Instrumental/Electronic Review: AeTopus-When

Release Date: Sep 10, 2015

Label: 12ton Productions

Website

Bryan Tewell Hughes is the man behind the music and the name AeTopus. Last month he brought the world When. I featured the track “Burst” on the Rate The Tracks site. That was the beginning of my journey with Hughes.

His music has many colors and textures. It is like watching ice cream melt in your mind’s eye. The music reveals layer after layer, as if the ice cream had a different flavor underneath each layer that melted away. That is the beauty of any music; you can use your own correlation when listening.

I was mesmerized by this album When. I had to listen several times with great joy to what I was hearing and absorbing and then translate it into something that made sense (on an individual level rather than all inclusive). I like the way each track starts so simply then continues to build into something wonderful…like an artist taking a blank canvas, starting with an idea then assembling it into an explosion of colors and sound, this is what Hughes accomplishes on this recording.

“Gather” sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie. I can envision a group of people on a long sojourn to their destination when I hear this track. Keep in mind this my own personal vision. Or it can be more on the lighter side of the spectrum of emotions and meaning, like taking a hot air balloon ride along a massive mountain ridge. The point is, it all means something and you can let it happen. Thoughts, feelings and the inner spirit “Gather” to form a medley of life.

“Protean” has a mystical and magical feel to it. The subtle percussion elements and keyboards blend into an alluring mixture. It is like the unknowns of the jungle and all its dangers beckon you to explore and then ask you to trust every step you take. I found “Apostasy” to be similar with the pace and atmospheres. Again here is the cinematic reference…it is like an intriguing soundtrack to a movie playing frame by frame inside your head.

This music speaks to me and says let the music lead and your heart and soul will carry you to the destination you seek to arrive at. That is comparable to life itself and all its challenges staring you in the face and then in the music you find the grace and solace to handle it all calmly.

The most important factor is the way the artist utilizes various forms of keyboards and synthesizers. The combination of ambient, electronic, new age and world is a mixture that works very well within these tracks. It is a purposeful focused work of art. The fun part is you get to hear it all like it’s a work in progress, the curtain rises and the show begins! So it is up to you When you decide to listen!

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Burst, Gather, Protean

Tracks: 
01. Hypersuns
02. Sashay
03. Hindsight Axiom
04. Gather
05. Dubious Numbers
06. Protean
07. Apostasy
08. Neverwheel
09. Quietus Est
10. Burst
11. Metanoia
12.Sage

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 8, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Focus Track: AeTopus-Burst

AeTopus otherwise known as Bryan Tewell Hughes, has released a new album titled When. The focus track here is "Burst."

Burst is defined as: To break suddenly and violently apart, spilling the contents, typically as a result of an impact or internal pressure.

i.e. "We inflated dozens of balloons and only one burst"...Well in this case the balloon happens to be the music and it is just bursting with color and energy, albeit all in a positive uplifting sense.

"Burst" is like a cloth weaved by hand with an intricate design featuring many colors. It is atmospheric and ambient to start then percussion comes in and makes it more interesting and textured. 

This is music you cannot put in a little box and tuck away in the corner, it combines Electronic, New Age and World that keeps your interest from start to finish. It is like listening to ancient tribal beats infused with electronic technologies...the combination is divine not to mention addicting!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About  AeTopus:

http://www.12ton.com/html/aetopus.html

Composer Bryan Tewell Hughes has been recording as AeTopus since 2002. A visual artist as well as a musician, he supports the notion that a piece of music need not provide a literal interpretation of an idea; that expression and approximation are important tools that allow the listener to have a unique reaction. Hughes currently works out of his Bellingham, Washington studio.

Focus Track: Joanne Lazzaro-Path of the Departed Souls

Joanne Lazzaro has released an album titled Under The Stars. The focus track to hear is "Path of the Departed Souls."

Joanne is an accomplished flute player and the new recording encompasses 12 tracks. This is the first one I have heard and it was recommended by the artist. It was a fine choice.

"Path of the Departed Souls" is a beautiful and haunting piece. It makes you feel like you are really walking down a long path somewhere in the mountains above the clouds where spirits wander and memories of life abound. Let the flute be your Shaman and go deep inside yourself to find answers to questions you may have.

I loved the track and felt it was soothing with a certain mystical flair that captured my attention and imagination. Give it a good listen and let it transport you to another place.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


More About Joanne:

http://www.kokopelli.la/

Bios can be long and look impressive, but I’m assuming you’re here because you’d like to know something about me...

