Scott's striking ability to combine elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues in an even more authentic, seamless and musical way than any of his previous work. Proof that after 35 years as a bandleader, Scott is a musician who's playing and composing continues to grow.

From a recent interview, “My music isn't for purists, that's for sure, and I'm very thankful for my fans who are obviously open-minded and share my love for many different styles of music.”

Scott Henderson's impressive work over the years as co-leader of the group TRIBAL TECH, leader of his own ground breaking trio, and sideman to some of the best jazz artists of their generation, including the great Joe Zawinul, has elevated him to the front ranks of both Jazz and Blues. Catch Scott on tour in 2019: July in Europe, September in South America, and October in Asia.

To purchase (available July 1, 2019):
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/scotthenderson

For more information: 
https://www.scotthenderson.net/
https://www.facebook.com/scott.henderson.14418101

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

Compilation Review: The ET Newsroom Presents: Eklectia - Various Artists

Release Date: November 30, 2018

Label: ETN

Website

When I first heard about Eklectia I was intrigued. Merrell Fankhauser got my attention to this unique set. I have covered a lot of Merrell’s music over the years. I also know his experiences with UFO’s is well documented. My favorite track by Merrell “Calling From A Star” kicks the track selection off. They couldn’t have picked a better track to initiate this vast collection.

There are 37 tracks on this 2 CD set. Amongst those tracks are soundbites, interviews and some of the more interesting music and variety you will hear on one collection. 

The people that have witnessed sightings of a UFO are called “Experiencers.” I am amongst that group as I have seen some very strange things in the sky at night and during the light of day. To think we are the only beings that populate all the galaxies and the entire universe would simply be ignorant and unrealistic. 

Some of the stories sound plausible and some are really out there (no pun intended). But who I am to dismiss anyone’s experiences and their relation to them with their stories? The main focus here is to give you some real people experiences and some interesting music that surrounds those experiences. The two-CD set gets the job done.

I heard some very good music including Merrell’s “Calling From A Star” (which I think is his greatest achievement), “Man of the 80’s” by Greg Fitzgerald, “Song of Light” by Kevin Estrella, and “The Stars Will Lead You” by Dan Vallely.

The music genres range from rock, pop, avant-garde, solo piano, to ambient instrumental. It is one big slice of eclectic musical pie, thus the very appropriate title Eklectia. I found disc two to be quite more enjoyable than the first. The musical selection is very diverse and there are a lot of solid tracks and the favorites I previously mentioned. The first CD had a lot of discussions and much of it was a bit too long and lost me in a very short period of time. The second CD’s dialogues were much shorter and the music followed thereafter and I have to stress again, a good chunk of it is quite good, considering the range of genres are covered.

I think there is a very good chance you would be hard pressed to find another collection like this. For those of you believers out there, you need to hear this, for those of you who are the skeptics, give it a go and rethink what you have been told or how you perceived UFOs.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 14, 2019

Founder of:

TheFinalonVinyl

MuzikMan Productions

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Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

Tracks: 
01. Founder of The ET Newsroom - Joanna Summerscales with orb - INTRODUCTION to EKLECTIA - JOANNA SUMMERSCALES 00:50
02. MERRELL FANKHAUSER - CALLING FROM A STAR 04:06
03. MERRELL FANKHAUSER - MERRELL FANKHAUSER SOUNDBITE 01:48
04. DAN BOWSKILL - RAINFALL 03:50
05. GARY WILLIAMS - GARY WILLIAMS SOUNDBITE 01:01  
06. GARY WILLIAMS - BIG WHITE TRIANGLE 03:35
07. GRANT CAMERON - GRANT CAMERON AND JOANNA SUMMERSCALES interview 10:21
08. RAY MOORE - THE SOUL JOURNEY 06:30
09. JOHN MARTIN - JOHN MARTIN SOUNDBITE 01:33
10. John Martin playing for Jimmy Carter - A JASMINE RAIN 03:12
11. DUG DEGNIN - DUG DEGNIN SOUNDBITE 01:31
12. DUG DEGNIN - ANOTHER GOOD THOUGHT 03:35
13. GOEFF CROCKFORD - GEOFF CROCKFORD Biolocation Team Dowsing ET 13:46  
14. KEN PARSONS - OCEANS CALL 07:29  
15. JOANNA SUMMERSCALES - SONG OF HARMONY from the musical 5th Dimension 05:12
16. PETER NELSON - PETER NELSON SOUNDBITE 01:24  
17. PETER NELSON - ALIEN AGENDA 03:49
18.JOANNA SUMMERSCALES reading JOHN MARTIN'S letter - JOHN MARTIN PRESIDENT CARTER LETTER read by Joanna Summerscales 03:00  
19. KEVIN ESTRELLA - KEVIN ESTRELLA SOUNDBITE 02:37  
20. KEVIN ESTRELLA - SONG OF LIGHT 05:44  
21. DAVE MARROW - STRANGE SLEEP 03:06  
22. STEVE BOUCHER - STEVE BOUCHER SOUNDBITE 00:51
23. STEVE BOUCHER - CANDLES ON THE TABLE 04:32
24. GREG FITZGERALD - GREG FITZGERALD SOUNDBITE 00:59
25. GREG FITZGERALD - MAN OF THE 80'S 03:29  
26. DAN VALLELY - DAN VALLELY SOUNDBITE 00:51
27. DAN VALLELY - THE STARS WILL LEAD YOU 02:52
28. DEVARA - DEVARA THUNDERBEAT SOUNDBITE 00:50
29. DEVARA THUNDERBEAT - GALACTIC VOYAGE 04:57
30. NIGEL HUGHES - NIGEL HUGHES BIOLOCATION TEAM Astro dowsing 01:31
31. MATT KING - OLD EARTH 06:23  
32. JOANNA SUMMERSCALES - RHIPOTAMUS FUZZY HEAD BLUES from the musical 5th Dimension 03:50
33. DUG DEGNIN - ON STELLAR 02:59  
34. MIKE ORAM - MIKE ORAM SOUNDBITE 01:39  
35. MIKE ORAM - TRAVELLERS 05:41  
36. CHRIS BLEDSOE - CHRIS BLEDSOE EXPERIENCE 04:21
37. SIMON YOUNG - I'M A BANANA 02:34

