The Moody Blues’ John Lodge To Release NEW Christmas SINGLE “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024

New Video premiere featuring John on November 15th!

John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is to release an exciting new digital single “Love Will Conquer All” on November 15, 2024. The single will be the first from John’s new extended EP “Love Conquers All”, due for release on February 14, 2025, and the EP will be available on CD, Limited Edition 180g Violet Vinyl, and all streaming platforms.

“Love Will Conquer All” was written by John during his recent health challenges, suffering, as he put it, a ‘Christmas present he didn’t want’, a stroke. While he dealt with this personal adversity, and the immense challenge of the work involved to recover, he felt his creativity rising to create this heartwarming Christmas song. “Love Will Conquer All” is a song of love, renewal and healing, and John wanted to share it with everyone in the sincere hope that his journey might just help inspire others.

The song was written by John, and features John on vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar and acoustic guitar. Jon Davison, the singer of the progressive rock band YES, and John’s son-in-law, joins him on background vocals, provided the drums and rhythms, and also co-produced the track with John. Lead guitar is provided by Ray Nesbit, John’s Front of House Sound on tour, and also an incredible musician too. Finally, John asked his wife to join him on backing vocals, as at the heart of this song is his relationship with Kirsten, and their 56-year marriage… Love Will Conquer All.

“We all have our challenges in life, mine happened last Christmas… but like a phoenix this song appeared and helped me work through some of those difficult days. As I look forward to Christmas this year, I know it was love that got me through, and my Christmas wish for everyone is that they are surrounded with love (and great music) this year.”

The song will be released on November 15th to all streaming services, and will also be available as an instant gratification song from the accompanying EP.

To purchase or pre-save:
SINGLE SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveWillConquerAll
ALBUM SLINKY https://slinky.to/LoveConquersAll

Signed CDs and vinyl available from the John Lodge store:
https://shop.johnlodge.com/collections/love-conquers-all

Photo by Brian Aris

Photo by Dana Grubb

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/TYzdgyvXiQM

The EP “Love Conquers All” will be released on February 14. 2025, and is a collection of deeply moving songs by The Moody Blues’ John Lodge. All written during difficult times yet reflecting the positive way in which John sees the world. As John explored his journey of healing, he invited different musicians to collaborate with him on each song, making each song unique, yet at the same time they all carry the same message... that love does conquer all.

“Love will Conquer All”, “Whispering Angels”, and “Sunset Over Cocohatchee Bay” were all written through personal health challenges, and “In These Crazy Times”, and “The Sun Will Shine”, originally written in lockdown, have been reimagined and remixed for 2024, reflecting how this time is now firmly in the past.

“Whispering Angels” was written by John and his son-in-law Jon Davison, of YES, and Jon features on all the tracks on the release. “Love Will Conquer All” is an almost Christmas song full of hope, plus there are guest appearances on the album by Geoff Downes of YES, Tim Maple, Dave Colquhoun, Ray Nesbit, John’s 10,000 Light Years Band, and also John’s wife, Kirsten and son, Kristian.

John will be on a short tour in the USA starting November 12th in Clarksburg, WV, and finishing November 19th in Royal Oak, MI, and is currently making plans for further dates in the USA in February and March, and if all goes to plan, dates in the UK in 2025.

JOHN LODGE - NOVEMBER 2024 TOUR DATES – WWW.JOHNLODGE.COM/TOUR
Nov 12, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center. Clarksburg, WV
Nov 14, Historic Park Theatre & Event Center, Cranston, RI
Nov 15, Bergen Performing Arts Center, Englewood, NJ
Nov 17, Temple Live at Columbus Athenaeum, Columbus, OH
Nov 19, Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI

John Lodge is bass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 inductees, The Moody Blues. Songwriter of such mega Moody Blues hits from “Ride My See-Saw,” to “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band),” “Isn’t Life Strange” and many more. Lodge has been performing and recording with The Moody Blues for more than five decades, selling in excess of 70 million albums, as well as releasing his three solo albums “Natural Avenue”, “10,000 Light Years Ago” and “B Yond”. Lodge has been voted one of the “10 most influential bass players on the planet,” and has been the recipient of many awards, including ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers), an Ivor Novello Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Prog Magazine, to name just a few.

