Showing posts with label Instrumental Progressive Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Instrumental Progressive Rock. Show all posts

6/30/2014

Guitar Legend Carl Verheyen of Supertramp Releases New CD 'Mustang Run' Feat. Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman and Bill Evans


“Carl is known as a studio guitar player but he’s much more than that. His records have the great feel of a live player. He plays with a lot of feeling” - John Fogerty

Los Angeles, CA - Much to the excitement of guitar players and Supertramp fans worldwide, guitarist Carl Verheyen has released his new CD 'Mustang Run'. In his 40-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl Verheyen has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically-acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 11 CDs and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. Carl has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene.

Says Carl about his new CD release, “My goal was to break out of the mold of Carl Verheyen Band CDs and do a progressive instrumental album. I wanted the opportunity to weave thick textures of sound using dozens of instruments and tones. My motivation was the sheer joy of hearing those sounds in the air!”

“We’ve been friends for many years and Carl has always amazed me with his versatility and technique. He’s a fine player.” - Albert Lee

Carl has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. A member of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind The Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. Carl's musical influences are just as diverse and range from George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Alvin Lee, Leslie West to Miles Davis, John Mclaughlin, Steve Morse, Chet Atkins and Andy Summers, among others.

“Every time I start to feel good about my playing and general overall knowledge of the guitar, I will get together with Carl and see truly how far I have to go. I am proud to call him my friend. A master of the guitar and a hellava nice guy to boot.” - Joe Bonamassa

'Mustang Run' features performances by some extraordinary musicians, which includes Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman, Bill Evans, Jimmy Johnson, Stuart Hamm, and Gregg Bissonette. In regards to the assortment of legendary music artists that grace his new release, Carl explains, “My previous CD called 'Trading 8s' was a collaboration with some of my guitar player friends. I had Robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Morse, Scott Henderson, Albert Lee and Rick Vito trading solos with me. On 'Mustang Run' I wanted that inspiration to come from the rhythm section, so I called different bass players and drummers to suit the songs. I love to play with musicians that I have a deep musical relationship with, because the studio scene in LA breeds hundreds of 'casual' musical relationships. The great players on 'Mustang Run' are all friends that I've known and performed with for years.”

“Carl Verheyen is a REAL guitar player!” - Robben Ford

A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits are enviable. Carl was heard by 67, 000,000 people as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He will also be heavily featured in the forthcoming film documentary about the electric guitar, 'Turn It UP!'

“Carl is a true pro and a great player/musician. He can do anything, and as one who is supposed to do this, me (ha-ha), Carl comes through with heart and soul and is really not only an awesome musician but a really good guy. That counts ALOT in this biz, especially these days.” - Steve Lukather

On the educational front, Carl has produced two instructional videos called 'Intervallic Rock Guitar' and 'Forward Motion' as well as various on-line lessons. He also has a book/CD detailing his unique “intervallic” style called 'Improvising Without Scales'. Another book entitled 'Studio City' is a compilation of all the columns Carl wrote for Guitar Magazine between 1996 and 1999. He has written a monthly column for Chitarre, Italy’s #1 guitar publication as well as Guitar World and Guitar Jam Daily, a website devoted to serious guitarists. He currently writes a monthly column for Guitar Player, contributes to other guitar publications, and blogs regularly for GuitarPlayer.com and his own site. Carl also lectures and teaches at clinics and master classes regularly when not on the road.

“Carl is so overwhelming to sit in a room and jam with, let alone his playing on records and stage. You get the impression there is no style or territory he is unable to explore.” - Brad Paisley

Carl recently co-designed a signature guitar with LsL Instruments, the “CV Special,” combining the best elements Carl seeks in his ideal guitar; they are now available for purchase worldwide. As if that weren’t enough, working closely with Dean Markley, Carl developed a line of signature strings for the electric guitar that perfectly balance the tremolo bridge of the Fender Stratocaster, the Carl Verheyen Balanced Bridge Helix HD string set .

“Carl is one of those experienced, great players that you could put in any situation and get a wonderful guitar solo. I personally love the fact that he enjoys what he does and radiates positive energy whenever I have seen him.” - Steve Morse

In support of Carl's new CD release, he will be touring Europe in the fall 2014. His band will feature bass virtuoso Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Ritchie Kotzen, Billy Sheehan, Jeff Berlin), who is featured on 'Mustang Run', and master drummer/percussionist John Mader (Joe Satriani, Booker T, Electronic Arts' “The Sims”, Tony award winners “Rent”, “Lion King” and “Wicked”).

