Singer/Songwriter Tamara L. Wilson To Release New EP “Let It Go” on June 18, 2021

Featuring Blind Guitar Legend Joey Stuckey

Spreading love and positive vibes is Tamara L. Wilson's mission for her music; and it's a breath of fresh air. Her party started when she was only a girl, singing along with her 'Papa' and her Dad, in their down-home sing-alongs playing their guitars and singing gospel and country music. Tamara's journey has always led her back to the melodies of her heart and soul.

Growing up in South Carolina, she started out singing locally and then worked the Marriott circuit for a while as a performing artist.  Her songwriting really began to unfold while attending a community college in Mesa, AZ where she studied recording and piano. As soon as her hands hit the keys, she was awakened to her natural and God given talent of crafting a soulful song using her heartfelt vocals. Tamara's true heart's desire is to make others feel better and have a little fun while discovering her music.

Tamara’s recent single “Freedom Flame” and the track “Your Own Kind Of Beautiful” became critically acclaimed favorites and her most popular cuts to date. Tamara’s new EP “Let it Go” is due out June 18, 2021!

Says Tamara, “‘Let It Go’ is the overall theme of the EP. So MUCH has been going on for all of us; between the pandemic and the racial disharmony upfront and center, it feels like we all need to ‘let go’ of some stress! There’s never been a better time to find more peace and harmony than right now! After about 3 months home alone, just working on music most every day, I took off for a healthcare appointment, but instead of going back home, I just kept driving! I drove all the way down to the gulf coast! Wow! Beautiful! Clear as a drink of water with white sand and blue green ocean! ‘Let It Go’ is a theme for my life! LOL!”

Track List

It’s Your Life (Believe)
Little More Love Remix
Let It Go
Have It All

Says Tamara, “Let me give a big shout out and thanks to Joey Stuckey! I like to call him and his friends that he also got to play on ‘It’s Your Life (Believe)’ and ‘Little More Love Remix’ the ‘cosmic musicians’! Joey has over 35 awards...plays several instruments...writes, sings...and wait for it, he’s blind! Wow! His friend Tom Rule gifted me with the piano track for ‘It’s Your Life’...just gave it to me!  And listen to that man play! He’s been in music 30+ years, done many albums himself, and teaches University level music and computers! Another friend of Joey’s, Miguel Castro played drums...he’s a recording artist of many years and has been the Director of Percussion at the University level for 20+ years! Outstanding!”

The musicians on the tracks “Let It Go” and “Have It All” are Freddy Tripp who plays keys, trumpet, trombone, and programming and is in the Country Music Hall of Fame, and also has a Best Album. Coleman Murphy, the guitarist that so skillfully weaves in and out the lyrics, has years of being a studio musician, and recorded the karaoke versions of over 4000 songs. Tim Loftin joined in for the bass on “Let It Go” all the way from Canada, also a seasoned professional musician.

Says Tamara, “I feel so blessed to be working with musicians of this caliber. I can’t even read music! It was a little daunting, and humbling. But I knew, I was working with them because I was supposed to be! Yeah... ‘Tamara and the Cosmic Musicians’...I AM Blessed!”

“Some people are born talented, blessed with vocals that are beautiful and melodious. It does not take them time to realize their true talent and thus, in the yesteryear, such a gem was born” - MySoundMusic

In closing Tamara has this to impart, “If you listen to the lyrics of my songs, you will hear my message loud and clear! My goal is for my music to uplift, encourage, bring confidence and harmony to the listener. I hope my songs help someone, somewhere feel a little bit better! Peace!”

To purchase Tamara L. Wilson’s “Let It Go” EP: https://ditto.fm/let-it-go-tamara-l-wilson

Check out her music: http://www.tamaralwilson.com
Become a fan: https://www.jango.com/music/Tamara+L+Wilson
Subscribe to Tamara's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEroAYgA6IybS4PHWhUlNw

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

Leslie Hunt, Lead-Singer With Prog Ensemble District 97 & American Idol Finalist, To Release New EP “Ascend” June 25, 2021

The captivating rise of LESLIE HUNT, ex. American Idol finalist & District 97 lead-singer, continues with “Ascend”, her brand new and exquisite solo 7-Track CD EP.

• “Ascend” offers seven superbly crafted songs each one displaying an honesty & grace mixed with an impassioned beauty.

• Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all felt about life and love at one time or other.

• “Ascend” marks Part One of a 2-EP Set with a further 7-Track CD EP titled “Descend” to be released in September.

• Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be released to promote “Ascend”.

Leslie Hunt began her musical career at the tender age of four, playing piano and singing around her hometown of Chicago. Over the years, Leslie has performed on many stages in various roles, developing as a performer and gaining critical acclaim throughout the process. Many will remember Leslie from her appearance and relative success in the singing competition, American Idol, where she progressed into the Top Twenty Female Vocalists during Season 6 of the popular TV show in 2007. Since then, Leslie has continued not only as a solo artist with the release of three albums, “From The Strange To A Stranger” (2006), “Your Hair Is On Fire” (2009) & “Wait For It” (2012), but also as lead vocalist and songwriter for the exploratory Progressive Rock band, District 97.

The captivating rise of Leslie Hunt now continues with the release of “Ascend”, her latest solo EP. A collection of seven exquisite new songs, each one brilliantly written and performed, displaying an honesty and grace mixed with an impassioned beauty. Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all no doubt felt about love and life at some point in our lives, captured and expertly shaped in the hands of this studied artist.

Whether it is a cheerful, hook-heavy pop tune about love or a dark and insightful ballad of self-discovery, Leslie Hunt’s music is a window into her soul for any listener willing to look.

“Ascend” will mark Part One of what is to be a 2-EP Set, with a further 7-Track EP titled, “Descend” being readied for release in September.

Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be available as part of the promotion for the “Ascend” EP.

Track Listing:

1. STARTING OVER
2. THERE YOU ARE
3. YOUR WIND
4. WOLF CRIED BOY
5. RIGHT HERE
6. DOWN THE ROAD
7. THE KEY

Released June 25, 2021 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/leslie-hunt-ascend-cd-ep/

For more information:
www.lesliehuntmusic.com
www.facebook.com/lesliehuntlive
www.twitter.com/lesliehunt
www.instagram.com/lesliehunt

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

Leslie Hunt, Lead-Singer With Prog Ensemble District 97 & American Idol Finalist, To Release New EP “Ascend” June 25, 2021

The captivating rise of LESLIE HUNT, ex. American Idol finalist & District 97 lead-singer, continues with “Ascend”, her brand new and exquisite solo 7-Track CD EP.

