Wednesday, September 25, 2024

KING CRIMSON “Red 50th Anniversary Edition” 2CD / 2Blu-ray & 2LP 200-gram Audiophile Vinyl Available October 25, 2024

50th Anniversary editions of King Crimson’s classic 1974 album
4 disc boxed set with 2 x Blu-ray & 2CDs
2 x Blu-rays featuring completely new mixes of the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround & Hi-Res Stereo by Steven Wilson, New Elemental Mixes in Hi-Res Stereo by David Singleton, a number of extra tracks drawn from the existing sessions reels mixed by David Singleton, all three mixes of the live album USA in Hi-Res Stereo, 5 audio restored bootleg concert recordings from the 1974 US tour making their debut on disc & the audio restored bootleg of the band’s final US show in Central Park NYC on July 1st, 1974
2 x CDs feature new Stereo + instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson & new Elemental Mixes & a sequence of studio recordings detailing the making of ‘Starless’ mixed by David Singleton
Presented as two vinyl replica sleeves in a rigid slipcase with booklet including photos & new sleeve-notes by King Crimson Biographer Sid Smith

King Crimson:
Robert Fripp: Guitar and Mellotron
John Wetton: Bass and Voice
William Bruford: Percussives
With: David Cross, Mel Collins, Ian McDonald, Robin Miller, Mark Charig

DGM & Panegyric proudly present the 50th anniversary edition of the King Crimson classic album “Red”. A 2 Blu-ray + 2 CD edition features completely new Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround & Stereo mixes by Steven Wilson taking the music to new levels of clarity & power. “Red” was one of the earliest mixes undertaken by Steven Wilson in 2009 & King Crimson was the first of a number of classic bands & artists to be mixed by Steven so it’s entirely appropriate that he return, some 15 years later, to take the album into the Dolby Atmos era.

What I hear on ‘Red’ is the best representation of 72-74 era line-up in the studio. In effect this is a power trio record and their sound is just huge.” – Steven Wilson

Also featured are a complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (& band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.

As King Crimson biographer Sid Smith puts it in his new notes for the album: “David Singleton’s elemental mixes pull the veil aside on the original sessions and act as a kind of alternative account, a ‘Red’ that could have been, revealing the different passes and takes that the band undertook as well as those Collins, Charig and McDonald as they engaged with the material”.

Multiple new to disc tracks & studio takes – representing all material to survive from the recording sessions have also been mixed &/or mastered for inclusion, making this the most comprehensive overview of the album to be released.

“Red” was recorded immediately after King Crimson’s final US tour of 1974 & the anniversary edition reflects that by including all three Hi-Res Stereo mixes of the live album “USA” in its full concert versions. Also included are a quintet of audio restored bootlegs being issued on disc for the first time, alongside a bootleg of the band’s final US concert in New York in 1974 which Robert Fripp claimed was: “the first gig since the 1969 Crimson where the bottom of my spine registered ‘out of this world’ to the same degree.”

In the decades since its release, “Red” has gone from being an album that was, upon release, under-promoted – as the band had already split up, to being one of the most lauded albums of its era & (after “In The Court of the Crimson King”), King Crimson’s biggest selling album. Writing in The Mojo Collection in 2000, John Bungey assessed “Red” as, “That rarest of records, the sound of a line-up quitting while ahead”.

By the time King Crimson entered the studio in July 74, the band had spent the best part of two years on the road, recorded two albums along the way (“Larks’ Tongues In Aspic” & “Starless & Bible Black”) & shed two band members en route; percussionist Jamie Muir having quit early 1973, and violin/mellotron player David Cross at the end of the US tour just a week prior to the recording of “Red”.

Crimson had built a reputation as one of the tightest, most powerful bands on the rock circuit. Recording as a trio in Olympic studios in London, with one improv piece (Providence) drawn from that final US tour & with contributions from former members & friends on saxophones, violin, and oboe, the group produced the last Crimson studio album of the 70s & one of the decade’s masterpieces – “Red”.