In closing Carl has this to impart, “Before I made 'Mustang Run' I pulled out about 10 CDs that I seem to listen to all the time. None of them were 'shredders' or heavy bombastic music, but none of them were 'easy listening' either. I realized they all had melodic qualities that made them endure the test of time. So my main goal: make a record the bears repeated listening. If you discover new things with each play I've done my job!”

For more info: http://www.carlverheyen.com
http://www.carlverheyen.com/store-cds/

'Mustang Run' CD preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFYlBizHAyc

“Fusioneers Disease” from the 'Mustang Run' CD, with Simon Phillips (Toto, Who, Protocol II), Cliff Hugo (Supertramp, Ray Charles) and Jim Cox (Albert Lee, Streisand, Ringo, Aerosmith, Knopfler):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxM_aFNXso

“Spirit of Julia” from the 'Mustang Run' CD (same musicians):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlf1Cu2XS3I

Take One Step: Appreciating Carl and CVB live!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtQapyal-js

Management:
Gary Selick
www.talenttothestage.com
PH: 415-999-7067

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

Guitar Legend Carl Verheyen of Supertramp Releases New CD 'Mustang Run' Feat. Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman and Bill Evans


“Carl is known as a studio guitar player but he’s much more than that. His records have the great feel of a live player. He plays with a lot of feeling” - John Fogerty

Los Angeles, CA - Much to the excitement of guitar players and Supertramp fans worldwide, guitarist Carl Verheyen has released his new CD 'Mustang Run'. In his 40-plus years of playing the instrument, Carl Verheyen has created a wildly successful, multi-faceted career. He is a critically-acclaimed musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer and educator with 11 CDs and two live DVDs released worldwide. Carl is commonly regarded as a guitar virtuoso capable of playing any style of music with remarkable mastery and conviction. He has been one of LA’s elite “first call” session players for the past 25 years, playing on hundreds of records, movie soundtracks and television shows. Carl has graced the pages of countless industry publications and been the subject of numerous articles chronicling his rise to the forefront of the modern day guitar scene.

Says Carl about his new CD release, “My goal was to break out of the mold of Carl Verheyen Band CDs and do a progressive instrumental album. I wanted the opportunity to weave thick textures of sound using dozens of instruments and tones. My motivation was the sheer joy of hearing those sounds in the air!”

“We’ve been friends for many years and Carl has always amazed me with his versatility and technique. He’s a fine player.” - Albert Lee

Carl has won numerous polls and musical honors in the US, Germany, France, Italy and the UK. A member of the smash hit British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Carl has played to millions of enthusiastic fans in sold out arenas worldwide. As the creative force behind The Carl Verheyen Band, he has released an impressive and eclectic discography that showcases his endless talents across a wide array of musical genres. Carl's musical influences are just as diverse and range from George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Alvin Lee, Leslie West to Miles Davis, John Mclaughlin, Steve Morse, Chet Atkins and Andy Summers, among others.

“Every time I start to feel good about my playing and general overall knowledge of the guitar, I will get together with Carl and see truly how far I have to go. I am proud to call him my friend. A master of the guitar and a hellava nice guy to boot.” - Joe Bonamassa

'Mustang Run' features performances by some extraordinary musicians, which includes Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Jerry Goodman, Bill Evans, Jimmy Johnson, Stuart Hamm, and Gregg Bissonette. In regards to the assortment of legendary music artists that grace his new release, Carl explains, “My previous CD called 'Trading 8s' was a collaboration with some of my guitar player friends. I had Robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Morse, Scott Henderson, Albert Lee and Rick Vito trading solos with me. On 'Mustang Run' I wanted that inspiration to come from the rhythm section, so I called different bass players and drummers to suit the songs. I love to play with musicians that I have a deep musical relationship with, because the studio scene in LA breeds hundreds of 'casual' musical relationships. The great players on 'Mustang Run' are all friends that I've known and performed with for years.”

