8/09/2017

Instrumental New Age Review: Holland Phillips-Under A Second Moon

Release Date: August 25, 2017
Label: Ageless Records

Around the same time last year, I got some music in from Holland Phillips. I had the pleasure of hearing and reviewing his Circles of 8 recording.

It is now 2017 and Under A Second Moon is getting set to arrive on our doorsteps.  Where Holland began his first journey he now continues, well in fact he never stopped. He just kept creating and recording. Again, he decided to concentrate on harmonics and vibrations. The results are superlative once again!

The production values are top notch and the use of keyboards and synths are brilliantly utilized by this creative maestro. Holland is not only a musician but an author as well. This is an outlet, a place where anyone can escape to. If its fantasy or real, or just a space in time to occupy for you to recharge your batteries, it is available through this music.

Each track seemingly blends into the next, gently beckoning your soul to participate in this atmosphere of sounds, textures and wonderlands of the mind. And most importantly it belongs to you the listener. Here is your chance to create your own little slice of heaven through music.

I believe Holland is an excellent composer, a multi-talented artist that can paint a picture visually with either words in a book or through his fingers into the instruments he uses.
I found Under A Second Moon to be a very pleasant listening experience and just as enjoyable as last year’s offering.  This a coloring book for the soul, the music are your crayons and you are the book. The title track was the one song that cemented the concept and meaning of this project for me, it colored my heart and mind. Adding the saxophone (Paul Christensen) was the finishing touch. And this was at the midpoint of the recording and I was already thinking that it could not get much better. That track was hard to top however the consistency and quality of the music held up as the stories weaved their spell throughout each succeeding track.

Each track was a different shade or color, a variation of moods that danced with the music. It all made me feel invigorated, joyous and glad to be alive. I do not always feel that way so once the magic of music casts its spell and it won me over again. Interesting enough “Long Way Home,” reminded me of early progressive rock or even band’s like Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. I would really like to hear more of that style on the next album.

Thanks again for the trip far away from stress and worry Holland, your creative genius soothes my soul and wets my appetite for your next project.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
August 9, 2017
Founder of:

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Out of the Frying Pan
02. Taking the Road Not Taken
03. A Moment in Time
04. Possibly Maybe
05. Under a Second Moon
06. Love Comes Gently
07. Long Way Home
08. Deepening Skies
09. Looking Back
10. It Comes to This       
11. Fairytale Nights 

 

8/08/2017

New Documentary on French Music Legends Magma "To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma"


A passionate and moving tribute to Magma, one of the greatest bands that ever existed!

“To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma” is a feature film that explores one of the most visionary and innovative music of the last 50 years, Magma. It takes the audience on a journey through several countries where the band has been filmed, fascinating interviews with fans and musicians, including Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Trey Gunn (King Crimson). The film also includes an in-depth interview of the leader of the band, Christian Vander, and various musicians who were part of this extraordinary adventure over a period of more than 45 years.

Watch the trailer: 


The film is packed with archival footage and an amazingly beautiful soundtrack is always flowing underneath. It is articulated around 6 chapters, taking the viewers on a journey through Christian Vander's childhood, his discovery of John Coltrane who became his mentor, the birth of Magma and the different periods of the band. It also covers Christian's unique approach and philosophy on music and life along with a tribute to the band's be album, “Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh.” It ends on an inspiring and moving section where fans from various countries share the impact that the music has had on their life.

Written & Directed by Laurent Goldstein, the film was created to be seen and enjoyed by both fans of Magma and people who do not know this music. Christian Vander's story packs an emotional wallop and is a tremendous source of inspiration for anybody who has a passion in life and wants to realize their dream.

“To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma” will premiere in Toronto at the Royal cinema on August 20th at 2:00 PM. Magma will be perfoming live at the Mod Club Theatre in Toronto that evening. The film will premiere in Montreal at the Casa Del Popolo on Aug. 22nd at 6:30 PM. Magma will perform two shows in Montreal on August 21 & 22 at the La Sala Rossa. Both film screening events will cost $10. Please note that to attend the concerts seperate tickets will need to be purchased.

Laurent Goldstein produced his first feature-length documentary, “Your Second Fifty” a motivational piece that demonstrates that in spite of prejudices and popular beliefs, there is a life after 50, and it can be amazing! The film was shot over an 18-month period, in 6 countries on 3 continents, and showcases 40 fascinating characters. It has been shown in motivational seminars throughout North America since 2015.

In 2016, he produced – partly thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign - his second feature-length documentary: “To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma,” a tribute to the cult French progressive rock band.

For more information: www.themusicofmagma.comFacebook.com/themusicofmagma

Magma's official website: http://www.magmamusic.org

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

New Documentary on French Music Legends Magma "To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma"


A passionate and moving tribute to Magma, one of the greatest bands that ever existed!