• “Ascend” offers seven superbly crafted songs each one displaying an honesty & grace mixed with an impassioned beauty.

• Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all felt about life and love at one time or other.

• “Ascend” marks Part One of a 2-EP Set with a further 7-Track CD EP titled “Descend” to be released in September.

• Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be released to promote “Ascend”.

Leslie Hunt began her musical career at the tender age of four, playing piano and singing around her hometown of Chicago. Over the years, Leslie has performed on many stages in various roles, developing as a performer and gaining critical acclaim throughout the process. Many will remember Leslie from her appearance and relative success in the singing competition, American Idol, where she progressed into the Top Twenty Female Vocalists during Season 6 of the popular TV show in 2007. Since then, Leslie has continued not only as a solo artist with the release of three albums, “From The Strange To A Stranger” (2006), “Your Hair Is On Fire” (2009) & “Wait For It” (2012), but also as lead vocalist and songwriter for the exploratory Progressive Rock band, District 97.

The captivating rise of Leslie Hunt now continues with the release of “Ascend”, her latest solo EP. A collection of seven exquisite new songs, each one brilliantly written and performed, displaying an honesty and grace mixed with an impassioned beauty. Seven gorgeous and affecting reflections on how we’ve all no doubt felt about love and life at some point in our lives, captured and expertly shaped in the hands of this studied artist.

Whether it is a cheerful, hook-heavy pop tune about love or a dark and insightful ballad of self-discovery, Leslie Hunt’s music is a window into her soul for any listener willing to look.

“Ascend” will mark Part One of what is to be a 2-EP Set, with a further 7-Track EP titled, “Descend” being readied for release in September.

Videos for the tracks “Right Here”, “Down The Road” and “There You Are” will be available as part of the promotion for the “Ascend” EP.

Track Listing:

1. STARTING OVER
2. THERE YOU ARE
3. YOUR WIND
4. WOLF CRIED BOY
5. RIGHT HERE
6. DOWN THE ROAD
7. THE KEY

Released June 25, 2021 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/leslie-hunt-ascend-cd-ep/

For more information:
www.lesliehuntmusic.com
www.facebook.com/lesliehuntlive
www.twitter.com/lesliehunt
www.instagram.com/lesliehunt

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

Prog Ensemble Linda Cushma's OXYGENE8 To Release New RHINO EP

The RHINO collaboration was conceived at the height of the pandemic, during the first quarantine, with all of life-human & beast-scrambling for safety and security. The project took on the soundtrack of the times.

“Tracks with such vulnerability and heart - you can hear it and even more poignantly for me because these are my friends playing so generously and graciously. I was so touched by that every time a track came in. I am awake thinking tonight of international friends, family and wishing you and all our world's most vulnerable and endangered beasties safety and calm. This music is our gift to you.” – Linda Cushma

Oxygene8 features bassist and vocalist Linda Cushma (USA), best known for her work with this experimental ensemble. The project also features guitarist Federico Miranda (Costa Rica), co-founder of the Costa Rican rock band Gandhi & Baula Music, promoting environmental conservation & awareness through music; Tim Alexander, drummer for band PRIMUS, plays tom-toms on the RHINO soundtrack; guitarist Pablo Tato (Spain/UK) is a studio musician that has worked with producers such as Paul Epworth (Adele, Paul McCartney, U2) and now resides in London. The RHINO EP mix & magic by Steve Parrish (USA) @ Desert Coast Studio.

To purchase: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lindacushmaoxygene8/linda-cushma-oxygene8

For more information:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/lindacushma
FACEBOOK Fan Page: www.facebook.com/LindaCushmaOxygene8-101821658005127

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

Prog Ensemble Linda Cushma's OXYGENE8 To Release New RHINO EP

The RHINO collaboration was conceived at the height of the pandemic, during the first quarantine, with all of life-human & beast-scrambling for safety and security. The project took on the soundtrack of the times.

“Tracks with such vulnerability and heart - you can hear it and even more poignantly for me because these are my friends playing so generously and graciously. I was so touched by that every time a track came in. I am awake thinking tonight of international friends, family and wishing you and all our world's most vulnerable and endangered beasties safety and calm. This music is our gift to you.” – Linda Cushma

Oxygene8 features bassist and vocalist Linda Cushma (USA), best known for her work with this experimental ensemble. The project also features guitarist Federico Miranda (Costa Rica), co-founder of the Costa Rican rock band Gandhi & Baula Music, promoting environmental conservation & awareness through music; Tim Alexander, drummer for band PRIMUS, plays tom-toms on the RHINO soundtrack; guitarist Pablo Tato (Spain/UK) is a studio musician that has worked with producers such as Paul Epworth (Adele, Paul McCartney, U2) and now resides in London. The RHINO EP mix & magic by Steve Parrish (USA) @ Desert Coast Studio.

To purchase: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lindacushmaoxygene8/linda-cushma-oxygene8

For more information:
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/lindacushma
FACEBOOK Fan Page: www.facebook.com/LindaCushmaOxygene8-101821658005127

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

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev is a progressive Rock/Metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel and Armando met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree during the war in Syria and seeking asylum in Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

In anticipation of their debut EP “Leap of Faith”, Derev has already released two singles and an animated music video in early 2021. “Leap of Faith” features Adel Saflou (Ambrotype) on vocals and will be released on May 21st. The band will also be releasing a video for the track “Turab” on the same day.

Says Derev, “‘Leap of Faith’ is our debut EP. It’s meant to introduce the band’s diverse style and unique sound, merging the heaviness of metal music with the atmospheric feel and rhythms of old school progressive rock, while experimenting with middle-eastern scales derived from the band’s origins. Even though the EP is not a concept album and each song aims to discuss a different topic, the common theme is about seeing things from a different, unconventional perspective and taking the risk of action to make a change, rather than accepting the status quo, thus the EP’s name.”

The main themes, melodies, and riffs came out of prolonged jam sessions between Armando and Michel. From there, they were slowly developed into full songs through numerous iterations of rehearsing, adjusting, and recording demos. Once the structure of a song was ready, they wrote lyrics and worked on the general vocal melodies and harmonies. The entire EP was recorded at home. Guitars and bass were recorded in the band’s home studio in Toronto. Adel Saflou (guest vocals) took their demos, added his own character and sound to it and recorded the vocals in his home studio in Amsterdam. Michel tracked the drums on his electric kit, and then fine-tuned it to preserve his performance, while keeping everything sounding organic. Once everything was tracked the band sent the songs to James Zhan who mixed and mastered the EP.

