British Prog Keyboardist Benjamin Croft To Release New Single “Wrestling With Plato” From Forthcoming Album “We Are Here To Help”

New Album Featuring Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale!

Benjamin Croft is a British Prog keyboardist, music producer and songwriter. He will be releasing his new single “Wrestling With Plato” on February 2nd. The song features Lynsey Ward (Exploring Birdsong) on vocals and virtuoso drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats).

“Wrestling with Plato” is a tragic love story told over the lifetime of two people. A song about elaborate excuses; in the case of our protagonists, these are far reaching…

From a very young age, Benjamin developed a strong interest for music. At the age of 7, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons. “Around age 17, my life was forever changed after hearing the album ‘Close to the Edge’ by the band Yes. I quickly developed a love for progressive rock. Keyboard players such as Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson inspired me to practice for up to 8 hours a day,” says Croft.

At 19, he won a scholarship at Leeds College of Music. After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines, travelling and performing. He lived and played in the US, and toured the world twice, working with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters. “One night I was playing country, the next musical theatre and then jazz or rock.”

Benjamin relocated to London in 2012 and quickly began to make a name for himself. In 2018, he recorded for Beautiful South founder Dave Hemingway’s latest project ‘Sunbirds,’ and worked as a session musician, composer and arranger. He recently joined the progressive rock band The Gift.

While keeping up with a busy schedule performing and recording, Benjamin started composing his own music and released his first album “10 Reasons To...” on 33Jazz Records in March 2019. 12 original compositions blending jazz fusion, classical and progressive rock.

His second album, “Far and Distant Things,” was recorded throughout 2020 and released in the summer of 2021 on Ubuntu Music. It features some prestigious guest musicians such as Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti, Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller, and Chad Wackerman.

Both albums have been critically acclaimed in the UK, US and Europe.

Benjamin spent the last 2 years making his latest album, “We Are Here To Help,”. “It has been a great honour to record with legendary musicians including Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale.”

“We Are Here To Help “ is an epic project with a heavier blend of progressive rock and metal, pushing further the boundaries of creativity, musical mastery and sonic excellence. The album also marks the launch of his record label "Galactic Receiver". It is due for release in 2024.

“Benjamin Croft is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with next.” – Sea of Tranquility

“Wrestling With Plato”
Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft
Lyrics by Marsha Swanson
Lynsey Ward - Vocals
Benjamin Croft - Keyboards
Per Nilsson - Guitar
Dave Marks - Bass Guitar, Additional Guitars and Percussion
Marco Minnemann - Drums
Recorded at:
Sleeper Sounds
Engineer - Marcus Locock
Greystoke Studio
Engineer - Andy Whitmore
Mixed by Stephen W Tayler at Millside, Real World Studios
Mastered by Barry Grint At AIR Studios, London
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
Music video directed by Sam Chegini
A selection of analog keyboards have been used on this track including Yamaha CS-80, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Oberheim ob-xa, Mellotron M4000, Hammond Organ and Steinway.

To pre-order: https://orcd.co/wrestlingwithplato

For more information:
Website: https://www.benjamincroftmusic.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BenjaminCroftMusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenjaminCroftMusic
Instagram: https://instagram.com/benjamincroftmusic?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@benjamincroftmusic8126?si=vPQwYyHhEPJOAoNY
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeVaKVED/

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

Rick Wakeman’s “The Prog Years: Redux” 32-Disc Box Set Available February 23, 2024!

Here is some exciting news for those who pre-ordered Rick Wakeman’s “The Prog Years 1973-1977” CD+DVD box set: the expansive collection will now include 17 discs’ worth of never-before-released concert material totaling 300-plus minutes – or a whopping five hours – of live recordings all previously unreleased.

Now known as “The Prog Years: Redux,” the 32-disc box set is back in production, with a brand-new list of content and a new release date of 23rd February 2024. Explaining the decision to overhaul the collection at the 11th hour, compiler Rob Ayling says that he had a duty to do it for the fans:

“Totally out of the blue came a wave of previously unreleased concert recordings. I couldn’t believe it when I discovered them. I generally know what was recorded and what wasn’t – and then to find entire gigs from the 70s that had never before been released… I simply couldn’t ignore them! Especially if they got released later, the fans would rightly ask the question, why weren't these recordings in the ‘Prog Years’ ?

“It was a really tough decision to make, to stop a box set in full production. But it was also a no-brainer to remove releases which have already been available in different formats over the years  and replace them with a trove of music no one will own.

“My feeling is that the true fans will already have most if not all of the previously planned ‘Prog Years’ content, like the Winterland Ballroom and Hammersmith Odeon shows. They have been officially available for years. Yet how many fans have Rick Wakeman’s full 1975 concert from Boston Music Hall, or the opening night of that year’s Japanese tour, with the orchestra, or the Montreux concert from 1979?

“The newly discovered material will replace these recordings in what we’re calling ‘The Prog Years: Redux,’ which now boasts over five hours of previously unreleased music! That, to me, is a game-changer. I know it means fans will have to wait a little longer to receive the box but given that it will contain these newly unearthed gems, I hope everyone will understand why I had to make this decision. I am convinced that everyone will enjoy the gigs as much as I do.

“I also want to thank everyone who has pre-ordered the release for their patience, and promise that it will be worth the wait when ‘The Prog Years: Redux’ lands on your doorstep!”

The previously unreleased discs are:

1). The Six Wives… alternative versions
2). The Three Wives: Radio session, 27 February 1973
3). Boston Music Hall, Massachusetts, 10 October 1975, Part 1
4). Boston Music Hall, Massachusetts, 10 October 1975, Part 2
5). Missing Pieces and interviews
6). Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland, 7 May 1976
7). Koseinenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan, 21 January 1975, Part 1
8). Koseinenkin Hall, Osaka, Japan, 21 January 1975, Part 2
9). Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Japan, 16 January 1975, Part 1
10). Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Japan, 16 January 1975, Part 2
11). Live in Anaheim, 11 November 1975, Part 1
12). Live in Anaheim, 11 November 1975, Part 2
13). Reflections Of Winter (White Rock sessions), Part 1
14). Reflections Of Winter (White Rock sessions), Part 2
15). White Rock Original soundtrack music and FX soundtrack
16). Live From London 1979
17). Live at Montreux 1979

Previously released:

18). Live in Melbourne, 4th February 1975, Part 1*
19). Live in Melbourne, 4th February 1975, Part 2*
* this concert was previously released but in an edited form to fit on one CD. We are releasing the full concert, now fully remastered.

To purchase: https://www.musicglue.com/rick-wakeman-the-prog-years/

US Purchase link: https://www.popmarket.com/the-prog-years-redux-1973-1977-27cd-5dvd-box-set/5056083212941

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

Progressive Jam-Fusion Supergroup PAKT Featuring Brand X Bass Legend Percy Jones Heading To West Coast USA Tour To Promote New Album “No Steps Left to Trace”

PAKT, a true super group of master musicians merging & colliding new music in the realms of progressive rock, electric jazz, experimental, ambient, psychedelic and beyond, is an experience as much as a musical project. An IMAX film for the ears, PAKT takes its listeners on an improvised sonic voyage with no preconceived destination, minimal pre-planning and little use for forms and conventions. Rare is the musician who can thrive in such a spontaneous environment but Percy Jones (fretless bass guitar), Alex Skolnick (guitar), Kenny Grohowski (drums) and Tim Motzer (guitar and electronics) are all up to the task. Armed with enough tastefully used effects to stock a small music store, Motzer and Skolnick create sounds so atmospheric and ethereal that one might not guess their source is a guitar. Meanwhile, Grohowski and Jones approach their instruments in textural manners that seamlessly intertwine with each other and the quartet as a whole. The music runs the gamut from highly sensitive to intense, with all four musicians’ listening skills so strong that their collective playing is as cohesive as it is unpredictable. Welsh bassist Jones (now a New York resident) is known for his tenure in the legendary jazz fusion group Brand X (whose classic lineup included drummer Phil Collins, yes that one) and extensive studio work (especially with Brian Eno). Skolnick is a diverse improviser whose jazz and world playing and instrumental associations (including bass virtuosos Stuart Hamm and Michael Manring) forms a Jeckyll & Hyde dynamic with his high profile as lead guitarist of the metal band Testament. Grohowski's many recent associations include John Zorn, a reincarnated version of Brand X and masked avant-metal outfit, Imperial Triumphant. Motzer has a long background in free improvisation, including the bands Bandit65 (with fellow guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel) and Orion Tango, plus many other recorded collaborations for his 1k Recordings label.