“Carl Verheyen is a REAL guitar player!” - Robben Ford

A much sought after studio musician, Carl plays on other artists’ CDs whenever his busy schedule permits. He has recorded and played with a virtual who’s who of the music industry. His vast collection of movie soundtrack and television credits are enviable. Carl was heard by 67, 000,000 people as a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. He will also be heavily featured in the forthcoming film documentary about the electric guitar, 'Turn It UP!'

“Carl is a true pro and a great player/musician. He can do anything, and as one who is supposed to do this, me (ha-ha), Carl comes through with heart and soul and is really not only an awesome musician but a really good guy. That counts ALOT in this biz, especially these days.” - Steve Lukather

On the educational front, Carl has produced two instructional videos called 'Intervallic Rock Guitar' and 'Forward Motion' as well as various on-line lessons. He also has a book/CD detailing his unique “intervallic” style called 'Improvising Without Scales'. Another book entitled 'Studio City' is a compilation of all the columns Carl wrote for Guitar Magazine between 1996 and 1999. He has written a monthly column for Chitarre, Italy’s #1 guitar publication as well as Guitar World and Guitar Jam Daily, a website devoted to serious guitarists. He currently writes a monthly column for Guitar Player, contributes to other guitar publications, and blogs regularly for GuitarPlayer.com and his own site. Carl also lectures and teaches at clinics and master classes regularly when not on the road.

“Carl is so overwhelming to sit in a room and jam with, let alone his playing on records and stage. You get the impression there is no style or territory he is unable to explore.” - Brad Paisley

Carl recently co-designed a signature guitar with LsL Instruments, the “CV Special,” combining the best elements Carl seeks in his ideal guitar; they are now available for purchase worldwide. As if that weren’t enough, working closely with Dean Markley, Carl developed a line of signature strings for the electric guitar that perfectly balance the tremolo bridge of the Fender Stratocaster, the Carl Verheyen Balanced Bridge Helix HD string set .

“Carl is one of those experienced, great players that you could put in any situation and get a wonderful guitar solo. I personally love the fact that he enjoys what he does and radiates positive energy whenever I have seen him.” - Steve Morse

In support of Carl's new CD release, he will be touring Europe in the fall 2014. His band will feature bass virtuoso Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Ritchie Kotzen, Billy Sheehan, Jeff Berlin), who is featured on 'Mustang Run', and master drummer/percussionist John Mader (Joe Satriani, Booker T, Electronic Arts' “The Sims”, Tony award winners “Rent”, “Lion King” and “Wicked”).

In closing Carl has this to impart, “Before I made 'Mustang Run' I pulled out about 10 CDs that I seem to listen to all the time. None of them were 'shredders' or heavy bombastic music, but none of them were 'easy listening' either. I realized they all had melodic qualities that made them endure the test of time. So my main goal: make a record the bears repeated listening. If you discover new things with each play I've done my job!”

For more info: http://www.carlverheyen.com
http://www.carlverheyen.com/store-cds/

'Mustang Run' CD preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFYlBizHAyc

“Fusioneers Disease” from the 'Mustang Run' CD, with Simon Phillips (Toto, Who, Protocol II), Cliff Hugo (Supertramp, Ray Charles) and Jim Cox (Albert Lee, Streisand, Ringo, Aerosmith, Knopfler):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwxM_aFNXso

“Spirit of Julia” from the 'Mustang Run' CD (same musicians):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlf1Cu2XS3I

Take One Step: Appreciating Carl and CVB live!:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtQapyal-js

Management:
Gary Selick
www.talenttothestage.com
PH: 415-999-7067

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

2/13/2014

Prog Band An Endless Sporadic To Release New Single and Video In Support Of Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 Cruise Appearance


“A wild progressive sonic ride. It's thrilling to hear progressive rock that is fresh and inspiring. These guys are obviously very skilled and their music is brimming over with youthful creativity and vitality.” - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most talked about up and coming prog groups of 2014, An Endless Sporadic, is releasing a new single “Spaceship Factory” in support of their upcoming appearance on the Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 cruise hosted by Transatlantic's Mike Portnoy! The band, comprising of Zach Kamins (guitars, keyboards), Andy Gentile (drums), Tony Solis (guitar), and Eloy Palacios (bass), have also filmed a new video to the single and can be watched here: http://youtu.be/jCe8NcS3yBs

Says Zach, “I composed the main theme for 'Spaceship Factory' a couple of years ago with the intention of it being part of an orchestral piece that would eventually morph into a progressive rock piece. I've always loved film scores in movies about big space adventures. So, I wrote a piece while imagining landing on an alien planet and coming across a factory building spaceships. When I originally came up with the theme, I wasn't sure how I wanted to develop the rest of the piece. Now that An Endless Sporadic has reunited, it seemed like the perfect vehicle for this piece.”