Derev:

Armando (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he has released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando to bring Derev to life.

Liam (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act “Open Season”. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f), Liam is excited to be returning to his bass playing roots with Derev.

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

For more information:
https://www.Derevmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/derevmusic
https://www.instagram.com/derevmusic
https://www.twitter.com/derevmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lbmuZcISd67b_t7hLfuXw

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

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev is a progressive Rock/Metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel and Armando met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree during the war in Syria and seeking asylum in Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

In anticipation of their debut EP “Leap of Faith”, Derev has already released two singles and an animated music video in early 2021. “Leap of Faith” features Adel Saflou (Ambrotype) on vocals and will be released on May 21st. The band will also be releasing a video for the track “Turab” on the same day.

Says Derev, “‘Leap of Faith’ is our debut EP. It’s meant to introduce the band’s diverse style and unique sound, merging the heaviness of metal music with the atmospheric feel and rhythms of old school progressive rock, while experimenting with middle-eastern scales derived from the band’s origins. Even though the EP is not a concept album and each song aims to discuss a different topic, the common theme is about seeing things from a different, unconventional perspective and taking the risk of action to make a change, rather than accepting the status quo, thus the EP’s name.”

The main themes, melodies, and riffs came out of prolonged jam sessions between Armando and Michel. From there, they were slowly developed into full songs through numerous iterations of rehearsing, adjusting, and recording demos. Once the structure of a song was ready, they wrote lyrics and worked on the general vocal melodies and harmonies. The entire EP was recorded at home. Guitars and bass were recorded in the band’s home studio in Toronto. Adel Saflou (guest vocals) took their demos, added his own character and sound to it and recorded the vocals in his home studio in Amsterdam. Michel tracked the drums on his electric kit, and then fine-tuned it to preserve his performance, while keeping everything sounding organic. Once everything was tracked the band sent the songs to James Zhan who mixed and mastered the EP.

Derev:

Armando (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he has released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando to bring Derev to life.

Liam (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act “Open Season”. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f), Liam is excited to be returning to his bass playing roots with Derev.

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

For more information:
https://www.Derevmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/derevmusic
https://www.instagram.com/derevmusic
https://www.twitter.com/derevmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lbmuZcISd67b_t7hLfuXw

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

Music Legends Procol Harum To Release New EP “Missing Persons”

Esoteric Antenna label is pleased to announce the release of a new CD EP by the legendary PROCOL HARUM.

“Missing Persons” was completed during lockdown, after founder and lead singer Gary Brooker rediscovered a CD of rough mixes of two studio tracks the band had laid down during a previous session. “They weren’t written last week, neither are they old” says Gary, but the precise date of the original recordings remains a mystery. With the world locked down Gary and the band revisited these tracks and they now proudly sit alongside the band’s venerable catalogue.

The title track “Missing Persons (Alive Forever)” is a particularly poignant and emotive song, and a fine example of the musical tradition of Procol Harum. Gary adds: “Keith Reid’s lyrics sound incredibly apt for the time we’re living in, this is the sound of Procol Harum today.” The EP’s other new song “War Is Not Healthy” is also a touching observation of war and its impact on humanity.

This is Procol Harum at their timeless best.

(Photo by Deacon Comms)

Procol Harum
Gary Brooker (vocals, piano)
Geoff Whitehorn (guitar)
Josh Phillips (organ)
Geoff Dunn (drums)
Matt Pegg (bass)

Tracklist
1. Missing Persons (Alive Forever)
2. War Is Not Healthy
3. Missing Persons (Alive Forever) (Edited Version)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/procol-harum-missing-persons-alive-forever-ep/

For more information: https://www.procolharum.com/

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

Music Legends Procol Harum To Release New EP “Missing Persons”

Esoteric Antenna label is pleased to announce the release of a new CD EP by the legendary PROCOL HARUM.

“Missing Persons” was completed during lockdown, after founder and lead singer Gary Brooker rediscovered a CD of rough mixes of two studio tracks the band had laid down during a previous session. “They weren’t written last week, neither are they old” says Gary, but the precise date of the original recordings remains a mystery. With the world locked down Gary and the band revisited these tracks and they now proudly sit alongside the band’s venerable catalogue.

The title track “Missing Persons (Alive Forever)” is a particularly poignant and emotive song, and a fine example of the musical tradition of Procol Harum. Gary adds: “Keith Reid’s lyrics sound incredibly apt for the time we’re living in, this is the sound of Procol Harum today.” The EP’s other new song “War Is Not Healthy” is also a touching observation of war and its impact on humanity.

This is Procol Harum at their timeless best.

(Photo by Deacon Comms)

Procol Harum
Gary Brooker (vocals, piano)
Geoff Whitehorn (guitar)
Josh Phillips (organ)
Geoff Dunn (drums)
Matt Pegg (bass)

Tracklist
1. Missing Persons (Alive Forever)
2. War Is Not Healthy
3. Missing Persons (Alive Forever) (Edited Version)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/procol-harum-missing-persons-alive-forever-ep/

For more information: https://www.procolharum.com/

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

SANDY MCKNIGHT & FERNANDO PERDOMO Release Second EP "San Fernando Blitz"

After last January's release of their successful first collaboration, Albany-area artist Sandy McKnight and Los Angeles' ubiquitous multi-instrumentalist/producer Fernando Perdomo are about to hit the road running with this year's model,"San Fernando Blitz".

Their last set, "San Fernando Beat", met with wide acclaim, with critics and fans alike. Named 'best EP of 2020' by PowerPop News, the songs "Any Time of Day" and "Fake" were breakout hits, getting national and international airplay.

The new EP by the team features 6 power pop killers, with the first single scheduled to be the dancy-hooky "Living on the Westside", due out January 4.

McKnight has been an in-demand bassist since the 70s, and has worked with many notables as a musician and producer. His large catalog of self-penned songs can be heard regularly on TV and in films.

Perdomo has become one of the top session players and producers on the west coast. He's been called the 'Todd Rundgren of L.A.', and was featured with Jacob Dylan in the recent documentary 'Echo in the Canyon', now playing on Netflix.

This new set highlights Perdomo on guitar, drums and keys. McKnight plays bass and sings leads and harmonies on all 6 tracks. Recording took place at Reseda Ranch Studio in L.A., and Systems Two in NYC.