Before this album, all of PAKT’s releases had been taken from live performances. This studio session took place during the band’s East Coast tour in December, 2021. Primed from several successful shows in Upstate New York (including musician Daryll Hall’s thriving venue in Pawling, NY, Daryl’s House), the band took the day off in the Catskills Mountains, where they tracked live at NRS Studios. NRS is located in the home of musician/recording engineer Scott Petito, whose studio has hosted such luminaries John Scofield, Chick Corea and James Taylor. The PAKT musicians set up in a circle, all in the same room and performed, just as they would at a live concert. This began in the late morning and continued past dusk. By day’s end, they had accumulated a bunch of material—quite a nice document of where the band was musically back in 2021.

Tim Motzer, who produced this recording as well as providing artwork, says the following: “One of the things we all realized is that this band isn't going backward...it may be fueled by what we've done in the past, but really it’s a forward-evolving band composing in-the-moment, finding new language, and discovering our music as we go along. It's in that feeling that the title, ‘No Steps Left To Trace’, came to me because our music is a continuum, and more like a journey or an experience. We are, in a sense, tunneling or boring through the musical abstract toward and through to the ‘other side’.” Skolnick adds “From the moment we did our first performance together, it was clear that this project had a special chemistry that doesn’t happen all that often. The fact that we found this chemistry in our favorite Brooklyn venue, called Shape Shifter Lab, is fitting. It being the height of the 2020 Pandemic, that first show was streamed, with no audience present. Our first studio album ‘No Steps Left to Trace’, is a return to us just playing to each other, only this time, we have a number of live shows and touring under our belt, recorded in a high-quality studio. It’s a great document of PAKT in 2021.”

Live, of course, they have an audience that takes the ride with them. It is a real shared experience in that regard. Motzer curated five such journeys for the Live CD, one from Buffalo, three from NYC (Nublu), and one from Philadelphia. Adding the live album to the double release shows the growth and evolving chemistry in PAKT from the 2021 studio recording to the newer live recordings in 2023. It's a nice contrast with a lot of great interplay and listening happening from all the players. It also makes the album an excellent introduction to the band’s music for anyone new to it, as well as a fine addition to their discography.

PAKT
with
PERCY JONES - bass
ALEX SKOLNICK - guitar
KENNY GROHOWSKI - drums
TIM MOTZER - guitars, electronics

“PAKT recalls the fearless attitude and daring approach that originally defined progressive music: where the magic of the moment always triumphed over preconception. Templates be damned ... this music blazes its own path! This is truly exquisite fare, serving as a reminder to aficionados of what initially drew them to this most creative, visionary of genres.”

WEST COAST TOUR DATES
Feb 01 - Seattle, WA (Funhouse)
Feb 02 - Portland, OR (Alberta Abbey)
Feb 03 - Eugene, OR (WOW Hall)
Feb 04 - Redding, CA (The Dip)
Feb 06 - TBA
Feb 08 - Mill Valley, CA (Sweetwater Music Hall)
Feb 09 - Fresno, CA (Fulton 55)
Feb 10 - Los Angeles, CA (Baked Potato, 2 shows)
Feb 11 - Los Angeles, CA (Baked Potato, 2 shows)
Feb 12 - Costa Mesa, CA (Wayfarer)
Feb 13 - Phoenix, AZ (The Rhythm Room)

To purchase PAKT “No Steps Left to Trace” (2CD, 2LP, 24bit Download):
https://pakt-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/no-steps-left-to-trace

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

Prog Legends Happy The Man Return With New Single “Only Love” From Forthcoming Album

New single available January 15, 2024!

Prog legends Happy The Man have returned with the release of a new single, “Only Love,” on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2024. The song is from the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming album of the same name.

Stanley Whitaker, Ron Riddle, Michael Beck, and Rick Kennell have reunited and recorded a phenomenal new song promising to please fans of the band and prog fans worldwide.

Says Stanley Whitaker, “The basic concept was to not only express my frustration and sadness in the world while shedding light and awareness. In late August 2020, while in a deep meditative state, I wondered what John Lennon would say about the state of affairs in America. I craved his voice and message and prayed for inspiration. In a blast of energy, I wrote over ten pages of lyrics and spent the next two weeks editing and laying down musical ideas. Recently, our former bandmate, Frank Wyatt, passed away on January 10, 2023, and the following morning, I awoke to, ‘Now it’s time to put HTM back together.’ Gobsmacked! I called Rick, Ron, and Michael, and everyone was on board to reunite as Happy the Man. All of the music was developed remotely from our studios across the country.”

Says Ron Riddle, “My work as a film and TV composer/orchestrator and my work as a drummer has always been at odds and very separate from each other. I would say that over 95 percent of the music I’ve written had no drums at all! Stanley and Rick approached me to get the band back together, and Stanley asked me to do the orchestration and drumming. I was smitten, thrilled, and, honestly, a bit nervous. ‘Could both exist in the same song?’ I wondered. It’s like Dr. Jeckel meeting Mr. Hyde!”

Michael Beck says, “Putting Happy The Man back together and creating new music is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I could not be happier and prouder to work with these incredible musicians and friends again.”

Says Rick Kennell, “How can you not enjoy working with musicians of this caliber? What fun!”

Born out of the intensely creative and artistic art rock and fusion movements of the 70s, Happy The Man is regarded as one of the most legendary progressive rock bands of all time. Although Happy The Man only released two official albums before breaking up, their impact continues to endear the group to a cult following that has been growing ever since. With the passing of many years, Happy The Man’s music has demonstrated a timeless quality that suggests that it was ahead of its time and beyond this world.

Original members Stanley Whitaker (guitar) and Rick Kennell (bass guitar) first met in Germany. They soon returned to the US, enlisting Frank Wyatt (keyboards, saxes, flute), Kit Watkins (keyboards), and Mike Beck (drums and percussion). They created two of the most deeply admired prog-rock albums of all time on Arista Records: “Happy The Man” (1977) and “Crafty Hands” (1978), with Ron Riddle taking over drumming from Mike Beck.

“This world is on fire, my friends and we desperately need to share our love and light to heal this planet earth!”

To purchase: https://ffm.to/happytheman-onlylove
Only Love (Original Version or OV)
Only Love (Radio Edit or RE)

For more information: http://www.happytheman.com

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

Prog Legends Gentle Giant’s “The Missing Piece” Steven Wilson Remix To Be Released on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray, 180g Vinyl & Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl on February 16, 2024

Previously unreleased bonus track “Winning (outtake)”

In 1977 Gentle Giant recorded their ninth studio album “The Missing Piece.” It was a time of change. Punk, disco and rap were altering the musical landscape and even this well-established progressive rock band were willing to explore new directions. Side one saw them experimenting with quirky pop (“Two weeks in Spain”), a grandiose power ballad (“I’m turning around’), syncopated funk (“Who do you think you are?”) and even the punky aggression of “Betcha thought we couldn’t do it.” Meanwhile the call and response soul shouting of “Mountain Time” hearkened back to the “big sound” of their Simon Dupree R & B revue days.

Normal service was resumed on side two with some of their most sublime and intricate progressive stylings to date. The breezily baroque “As old as you’re young” led into the yearningly elegiac “Memories of Old Days” with a particularly heartfelt vocal from Derek Shulman. The percussive tour de force of “Winning” then set up the blazing finale of “For Nobody,” another mind blowing complex collection of driving intertwining riffs that the band would nonchalantly thunder through with apparent ease.

It remains a polarizing effort amongst fans to this day, some bemused by its diversity, others enchanted by its versatility and sense of humor. “The Missing Piece” certainly proves that Gentle Giant could play anything they set their minds to. It was the last Gentle Giant album to chart in the USA.