Instrumental Prog Artist The Man From RavCon To Release Ninth Album "Another World"

Charlotte, NC - Since 2010, The Man From RavCon (aka, Mike Brown), has been creating adventurous, atmospheric instrumental music featuring Mellotron enriched arrangements accentuated by piano and organ, interweaving synths, bass, dynamic percussion, and melodic guitar. Blending influences of 70's classic FM album rock (Stones, Kraftwerk, Steely Dan, Supertramp) with a melodic prog flavor, The Man From RavCon's ninth release, “Another World,” may be considered a somewhat more accessible work than his most recent offerings, but is no less adventurous in scope. With contributions from special guests, guitarist Larry Smith, and flutist Jeff Eacho, “Another World” features a more lighthearted, breezy vibe making it the perfect soundtrack for Summer 2018 and beyond.

Having founded, performed and recorded for over a decade with now defunct Charlotte, NC power-pop outfit, The Ravelers, multi-instrumentalist Brown, has taken full advantage of the freedom of his solo project by pushing his music beyond the expected. While early Man From RavCon releases explored the sounds of spaghetti western, surf/instro rock, blaxploitation and B-Horror Cinema, more recent outings were enhanced by a classic progressive rock influence. As a result, UK publication PROG Magazine proclaimed “Skyscraper” (2013) to be “a straight-up classy affair” and Progression Magazine praised “Strange Universe” (2016) as “an alluring musical time capsule fueled by analog synth timbres, psychedelic prog motifs and spacey rockin'/ambient hues that entrance, charm and certainly keep you guessing what might come next.”

And now much to the excitement of fans worldwide, The Man From RavCon's eagerly anticipated new album “Another World” will be released on June 22! Brown is clearly enthused about this effort, “This one was a bit of a surprise. It came together so naturally! Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have talented friends like Larry and Jeff, who really helped take the tracks they played on to another level.”

Check out The Man From RavCon’s YouTube channel where, along with videos from all previous albums, you'll find the brand new video for “Satellite Flight”:

Track List:
1. Colossus (feat. Larry Smith)
2. Satellite Flight
3. Max The Cat (feat. Jeff Eacho)
4. Code Red
5. Promised Land
6. The Garden (feat. Jeff Eacho)
7. A Peaceful Transition
8. Another World
9. Pole to Pole

To purchase The Man From RavCon's “Another World”: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheManFromRavCon ;
Also available on most digital platforms

For more information: www.manfromravcon.com

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

The Man From RavCon Another World

Charlotte, NC - Since 2010, The Man From RavCon (aka, Mike Brown), has been creating adventurous, atmospheric instrumental music featuring Mellotron enriched arrangements accentuated by piano and organ, interweaving synths, bass, dynamic percussion, and melodic guitar. Blending influences of 70's classic FM album rock (Stones, Kraftwerk, Steely Dan, Supertramp) with a melodic prog flavor, The Man From RavCon's ninth release, “Another World,” may be considered a somewhat more accessible work than his most recent offerings, but is no less adventurous in scope. With contributions from special guests, guitarist Larry Smith, and flutist Jeff Eacho, “Another World” features a more lighthearted, breezy vibe making it the perfect soundtrack for Summer 2018 and beyond.

Having founded, performed and recorded for over a decade with now defunct Charlotte, NC power-pop outfit, The Ravelers, multi-instrumentalist Brown, has taken full advantage of the freedom of his solo project by pushing his music beyond the expected. While early Man From RavCon releases explored the sounds of spaghetti western, surf/instro rock, blaxploitation and B-Horror Cinema, more recent outings were enhanced by a classic progressive rock influence. As a result, UK publication PROG Magazine proclaimed “Skyscraper” (2013) to be “a straight-up classy affair” and Progression Magazine praised “Strange Universe” (2016) as “an alluring musical time capsule fueled by analog synth timbres, psychedelic prog motifs and spacey rockin'/ambient hues that entrance, charm and certainly keep you guessing what might come next.”

And now much to the excitement of fans worldwide, The Man From RavCon's eagerly anticipated new album “Another World” will be released on June 22! Brown is clearly enthused about this effort, “This one was a bit of a surprise. It came together so naturally! Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have talented friends like Larry and Jeff, who really helped take the tracks they played on to another level.”