The early buzz from those who've heard the preview tracks has been enthusiastic, and the boys are hopeful they might have the best EP of 2021 as well.

The EP will be available for download after January 11 on Bandcamp, and streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud

To purchase:
https://sandymcknight.bandcamp.com/album/san-fernando-blitz
sandymcknight.com

For more information:
sandymcknight.com
sandymcknightmusic.com

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

Keyboardist and Brian Eno Collaborator Peter Chilvers and Guitarist Jon Durant Create a Series of Stunningly Beautiful Aural Vistas

Peter Chilvers & Jon Durant Release “Always Golden Sands” & “Vista” - An ambient jazz album in two parts

English keyboardist and Brian Eno collaborator Peter Chilvers teamed up with American guitarist Jon Durant to create a series of stunningly beautiful aural vistas, which blend ECM inspired chamber jazz improvisation with ambient music. For both artists, this recording was an opportunity to explore their introspective sides as well as their textural tendencies. Gentle melodies weave their way through atmospheric clouds, at times reminiscent of Budd and Eno, but with a sense of interplay between the guitar and keys those ambient pioneers left out.  

The duo settled into a rhythm of working across distant time zones during the pandemic. Tracks often began with a morning keyboard improvisation from Chilvers, which would be embellished and transformed by Durant as daylight hit his side of the Atlantic. Having completed Vista, the momentum built up, and three further tracks emerged. These stood well on their own and will be released first as “Always Golden Sand” - a starter to Vista’s main course.

The EP features the exquisitely melancholic “Always Autumn”, the playful dialog of guitar and percolating synths on “Shifting Sands”, and the pensive “Golden”, a reworking of the more rhythmic “Age of Steam” from Vista. The album also includes the darker shades of “Embers” and the expansive “Sunset” - multiple piano loops slowly build around each other, augmented by Durant’s signature cloud guitars before giving way to a deep dusky atmosphere to close the album. Best enjoyed with a glass of whisky.

Chilvers commented, “As a teenager, I fell in love with the great ECM recordings of the 70s and 80s. Working with Jon has felt like travelling back to that period and finding an undiscovered star. It’s been a joyful and effortless recording, a live album somehow recorded despite lockdowns on opposite sides of the Atlantic. I wish I could beam it back to my teenage self.”

Durant noted, “My favorite aspect of this record is the level of interplay we managed to achieve, especially given the difficult circumstances in which we made this record. Peter’s lovely piano melodies were an inspiration for me to add not just beautiful textures but also play melodically with and around his piano and synths.”

Peter Chilvers: Remodelled Pianos, Synths, Generative processes, Fretless bass
Jon Durant: Cloud Guitar, Fretless Guitar, Mixing

Release dates:

December 11. 2020
The three song EP “Always Golden Sands” will be released digitally on Bandcamp and all streaming services.

January 15, 2021
The full length “Vista” will be released digitally on Bandcamp and all streaming services.

For more information:
https://www.jondurant.rocks
http://www.peterchilvers.com

To Purchase:
https://jondurant.bandcamp.com
https://peterchilvers.bandcamp.com

About the artists:

Peter Chilvers is a musician and software designer. Best known for creating the iOs applications Bloom, Trope, Scape and Reflection with Brian Eno, he has also toured with Karl Hyde (Underworld) and recorded numerous albums with vocalists Tim Bowness and Sandra O’Neill, as well as several solo instrumental albums. Many of these were released through Burning Shed, the online label he co-founded in 2001 with Tim Bowness and Pete Morgan.

Since 2006 he has worked as a musical and technical assistant to Brian Eno on projects including the soundtracks to “The Lovely Bones” and “Spore”, album collaborations with David Byrne and the Warp releases “Small Craft on a Milk Sea”, “Drums Between the Bells” and “Lux”. He worked as Assistant Producer on Eno’s 2016 release “The Ship”, for which he also helped develop a multi-speaker installation which has been shown in many countries.

As one of the earliest successes when Apple’s App Store’s debuted in 2008, Bloom continues to be fondly remembered. This led in 2018 to a collaboration with Microsoft to produce Bloom: Open World, an augmented reality installation shown in Denmark, and Bloom: 10 Worlds, a complete reimagining of the app for modern phones and tablets. Eno and Chilvers were also commissioned to create Hypnotised, a customized version of Bloom for use in Coldplay’s live stadium shows.

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

Durant has previously released 10 solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree). Durant has also been featured on the Astarta / Edwin album which was released in 2016. Durant, Colin Edwin and Ukranian singer Inna Kovtun released a CD in 2019 which featured a completely unique and modern take on traditional Ukranian folk music, with a blend of progressive rock, ambient, and pop elements. Durant’s acclaimed 2018 solo release “Parting Is” was his first “solo guitar’ recording and the follow up solo guitar album “Alternate Landscapes” continues to stretch the boundaries of what a guitar record can sound like. Both solo CDs have been nominated for “Best Ambient Album” in US new age radio publications, while “Alternate Landscapes” also spent multiple weeks at the top of the NACC Chill Charts. In 2020, Durant released the well-received duo album Across the Evening with Estonian guitarist Robert Jürjendal as well as his most recent solo album, Soul of a River which featured Jon playing guitars and piano.

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

Keyboardist and Brian Eno Collaborator Peter Chilvers and Guitarist Jon Durant Create a Series of Stunningly Beautiful Aural Vistas

Peter Chilvers & Jon Durant Release “Always Golden Sands” & “Vista” - An ambient jazz album in two parts

English keyboardist and Brian Eno collaborator Peter Chilvers teamed up with American guitarist Jon Durant to create a series of stunningly beautiful aural vistas, which blend ECM inspired chamber jazz improvisation with ambient music. For both artists, this recording was an opportunity to explore their introspective sides as well as their textural tendencies. Gentle melodies weave their way through atmospheric clouds, at times reminiscent of Budd and Eno, but with a sense of interplay between the guitar and keys those ambient pioneers left out.  

The duo settled into a rhythm of working across distant time zones during the pandemic. Tracks often began with a morning keyboard improvisation from Chilvers, which would be embellished and transformed by Durant as daylight hit his side of the Atlantic. Having completed Vista, the momentum built up, and three further tracks emerged. These stood well on their own and will be released first as “Always Golden Sand” - a starter to Vista’s main course.

The EP features the exquisitely melancholic “Always Autumn”, the playful dialog of guitar and percolating synths on “Shifting Sands”, and the pensive “Golden”, a reworking of the more rhythmic “Age of Steam” from Vista. The album also includes the darker shades of “Embers” and the expansive “Sunset” - multiple piano loops slowly build around each other, augmented by Durant’s signature cloud guitars before giving way to a deep dusky atmosphere to close the album. Best enjoyed with a glass of whisky.