Award winning producer and musician Steven Wilson continues his association with the band, remixing the album in Dolby Atmos, Stereo and 5.1 surround sound. In addition, the digipak CD/Blu-ray version also contains an instrumental mix, the original 1977 stereo mix and videos for each track. All remixes except the Atmos contain a bonus track, a previously unreleased outtake of “Winning.”

Gentle Giant's “The Missing Piece” Steven Wilson remix will be released on CD, 5.1 Blu-Ray, 180g vinyl and Limited Edition Transparent Green Vinyl variant on February 16, 2024.

Personnel:
Derek Shulman – Lead Vocals
Kerry Minnear – Keyboards, Vocals
Ray Shulman – Bass Guitar, 12 string Guitar
Gary Green – Electric and Acoustic Guitars
John “Pugwash” Weathers – Drums and Percussion

Track Listing:
SIDE A
1. Two Weeks in Spain 3:04
2. I’m Turning Around 3:58
3. Betcha Thought We Couldn’t Do It 2:16
4. Who Do You Think You Are? 3:37
5. Mountain Time 3:21
SIDE B
1. As Old As You’re Young 4:21
2. Memories Of Old Days 7:22
3. Winning 4:15
4. For Nobody 4:09
5. Winning (Outtake) 3:31 (Bonus Track)

To pre-order: https://linktree.com/gentlegiantband

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

Prog Ensemble Circuline Launches Ambitious Virtual Tour January 2024

Prog ensemble Circuline’s 2024 “C.O.R.E.” Virtual Tour begins Friday, January 12th, 2024, and will consist of 57 events in 48 weeks, with Single releases, Lyric videos, Official videos, “Behind the Scenes” videos, and Livestream Q&A events where the band is able to connect with their fans around the world.

Six years in the making, Circuline’s new album “C.O.R.E.”, released on the Inner Nova Music label, will be available as an album of eight tracks available in a gatefold digipak CD, with an eight-page booklet of lyrics and liner notes. The album explores themes in romantic relationships, surviving abuse, finding one’s own personal power, and the turbulent times in which we live. “C.O.R.E.” will be released on Friday, September 20th, 2024.

Circuline has a new lineup, with new band members Shelby Logan Warne (Kyros) on bass and vocals, and Dave Bainbridge on guitars (Strawbs, IONA, Lifesigns). Guest Artist Joe Deninzon (Kansas, Stratospheerius) on electric violin. Keyboardist/vocalist Andrew Colyer (Robert Berry’s 3.2 Band, The Tubes), drummer Darin Brannon (Downing Grey, Surface Tension), and lead vocalist Natalie Brown (Evita, Rocky Horror Picture Show) complete the band’s lineup.

Says Andrew Colyer, “With this international virtual tour, we have two goals: First, we want to get our music exposed to as many people as possible, to continue to grow our fanbase worldwide. Second, we want to deepen our relationships with the fans who are the most passionate. Releasing singles, lyric videos, and official videos accomplishes the first goal, and by doing these in-depth, ‘Behind the Scenes’ videos, we accomplish the second goal. Packaging everything together into a single 12-month celebration of the new album will hopefully capture more attention for future opportunities for live performing and touring, with this fantastic new lineup.”

Number #1 in Portugal. Top 10 in Japan. Prog-Award Nominated. Global Music Award Winning. With sales in 23 countries, Circuline’s fanbase is growing daily. The band has toured with Glass Hammer, repeatedly co-headlined the three-day Sonic Voyage Festival, and toured England opening for IO Earth. Circuline has performed at the International Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest), Philadelphia's Liberty Music Fest, Chicago’s Progtoberfest, New Jersey’s ProgStock, and England’s Harmonix Festival.

Says Andrew, “We’ve had so much fun creating all the videos for this Virtual Tour! We’ve been ‘on location’ in train stations, on rivers, in parking lots, and on soundstage studios. The ‘Story Behind the Song’ videos were done in our newly remodeled studio, with professional documentary filmmakers. The ‘Gear Behind the Music’ videos were done on cell phones. The ‘Behind the Official Video’ series utilizes B-roll shot on location, with band members doing over-the-top commentary. This has been a lot of work, and a ton of fun! We hope the fans enjoy it.”

CORE Virtual Tour Dates:
Friday, January 12th - Song #1 - Single Release
Friday, January 19th - Song #1 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, January 26th - Song #1 - Lyric Video
Friday, February 2nd - Song #1 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, February 9th - Song #1 - Official Video
Friday, February 16th - Song #1 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, February 18th - Song #1 - Livestream Q&A
Friday, February 23rd - Song #2 - Single Release
Friday, March 1st - Song #2 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, March 8th - Song #2 - Lyric Video
Friday, March 15th - Song #2 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, March 22nd - Song #2 - Official Video
Friday, March 29th - Song #2 - Behind the Official Video
Saturday, March 30th - Song #2 - Livestream Q&A  (Sunday is Easter)
Friday, April 5th - Song #3 - Single Release
Friday, April 12th - Song #3 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, April 19th - Song #3 - Lyric Video
Friday, April 26th - Song #3 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, May 3rd - Song #3 - Official Video
Friday, May 10th - Song #3 - Behind the Official Video
Saturday, May 11th - Song #3 - Livestream Q&A  (Sunday is Mother’s Day)
Friday, May 17th - Song #4 - Single Release
Friday, May 24th - Song #4 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, May 31st - Song #4 - Lyric Video
Friday, June 7th - Song #4 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, June 14th - Song #4 - Official Video
Friday, June 21st - Song #4 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, June 23rd - Song #4 - Livestream Q&A
Friday, June 28th - Song #5 - Single Release
Friday, July 5th - Song #5 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, July 12th - Song #5 - Lyric Video
Friday, July 19th - Song #5- Story Behind the Song
Friday, July 26th - Song #5 - Official Video
Friday, August 2nd - Song #5 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, August 4th - Song #5 - Livestream Q&A
Friday, August 9th - Song #6 - Single Release
Friday, August 16th - Song #6 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, August 23rd - Song #6 - Lyric Video
Friday, August 30th - Song #6 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, September 6th - Song #6 - Official Video
Friday, September 13 - Song #6 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, September 15th - Song #6 - Livestream Q&A
Friday, September 20th - Album Release Day!
Friday, September 20th - Song #7 - Single Release
Saturday, September 21st - Album Release Livestream
Friday, September 27th - Song #7 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, October 4th - Song #7 - Lyric Video
Friday, October 11th - Song #7 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, October 18th - Song #7 - Official Video
Friday, October 25th - Song #7 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, October 27th - Song #7 - Livestream Q&A
Friday, November 1st - Song #8 - Single Release
Friday, November 8th - Song #8 - Gear Behind the Music
Friday, November 15th - Song #8 - Lyric Video
Friday, November 22nd - Song #8 - Story Behind the Song
Friday, November 29th - Song #8 - Official Video
Friday, December 6th - Song #8 - Behind the Official Video
Sunday, December 8th - Song #8 - Livestream Q&A

Watch the album launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ckt6SKkIoM

To purchase: www.CirculineCORE.com

For more information:
Website: https://circulinemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CirculineMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circulinemusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circulinemusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CirculineProgRock

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

Bill Nelson’s “Starlight Stories” Now Available!

Bill Nelson’s “Starlight Stories” is an album comprising a mixture of song based and instrumental material issued on the Sonoluxe label in a limited edition of 1000 copies, and available digitally.

Despite being recorded during the same 2022 recording sessions that produced the “All The Fun Of The Fair” album, “Starlight Stories” has a wholly different atmosphere and intent.

Wistful and melancholic, the album contains dreamy meditations fed through the filter of Bill Nelson's contemporary musical sensibility.

“The inspiration for many of the songs came from my memories of a set of children’s story books, published in the 1920s, that my Mother had owned when she was a child in the early 1930s. She had kept these books and would read to me from them when I was an infant in the early 1950s. They were thick, heavy bound books with embossed covers and had titles such as ‘The Golden Wonder Book For Children’. They were brilliantly illustrated by artists who displayed a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The books contained stories by famous authors such as HG Wells, Miguel De Cervantes, Homer, William Blake and others, plus poems by various poets, both classical and contemporary to those times. I was entranced by the wonderful stories and illustrations they contained. They had an aura of magic and mystery about them, with fairy tales and evocatively British poetry, filled with seasonal and rustic imagery. A treasure trove of fantasy and adventure, which I loved.