“Red” emerged as a distillation of everything Crimson had been working towards live & in the studio between 72 and 74. In the half century since its release it has built an enviable, enduring reputation among fans & professional musicians alike – with bands from each succeeding decade citing it as an important influence.

Red - The 50th Anniversary Edition”

Disc 1 CD 2024 mixes and Additional Material
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
Additional Material
2024 Instrumental Mixes
6 Fallen Angel
7 One More Red Nightmare
8 Starless - Edit
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
* 9 Providence - Complete Track
Produced and Mixed by Robert Fripp and David Singleton

Disc 2 CD Elemental Mixes and Session Material
Elemental Mixes
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Starless - Percussion
5 Starless
The Making of Starless
6 Starless - Mellotron
7 Starless - Three Saxophones
8 Starless - Basic Take
9 Starless - Sax Solos
10 Starless - Cornet and Guitar Solos
11 Starless - Cornet takes
Produced and Mixed by David Singleton

Disc 3 Blu-Ray
USA
I * 1 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
DTS-HD MA 24/192 Stereo, 2013 Mix
Mixed by Robert Fripp, David Singleton and Tony Arnold
* 2 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
24/48 Stereo, 2005 Mix
Mixed by Ronan Chris Murphy
24/96 Stereo, 30th Anniversary Mix
* 3 June 28th, 1974, Casino Arena, NJ
24/48 Stereo, Original album mix
A Crimson Production, Remastered by Simon Heyworth and Robert Fripp, 2001
II USA Tour Concerts
24/48 Stereo
1 April 17th, 1974, Muthers, Nashville, TN
2 April 20th, 1974, Hollywood Sportatorium, Miami, FL
3 May 1st, 1974, Felt Forum, New York, NY
4 June 4th, 1974, Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas, TX
5 June 19th, 1974, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, CA
The Final US Concert
24/48 Stereo
* 6 July 1st, 1974, Central Park, New York, NY

Disc 4 Blu-Ray
I Red
2024 mixes and Additional Material

Dolby Atmos/DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround/24/96 Stereo
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
II Elemental Mixes and Session Recordings, 24/192 DTS-HD MA Stereo
Elemental Mixes
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Starless - Percussion
5 Starless
Three More Red Nightmares
1 One More Red Nightmare - Early Guide Vox Section
2 One More Red Nightmare - Saxophone Overdub Section
3 One More Red Nightmare - Bass and Drums
The Making of Starless
1 Starless - Mellotron
2 Starless - Three Saxophones
3 Starless - Basic Take
4 Starless - Sax Solos
5 Starless - Percussion
6 Starless - Cornet and Guitar Solos
* 7 Starless - Cornet takes ~
Produced and Mixed by David Singleton except 7 ~ Produced and Mixed by Alex R Mundy sourced
at 24/48
* 1 Providence - Complete Track
Produced and Mixed by Robert Fripp and David Singleton
2 Think Again - Fragment
Mastered by Alex R Mundy from a John Wetton 1/4" file tape
III 2024 Instrumental Mixes, 24/96 Stereo
1 Fallen Angel
2 One More Red Nightmare
3 Starless (edit)
Produced and Mixed by Steven Wilson
IV * Original Masters, 24/96 Stereo
30th Anniversary Master
1 Red
2 Fallen Angel
3 One More Red Nightmare
4 Providence
5 Starless
* Indicates material previously available on disc
All other material newly mixed/new to disc

Red” 2024 Steven Wilson Mixes & 2024 David Singleton Elemental Mixes
2 x 200gm vinyl
50th Anniversary editions of King Crimson’s classic 1974 album
2LP set pressed on 200-gram audiophile vinyl
LP1 features all new 2024 stereo mixes by Steven Wilson
LP2 features all new 2024 elemental mixes by David Singleton
Cut by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering

Whilst mixing the album for Dolby Atmos, Steven Wilson also prepared new stereo & 5.1 mixes. Those new stereo mixes are what appears as LP1 of this 2LP set. LP2 consists of a complete album’s worth of Elemental Mixes by long-time King Crimson producer (& band manager) David Singleton – using the original multi-track recordings to present a very different audio picture of the album, with greater separation of instruments & utilizing many recorded elements recorded for, but not included in, the original mixes.