Check out The Man From RavCon’s YouTube channel where, along with videos from all previous albums, you'll find the brand new video for “Satellite Flight”:

Track List:
1. Colossus (feat. Larry Smith)
2. Satellite Flight
3. Max The Cat (feat. Jeff Eacho)
4. Code Red
5. Promised Land
6. The Garden (feat. Jeff Eacho)
7. A Peaceful Transition
8. Another World
9. Pole to Pole

To purchase The Man From RavCon's “Another World”: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheManFromRavCon ;
Also available on most digital platforms

For more information: www.manfromravcon.com

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

Instrumental Prog Artist The Man From RavCon To Release Ninth Album "Another World"

Charlotte, NC - Since 2010, The Man From RavCon (aka, Mike Brown), has been creating adventurous, atmospheric instrumental music featuring Mellotron enriched arrangements accentuated by piano and organ, interweaving synths, bass, dynamic percussion, and melodic guitar. Blending influences of 70's classic FM album rock (Stones, Kraftwerk, Steely Dan, Supertramp) with a melodic prog flavor, The Man From RavCon's ninth release, “Another World,” may be considered a somewhat more accessible work than his most recent offerings, but is no less adventurous in scope. With contributions from special guests, guitarist Larry Smith, and flutist Jeff Eacho, “Another World” features a more lighthearted, breezy vibe making it the perfect soundtrack for Summer 2018 and beyond.

Having founded, performed and recorded for over a decade with now defunct Charlotte, NC power-pop outfit, The Ravelers, multi-instrumentalist Brown, has taken full advantage of the freedom of his solo project by pushing his music beyond the expected. While early Man From RavCon releases explored the sounds of spaghetti western, surf/instro rock, blaxploitation and B-Horror Cinema, more recent outings were enhanced by a classic progressive rock influence. As a result, UK publication PROG Magazine proclaimed “Skyscraper” (2013) to be “a straight-up classy affair” and Progression Magazine praised “Strange Universe” (2016) as “an alluring musical time capsule fueled by analog synth timbres, psychedelic prog motifs and spacey rockin'/ambient hues that entrance, charm and certainly keep you guessing what might come next.”

And now much to the excitement of fans worldwide, The Man From RavCon's eagerly anticipated new album “Another World” will be released on June 22! Brown is clearly enthused about this effort, “This one was a bit of a surprise. It came together so naturally! Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have talented friends like Larry and Jeff, who really helped take the tracks they played on to another level.”

Check out The Man From RavCon’s YouTube channel where, along with videos from all previous albums, you'll find the brand new video for “Satellite Flight”:

Track List:
1. Colossus (feat. Larry Smith)
2. Satellite Flight
3. Max The Cat (feat. Jeff Eacho)
4. Code Red
5. Promised Land
6. The Garden (feat. Jeff Eacho)
7. A Peaceful Transition
8. Another World
9. Pole to Pole

To purchase The Man From RavCon's “Another World”: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/TheManFromRavCon ;
Also available on most digital platforms

For more information: www.manfromravcon.com

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

Multi-Instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo Goes"Out To Sea" With Debut Instrumental Progressive Rock Album!

“Out to Sea” is the debut Instrumental Progressive Rock Album by Fernando Perdomo, guitarist and bassist of the Dave Kerzner Band. The album draws inspiration from classic 70s Art Rock albums by the likes of Steve Hackett, Peter Banks, Steve Howe, and Jan Akkerman. Acclaimed artist Paul Whitehead painted the cover image. Other covers by Whitehead include “Trespass,” “Nursery Cryme,” and “Foxtrot” by Genesis. While all instruments on the record were played Fernando, save one drum track, he has put together a stellar group to perform the music of “Out To Sea” live.

“Out To Sea” was a pre-release on Cruise To The Edge 2018, a progressive rock concert cruise headlined by the band Yes, where Fernando played with the Dave Kerzner Band alongside Kerzner, Derek Cintron, Roger Houdaille, vocalists Durga and Lorelei McBroom (Pink Floyd), and special guests Randy McStine (The Fringe), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), Steve Rothery (Marillion), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Harry Waters (Roger Waters), Gabriel Agudo (Bad Dreams) as well as Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, and Billy Sherwood of Yes. Fernando also played guitar in a special tribute to John Wetton with Kerzner and Thijs Van Leer of Focus. On previous performances on Cruise To The Edge, Fernando accompanied Sonja Kristina (Curved Air) and an all-star line up of progressive rock musicians in Dave Kerzner Band's tribute to the late Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

Fernando Perdomo is a known powerhouse of the LA music scene. The LA Weekly dubbed him “The millennial answer to Todd Rundgren.” He has made a name for himself as an in-demand Producer, Singer/Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist. Fernando was a featured guitarist at the “Echo In The Canyon” concert in Los Angeles playing with Fiona Apple, Jakob Dylan, Regina Spektor, Beck, CatPower, and Jade Castrinos. Fernando will appear in the “Echo In The Canyon” documentary film and album scheduled for release in the spring of 2018.

