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Showing posts with label The Moody Blues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Moody Blues. Show all posts

6/24/2025

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ – Dates Announced for December 2025!

Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ Tour – Featuring Moody Blues Songs from the Classic Albums is heading to California, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced more dates for his electrifying new show titled ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’! Dates are already on sale for the North East and Midwest, and now dates have been announced for California, Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma. This will be the first time John has taken his show to many of these venues!

Following the phenomenal success of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show over the last couple of years, John wanted to now go back to basics and bring a true Moody Blues show to the fans. What are the songs that he loved performing in the Moody Blues, and how could he recreate the sound and the feel of one of these special concerts. Thanks to the incredible musicianship of his band, and his experience of performing these songs over 50 years, John will perform these classic songs true to the original but with an extra dash of magic, evoking joy and nostalgia in equal measure.

It may no longer be possible to go to a ‘Moody Blues’ show, but as Gary Spiller said in a recent review “Check the dictionary entry for ‘timeless’ and evenings like this are right there!”

When John wrote the hit single ‘Singer’ in 1972 it was because people were looking to him to change the world, and his reply was he’s just a singer in a rock and roll band! Despite time marching on, that is still who is he today, and John’s shows will take you on a Moody Blues journey through the hits and deep cuts of this magical catalogue, together with stories and memories of this time.

This incredible new show feature songs from ‘the core seven albums’ including ‘Days of Future Passed’, Seventh Sojourn, and more, plus ‘Octave’ and the triple platinum selling album ‘Long Distance Voyager’.  It will bring together some of the captivating moments of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show, John’s hits with the Moodies, and, of course, tributes to all his bandmates. This truly will be a show of Moodies Magic and ‘a trip worth taking and remembering’! (Tony Violanti)

Together with Jon Davison of YES and his 10,000 Light Years Band, John will lovingly recreate ‘I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)’, ‘Nights in White Satin’, ‘Ride my See-Saw’, ‘Gemini Dream’, ‘Tuesday Afternoon’, ‘The Voice’, ‘Steppin’ in Slide Zone’, ‘Isn’t Life Strange’ and much more. Electrifying video and lights will complete this incredible evening as the years roll back…

The December dates kick off on December 4th at Cerritos PAC, and end in Austin on December 14.  This will be John’s first solo shows in Austin and Oklahoma City, and he’s delighted to be able to continue to bring these shows to new audiences!

Limited VIP merch packages will also be available, go to: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour.


Photo by Dana Grubb

Following a stroke at the end of 2023, John has gone from strength to strength, driven by his love for this music, and his deeply held desire to ‘keep the Moody Blues music alive’. The critically acclaimed shows are testament to his passion and commitment, and as John says, his hope is that people leave with a little bit of joy around them.

“I’m delighted that we are announcing these dates for December - we’ve been having a blast putting the new show together, and I am so looking forward to the July tour starting next month, and being able to continue it into December. As many of you know California has always had a special place in my heart, and we love performing at Danny Zelisko’s venues in Arizona, plus new venues in Austin and Oklahoma City.

I am a ‘singer in a rock and roll band’, and it continues to fill me with joy to perform for my fans and share this music with them… music that is the soundtrack to my life, and to many others too…”

Check out the tour video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_32O8687sw

This incredible new show will also be in support of John’s new EP ‘Love Conquers All’ out now. Signed copies are also available including limited edition vinyl.

For USA (including the limited edition 180g violet vinyl, handsigned by John): https://shop.johnlodge.com

For UK (including the limited edition 180g blue vinyl with a special handsigned insert): https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store

Check out the video for ‘Whispering Angels’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XErh5-eeoIU

If you love The Moody Blues music, then you really need to checkout John live.  He and the band put on a great show!’

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more.  Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums ‘Natural Avenue’,’10,000 Light Years Ago’ and ‘B Yond’, plus his new EP ‘Love Conquers All’.  Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

USA Dates

Tickets for most of the new shows go on sale on Friday June 27th at 10am, with Celebrity Theatre and Rialto Theatre on sale date TBC.

JUST ANNOUNCED - DECEMBER 2025 Dates
Dec 4 Cerritos PAC, Cerritos, CA,
Dec 6 Uptown Theatre, Napa, CA
Dec 7 Magnolia PAC, San Diego, CA
Dec 9 Celebrity Theater, Phoenix, AZ
Dec 11 Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Dec 13 Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City, OK
Dec 14 Paramount Theatre, Austin, TX

JULY / AUGUST 2025 DATES – ON SALE NOW!
July 19 The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
July 20 Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
July 23 Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ
July 24 Wind Creek Casino, Bethlehem, PA
July 26 Lynn Auditorium, Lynn, MA
July 27 Infinity Hall, Hartford, CT
July 29 Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
July 30 JPT Film & Event Center, Newport, RI
Aug 1 MCL Pavilion, Newport, KY
Aug 2 Agora, Cleveland, OH
Aug 6 Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
Aug 7 Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, IL

All dates at www.johnlodge.com/tour

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

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

5/02/2025

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge to Launch New Tour – Dates Announced for July 2025!

Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’ Tour – Featuring Moody Blues Songs from the Classic Albums

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced he will be back on the road with an electrifying new show titled ‘Singer in a Rock and Roll Band’!

Following the phenomenal success of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show over the last two years, John wanted to now go back to basics… what are the songs that he loved performing in the Moody Blues? How could he bring these enduring songs to audiences, staying true to the original sound, yet breathing new life into them? These songs might have been discovered by listeners on release, or by newer generations later, but whenever they first heard them, they made an indelible impression on them. John’s task was clear, he wanted to recreate the sound and the feel of a Moody Blues show of the past, but at the same time bring in the incredible musicianship of his band, and his experience of performing these songs for over 50 years, to give these classic songs that extra dash of magic.

When John wrote the hit single ‘Singer’ in 1972 it was because people were looking to him to change the world… this composition replied that he’s just a singer in a rock and roll band! But his message went on - John wanted everyone to be part of the music, and if you’ve ever experienced one of John’s shows you will know how true this is. The music and camaraderie will lift you up, it may not change the world, but it might make it a little brighter…

This incredible new show will feature songs from ‘the core seven albums’ including ‘Days of Future Passed’, Seventh Sojourn, and more, plus ‘Octave’ and the triple platinum selling album ‘Long Distance Voyager.  It will bring together some of the captivating moments of his ‘Days of Future Passed’ show, all of John’s hits with the Moodies, and, of course, tributes to all his bandmates. This truly will be a show of Moodies Magic and ‘a trip worth taking and remembering’! (Tony Violanti review of John’s show March 24, 2025)

Together with Jon Davison of YES and his 10,000 Light Years Band, John will lovingly recreate ‘I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)’, ‘Nights in White Satin’, ‘Ride my See-Saw’, ‘Gemini Dream’, ‘Tuesday Afternoon’, ‘The Voice’, ‘Steppin’ in Slide Zone’, ‘Isn’t Life Strange’ and much more. Also, experience deep cuts from these classic albums, and, together with the electrifying video and lights, be taken on a journey through time.

