New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Stephen Peppos-And Then Came Love

Release Date: January 20, 2020
Label: Sonic Bear Records
Website

And Then Came Love is the third release I have had the opportunity to hear from Stephen Peppos. The all-instrumental new age and contemporary piano selections are all about the same topic, love.

Interesting enough the title track is the very last track. I have not noticed that too much on releases in the past. It is a good idea however, as it reminds you once again what the title of the recording is and the entire meaning of the fourteen tracks being offered. There is a reason for the order of tracks, I think if you asked any artists that, their reply would yes, and for many different reasons.

There is a common-sense thread with the way the tracks are titled and a definitive meaning and progression. Some folks may think that is not that important or even notice, but I do. I try to look at the entire package being presented including artwork, track names, and order or any lyrics. In this case, it is all instrumental so it is entirely up to each listener to find their meaning and interpretation of every track and in the end, what it means personally. After all, isn’t the subject of love a separate meaning for everyone? Whether it is for another person, place, event or a family pet. The word love can be applied to all of that and more.

Stephen plays a very expressive and poignant type of piano. The title and the track do fit if you can look beyond the music, then let it encapsulate your being and open your heart to whatever comes your way. Music like this has no barriers of time and space, it inhabits the space you’re in and moves you to another plane of thought and existence. And thank god for that. With all of those thoughts prevailing, the power and healing that this kind of music can bring you is boundless. You can call Stephen the Doctor of Music on And Then Came Love. Love is coming your way by the end of this recording, and yet another reason why to have the title track as the curtain closer!

The beauty and grace of the music contained on this album will be enjoyed by all those that come within listening distance intentional or not, it will catch your ear and warm your heart. To know there is such magnificence in one instrument is one of the wonders of life. Because of that realization, I find a tremendous amount of gratitude when I listen to this music. My suggestion would be to listen to this as much as you can, particularly if you need a reprieve from stress or a very busy day. And Then Came Love will turn it all around and put a smile in your heart and soul.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
January 11, 2020

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Tracks:
01. Love You
02. Meant To Be
03. A Love So True
04. Love & Affection
05. For A Lifetime
06. The Spark of Love
07. Everlasting Love
08. In Your Eyes
9.  A Playful Glance
10. Since I Found You
11. My Sweet Love
12. When We First Met
13. Forever In My Heart
14. And Then Came Love

Rock Review: Doctor Pheabes-Army of the Sun

Release Date: May 16, 2019

Label:  Independent

Website

Brazilian rockers, Doctor Pheabes is back with their third album, and first international release, Army of the Sun.  On the hard rock spectrum, they take up a lot of space, sitting somewhere between AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Pearl Jam.  Two pairs of brothers, Fernando and Eduardo Parrillo and Fabio and Paulo Ressio work their familial bonds into the strength of their music.  After just one look and listen you’ll know their crisp, industrial, jagged-edge sound didn’t just happen overnight. 

Over the years, Doctor Pheabes has honed their sound into something that, on the surface seems like polished classic rock, yet the deeper you listen the more texture and complexity you find.  The music is a composite of ‘70s hard rock, ‘80s flash, and ‘90’s alt-rock. Doctor Pheabes are a hard rock history lesson unto themselves.

Army of the Sun starts with a bang. The title track is a rocking foot-stomper that could be played at any sports arena to get the crowd pumped.  “Better off Alone” sounds more like a Nirvana song with a fast/slow/fast tempo, yet steeped in classic rock roots.  Like the tempo within their songs, they slow things down effectively on tracks such as “Ask of You,” and this reviewers favorite, “Live Forever”. 

As torchbearers for the New Classic Rock movement, it is hard not to borrow from one’s influences.  The danger is sounding unoriginal and in places Army of the Sun does.  Lyrically, there is not much here you haven’t heard before.  One could argue that for anthem rock, it is best to stick with the formula.  Turn idioms into song titles and fill the lyrics with rhyming couplets.  Still, it is a successful formula and Doctor Pheabes uses it well. 

If you’re looking to rock out for a spell, you won’t go wrong with Doctor Pheabes’ Army of the Sun. These songs are accessible, enjoyable and the guitar work by Fernando Parrillo is outstanding.  Knowing you’ll hear a stellar guitar solo on each of these songs is cause enough to have them in steady rotation in your playlist.

Tom Endyke - MuzikMan.net Staff

January 8, 2019

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Tracks:
01. Army of the Sun
02. Better Off Alone
03. Rebel Riders
04. Here to Stay
05. Your Love Is Mine
06. Ask of You
07. Find a Way
08. Back in Town
09. Stranded in Love
10. Let’s Go
11. Live Forever

Christopher Cross Celebrates 40th Anniversary With 2020 Tour

Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including—for the first time in Grammy history—the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

In a career spanning over five decades, Cross has sold over 10 million albums. His music has garnered five Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and five Top 10 singles.

This year, Christopher Cross is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough debut album with a major tour featuring songs from his debut album: “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Say You’ll Be Mine,” and more.

Says Cross, “This tour celebrates the first chapter in what has been my life’s journey. I look forward to seeing everyone on the road.”