‘Starlight Stories’ doesn’t attempt to directly portray those old books but it does try to capture some of their atmosphere and manifest my nostalgia for them. Consequently, the songs on this album have a softer, melancholic quality about them, albeit with some distressed, patina-like textures that evoke the scent and feel of those old books. They are dreamy meditations, wistful reveries fed through the filter of my contemporary musical sensibility. I hope they will, in some small way, connect you with your own lost story books, as well as with mine.” - Bill Nelson 2023.

TRACKS:
01) A Wide Open Window (With A View Of The Stars)
02) Sailing Through Skies Of Blue
03) Antoria
04) My Signal Light
05) Goodbye Golden Sands
06) Everything Is Ancient Now
07) Standing In A Starlit Room
08) Slow, Slow, Slow
09) Meanwhile, Elsewhere
10) Ghosts Of Ancient Houses
11) Celestrum
12) Starlight Stories
13) The Land Of Lost Dreams
14) The Doctor Was An Alchemist
15) Ian’s Radio Is On

To order:
“Starlight Stories” is available for purchase at the Dreamsville Store: https://www.billnelson.com/starlight-stories
and Burning Shed: https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_starlight-stories_cd

Also available, Bill Nelson “All The Fun Of The Fair”: https://www.billnelson.com/fun-of-the-fair

Available as both physical CD (from Burning Shed) or as a digital download (from Bandcamp).

For more information: www.billnelson.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prog Ensemble Cymbalic Encounters To Release “Incandescent Spirits”

“Incandescent Spirits” features a mixture of prog-vocal and instrumental songs that are in the tradition of  the experimental side of Cymbalic Encounters.

Drummer/Composer, Mark Murdock says, “These works are considered to be the sister album of my recently released title “Electricus.” Rather than releasing a double album, it was necessary to split the tracks.”

Album Tracks:

1. Exploring Minds in the Vastness of Possibilities
2. Electro-Luminescence Pulse
3. Incandescent Spirits
4. Voltaic Currents
5. A Surge in Electricity
6. Random Reaction
7. Electrolytes
8. Electrical Permittivity
9. When Sparks Ignite
10. The Disappearing Future

Mark Murdock/drums/synthesizer/fretless bass
Tim Pepper/vocal on 1, 3, 5 & 10
Joe Berger/lead guitar
Dave Juteau/guitar on 1 & 4
David Rambeau/guitar on 5
Preston Murdock/lead guitar on 9
Charles Lambiase/fretless bass on 9

*Song 3 is dedicated to the memory of drummer Ron Howden (R.I.P.) of the band, Nektar, who presented Mark with his Paise Flat Ride cymbal used on this song.

“Incandescent Spirits” Cymbalic Encounters
Music and Lyrics composed by Mark Murdock
Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock at OffShore, Tokyo and  BEAM Audio, NYC
Copyright 2023

Available on digital platforms:
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/incandescent-spirits

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

Family “It’s Only A Movie” 2CD Remastered Expanded Edition Released January 26, 2024

• A NEW EXPANDED 2CD EDITION OF THE CLASSIC FINAL ALBUM BY THE LEGENDARY FAMILY.

• NEWLY REMASTERED FROM THE MASTER TAPES.

• FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL 19 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM SINGLES, STUDIO OUT- TAKES & BBC RADIO SESSIONS.

• INCLUDES AN ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH A NEW ESSAY.

Recorded in Somerset utilizing a mobile studio and at Olympic Studios in the Summer of 1973, “It’s Only A Movie” was the final studio album by Family featuring yet another line-up of the band. Vocalist Roger Chapman, guitarist John “Charlie” Whitney and drummer Rob Townsend recruited new members Tony Ashton (keyboards) and Jim Cregan (bass, guitar). Released in September 1973, the album closed a chapter on one Britain’s most unique bands.

This new two-disc edition of this classic album has been newly remastered from the master tapes and also includes 19 bonus tracks drawn from singles and previously unreleased studio out-takes along with a bonus CD of BBC Radio sessions from 1973, including a superb In Concert performance and a final Session for the Top Gear show. This release also features an illustrated booklet with a new essay and is a fitting tribute to a much-treasured band.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
“It’s Only A Movie” – Remastered
1 It’s Only a Movie
2 Leroy
3 Buffet Tea for Two
4 Boom Bang
5 Boots ‘n’ Roots
6 Banger
7 Sweet Desire
8 Suspicion
9 Check Out
Bonus tracks
10 Stop This Car (B-side of single)
11 Drink to You (B-side of single)
12 Boom Bang (early version)
13 Suspicion (early version)
14 Stop This Car (early version)

DISC TWO
BBC Radio Sessions 1973
BBC In Concert January 1973
1 Burlesque
2 Sat’dy Barfly
3 Top of the Hill
4 My Friend the Sun
5 Buffet Tea for Two
6 Children
7 Glove
8 Ready to Go
9 Holding the Compass
10 Rockin’ Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu
BBC Session May 1973
11 Boom Bang
12 Buffet Tea for Two
13 Check Out
14 Sweet Desiree

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/family-its-only-a-movie-2cd-remastered-expanded-edition/

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

Italian Prog Legends Acqua Fragile Release New Album “Moving Fragments”!

Legendary Italian prog ensemble Acqua Fragile, fifty years after the first album by the same name in 1973, comes out with a brand new work, an album with totally original songs, entitled “Moving Fragments”.

Confirming the salient characteristics of A F style - vocal harmonies, odd tempo signatures, romanticism, aggression, theatricality, and research - some new features and significant developments embellish this new album.

The three original members of the band Piero Canavera (drums, percussion and vocals), Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar and Glovox), are joined in by Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards), Claudio Tuma (guitars) and the vocalist Rossella Volta, all previously together on stage in live adventures, over the past two years.

Nine songs of which five in English, one instrumental and three in Italian. Developing the mode experimented in Aqua Fragile’s previous work, “A New Chant”, released In 2017, there are numerous guest musicians including one British and one American.

In three songs, Bernardo Lanzetti's creative motor is fueled by the contribution of keyboardist and composer Stefano Pantaleoni. The production is entrusted to Dario Mazzoli, already a partner of Lanzetti in various adventures in the recording studio, including his latest solo album “Horizontal Rain” (2021).
In detail, here’s the CD track list. Naturally for the vinyl, with sides A and B, the order is different:

1. “Her Shadowʼs Torture” (S. Pantaleoni/B.lanzetti). Guest Gigi Cavalli Cocchi
on drums but also produced the cover and the band’s brand new logo
2. “White Horse On Dope” (B. Lanzetti). Guest guitarist Stef Burns
3. “Moving Fragments” (B.Lanzetti)
4. “Malo Bravo” (B.Lanzetti). Guests Brian Belloni/guitars and Sergio Ponti
(drums)
5. “I A - Intelligenza Artificiale” (S.Pantaleoni/B.Lanzetti). Guest Davide
Piombino (7 string guitar)
6. “Black Drone” (B.Lanzetti). Guests, Gigi Cavalli Cocchi (drums) and David
Jackson (sax and flute)
7. “DD Danz” (S.Pantaleoni). Instrumental
8. “Il Suono Della Voce” (B.Lanzetti)
9. “Limerence Ethereal” (B.Lanzetti). Guest Sergio Ponti (drums)

All guest musicians have militancy or knowledge of the Progressive Rock genre. The presence of Stef Burns who, in a concert with his Rock Trio, did positively strike Bernardo, is quite interesting. Of course, famous for his collaboration with Italian Big Star Vasco Rossi, Stef mentioned a previous period of research very close to Prog.

“White Horse On Dope”, the song featuring Mr. Burns on electric guitar, could be described as “Hard Rock in odd time” on which vocal harmony, in pure Acqua Fragile style, produces an eerie effect. “Black Drone” makes use of the total contribution of the horns of David Jackson, legendary player with Van Der Graaf Generator and frequent visitor to Italy. Once taken in all parts of the arrangement submitted by Bernardo, David went so far as to perform EVERYTHING!

Among the songs in Italian it is worth mentioning “IA Intelligenza Artificiale”, where the vocalist Rossella has two short solo parts, as the song was written three years ago, before the topic became so every day.

To purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Fragments-Acqua-Fragile/dp/B0CKWN1FLW/ref=sr_1_1
https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments

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

Mandalaband Debut and “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” Featuring Justin Hayward & 10cc Members Remastered Vinyl and CD Box Set Available November 30, 2023

The Mandalaband’s debut album and second release “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” will be released on remastered vinyl and CD box set on November 30, 2023!

Mandalaband (Expanded Edition)

Mandalaband began life in the early 1970’s, gaining cult status as one of the most forward-thinking prog outfits of the time. The brainchild of David Rohl, who formed a lineup featuring future Sad Café members Vic Emerson (keyboards), Ashley Mulford (guitars), John Stimpson (bass guitar and backing vocals), Tony Cresswell (drums) and vocalist Dave Durant.

Mandalaband received critical acclaim with legendary BBC radio presenter John Peel playing the entire album on his show before promptly re-broadcasting the whole thing immediately after. Unfortunately, at the time, this didn’t translate to sales and Mandalaband fell into obscurity. However, with the advent of the internet, their legend grew, exciting a new generation of prog fans.

We are now pleased to make these recordings available again and offer a chance to dig into some of the most interesting progressive music of the ‘70s. As well as presenting the original album remastered, David gained access to the original 24-track analogue master tapes, having them restored and digitized at Abbey Road Studios before reinforcing the sound and instrumentation before remixing the entire album. Nearly fifty years on, a veil of sonic mist has been lifted from these unique recordings.

Format: 2LP 180g gatefold edition featuring the original album and David Rohl. 2024 remix of entire album, both remastered at AIR Mastering, with rare bonus track. Includes newly written liner notes.

The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies (Expanded Edition)

The second Mandalaband album – “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” – took two full years to create. Recorded at Strawberry Studios with the help of Barclay James Harvest plus a plethora of musician friends and colleagues with whom David had worked with over the years including Eric Stewart (10cc), Maddy Prior (Steeleye Span), Justin Hayward (Moody Blues), Graham Gouldman, Lol Creme & Kevin Godley (10cc) and Paul Young (Sad Café / Mike and the Mechanics).

The narrative is based on a Tolkienesque fantasy of a magical gemstone, set in prehistory, the music and lyrics tell the tale through different vocalists playing the roles of the leading characters in the story. The Mandalaband founder carefully created this classic symphonic rock album on a budget of just £8,000.

As well as presenting the original album remastered, David gained access to the original 24-track analogue master tapes, having them restored and digitized at Abbey Road Studios before reinforcing the sound and instrumentation before remixing the entire album.

Listening to David’s newly remixed version is a stunning sonic journey, with elements of prog, electronica, soft rock and instrumental soundscapes, the influence of these recordings on prog-music that followed is clear.

Format: 2LP 180g gatefold edition featuring the original album and David Rohl 2024 remix of the entire album, newly remastered at AIR Mastering. Comes with the original 6-panel booklet telling the full “The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies” story with beautiful illustration and newly written liner notes.

4CD Edition:
Both albums will be released as a 4CD edition housed in a clamshell box, featuring 2024 David Rohl remixes of the band’s first two albums, along with the original versions, with rarities from the archives, all newly remastered at AIR Mastering. Comes with a 24-page booklet with liner notes previously unseen photographs.

TRACKLISTING:
Disc 1: Mandalaband – 2024 Remaster
1. Om Mani Padme Hum (In four movements) 2. Determination 3. Song For a King 4. Roof of the World 5. Looking In
Disc 2: The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies – 2024 Remaster
1. The Eye Of Wendor 2a. Florian's Song 2b. Ride To The City
3. Almar's Tower 4. Like The Wind 5a. The Tempest 5b. Dawn Of A New Day 6. Departure from Carthilias 7. Elsethea 8. Witch of Waldow Wood 9. Siledandre 10. Aenord’s Lament 10a. Funeral of the King 10b. Coronation of Damien
Disc 3: Mandalaband – 2024 David Rohl Version
1. Om Mani Padme Hum (In four movements) 2. Determination 3. Song For a King 4. Roof of the World 5. Looking In 6. Om Mani Padme Hum (Camel Studios Demo) 7. Looking In (CBS Studios Chrysalis Live Audition) 8. Roof of the World (Indigo Sound Demo)
Disc 4: The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies – 2024 David Rohl Version
1. The Eye Of Wendor 2a. Florian's Song 2b. Ride To The City
3. Almar's Tower 4. Like The Wind 5a. The Tempest 5b. Dawn Of A New Day 6. Departure from Carthilias 7. Elsethea 8. Witch of Waldow Wood 9. Siledandre 10. Aenord’s Lament 10a. Funeral of the King 10b. Coronation of Damien 11. Dawn Of A New Day (Single Mix) 12. The Eye Of Wendor (Indigo Sound Demo) 13. Witch Of Waldow Wood (Indigo Sound Demo) 14. Silesandre (Indigo Sound Demo) 15. The Tempest / Dawn Of A New Day (Australian Single Version) 16. Florian's Song / Ride To The City (Australian Single Version)

To purchase: https://burningshed.com/store/mandalaband

Images available on request

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

Italian Prog Legends Syndone To Release New Concept Album “DirtyThirty”

Sit down, make yourself comfortable. This is the story of an artistic journey, a 30-year parable.

Listen. Immerse yourself. Eliminate all distractions; let the music speak to you, like it used to do. “DirtyThirty” is the culmination of a class struggle, of the utopian ideal of those who stubbornly cling to a model of the world that still embraces thought, wonder and the courage of art. Syndone is a vision, a nine-album journey, the desire to make a mark in the world. Syndone is a shapeshifter, a band that’s changed its skin and its musicians without ever changing its soul: swimming against the tide, defying fashion and the decline (not only musical) of an era in which you can be successful only if it pleases the powers that be.

Yet there was a time when record albums were capable of transporting us, starting with the artistry of the album covers, of breaking the rules, crossing boundaries, with a whole set of atmospheres, sounds, and thoughtful, refined, stylistic constructions. Those were the days of progressive rock; at the time it was simply called ‘pop’, because it was popular. Today there’s very little left that’s progressive: there’s no thrill of discovery, we’re no longer open to wonder and amazement, we don’t deviate from the idea of an increasingly standardized and replaceable human being.

Nik Comoglio, the musical heart and soul of this story, has never surrendered to that reality; flanked by the vocal and conceptual talents of Riccardo Ruggeri, the Turin-based keyboardist and composer has truly succeeded in making his mark. Syndone, with their erudite, impeccable rock, as violent and energetic as they are melancholic and orchestral, are a dare, a counterpoint, a raised middle finger to the devious strategy of collective narcosis slyly dropped from above in the Kali Yuga of Western civilization. They’re an antidote.

“DirtyThirty” is their crowning achievement, the (perhaps) final chapter. Enjoy it like fine wine, in small sips, and remember to stay human.

Track list:

1. DirtyThirty - the end of my love - (Comoglio/Ruggeri)  [5’06”]
2. Fight Club (Comoglio/Rubinato/Ruggeri) [3’08”]
3. The Angel (Comoglio/Rubinato/Ruggeri) - quoting the track “Il fiele e il limite” from the album “La bella è la bestia”, 2012 [4’19”]
4. Valdrada’s Screen (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - restyling the track “Spleen” from the album “Spleen”,1992  [3’46”]
5. I spit on my virtue (Comoglio/Rubinato/Ruggeri) [4’40”]
6. I only ask for a super glue (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - quoting the track “Eros & Thanatos” from the album “Odysséas”, 2014 [5’02”]
7. Mary Ann (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - restyling the track “Marianne” from the album “Spleen”,1992   [5’57”]
8. René (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - restyling the track “Magritte” from the album “Melapesante”, 2010   [4’25”]
9. God’s will (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - restyling track “Inca” from the album “Inca”, 1993  [5’30”]
10. Thousand times I cried (Comoglio/Ruggeri) - restyling the track “Proverbi” from the album “Inca”, 1993  [2’11”]
11. Evelyn Japanese version (Comoglio Ruggeri) translation of the track “Evelyn” from the album “Mysoginia”, 2018   [4’21”]
12. So long everybody - the time has come and I must leave you - (Comoglio) - restyling the track “Penelope” for full orchestra from the album “Odysséas”, 2014   [4’46”]