The tour kicks off on July 19th at the Vogel in New Jersey, and continues through to Des Plaines, IL on August 7th.

Limited VIP merch packages will also be available, go to: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour.


photo by Dana Grubb

Following a stroke at the end of 2023, John has gone from strength to strength, driven by his love for this music, and his deeply held desire to continue to share it with the fans. The critically acclaimed shows in July and November 2024 are testament to his passion and commitment, and as John says, his hope is that people leave with a little bit of joy around them.

It’s been an absolute pleasure performing Days in its entirety over the last couple of years, but I’m so excited about our new show… there are a few songs I’ve not performed before that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and many of our classic songs seem to have taken on a new meaning following health challenges, so I hope everyone will enjoy continuing on this journey with me. I’m doing great, and I just love to share this music with the fans. I look out and see familiar faces, and occasionally some new ones, and I love what we’ve shared over so many decades. Thank you for keeping the faith.”

Check out the tour video here: https://youtu.be/l_32O8687sw

This incredible new show will also be in support of John’s new EP ‘Love Conquers All’ out now. Signed copies are also available including limited edition vinyl.

For USA (including the limited edition 180g violet vinyl, handsigned by John): https://shop.johnlodge.com

For UK (including the limited edition 180g blue vinyl with a special handsigned insert): https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store

Check out the video for ‘Whispering Angels’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XErh5-eeoIU

If you love The Moody Blues music, then you really need to checkout John live. He and the band put on a great show!’

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more.  Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums ‘Natural Avenue’,’10,000 Light Years Ago’ and ‘B Yond’, plus his new EP ‘Love Conquers All’.  Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

USA Dates
July 19 The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
July 20 Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
July 23 Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ
July 24 Wind Creek Casino, Bethlehem, PA (on Sale May 2nd)
July 26 Lynn Auditorium, Lynn, MA
July 27 Infinity Hall, Hartford, CT
July 29 Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH
July 30 JPT Film & Event Center, Newport, RI
Aug 1 MCL Pavilion, Newport, KY
Aug 2 Agora, Cleveland, OH
Aug 6 Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, IL
Aug 7 Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, IL

All dates at www.johnlodge.com/tour

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

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

1/13/2025

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge USA Feb and March 2025 Tour – New Dates Added!

Performs Days of Future Passed Tour” - Playing the iconic album in its entirely, plus a selection of CLASSIC HITS

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, will be back on the road in February and March with his electrifying ‘Performs Days of Future’ show, featuring a first set of Moody Blues classic hits, and a second set of this iconic album, performed in its entirety.

The tour kicks off on February 19th at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, and includes 12 dates in the NE, Midwest and Florida, plus his appearance on the ‘Rock and Romance Cruise’, sailing out of Fort Lauderdale on March 15. Then John will be taking his show to the UK for the very first time - ‘Bringing it Home’!

All dates are now on sale, with limited VIP packages available, go to: https://www.johnlodge.com/tour.

This is a unique opportunity to hear fan favorites such as ‘Isn’t Life Strange’, ‘Legend of a Mind’, ‘I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)’ and ‘Ride my See-Saw’, plus this groundbreaking album. John and his band lovingly recreate these classic songs, in full symphonic glory, and together with his tributes to his bandmates, and the mesmerizing video of Graeme Edge reciting his poetry, the audience is truly transported back to Moody Blues concerts of the past.


photo by Dana Grubb

Following a stroke at the end of 2023, John has gone from strength to strength, driven by his love for this music, and his deeply held desire to continue to share it with the fans. The critically acclaimed shows in July and November 2024 are testament to his passion and commitment, and as John says, his hope is that people leave with a little bit of joy, and certainly the audience can be seen leaving with Moodies magic around them.

Joining John on stage are his 10,000 Light Years Band featuring Alan Hewitt and Billy Ashbaugh (from the Moody Blues touring band), Duffy King and Jason Charboneau, plus Jon Davison of YES will again be joining John on stage to provide his soaring vocals on ‘Nights in White Satin’ and ‘Tuesday Afternoon’.

A lot of these places we used to go to as the Moody Blues, and I just want to give the fans a sense of that time again. It may not be a Moody Blues show, but Alan, Billy, Duffy, Jason and, of course Jon, create an incredible energy on stage, and such beautiful music. Then when Graeme appears on screen, and I turn to hear his beautiful words, it all makes me feel part of something very special, and I can feel I share it with the audience. Being on stage with them all, I think we all smile together, all of us on stage, and all of those in the audience. It’s a little moment away from the challenges of life.”

Check out the tour video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqUEvAo97Hk

“Days of Future Passed” was released 58 years ago, and was arguably the start of progressive rock. John has surrounded himself with a band who put simply, love performing together, and who appreciate and respect the legacy of the music. The Moodies may not perform any more, and the loss of Graeme, Ray and Mike is felt deeply, but this show honours John’s friends and the music.

The electrifying show will also be in support of John’s new EP “Love Conquers All” out on Feb 14th, and available now for pre-order on Amazon and other online stores. Signed copies are also available including limited edition vinyl. The first single ‘Love Will Conquer All’ is available now on all streaming services and hit the No. 1 spot over New Year on the Fab Chart.

For USA (including the limited edition 180g violet vinyl, hand signed by John): https://shop.johnlodge.com

For the UK (including the limited edition 180g blue vinyl with a special hand signed insert): https://burningshed.com/store/john-lodge_store

Check out the first single ‘Love Will Conquer All’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYzdgyvXiQM

If you love The Moody Blues music, then you really need to check out John live.  He and the band put on a great show!’

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from ‘Ride My See-Saw’, to ‘I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)’, ‘Isn’t Life Strange’ and many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums “Natural Avenue”, “10,000 Light Years Ago and B Yond”. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

USA Dates
Feb 19 Capitol Theatre Port Chester, NY
Feb 20 Cary Hall, Lexington, MA
Feb 22 Shubert Theater, New Haven, CT
Feb 23 The Vogel, Red Bank, NJ
Feb 25 Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
Feb 26 Westbury Music Fair, Westbury, NY
Feb 28 Brown County Music Center, Nashville, IL
Mar 1 Genesee Theater, Waukegan, IL
Mar 3 Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City, IA
Mar 5 Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
March 15 - 22 Rock and Romance Cruise
March 23 The Villages, FL
March 24 The Center of Anna Maria Island, FL

UK Dates
April 6 Birmingham Town Hall
April 8 Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester
April 9 Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
April 11 Union Chapel, London
April 14 St George’s, Bristol
April 15 G Live, Guildford

All dates at www.johnlodge.com/tour

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

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

11/15/2024

The Moody Blues’ John Lodge To Release NEW Christmas SINGLE “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024

New Video premiere featuring John on November 15th!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is to release an exciting new digital single “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024. The single will be the first from John’s new extended EP “Love Conquers All”, due for release on February 14, 2025, and the EP will be available on CD, Limited Edition 180g Violet Vinyl, and all streaming platforms.

“Love Will Conquer All” was written by John during his recent health challenges, suffering, as he put it, a ‘Christmas present he didn’t want’, a stroke. While he dealt with this personal adversity, and the immense challenge of the work involved to recover, he felt his creativity rising to create this heartwarming Christmas song. “Love Will Conquer All” is a song of love, renewal and healing, and John wanted to share it with everyone in the sincere hope that his journey might just help inspire others.