The band's new single will be part of a forthcoming EP that will also include a studio recording of the song “Derpulous” (the band released a demo version of the track a few months ago) as well as brand new material. It is also the 6 year anniversary of An Endless Sporadic's first EP 'Ameliorate', so plans to re-record a couple songs from that EP as bonus tracks are in the works. The group is planning on running a Pledge Music campaign to help fund the recordings.

Says Zach, “We have enough music demoed for a full length album and depending on how the EP does, we might want to repackage the EP as a full length later on. The idea is that because our music has a sporadic nature but also explores theme development, we want to try and find ways to expand on older material while introducing plenty of fresh material.”

Zach and Andy originally formed the band in 2005 in Houston, TX through a series of random jam/improv sessions together. Eventually, Andy moved to Los Angeles to work for Neversoft, while Zach moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. The duo continued to write music together over the internet and eventually their song “Sun Of Pearl” was featured in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland video game. The track “Impulse” was added as a bonus song in Guitar Hero 3, and the track “Anything” has been featured in Guitar Hero: World Tour as free Downloadable Content in the Neversoft Track Pack. The band has a wide rage of musical influences, which can be heard throughout their work, and include ELP, King Crimson, Dream Theater, The Flower Kings, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Dillinger Escape Plan, Sikth, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Primus, Mr. Bungle and Ozric Tentacles.

“A wild progressive sonic ride. It's thrilling to hear progressive rock that is fresh and inspiring. These guys are obviously very skilled and their music is brimming over with youthful creativity and vitality.” - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

Prog guitarist Roine Stolt, best known for his work with The Flower Kings, Transatlantic and Agents of Mercy, produced the duo's self-titled, full length album with Jonas Reingold (of The Flower Kings) featured on bass. Roine relates, “A couple years ago I got contacted by an American band to help produce their record. I knew little about them but heard they've been into doing music for gaming. They were a dynamic duo called An Endless Sporadic. As soon as I said 'yes' I got my mailbox flooded with audio files with a gazillion 'out there' ideas. Zach Kamins, who is the main writer, is a young man with a vivid imagination and all the music he writes expose all freedom that I remember from yesteryears prog. Zach and Andy propose that progressive rock can be played even today, by 'kids' that could as well be...my kids. They have the relentless energy and the will to go beyond formula and I can see great things coming from the band in the future. Now it helps that they are friendly and fun people too.”

Here's what the press has raved about An Endless Sporadic's 2008 debut 'Ameliorate' EP and their self-titled, full length release in 2009:

“The whole album is an onslaught of riffs. The band never seams to run out of ideas of original guitar riffs often over layered with melodic leads. But what makes this band unique is more than just their interesting guitar parts linked together by odd time signatures, melodic soloing and chaotic breakdowns. Each song features unique extras that separate them from the rest of the songs on the EP and make everything sound fresh.” - Simon Harris, SCREAM!

“Overall, this is some pretty impressive stuff, 34 minutes of instrumental jazz-fusion, progressive metal, and progressive rock, with equal amounts of chops and well written memorable songs. Expect big things from this outfit folks.” - Peter Pardo, Sea Of Tranquility

“The bottom line with AES's debut album is to never get too used to one particular tune or motif as it will disappear before you realize how much you loved it...it's nonetheless a vibrant display of their skills.” - Joe Osborne, Geekadelphia

An Endless Sporadic is excited about their upcoming performance on the Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 cruise, which runs from February 18-22. Others performing are legendary Jon Anderson of YES, Transatlantic, Portnoy Sheehan Macalpine Sherinian, Adrian Belew, Devin Townsend, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings, Animals as Leaders, Periphery and many others. Says Zach, “Sixthman ran a competition called Sixthman Soundcheck, where they were selecting three up and coming progressive rock bands to add to the bill. We actually weren't selected, but we later received an e-mail that Mike Portnoy had a hard time choosing the three bands and decided to add a 5th stage to the cruise. We were selected to play on that stage.”