Fernando recorded most of the bass and guitars on the acclaimed albums “New World” and “Static” by Dave Kerzner, along with Steve Hackett (Genesis), Keith Emerson (ELP), Simon Phillips (The Who), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Francis Dunnery (It Bites), Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard), Billy Sherwood (Yes) and more.

Fernando is personally donating $1 for every copy of the album sold to Macmillan Caring Locally (http://www.macmillanlocal.org/about-us.php), a charity chosen by Lisa Wetton for donations from Fernando’s release of his “Starless” cover in honor of John Wetton. The “Starless” cover is the bonus track on the Cherry Red version of the album “Out To Sea”.

Fernando has several new Prog Rock projects in the works, including “Out To Sea 2” which he expects to release Fall 2018.

“Out To Sea” is slated for world-wide distribution through Cherry Red Records starting May 4, 2018.

Track Listing
The Architect (Tribute to Peter Banks)
Out To Sea
De Boerderij
Roses Spread All Over The World
The Future According To Roye (Tribute To Roye Albrighton)
The Dream
Sonja
Dreaming In Stereo Suite
Bonus Track:Starless (cover, Tribute To John Wetton)

The reviews are pouring in for “Out To Sea”:

“...This album was really a surprise. Many guitar solo albums are different versions of the same thing; not the case here. From the first listen, 'Out to Sea' is captivating as it is different...” - The Prog Report,

“To call Fernando Perdomo a genius is like saying it snows in the arctic. An imaginative artist, producer, songwriter and sideman, he takes his cues from his beloved influences of the '60s and '70s - The Beatles, the Alan Parsons Project, ELO, et. al. - and then absorbs them into his own output, resulting in a glorious mesh of sonics and suggestion...” - Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine Magazine, 

“There's still plenty of life in the sounds and structures of the classic prog era, and the invention, lyricism and sheer joy Fernando Perdomoa brings to this album prove it.” – Kruekutt, Progarchy, 

To purchase Fernando Perdomo's “Out to Sea”: http://geni.us/OutToSea

Fernando Perdomo's official website: http://fernandoperdomo.com/

For more info and interview requests, contact: Ann Rinaldi, ACR Management, PH: 252-402-5395 ann@acrmanagement.com

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

Multi-Instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo Goes"Out To Sea" With Debut Instrumental Progressive Rock Album!

“Out to Sea” is the debut Instrumental Progressive Rock Album by Fernando Perdomo, guitarist and bassist of the Dave Kerzner Band. The album draws inspiration from classic 70s Art Rock albums by the likes of Steve Hackett, Peter Banks, Steve Howe, and Jan Akkerman. Acclaimed artist Paul Whitehead painted the cover image. Other covers by Whitehead include “Trespass,” “Nursery Cryme,” and “Foxtrot” by Genesis. While all instruments on the record were played Fernando, save one drum track, he has put together a stellar group to perform the music of “Out To Sea” live.

“Out To Sea” was a pre-release on Cruise To The Edge 2018, a progressive rock concert cruise headlined by the band Yes, where Fernando played with the Dave Kerzner Band alongside Kerzner, Derek Cintron, Roger Houdaille, vocalists Durga and Lorelei McBroom (Pink Floyd), and special guests Randy McStine (The Fringe), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), Steve Rothery (Marillion), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Harry Waters (Roger Waters), Gabriel Agudo (Bad Dreams) as well as Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, and Billy Sherwood of Yes. Fernando also played guitar in a special tribute to John Wetton with Kerzner and Thijs Van Leer of Focus. On previous performances on Cruise To The Edge, Fernando accompanied Sonja Kristina (Curved Air) and an all-star line up of progressive rock musicians in Dave Kerzner Band's tribute to the late Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

Fernando Perdomo is a known powerhouse of the LA music scene. The LA Weekly dubbed him “The millennial answer to Todd Rundgren.” He has made a name for himself as an in-demand Producer, Singer/Songwriter, and Multi-Instrumentalist. Fernando was a featured guitarist at the “Echo In The Canyon” concert in Los Angeles playing with Fiona Apple, Jakob Dylan, Regina Spektor, Beck, CatPower, and Jade Castrinos. Fernando will appear in the “Echo In The Canyon” documentary film and album scheduled for release in the spring of 2018.

Fernando recorded most of the bass and guitars on the acclaimed albums “New World” and “Static” by Dave Kerzner, along with Steve Hackett (Genesis), Keith Emerson (ELP), Simon Phillips (The Who), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Durga McBroom (Pink Floyd), Francis Dunnery (It Bites), Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard), Billy Sherwood (Yes) and more.

Fernando is personally donating $1 for every copy of the album sold to Macmillan Caring Locally (http://www.macmillanlocal.org/about-us.php), a charity chosen by Lisa Wetton for donations from Fernando’s release of his “Starless” cover in honor of John Wetton. The “Starless” cover is the bonus track on the Cherry Red version of the album “Out To Sea”.

Fernando has several new Prog Rock projects in the works, including “Out To Sea 2” which he expects to release Fall 2018.

“Out To Sea” is slated for world-wide distribution through Cherry Red Records starting May 4, 2018.