The song was written by John, and features John on vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar and acoustic guitar. Jon Davison, the singer of the progressive rock band YES, and John’s son-in-law, joins him on background vocals, provided the drums and rhythms, and also co-produced the track with John. Lead guitar is provided by Ray Nesbit, John’s Front of House Sound on tour, and also an incredible musician too. Finally, John asked his wife to join him on backing vocals, as at the heart of this song is his relationship with Kirsten, and their 56-year marriage… Love Will Conquer All.

We all have our challenges in life, mine happened last Christmas… but like a phoenix this song appeared and helped me work through some of those difficult days. As I look forward to Christmas this year, I know it was love that got me through, and my Christmas wish for everyone is that they are surrounded with love (and great music) this year.”

The song will be released on November 15th to all streaming services, and will also be available as an instant gratification song from the accompanying EP.

To purchase or pre-save:
SINGLE SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
ALBUM SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveConquersAll

Signed CDs and vinyl available from the John Lodge store:
https://shop.johnlodge.com/collections/love-conquers-all


Photo by Brian Aris


Photo by Dana Grubb

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/TYzdgyvXiQM

The EP “Love Conquers All” will be released on February 14. 2025, and is a collection of deeply moving songs by The Moody Blues’ John Lodge. All written during difficult times yet reflecting the positive way in which John sees the world. As John explored his journey of healing, he invited different musicians to collaborate with him on each song, making each song unique, yet at the same time they all carry the same message... that love does conquer all.

“Love will Conquer All”, “Whispering Angels”, and “Sunset Over Cocohatchee Bay” were all written through personal health challenges, and “In These Crazy Times”, and “The Sun Will Shine”, originally written in lockdown, have been reimagined and remixed for 2024, reflecting how this time is now firmly in the past.

“Whispering Angels” was written by John and his son-in-law Jon Davison, of YES, and Jon features on all the tracks on the release. “Love Will Conquer All” is an almost Christmas song full of hope, plus there are guest appearances on the album by Geoff Downes of YES, Tim Maple, Dave Colquhoun, Ray Nesbit, John’s 10,000 Light Years Band, and also John’s wife, Kirsten and son, Kristian.

John will be on a short tour in the USA starting November 12th in Clarksburg, WV, and finishing November 19th in Royal Oak, MI, and is currently making plans for further dates in the USA in February and March, and if all goes to plan, dates in the UK in 2025.

JOHN LODGE - NOVEMBER 2024 TOUR DATES – WWW.JOHNLODGE.COM/TOUR
Nov 12, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg, WV
Nov 14, Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, Cranston, RI
Nov 15, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
Nov 17, Temple Live at Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, OH
Nov 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums “Natural Avenue”, “10,000 Light Years Ago” and “B Yond”. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

For further information
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

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

6/15/2022

THE MOODY BLUES’ JOHN LODGE ONE NIGHT ONLY! JULY 25 at OCEAN CITY MUSIC PIER, NJ

Keeping All The Moody Blues Music Alive’

John Lodge - legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist for the iconic rock band, The Moody Blues is to bring his electrifying ‘Performs Classic Moody Blues’ show to the Ocean City Music Pier on July 25 as part of their Summer Concert Series.

Tickets on sale now at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/an-evening-with-the-moody-blues-ocean-city-new-jersey-07-25-2022/event/02005CB49C2E6AA2. Limited Edition VIP ‘add on’ merchandise packages also available https://tickets.onelivemedia.com/events/27501

Check out the tour promo video here! (https://youtu.be/X6Lr2SvoTkk)

Writer and vocalist of such mega Moody Blues hits “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, “Gemini Dream”, “Steppin in a Slide Zone” and many many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, and also enjoys a successful solo career.  

With the Moody Blues no longer touring, it’s John’s deeply held desire to continue to bring this music, the music he calls ‘the soundtrack of his life’ - as it is to so many - to the fans who have been on this journey with him for so many years. John and his band perform these classic songs with a new energy, whilst always remaining true to the Moody’s roots and the original iconic sound. They are unique in managing to bring a feeling of nostalgia to the room and the audience to their feet, with songs that are as relevant today as they were when first written and experienced.

As one critic wrote, ‘a brilliant night of classics from start to finish from this living Rock Legend!’, and as John says to the fans at the end of every show, ‘Thank you for Keeping the Faith’… and you can see he means it.  John’s show weaves his own Moodies hits together with special tributes to his bandmates from The Moody Blues, including a very special recording by the late Graeme Edge of his poem ‘Late Lament’.  Jon Davison of YES will be joining him on stage for ‘Nights in White Satin’.  

The show is in support of his latest live album ‘The Royal Affair and After’ released in January this year to critical acclaim. The album was recorded live in Las Vegas on ‘The Royal Affair Tour’, in the Summer of 2019.

John’s mission statement is, after all, “I want to keep all the Moody Blues music alive!”

Joining John are his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’; Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards), Billy Ashbaugh (Drums), Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).

I’m delighted to be bringing my Moody Blues show to the Ocean City Music Pier as part of their Summer Concert Series!  I had a fabulous time on our March tour and on the Flower Power Cruise, and although we are working on dates for later in the year and next year, I was really happy to be asked to be part of this series.  I’ll be bringing my band, and we’ll be doing our full ‘Classic Moody Blues’ show with all my hits and tributes to all my bandmates. These songs really are the soundtrack of my life and I look forward to sharing them with fans, and perhaps even some not so familiar with the Moody Blues.” - John Lodge June 2022.


photo by Dana Grubb

John and his band will also be appearing on ‘The 70s Rock and Romance Cruise’ March 16 – 23, 2023, https://rockandromancecruise.com/lodgefan, and other dates are in the works for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. His live album, ‘The Royal Affair and After’ is available now everywhere.

The Royal Affair and After”
Track Listing (CD and Digital)
1. Steppin’ in a Slide Zone
2. Saved by the Music
3. Legend of a Mind
4. Sunset
5. Late Lament (with Graeme Edge)
6. Nights in White Satin (with Jon Davison)
7. Gemini Dream
8. Isn’t Life Strange
9. I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
10. Ride My See-Saw (with Jon Davison)

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

Top photo by Frank Piercy

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

5/07/2021

The Moody Blues' John Lodge New Single “The Sun Will Shine” OUT NOW!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has released a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine”. Out now!

In John’s own words:

On March 8th 2020 we played a sold out show in Lexington, MA, and within a week my wife and I, like so many of us around the world, went into lockdown.  

Like all of us staring at our four walls, I realised that this would be a challenging time. And then I began to think about 1967… We went into the studio and were in a sort of lockdown then, where we spent 24 hours a day creating an album that changed my life. That album was ‘Days of Future Passed’. As I looked back I remembered the creativity that took place then, and as I watched the sun rise every morning, I realised that I just needed to see the world differently. I therefore took the opportunity to write and record some new music hoping to explore how I was feeling.