For more information: www.anendlesssporadic.com

To purchase the “Spaceship Factory” single: http://bit.ly/1euv3xt

Progressive Nation information: www.progressivenationatsea.com

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

Prog Band An Endless Sporadic To Release New Single and Video In Support Of Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 Cruise Appearance


“A wild progressive sonic ride. It's thrilling to hear progressive rock that is fresh and inspiring. These guys are obviously very skilled and their music is brimming over with youthful creativity and vitality.” - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most talked about up and coming prog groups of 2014, An Endless Sporadic, is releasing a new single “Spaceship Factory” in support of their upcoming appearance on the Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 cruise hosted by Transatlantic's Mike Portnoy! The band, comprising of Zach Kamins (guitars, keyboards), Andy Gentile (drums), Tony Solis (guitar), and Eloy Palacios (bass), have also filmed a new video to the single and can be watched here: http://youtu.be/jCe8NcS3yBs

Says Zach, “I composed the main theme for 'Spaceship Factory' a couple of years ago with the intention of it being part of an orchestral piece that would eventually morph into a progressive rock piece. I've always loved film scores in movies about big space adventures. So, I wrote a piece while imagining landing on an alien planet and coming across a factory building spaceships. When I originally came up with the theme, I wasn't sure how I wanted to develop the rest of the piece. Now that An Endless Sporadic has reunited, it seemed like the perfect vehicle for this piece.”

The band's new single will be part of a forthcoming EP that will also include a studio recording of the song “Derpulous” (the band released a demo version of the track a few months ago) as well as brand new material. It is also the 6 year anniversary of An Endless Sporadic's first EP 'Ameliorate', so plans to re-record a couple songs from that EP as bonus tracks are in the works. The group is planning on running a Pledge Music campaign to help fund the recordings.

Says Zach, “We have enough music demoed for a full length album and depending on how the EP does, we might want to repackage the EP as a full length later on. The idea is that because our music has a sporadic nature but also explores theme development, we want to try and find ways to expand on older material while introducing plenty of fresh material.”

Zach and Andy originally formed the band in 2005 in Houston, TX through a series of random jam/improv sessions together. Eventually, Andy moved to Los Angeles to work for Neversoft, while Zach moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. The duo continued to write music together over the internet and eventually their song “Sun Of Pearl” was featured in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland video game. The track “Impulse” was added as a bonus song in Guitar Hero 3, and the track “Anything” has been featured in Guitar Hero: World Tour as free Downloadable Content in the Neversoft Track Pack. The band has a wide rage of musical influences, which can be heard throughout their work, and include ELP, King Crimson, Dream Theater, The Flower Kings, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Dillinger Escape Plan, Sikth, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Primus, Mr. Bungle and Ozric Tentacles.

“A wild progressive sonic ride. It's thrilling to hear progressive rock that is fresh and inspiring. These guys are obviously very skilled and their music is brimming over with youthful creativity and vitality.” - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

Prog guitarist Roine Stolt, best known for his work with The Flower Kings, Transatlantic and Agents of Mercy, produced the duo's self-titled, full length album with Jonas Reingold (of The Flower Kings) featured on bass. Roine relates, “A couple years ago I got contacted by an American band to help produce their record. I knew little about them but heard they've been into doing music for gaming. They were a dynamic duo called An Endless Sporadic. As soon as I said 'yes' I got my mailbox flooded with audio files with a gazillion 'out there' ideas. Zach Kamins, who is the main writer, is a young man with a vivid imagination and all the music he writes expose all freedom that I remember from yesteryears prog. Zach and Andy propose that progressive rock can be played even today, by 'kids' that could as well be...my kids. They have the relentless energy and the will to go beyond formula and I can see great things coming from the band in the future. Now it helps that they are friendly and fun people too.”

Here's what the press has raved about An Endless Sporadic's 2008 debut 'Ameliorate' EP and their self-titled, full length release in 2009:

“The whole album is an onslaught of riffs. The band never seams to run out of ideas of original guitar riffs often over layered with melodic leads. But what makes this band unique is more than just their interesting guitar parts linked together by odd time signatures, melodic soloing and chaotic breakdowns. Each song features unique extras that separate them from the rest of the songs on the EP and make everything sound fresh.” - Simon Harris, SCREAM!