To pre-order:
2CD/2Blu-ray - https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_red_2cd_2blu-ray
2LP - https://burningshed.com/kingcrimson/king-crimson_red_double-vinyl

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

For further information, please contact: info@panegyric.net

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

Monday, September 23, 2024

Progressive Rock Band Mile Marker Zero to Release Third Full Length Album “Coming of Age” on October 4, 2024

“Coming of Age” is the third full length album from Progressive Rock Band Mile Marker Zero. Following up on their previous album “The Fifth Row”, Mile Marker Zero has shifted from a concept album focused on technology about the exponential growth of AI, to a more human reflection on growing up and the nostalgic experiences of childhood.

“Coming of Age” is eight tracks of new music which is the band’s most mature material to date. To go with the theme of nostalgia, the full album was only released in physical form (CD) on July 6, 2024. The band played a hugely successful album release show and made the album available only via live shows, their website and Bandcamp.

Throughout 2024, Mile Marker Zero released three singles to all streaming platforms: “Best Is Yet To Come”, “Towns to Grow Up In” and an edited version of “Bizarre”. The songs were well received, helping the band reach nearly 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify at the time of release. The album will now be released via all streaming platforms on October 4, 2024.

Mile Marker Zero, has garnered a dedicated fan base and achieved remarkable milestones since the band’s formation. With their dynamic sound and captivating storytelling, they’ve made a lasting impact on the music scene. Their last studio album, The Fifth Row, has resonated with listeners worldwide through strategic projects. Mile Marker Zero’s song “The Architect” was featured in the acclaimed “NASCAR Heat 4” video game, introducing their music to a wide audience of racing enthusiasts. Furthermore, the band broke new ground as the first unsigned artist to be featured in the popular Harmonix/MTV Games video game series, Rock Band, which enjoyed massive success on the Xbox platform. Through their unwavering commitment to musical excellence and their ability to connect deeply with listeners, Mile Marker Zero continues to push boundaries and carve their own path in rock.

With “Coming of Age” they are widening that path and reaching ever-growing audiences. The band features Dave Alley (Vocals), John Tuohy (Guitars), Mark Focarile (Keyboards), Jaco Lindito (Bass) and Doug Alley (Drums). Mile Marker Zero is from New Haven, Connecticut, USA , and has shared the stage with diverse artists such as Porcupine Tree, Riverside, Periphery, Underoath, Spocks Beard, Adrenaline Mob and many others. They have also performed at RosFest and Progstock Festivals.

Says Mark, “Our hope is that these songs strike a personal chord with listeners, bringing their own life experiences to the surface. We want this music to take them back to moments that mattered and in the end shaped who they've become. We're incredibly excited to let this music out into the wild, and look forward to everyone experiencing it.”

Mile Marker Zero’s dynamic mix of a modern Steven Wilson/Riverside gloss built upon classic Rush and Yes influences has the necessary bite to engage, and enough creative decisions to earn your attention.” - Progressive Subway

Cool prog flourishes throughout the record...but grounded in the great melodic rock style.” - Nathan on Shuffle

These five Americans know how to write expansive, exciting and at the same time outrageously catchy songs” - Powemetal.de

To support their new release, the band will focus on playing shows regionally through the rest of this year and doing festivals and broader touring next year.

Says Mark, “Our hope is that listeners hear these songs and they resonate within their own life experiences. We hope the sounds and imagery connect them to a time and place in their lives which made a lasting impact. Looking back can help propel you forward with an inspired view to find better days ahead.”

To purchase:
mmzofficial.bandcamp.com
www.milemarkerzero.com
https://justforkicks.de/shop/progressive/18073/coming-of-age (Europe)
iTunes, Amazon Music

For more information:
www.milemarkerzero.com
facebook.com/milemarkerzero
Instagram, tiktok @mmzofficial
youtube.com/mmzofficial

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

Friday, September 20, 2024

Prog Artist Leon Alvarado Announces New Video For “The Changing Tide”

Acclaimed musician Leon Alvarado is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the official video for the title track of his critically praised album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to premiere on Friday, September 20th, the video showcases mesmerizing visual sequences created by video artist Nuutti Kataja, marking an exciting collaboration between the two artists.