My first single ‘In These Crazy Times’, which came out last year, I wrote and recorded myself on Garageband, and I asked my wife, Kirsten, my son, Kristian, and my daughter Emily’s boyfriend Jon Davison (of YES), to join me. (Emily and I have been working together for many years now). It was an incredible experience to work with all my family on this, and gave us the connection we needed even though we were apart.

I then began to write ‘The Sun Will Shine’, and for this song I wanted to work with my 10,000 Light Years Band, Alan, Billy, Duffy and Jason. Jon also joined me again, and whilst we couldn’t all be in the same room, it was so fantastic to be able to still create music together despite the miles between us. Touring is still in the future, but I can’t wait to get back on the road with my band. I miss the road, the camaraderie with all the guys, performing, and, of course, all the fans, who have been such a support to me over the last 6 decades.

This song was therefore very important to me writing it, and it’s great to see it out there now, hopefully inspiring others and reflecting the start of the end of these troubled times. My hope is that the sun will shine for me, for you, for the world, just like the dawn of a new day and the promises it brings.” - John Lodge, May 2021.

“The Sun Will Shine” is available now as a digital download, on all streaming platforms, and on YouTube as a digital video. The song is reminiscent of many of John’s earlier compositions with its message, orchestration and harmonies, and will be part of the EP “On Reflection” due to be released later this year.  

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

Photo by Brian Aris

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his 10,000 Light Years Band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues. 2021 will see the release of his live album “The Royal Affair and After” and touring is being planned for 2022.

DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE TRACK HERE (https://ffm.to/thesunwillshine)

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
YouTube smarturl.it/JohnLodgeYouTube

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

The Moody Blues' John Lodge New Single “The Sun Will Shine” OUT NOW!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has released a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine”. Out now!

In John’s own words:

On March 8th 2020 we played a sold out show in Lexington, MA, and within a week my wife and I, like so many of us around the world, went into lockdown.  

Like all of us staring at our four walls, I realised that this would be a challenging time. And then I began to think about 1967… We went into the studio and were in a sort of lockdown then, where we spent 24 hours a day creating an album that changed my life. That album was ‘Days of Future Passed’. As I looked back I remembered the creativity that took place then, and as I watched the sun rise every morning, I realised that I just needed to see the world differently. I therefore took the opportunity to write and record some new music hoping to explore how I was feeling.

My first single ‘In These Crazy Times’, which came out last year, I wrote and recorded myself on Garageband, and I asked my wife, Kirsten, my son, Kristian, and my daughter Emily’s boyfriend Jon Davison (of YES), to join me. (Emily and I have been working together for many years now). It was an incredible experience to work with all my family on this, and gave us the connection we needed even though we were apart.

I then began to write ‘The Sun Will Shine’, and for this song I wanted to work with my 10,000 Light Years Band, Alan, Billy, Duffy and Jason. Jon also joined me again, and whilst we couldn’t all be in the same room, it was so fantastic to be able to still create music together despite the miles between us. Touring is still in the future, but I can’t wait to get back on the road with my band. I miss the road, the camaraderie with all the guys, performing, and, of course, all the fans, who have been such a support to me over the last 6 decades.

This song was therefore very important to me writing it, and it’s great to see it out there now, hopefully inspiring others and reflecting the start of the end of these troubled times. My hope is that the sun will shine for me, for you, for the world, just like the dawn of a new day and the promises it brings.” - John Lodge, May 2021.

“The Sun Will Shine” is available now as a digital download, on all streaming platforms, and on YouTube as a digital video. The song is reminiscent of many of John’s earlier compositions with its message, orchestration and harmonies, and will be part of the EP “On Reflection” due to be released later this year.  

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

Photo by Brian Aris

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange?” and many more, Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his 10,000 Light Years Band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues. 2021 will see the release of his live album “The Royal Affair and After” and touring is being planned for 2022.

DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE TRACK HERE (https://ffm.to/thesunwillshine)

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
YouTube smarturl.it/JohnLodgeYouTube

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

4/12/2021

John Lodge of The Moody Blues to Release New Digital Single “The Sun Will Shine” on April 30th

Available for pre-order April 9th

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is to release a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine” on April 30th 2021. Pre-orders available from April 9th.

The song was written and recorded by John whilst he was ‘in isolation’ in Florida, and he took hope and inspiration from watching the sunrise every morning over ‘Cocahatchee Bay’. For John, the song is a reminder that we can choose to see the world, and the challenges we all face, in a positive way…  because the sun will shine again.

The song is performed by John and his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’, who recorded remotely due to the pandemic. The track also features Jon Davison from YES on backing vocals, continuing their ongoing collaborations.

The song will be part of the EP “On Reflection” that is due to be incorporated into “The Royal Affair and After”, John’s new live album scheduled for release in September 2021. “On Reflection” will include three tracks that John wrote during the pandemic. Joining “The Sun Will Shine”, will be his instrumental track, “Sunset over Cocohatchee Bay”, and a 2021 remix of “In These Crazy Times”.  The tracks continue John’s exploration of how the pandemic has affected him, demonstrate his always positive outlook on life, and echo many of his earlier Moodies compositions.

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

Who could have thought this pandemic is still with us? I’m just grateful that I have my music to keep me company, and in a surreal way it has kept me focused on writing and recording new songs. I hope with these new songs to share with you my reflections of these times. It’s been a year since I was on the road with my 10,000 Light Years Band but we will see you again in the not too distant future. Thank you for keeping the faith!” - John Lodge April 2021.

photo by Brian Aris

During his remarkable 55 years with the Moody Blues, Lodge has sold more than 70 million albums including the groundbreaking “Days of Future Passed”, and has composed many of their biggest hits. The album “Seventh Sojurn” was Billboard number 1 for 5 weeks, and Lodge wrote both the singles from this album, the high-energy “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and the beautiful and ethereal “Isn’t Life Strange”.   

John has received numerous awards including ASCAP (American Society Of Composers & Publishers) and an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and he has been voted one of the 10 most influential bass players on the planet. The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2019, John was inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Fame, and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prog Awards. In 2017 the Moody Blues celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their iconic album “Days of Future Passed” with a hugely successful tour, including a sold out performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and the release of their live album “Days of Future Passed, Live”, which reached the top of US DVD charts. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues.  

As a member of The Moody Blues since 1966, John Lodge has spent much of his life touring the world, as part of a ‘rock n roll band’. His first solo album titled “Natural Avenue” was released 44 years ago in 1977, but was never performed live. His second solo album, “10,000 Light Years Ago” was released in 2015. The live album and DVD “John Lodge: Live From Birmingham – The 10,000 Light Years Tour”, was released in 2017, and in 2019 John released “B Yond, The Very Best of” album. 2021 will see the release of “The Royal Affair and After”.

To pre-order “The Sun Will Shine”:
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Will-Shine-John-Lodge/dp/B09262TXQ7
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
YouTube smarturl.it/JohnLodgeYouTube

Video to follow!

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

John Lodge of The Moody Blues to Release New Digital Single “The Sun Will Shine” on April 30th

Available for pre-order April 9th

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is to release a new digital single entitled “The Sun Will Shine” on April 30th 2021. Pre-orders available from April 9th.