Bonus track
Evelyn Japanese version (Comoglio Ruggeri) translation of the track “Evelyn” from the album “Mysoginia”, 2018 [4’21”]

Total time running 48’03”

SYNDONE Line up:

Nik Comoglio - composition, orchestration, hammond, juno dist. moog, mellotron, keyboards
Riccardo Ruggeri – composition, vocals, lyrics
Marta Caldara – vibraphone, marimba, keyboards
Gigi Rivetti – ac. piano, el. pianos, hammond, moog, accordion
Simone Rubinato – bass, fretless bass, el. baritone guitar Ciro Iavarone - drums, percussions

Guests

Tony de Gruttola – electric guitar & ac. guitar (on “DirtyThirty”)
Andrea Carbone – electric guitar (on “Mary Ann”)
Pino Russo – classic guitar (on “René”)
Gianluca Cagnani – pipe organ (on “Valdrada’s screen”)
Kaori Tsutsui – clarinet in Bb (on “Evelyn”)
Rebecca Onyeji - backing vocals
Charlie Poma - backing vocals

String Trio (on “I spit on my virtue”) – Valerio Iaccio (violin), Roberto D’Auria (violin), Michelangiolo Mafucci (cello)

Budapest Scoring Symphonic Orchestra conducted by M° Francesco Zago

Fabrizio Argiolas - sound engineer
Valentina Fornacca – artwork cover: “folli eroi e sognatori” (oil on canvas)
Eugenia Brini - layout and booklet project

To purchase: http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=799&osCsid=n5r7g884nhrv8lm38p12vncf6p

For more information:
www.syndone.it
www.facebook.com/syndone

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

Ex-King Crimson Violinist David Cross Announces the Release of New Studio Album “Ice Blue, Silver Sky” OUT NOW!

David Cross was a member of King Crimson during the 1970s and continues to have a loyal fanbase. He’s best known for playing violin on the albums “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” and “Starless and Bible Black”.

The musicians featured on his new album “Ice Blue, Silver Sky” include Jinian Wilde, Mick Paul, Steve Roberts and a special guest appearance on two tracks by David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator.

This new studio album features new tracks along with new recordings of the two classic King Crimson tracks “Exiles” and “Starless”. The album title refers to a lyric in Starless and King Crimson lyricist Richard Palmer-James contributes to the lyrics on this album.

David Cross said of the album, “There is a narrative to this album which emerges from a patchwork of natural soundbites, lyrics and scripted text. The music is the tale…”

TRACKLIST:
1 Nurse Insane
2 Calamity
3 Nowhere
4 Exiles
5 Karma Gain
6 Over Your Shoulder
7 Starless

OUT NOW and available from:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/DCBcd
Apple Music: https://geni.us/DCBam
Spotify: https://geni.us/DCBsp
Also available directly from Cherry Red: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/artist/david-cross/

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

Prog Ensemble Cymbalic Encounters Featuring Drummer Mark Murdock Celebrates 10th Anniversary With New Album “Electricus”

“Electricus” represents Cymbalic Encounters’ 10th anniversary after releasing the initial collaboration with Brand X’s Percy Jones and John Goodsall on Mark Murdock’s “Cymbalic Encounters” and “Exploration of the Southern Constellation.”

“Electricus” features eight songs under the theme of “Experiments in Static Electricity” with three vocal songs and five instrumental songs, in the Cymbalic Encounters tradition.

Track list:
1. Within the Lightbulb’s Glow
2. Electricus
3. Circuits and Codes
4. Electro-Static Particles
5. The Flying Boy Experiment
6. Experiments in Static Electricity
7. Rubber Sole
8. The Hindenburg (The Future of Human Missions)

Musical Contributions:
Mark Murdock/drums, synthesizers & synth fretless bass
Tim Pepper/vocal on 1, 3, & 6
Joe Berger/lead guitar on 2, 3, 4, 7 & 8
Charles Lambiase/fretless bass on 8
Dave Juteau/guitar on 1, 3 & 4
Preston Murdock/lead guitar on 3 (first solo)
David Rambeau/guitar on 6

All songs composed by Mark Murdock
Mixed and Mastered by Joe Berger at R&B Studios, Okachimachi
Copyright 2023

To purchase: https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/electricus

“Electricus” Promotion Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1yqJ57yhIA

*Additional Cymbalic Encounters release can be found on Bandcamp and all digital formats.

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

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” Vinyl Edition Available November 24, 2023

Definitive vinyl re-release re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and overseen personally by drum legend Bill Bruford

• Bill Bruford is the original drummer in YES and was a long-term member of King Crimson.

• The band Bruford recorded this album in 1979 and it went on to achieve critical acclaim and commercial success.

Bruford “One Of A Kind” 12” vinyl reissue will be available November 24, 2023!

The line-up on this album is: Bill Bruford – drums, percussion, Allan Holdsworth – electric guitar, Dave Stewart – keyboards, Jeff Berlin – bass

This 12” vinyl re-issue has been mastered from the original 1979 mix, taken from the original 1979 analogue tapes, and comes housed in a replica sleeve.

Mastered from the original tapes recorded and mixed by Stephen W Tayler in 1979

This definitive vinyl re-release is re-issued on Bruford’s own Winterfold Records and was overseen personally by Bill Bruford.

“It's music that breathes... played by empathetic, truly virtuosic musicians. But is it rock, jazz, prog or fusion? Who knows, but it's some of the greatest British instrumental music of all time”. Sounds of Surprise

“… despite a landscape of constantly-shifting meters and tempi, the magic of One of a Kind is that it remains compelling and accessible”. All about Jazz

“This collection of ten tracks stands as a maelstrom of chops, arranging skills and inspired ensemble playing... the dynamics between drums, keys and fretless bass provide a high profile, capable structure for Holdsworth's top-flight soloing ability”. Exposé Online

Photo by Pascal Devillers

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1 Hell’s Bells
2 One Of A Kind – Part One
3 One Of A Kind – Part Two
4 Travels With Myself – And Someone Else
5 Fainting In Coils
Side 2
1 Five G
2 The Abingdon Chasp
3 Forever Until Sunday
4 The Sahara Of Snow – Part One
5 The Sahara Of Snow – Part Two

To pre-order: https://burningshed.com/store/billbruford/bruford_one-of-a-kind_vinyl

Bill Bruford official website: https://billbruford.com/

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

King Crimson “Larks' Tongues In Aspic” The Complete Recording Sessions - Dolby Atmos 2023 Mixes Blu-ray/2CD Now Available!

• 50th anniversary edition of King Crimson’s classic 1973 album
• Blu-Ray I features all-new 2023 mixes in Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround Sound and Hi-Res Stereo by Steven Wilson
• Blu-Ray I also features the new Elemental Mixes by David Singleton
• Blu-Ray II contains the complete recordings of every session recorded for the album. All of this material has been newly mixed from the original performances and is presented on disc for the first time in Hi-Res 24/96 stereo.
• Additionally, Blu-Ray II includes Hi-Res stereo mixes of the original stereo masters & David
Singleton’s audio documentary of the album recording “Keep That One, Nick” previously included on the 2012 boxed set. These are the sole inclusions to have been issued previously.
• CD1 includes the 2023 stereo mix and instrumentals of the album.
• CD2 includes the elemental mixes and selected master reels.
• Presented as a 2x gatefold sleeve edition containing the individual discs plus booklet with new sleeve-notes by King Crimson biographer Sid Smith packaged in a rigid slipcase

“This band is more King Crimson than it’s ever been. All the original ideals and aspirations are there – love, respect and compatible ideas. It’s a magic band!” – Robert Fripp, July, 1972

Bill Bruford ~ David Cross ~ Robert Fripp ~ Jamie Muir ~ John Wetton

When, in July 1972, Melody Maker revealed that Bill Bruford & John Wetton were joining King Crimson – from Yes & Family respectively, it was front page news. Also joining were Jamie Muir – a key figure in London’s jazz scene & David Cross – from the band Waves. Fripp’s claims about the band’s ‘magic’ were to be put to the test that autumn when, following a three-night stint at the Zoom Club, Frankfurt & TV appearance on Bremen’s Beat Club, the band undertook an extensive UK tour, which ran from the end of October through to mid-December. With the exception of the encore “21st Century Schizoid Man”, the material was all new, with a heavier emphasis on improvisation than had ever been utilized by any major UK rock group on a headlining tour. The developing material for “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” was premiered to a succession of audiences who, for the most part, had bought tickets expecting to hear something else entirely (encore notwithstanding) but who responded to the challenging set with enthusiasm.