Reflecting on the new project, Alvarado shares, “In my previous video, we explored some really immersive imagery, where viewers felt as though they were stepping into a surrealistic painting. For this new video, I wanted to push the boundaries even further by blending a more realistic feel within a fantastical setting. Nuutti and I worked closely on gathering reference material and discussing different approaches to bring the scenes to life. When we ran some initial tests, I knew we were onto something special. The final sequences are stunning and flow seamlessly with the music. Nuutti did an outstanding job translating our vision into a visual masterpiece.”

Alvarado also commented on the use of modern technology in the creative process: “There’s a lot of debate around artificial intelligence, but I believe that when used properly, it can enable incredible visuals that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve. In the right hands, it can be a powerful tool for creativity.”

Musically, the video highlights Alvarado takes on drums, keyboards, and bass, while Edoardo Scordo, guitarist from Brit Floyd, lends his skill on guitar and slide guitar. The track was mixed and produced by Alvarado, with final mastering by renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum.

Fans of Alvarado and new listeners alike can look forward to the innovative blend of music and visuals in this highly anticipated video release.

You can view the video over at: https://www.youtube.com/@leonalvarado

THE CHANGING TIDE Video Release date: September 20, 2024

Credits:
Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards Bass & Effects
Edoardo Scordo: Guitars and slide Guitar
Produced and mixed by Leon Alvarado
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum
A.I. Video sequences by Nuutti Kataja.
Editing by Nuutti Kataja and Leon Alvarado
Titles by Synergy Design
Record on: Melodic Revolution Records

About Leon Alvarado:
Leon Alvarado is a progressive rock artist known for his innovative fusion of electronic and rock music. Over the course of more than two decades, Alvarado has consistently demonstrated his ingenuity as a musician, constantly expanding the horizons of his artistic vision with each successive project. His repertoire boasts collaborations with esteemed figures in the Prog rock scene, earning him widespread acclaim and nurturing a devoted fanbase worldwide. Beyond his own musical creations, Leon frequently collaborates with bands and promoters, channeling his artistic skills into crafting fascinating album covers and promotional tour materials.

For more information:
https://leonalvarado.bandcamp.com
or follow Leon Alvarado on https://www.instagram.com/leonalvarado80/

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

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Mothers of Invention Keyboard & Synthesizer Legend Don Preston Embarks on First European Solo Tour September 2024

Pianist & Synthesizer legend Don Preston will be touring Europe starting in September (tour dates below). Don Preston leads a life filled with music, innovation, and experimentation in acoustic and electronic music. “Groundbreaking” is a phrase that is clearly overused. With Don it rings true. One of the first performers to drag a pile of oscillators and filters onstage, he brought his classical training to the Avant Garde. In the early 60s Frank Zappa would come to see Don’s “electronic music with films of bacterial life” shows in Los Angeles. Don was soon in Zappa’s radical new group The Mothers Of Invention, touring and playing on classics like “We're Only In It For The Money” and “Roxy & Elsewhere” from 1966 to 1973.

Don has played with everyone from Elvin Jones, Gil Evans, and Nat King Cole to The Residents, Jack Bruce and Robbie Krieger.  His keyboard solos on Zappa albums, as well as countless soundtracks like Coppola’s “Apocalypse Now,” are considered ground-breaking moments in synthesizer music history.

Still very active in his 90’s, Don was there for the dawn of electronic musical performance, and today grafts new technologies into his experimental palette with software synths & iPhone apps, blending jazz, rock, comedy, magic and ambient synths into a captivating performance.