Tour dates*:

April 1, 2020 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre
April 3, 2020 - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theatre
April 5, 2020 - Nashville, TN - Schermerhorn Symphony Center
April 7, 2020 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Center for the Arts
April 9, 2020 - New York, NY - The Town Hall
April 10, 2020 - Atlantic City, NJ - Sound Waves @ Hard Rock
April 11, 2020 -Westbury, NY - NYCB Theatre
April 13, 2020 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere Music Hall
April 17, 2020 - Waukeegan, IL - Genessee Theatre
April 18, 2020 - Welch, MN - Treasure Island Event Center
April 21, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 22, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 23, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 26, 2020 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

*More dates announced soon

Details: https://www.christophercross.com/

Follow Christopher on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCrossOfficial/
Instagram & Twitter: @itsmrcross

BOOKING
Justin Hirschman
AGI
(212) 813-9292
Justin.Hirschman@ArtistGrp.com

MANAGEMENT
Jovan Ristic
21st Century Artists, Inc.
(212) 254-5500
jovan@21stca.com

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

Prog Legends Nektar Return With Stunning New Studio Album "The Other Side"

The Stunning New Studio Album From Legendary Nektar - Released January 24, 2020 on Esoteric Antenna

Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the stunning new studio album by the legendary band Nektar. Throughout the 1970s Nektar released a series of acclaimed albums, scoring chart success in Germany (where the British band was based) and later in the USA (where the band relocated). Following the passing of original guitarist / vocalist Roye Albrighton in 2016, fellow founder members Derek “Mo” Moore (bass, vocals), Ron Howden (drums, vocals) & Mick Brockett (lyrics, visual conceptions) reunited in late 2018 along with Randy Dembo (bass, 12-string guitar), Ryche Chlanda (guitar, vocals) & Kendall Scott (keyboards) to begin work on a new album.

Ryche Chlanda originally recorded with Nektar in 1978, and for “The Other Side” the band updated some of those ideas which evolved in the basement of Mo Moore’s house in Chatham, New Jersey. Ron Howden, Mo and Ryche collaborated on much of the music heard on the album. The 1978 unrecorded song “Skypilot” has evolved into “Skywriter” in 2020. With new lyrics by Mick, Mo and Ryche

“I’m On Fire” is the musical adaptation of a poem written by Mo for his soon-to-be wife, Nicki, during that same time period of 1978. The closing track, “Devil’s Door”, was originally performed live in 1974, but never featured on a Nektar album. Updated and recorded for this album, the song features the presence of the late Roye Albrighton on the introduction to the track, whose wonderful guitar part was taken from a live soundboard recording made in 1974.

Kendall Scott’s distinctive & versatile keyboard presence has enhanced this considerably, whilst Randy Dembo, who originally joined Nektar in 2004, brings a uniting presence on 12-string and bass guitars, rounding out the instrumental arrangements. Ron Howden has been a continual driving force of the band, weathering all versions of Nektar since its conception in 1969. With Mick Brockett now back in the fold (with his visual concepts and ideas as an essential part of the band making the music and light theatre a reality). “The Other Side” is a stunning album from a legendary band.

TRACK LISTING
1. I’m On Fire
2. SkyWriter
3. Love is / The Other Side
4. Drifting
5. Devil’s Door
6. The Light Beyond
7. Look Through me
8. Y Cant I B more like U (2020)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/nektar-the-other-side-cd/



Nektar US Tour Dates
JANUARY 8 - Sellersville, PA (Sellersville Theater)
JANUARY 9 - Kennet Square, PA (Kennet Flash)
JANUARY 10 - Dunellen, NJ (NJ ProgHouse @ Roxy & Dukes)
JANUARY 11 - Baltimore, MD (Orion Studio)
JANUARY 12 - Baltimore, MD (Orion Studio)
JANUARY 14 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
JANUARY 15 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
JANUARY 16 - New York, NY (The Iridium) 2 shows
FEBRUARY 09 - Manchester, NH (Roxy Theater)
FEBRUARY 10 - Cambridge, Boston, MA (The Middle East Upstairs)
FEBRUARY 11 - Northampton, MA (The Iron Horse)
FEBRUARY 12 - Pawling, NY (Daryl’s House)
FEBRUARY 20 - Albany, NY (Linda WAMC)
FEBRUARY 21 - Auburn, NY (Auburn Public Theater)
FEBRUARY 22 - Hamburg, NY (Hamburg Palace Theater)
FEBRUARY 23 - Toronto, ON (The Garrison)
FEBRUARY 25 - Westland Detroit MI (The Token lounge)
FEBRUARY 26 - Cleveland, OH (Beachland Ballroom)
FEBRUARY 28 - Cincinnati , OH (Ludlow Garage)
FEBRUARY 29 - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
MARCH 01 - Chicago, IL (Reggie’s)
MARCH 02 - Milwaukee WI (Shank Hall)
MARCH 03 - Minneapolis, MN (Granada Theater)
MARCH 04 - Kansas City KS (Record Bar)
MARCH 05 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater) (SOLD OUT)
MARCH 06 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater)
MARCH 07 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater) 2 shows (BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT)
MARCH 08 - Fayetteville AR, (George's Majestic Lounge)