The song was written and recorded by John whilst he was ‘in isolation’ in Florida, and he took hope and inspiration from watching the sunrise every morning over ‘Cocahatchee Bay’. For John, the song is a reminder that we can choose to see the world, and the challenges we all face, in a positive way…  because the sun will shine again.

The song is performed by John and his ‘10,000 Light Years Band’, who recorded remotely due to the pandemic. The track also features Jon Davison from YES on backing vocals, continuing their ongoing collaborations.

The song will be part of the EP “On Reflection” that is due to be incorporated into “The Royal Affair and After”, John’s new live album scheduled for release in September 2021. “On Reflection” will include three tracks that John wrote during the pandemic. Joining “The Sun Will Shine”, will be his instrumental track, “Sunset over Cocohatchee Bay”, and a 2021 remix of “In These Crazy Times”.  The tracks continue John’s exploration of how the pandemic has affected him, demonstrate his always positive outlook on life, and echo many of his earlier Moodies compositions.

The 10,000 Light Years Band are long term collaborators Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) both from the Moody Blues touring band. Plus, Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello).  

Who could have thought this pandemic is still with us? I’m just grateful that I have my music to keep me company, and in a surreal way it has kept me focused on writing and recording new songs. I hope with these new songs to share with you my reflections of these times. It’s been a year since I was on the road with my 10,000 Light Years Band but we will see you again in the not too distant future. Thank you for keeping the faith!” - John Lodge April 2021.

photo by Brian Aris

During his remarkable 55 years with the Moody Blues, Lodge has sold more than 70 million albums including the groundbreaking “Days of Future Passed”, and has composed many of their biggest hits. The album “Seventh Sojurn” was Billboard number 1 for 5 weeks, and Lodge wrote both the singles from this album, the high-energy “I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)” and the beautiful and ethereal “Isn’t Life Strange”.   

John has received numerous awards including ASCAP (American Society Of Composers & Publishers) and an Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and he has been voted one of the 10 most influential bass players on the planet. The Moody Blues were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2019, John was inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Fame, and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Prog Awards. In 2017 the Moody Blues celebrated the 50th Anniversary of their iconic album “Days of Future Passed” with a hugely successful tour, including a sold out performance at the Hollywood Bowl, and the release of their live album “Days of Future Passed, Live”, which reached the top of US DVD charts. With the Moody Blues now no longer touring, John is passionate about “Keeping the Moody Blues Music Alive”, and John and his band provide a unique opportunity to continue to experience the magic of the Moody Blues.  

As a member of The Moody Blues since 1966, John Lodge has spent much of his life touring the world, as part of a ‘rock n roll band’. His first solo album titled “Natural Avenue” was released 44 years ago in 1977, but was never performed live. His second solo album, “10,000 Light Years Ago” was released in 2015. The live album and DVD “John Lodge: Live From Birmingham – The 10,000 Light Years Tour”, was released in 2017, and in 2019 John released “B Yond, The Very Best of” album. 2021 will see the release of “The Royal Affair and After”.

To pre-order “The Sun Will Shine”:
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sun-Will-Shine-John-Lodge/dp/B09262TXQ7
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sun-will-shine/1562385754

For further information:
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
YouTube smarturl.it/JohnLodgeYouTube

Video to follow!

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

7/14/2015

Keyboard Legend Extraordinaire Patrick Moraz, Former Member of YES and the Moody Blues, To Release New Album “MAP” (Moraz Alban Project) With Outstanding Drummer Greg Alban!


Los Angeles CA- Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban proudly announce the release of their new CD “MAP”.

Says Patrick, “The concept and the meaning of “MAP” is first and foremost the 'MORAZ ALBAN PROJECT'! Some time ago, Greg Alban, a very good friend of mine and a great drummer whom I have known now for more than 30 years asked me if I would like to start composing and arranging some music that he could play the drums on, with me. He wanted to record a whole album together and eventually of course, release it.”

So Moraz began composing and arranging the music for “MAP” in his studio in Florida, the project then moved to California, where it was further developed and recorded. This new music is a collection of instrumental pieces that range in style and spirit of World-Fusion, Rock and Jazz.

Greg Alban, originally from Columbus, Ohio, attended Ohio University and moved to Los Angeles in 1974 to pursue a career in music. Greg has studied with some of the great drummers and teachers such as Richard Wilson, Joe Morello and Joe Porcaro. Patrick Moraz first heard Greg Alban play drums when he was head of his own band ICE. They were performing at the famous and since shuttered Red Onion in Marina Del Rey, CA. Impressed with the playing skills of Alban and fellow band member John Avila, Moraz asked them to perform on his album, “Timecode”. Greg Alban who has worked with such artists such as “The Miracles”, Denny Laine (Wings) and Mike Pinera (Blues Image and Iron Butterfly) explains: “Patrick and I have been very good friends for a long time and I’m still always being surprised by the depth of his knowledge, not just about music but everything! He’s a creative genius and I’m honored to be working with him.”

Swiss born Patrick Moraz, is best known as an official member and keyboardist for the progressive rock bands “Yes” from 1974 to the end of 1976 and “The Moody Blues” from 1978 to 1991. He was classically trained at the Conservatory of Lausanne, but having a keen interest in jazz and world rhythms he decided early on to pursue composing and playing in these genres of music as well. This led to Patrick and his own trio and quartet, opening for major jazz artists and famous rock bands throughout Europe in the mid-sixties. He then formed the group “Mainhorse” with Jean Ristori in 1968 and released a self-titled album on Polydor. Then, after a long tour of Japan and the Far-East as musical director of a Brazilian Ballet Company, he came back and moved to England in the early Seventies to form “Refugee” with Lee Jackson and Brian Davison, both previously of  “The Nice”. They produced one album titled “Refugee” which to date is still revered as one of Prog-Rock’s monumental works known for Moraz’s highly inspired compositions and keyboard virtuosity.

Moraz rose to prominence in 1974 as a new member and keyboardist of “Yes”. He co-composed along with Yes’s” band members and played on the album “Relayer”, which led to what was to be “Yes’s” most successful ever world tour, playing to crowds which numbered from 25,000 to 120,00 at JFK stadium during the bi-centennial year of 1976.  In 1975-1976 all the then- members of “Yes” released solo albums. In the interim Moraz had moved to Brazil and composed the music for the “I” aka “The Story of I” which incorporated 16 Brazilian percussionists, making it an important staple of “world music”. “I” was Moraz’s first solo album and in 1976 it was voted the #1 Album of the Year by “Keyboard Magazine”. After his departure from “Yes” Patrick recorded his second album “Out In The Sun” on the “famous” Charisma Record Label, and moved officially to Brazil.

In the last part of 1977 and the first part of 1978, time was devoted exclusively for composing and recording for the production of his 3rd solo Album, simply titled “Patrick Moraz”, in the company of the percussionists of Rio-de-Janeiro and Djalma Correa, who, several years later, was referred by Patrick to Peter Gabriel for his Album “SO”.