DON PRESTON SOLO EUROPEAN TOUR
9/24 Porgy & Bess Vienna
9/25 Prague Czech
9/26 Prague Czech
9/27 Broumod Under
9/29 NordHausen, Germany
9/30 Bb (Jazz Club) Berlin, Germany
10/2 Weert, Netherland
10/3 Russelsheim, Germany
10/5 Brussels, Belgium
10/6 Stuttgart, Germany

The guy that really impressed me was Don Preston, I didn’t know what that stuff was when I heard it on Frank Zappa's records. I said, ‘Man!’” - GEORGE DUKE

Preston not only brought his skewed piano sensibility into the creative jazz context, he lugged along a little of his zany synthesizer as well…touching on all these associations (Carla and Paul Bley, John Carter, Zappa and Cole Porter), showing what he can do twisting a standard around and delving a bit into his own compositional bag as well. Preston resides on the edge of tonality, toying with it.” – DOWNBEAT

Revisiting choice moments of weirdness and glory, as well as dig into original works and unlikely standards, is not to be missed. The range of program is somewhat camouflaged by the seamless interplay of Preston and cohorts. They possess a cohesion born of fluidity that is reminiscent of Paul Bley’s 60’s trios, but they have their own crisp edge. It is a high common denominator for such a diverse program.” – JAZZTIMES

Best known as the first synth wielding Mother of Invention - Frank Zappa’s keyboardist aide de camp, to others he is an avowed New Music experimentalist, whose work in theatre, and with assorted sonic daredevils is the stuff of underground acclaim.......in the jazz orbit Preston’s credits have included Gil Evans, Carla Bley, Buell Niedlinger, Michael Mantler, John Carter, and Bobby Bradford” – DOWNBEAT

Preston demonstrated anew that he is one of the most consistently exciting keyboardists anywhere, he plays with an intensity and a rhythmic vitality that approached the demonic, at climactic moments smashing the keys with a forearm and elbow, as if the piano were just not instrument enough for him.” - LA JAZZ SCENE

DON PRESTON DISCOGRAPHY
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Preston#Discography

DON PRESTON ON FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/don.preston.54540

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

Monday, September 16, 2024

NEW ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ OF GONG’S ‘UNENDING ASCENDING’ SET FOR RELEASE ON KSCOPE SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

INCLUDES 6 BONUS TRACKS RECORDED LIVE FROM EDINBURGH IN 2024

Progressive, psychedelic rock pioneers Gong have announced a new special edition of their highly praised 2023 release Unending Ascending today. The new release, a CD package with an 8-page booklet, includes 6 previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live from the band’s superb 2024 show at Edinburgh’s Summerhall as part of the ‘Gong + Ozric Tentacles UK Tour’.

The release coincides with Gong’s extensive late-2024 North American & European tour which will see them play shows across the USA, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, amongst others. “It’s been a long time coming but, following the release of Unending Ascending, Gong are delighted to be playing in the US. No minds left unblown or else” says Kavus Torabi.

Cosmic rock of the highest order” - PROG

If Unending Ascending is your first time encountering Gong, this is a spectacular introduction” - LOUDER THAN WAR

PRE-ORDER GONG UNENDING ASCENDING SPECIAL EDITION CD DIGIPAK WITH 8-PAGE BOOKLET: https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition

GONG UPCOMING SHOWS
15/08 Woodstock Forever ’24, Eisfeld - DE
16/08 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells - UK
17/08 A New Day Festival, Hernhill - UK
24/09 Chapel at Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA - USA
25/09 The Southern Music Hall, Charlottesville VA - USA
26/09 King's Raleigh, Raleigh NC – USA
27/09 The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC – USA
28/09 Mockingbird Theater, Franklin TN – USA
30/09 The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids MI – USA
01/10 Reggie’s, Chicago IL – USA
02/10 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI – USA
03/10 Token Lounge, Detroit, Westland MI – USA
04/10 Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati OH – USA
05/10 Irving Theater, Indianapolis IN – USA
06/10 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH – USA
09/10 75 Stutson Street Auditorium Stage, Rochester NY – USA
10/10 Homer Arts Center, Homer NY – USA
14/10 Space Ballroom, Hamden CT - USA
15/10 The Iron Horse, Northampton MA – USA
17/10 The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls NY – USA
19/10 Orion Studios, Baltimore MD – USA
20/10 Progstock Festival @ Williams Center, Rutherford NJ – USA
07/11 O13, Tilburg - NL
08/11 Boerderij, Zoetermeer - NL
10/11 MS Stubnitz, Hamburg - DE
11/11 Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen - DK
12/11 Babel, Malmö - SE
13/11 Musikens Hus, Goteborg - SE
15/11 Debaser, Stockholm - SE
16/11 Rockland, Sala - SE
18/11 Validi Karkia Club, Pori - FI
19/11 Louhisali, Espoo - FI
21/11 Hybrydy, Warsaw - PL
22/11 Kuźnia, Bydgoszcz - PL
23/11 CK Zamek, Poznan - PL
24/11 Rialto, Katowice - PL
26/11 Kofferfabrik, Fürth - DE
27/11 KuBa, Jena - DE
28/11 Akropolis, Prague - CZ
29/11 Kino Ebensee, Ebensee - AT
30/11 Porgy & Bess, Vienna - AT
03/12 Backstage, Munich - DE
04/12 Das Rind, Rüsselsheim - DE
05/12 Jubez, Karlsruhe - DE
06/12 Cafe de la Danse, Paris - FR
07/12 Le Grillen, Colmar - FR
09/12 Harmonie, Bonn - DE

TICKETS: https://www.gongband.com/shows/

The universe of Gong began in 1969 when visionary Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative, and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically.

Watch the videos for:
My Guitar Is A Spaceship - https://youtu.be/RrJRaWzXvW8
Tiny Galaxies - https://youtu.be/jqoFLJlxpWw
All Clocks Reset - https://youtu.be/PVjU7LX0YiQ

The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.


Photo credit – Layla Burrows

For promo photos and further media please head to: https://kscopemusic.com/media/gong/

The current lineup of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong's illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen's passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia.

The Unending Ascending Special Edition will be released on Kscope on 27th September on digipak CD with an 8-page booklet. Pre-order: https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition

GONG ONLINE:
https://www.gongband.com
https://gongband.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/officialgong
https://twitter.com/gong_band
https://open.spotify.com/artist/47yvARr7dCOKqvjDVwfbf3
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gong/6663678
https://kscopemusic.com/artists/gong
https://linktr.ee/gongband

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

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Be-Bop Deluxe Legend Bill Nelson “Quit Dreaming & Get On the Beam” 3CD/1Blu-ray Deluxe Box Set Available December 6, 2024

DELUXE 3CD + 1 BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION BOX SET OF THE CLASSIC 1981 ALBUM BY BILL NELSON.

FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL 53 BONUS TRACKS DRAWN FROM NEW 5.1 SURROUND SOUND & STEREO MIXES OF THE QUIT DREAMING SESSIONS FROM THE ORIGINAL MULTI-TRACK MASTER TAPES BY STEPHEN W TAYLER & RARE SINGLES & RADIO SESSIONS.

INCLUDES A LAVISHLY ILLUSTRATED BOOK WITH MANY PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHS & NEW ESSAY, PLUS POSTCARDS AND A REPLICA POSTER.

DO YOU DREAM IN COLOUR - PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

The album was originally recorded in 1979 with sessions taking place for an intended follow up album by Bill’s recently formed group RED NOISE. However, EMI Records, Bill’s then record label, declined to release the recordings and the material remained unreleased. Four recordings appeared as the ‘Do You Dream in Colour’ EP on his Cocteau label in 1980. The following year Bill licensed the original stereo mixes of the album to Mercury Records who issued the album in the Spring of 1981. A ground-breaking record, “Quit Dreaming & Get On the Beam” reached a peak of number seven on the UK charts and is to date Bill’s most commercially successful album.

This limited and expanded edition boxed set features a newly remastered version of the original album mix, but also features an additional 53 tracks drawn from new stereo & 5.1 Surround Sound mixes by Stephen W Tayler of all the surviving recording sessions from 1979, along with a previously unreleased radio session from March 1981, a BBC JOHN PEEL session from June 1981 and a collection of rare single tracks from the era. Also included is the rare promotional film of ‘Do You Dream in Colour?'