Chilvers commented, “As a teenager, I fell in love with the great ECM recordings of the 70s and 80s. Working with Jon has felt like travelling back to that period and finding an undiscovered star. It’s been a joyful and effortless recording, a live album somehow recorded despite lockdowns on opposite sides of the Atlantic. I wish I could beam it back to my teenage self.”

Durant noted, “My favorite aspect of this record is the level of interplay we managed to achieve, especially given the difficult circumstances in which we made this record. Peter’s lovely piano melodies were an inspiration for me to add not just beautiful textures but also play melodically with and around his piano and synths.”

Peter Chilvers: Remodelled Pianos, Synths, Generative processes, Fretless bass
Jon Durant: Cloud Guitar, Fretless Guitar, Mixing

Release dates:

December 11. 2020
The three song EP “Always Golden Sands” will be released digitally on Bandcamp and all streaming services.

January 15, 2021
The full length “Vista” will be released digitally on Bandcamp and all streaming services.

For more information:
https://www.jondurant.rocks
http://www.peterchilvers.com

To Purchase:
https://jondurant.bandcamp.com
https://peterchilvers.bandcamp.com

About the artists:

Peter Chilvers is a musician and software designer. Best known for creating the iOs applications Bloom, Trope, Scape and Reflection with Brian Eno, he has also toured with Karl Hyde (Underworld) and recorded numerous albums with vocalists Tim Bowness and Sandra O’Neill, as well as several solo instrumental albums. Many of these were released through Burning Shed, the online label he co-founded in 2001 with Tim Bowness and Pete Morgan.

Since 2006 he has worked as a musical and technical assistant to Brian Eno on projects including the soundtracks to “The Lovely Bones” and “Spore”, album collaborations with David Byrne and the Warp releases “Small Craft on a Milk Sea”, “Drums Between the Bells” and “Lux”. He worked as Assistant Producer on Eno’s 2016 release “The Ship”, for which he also helped develop a multi-speaker installation which has been shown in many countries.

As one of the earliest successes when Apple’s App Store’s debuted in 2008, Bloom continues to be fondly remembered. This led in 2018 to a collaboration with Microsoft to produce Bloom: Open World, an augmented reality installation shown in Denmark, and Bloom: 10 Worlds, a complete reimagining of the app for modern phones and tablets. Eno and Chilvers were also commissioned to create Hypnotised, a customized version of Bloom for use in Coldplay’s live stadium shows.

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

Durant has previously released 10 solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree). Durant has also been featured on the Astarta / Edwin album which was released in 2016. Durant, Colin Edwin and Ukranian singer Inna Kovtun released a CD in 2019 which featured a completely unique and modern take on traditional Ukranian folk music, with a blend of progressive rock, ambient, and pop elements. Durant’s acclaimed 2018 solo release “Parting Is” was his first “solo guitar’ recording and the follow up solo guitar album “Alternate Landscapes” continues to stretch the boundaries of what a guitar record can sound like. Both solo CDs have been nominated for “Best Ambient Album” in US new age radio publications, while “Alternate Landscapes” also spent multiple weeks at the top of the NACC Chill Charts. In 2020, Durant released the well-received duo album Across the Evening with Estonian guitarist Robert Jürjendal as well as his most recent solo album, Soul of a River which featured Jon playing guitars and piano.

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

BEN LANG Releases His Debut Solo Release MODERN MAN EP with a Livestreamed VIRTUAL RELEASE SHOW

San Francisco, CA – BEN LANG is a singer-songwriter from San Rafael, CA. His debut solo release MODERN MAN EP offers six finely crafted alternative-acoustic tracks written and performed entirely by BEN LANG, with expressive lyrics and a slight country feel akin to artists as varied as Violent Femmes, Paul Simon, or Willie Nelson. MODERN MAN EP is made available online everywhere music is streamed and sold on November 27, Black Friday 2020. There will also be a MODERN MAN EP VIRTUAL RELEASE SHOW broadcast online to coincide with the release the same day, giving fans the chance to see a live performance of each song.

After playing in bands for several years and putting out a few different albums, BEN LANG branched out on his own as a solo performer in 2017 and began playing an assortment of mellow covers and originals at local restaurants, weddings, parties, and open mics. As he crafted more original material, he began to make plans for MODERN MAN EP, his first solo release. MODERN MAN EP was then recorded, mixed, and mastered by his good friend Matt Cope in his home studio between 2018 and 2020.

To coincide with the release, BEN LANG partnered with Gabriel Lamb and Digital Lamb Productions to produce a MODERN MAN EP VIRTUAL RELEASE SHOW. The concert will broadcast online on Black Friday 2020, giving fans the chance to kick back and relax that evening with some Thanksgiving leftovers while enjoying a live BEN LANG performance of each new MODERN MAN EP song.

Originally from the southeast Texas town of Port Arthur, BEN LANG was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he still hangs his hat with his big dog Boone by his side. Like many, he fell in love with music as a teenager, and began learning everything he could about bass and guitar with dreams of rock stardom in his head every night. Together with Paggi (aka Dan Paggi), also a notable Pacific Northwest artist, BEN LANG was a founding member of the San Francisco cult classic band Biv and the Mnemonics (aka Roy G Biv & The Mnemonic Devices), whose albums The Blue Orange (2009) and The Pace (2013) were released to critical acclaim and still resonate today. Together they also founded the independent label Moo Moo Records, and continue to release and market new projects partnered with Independent Distribution Collective (IDC).

As a solo artist, BEN LANG performs every Friday at the Le Chalet Basque restaurant in San Rafael, or at the occasional show, party, wedding, or open mic around town. He also plays bass with the Bay Area’s best rockers Secret Lives (aka The Gene Immens Project), whose solid mix of hard-rocking originals and crowd-pleasing covers brings an electric charge to every show. Throughout the years BEN LANG has performed in other bands including Azalea Drive, Moblad, and The Devil’s Chord.

MODERN MAN EP is available online on November 27, Black Friday 2020, everywhere music is streamed and sold.