Moving back to Europe via an appearance at the famous “Montreux Jazz Festival” in Switzerland, and upon their request, Patrick began touring with ”The Moody Blues” on their “Octave” tour in 1978, replacing their former keyboardist Mike Pinder. The two world Tours, ending in 1979 proved extremely successful!

In 1980, having played and recorded on the new album “Long Distance Voyager” he was asked to become a member of the band. Subsequently, in 1981, “Long Distance Voyager” reached #1 on the US charts and proved to be one of their highest grossing albums to date. He continued touring and recording with “The Moody Blues” until 1991 and played on the four subsequent albums : “The Present”, “The Other Side of Life”, “Sur la Mer” and partially on “Keys of the Kingdom”. Moraz is also credited as composer and co-writer of the song “The Spirit”, which appeared on the 1986 album “The Other Side of Life”.

During recording and touring breaks with the “Moodies”, Patrick had continued to compose, play and record his solo albums “Future Memories 1” “Future Memories II”, (both “Live on TV”),  “Human Interface”, and “Timecode”. He also collaborated, (in 1979), with the renowned Romanian panpipe flutist, Simeon Stanciu, (a.k.a. Syrinx), for their album “Coexistence”.  From 1983 to 1985, Patrick Moraz and Bill Bruford, former member and drummer for Yes, decide to form a duet and tour under the name “Moraz-Bruford”. They recorded two albums, “Music For Piano and Drums” and “Flags” and managed to do three very successful worldwide Tours.

In 1991 having been with “The Moody Blues” for thirteen years, Moraz embarked on a solo career. To date he has composed and played acoustic piano on three solo CD’s, “Windows of Time”, “Resonance” and “ESP” all of which have been critically acclaimed and extremely well received.

In 1995, exactly 20 years ago, Patrick Moraz performed throughout the USA on his C.H.A.T. tour (Coming Home America Tour). The tour was unique in that it was one of the first, if not the very first to be booked entirely over the Internet. Moraz played solo on acoustic Grand Pianos to audiences that numbered as small as two people to hundreds of people, taking place in eclectic venues which ranged from single homes, to large estates, corporate headquarters, churches, theaters, concert halls and museums. One of the concerts was filmed and recorded for a DVD and CD in Princeton N.J. and is titled “P.M. in Princeton”. The C.H.A.T. tour proved to be a huge success and an experience that Moraz says, “He will always hold very dear to his heart”.

In 2009 he released “Change of Space”, and in 2011 Moraz released the electronic keyboard CD “Moraz Live/Abbey Road”  which features Patrick playing live electronic keyboards as well as a live acoustic piano improvisation. There  was also a piano-compilation CD titled “Pianissimoraz”, featuring a new and unreleased piece : The “one-&-only take” of the instant composition “Pure Love”.

And now much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban are releasing their first album “MAP” in June 2015!

The album features amazing bass player John Avila, former member of “Oingo Bongo”, who also plays bass on “MAP”. The other great players featured on “MAP” are Lenny Castro on percussion, who has worked with such artists as “The Rolling Stones”, “Elton John”, “Eric Clapton” and many others. Renown and awesome bass player, Matt Malley, founder and former member of  “The Counting Crows”, expertly plays Indian Slide Guitar on “MAP’. Swiss virtuoso bass player Patrick Perrier and heavyweight multi-instrumentalist on tenor saxophone Dave VanSuch, both perform on “MAP” as well.

To purchase: 
http://cdbaby.com/cd/themap1
www.themap.website

Official website:
www.themap.website

Patrick Moraz:
www.patrickmoraz.com
www.patrickmoraz.net
https://www.facebook.com/patrickmorazofficial

Greg Alban:
www.GregAlban.com ;
www.GregAlban.net ;
www.Facebook.com/Greg.Alban.56

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

Keyboard Legend Extraordinaire Patrick Moraz, Former Member of YES and the Moody Blues, To Release New Album “MAP” (Moraz Alban Project) With Outstanding Drummer Greg Alban!


Los Angeles CA- Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban proudly announce the release of their new CD “MAP”.

Says Patrick, “The concept and the meaning of “MAP” is first and foremost the 'MORAZ ALBAN PROJECT'! Some time ago, Greg Alban, a very good friend of mine and a great drummer whom I have known now for more than 30 years asked me if I would like to start composing and arranging some music that he could play the drums on, with me. He wanted to record a whole album together and eventually of course, release it.”

So Moraz began composing and arranging the music for “MAP” in his studio in Florida, the project then moved to California, where it was further developed and recorded. This new music is a collection of instrumental pieces that range in style and spirit of World-Fusion, Rock and Jazz.

Greg Alban, originally from Columbus, Ohio, attended Ohio University and moved to Los Angeles in 1974 to pursue a career in music. Greg has studied with some of the great drummers and teachers such as Richard Wilson, Joe Morello and Joe Porcaro. Patrick Moraz first heard Greg Alban play drums when he was head of his own band ICE. They were performing at the famous and since shuttered Red Onion in Marina Del Rey, CA. Impressed with the playing skills of Alban and fellow band member John Avila, Moraz asked them to perform on his album, “Timecode”. Greg Alban who has worked with such artists such as “The Miracles”, Denny Laine (Wings) and Mike Pinera (Blues Image and Iron Butterfly) explains: “Patrick and I have been very good friends for a long time and I’m still always being surprised by the depth of his knowledge, not just about music but everything! He’s a creative genius and I’m honored to be working with him.”

Swiss born Patrick Moraz, is best known as an official member and keyboardist for the progressive rock bands “Yes” from 1974 to the end of 1976 and “The Moody Blues” from 1978 to 1991. He was classically trained at the Conservatory of Lausanne, but having a keen interest in jazz and world rhythms he decided early on to pursue composing and playing in these genres of music as well. This led to Patrick and his own trio and quartet, opening for major jazz artists and famous rock bands throughout Europe in the mid-sixties. He then formed the group “Mainhorse” with Jean Ristori in 1968 and released a self-titled album on Polydor. Then, after a long tour of Japan and the Far-East as musical director of a Brazilian Ballet Company, he came back and moved to England in the early Seventies to form “Refugee” with Lee Jackson and Brian Davison, both previously of  “The Nice”. They produced one album titled “Refugee” which to date is still revered as one of Prog-Rock’s monumental works known for Moraz’s highly inspired compositions and keyboard virtuosity.

Moraz rose to prominence in 1974 as a new member and keyboardist of “Yes”. He co-composed along with Yes’s” band members and played on the album “Relayer”, which led to what was to be “Yes’s” most successful ever world tour, playing to crowds which numbered from 25,000 to 120,00 at JFK stadium during the bi-centennial year of 1976.  In 1975-1976 all the then- members of “Yes” released solo albums. In the interim Moraz had moved to Brazil and composed the music for the “I” aka “The Story of I” which incorporated 16 Brazilian percussionists, making it an important staple of “world music”. “I” was Moraz’s first solo album and in 1976 it was voted the #1 Album of the Year by “Keyboard Magazine”. After his departure from “Yes” Patrick recorded his second album “Out In The Sun” on the “famous” Charisma Record Label, and moved officially to Brazil.

