Jimmy Carter, Co-Founding Member of The Blind Boys of Alabama, To Release Debut Solo Album “Blind Faith” Sept 20, 2021

Jimmy Carter, the last original member of The Blind Boys of Alabama will be releasing his, the long awaited first solo album titled “Blind Faith” on Sept 20, 2021. The album was produced and co-written by songwriter, guitarist Ron Pullman. Jimmy’s hope is to bring to the world through the music on “Blind Faith” a Gospel message and a source of peace.

“This is my first solo album and I am excited to be able to sing some original music that’s in harmony with traditional Gospel, while using a range of different musical genres that embrace the Gospel sound with an up-lifting message.” – Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter is the eldest member of The Blind Boys of Alabama, five-time Grammy winners, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Gospel Hall of Fame, and the National Heritage Fellowship from the Endowment for the Arts to name a few. He sang with the original group, including his good friend Clarence Fountain back in the late 1930’s when they were at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Deaf and Blind, (now the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind) but was too young to go touring with them at the beginning. After singing with the Dixieland Blind Boys and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, he eventually officially joined The Blind Boys of Alabama and has been singing with them ever since.

Jimmy dedicated the song “I Am With You Still”, the first single off of “Blind Faith”, in memory of his good friend, co-founder of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Clarence Fountain.

The music track of “I Am With You Still” was engineered by legendary engineer/producer Alan Parsons at his studio Parsonics in Santa Barbara, CA. Jimmy returned to his roots and the school where he and Clarence attended to have the student choir from AIDB perform on “I Am With You Still”.

Watch the video for the track “I Am With You Still”:

The Blind Boys of Alabama have the rare distinction of being recognized around the world as both living legends and modern-day innovators of Traditional Gospel, Americana and Roots Gospel music. They are not just gospel singers borrowing from old traditions; the group helped to define those traditions in the 20th century and almost single-handedly created a new gospel sound for the 21st. Since the original members first sang together as kids in the late 1930’s (including Jimmy Carter, who leads the group today), the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated Traditional Gospel, Gospel Roots and Americana music groups in the world. Rolling Stone Magazine has called The Blind Boys of Alabama “Gospel Titians” and The New Yorker simply said “legendary”. Few would disagree!

Over the past 20 years, Jimmy and The Blind Boys of Alabama have worked with the likes of Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Prince, Robert Randolph, Mavis Staples, Taj Mahal, Ruthie Foster, Bon Iver, Paul Thorn, Peter Gabriel and Ron Pullman. The list goes on. Everybody, it seems, wants to perform and record with Jimmy and the Blind Boys.

Jimmy Carter & Ron Pullman

Ron Pullman wrote all the tracks except tracks 7 and 9, which were written by Joey Williams the band leader of the Jimmy Carter Band. Ron produced the entire record and is the music director for the band and the up-coming tour. Jimmy and Ron talked a lot together and came up with a plan and direction for this album. Says Jimmy, “I am blessed to have worked on my record with Ron Pullman. He is an amazing writer, producer, performer and a great friend.”

Jay Dudt (5 Grammy) engineered most of the record and is a good friend of Ron’s. The album was recorded mostly at Audible Images, Pittsburgh and Sound of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.

Jimmy Carter Band with Alan Parsons - L to R Steven Ray Ladson, Alan Parsons, Joey Williams, Austin Moore, Ron Pullman, Mathew Hopkins, Peter Levin not Present.

In support of the “Blind Faith” album release, Jimmy wants to do live TV shows and some touring dates. And if the people like this album Jimmy and Ron want to do a second record.

To purchase:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/blind-faith/1583939239?ls=1&app=itunes
https://www.amazon.com/Blind-Faith-Jimmy-Carter/dp/B09F6T74TT/

RonPullmanMusic.com
MVD Entertainment

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

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

Jan Christiana and Dyanne Potter Voegtlin of Potter’s Daughter Form New Band, Octarine Sky, Featuring Legendary Drummer Simon Phillips - New Full Length Album “Close to Nearby” Also Features Guitar Masters Guthrie Govan and Amit Chatterjee!

Out November 5, 2021 - Pre-orders soon available at your favorite music retailer! The album will be available digitally, CD, and later this year on limited-edition vinyl with accompanying Art Book!

Octarine Sky will release their debut full-length album “Close to Nearby” featuring legendary drummer, Simon Phillips, and master guitarists, Guthrie Govan and Amit Chatterjee, on November 5th, 2021! The album will be available digitally, CD, and later this year on limited-edition vinyl with accompanying Art Book! Pre-orders available soon at your favorite music retailer!

