Showing posts with label Robby Steinhardt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robby Steinhardt. Show all posts

5/26/2023

Socially Conscious Video Release From Rock Violin Legend Robby Steinhardt’s Swan Song Album “Not in Kansas Anymore”

Orlando, FL - Robby Steinhardt, the renowned violinist and vocalist known for his work with the band Kansas, second installment of a series of videos accompanying his critically acclaimed solo album “Not in Kansas Anymore” has been unveiled. The video for the song “Mother Earth” comes following the completion of the album, which occurred three months before Steinhardt's untimely passing July 17, 2021.

Watch Robby Steinhardt’s “Mother Earth” video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwBhzotNO9Y

Directed by Tom Lupo, the video serves as a poignant social commentary on one of Steinhardt’s deep-rooted concerns – mankind’s mistreatment of the planet and the global issue of pollution. Steinhardt, along with keyboardist/producer Michael Franklin, and bassist Tim Franklin, co-wrote and performed on the song featured in the video. Additional musicians contributing to this track include Tommy Calton, Jim Gentry and Sonny Ferguson on guitars, Matt Brown on drums and Robby on violin and vocals. The song also showcases the incredible talent of keyboardist Patrick Moraz, known for his work with Yes and The Moody Blues. Special Thanks to Jocelyn Hsu and Beniot Lajeunesse for their help.

Steinhardt and his band had been gearing up for a national tour when tragedy struck in May 2021, preventing them from bringing their music to fans across the country. The tour would have included performances of several tracks from “Not in Kansas Anymore” as well as selected Kansas songs that Robby considered to be his own contributions to the band’s rich legacy. Notably, the release of “Mother Earth” coincides with what would have been Robby's 73rd birthday.

Fans can look forward to the forthcoming release of additional videos in the near future. “Not in Kansas Anymore” was nominated by Prog Report for Album of The Year, Song of the Year, (Truth to Power) and Album Cover of the Year.

Not in Kansas Anymore” is available on the Solar Music website: https://solarmusic.com/robby-steinhardt

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

About Robby Steinhardt:
Robby Steinhardt was a revered rock musician known for his exceptional violin skills and captivating vocals. As a prominent member of the band Kansas, he made significant contributions to the world of progressive rock. With his solo album, “Not In Kansas Anymore,” Steinhardt showcased his talent and passion for music, addressing pressing social and environmental issues along the way. His legacy and artistic contributions continue to inspire fans worldwide.

6/03/2022

Watch Kansas Legend Robby Steinhardt’s Video For “Not in Kansas Anymore”

Just released! Kansas legend Robby Steinhardt’s video for “Not in Kansas Anymore” from the critically acclaimed album of the same name. Produced by Michael Franklin, the album was released on Solar Music just after the unexpected passing of Steinhardt.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Xj-bzCqk8

You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and frontman for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.

“Not in Kansas Anymore” is a powerful, well-thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby’s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a “Prog Opera.”

The album “Not in Kansas Anymore” grew out of the Jon Anderson “1000 Hands” sessions. Robby was a special guest on the song “Active.” He put down several violin tracks on that song and also a song Michael was working on with drum legend Billy Cobham. That song led to the making of “Not in Kansas Anymore.”

The art direction and video work was done by Alvaro Ortega, a gifted animator from Madrid Spain. Alvaro has received worldwide notice from his Beatle and British Invasion animations. Most recently his collaboration with producer Michael Franklin’s “A Day in His Life,” a highly acclaimed tribute to John Lennon. This work went viral and given high praise by Sir George Martin's son https://www.facebook.com/michael.franklin.1610/videos/10222238735251109. Art work in the video was based off of the album art by Tom Lupo, nominated “Album Cover of the Year” by ProgReport.

Robby Steinhardt “Not in Kansas Anymore”
Recorded at Solar Studio, Orlando Florida, December 2020-May 2021
Produced by Michael Franklin producer of Jon Anderson 1000 Hands
with the cast members 1000 Hands

Robby Steinhardt - Violin and Lead Vocals
Tim Franklin - Bass and Vocals
Rayford Griffin - Drums
Jim Gentry - Electric Guitar and Vocals
Tommy Calton - Acoustic and Electric Guitar
Michael Franklin - Bosendorfer Piano, Kurzweil Forte, Hammond B3 and Vocals

And special Guests
Billy Cobham, Pat Travers, Chuck Leavell, Ian Anderson, Billy Ashbaugh, Patrick Moraz, many others, orchestra and choir.

Songs Written by Franklin/Steinhardt/Franklin Solar Music BMI

Not in Kansas Anymore,” Digital Download, CD and preorder LP with free Digital Download can be found at: www.robbysteinhardtofficial.com or www.solarmusic.com

Promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu5T_3aEv0g

Robby was a big fan of local vinyl vendors. Here is where you will be able can to find LPs and CDs locally www.solarmusic.com/distribution

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

10/25/2021

Legendary Kansas Violinist and Vocalist Robby Steinhardt's Solo Album 'Not in Kansas Anymore' To Be Released October 25, 2021

The Prog Opera Event of the Year

Robby Steinhardt and Solar Studios announce Robby's first and only solo recording, Not in Kansas Anymore. Release date: October 25th 2021.

You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and frontman for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.

The new album, Not in Kansas Anymore is a powerful, well thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby’s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a “Prog Opera”.

In his only interview for the project, he spoke with Bill Shafer of PBS. Steinhardt was asked what the meaning behind the title Not in Kansas Anymore was. Steinhardt responded, “It’s no slight against the band, no never! My time with Kansas defined a big part of my life, of which I am very proud of. Ever since The Wizard of OZ, those words have become an American axiom for moving forward, you can never go back etc.” Robby laughed, “I guess it has a special meaning when it is fixed to me.”

The album, produced by Michael Thomas Franklin, is his latest production since the highly acclaimed Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Chapter One. Franklin used a similar approach using a large cast of renown musicians to lend their talents. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs, Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer on Billy Joel’s hits), Jim Gentry, Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues/Pat Benatar), Lisa Fischer (longtime vocalist for The Rolling Stones), 1000 Hands members Michael Franklin, Tommy Calton, Tim Franklin, Jocelyn Hsu, Rayford Griffin and Benoit Lajeunesse and many others including Orchestra and Choir.

The songs provide powerful lyrics, hard to forget choruses, combined with crafty playing. All this combined with Franklin’s lavish and complicated arrangements makes listening to Not in Kansas Anymore a wonderful hour well spent. The stunning album artwork created by Tom Lupo of Magnificent Pictures and subliminal song quotes from the Wizard of OZ, are another added feature to this complex Prog Opera. Currently four videos are in the works.

Steinhardt was in a reborn state of mind in the months prior to finishing the record. He and wife Cindy were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. He had started rehearsals and was preparing to hit the road in August when he became ill in May. Robby’s musical vision, voice and violin lives on with his first and only solo album, Not in Kansas Anymore! Release was delayed due to Steinhardt’s passing July 17, 2021.

Not in Kansas Anymore, Digital Download, CD and preorder LP with free Digital Download can be found at: www.robbysteinhardtofficial.com or www.solarmusic.com

Promo video: 

Robby was a big fan of local vinyl vendors. Here is where you will be able can to find LPs and CDs locally www.solarmusic.com/distribution

Bill Shafer Growing Bolder at PBS
Growing Bolder episode featuring Robby in 2018 before he started the project can be found here: https://growingbolder.com/stories/robby-steinhardts-unlikely-incredible-journey/

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