“Overall, this is some pretty impressive stuff, 34 minutes of instrumental jazz-fusion, progressive metal, and progressive rock, with equal amounts of chops and well written memorable songs. Expect big things from this outfit folks.” - Peter Pardo, Sea Of Tranquility

“The bottom line with AES's debut album is to never get too used to one particular tune or motif as it will disappear before you realize how much you loved it...it's nonetheless a vibrant display of their skills.” - Joe Osborne, Geekadelphia

An Endless Sporadic is excited about their upcoming performance on the Progressive Nation at Sea 2014 cruise, which runs from February 18-22. Others performing are legendary Jon Anderson of YES, Transatlantic, Portnoy Sheehan Macalpine Sherinian, Adrian Belew, Devin Townsend, Spock's Beard, The Flower Kings, Animals as Leaders, Periphery and many others. Says Zach, “Sixthman ran a competition called Sixthman Soundcheck, where they were selecting three up and coming progressive rock bands to add to the bill. We actually weren't selected, but we later received an e-mail that Mike Portnoy had a hard time choosing the three bands and decided to add a 5th stage to the cruise. We were selected to play on that stage.”

For more information: www.anendlesssporadic.com

To purchase the “Spaceship Factory” single: http://bit.ly/1euv3xt

Progressive Nation information: www.progressivenationatsea.com

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

2/09/2014

Instrumental Progressive Rock Review: OVRFWRD-Beyond The Visible Light

Release Date: 1stJan 2104 

Label: Rock Slack Music


This is the first time I have been sent an album to review and found myself struggling a little with the band name, OVRFWRD, but at least I don’t have to pronounce it to review them. It also tends to catch the attention on the cover of the album. The album is Beyond The Visible Light and is the debut album from the band that was formed in 2012.

OVRFWRD is a four piece instrumental/art rock band that has stated their influences as Pink Floyd, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Iron Maiden. Rush, Yes, Joni Mitchell and Django Reinhardt among others, so they have a very diverse set of influences. The band comprises, Rikki Davenport (drums, percussion), Kyle Lund (bass), Mark Ilang (guitars) and Chris Malmgren (keyboards), and the band came about literally by chance. Rikki and Mark had talked about an instrumental band, while part of another band, and when their vocalist failed to turn up at a recording, the die was cast. With Kyle and Chris, the band recorded a track and have now completed and released the full album.

Beyond The Visible Light is a 5 track album which has a total playing time of around 47 minutes. None of the tracks really fall into the “short” category, although “Can We Keep The Elephant” is the shortest track on offer at 8:03 minutes with the longest track, “Raviji” clocking in at 11:18 minutes.

As an opening track, “Can We Keep The Elephant” (8:03), is instantly memorable, simply for the title alone. The band are off and running very quickly at the start of this track and into an interesting passage with keyboards leading into a strumming guitar. All of this is underpinned by an extremely solid rhythm unit provided by Rikki and Kyle. Mark shows that he is an excellent guitarist and those terrific keyboards from Chris are always there or thereabouts. A couple of minutes into the track and the tempo drops to strummed guitar on its own, before the other 3 group members rejoin proceedings, maintaining the slow gentle melodic nature of the track, which then morphs into a neat jagged guitar riff backed by some  insistent keyboards. This bit of interplay between guitar and keyboards continues to carry the track onwards and returns to the original starting theme which takes the track out. This is a good solid start to the album, with enough light and dark to help maintain the interest of the listener.

“Stones of Temperance” (8:49) has the guitar riffs interplaying with a superb piano passage, before a tempo change introduces a stunning acoustic guitar section. “The Man with No Shoes” (10:48) has a similar configuration of guitar/piano which moves into synths and a more jagged guitar playing area, allowing Mark to show his skills further, especially on those slower sections. The final track, “Dark Star” (8:56) has a simple guitar keyboard passage introduction which slowly builds and the tempo switches up a gear. The keyboards become replaced by that superb piano before the guitar gets a bit looser and drives the track along with the rest of the band contributing to the gradual increase in build-up to see the track make its exit.