I started taking flute lessons in public school, when I was 10 years old. No one else in my family was a musician, although I heard rumors that there was a famous gypsy violinist on my maternal grandfather's side.

My high-school band director, Lee Harrington, was incredibly influential and supportive of me, both as a musician and a person - he's  the main reason I continued on to play the flute for the rest of my life.

While I took to classical flute very quickly, I soon became interested in world flutes, too. People would constantly bring me any wooden, bamboo or ceramic flute that they had found while traveling, and hand it to me - "Look - I found a flute for you!". I was also very interested in Native American art and culture, and taught myself beadwork and leather-tooling. I had never seen (or heard) a Native American flute until I spotted one hanging on a wall in a gift shop in Boulder, Colorado, in the early 1990s, while on a road trip across the USA. As soon as a played a few notes on it, I was completely hooked. Soon after, I heard (and bought) Carlos Nakai's album "Canyon Trilogy", which inspired me to become a much better NAF player. At that point, I developed a real appreciation for "simple" world flutes and the skill it takes to play each one really well.

Read The Rest of Joanne's Bio Here http://www.kokopelli.la/bio-faqs.html

Jazz World Fusion Review: Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann-Beyond Borders

Genre: Jazz World Fusion

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Label: UMP Records

Website

Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann have released a jazz world fusion album that reminded me of why I fell in love with jazz back in the early eighties listening to Al DiMeola, Jean Luc Ponty and Stanley Clark. Those artists showed me the way and invited me to explore a complex genre of music that offers a journey that never ends. 

With Beyond Borders, one of many releases that this duo has brought to the masses over the years, they have reestablished their place in the world of music. Several songs on Beyond Borders are tributes to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Beatle George Harrison.

I do not use the term world lightly; if you look at the fascinating and expressive cover it says it all for these artists. To me, the cover conveys that we are one people on this vast globe and music can unite us. So, let’s try to make our own music as a sentient race and make this a better place to live. This of course leaves the door open to your own personal interpretation and that is the beauty of such a stunning work of art as portrayed on the cover of this CD and all the music that it contains. As quoted from the artist page “Beyond Borders is considered their “Magnum Opus” featuring a collection of songs composed over a 40-year span of creative output, dedicated to the belief that music has the power to uplift the human spirit and be a catalyst for change in the world.” I think that puts it all into a proper perspective.

The term jazz world fusion comes into perfect focus with the opening track “Ciao Bella” (which was featured on Rate The Tracks). In Italian it translates to "Hi/Bye Beautiful," and what a hello it is. The first time I heard the sitar in popular music was back in the 60s when George Harrison introduced it into The Beatles music. I cannot say it is an instrument that fascinates me like some others however in this particular case I was amazed how beautiful and appropriate it sounded in “Shanti Om,” the dedication to Harrison and Shankar. It is one of the best tracks on the recording. The myriad of instruments employed throughout this project make it one of the more eclectic listens of the year.

There is something to take into account regarding the flow and energy in life, it is crucial to the balance of the body, mind and spirit. With that in mind I realized after a few listens to this captivating album that this brought this concept to the forefront of my consciousness.

“White Cloud Black Thunder” is another prolific change during the course of this album. It is a reminder of from whence we came and encourages us to honor our Native American brothers and sisters that gave us so much while receiving so little during the development of our great nation. It serves as a rain dance of life with tribal beats and chants accompanied by music that will mesmerize you.

For this listener Beyond Borders was like a guide to syncing my soul with my surroundings and finding more appreciation for the beauty of the human spirit and how Mother Nature can be one with us. The key is that we honor her rather than interfere with that delicate balance and synchronicity that is necessary for a spiritual partnership, one that has always been there. All of that and more can be discovered in the music, it invites you and cajoles you into a perfect blend of sound and textures that bring you to another place that is pure and feels right. In essence everything about this release reaches Beyond Borders, in fact any lines in the sand or self-imposed restrictions melt away, they all disappear after one listen. Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann have created a masterpiece of jazz world fusion that will surely receive high praise for quite some time.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ciao Bella, Shanti Om, White Cloud Black Thunder

Tracks:
01. Ciao Bella
02. Fear Not Fear
03. Unidad Anthem
04. Unidad
05. Wherever You Are
06. Shanti Om
07. White Cloud Black Thunder
08. There's Always Hope
09. Love Letters (The Story of Abelard & Heloise)
10. Fun in the Sun
11. Unidad Epilogue

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

August 6, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Featured Stream: Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann-Ciao Bella

"Ciao Bella" is translated to "Hi/Bye Beautiful," in the Italian language. The track fondly reminded me of some of great jazz music I was introduced to in the early 80's such as Al DiMeola, Lee Ritenour (Captain Fingers) and Flora Purim. The music danced in my head and made my body want to move.