The box set has an illustrated 68-page book and an essay and also includes postcards and a poster, making this release the definitive statement on one of Bill Nelson’s great works.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

QUIT DREAMING & GET ON THE BEAM THE ORIGINAL STEREO MIX

1 Banal
2 Living in My Limousine
3 Vertical Games
4 Disposable
5 False Alarms
6 Decline and Fall
7 White Sound
8 Life Runs Out Like Sand
9 A Kind of Loving
10 Do You Dream in Colour
11 U.H.F.
12 Youth of Nation on Fire
13 Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam

DISC TWO

SINGLES & RADIO SESSIONS 1980 - 1981

1 Ideal Homes (original single mix)
2 Instantly Yours (original single mix)
3 Atom Man Loves Radium Girl
4 Dada Guitare
5 Banal (extended mix)
6 Turn to Fiction
7 Hers is a Lush Situation
8 Mr. Magnetism Himself
9 Youth of Nation on Fire (extended mix)
10 Be My Dynamo
11 Rooms With Brittle Views
12 All My Wives Were Iron
13 Living in My Limousine (remix)
14 Birds of Tin
15 Love in the Abstract
16 Konny Buys a Kodak (radio session 1981)
17 After Life (radio session 1981)
18 Boom Year Ahead (radio session 1981)
19 Art of Vision (radio session 1981)
20 Rooms With Brittle Views (radio session 1981)
21 Stay Young (radio session 1981)
22 Sleep Cycle (radio session 1981)
Jazz (radio session 1981

DISC THREE

QUIT DREAMING & GET ON THE BEAM SESSIONS - NEW STEREO MIXES BY STEPHEN W TAYLER

1 Banal
2 Living in My Limousine
3 Vertical Games
4 Disposable
5 False Alarms
6 Decline and Fall
7 White Sound
8 Life Runs Out Like Sand
9 A Kind of Loving
10 Do You Dream in Colour
11 U.H.F.
12 Youth of Nation on Fire
13 Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam

Bonus tracks

14 The World and His Wife
15 Dancing Music

DISC FOUR

QUIT DREAMING & GET ON THE BEAM SESSIONS – HIGH RESOLUTION 5.1 SURROUND SOUND & NEW STEREO MIXES BY STEPHEN W TAYLER - BLU-RAY

1 Banal
2 Living in My Limousine
3 Vertical Games
4 Disposable
5 False Alarms
6 Decline and Fall
7 White Sound
8 Life Runs Out Like Sand
9 A Kind of Loving Do You Dream in Colour
10 U.H.F.
11 Youth of Nation on Fire
12 Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam

Bonus tracks

13 The World and His Wife
14 Dancing Music
15 Do You Dream in Colour video

For more information: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/bill-nelson-quit-dreaming-get-on-the-beam-3cd-1blu-ray-deluxe-box-set

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

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Symphonic-Progressive Rock Review and Interview: Sharon Lia Band-EXPANSE

Release Date: August 30, 2024

Website

Label: Sharrick Records

The Sharon Lia Band has released EXPANSE, a double symphonic and progressive rock album that was crowdfunded and four years in the making. This comprehensive project, which took over 4,000 hours to assemble, is a testament to the band's dedication and commitment to their craft. I have the information from the artist to give potential listeners an idea of what was involved and included in this monumental undertaking.

 

Info From Artist Website: EXPANSE includes two books and several short story films, immersing fans in a cinematic journey of sound, story, and visuals. Created by award-winning frontwoman Sharon Lia and her husband, guitarist Rick Jannotti, this project represents resilience and love. After overcoming several significant battles, completing EXPANSE became a profoundly personal achievement, infusing the album with even greater purpose and meaning.

 

Sharon's voice, a perfect fit for the symphonic prog music, carries a depth of emotion that immediately draws you in. Her passion and commitment to performing are palpable, particularly in tracks like "Love You Forever," whose range and inflection mirror the song's momentum. Her vocal style, deep and reflective, invites you to immerse yourself in her story, creating a powerful connection with the listener.