“Raviji” (11:18), the longest track on Beyond The Visible Light, and the first track that the band recorded, is a slow burner at the start, with a “little bit more grunt” as it hits the 4 minute mark, with superb guitar/keyboard interaction before a stripping away of everything leaves a solitary piano and a passage which is simply sublime. A gentle acoustic guitar joins the piano to keep things moving along until the rhythm engine sneaks in to add a little more “oomph.”  Bits of slightly distorted guitar appear, but I didn’t feel that they added anything to the track, indeed they seemed to detract a little from what was going on. A sudden tempo change is an indication that the track is close to finishing and it goes out with more piano.

Beyond The Visible Light is a good debut album which has passages that grab the listener and there is no doubt that there are four very able musicians on show. My only concern, and regular readers of my reviews will be aware of this, is that to fully engage a listener over the course of an album, an instrumental album needs something unique to grab that attention. Although I enjoyed all 5 tracks, I did tend to find that my attention either drifted or looked for a vocalist to vary what was happening at times, and while I will definitely dip into the album again and again, it isn’t an album I would put on and listen from start to finish.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Can We Keep The Elephant, Raviji, Darkest Star

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

February 9, 2014


Tracks:
Can We Keep The Elephant
Stones Of Temperance
Raviji
The Man With No Shoes
Darkest Star


Instrumental Progressive Rock Review: OVRFWRD-Beyond The Visible Light

Release Date: 1stJan 2104
Label: Rock Slack Music

This is the first time I have been sent an album to review and found myself struggling a little with the band name, OVRFWRD, but at least I don’t have to pronounce it to review them. It also tends to catch the attention on the cover of the album. The album is Beyond The Visible Light and is the debut album from the band that was formed in 2012.

OVRFWRD is a four piece instrumental/art rock band that has stated their influences as Pink Floyd, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Iron Maiden. Rush, Yes, Joni Mitchell and Django Reinhardt among others, so they have a very diverse set of influences. The band comprises, Rikki Davenport (drums, percussion), Kyle Lund (bass), Mark Ilang (guitars) and Chris Malmgren (keyboards), and the band came about literally by chance. Rikki and Mark had talked about an instrumental band, while part of another band, and when their vocalist failed to turn up at a recording, the die was cast. With Kyle and Chris, the band recorded a track and have now completed and released the full album.

Beyond The Visible Light is a 5 track album which has a total playing time of around 47 minutes. None of the tracks really fall into the “short” category, although “Can We Keep The Elephant” is the shortest track on offer at 8:03 minutes with the longest track, “Raviji” clocking in at 11:18 minutes.

As an opening track, “Can We Keep The Elephant” (8:03), is instantly memorable, simply for the title alone. The band are off and running very quickly at the start of this track and into an interesting passage with keyboards leading into a strumming guitar. All of this is underpinned by an extremely solid rhythm unit provided by Rikki and Kyle. Mark shows that he is an excellent guitarist and those terrific keyboards from Chris are always there or thereabouts. A couple of minutes into the track and the tempo drops to strummed guitar on its own, before the other 3 group members rejoin proceedings, maintaining the slow gentle melodic nature of the track, which then morphs into a neat jagged guitar riff backed by some  insistent keyboards. This bit of interplay between guitar and keyboards continues to carry the track onwards and returns to the original starting theme which takes the track out. This is a good solid start to the album, with enough light and dark to help maintain the interest of the listener.

“Stones of Temperance” (8:49) has the guitar riffs interplaying with a superb piano passage, before a tempo change introduces a stunning acoustic guitar section. “The Man with No Shoes” (10:48) has a similar configuration of guitar/piano which moves into synths and a more jagged guitar playing area, allowing Mark to show his skills further, especially on those slower sections. The final track, “Dark Star” (8:56) has a simple guitar keyboard passage introduction which slowly builds and the tempo switches up a gear. The keyboards become replaced by that superb piano before the guitar gets a bit looser and drives the track along with the rest of the band contributing to the gradual increase in build-up to see the track make its exit.

“Raviji” (11:18), the longest track on Beyond The Visible Light, and the first track that the band recorded, is a slow burner at the start, with a “little bit more grunt” as it hits the 4 minute mark, with superb guitar/keyboard interaction before a stripping away of everything leaves a solitary piano and a passage which is simply sublime. A gentle acoustic guitar joins the piano to keep things moving along until the rhythm engine sneaks in to add a little more “oomph.”  Bits of slightly distorted guitar appear, but I didn’t feel that they added anything to the track, indeed they seemed to detract a little from what was going on. A sudden tempo change is an indication that the track is close to finishing and it goes out with more piano.