To purchase or stream MODERN MAN EP please visit: https://smarturl.it/BenLangModernManEP or benlangmusic.bandcamp.com

To watch the MODERN MAN EP VIRTUAL RELEASE SHOW please visit: https://bit.ly/2HaaSep

For more information about BEN LANG please visit: www.moomoorecordsmusic.com/benlang

For Press, Radio, and Interview inquiries please contact Moo Moo Records: ben@independentdistro.com

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

Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz Artist Potter's Daughter to Release New EP “Casually Containing Rage” On September 15, 2020!

The EP will be available digitally, and on CD!

VA - Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz artist Potter's Daughter to release EP “Casually Containing Rage” on September 15, 2020! The EP will be released by MRR and available both digitally, and as a CD.

Potter's Daughter released their debut album, “The Blind Side,” in August 2018. In 2019 they released two singles; “Blood and Water,” featuring Annie Haslam (Renaissance) as guest artist, and the holiday single, “This Winter’s Child,” which was composed for the “MRR Holiday” album.

In March 2020 they went on tour with MRR labelmate Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and Dark Beauty. They were also invited to participate in several online festivals, including The Uncancelled Music Festival (April), The WorldWide Prog and Rock Virtual Festival (May), and most recently, the prestigious ProgStock Festival. (August).

“Casually Containing Rage” features three songs:

1. To My Love - a completely new arrangement of their song from their debut album, The Blind Side
2. Accidentally Like A Martyr- a beautiful rendition of Warren Zevon’s song from his album, Excitable Boy
3. We Could Be - a powerful and moving song dealing with racial injustice, featuring NPR radio broadcasts about George Floyd and Ahmaud Abery.

Filmmaker Serena Künzler has created a striking video for the song “We Could Be,” which was premiered during Potter’s Daughter’s set at ProgStock 8/29/2020.

1. To My Love (DPV, JCV)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-vocals
Amit Chatterjee-guitar
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass
Patrick Carmichael-drums
Tom Borthwick-soundscaping

2. Accidentally Like A Martyr (Warren Zevon)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-piano, vocal
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, guitar, drum programming

3. We Could Be (DPV, JCV)
Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-keyboards, vocals
Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, drum programming, guitar synth
NPR David Greene-radio broadcast

1. Produced by DPV, co-produced by Amitava Chatterjee and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
2. Produced by JCV
3. Produced by DPV, co-produced by JCV and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
 Mastered by Tom Borthwick

1.3. Recorded at SI Studio, Engineered by Joseph Wiggy Wegleski
2. Recorded, mixed at JCV Sound design



Potter's Daughter Online
Listen // Buy // & Share
Amazon: amzn.to/2qsUdKn
Bandcamp: bit.ly/2Mqk1PM
CD Baby: bit.ly/33JPG4E
iTunes: apple.co/2P1hTQm
Spotify: spoti.fi/35O57uo

Further Information Can Be Found At:
Website: https://pottersdaughterband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/
MRR Artist Profile: https://mrrmusic.com/potters-daughter/

Media & Booking:
pottersdaughterband@gmail.com

Label Contact:
Nick Katona, nick@melodicrevolution.com

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

Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz Artist Potter's Daughter to Release New EP “Casually Containing Rage” On September 15, 2020!

 

The EP will be available digitally, and on CD!

VA - Art Rock/Contemporary Jazz artist Potter's Daughter to release EP “Casually Containing Rage” on September 15, 2020! The EP will be released by MRR and available both digitally, and as a CD.

Potter's Daughter released their debut album, “The Blind Side,” in August 2018. In 2019 they released two singles; “Blood and Water,” featuring Annie Haslam (Renaissance) as guest artist, and the holiday single, “This Winter’s Child,” which was composed for the “MRR Holiday” album.

In March 2020 they went on tour with MRR labelmate Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and Dark Beauty. They were also invited to participate in several online festivals, including The Uncancelled Music Festival (April), The WorldWide Prog and Rock Virtual Festival (May), and most recently, the prestigious ProgStock Festival. (August).

“Casually Containing Rage” features three songs:

1. To My Love - a completely new arrangement of their song from their debut album, The Blind Side

2. Accidentally Like A Martyr- a beautiful rendition of Warren Zevon’s song from his album, Excitable Boy

3. We Could Be - a powerful and moving song dealing with racial injustice, featuring NPR radio broadcasts about George Floyd and Ahmaud Abery.

Filmmaker Serena Künzler has created a striking video for the song “We Could Be,” which was premiered during Potter’s Daughter’s set at ProgStock 8/29/2020.

1. To My Love (DPV, JCV)

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-vocals

Amit Chatterjee-guitar

Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass

Patrick Carmichael-drums

Tom Borthwick-soundscaping

2. Accidentally Like A Martyr (Warren Zevon)

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-piano, vocal

Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, guitar, drum programming

3. We Could Be (DPV, JCV)

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin-keyboards, vocals

Jan-Christian Vögtlin-bass, drum programming, guitar synth

NPR David Greene-radio broadcast

1. Produced by DPV, co-produced by Amitava Chatterjee and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski

2. Produced by JCV

3. Produced by DPV, co-produced by JCV and Joseph Wiggy Wegleski

 Mastered by Tom Borthwick

1.3. Recorded at SI Studio, Engineered by Joseph Wiggy Wegleski

2. Recorded, mixed at JCV Sound design

Potter's Daughter Online

Listen // Buy // & Share

Amazon: amzn.to/2qsUdKn

Bandcamp: bit.ly/2Mqk1PM

CD Baby: bit.ly/33JPG4E

iTunes: apple.co/2P1hTQm

Spotify: spoti.fi/35O57uo

Further Information Can Be Found At:

Website: https://pottersdaughterband.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PottersDaughterBand/

MRR Artist Profile: https://mrrmusic.com/potters-daughter/

Media & Booking:

pottersdaughterband@gmail.com

Label Contact:

Nick Katona, nick@melodicrevolution.com

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

NY Prog Rockers IZZ to Release New EP "Half Life" on July 28, 2020

On the heels of their celebrated 2019 studio album Don’t Panic, IZZ is set to release a 20-minute EP entitled Half Life featuring four tracks including three new studio songs as well as a previously unreleased live version of “The Wait of It All,” a track originally featured on their 2004 EP, Ampersand Volume 1.

Half Life will be available beginning on July 28 via download on Bandcamp: izzmusic.bandcamp.com. A limited vinyl pressing and a limited run of Half Life on CD will also be available for purchase directly from the band and their label, Doone Records, via their website: izzmusic.com.

“The title track of this EP was actually written several years ago, but when we listened to it again recently, it took on new meaning given the uncertainty in the world today and it became obvious to us that we needed to finish mixing it and get it out into the world,” says bassist John Galgano.