It is with great pleasure I am featuring Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann and a track off their new release Beyond Borders. When you look at the cover of the CD it says so much and it expresses how music has no prejudice and anyone in the world can listen and relate to it.

"Ciao Bella" just floats along on a cloud of notes with beautiful female vocalizations and smooth jazz and world fusion elements. It is a highlight of the new release to be sure.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5



 More About Beyond Borders:

 http://www.randyarmstrong.com

Inspired by their love of music and cultures, Randy Armstrong & Volker Nahrmann  tour and travel extensively, drawing inspiration from the world’s diversity. Their compositions take you on a global voyage, from the streets of Havana and Rio de Janeiro, the evocative traditions of India and the Middle East, to the romantic café and cinema music of France and Italy, the haunting sounds of the Native American pow wow, and the worldbeat rhythms of West Africa and the Caribbean, all blended with contemporary jazz, western classical, and folk music influences.

Several songs on Beyond Borders are tributes: to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Beatle George Harrison. The songs also feature many former members of Do’a and Unu Mondo, joined by outstanding world-class musicians from many countries. Five years in the making, Beyond Borders is a “Magnum Opus” for Armstrong and Nahrmann, a collection of songs composed over a 40-year span of creative output, dedicated to the belief that music has the power to uplift the human spirit and be a catalyst for change in the world.

Featured Track: Mary-Kathryn-Hear My Cry

Mary-Kathryn's vocals and music are a superb blend of new age and world accentuated to perfection with her crystal clear emotive vocals on "Hear My Cry." 

One element compliments the other in equal measure and forms one spiritual healing message. First you hear it, feel it and finally believe it absolutely. This is a stunning work of art in every aspect.

5/5 Stars-Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Listen Now!

 

More about the track and new album from Mary-Kathryn:
www.mary-kathryn.com

On her fifth album, Wonders in the Deep, Mary-Kathryn blends elements of soft pop, New Age and folk with world music influences as diverse as the continents to create a spiritual amalgam that transcends musical boundaries. Delving deep into the world music realm, Mary-Kathryn paints word pictures on an aural canvas with exotic instrumentation, adroit production, and lyrics that stir the spirit and excite the imagination. But as one Billboard Magazine reviewer so aptly put it, “the most affecting instrument…is Mary-Kathryn’s lovely voice.”

“Hear My Cry,” the opening number of the 10-song album, begins acapella, relying solely on Mary-Kathryn’s fetching vocals to engage the listener, before segueing into driving, rhythmic percussions and understated strings. earthy instrumentation with ethereal vocals to produce a visceral, vicarious spiritual encounter.

Progressive Rock Review: Aisles-4:45AM

Release Date: October 29, 2014

Label: Presagio Records

Website

Who is Aisles? Aisles is one of the greatest, most creative and talented bands that you have probably never heard of.  Hailing from Chile, the band consists of Sebastián Vergara (Vocals), Rodrigo Sepúlveda (Guitars), Germán Vergara (Guitars), Juan Pablo Gaete (Keyboards), Daniel Baird-Kerr (Bass), and Felipe Candia (Drums).  A progressive rock band with art rock, world, fusion, and other influences, Aisles have created themselves a unique sound that is not soon forgotten.  4:45 AMis their third album and it is nothing short of a masterwork of art.  It is the reason people fall in love with music in the first place.

 “4:45 AM” is a stunning opener that will have you falling in love with this band.  From the rhythmic and soulful music to the emotional and distinct vocals that jump out at you, it is hard not to stand up and take notice of the talent on display.  The music is fresh, popping, and invigorating, or everything that progressive world music should be. “Gallarda Yarura” might as well be the soundtrack to the fantastical dreams of an imaginative child. The music is light and hopeful, making for a very pleasant sounding instrumental.