Track Listing
The Architect (Tribute to Peter Banks)
Out To Sea
De Boerderij
Roses Spread All Over The World
The Future According To Roye (Tribute To Roye Albrighton)
The Dream
Sonja
Dreaming In Stereo Suite
Bonus Track:Starless (cover, Tribute To John Wetton)

The reviews are pouring in for “Out To Sea”:

“...This album was really a surprise. Many guitar solo albums are different versions of the same thing; not the case here. From the first listen, 'Out to Sea' is captivating as it is different...” - The Prog Report,

“To call Fernando Perdomo a genius is like saying it snows in the arctic. An imaginative artist, producer, songwriter and sideman, he takes his cues from his beloved influences of the '60s and '70s - The Beatles, the Alan Parsons Project, ELO, et. al. - and then absorbs them into his own output, resulting in a glorious mesh of sonics and suggestion...” - Lee Zimmerman, Goldmine Magazine, 

“There's still plenty of life in the sounds and structures of the classic prog era, and the invention, lyricism and sheer joy Fernando Perdomoa brings to this album prove it.” – Kruekutt, Progarchy, 

To purchase Fernando Perdomo's “Out to Sea”: http://geni.us/OutToSea

Fernando Perdomo's official website: http://fernandoperdomo.com/

For more info and interview requests, contact: Ann Rinaldi, ACR Management, PH: 252-402-5395 ann@acrmanagement.com

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

Italian Instrumental Ensemble Armonite Signs With Cleopatra Records!

Italy - Armonite, the instrumental rock collective led by composer Paolo Fosso and violinist Jacopo Bigi, signed with LA-based indie label Cleopatra Records for the release of their new album, And the Stars Above.

Armonite's instrumental music is perfectly in line with the spirit of the label, especially now that Cleopatra expanded in the movie industry.

With the film division Cleopatra Entertainment, the company has distributed, developed, and produced several films most of which have a strong horror and/or music component, including The Devil's Domain (starring Michael Madsen), The Black Room (starring Lin Shaye), Halloween Pussy Trap Kill! Kill! (featuring the voice of Dave Mustaine from Megadeth), The 27 Club (featuring Todd Rundgren), England Is Mine (Steven Morrissey bio-pic), A Street Cat Named Bob.

“Working with Cleopatra has been great,” says Fosso, “They're skilled and competent, I'm sure they will take Armonite to the next level. I've always been a great lover of movies and videogames, I was just moving forward to the composition of soundtrack music, so this collaboration comes right on cue.”

As with the previous album, And the Stars Above is an instrumental mix of electric violin, keyboards, bass, and drums with focus on the amazing and powerful electric violin, performed by Jacopo Bigi. Interpreting the music composed by keyboardist Paolo Fosso, Armonite also performs with bassists Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and Alberto Fiorani, along with drummers Corrado Bertonazzi, Emiliano Cava, and Jasper Barendregt.

The sound of the album is more oriented to soundtrack music with textures that feel very immediate. “We consume tons of music every day, we can't just stick to one genre”, says Fosso, “generally speaking, the album is rock, but with this idea of soundtrack music.”

Throughout the album, lingers a ghostly female voice, appearing and disappearing here and there before fully emerging in the band's first song with lyrics, “Clouds Collide”. The track tells the story of a girl between time and memories.

And the Stars Above is a journey through 12 tracks, starting with “The March of the Stars” inspired by Dante's Paradise and ending with “Ghosts”. The album also features two bonus tracks: a polyrhythmic piece for piano solo, “The Fire Dancer”, and the String Quartet “A Playful Day”.

“We're confident this is going to be a great release, with a rather peculiar view,” says Fosso, “The Sun is New Each Day had a heavy compact sound... And the Stars Above is groovy, with different vibes across a bunch of genres. There's something indie in this new sound that we've never explored before and it's kind of sexy for us!”

And the Stars Above is set to be released in late Spring.

You can find more information about Armonite and their new album at the band's official website, www.armonite.com

And the Stars Above Tracklist
01. The March of the Stars
02. Next Ride
03. District Red
04. Plaza de España
05. Clouds collide
06. Blue Curaçao
07. By heart
08. Freaks
09. By the Waters of Babylon
10. The usual drink
11. What's the Rush?
12. Ghosts
13. [Bonus Track] A Playful Day (for Strings Quartet)
14. [Bonus Track] The Fire dancer (for Piano solo)

Original music composed and arranged by Paolo Fosso

Performed by Armonite
Jacopo Bigi - acoustic and electric violin
Paolo Fosso - piano and keyboards
with
Colin Edwin (The March of the Stars, District Red, Freaks, By the Waters of Babylon, What's the Rush?, Ghosts); Alberto Fiorani (Next Ride, Blue Curaçao, By heart) - bass
Giacomo Lampugnani (Plaza de España, Freaks); Gianmarco Straniero (By the Waters of Babylon) - double bass
Corrado Bertonazzi (The March of the Stars, District Red, Blue Curaçao, Freaks, What's the Rush?, Ghosts); Emiliano Cava (Next Ride, Plaza de España, By heart); Jasper Barendregt (By the Waters of Babylon) - drums
Maria Chiara Montagnari (The March of the Stars, Clouds collide, By the Waters of Babylon) - voice
Diletta Fosso (Ghosts) - child's voice
Marcello Rosa (District Red); Gabriele Montanari (The March of the Stars, A Playful Day) - cello
Quartetto Indaco: Eleonora Matsuno, violin; Jamiang Santi, violin; Francesca Turcato, viola; Cosimo Carovani, cello (District Red) - string quartet
Jacopo Bigi also plays viola (District Red, Ghosts) and ukulele (By the Waters of Babylon). He whistles on “Freaks” and plays both violins and viola on “A Playful Day”.