“To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma” is a feature film that explores one of the most visionary and innovative music of the last 50 years, Magma. It takes the audience on a journey through several countries where the band has been filmed, fascinating interviews with fans and musicians, including Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Trey Gunn (King Crimson). The film also includes an in-depth interview of the leader of the band, Christian Vander, and various musicians who were part of this extraordinary adventure over a period of more than 45 years.

Watch the trailer: 


The film is packed with archival footage and an amazingly beautiful soundtrack is always flowing underneath. It is articulated around 6 chapters, taking the viewers on a journey through Christian Vander's childhood, his discovery of John Coltrane who became his mentor, the birth of Magma and the different periods of the band. It also covers Christian's unique approach and philosophy on music and life along with a tribute to the band's be album, “Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh.” It ends on an inspiring and moving section where fans from various countries share the impact that the music has had on their life.

Written & Directed by Laurent Goldstein, the film was created to be seen and enjoyed by both fans of Magma and people who do not know this music. Christian Vander's story packs an emotional wallop and is a tremendous source of inspiration for anybody who has a passion in life and wants to realize their dream.

“To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma” will premiere in Toronto at the Royal cinema on August 20th at 2:00 PM. Magma will be perfoming live at the Mod Club Theatre in Toronto that evening. The film will premiere in Montreal at the Casa Del Popolo on Aug. 22nd at 6:30 PM. Magma will perform two shows in Montreal on August 21 & 22 at the La Sala Rossa. Both film screening events will cost $10. Please note that to attend the concerts seperate tickets will need to be purchased.

Laurent Goldstein produced his first feature-length documentary, “Your Second Fifty” a motivational piece that demonstrates that in spite of prejudices and popular beliefs, there is a life after 50, and it can be amazing! The film was shot over an 18-month period, in 6 countries on 3 continents, and showcases 40 fascinating characters. It has been shown in motivational seminars throughout North America since 2015.

In 2016, he produced – partly thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign - his second feature-length documentary: “To Life, Death and Beyond: the Music of Magma,” a tribute to the cult French progressive rock band.

For more information: www.themusicofmagma.comFacebook.com/themusicofmagma

Magma's official website: http://www.magmamusic.org

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

8/07/2017

Chilean Prog Ensemble Aisles To Tour US For The First Time In Support of Critically Acclaimed Album "Hawaii"


Chile - Aisles, the acclaimed South American prog rock sextet, will tour the United States for the first time in their career to play five dates, including the festivals Progstock in Rahway, New Jersey, and Progtoberfest, in Chicago, Illinois.

Aisles will be performing part of their latest record, “Hawaii,” a two-disc concept album about human colonies established in space after the destruction of the Earth. Its twelve tracks explore the dilemmas and challenges that the individual and the human spirit would face in this futuristic scenario. Regarding the theme and sound of the album, guitarist and producer Germán Vergara states: “Without a doubt it's our most profound work so far. With 'Hawaii' we dug deep in search of a concept that could really move us. Our objective was to write music that would emotionally and mentally take us to the place where the events in the album occur: Space.”

“All the music on the album was written with our hearts and minds set on the idea of these human colonies, a small group of people who are able to preserve some of the heritage of mankind after the Earth is destroyed. Musically speaking we had never taken so many risks, tried so many different approaches and allowed ourselves this level of freedom to improvise and experiment. I am really proud of what we’ve achieved this time,” Vergara adds. “Hawaii” has been acclaimed by specialized media like Prog magazine, Neoprog and All About the Rock.

“ 'Hawaii' is a work of genius. A mind expanding experience” - All About the Rock 

“A joyous expression of individuality. One of the year's highlights” - Prog

“A masterpiece” - Neoprog

“Symphonious, mellifluous and happily nostalgic. One of the most far-reaching and rewarding progressive albums of the year” - Raw Ramp

Aisles will tour in the United States after playing five shows in Mexico. These are the dates:

MEXICO
Sat. Aug 12, Fest Prog Jazz, Foro Fausto Vega, Mexico City
Wed Aug 16, Underground Bar, Saltillo
Thu Aug 17, Salón Morelos, Monterrey
Fri Aug 18, Metal Brothers, Mexico City
Sat Aug 19, Centro de las Artes de Querétaro, Querétaro

UNITED STATES
Sat Oct 14, Progstock festival, The Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, New Jersey, Tickets
Mon Oct 16, Ferguson Theater, University of Pittsburgh (w/Valdez), Greensburg, Pennsylvania Tickets
Wed Oct 18, Buffalo Iron Works (w/Turning Virtue), Buffalo, New York Tickets
Thu Oct 19, Elkhart, Indiana (venue to be announced)
Fri Oct 20, Progtoberfest, Reggie’s, Chicago, Illinois Tickets

With four studio albums and a career spanning twelve years, Aisles have become South America's most acclaimed prog act of the last decade. Their daring combination of rock, fusion, jazz and world music illustrates the band’s uniquely liberal and eclectic approach. The group has played in South America and Europe, and their albums have been published in Europe, the Americas, and Japan.