Recorded from mid-January to the beginning of February & released in late March of 1973, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” became one of the most acclaimed of King Crimson’s albums as well as establishing its reputation as a key album from one of rock music’s most significant years. After a handful of further UK concerts, Jamie Muir left the band with the remaining quartet working with ever greater success until Summer 1974 when Fripp placed the band on indefinite hiatus.

Almost half a century after its release, Steven Wilson undertook the job of mixing the album for Dolby Atmos and, in the process, prepared new stereo & 5.1 mixes. The new stereo & 5.1 mixes – no doubt informed by the more adventurous mix techniques allowed by the Atmos process – are quite different in approach, more expansive than the earlier mixes as released in 2012, while still retaining and enhancing the core power of the original material.

The Atmos mixes allow a fresh glimpse of the vast scope of the individual material & performances as recorded for the album. The key to understanding this album, which Atmos illustrates most obviously, but is also present in all of Steven’s new mixes, David’s Elemental mixes & Alex & David’s mixes of the sessions material, is that this music was always this big, complex, interwoven series of soundscapes & while it was, in 1973, released in stereo on vinyl, CD & 8 Track cartridge, it’s only in recent years with, first the 2012 stereo & Surround mixes & now the Atmos/Elemental/Complete Sessions mixes that the available mix options & domestic consumption audio options have grown sufficiently to both contain & present the material to its fullest possible extent.

While Steven was working on this aspect of the material Alex R. Mundy and David Singleton at DGM were mixing every single take of the original studio sessions. These unreleased early takes are presented not as traditionally blended pieces, but with maximum separation, mimicking the experience of sitting in the studio with the individual elements being performed around you. The “Elemental mixes” apply this same approach to the main album takes. An excitingly fresh view on the familiar, with the focus often falling in unusual places, some originally hidden, some unused. Four of the album’s core tracks feature: extended mixes of “Larks’ 1” and “Talking Drum” along with “Easy Money” & “Larks’ 2”.

This material is all presented on Blu-Ray I of the set. Blu-Ray II presents every single session recording from the original studio dates, all newly mixed from the multitrack tapes and presented in date of recording order, in Hi-Res 24/96 stereo – a vast collection of previously unheard studio material from the seminal recording.
Also included on this disc are the original album mix (30th anniversary master) & the audio documentary “Keep that one, Nick” – as compiled by David Singleton for the 2012 boxed set. These two inclusions are the only previously released titles on this set.

It’s no coincidence that many of the pieces from the album became staples of performance for the most recent King Crimson line-ups (2014 – 2021). The material first performed to unsuspecting concert attendees in 1972, first recorded & released in 1973 & beloved of King Crimson fans ever since, has aged remarkably well. That material is now presented in its most complete edition to date, with all of the material on the CDs & almost all of the material on the Blu-Rays (see track-listing below), previously unreleased. In 2023, it still has the capacity to astound the ears.

Track List:

Blu-ray I - NTSC, All Zones (ABC), playable on all BD players & drives Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 & LPCM Stereo 24/96, all previously unreleased:
Larks’ Tongues in Aspic - 2023 mixes. Dolby Atmos, DTS HD-MA 5.1 Surround, LPCM 24.96 Stereo
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

Elemental Mixes (24/96 Stereo)
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Easy Money
3. The Talking Drum
4. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

Instrumental Mixes (24/96 Stereo)
1. Book of Saturday
2. Exiles
3. Easy Money

Blu-ray II - NTSC, All Zones (ABC), playable on all BD players & drives Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD MA 5.1 & LPCM Stereo 24/96, all previously unreleased except*

Original Masters (24/96 Stereo) *

30th Anniversary Master
1. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two

The Session Reels
1. “Keep That One, Nick” *
Complete Recording Sessions (24/96 Stereo)

January 16th, 1973
Larks’ I - Takes 1 to 10
Larks’ I - Takes 12 to 18 & 20 to 22
Larks’ II - Take 1
Book Of Saturday - Take 1
Book Of Saturday - Take 1 Overdubs & 2nd Main Vocal Take

January 17th, 1973
Larks’ I - Edit 2 Takes 1 to 11
Larks’ I - Edit 2 Take 12 & Overdubs
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 1 to 4
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 5 to 9 & 11 to 17
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Takes 1 to 6
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Take 1 with Overdubs

January 18th, 1973
Larks’ I - Bill Drum Check
Larks’ I - Jamie Drum Check
Larks’ II - Takes 1 & 2

January 19th, 1973
Larks’ I - 7/8 Section Remake Takes 1 to 5
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section Remake Takes 1 to 9

January 20th, 1973
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section 2nd Remake Takes 10 to 20

January 21st, 1973
Larks’ I - 4/4 Section 2nd Remake Takes 21 to 26

January 23rd, 1973
Easy Money - Takes 1 to 9
Easy Money - Takes 10 & 11
Jamie Various Atmosphere Takes
Jamie More Atmosphere Takes

January 24th, 1973
Easy Money - Remake Takes 1 to 6
Easy Money - Remake Takes 7 to 9
Intermezzo Takes 1 to 6
Intermezzo Takes 7 to 16
Intermezzo Takes 19 to 25

January 25th, 1973
The Talking Drum - Takes 1 to 3
The Talking Drum - Take 3 (Complete)
Larks’ I - 2nd Edit Takes 1 to 5
Larks’ I - Final Edit Remake Non Takes

January 26th, 1973
Exiles - Takes 1 to 3
Exiles - Takes 5 & 6
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Backing
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Overdubs 1
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Overdubs 2
Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Vocal Overdubs

January 30th, 1973
The Talking Drum - Remake Takes 1 to 6
Larks’ I - Master Bass Drums Percussion 4/4 section
Larks’ I - Master Bass Drums Percussion 7/8 section
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 1
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 2
Larks’ I - Master Guitar 4/4 Section Pass 3
Larks’ I - Master Guitar and Violin 7/8 Section
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 1
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 1 Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Intermezzo Part 2
Larks’ I - Master Introduction David & Jamie
Larks’ I - Master Introduction Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Last Section Newspaper Readings
Larks’ I - Master Lead Guitar Overdubs
Larks’ I - Master Opening Bass, Drums, Guitar, Percussion
Larks’ I - Master Opening Violin and Guitar
Larks’ I - Master Last Section Violin And Guitar

January 31st, 1973
Easy Money - Master Ambient Overdubs to the End
Easy Money - Master Backing Track to the End
Easy Money - Master Intro Backing Track
Easy Money - Master Intro Jamie Overdubs
Easy Money - Master Intro Vocal Overdubs
Easy Money - Master Vocal Overdubs to the End
The Talking Drum - Master Reel Backing Track
The Talking Drum - Master Reel Overdubs
Larks’ II - Master Reel Backing Track
Larks’ II - Master Reel Overdubs
Larks’ II - Master Reel Violin Solos

February 1st, 1973
Book Of Saturday - Takes 1 to 3 & 5 to 10
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 1, Guitar, Violin
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Guide Vocals, Guitar, Violin Overdubs
Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 2, Vocals with Vocal Overdubs

CDs: All material newly mixed/released

CD 1 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (2023 Mix and Instrumentals)
1. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Book of Saturday
3. Exiles
4. Easy Money
5. The Talking Drum
6. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two
7. Book of Saturday
8. Exiles
9. Easy Money

CD 2 Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (Elemental Mixes and Selected Master Reels)
1. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One
2. Easy Money
3. The Talking Drum
4. Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two
5. Exiles - Master Reel Take 4 Backing
6. Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Guide Vocals, Guitar, Violin Overdubs
7. Book Of Saturday - Master Reel Bass Pass 2, Vocals with Vocal Overdubs

To purchase:
Blu-ray/2CD: https://burningshed.com/king-crimson_larks-tongues-in-aspic_2cd_2blu-ray
DBL Vinyl: https://burningshed.com/king-crimson_larks-tongues-in-aspic_double-vinyl

For further information please contact: info@panegyric.net

www.dgmlive.com

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

King Crimson’s “In The Court Of The Crimson King – King Crimson At 50” Documentary By Toby Amies Coming To Select US Theaters Opening November 3rd!