The album features 8 tracks, 3 virtuosic instrumentals and 5 captivating vocal songs.
1. One (Ginastera)
2. Rosewind (DPV + JCV)
3. Night Sky/Into the Dream (DPV + JCV, lyrics by DPV and Ronda Dubiel, feat. Guthrie Govan)
4. The Mask (DPV +JCV)
5. 5 (DPV + JCV, feat. Guthrie Govan)
6. Midnight (DPV + JCV, feat. Guthrie Govan, based on the poem by Edgar Allen Poe)
7. VII (Julia Schwartz, feat. Guthrie Govan)
8. Hold (DPV + JCV, lyrics by Ronda Dubiel and DPV, feat. Amit Chatterjee)

All compositions arranged and produced by Jan Christiana
Mixed by Simon Phillips
Mastered by Jason Mariani

Dyanne Potter Voegtlin

Jan Christiana

Simon Phillips

The new band, Octarine Sky, formed during the creation of the album, “Close to Nearby,” as the shared vision of pianist/keyboardist and vocalist Dyanne Potter Voegtlin, bassist and producer Jan Christiana, and drum legend Simon Phillips became apparent. “Close to Nearby” is indeed a true collaboration; the impact each musician’s artistry contributes to the overall sound cannot be overstated.

And the result? A wide-reaching sound that’s artistically adventurous, driving and forceful, yet at certain moments also haunting and vulnerable. “Close to Nearby” by Octarine Sky offers both instrumental virtuosity and beautiful, lush vocal harmonies. The rhythm section of Phillips and Christiana provide magnificent power and groove to Potter Voegtlin’s fiery piano/keyboards and soul-stirring vocals. Add to that the artistry of the two superlative guest guitarists, Guthrie Govan and Amit Chatterjee, and the outcome is the rich and riveting listening experience that is “Close to Nearby.”

Guthrie Govan

Amit Chatterjee

From the first compelling note of the album-opening “One,” an arrangement of the first movement of the “Piano Sonata #1” by Alberto Ginastera, through the cinematic “Night Sky/Into the Dream” featuring Guthrie Govan, the heavy fusion of “5,” to the atonal virtuosic masterpiece of “VII,” an arrangement for full band of a piano solo by Julia Schwartz, to the evocative and hopeful ending song, “Hold” featuring Amit Chatterjee, the album is ambitious in both its concept and sound. Octarine Sky’s debut album Close to Nearby is a vibrant and captivating sonorous adventure from beginning to end.

The beautiful Artwork for the album cover was created especially for this project by the master artist, Armand Cabrera.

Plans for Octarine Sky to perform live in 2022 are being discussed. “It will be a challenge and a pleasure to perform the music from Close to Nearby,” Simon, Jan, and Dyanne agree.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work on this album. Very challenging and ever so much fun.” - Simon Phillips (drummer with Protocol, Toto, Hiromi, etc.)

Say Dyanne Potter Voegtlin and Jan Christiana, “The huge contribution of Simon’s playing to our music, together with the depth of his artistry and vision simply cannot be understated or exaggerated. He added a completely new dimension to each song. He is also down to earth, such a joy to work with!”

“I was very happy to contribute to the record – it was a lot of fun!.” – Guthrie Govan (guitarist currently playing with The Aristocrats and Hans Zimmer)

Say Dyanne Potter Voegtlin and Jan Christiana, “There really is no one who plays guitar like Guthrie. He more than deserves his spot in the pantheon of the all-time greats!”

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

Gong “Live At The Gong Family Unconventional Gathering” 15th Anniversary DVD Reissue and First Time Release on DBL CD!

The classic line-up performing together for the first time in 31 years!

The Gong Family Unconvention at the Melkweg club in Amsterdam in November 2006 was a unique 3-day event in which all the surviving original members of this legendary psychedelic band came together and, after performing their own individual sets, performed once again as Gong. This climactic and joyful 2hr 16min Gong live set was beautifully captured for this DVD video and for the first time CD audio recording! This was the last time that Gong played with the full “classic” line-up (minus just Pierre Moerlen on drums, who died the year before).

The line-up for this unique and special performance:

Daevid Allen - Guitar, Voice
Gilli Smyth - Voice, Space Whisper
Steve Hillage - Guitar
Didier Malherbe - Flute, Soprano Sax, Duduk
Theo Travis - Tenor Sax
Tim Blake - Synthesiser, Voice
Miquette Giraudy - Synthesiser
Mike Howlett - Bass
Chris Taylor - Drums

Watch the promotional video: 

Tracklist:
1. You Can’t Kill Me (from the album ‘Camembert Electrique’)
2. Radio Gnome Invisible (from the album ‘Flying Teapot')
3. Tomorrow Afternoon (I Am Your Fantasy) (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
4. Dynamite / I Am Your Animal (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
5. Flute Salad (from the album ‘Angel’s Egg’)
6. Oily Way (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)  
7. Outer Temple (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
8. Inner Temple (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
9. Zero The Hero and the Witch’s Spell (from ‘Flying Teapot’)
10. I Am Your Pussy (from ‘Flying Teapot’)
11. Tropical Fish (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
12. Selene (from ‘Camembert Electrique’)
13. I Never Glid Before (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
14. Prostitute Poem (from ‘Angel’s Egg’)
15. Magdalene (from the album ‘Zero To Infinity’)
16. A Sprinkling of Clouds (from the album ‘You’)
17. She Is the Great Goddess (Magick Mother Invocation) (from ‘You’)
18. Master Builder (from ‘You’)
18. The Isle of Everywhere (from ‘You’)
18. You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever (from ‘You’)

Release date on Fri Nov 5th – the 15th Anniversary of the Gong performance.