For further information
https://www.johnlodge.com/
https://www.facebook.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://twitter.com/johnlodgemusic
https://www.instagram.com/johnlodgemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/johnlodgemusic

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

Prog Duo The Vegetarians To Release New Album “Space Age Pagliacci”

The Vegetarians are a Swedish-American duo consisting of Hans Annellsson, composer & musician from Sweden, and composer & songwriter John Tabacco from Long Island, NY. Their eagerly anticipated new album, “Space Age Pagliacci”, is a semi-concept album about spacetime. Stylistically, the music is a mix of Prog Rock & Classic Rock, with some hints of Circus Music.

Says Hans, “There is a concept in the lyrics. They are all related to space and time in some way.” John elaborates, “A.I. is becoming a force to reckon with. This CD explores the existential threat A.I. proposes to humans. We also explore the hidden force behind "fear", that being of an extraterrestrial influence. Truth is also an issue here. How can we trust anything? There is also some self-deprecating awareness of the absurdity of being alive in this dimension. The cover of the CD has a picture of the first A.I. robot (“Sophia” - an actual citizen now of Saudi Arabia) sitting - as a person (of unspecified gender in a protective space suit) serenades her. Not the warmest of relations. And that might be part of the A.I. / Human problem.”

Working together with several different singers such as John Tabacco, Robin Schell, John Crowe, Marc Mollan, John Marshall Gibbs and Napoleon Murphy Brock, the project started around 2000 as a vehicle for recording some prog covers of YES, Frank Zappa, King Crimson, Genesis, ELP, Adrian Belew, Peter Hammill etc. The prog covers can be found on the albums “Remustered & Remixed Salad” and “The Calling”.

Billy Sherwood said this about the song “The Calling”: “A good rocking version, well done boys.”

Adrian Belew had this to say about The Vegetarians version of his song “Dream Life,”: “Beautiful, I was really moved to hear your version, maybe I'm not forgotten after all.”

In support of the new album The Vegetarians hope to play The Zappanale Festival in Bad Doberman, Germany, again.

In closing the duo has this message to relay, “The message is learn to know thyself ‘Temet Nosce.’ And whatever you do – don’t let anyone get the best of you. You matter just as much as the next being.”

Tracks:
1. AI’s Failed Dream (7:16)
2. The Run Around (3:14)
3. Strangle Rocket Fair (7:38)
4. Android Forty 2 (4:00)
5. Not A Lot Has Changed (3:08)
6. Dark Reptilian Clown (2:28)
7. There’s Nothing To Do Now (3:33)
8. Where Do You Go? (5:21)
9. Advice (3:24)
10. Parallel-O-Gram (4:55)
11. Silly Song (2:57)
12. I’ve Got A Secret To Tell You (4:03)
13. Doubt And Fear (5:13)
14. Another Universe – Please (3:45)
15.The Saucers Are Here (4:49)

All songs written by Annellsson & Tabacco
except track 3, 6 & 10 by Annellson, Tabacco & Pomes

Liner Notes:
Produced by Hans Annellsson & John Tabacco
Performed by Hans & John with the help of Gustaf Hielm (Meshugga) - Bass
Bobby Halvorson (Brother, Sister) - Harmony Vox, Jonathan Mehler – Guitar
& Anthony Pomes (The Blast) - Guitar.

Cover by Catherine Tabacco & Farben Fosfeen Artwerks
Mix, mastering & layout by Janne Brovall, Brovall production

Hans Annellsson: Composer & musician from Sweden. On the Annellssongs label Hans has released both music in Swedish, with The Vegetarians in English, and some instrumental music. The instrumental music is available on the albums “A Pirate In Ambient Waters” & “Scenes & Takes”. A new instrumental album “Goodly Odd” will be released later this year. To support himself Hans works as a music teacher at Malmö International School. Being a massive Frank Zappa fan Hans got permission from Frank, before he went on his last tour, to release a Swedish version of “Penis Dimension.” That version can be found on an album called “Från A Till Ö” by Hans and Mats Öberg. Hans also recently produced Mats Öberg’s album “Frankful,” solo piano renditions of the music of Frank Zappa.