In 2009, their second album, “In Sudden Walks”, was nominated for Best Foreign Record in the Italian Prog Awards and the group was invited to open the 11th Progressive Rock Festival Crescendo in France. Their third album, “4:45 AM” (2013) was widely acclaimed worldwide and was chosen among the best albums of that year in a number of specialized publications. “Hawaii” (July, 2016), their fourth studio album was called a “masterpiece” and named one of the albums of the year by media outlets such as Prog (England), Neoprog (France), Raw Ramp (England) and Chile's premiere rock magazine, Rockaxis.

Aisles are:
Germán Vergara: guitar, vocals
Felipe Candia: drums, percussion
Sebastián Vergara: lead vocals
Rodrigo Sepúlveda: guitar, vocals
Daniel Baird-Kerr: bass
Juan Pablo Gaete: keyboards

For more information:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6J59KdFHCHPSmiGhN5JoKb
Aisles official store: http://www.aislesproject.com/aisles/store/hawaii.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aislesproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aislesproject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aislesproject/
Upside Down video:


Club Hawaii lyric video:


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

Chilean Prog Ensemble Aisles To Tour US For The First Time In Support of Critically Acclaimed Album "Hawaii"


Chile - Aisles, the acclaimed South American prog rock sextet, will tour the United States for the first time in their career to play five dates, including the festivals Progstock in Rahway, New Jersey, and Progtoberfest, in Chicago, Illinois.

Aisles will be performing part of their latest record, “Hawaii,” a two-disc concept album about human colonies established in space after the destruction of the Earth. Its twelve tracks explore the dilemmas and challenges that the individual and the human spirit would face in this futuristic scenario. Regarding the theme and sound of the album, guitarist and producer Germán Vergara states: “Without a doubt it's our most profound work so far. With 'Hawaii' we dug deep in search of a concept that could really move us. Our objective was to write music that would emotionally and mentally take us to the place where the events in the album occur: Space.”

“All the music on the album was written with our hearts and minds set on the idea of these human colonies, a small group of people who are able to preserve some of the heritage of mankind after the Earth is destroyed. Musically speaking we had never taken so many risks, tried so many different approaches and allowed ourselves this level of freedom to improvise and experiment. I am really proud of what we’ve achieved this time,” Vergara adds. “Hawaii” has been acclaimed by specialized media like Prog magazine, Neoprog and All About the Rock.

“ 'Hawaii' is a work of genius. A mind expanding experience” - All About the Rock 

“A joyous expression of individuality. One of the year's highlights” - Prog

“A masterpiece” - Neoprog

“Symphonious, mellifluous and happily nostalgic. One of the most far-reaching and rewarding progressive albums of the year” - Raw Ramp

Aisles will tour in the United States after playing five shows in Mexico. These are the dates:

MEXICO
Sat. Aug 12, Fest Prog Jazz, Foro Fausto Vega, Mexico City
Wed Aug 16, Underground Bar, Saltillo
Thu Aug 17, Salón Morelos, Monterrey
Fri Aug 18, Metal Brothers, Mexico City
Sat Aug 19, Centro de las Artes de Querétaro, Querétaro

UNITED STATES
Sat Oct 14, Progstock festival, The Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, New Jersey, Tickets
Mon Oct 16, Ferguson Theater, University of Pittsburgh (w/Valdez), Greensburg, Pennsylvania Tickets
Wed Oct 18, Buffalo Iron Works (w/Turning Virtue), Buffalo, New York Tickets
Thu Oct 19, Elkhart, Indiana (venue to be announced)
Fri Oct 20, Progtoberfest, Reggie’s, Chicago, Illinois Tickets

With four studio albums and a career spanning twelve years, Aisles have become South America's most acclaimed prog act of the last decade. Their daring combination of rock, fusion, jazz and world music illustrates the band’s uniquely liberal and eclectic approach. The group has played in South America and Europe, and their albums have been published in Europe, the Americas, and Japan.

In 2009, their second album, “In Sudden Walks”, was nominated for Best Foreign Record in the Italian Prog Awards and the group was invited to open the 11th Progressive Rock Festival Crescendo in France. Their third album, “4:45 AM” (2013) was widely acclaimed worldwide and was chosen among the best albums of that year in a number of specialized publications. “Hawaii” (July, 2016), their fourth studio album was called a “masterpiece” and named one of the albums of the year by media outlets such as Prog (England), Neoprog (France), Raw Ramp (England) and Chile's premiere rock magazine, Rockaxis.

Aisles are:
Germán Vergara: guitar, vocals
Felipe Candia: drums, percussion
Sebastián Vergara: lead vocals
Rodrigo Sepúlveda: guitar, vocals
Daniel Baird-Kerr: bass
Juan Pablo Gaete: keyboards

For more information:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6J59KdFHCHPSmiGhN5JoKb
Aisles official store: http://www.aislesproject.com/aisles/store/hawaii.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aislesproject
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aislesproject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aislesproject/
Upside Down video:


Club Hawaii lyric video:


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