OPENING IN OVER 70+ US THEATERS NOVEMBER 3RD

King Crimson’s “In The Court Of The Crimson King – King Crimson At 50” documentary By Toby Amies is coming to select US theaters opening November 3rd!

Just as King Crimson has been, for more than half a century, an atypical rock band, this film is a refreshingly atypical music documentary. A film about the sacrifices we need to make to bring things of beauty and meaning into the world. But with jokes.

Toby Amies’s film “In The Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson at 50” provides a unique insight into the working process of a complex touring band, interspersed with contributions from previous band members to provide a contextual backdrop to the band’s past, as the most recent (2014-2021) line-up tours the world just before and during its 50th anniversary.

As King Crimson producer and band manager, David Singleton observed of the film: “All of life is here, not just music, and certainly not just rock. It has rightly been described as going beyond King Crimson into a ‘universal, inspirational study of what it is to work or dream to work as an artist.’”

While director Toby Amies writes of the experience: “In the Court of the Crimson King is not a film that wants to tell the audience what to think, rather it presents several different points of view about the creative process and what it means to be in this most unusual band; leaving the audience with a sense of both how complicated it all is, but also just how incredibly rewarding the King Crimson experience is both for the musicians and its fans.”

Robert Fripp announced that King Crimson had “moved from sound to silence” on social media after their final date in Japan in December 2021, making this release all the more poignant as a unique record of the band’s longest lasting line-up with tantalizing glimpses of the band’s history.

Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg3osMG5yK4

photo by Tony Levin

Here’s what the press has said about “In The Court Of The Crimson King – King Crimson At 50”:

“The film is angular and abrasive, exacting and playful, extremely funny and achingly melancholy.” - THE OBSERVER

“This unflinching portrait of the prog rock band is like an episode of The Office but with huge drum kits, grizzled roadies and rapturous fans” - THE GUARDIAN

“By turns comical and melancholy, it may be the most revealing film about working life in a band since Spinal Tap.” - THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

“A fascinating look at both a venerable institution, the dynamics of working as a multi-limbed unit that’s ruled by a single iron fist, and what it takes to play this type of music.” - ROLLING STONE

“Doc about a Prog-Rock Perfectionist Is Nearly Perfect Itself. About as good as Rock documentaries get.” – VARIETY

“Revelatory” - UNCUT

“A compelling insight into the tetchy men of prog rock. Their dedication to music is a joy, the persistence of Toby Amies ranks alongside Nick Broomfield. Even if you go in knowing next to nothing about King Crimson, you will leave feeling like lifelong enthusiasts.” - BBC RADIO SCOTLAND / RADIO TIMES, Siobhan Synnot

“The film ponders mortality, why music matters, and the sacrifices that bringing difficult art to the stage entails.” - THE TIMES

“In The Court of the Crimson King : King Crimson at 50 goes straight into the pantheon of those documentaries which enable us to appreciate the painful truth of what being in bands is actually like...there is no higher echelon.” - MOJO

COMING TO SELECT THEATERS INCLUDING LA & NY
New York City - November 3rd @ Alamo Drafthouse
Los Angeles - November 3rd @ Alamo Drafthouse  
San Francisco, CA - November 3rd @ Roxie Theatre
San Francisco, CA - November 3rd @ The Castro Theater
Larkspur, CA - November 3rd @ The Lark Theater
Vancouver, WA - November 3rd @ The Kiggins Theatre
Hartford, CT - November 3rd @ Cinestudio
San Francisco, CA - November 8th @ 4 Star Theater
Ann Arbor, MI - November 8th @ Michigan Theater
Bellingham, WA - November 8th @ Pickford Film Center
Santa Ana, CA - November 8th @ Frida Cinema
Seattle, WA - November 8th @ Grand Illusion
Camas, WA - November 8th @ Liberty Theatre
New York City - November 8th @ Rosendale Theater
Des Moines, IA - November 8th @ Fleur Cinema
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Moviehouse & Eatery NW Austin
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Moviehouse & Eatery SW Austin
Columbia, SC - November 8th @ BTM Dutch Square Cinema 14
Richmond, VA - November 8th @ BTM Movieland at Boulevard Sq
Irvine, CA - November 8th @ Irvine Spectrum 20 IMAX & RPX
Knoxville, TN - November 8th @ Pinnacle Stm 18 IMAX & RPX
Atlanta, GA - November 8th @ Regal Atlantic Station
Chicago, IL - November 8th @ Regal City North
Cleveland, OH - November 8th @ Regal Crocker Park
Albany, NY - November 8th @ Regal Crossgates
Syracuse, NY - November 8th @ Regal Destiny
Los Angeles, CA - November 8th @ Regal Edwards Long Beach
San Diego, CA - November 8th @ Regal Edwards Mira Mesa
San Francisco, CA - November 8th @ Regal Hacienda Crossings
Portland, OR - November 8th @ Regal Lloyd Center
Nashville, TN - November 8th @ Regal Opry Mills
Las Vegas, NV - November 8th @ Regal Red Rock
Los Angeles, CA - November 8th @ Regal Sherman Oaks Galleria
Miami, FL - November 8th @ Regal South Beach
Charlotte, NC - November 8th @ Regal Stonecrest
Seattle, WA - November 8th @ Regal Thornton Place
Philadelphia, PA - November 8th @ Regal UA King of Prussia
New York, NY - November 8th @ Regal Union Square
Albuquerque, NM - November 8th @ Regal Winrock
Lowell, MA - November 8th @ Lowell
Foxboro, MA - November 8th @ Patriot Place
Providence, RI - November 8th @ Providence Place
Warwick, RI - November 8th @ Warwick
Farmingdale, NY - November 8th @ Farmingdale
Holtsville, NY - November 8th @ Island 16
Holtsville, NY - November 8th @ Broadway
Springdale, OH - November 8th @ Springdale
Cambridge, MA - November 8th @ The Prattle Theatre
Beverly, MA - November 8th @ Cabot Performing Arts Centre
Inglewood, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Del Mar, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
San Mateo, CA - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Dallas, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Austin, TX - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Coconut Grove, FL - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Gaithersburg, MD - November 8th @ Cinepolis
Sedona, AZ - November 8th @ Mary D Fisher Theatre
Minneapolis, MN - November 8th @ Riverview Theatre
Cleveland, OH - November 8th @ Cedar Lee Theatre
Bantam, CT - November 9th @ Bantam Cinema & Arts Center
Chico, CA - November 9th @ Pageant Theater
Eugene, OR - November 10th @ Art House
Dallas, TX - November 12th @ The Texas Theatre
Portland, OR - November 12th @ Cinema 21
Los Angeles, CA - November 13th @ Orpheum Theater
Somerville, MA - November 13th @ Somerville Theatre
Maitland, FL - December 18th @ Enzian Theater
Sacramento, CA - November 22nd @ Crest Cinema
Pittsburgh, PA - November 28th @ Harris Theatre

Synopsis:
What began as a straightforward documentary about the cult rock band King Crimson as it turned 50, mutated into an exploration of time, death, family, and the transcendent power of music to change lives. But with jokes.

Directed by:
TOBY AMIES

Featuring:
ADRIAN BELEW
SISTER DANA BENEDICTA
BILL BRUFORD
MEL COLLINS
ROBERT FRIPP
MICHAEL GILES
TREY GUNN
GAVIN HARRISON
JAKKO JAKSZYK
TONY LEVIN
JAMIE MUIR
IAN McDONALD
BILL RIEFLIN
PETER SINFIELD
JEREMY STACEY

Produced by:
TOBY AMIES
NICK FREAND JONES
DAVID SINGLETON

Executive Producers:
KAT MANSOOR
DAVID SINGLETON

Running Time: 86 minutes

**SCREENERS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR INTERVIEWS AND REVIEWS **

To request a link please contact: crimsonking@mprm.com

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