Do not be fooled by the seemingly upbeat melody, because “Shallow and Daft” can be seen as a tale of what happens when an artist gives up his artistic integrity, as well as a biting commentary on the state of modern popular music.  It is dark, it is lyrical, and it is spot on.  “Back My Strength” is a musical tour de force.  The music rises and falls with the naturalness of an ocean wave, and is grand and majestic as a snow-capped mountain.

A low-key approach is used with great effect on “The Sacrifice.”  The acoustic guitar lingers in the background as the passion and pain in the vocals steal the show.  It is a somber song with the dark beauty of a romantic painting.  “The Ship” is a short interlude that leads into the spacey and hypnotic instrumental “Intermission.”  “Sorrow” is simply breathtaking.  The vocal performances are top notch, as the male and female vocals complement each other so well, in addition to be sounding so beautiful and powerful on their own.  The Latin/Jazz influences present in the song make it stand out that much more. 

With its dark and ominous sounding opening, “Hero” has me thinking a bit of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.  It becomes a bit brighter as the tempo picks up and the keyboards kick in, while the guitar and drums razzle and dazzle. Another change in tempo slows it back down and the atmosphere becomes more mystical.  It is definitely a stand-out song and the one that comes to mind when I think of this album.  The finale, “Melancholia”, is pure genius.  It is a work of art that will take you on an emotional journey that is very reflective.  As the song winds down, there is a calm of looking out into an ocean after a storm has passed and it is magnificent.

If you are in any way a fan of progressive rock, than I cannot recommend Aisles’ 4:45 AM to you enough.  If there is a band to take a risk on, then Aisles is that band to do so, because this album is everything that this type of music should strive to be.  It is fresh, challenging, inspired, touching, and so much more.  A complete experience from start to finish, 4:45 AM is an astounding piece of work for the ages. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: 4:45 AM, Sorrow, Hero, Melancholia
  
Tracks: 
01.4:45 AM
02.Gallarda Yarura
03.Shallow and Daft
04.Back My Strength
05.The Sacrifice
06.The Ship
07.Intermission
08.Sorrow
09.Hero
10.Melancholia

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

February 26, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive Rock Review: Aisles-4:45AM

Release Date: October 29, 2014

Label: Presagio Records

Website

Who is Aisles? Aisles is one of the greatest, most creative and talented bands that you have probably never heard of.  Hailing from Chile, the band consists of Sebastián Vergara (Vocals), Rodrigo Sepúlveda (Guitars), Germán Vergara (Guitars), Juan Pablo Gaete (Keyboards), Daniel Baird-Kerr (Bass), and Felipe Candia (Drums).  A progressive rock band with art rock, world, fusion, and other influences, Aisles have created themselves a unique sound that is not soon forgotten.  4:45 AMis their third album and it is nothing short of a masterwork of art.  It is the reason people fall in love with music in the first place.

 “4:45 AM” is a stunning opener that will have you falling in love with this band.  From the rhythmic and soulful music to the emotional and distinct vocals that jump out at you, it is hard not to stand up and take notice of the talent on display.  The music is fresh, popping, and invigorating, or everything that progressive world music should be. “Gallarda Yarura” might as well be the soundtrack to the fantastical dreams of an imaginative child. The music is light and hopeful, making for a very pleasant sounding instrumental.

Do not be fooled by the seemingly upbeat melody, because “Shallow and Daft” can be seen as a tale of what happens when an artist gives up his artistic integrity, as well as a biting commentary on the state of modern popular music.  It is dark, it is lyrical, and it is spot on.  “Back My Strength” is a musical tour de force.  The music rises and falls with the naturalness of an ocean wave, and is grand and majestic as a snow-capped mountain.

A low-key approach is used with great effect on “The Sacrifice.”  The acoustic guitar lingers in the background as the passion and pain in the vocals steal the show.  It is a somber song with the dark beauty of a romantic painting.  “The Ship” is a short interlude that leads into the spacey and hypnotic instrumental “Intermission.”  “Sorrow” is simply breathtaking.  The vocal performances are top notch, as the male and female vocals complement each other so well, in addition to be sounding so beautiful and powerful on their own.  The Latin/Jazz influences present in the song make it stand out that much more. 