For more information:
Website: http://www.armonite.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/armonitemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armonitemusic
Bandcamp: https://armonite.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/armonite
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2jTstKBeJe0BI6o1pLGLA

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

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

Italian Instrumental Ensemble Armonite Signs With Cleopatra Records!

Italy - Armonite, the instrumental rock collective led by composer Paolo Fosso and violinist Jacopo Bigi, signed with LA-based indie label Cleopatra Records for the release of their new album, And the Stars Above.

Armonite's instrumental music is perfectly in line with the spirit of the label, especially now that Cleopatra expanded in the movie industry.

With the film division Cleopatra Entertainment, the company has distributed, developed, and produced several films most of which have a strong horror and/or music component, including The Devil's Domain (starring Michael Madsen), The Black Room (starring Lin Shaye), Halloween Pussy Trap Kill! Kill! (featuring the voice of Dave Mustaine from Megadeth), The 27 Club (featuring Todd Rundgren), England Is Mine (Steven Morrissey bio-pic), A Street Cat Named Bob.

“Working with Cleopatra has been great,” says Fosso, “They're skilled and competent, I'm sure they will take Armonite to the next level. I've always been a great lover of movies and videogames, I was just moving forward to the composition of soundtrack music, so this collaboration comes right on cue.”

As with the previous album, And the Stars Above is an instrumental mix of electric violin, keyboards, bass, and drums with focus on the amazing and powerful electric violin, performed by Jacopo Bigi. Interpreting the music composed by keyboardist Paolo Fosso, Armonite also performs with bassists Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) and Alberto Fiorani, along with drummers Corrado Bertonazzi, Emiliano Cava, and Jasper Barendregt.

The sound of the album is more oriented to soundtrack music with textures that feel very immediate. “We consume tons of music every day, we can't just stick to one genre”, says Fosso, “generally speaking, the album is rock, but with this idea of soundtrack music.”

Throughout the album, lingers a ghostly female voice, appearing and disappearing here and there before fully emerging in the band's first song with lyrics, “Clouds Collide”. The track tells the story of a girl between time and memories.

And the Stars Above is a journey through 12 tracks, starting with “The March of the Stars” inspired by Dante's Paradise and ending with “Ghosts”. The album also features two bonus tracks: a polyrhythmic piece for piano solo, “The Fire Dancer”, and the String Quartet “A Playful Day”.

“We're confident this is going to be a great release, with a rather peculiar view,” says Fosso, “The Sun is New Each Day had a heavy compact sound... And the Stars Above is groovy, with different vibes across a bunch of genres. There's something indie in this new sound that we've never explored before and it's kind of sexy for us!”

And the Stars Above is set to be released in late Spring.

You can find more information about Armonite and their new album at the band's official website, www.armonite.com

And the Stars Above Tracklist
01. The March of the Stars
02. Next Ride
03. District Red
04. Plaza de España
05. Clouds collide
06. Blue Curaçao
07. By heart
08. Freaks
09. By the Waters of Babylon
10. The usual drink
11. What's the Rush?
12. Ghosts
13. [Bonus Track] A Playful Day (for Strings Quartet)
14. [Bonus Track] The Fire dancer (for Piano solo)

Original music composed and arranged by Paolo Fosso

Performed by Armonite
Jacopo Bigi - acoustic and electric violin
Paolo Fosso - piano and keyboards
with
Colin Edwin (The March of the Stars, District Red, Freaks, By the Waters of Babylon, What's the Rush?, Ghosts); Alberto Fiorani (Next Ride, Blue Curaçao, By heart) - bass
Giacomo Lampugnani (Plaza de España, Freaks); Gianmarco Straniero (By the Waters of Babylon) - double bass
Corrado Bertonazzi (The March of the Stars, District Red, Blue Curaçao, Freaks, What's the Rush?, Ghosts); Emiliano Cava (Next Ride, Plaza de España, By heart); Jasper Barendregt (By the Waters of Babylon) - drums
Maria Chiara Montagnari (The March of the Stars, Clouds collide, By the Waters of Babylon) - voice
Diletta Fosso (Ghosts) - child's voice
Marcello Rosa (District Red); Gabriele Montanari (The March of the Stars, A Playful Day) - cello
Quartetto Indaco: Eleonora Matsuno, violin; Jamiang Santi, violin; Francesca Turcato, viola; Cosimo Carovani, cello (District Red) - string quartet
Jacopo Bigi also plays viola (District Red, Ghosts) and ukulele (By the Waters of Babylon). He whistles on “Freaks” and plays both violins and viola on “A Playful Day”.