John Tabacco: American composer, singer songwriter, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and graphic artist. He is co-founder of SA3 (a proprietary analog to digital conversion technology for sound and video) and has engineered /mixed and mastered music for the past 30 years.

To purchase:
Bandcamp: https://thevegetarians.bandcamp.com/album/space-age-pagliacci
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7b7khQqC4ekEn9Xi2AFuOz?si=pMfaLLANTCK5ousP2f1PpA

For more information about The Vegetarians:
Homepage: www.annellssongs.com
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3iOXuw7
https://www.johntabacco.net/

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

Progressive Rock Vinyl Review: Vanderwolf-The Great Bewilderment

Release Date: March 13, 2024

Label: Independent

Website

The band is named Vanderwolf after the musical and multimedia genius Max Vanderwolf. He is an interesting character with many talents that have made his services invaluable worldwide, with artists including the late David Bowie and many others.

I received this special purple vinyl edition of The Great Bewilderment and gave it a spin. It was another COVID project that reached fruition after many years. Having never heard of this man and his music, I did not know what to expect, which made it intriguing, especially after looking at the odd and unique cover art. I thought to myself, this is either going to be very strange or surprisingly good. Well, I loved it from beginning to end.

 

Side A begins with “A'coming Home,” which features a strumming guitar, whirling organ, and catchy rhythms (which populate this release consistently). The rhythms change and slow down, and then it goes back to the previous pace, which is medium speed. The vocals get louder and more emotive, and some good guitar makes it more electrifying (literally). The harmonizing towards the end is excellent, as this fine opener kicks things off.

 

“The 6.09” has a steady acoustic guitar with drums and bass holding the line. Max’s vocals begin to have a familiar ring, and Marc Bolan (T.Rex) comes to mind. The music goes in another direction and level (get used to that) as the vocals are ready for the task. It goes back and forth to emphasize the lyrics. It ends the way it started, with acoustic picking.

 

“Sweep Away The Shards” has sharp but gentle electric guitar lines to set the foundation. It is very purposeful as the vocals arrive. The energy is maintained, and then it reaches an apex as Max sings “This is Goodbye,” which is printed in caps on the accompanying lyric sheet. Excellent six-string bending demonstrates how the words can make their impression more effective.

 

“Gaza” starts with Pink Floyd-like instrumentation, then explodes with meaty guitar chords, very heavy to push the line “I Gotta Run,” repeated four times. Max sounded like Roger Waters on this track, which fits well with the music. His inflection before he raises the pitch and tone is a superb way to close out the side.

 

Here is where I have a problem with all the emphasis on Gaza in many instances and not just music; everyone forgets what happened in Israel. I feel the war is wrong and all the innocents that felt the pain of what happened on both sides, but let us not forget who began this conflict and stop making Israel out to be the bad guy. How about a song about Israel? I never like to mix politics into my reviews, but I just had to speak up this time. The song is very political and one-sided, regardless of how good it is musically.

 

Side B opens with “Love Stay Strong,” an entirely different atmosphere than the previous track, which is par for the course in this eclectic work of progressive rock, a genre known for its complex and experimental nature. This time it sounds more like a pop-rock track stepping outside their comfort zone, but it is good. The track is about that age-old subject of love, with a country blues tone, leaving the pop elements behind for a while. Lap steel gives it that atmosphere quickly, as it always does, as it wines in the background like a lost train. The vocals are excellent. The track impressed me with how the band can create such different music from track to track while, for the most part, except for this one, keeping their prog-rock roots.

 

“The Book of Dread” is segued from the previous track with a spacey guitar and keys, again turning the atmosphere upside down. Then, the bass jumps in as the drums pick up the pace, and the mix becomes more complex. Max is in good voice again. His vocals resonate with you as you absorb his words, tapping your feet to the rhythms and bottom end, which is always so strong and ready to change with the flow so quickly. This is exceptional musicianship on display consistently! Piercing guitar lines permeate the air and the record grooves. The changes are very progressive and impressive.