Lyrically and thematically, the three new studio songs cover a wide range from the joy and mystery of “The Soul of Music” to the heartfelt contentment of “Into the Sun” to the escapism and wonder of the title track “Half Life.” Musically, the EP shows a different side to IZZ which the band is keen to present to their fans.

“We’re a band that never likes to do the same thing twice. We want to keep things interesting not only for our fans, but for ourselves,” says keyboardist and producer Tom Galgano.

“This EP comes at an interesting time for the band and for the world because we have been using our time at home these past few months to take a deep dive into writing our next proper studio album which we plan on releasing in 2021 and this EP kind of snuck its way into our consciousness, so we decided to go with it and follow the muse,” says drummer Brian Coralian.

Watch the music video premiere for Half Life on PROG Magazine's website, Produced, Directed, and Filmed by Mallory Kinney, who also worked with IZZ on the video for Don’t Panic: https://www.loudersound.com/news/us-proggers-izz-release-video-for-half-life

IZZ

Paul Bremner: Guitars
Anmarie Byrnes: Vocals
Brian Coralian: Drums & Percussion
Greg DiMiceli: Drums & Percussion
John Galgano: Bass & Vocals
Tom Galgano: Keyboards & Vocals
Laura Meade: Vocals

For more information:

www.izzmusic.com
www.izzmusic.bandcamp.com
info@doonerecords.com

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

NY Prog Rockers IZZ to Release New EP "Half Life" on July 28, 2020

On the heels of their celebrated 2019 studio album Don’t Panic, IZZ is set to release a 20-minute EP entitled Half Life featuring four tracks including three new studio songs as well as a previously unreleased live version of “The Wait of It All,” a track originally featured on their 2004 EP, Ampersand Volume 1.

Half Life will be available beginning on July 28 via download on Bandcamp: izzmusic.bandcamp.com. A limited vinyl pressing and a limited run of Half Life on CD will also be available for purchase directly from the band and their label, Doone Records, via their website: izzmusic.com.

“The title track of this EP was actually written several years ago, but when we listened to it again recently, it took on new meaning given the uncertainty in the world today and it became obvious to us that we needed to finish mixing it and get it out into the world,” says bassist John Galgano.

Lyrically and thematically, the three new studio songs cover a wide range from the joy and mystery of “The Soul of Music” to the heartfelt contentment of “Into the Sun” to the escapism and wonder of the title track “Half Life.” Musically, the EP shows a different side to IZZ which the band is keen to present to their fans.

“We’re a band that never likes to do the same thing twice. We want to keep things interesting not only for our fans, but for ourselves,” says keyboardist and producer Tom Galgano.

“This EP comes at an interesting time for the band and for the world because we have been using our time at home these past few months to take a deep dive into writing our next proper studio album which we plan on releasing in 2021 and this EP kind of snuck its way into our consciousness, so we decided to go with it and follow the muse,” says drummer Brian Coralian.

Watch the music video premiere for Half Life on PROG Magazine's website, Produced, Directed, and Filmed by Mallory Kinney, who also worked with IZZ on the video for Don’t Panic: https://www.loudersound.com/news/us-proggers-izz-release-video-for-half-life

IZZ

Paul Bremner: Guitars
Anmarie Byrnes: Vocals
Brian Coralian: Drums & Percussion
Greg DiMiceli: Drums & Percussion
John Galgano: Bass & Vocals
Tom Galgano: Keyboards & Vocals
Laura Meade: Vocals

For more information:

www.izzmusic.com
www.izzmusic.bandcamp.com
info@doonerecords.com

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

Sandy McKnight With Fernando Perdomo Releases New EP "San Fernando Beat"

Sandy McKnight is a songwriter, producer and performer. Fernando Perdomo is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and noted session player. Together, their individual talents are exponentially enhanced. Their first product together is a six-song EP, “San Fernando Beat.” Fernando takes the infectious melodies that flow freely from the prolific McKnight and adds musical textures and his trademark energy, and the result is magical. PowerPop.com claims, “'San Fernando Beat' is clearly the best EP of the year.”

Before it was even released, one of the songs they recorded at Perdomo's Reseda Ranch Studio in LA made its way to legendary disc jockey Rodney Bingenheimer, who immediately played it on his influential national radio show. An auspicious start, for sure.

Says Sandy, “The idea behind San Fernando Beat was to bring together two top-tier songwriter/musicians (myself and 'Echo in the Canyon's' Fernando Perdomo) to interpret, or should I say, bash out my latest Power Pop songs. Beyond that, there was no specific theme, although there's a timely topicality to a few of the songs, while keeping the fun quotient high.”

Perdomo and McKnight had met a year earlier, while Sandy was recording his '70s homage “Wow and Flutter,” produced by Chris Silagyi of the band 20/20. A session at Reseda Ranch resulted in a connection between Sandy and Fernando, and in November 2019 they spent 2 productive days recording Sandy's songs in LA. Fernando was immediately blown away by Sandy's songwriting skills. They did 3 songs in those sessions, and decided to cut 3 more tunes bi-coastally (Perdomo works out of SoCal, McKnight is based in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts). Sandy cut the bass tracks, vocals and mixes for the 3 long distance songs at New York's Systems Two Studios, with Grammy-winning engineer Mike Marciano.



Sandy is a 40+year veteran of the music business. In the '70s, he was an in-demand bassist for live and studio work. He played with the New York City-based bands Numbers, The Coupons (with future Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken), Spitfire Boys, The Truants, and others. His dues-paying gigs included 2 years in the seminal “punk-funk” outfit Free and Easy, with future 5-time Downbeat poll-winner, trombonist Ray Anderson.

By the 1980's, Sandy was working with top-name artists as a session player, while continuing to be a part of successful NYC bands. Working in the studio with names like Todd Rundgren, Jean-Yves Labat (M. Frog), and legendary producer Joel Diamond, Sandy learned the ropes in the control room, and soon tried his hand at producing records. He honed his craft at famed Brooklyn studio Systems Two, and by the end of the decade was adept at producing recordings for all genres and budgets.

In the '90s, Sandy moved to the west coast, and opened Arrow Productions in Hollywood. There, he recorded diverse acts and up-and-coming singer/songwriters, along with composing music for film and television soundtracks. His solo career as an artist also took off in L.A., and he recorded his first solo album, “12XME,” which was released in 1992 to critical acclaim. It was in L.A. where he met a young singer/songwriter named Liv Cummins, who he developed and signed to his new indie label, 22 Records.