Released by G-Wave Records through UK distributors SRD. Digital release via Ingrooves (North and South America) and Orchard (UK & rest of world).

DVD: AAGWDVD005
DBL CD: AAGWCD005

To pre-order: planetgong.co.uk

For more information:
http://facebook.com/gong2032
http://planetgong.co.uk

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

Drummer Mark Murdock To Release New Prog Album “Visitors From Another Planet” Featuring Members of Atomic Rooster, Nektar & Others!

Mark Murdock’s new prog release “Visitors From Another Planet” featuring a cast of visiting prog earthlings like drummer Ric Parnell of Atomic Rooster/Spinal Tap, drummer Ron Howden, bassist Derek ‘Mo’ Moore, both from the band Nektar, also drummer Alan Childs of David Bowie, guitarist Fernando Perdomo, guitarist Katsumi Yoneda of French TV, guitarist Joe Berger, vocalist Tim Pepper of TheId and more...

Mark Murdock, best known as the drummer in Peter Banks (YES) Empire Mark lll, The New Empire with Fernando Perdomo, Cymbalic Encounters with Brand X members. Mark most recently released a solo record, “The Phoenix Has Risen” and with Nuclear Bird's “Tyrannical Megalomanic.” Mark sees his new creation “Visitors from Another Planet” as a “further contribution to the Arts with new dimensions and atmospheres not explored on my previous works.”

“Visitors from Another Planet” Track Listing:
1. Visitors from Another Planet
2. Time Travelers from the   Future
3. The Purveyors of Underworld Ideas
4. The Tarnished Mirror
5. False Algorithms
6. Forgotten Episodes
7. The River of Illusion
8. Somewhere and Nowhere
9. Adapted for Theater
10. Sub-Reactional Stratospheric Complex
11. Friction
12. Shadows that Stood Between the Lies
13. In Speculation

Artists:
Mark Murdock - drums, synthesizer & gongs
Tim Pepper - lead vocal
Ric Parnell - drums & percussion on 2, 4 & 13
Alan Childs - drums on 3
Ron Howden - drums on 6 & 7
Fernando Perdomo - guitar on 1, 4, 7, 9 & 11
Derek ‘Mo’ Moore - bass on 7
Joe Berger - lead guitar on 11 & alien voice on 1
Katsumi Yoneda - guitar on 5, 6, 9 &13
Dave Juteau - guitar on 1, 2, 8 & 12
Preston Murdock - guitar on 3 and 7
Kenta Shimokuni - bass
Rod Farlora - bass on 10
Jeff Curry - bass on songs 2, 3, 6, 8 & 12

All songs composed, produced, mixed and mastered by Mark Murdock
Artwork by Jiro Oshima
Copyright 2021

Watch the Promotional video for “Visitors from Another Planet”: 

Pre-order the physical CD though DiskUnion, Japan: https://diskunion.net/progre/ct/detail/1008368222

Buy Artist direct for a signed CD: cymbalicencounters@gmail.com

Digital download:
https://cymbalicencounters.bandcamp.com/album/visitors-from-another-planet
*Features the Bonus Track “The Truth is Out There”

*Soon to be launched on: iTunes, Amazon, Spotify

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

Matthew Joseph returns with electro-pop track 'Chance'

UK based artist Matthew Joseph will become the talk of the town in new anthem ‘Chance’. Receiving praise from the likes of CLOUT Magazine, EQ Magazine and Twisted Male Magazine, Matthew has also collaborated with Derrick Barry of RuPaul’s Drag Race US. Having been featured previously on the likes of The X Factor, Matthew quickly realised the impermanence of that kind of shallow exposure and became determined to forget a meaningful path into the industry. He resolved to write his own music and lyrics, criticizing the current trend of virtual dating and our desperation for ‘online’ status whilst avidly supporting LGBTQ and other minority groups. 

Sharing his thoughts on the release, Matthew Joseph explains, “Chance is a break up anthem about the struggles of a relationship when you still love them even though they’ve had millions of chances to sort themselves out and make it work. It’s an empowering, relatable dance-pop track.”

Adding to the process of making the track, Matthew Joseph shares, “I wrote the track with George Pelham (check him out he’s got a few million streams himself really successful guy ) in May and it’s really relatable I feel, we’ve all been in this stage of a breakup where you kind of want that person back but you’re also thinking no you’ve had plenty of chances! And I was networking with Myah Marie over socials and thought she would be a fun addition to the track - she’s huge in America mainly behind the scenes writing for Britney, RuPaul, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez (and touring with her and Charlie xcx) to name a few, and I was made up when she loved the track and jumped at the chance to feature. She’s so talented and lovely and I’m a huge fan of her and the artists she’s worked with. Chris Hall (The Wanted, The Saturdays produced the track and he’s produced all my tracks so I’m hoping he’ll be my Max Martin.”