For more information:
Website: http://www.armonite.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armonitemusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/armonitemusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armonitemusic
Bandcamp: https://armonite.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/armonite
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2jTstKBeJe0BI6o1pLGLA

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

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

Instrumental Prog Ensemble Podd Release Debut Album "Cosmic Forces"

Podd, the new instrumental, progressive rock band, presents their debut album “Cosmic Forces,” drawing inspiration from the flood plains of the Mississippi Delta, the mountains of Macedonia, to the foothills of the Himalayas. Podd's original compositions are born from personal introspection. It is a kind of musical storytelling without words, told with the impressions and colors only sound can evoke. Featuring Peter Olsen; guitars, Dejan Dejkoski; drums and percussion, Eric Olsen; keyboards, Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar.

Podd is the brainchild of Peter Olsen. His eclectic compositions, born from his years as an ever searching guitarist, are made manifest by his musical compatriots Dejan Dejkoski, Eric Olsen and Takashi Otsuka. The Podd sound is intense, complex, and variegated, but always funky. Podd's music is intended as a visceral experience that takes the mind on a journey.

Dejan Dejkoski brings the perfect expression of a driving rock-fusion sound combined with the quirky world beats of his native Macedonia. Takashi Otsukas jazz-steeped finger-style bass playing and advanced theoretical background adds emphasis and counterpoint. Eric Olsen, his arch musicianship in both the jazz and classical music scenes at play, lends chordal and melodic depth to the music.

Podd as a name, is an amalgam of Peter Olsen (PO) and Dejan Dejkoski (DD) who form the core of the band. Peter and Dejan codified the overall feel and arrangements of the tunes. The album was recorded at Peter Olsen's Aqua Velour Studio with Peter as the recording engineer. Mixing of the album was by Dave O'Donnell with mastering completed by Scott Hull of Masterdisk.

Podd is currently working on a feature video for “Beyond Beyond” off of the “Cosmic Forces” album. The band has written all new material for their second album (title unknown) and has already begun the recording process.

Podd band bios:

Peter Olsen; guitarist, composer, producer - A self taught guitarist Peter has fronted bands playing his original music since the age of 16. He has composed and played guitar in various acoustic and electric ensembles. Past efforts include his world fusion duo Advaita with Dan Johnson, collaboration and support with Prasanna Thokchom (classical Indian sitarist), Saida Fikri (Morocco) and Ustad Shabbir Nisar (India). Podd represents the apex of Peters guitar and compositional style. Peter has two other CD releases: “Arcadia” with Eric Olsen, 2010, and “The Portal” in 2011. His production company website Holus Bolus Productions can be found at www.holusbolusproductions.com.

Dejan Dejkoski; drums & percussion - Dejan comes from a musical family steeped in the rhythms of his homeland Macedonia. His father, a professional musician, exposed him at an early age to the drums. Dejan played drums with multiple outfits growing up until he moved to the USA to pursue a career in music. His interests know no boundaries with Podd representing his current state.

Eric Olsen; keyboards - Eric has crafted a distinguished career in both jazz and classical music, as a pianist and composer, harpsichordist, synthesist, organist, conductor, and accompanist. He has recorded twenty albums to great critical acclaim, with artists Randy Brecker, Ted Nash, George Garzone, Don Braden, Ratzo Harris, Tim Horner, Peter Olsen, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lou Caimano, Jan Carden, Kevin Maynor, and Larry Newcomb, and performed with jazz luminaries Billy Hart and Eliot Zigmund. He has appeared in concert from Carnegie Hall to Birdland, with orchestra in Taiwan, throughout the United States, and overseas in France, Germany, India, the Fiji Islands, and New Zealand. He teaches at Montclair State University and the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, and is Director of Music and Organist at Union Congregational Church in Montclair, NJ. More information is available at www.ericolsenmusic.com and www.dyadplays.com.

Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar - Takashi studied composition, arranging and improvisation theory at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with various artists such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Ben E. King, Swing Express, Composer's Workshop Big Band, Latin Jazz Orchestra and many other jazz musicians. Takashi worked as a bass instructor for four years at Professional Music studios, Inc. and has been teaching privately for the last ten years.

To purchase Podd's “Cosmic Forces”:
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/podd
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cosmic-forces/id1254506610

For more information:
www.poddmusic.com
www.facebook.com/poddmusic/

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

Instrumental Prog Ensemble Podd Release Debut Album "Cosmic Forces"

Podd, the new instrumental, progressive rock band, presents their debut album “Cosmic Forces,” drawing inspiration from the flood plains of the Mississippi Delta, the mountains of Macedonia, to the foothills of the Himalayas. Podd's original compositions are born from personal introspection. It is a kind of musical storytelling without words, told with the impressions and colors only sound can evoke. Featuring Peter Olsen; guitars, Dejan Dejkoski; drums and percussion, Eric Olsen; keyboards, Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar.

Podd is the brainchild of Peter Olsen. His eclectic compositions, born from his years as an ever searching guitarist, are made manifest by his musical compatriots Dejan Dejkoski, Eric Olsen and Takashi Otsuka. The Podd sound is intense, complex, and variegated, but always funky. Podd's music is intended as a visceral experience that takes the mind on a journey.

Dejan Dejkoski brings the perfect expression of a driving rock-fusion sound combined with the quirky world beats of his native Macedonia. Takashi Otsukas jazz-steeped finger-style bass playing and advanced theoretical background adds emphasis and counterpoint. Eric Olsen, his arch musicianship in both the jazz and classical music scenes at play, lends chordal and melodic depth to the music.