 

"Risk It All" showcases how powerful Sharon's vocals can be. The music is cinematic and sweeping, with a driving rhythm section and a beautiful piano added that helps to end the song in a very focused and thoughtful manner. Once again, it asks you to examine your emotions and think about what you have done in your own life to stay with the one you love.

 

"I Will Remember (Live Out Loud)" has some very affecting lyrics, such as "Because of you, I will live out loud." To live out loud is an excellent expression of feeling and commitment to life and giving it all you have so you are noticed for your accomplishments and remembered once they are behind you. I think most people hope that they can find their role in life and make a difference in someone else's life.

 

"The Light" starts atmospherically with wordless vocals, a build-up to the guitar playing, and Sharon's captivating vocals pulling you into the story. The more you listen to this album, the more convinced you are that the vocals are, without a doubt, the building blocks of the music that she accompanies. Sharon's pure, clear voice moves you on this track more than any other.

 

Those four tracks hit the mark with the music and lyrics in a memorable way. The entire first CD is strong. However, those were the tracks that affected me the most. Except for the one-minute title track, there are no tracks under four minutes, the longest being "Risk It All" at 6:14. This is the reason they fall into progressive territory because of the complexity and length and all the instrumentation and changes going into each composition. The symphonic elements are also evident, with soaring music ebbing and tiding like the waters of the ocean, the heartfelt, beautiful, strong vocals of Sharon Lia, and many essential musicians, composition, recording, and productive values that are consistently high. They pass the test on every level.

 

Now, if all that was not enough, the second CD has symphonic versions of six tracks, and all the rest are instrumental versions of the remainder of the album. This gives the listener a considerable bonus and a pause to appreciate the vocalist's versatility at her command and the comfort and ease with which her style is suited to the change in musical accompaniment.

 

Also, listening to tracks with just the music is enjoyable. As you listen, you are thinking of the lyrics you heard on the previous disc and can understand how it all matched up and made sense when putting everything together. It is like taking a puzzle, emptying the contents on a table, and then starting to fit all the pieces where they belong. Just imagine doing that with an instrumental track, adding the lyrics, and having someone with enough talent to sing effectively with each song. I enjoy instrumental music but also appreciate a fine vocalist like Sharon Lia, who eloquently and powerfully expressed the meaning of each song's lyrics.

 

Once you take all this music in, you will concur that it certainly was an EXPANSE. Also, it will likely arouse your curiosity regarding the other parts of this journey, such as the books and media. So, what you have here is just the beginning of a complete trip covering every media aspect at the band's disposal. A band may do it once in their lifetime, so enjoy every part of it that you can, but do start here.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 8, 2024

Tracks

Disc 1:

01. The Expanse - (1:20)

02. Find Something To Believe In - (5:00)

03. I Will Wait - (4:06)

04. Invisible - (4:36)

05. Love You Forever - (3:59)

06. Blue Skies - (4:33)

07. Risk It All - (6:14)

08. I Will Remember (Live Out Loud) - (5:14)

09. Feel It In My Bones - (4:45)

10. Put It On My Heart - (4:35)

11. The Light - (5:30)

Disc 2:

12. Love You Forever (Symphonic Version) - (3:59)

13. Invisible (Symphonic Version) - (4:36)

14. I Will Wait (Symphonic Version) - (3:58)

15. Risk It All (Symphonic Version) - (5.41)

16. The Light (Symphonic Version) - (5:30)

17. Find Something To Believe In - (5:00) 

18. I Will Wait (Instrumental) - (4:06)

19. Invisible (Instrumental)  - (4:36)

20. Love You Forever (Instrumental)  - (3:59)

21. Blue Skies (Instrumental)  - (4:33)

22. Risk It All (Instrumental)  - (6:14) 

23. I Will Remember (Live Out Loud) (Instrumental) ) - (5:14)

24. Feel It In My Bones (Instrumental)  - (4:45) 

25. Put It On My Heart (Instrumental) - (4:35) 

26. The Light (Instrumental) - (5:30)