With its dark and ominous sounding opening, “Hero” has me thinking a bit of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.  It becomes a bit brighter as the tempo picks up and the keyboards kick in, while the guitar and drums razzle and dazzle. Another change in tempo slows it back down and the atmosphere becomes more mystical.  It is definitely a stand-out song and the one that comes to mind when I think of this album.  The finale, “Melancholia”, is pure genius.  It is a work of art that will take you on an emotional journey that is very reflective.  As the song winds down, there is a calm of looking out into an ocean after a storm has passed and it is magnificent.

If you are in any way a fan of progressive rock, than I cannot recommend Aisles’ 4:45 AM to you enough.  If there is a band to take a risk on, then Aisles is that band to do so, because this album is everything that this type of music should strive to be.  It is fresh, challenging, inspired, touching, and so much more.  A complete experience from start to finish, 4:45 AM is an astounding piece of work for the ages. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: 4:45 AM, Sorrow, Hero, Melancholia
  
Tracks: 
01.4:45 AM
02.Gallarda Yarura
03.Shallow and Daft
04.Back My Strength
05.The Sacrifice
06.The Ship
07.Intermission
08.Sorrow
09.Hero
10.Melancholia

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

February 26, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Instrumental-World-Flamenco Review: Eric Kamen-Serenades

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Label: Indie

Website

It has been since the 2008 The New Art of Urban Flamenco release since we had the pleasure of hearing Eric Kamen. Yes that is long stretch between albums but it happens in this music business especially when you go to work every day like everyone else to survive. God knows it has become nearly impossible to make a living these days unless you are part of the 2% that make the millions. You know the artists that you hear 10 times a day all day with the same hit singles on the radio?...those millionaires. Eric Kamen is so far removed from that it’s like he is in a different universe and I am sincerely thankful for that. This man actually has natural talent, there is no help from anyone to fix his mistakes or cover them up with fluff. He is the ultimate indie D.I.Y. artist. What you get is all Eric and it is musical perfection…a literal musical bliss for the mind, body and spirit.

So now we have a new album titled Serenades to help us say goodbye to the summer and usher in the fall. The autumn is so inviting with all its crisp cool days and the splendor of the trees changing color then shedding their leaves once again. This is comparable to what Kamen does on this new release. He takes a different direction and puts more focus on guitar led journeys that have some real prolific bass lines. He plays a certain brand of world flamenco instrumental music peppered with the R & B beats from the city streets that gives it all such a unique crossover flavor, well just find it irresistible. 

“Red Moon” is an example of how you cannot underestimate the power of the acoustic guitar and well placed bass lines. It is as picturesque as a sunset in Singapore as it rests on the horizon, gleaming off the water, putting all the junk boats to bed once more. If you have witnessed that it’s amazing, breathtaking and unforgettable. The music is as powerful and mighty as an oak tree in all its glory on a warm summer day and then in same breath as gentle as a breeze coming off the ocean waves as you let your feet sink into the hot sand. This is the kind of music that can only find a path through the ears into your mind’s eye to create these scenarios. 

This time around Kamen relied less on the beats and sounds generated through that level of recording and he let his guitar do the talking from start to finish. There are many other sounds but they complement his guitar rather than pull you away from it. His past work is superb but this is a departure from the last outing and it brings the finite sound of the acoustic guitar to the fore in all instances. The beats and various sounds come in to accentuate the unique offerings in each track. The way the album kicks off with “The Lost Tribe” makes it a perfect choice to set the mood and atmosphere going forward. “La Cubana” is effortless in its tempo and it invites you to another land far away, as Kamen’s music always magically does. Now what I found interesting was “Tribute to Jimi.” It is a great track but the last person I would have thought of was Hendrix while listening. However if you listen to this music you realize that you cannot compare it to rock although at times I hear elements of surf rock turned upside down and sideways to make it all new and more interesting. Any good guitar playing is a tribute to Jimi as far as I am concerned. The man changed the world with his short stay here, his influence stretches across the cosmos, and it will continue to do so.

“The Blue Grotto” is a superb rendering of rapid fire guitar lines that seem like they are flying off Kamen’s fingers so fast that you would see sparks. The beats and drums form the backdrop that gives it that “worldly faraway place vibe” that Kamen has down cold. It all comes together and says hello in a big way.

Eric Kamen is an artist extraordinaire and his flair for taking his multi-colored paint brush that we call the guitar and creating a masterpiece is a gift from god. I am very glad he has decided to share his art. I hope the wait is not so long for the next installment of this audible magic.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Lost Tribe, Red Moon, Tribute to Jimi

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

September 1, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

Track Evaluation: Eric Kamen-Lost Tribe

 

"The Lost Tribe" is an instrumental guitar track that builds steadily. Eric Kamen adds his beats to a world flamenco guitar sound.