In the last part of 1977 and the first part of 1978, time was devoted exclusively for composing and recording for the production of his 3rd solo Album, simply titled “Patrick Moraz”, in the company of the percussionists of Rio-de-Janeiro and Djalma Correa, who, several years later, was referred by Patrick to Peter Gabriel for his Album “SO”.

Moving back to Europe via an appearance at the famous “Montreux Jazz Festival” in Switzerland, and upon their request, Patrick began touring with ”The Moody Blues” on their “Octave” tour in 1978, replacing their former keyboardist Mike Pinder. The two world Tours, ending in 1979 proved extremely successful!

In 1980, having played and recorded on the new album “Long Distance Voyager” he was asked to become a member of the band. Subsequently, in 1981, “Long Distance Voyager” reached #1 on the US charts and proved to be one of their highest grossing albums to date. He continued touring and recording with “The Moody Blues” until 1991 and played on the four subsequent albums : “The Present”, “The Other Side of Life”, “Sur la Mer” and partially on “Keys of the Kingdom”. Moraz is also credited as composer and co-writer of the song “The Spirit”, which appeared on the 1986 album “The Other Side of Life”.

During recording and touring breaks with the “Moodies”, Patrick had continued to compose, play and record his solo albums “Future Memories 1” “Future Memories II”, (both “Live on TV”),  “Human Interface”, and “Timecode”. He also collaborated, (in 1979), with the renowned Romanian panpipe flutist, Simeon Stanciu, (a.k.a. Syrinx), for their album “Coexistence”.  From 1983 to 1985, Patrick Moraz and Bill Bruford, former member and drummer for Yes, decide to form a duet and tour under the name “Moraz-Bruford”. They recorded two albums, “Music For Piano and Drums” and “Flags” and managed to do three very successful worldwide Tours.

In 1991 having been with “The Moody Blues” for thirteen years, Moraz embarked on a solo career. To date he has composed and played acoustic piano on three solo CD’s, “Windows of Time”, “Resonance” and “ESP” all of which have been critically acclaimed and extremely well received.

In 1995, exactly 20 years ago, Patrick Moraz performed throughout the USA on his C.H.A.T. tour (Coming Home America Tour). The tour was unique in that it was one of the first, if not the very first to be booked entirely over the Internet. Moraz played solo on acoustic Grand Pianos to audiences that numbered as small as two people to hundreds of people, taking place in eclectic venues which ranged from single homes, to large estates, corporate headquarters, churches, theaters, concert halls and museums. One of the concerts was filmed and recorded for a DVD and CD in Princeton N.J. and is titled “P.M. in Princeton”. The C.H.A.T. tour proved to be a huge success and an experience that Moraz says, “He will always hold very dear to his heart”.

In 2009 he released “Change of Space”, and in 2011 Moraz released the electronic keyboard CD “Moraz Live/Abbey Road”  which features Patrick playing live electronic keyboards as well as a live acoustic piano improvisation. There  was also a piano-compilation CD titled “Pianissimoraz”, featuring a new and unreleased piece : The “one-&-only take” of the instant composition “Pure Love”.

And now much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, Patrick Moraz and Greg Alban are releasing their first album “MAP” in June 2015!

The album features amazing bass player John Avila, former member of “Oingo Bongo”, who also plays bass on “MAP”. The other great players featured on “MAP” are Lenny Castro on percussion, who has worked with such artists as “The Rolling Stones”, “Elton John”, “Eric Clapton” and many others. Renown and awesome bass player, Matt Malley, founder and former member of  “The Counting Crows”, expertly plays Indian Slide Guitar on “MAP’. Swiss virtuoso bass player Patrick Perrier and heavyweight multi-instrumentalist on tenor saxophone Dave VanSuch, both perform on “MAP” as well.

To purchase: 
http://cdbaby.com/cd/themap1
www.themap.website

Official website:
www.themap.website

Patrick Moraz:
www.patrickmoraz.com
www.patrickmoraz.net
https://www.facebook.com/patrickmorazofficial

Greg Alban:
www.GregAlban.com ;
www.GregAlban.net ;
www.Facebook.com/Greg.Alban.56

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

4/08/2015

The Pinder Brothers’ New ‘Melancholy Sea’ Makes Waves With Sing-a-long Melodies & Crafty Alt-Rock Arrangements


Sons of Moody Blues founding member Mike Pinder carry on the tradition, as their own SoCal followers continue to burgeon

Los Angeles—The Pinder Brothers may not be the first pair of siblings to proffer an intrinsic fusion of vocal harmonies, but add to the mix crafty sing-a-long melodies and enough of a rock edge to engage the masses. That is the musical mantra of these brothers in arms’ third full-length release “Melancholy Sea.”

Of course, the many current fans of Matthew and Michael Lee are already aware of one other essential factor. Let’s call it pedigree. Their dad Mike Pinder was a founding member of the legendary Moody Blues, who not only fulfilled the enduring band's mellotron duties, but also contributed harmony vocals.

The Pinder Brothers mesh the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash alongside the songwriting style of Simon & Garfunkel, and ultimately add their own modern spin. Listeners will hear all of this and more in “Melancholy Sea,” which the pair wrote, plays and arranged.

The project’s masterfully penned lyrics create a sonic tapestry that dazzles the ear… much like the colors of a seashell inspire the eye. The brothers' voices harmonize beautifully, accompanied by arrangements that deftly ease from a bed of crunchy electric guitars into warm overdriven tones that layer as naturally as sheets and a blanket.

“There are many themes that are explored in the lyrics of our new project,” Michael says. “With today's manic lifestyle, we sometimes miss out on absorbing the beauty that is all around us. Our mission is to maintain that sense of wonder. It could be right in front of us in a scene that we pass day after day. That is the overall theme of our new album.”

Among highlights, “Here We Go” illustrates how such a rapid pace can interfere with the simple enjoyment of the moment. The lyric relates: “Life seems impossible sometimes, It's hard to just go with the flow.” Other tracks delve into bends in life’s journey, exploring other universal themes fortified with endless sonic surprises throughout the eloquently crafted album. And as a wickedly wonderful bonus: founding Moody Blues members Mike Pinder and Ray Thomas make a guest appearance on the album’s finale track “Summer Moon.”

It could be said that The Pinder Brothers have 60's Brit-rock heritage in their DNA, with a healthy dose of California style thrown in. Hailing from Northern California, Matt and Michael Pinder grew up playing music and performing together whenever possible.

How could they not, with the sounds of the lost chord echoing softly in their ears. Thankfully, Mike Pinder’s innate talent has been passed on to his sons—who are now creating their own legacy.

Audio samples and purchase of The Pinder Brothers’ “Melancholy Sea” at: cdbaby.com/cd/thepinderbrothers22

For more information: www.pinderbros.com

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

12/03/2014

The Moody Blues Debut Album 'The Magnificent Moodies' 50th Anniversary Remastered Edition Now Available!