Podd as a name, is an amalgam of Peter Olsen (PO) and Dejan Dejkoski (DD) who form the core of the band. Peter and Dejan codified the overall feel and arrangements of the tunes. The album was recorded at Peter Olsen's Aqua Velour Studio with Peter as the recording engineer. Mixing of the album was by Dave O'Donnell with mastering completed by Scott Hull of Masterdisk.

Podd is currently working on a feature video for “Beyond Beyond” off of the “Cosmic Forces” album. The band has written all new material for their second album (title unknown) and has already begun the recording process.

Podd band bios:

Peter Olsen; guitarist, composer, producer - A self taught guitarist Peter has fronted bands playing his original music since the age of 16. He has composed and played guitar in various acoustic and electric ensembles. Past efforts include his world fusion duo Advaita with Dan Johnson, collaboration and support with Prasanna Thokchom (classical Indian sitarist), Saida Fikri (Morocco) and Ustad Shabbir Nisar (India). Podd represents the apex of Peters guitar and compositional style. Peter has two other CD releases: “Arcadia” with Eric Olsen, 2010, and “The Portal” in 2011. His production company website Holus Bolus Productions can be found at www.holusbolusproductions.com.

Dejan Dejkoski; drums & percussion - Dejan comes from a musical family steeped in the rhythms of his homeland Macedonia. His father, a professional musician, exposed him at an early age to the drums. Dejan played drums with multiple outfits growing up until he moved to the USA to pursue a career in music. His interests know no boundaries with Podd representing his current state.

Eric Olsen; keyboards - Eric has crafted a distinguished career in both jazz and classical music, as a pianist and composer, harpsichordist, synthesist, organist, conductor, and accompanist. He has recorded twenty albums to great critical acclaim, with artists Randy Brecker, Ted Nash, George Garzone, Don Braden, Ratzo Harris, Tim Horner, Peter Olsen, Bucky Pizzarelli, Lou Caimano, Jan Carden, Kevin Maynor, and Larry Newcomb, and performed with jazz luminaries Billy Hart and Eliot Zigmund. He has appeared in concert from Carnegie Hall to Birdland, with orchestra in Taiwan, throughout the United States, and overseas in France, Germany, India, the Fiji Islands, and New Zealand. He teaches at Montclair State University and the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, and is Director of Music and Organist at Union Congregational Church in Montclair, NJ. More information is available at www.ericolsenmusic.com and www.dyadplays.com.

Takashi Otsuka; bass guitar - Takashi studied composition, arranging and improvisation theory at Berklee College of Music. He has performed with various artists such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boys Choir of Harlem, Ben E. King, Swing Express, Composer's Workshop Big Band, Latin Jazz Orchestra and many other jazz musicians. Takashi worked as a bass instructor for four years at Professional Music studios, Inc. and has been teaching privately for the last ten years.

To purchase Podd's “Cosmic Forces”:
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/podd
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cosmic-forces/id1254506610

For more information:
www.poddmusic.com
www.facebook.com/poddmusic/

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

Contemporary/New Age/ Instrumental-Jazz Review: Shambhu-Soothe

Release Date: February 1, 2017

Label: Acoustic Shine

Website

Shambhu has a new recording arriving on the first day of 2017 titled Soothe.  For this listener, I think it is a great way to kick off the beginning of another day of life that quickly turns into another in the books.

Soothe most certainly lives up to the title. Shambhu takes parts of jazz, new age and contemporary music and stirs the pot until it is simmering with the most wonderful aroma. He creates a mood of calm that is initiated then sustained throughout the recording.

Soothe features many instruments including electric and acoustic guitars, acoustic primarily, percussion, English horn and soprano sax, keyboards, the incredibly talented Michael Manring on bass and a host of other very talented contributors that make this album everything it could possibly be.

The more I listen to a fully realized recording like this it makes me think that mentioning some key tracks is the wrong road to take. Looking at this album as one continuous thought flow and creative process is the best way to enjoy it. If you are writing a review or just kicking back for a listen, I feel it needs to be processed as such (but as I do most of the time will mention a few “key” tracks).

The acoustic guitar is the focus on Soothe then everything else that joins in just lifts that instrument to new levels and that includes some lovely vocals provided by Kristin Hoffmann.  “Gaia Sweet Divine” is a blend of new age or spiritually oriented music wrapped as a special gift for those who are centered and connected with some higher power other than themselves. If you want to hear something that aligns your soul (or chakras which is one in the same in my world) with the heavens above this track would be it. 

The title track brings the recording to an apex of satisfaction with more positive energy that flows like a river through your ears to your inner being with ease and purpose. The entire recording felt that way to me. 

The jazz elements are very important to the fabric that weaves the cloth of this album together. It is like the quiet storm meets its spiritual brother and they merge and explode into a burst of light and energy and take you away. It is the ideal way to let music consume you and Soothe you.

5/5 Angels for the Holidays and Your New Year!

Key Tracks: Gaia Sweet Divine, Soothe

Tracks: 
1. Knowingness
2. Time Travel   
3. Days Like Falling Stars
4. Devotion Tears
5. Prelude 2   
6. Through New Eyes
7. Gaia Sweet Divine 05:08   
8. Soothe   
9. Walking Through a Dream
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 11, 2016

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