The bass is very strong backing the guitar and it actually provides a platform for the rest of the track to follow and develop. A very unique and enjoyable sound!

MuzikMan Rating 5/5

Music Video: Eric Kamen-The Lost Tribe

Former Alice Cooper / Flo & Eddie Bassist Erik Scott To Release Second World Music Album 'And The Earth Bleeds'

“A rocking bassist takes trips down unconventional musical roads, with apparently no rules or signposts. Medieval gypsy violin, Celtic melodies, steel guitars….. surprises.”

San Francisco, CA - Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, bassist/composer Erik Scott will be releasing his sophomore CD 'And The Earth Bleeds' on May 8, 2014. Best known for his work with Alice Cooper, Sonia Dada, and Flo & Eddie, Erik's newest release takes the listener on an aural voyage through ethereal and otherworldly musical landscapes. 'And The Earth Bleeds' adds some vocals, gypsy violins, Celtic melodies, a dash of steel guitar, a wisp of French horns and other surprises to the soulful and mystic brew of his first 'solo' album, 'Other Planets'. And Erik continues to stretch convention with his melodic playing and bass-generated SFX.

Says Erik, “There are people who carefully plan out the direction of their music...smart. Then there's me. I pretty much have no idea at the start. I get in the music room and start messing around on something; bass guitar, chord changes on the keyboard, or a beat on the beat programmer. If I like something, it just starts to build. The lyrics on the five songs with lyrics on this CD...well, they happened later, when it seemed that the music alone wasn't saying all that I wanted.”

Among the eclectic mix, there is a definite Scottish influence in the music – especially on the tracks “Free”, “The Battle For Neverland” and “Run”. Erik explains, “I went to the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh last August 2013. I had completely written and recorded 'Free' as an instrumental, when I was reminded of the price some people have paid for their freedom, in this case William Wallace of Scotland. It seemed that I needed to say a few words...not a lot...just a few. After returning from the Highlands, I found the trip had helped me complete the Scottish inspired pieces. The melody, originally played on bass, took on such a haunting beauty when played on the veille (medieval violin) by Shira Kammen, that I decided it was the music to which I should write the lyrics that became 'Free'.”

“Free” is inspired by, and dedicated to William Wallace. “The Battle For Neverland” is inspired by J.M. Barrie, the Scottish creater of 'Peter Pan', and “Run” is decidedly influenced by traditional Celtic melodies. Also the bridge to “Battle” is inspired by a traditional Scottish melody “The Haughs of Cromdale”.

Watch the promotional video for “Free”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mjAUnayIb8

Erik Scott's first real break in the music business came in mid 1974 when he was hired to play bass for former Turtles/Frank Zappa's Mothers members Flo & Eddie (Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan). Erik recalls, “We toured and recorded constantly for about three years, making the 'Illegal, Immoral and Fattening' and 'Moving Targets' records. Flo and Eddie shows were known for alot of great hit songs from their career as 'The Turtles', cool stuff from the Flo & Eddie albums, some stuff from the Zappa years, and their usually profane and hysterical tirades about the excesses of pop stars and the music business in general. That's how I first met Alice, onstage with Keith Moon at the Troubadour in LA singing 'Happy Together' (Turtles Hit) and 'Wooly Bully'. We went out in '75 with Jefferson Starship, whose 'Red Octopus' album went to #1 five different times, and in '76 we were out with the Doobie Brothers, whose 'Takin' It to The Streets' was also #1. In between we did a tour with Steven Stills, and gigs with Fleetwood Mac, among others. These tours, and the albums with Flo & Eddie, still stick in my memory.”

In 1980, Erik began working with the legendary Alice Cooper after a short stint with drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Erik Scott, first hired as bass player on the 'Flush The Fashion' tour, later became a co-writer on 'Special Forces' and co-producer as well on 'Zipper Catches Skin', touring extensively behind the 'Special Forces' album.

After Alice, Erik spent some years as a session player in LA, with artists as diverse as Kim Carnes, Peter McIan, Franne Golde, Tonio K, and others. He also found time to co-write and play on the title song from Pops Staples' 'Father Father' album, which won the Grammy as Best Contemporary Blues album in 1994. He also played on the title song from Mavis Staples' album 'Have A Little Faith", which was recognized by the WC Foundation in the Gospel-Blues category for the year 2004.