For more information:
Website: nektarsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nektarRocks
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/nektarfans
Instagram: instagram.com/nektar.official
Twitter: twitter.com/NektarThe
YouTube: Nektar The Legendary Rock Band: youtube.com/channel/UCoEd-HQa3RmFXHUEQ9j_PJA?view_as=subscriber



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

Prog Legends Nektar Return With Stunning New Studio Album "The Other Side"

The Stunning New Studio Album From Legendary Nektar - Released January 24, 2020 on Esoteric Antenna

Esoteric Antenna is delighted to announce the release of the stunning new studio album by the legendary band Nektar. Throughout the 1970s Nektar released a series of acclaimed albums, scoring chart success in Germany (where the British band was based) and later in the USA (where the band relocated). Following the passing of original guitarist / vocalist Roye Albrighton in 2016, fellow founder members Derek “Mo” Moore (bass, vocals), Ron Howden (drums, vocals) & Mick Brockett (lyrics, visual conceptions) reunited in late 2018 along with Randy Dembo (bass, 12-string guitar), Ryche Chlanda (guitar, vocals) & Kendall Scott (keyboards) to begin work on a new album.

Ryche Chlanda originally recorded with Nektar in 1978, and for “The Other Side” the band updated some of those ideas which evolved in the basement of Mo Moore’s house in Chatham, New Jersey. Ron Howden, Mo and Ryche collaborated on much of the music heard on the album. The 1978 unrecorded song “Skypilot” has evolved into “Skywriter” in 2020. With new lyrics by Mick, Mo and Ryche

“I’m On Fire” is the musical adaptation of a poem written by Mo for his soon-to-be wife, Nicki, during that same time period of 1978. The closing track, “Devil’s Door”, was originally performed live in 1974, but never featured on a Nektar album. Updated and recorded for this album, the song features the presence of the late Roye Albrighton on the introduction to the track, whose wonderful guitar part was taken from a live soundboard recording made in 1974.

Kendall Scott’s distinctive & versatile keyboard presence has enhanced this considerably, whilst Randy Dembo, who originally joined Nektar in 2004, brings a uniting presence on 12-string and bass guitars, rounding out the instrumental arrangements. Ron Howden has been a continual driving force of the band, weathering all versions of Nektar since its conception in 1969. With Mick Brockett now back in the fold (with his visual concepts and ideas as an essential part of the band making the music and light theatre a reality). “The Other Side” is a stunning album from a legendary band.

TRACK LISTING
1. I’m On Fire
2. SkyWriter
3. Love is / The Other Side
4. Drifting
5. Devil’s Door
6. The Light Beyond
7. Look Through me
8. Y Cant I B more like U (2020)

To pre-order: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/nektar-the-other-side-cd/



Nektar US Tour Dates
JANUARY 8 - Sellersville, PA (Sellersville Theater)
JANUARY 9 - Kennet Square, PA (Kennet Flash)
JANUARY 10 - Dunellen, NJ (NJ ProgHouse @ Roxy & Dukes)
JANUARY 11 - Baltimore, MD (Orion Studio)
JANUARY 12 - Baltimore, MD (Orion Studio)
JANUARY 14 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
JANUARY 15 - New York, NY (The Iridium)
JANUARY 16 - New York, NY (The Iridium) 2 shows
FEBRUARY 09 - Manchester, NH (Roxy Theater)
FEBRUARY 10 - Cambridge, Boston, MA (The Middle East Upstairs)
FEBRUARY 11 - Northampton, MA (The Iron Horse)
FEBRUARY 12 - Pawling, NY (Daryl’s House)
FEBRUARY 20 - Albany, NY (Linda WAMC)
FEBRUARY 21 - Auburn, NY (Auburn Public Theater)
FEBRUARY 22 - Hamburg, NY (Hamburg Palace Theater)
FEBRUARY 23 - Toronto, ON (The Garrison)
FEBRUARY 25 - Westland Detroit MI (The Token lounge)
FEBRUARY 26 - Cleveland, OH (Beachland Ballroom)
FEBRUARY 28 - Cincinnati , OH (Ludlow Garage)
FEBRUARY 29 - Indianapolis, IN (Irving Theater)
MARCH 01 - Chicago, IL (Reggie’s)
MARCH 02 - Milwaukee WI (Shank Hall)
MARCH 03 - Minneapolis, MN (Granada Theater)
MARCH 04 - Kansas City KS (Record Bar)
MARCH 05 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater) (SOLD OUT)
MARCH 06 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater)
MARCH 07 - Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theater) 2 shows (BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT)
MARCH 08 - Fayetteville AR, (George's Majestic Lounge)

For more information:
Website: nektarsmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/nektarRocks
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/nektarfans
Instagram: instagram.com/nektar.official
Twitter: twitter.com/NektarThe
YouTube: Nektar The Legendary Rock Band: youtube.com/channel/UCoEd-HQa3RmFXHUEQ9j_PJA?view_as=subscriber



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