London, UK - Esoteric Recordings, a label of the Cherry Red Records Group is pleased to announce the release of an official 50th Anniversary edition of “The Magnificent Moodies”, the 1965 debut album by The Moody Blues, on the 24th November 2014. Now associated as being pioneers of progressive and orchestral rock, the Moody Blues had another life between 1964 – 1966, as one of Britain’s foremost Rhythm and Blues influenced acts. With a line-up of DENNY LAINE (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica), RAY THOMAS (Vocals, Harmonica, Flute), MIKE PINDER (Keyboards, Vocals), CLINT WARWICK (Bass, Vocals) and GRAEME EDGE (Drums), the band signed to a London-based management company who leased recordings to Decca Records. The band’s second single, a cover version of Bessie Banks’ “Go Now!” was a huge chart success across the world. Their debut album, “The Magnificent Moodies” was released in1965 to great acclaim and tours with The Beatles eventually led them to become part of Brian Epstein’s management stable. The band continued to record a series of singles, enjoying further chart hits in the UK and Europe, before Clint Warwick departed to be replaced by ROD CLARKE and then finally dissolving in the Autumn of 1966 and reinventing themselves stylistically with a new line-up including JUSTIN HAYWARD and JOHN LODGE.

The official 50th anniversary reissues consist of a Deluxe edition includes the original album, re-mastered from the first generation master tapes, along with all the singles the band recorded between 1964 and 1966 (including the rare “People Gotta Go” – released only in France on an EP). Notably this collection also includes 29 previously unreleased bonus tracks, including the band’s entire July 1964 sessions at Olympic studios in London produced by Alex Murray, all surviving BBC radio sessions recorded in 1965 and nine tracks recorded in the Summer of 1966 with producer Denny Cordell for a proposed but unreleased second album (all newly mixed from the original four-track master tapes). The set is packaged in a clamshell box, with a lavishly illustrated booklet (with previously unseen photographs designed by Phil Smee) and essay written by Mark Powell, three rare promotional postcards and a poster.

There is also a single CD edition, which features 15 bonus tracks (drawn from the band’s singles released between 1964 & 1966). Both editions of “The Magnificent Moodies” are the definitive statement on the formative years of one of Britain’s greatest bands.

TWO DISC CLAMSHELL BOX EDITION:

“The Magnificent Moodies” - Released in July 1965

1. I’ll Go Crazy (Brown)
2. Something You Got (Kenner)
3. Go Now (Banks / Bennett)
4. Can’t Nobody Love You (Mitchell)
5. I Don’t Mind (Brown)
6. I’ve Got a Dream (Barry / Greenwich)
7. Let Me Go (Laine / Pinder)
8. Stop (Laine / Pinder)
9. Thank You Baby (Laine / Pinder)
10. It Ain’t Necessarily So (Gershwin / Gershwin / Heyward)
11. True Story (Laine / Pinder)
12. Bye Bye Bird (Williamson / Dixon)

Bonus tracks:

13. Lose Your Money (But Don’t Lose Your Mind) (Laine / Pinder)
14. Steal Your Heart Away (Parker)
A & B-side of single – Released in September 1964
15. Go Now! (first version)
Recorded at Olympic Studios on 24th July 1964 – Previously unreleased
16. It’s Easy Child (Sandler / Bennett / Redd)
B-side of single – Released as November 1964
17. I Don’t Want to Go On Without You (Berns / Wexler)
18. Time is on My Side (Meade / Norman)
A & B-side of single – Released as in February 1965
19. From the Bottom of My Heart (I Love You) (Laine / Pinder)
20. And My Baby’s Gone (Laine / Pinder)
A & B-side of single – Released as in May 1965
21. Everyday (Laine / Pinder)
22. You Don’t (All the Time) (Laine / Pinder)
A & B-side of single – Released in October 1965
23. Boulevard de Madeleine (Laine / Pinder)
24. This is My House (But Nobody Calls) (Laine / Pinder)
A & B-side of single – Released in October 1966
25. People Gotta Go (Laine / Pinder)
Taken from the “Boulevard de Madeleine” EP - Released in France in October 1966
26. Life’s Not Life (Laine / Pinder)
27. He Can Win (Laine / Pinder)
A & B-side of single – Released in January 1967

CD Two:

Previously unreleased Studio Sessions & BBC Radio Sessions:
1. Go Now! (second version) (Banks / Bennett)
2. Lose Your Money (But Don’t Lose Your Mind) (early version) (Laine / Pinder)
3. Steal Your Heart Away (first version) (Parker)
4. I’ll Go Crazy (first version) (Brown)
5. You Better Move On (Alexander)
6. Can’t Nobody Love You (first version) (Mitchell)
7. 23rd Psalm (Trad. Arr. Laine / Pinder / Thomas / Edge / Warwick)
Recorded and mixed at Olympic Studios on 24th July 1964
Produced by Alex Murray
8. Go Now (Banks / Bennett)
9. I Don’t Want to Go On Without You (Berns / Wexler)
10. I’ll Go Crazy (Brown)
“Saturday Club” session - BBC Light Programme
Recorded 12th April 1965

11. From the Bottom of My Heart (I Love You) (Laine / Pinder)
12. Jump Back (Rufus Thomas)
“Saturday Club” session - BBC Light Programme
Recorded 3rd May 1965
13. I’ve Got a Dream (Barry / Greenwich)
14. And My Baby’s Gone (Laine / Pinder)
“Saturday Club” session - BBC Light Programme
Recorded 1st June 1965
15. It’s Easy Child (Sandler / Bennett / Redd)
16. Stop (Laine / Pinder)
17. Everyday (Laine / Pinder)
“Saturday Club” session - BBC Light Programme
Recorded 21st September 1965
18. Interview with Ray Thomas and Graeme Edge /You Don’t (All the Time) (Laine / Pinder)
19. I Want You to Know (Domino / Bartholomew)
“Saturday Club” session - BBC Light Programme
Recorded 9th November 1965
20. Coca Cola Radio Commercial 1965
The 1966 Denny Cordell sessions – Previously unreleased:
21. Sad Song (Laine / Pinder)
22. This is My House (But Nobody Calls) (first version) (Laine / Pinder)
Recorded at Advision studios - 5th April 1966
23. How Can We Hang on to a Dream (first version) (Hardin)
Recorded at Advision studios - 5th July 1966
24. How Can We Hang on to a Dream (remake) (Hardin)
Recorded at Decca studio No. 2, West Hampstead - 15th July 1966
25. Jago & Jilly (Laine / Pinder)
Recorded at Decca studio No. 2, West Hampstead - 18th August 1966
26. We’re Broken (Laine / Pinder)
Recorded at Decca studio No. 2, West Hampstead - 19th August 1966
27. I Really Haven’t Got the Time (September 1966 version) (Pinder)
28. Red Wine (Laine / Pinder)
29. This is My House (But Nobody Calls) (stereo mix) (Laine / Pinder)
Recorded at Decca studio No. 2, West Hampstead - 8th September 1966

For more information:
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4902

ALSO AVAILABLE - SINGLE DISC REMASTERED EDITION:
http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4903

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

Esoteric Antenna is a Cherry Red Records label
Cherry Red Records, Power Road Studios, 114 Power Road, London W4 5PY