In 1989, Erik formed the rock band Signal and released the album 'Loud and Clear' on EMI Records. The album was largely lost in a regime change at EMI USA, but gathered acclaim as an AOR melodic rock hit internationally…a bit of a classic actually. Three commemorative packages were released overseas: Japan, France (Axe-Killer Records), and South Korea. 'Loud and Clear' made many 1989 year end Top Ten and Top Twenty charts for AOR and melodic rock.

In the early 90's Scott became an original member of the band Sonia Dada. The group featured eight members: three African-American soul singers and five European-American players with backgrounds ranging from rock, folk, jam, psychedelic, jazz and R&B, all of which brewed up quite a genre-busting stew. Erik spent 15 years, and recorded 6 albums with the ensemble, “where a diversity and collision of styles awakened all kinds of possibilities in me, probably helping to inspire the unconventionality of my solo work”.

Although Erik is originally known for his work in the rock field, he has recently pursued a path in 'world' music. In 2009, he released the critically acclaimed solo album 'Other Planets'. John Diliberto, producer/host of the radio show 'Echoes', is quoted: “To say that his solo debut 'Other Planets' is a bass guitar album is to miss what a powerful, cinematic release he's created. It's an album that is more Pink Floyd than Jaco Pastorius.”

And now, Erik has taken his enchanting and mystical music a step further with the release of 'And The Earth Bleeds'. He explains, “Again, no plan... I premeditated nothing. The melodic nature of it, any chilled out nature of much of it, came mostly from the fact that the music was birthed in my studio with just me. Rock music generally happens when you have more than one person...a gang...a rock gang. These solo projects come more from a melodic and chilled-out rhythmic place, and a desire to experiment with the potential of the electric bass as a major melodic voice, in combination with violin, steel guitar, and other less-expected partners.”

In closing Erik has this to impart to his fans and listeners, “I guess I hope that listeners appreciate the soulfulness, nuanced performances, and spacey honesty that probably leaks all over the stuff.”

For more information: http://erikscottbass.com/

To purchase Erik Scott's 'And The World Bleeds' CD: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/erikscott3

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

Prog Rock Music Talk Featured Track: EVOLUTION-Svjetlana Bukvich

Nice Mixture of several genres, just chill and take it all in! Listen Now....

Write A Music Review Featured Track: EVOLUTION-Svjetlana Bukvich

Nice Mixture of several genres, just chill and take it all in! Listen Now....

Marco Granados Celebrates The Music of Venezuela On New Release

New York, NY - December 16, 2008- Prepare to take a vacation unlike any other! Warm culture, proud tradition, and undeniable spirit come together in the form of passionate music with renowned flutist Marco Granados’ newest release Music of Venezuela. The record embodies the infectious joy of Granados’ homeland and serves as a whirlwind tour of jazzy, Latin America-inspired folk music.....READ MORE...

Marco Granados-Music of Venezuela Review

Artist: Marco Granados
Title: Music of Venezuela
Genre: World-Latin-Folk-Instrumental
Label: Soundbrush Records
Website
CD Baby Link
Source Link

Marco Granados states in the liner notes of his beautiful serenade to his country Music of Venezuela, that the music of Venezuela is one of the rare treasures of Latin America, it seamlessly combines cultures, musical traditions, rhythms and the spirit of a people in a joyful and innocent voice....READ MORE...

Charmaine Clamor Releases A Filipino Serenade on FreeHam Records

New York, NY - December 8- Charmaine Clamor’s critically acclaimed recordings have the ability to amalgamate the soul and swing of American jazz combined with traditional Filipino folk music, languages and instruments. By doing something so unique, it instantaneously created a new fusion genre she dubbed jazzipino....READ MORE...

Jan Seiden-Memory Of Time Review

Artist: Jan Seiden
Title: Memory of Time
Genre: World-Native American
Label: FluteJourney Records
Website
Source Link

Jan Seiden has her own niche in the world of music. She is a renowned Native America flute player that has performed at important powwows across the U.S. and shared stages with Grammy award winners Joanne Shenandoah, Mary Youngblood, Tito LaRosa, and NAMA-winner Jeff Ball. ...READ MORE...