Liv's debut disc, “Some Days,” was recorded at Paul Antonell's The Clubhouse, and featured such top session players as Gary Burke (Joe Jackson, Bob Dylan, Shania Twain), Sara Lee (B-52s, Indigo Girls, Gang of Four), John Platania (Van Morrison, Chip Taylor), Vinnie Martucci, and a vocal duet with legendary folk-pop singer/songwriter Jonathan Edwards. Her record was an international smash, garnering airplay and rave reviews. Sandy produced a follow-up for Liv, “...exactly,” which was also well-received.

Sandy continued to write and record his own material as well, and soon was heard regularly on many TV shows and several film soundtracks. His 2003 release, “In Solitary,” was a production and songwriting tour-de-force. The ambitious, eclectic CD featured musicians like afro-cuban jazz piano great Oriente Lopez, Argentine-tango violinist Leonardo Suarez-Paz, rock drummer Dennis Diken, and other top players. Sandy has self-produced in a range of styles from latin-tinged jazz pop to British-flavored power pop to atmospheric strings-and-piano arrangements. “In Solitary” continues to find new fans and is regularly re-discovered on Spotify, iTunes, and other internet sites.

Along with his current release with Perdomo, “San Fernando Beat,” his bands Sandy McKnight & the Idea and Pop-Clique also have current releases. His box set, “How I Changed the World,” is a 66-song collection of songs he wrote between 1978-2010. Much of Sandy's music can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, etc.

In closing, Sandy has this to impart about SFB, and what he hopes to communicate to the listener. “I wouldn't call it a message, so much as a feeling. A joy, a strength...what rock music has always been about. The feeling you're listening to a friend tell you about his life, his loves, his attitude. And, since I'm just a bassist from Brooklyn, my ideas are fairly universal. The main reason for listening is that, hopefully, you've never heard these ideas expressed in quite this way. Writing songs conveys not only lyrical imagery...the melodies and chord changes, the arrangements, and the energy all contribute to making a unique statement.”

To purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Fernando-Sandy-McKnight-featuring-Perdomo/dp/B085NWPH8X
or
www.sandymcknight.com

For more information: www.sandymcknight.com

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

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson Joins Leslie Mandoki for "WeSayThankYou" to Our First Responders

“We all thank the brave, hardworking front-line medics and care workers around the world. Leslie managed to put into the lyrics references to the police, grocery clerks, supermarket workers too. I would like to add those essential worker folks who it was impossible to squeeze into a three-minute song. To all, we say, thank you.” - Ian Anderson on singing and playing flute on Leslie Mandoki’s “WeSayThankYou.”

Los Angeles, CA - As the world continues to be consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson sings and plays flute with Mandoki Soulmates leader Leslie Mandoki. Mandoki has found inspiration and a new spark of hope amidst the chaos. He has penned a powerful new song in appreciation for the heroes who have emerged in this global crisis, the nurses, doctors, and other health care providers as well as the grocery store clerks and food delivery personnel who have stepped up to serve their communities. The new song, entitled simply “#WeSayThankYou,” expresses so clearly the feelings of gratitude many of us have felt in these troubled times.

Mandoki explains, “As an artist, I feel it is my duty to contemplate ideas for a better world. Now, like so many of us, I suddenly have the time. Let us grab this uncommon moment of pause together and take a new approach to the problems of the world. And let’s take a hard look at who this crisis is casting in a heroic light, and who comes out the villain.”

The duet is being released as an EP on Thursday, May 7, 2020, through the Purple Pyramid imprint of indie giant Cleopatra Records, Inc. and is Mandoki Soulmate’s first release in the recently inked partnership with the L.A.-based label. Additional Mandoki releases are set to follow later this year.

There are three different versions of the song on the EP:

1. Duet with Ian Anderson.
2. New Version with Ian Anderson and Leslie Mandoki featuring Soulmates: Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell, multi Grammy Winner Randy Brecker (on trumpet), Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey, Simon Phillips (drums, along with Leslie),and backup singers: Bobby Kimball (Toto) and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann´s Earth Band).
3. Unplugged, Acoustic, Living-Room-Concert, with Ian & Leslie, Randy, Steve, John.

Leslie will be donating the royalties from the sales, syncs, and airplay of “#WeSayThankYou” to a To-Be-Announced Charity.

“#WeSayThankYou” was written in the context of Leslie’s own isolation in Germany, where his doctor wife, Eva, is a first contact physician.

Ian and Leslie have worked together for over 25 years on various collaborations with his jazz-rock band Soulmates featuring the good and great of classic rock and jazz. Mandoki’s Soulmates toured North America in 2018.

VIDEOS
Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki #WeSayThankYou

Statements of the Mandoki Soulmates on the crisis: Leslie, Ian, Randy, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Jesse Siebenberg, Nick Van Eede, Steve, John, Simon, Chris talking about the “#WeSayThankYou”’ mission.

Ian Anderson & Leslie Mandoki with the Mandoki Soulmates #WeSayThankYou with John Helliwell of Supertramp, Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann, Bobby Kimball & Simon Phillips of Toto, Jazz-Icon and Grammy-Winner Randy Brecker, Chair of Berklee´s Bass Department Steve Bailey

Landing Page with Advance Music and Digital Media Links   https://orcd.co/mandoki-soulmates-with-ian-anderson

Social Media, including Hashtags
#WeSayThankYou #TogetherAtHome

http://www.twitter.com/lesliemandoki
https://www.mandoki-soulmates.com
https://www.instagram.com/themandokisoulmates/
https://www.facebook.com/mandoki.soulmates

Mandoki Soulmates – Album & Concerts
https://youtu.be/qpR_G7nniV4

Photos of Leslie, and Leslie & Ian mid-page at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tx7x779mmcjskpz/AACMigdAgFzXTLaYFKamu6Ika?dl=0

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

Ian Anderson contact: 
Leighton Media
leightonmedia@aol.com

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


Follow PURPLE PYRAMID  @ 
Facebook  |  Instagram  | Twitter | Youtube | Purple Pyramid Store
Facebook @PurplePyramidRecords
https://www.facebook.com/PurplePyramidRecords/
Instagram @Purple.pyramid
https://www.instagram.com/purple.pyramid/
Twitter @PurplePyramid1
https://twitter.com/PurplePyramid1
Youtube @ Purple Pyramid
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwiCec6bS6mX3c7dpitfYRQ
Purple Pyramid Store @
https://cleorecs.com/store/product-category/record-label/purple-pyramid/