Beyond The Visible Light is a good debut album which has passages that grab the listener and there is no doubt that there are four very able musicians on show. My only concern, and regular readers of my reviews will be aware of this, is that to fully engage a listener over the course of an album, an instrumental album needs something unique to grab that attention. Although I enjoyed all 5 tracks, I did tend to find that my attention either drifted or looked for a vocalist to vary what was happening at times, and while I will definitely dip into the album again and again, it isn’t an album I would put on and listen from start to finish.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Can We Keep The Elephant, Raviji, Darkest Star

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

February 9, 2014


Tracks:
Can We Keep The Elephant
Stones Of Temperance
Raviji
The Man With No Shoes
Darkest Star


Review Provided By Write A Music Review


10/29/2013

Review: Claro de Luna-La Voz Quebrada

The new album from Claro de Luna, the post/prog rock project by Jose Acuna, is La Voz Quebrada ( The Cracking Voice), and follows on from their debut release in 2011, Lo Que Ha Sido Y Lo Que Sera (What Has Been and What Will Be). This new release is a concept album dealing with everyday communication and the gaps, voids and misunderstandings that can appear with simple errors in communication. La Vox Quebrada is a mainly instrumental album with, according to Jose, only a few “ooohs” and “aaahs.”

Apart from multi-instrumentalist, Jose Acuna, there are some guest musicians on La Voz Quebrada, and they are, Maf Saenz (vocals), Natalia Oddi (flute), Pedro Guttierrez (saxophone) and Tatania Ravazzolli (cello).
La Voz Quebrada is a 7 track album with a total playing time of around 49 minutes, with track 6, “El Mascarero” (The Mask Maker), the longest at 13:20 minutes and the shortest, track 1, “Signato” (Sign) at 2:14 minutes.


I always feel that an opening track to an album needs something to draw the listener into the music and make them want to hear what follows. “Signato” (2:15) has some nice fuzz guitar which then introduces a piano theme over the basic track. There are also a lot of “aaahs” from the guest vocalist, Maf, but it is a very low key start to the album.
 

“Refraccion” (5:11),” Entre Lineus” (6:35) and “La Otre Verdad” (8:29) follow on from the short opening track and are varied in their structure with some vocalizations reminiscent of Pink Floyd (a la Great Gig In The Sky), excellent guitar passages, flutes and percussion passages. While each track was initially engaging and atmospheric, they all seemed to outstay their welcome and the level of interest was dropping as they ultimately made their exits.

The second part of the album was the more interesting, starting as it did, with the short track, “Desfase” (3:09), which painted an aural soundscape of desolation. This scenario was obtained with a plucked echo guitar and a “faraway” keyboard theme in the distance, and all wrapped up in a short period of time. The long track, “El Mascarero” (13:20) was made up of little sections which flowed into one another and hinted at Mike Oldfield at points, but it did possess that “je ne sais quoi” that made the track memorable. 


The title track, “La Voz Quebrada” (9:03), which ends the album is the most successful track as it effortlessly sets another soundscape with simple keyboards and more wonderful vocalizations which literally “hit the nail on the head.” The superb guitar carries this track along and there is a sense of being “inside” the music. The final track, “La Voz Quebrada” encompasses in miniature all that a good instrumental concept album should.

A concept album, especially an instrumental one, needs everything to be firing on all cylinders to shout out “listen to me!” and get the listener immersed in the storyline, carried along on a wave of evocative music. La Voz Quebrada unfortunately comes up a little short in this area, with some individual tracks very good and interesting, but in too many cases, the tracks seem to lack direction and are overlong, losing the listener along the way .This, may of course be a deliberately designed part of the album, bearing in mind the concept is dealing with communication problems?  Good in many areas and with nods towards Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield and Jon Anderson (Olias of Sunhillow style) La Voz Quebrada is certainly worth  listening to and being only the second album, there are signs suggesting much more still to come from Claro de Luna.

4/5 STARS

Key Tracks: Desfase: El Mascarero: La Voz Quebrada

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-MuzikReviews.com Staff

October 29, 2013