 

“The Here & Now” is easygoing music, and as expected, it takes another twist and turns before returning to its starting point. As the album continues, you realize the vocals are perfect for this music, whether quirky, slow, fast, or flat-out rocking. Max is always ready to use his voice as another instrument for effects. The elasticity of his voice and range adapt to all the changes, going very high when he sings “in the here and now.”

 

“The Gratitude Suite” ends your listening journey and is a good finale. I liked the way the guitar started more subdued, then began cranking it up as the music shifted. The bass leads, then goes to the Lap Steel for more effect, and then the guitar comes back, wailing away with some sound effects and strong lines, as the vocals are as superb as they ever were with heavy lyrics. The changes are many in one track, and Max is one of many consistent factors for these solid tracks.

 

The Great Bewilderment leaves me with one question: why has Vanderwolf not released more music? His love for recording is evident; even his website states this is an incomplete collection. For his sake and music lovers everywhere, I hope to see more of his music released, entertaining us all with his unique sound and exceptional musicianship.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

November 8, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

1. A'coming Home

2. The 6.09

3. Sweep Away The Shards

4. Gaza

Side B:

1. Love Stay Strong

2. The Book of Dread

3. The Here & Now

4. The Gratitude Suite

Joe Satriani Bass Sideman & Mermen Co-founder Allen Whitman Releases 4th Ambient Soundtrack “The Eternal City”

ALLEN WHITMAN, former bassist with legendary virtuoso guitarist JOE SATRIANI and co-founder of the influential San Francisco-based instrumental surf-rock trio THE MERMEN, announces the digital-only release (through label SQUEAKEY STUDIOS) of his 4th soundtrack/ambient travel log album “THE ETERNAL CITY.”

The album, his 4th in a series, continues the artist’s predilection for incorporating acoustic guitar-driven sonic environments with samples and synths - and this time out forwarding the in-your-face pace of that Grande Dame of cities, Rome. The sounds, making use of field recordings made on his recent sojourn in Italy, are compelling, occasionally contemplative, and often propulsive.

ALLEN WHITMAN, a stalwart of the San Francisco music scene, credits past live performance and musical collaboration with, among many others, HELIOS CREED, TINY TIM, THE SANDALS, THE INK SPOTS, NELS CLINE, MIKE KENEALLY, CARMINE APPICE, DJ QUEST, SAMMY HAGAR, TONY MACALPINE, DWEEZIL ZAPPA, STEVE LUKATHER, STEVE VAI, STEVE MORSE and JOHN PETRUCCI.

Additionally, WHITMAN’s band, FIVE DAY MIRACLE TENT CRUSADE, explores deep ambient and dense vocal-heavy refusenik-pop reminiscent of Godley and Creme, John Cale and Holgar Czukay, recently collaborating with chanteuse DOROTHY MOSKOWITZ of THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

WHITMAN has worked extensively in live music for theater, particularly with California-based Theatre of Yugen for live performance in a modern Noh style in San Francisco, New York City, Tokyo and Austin.

To purchase: https://squeakeystudios.bandcamp.com/album/the-eternal-city-an-ambient-travel-log-album

Previous ambient travel log albums:
https://squeakeystudios.bandcamp.com/album/m-hitotsu-no-f-kei-album
https://squeakeystudios.bandcamp.com/album/monogatari-no-f-kei-album
https://squeakeystudios.bandcamp.com/album/the-summer-solstice-sessions-album

Additional online resources:
https://www.instagram.com/squeaksmore/
https://audius.co/squeakeystudios
https://soundcloud.com/squeakey-studios

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

Guitar Legend Bill Nelson’s Unreleased Guitar Instrumental Album “Studio Cadet” Available For Pre-order

Available December 6, 2024!

Guitar legend Bill Nelson’s “Studio Cadet” is an album of guitar instrumentals issued on the Sonoluxe label in a limited-edition CD and simultaneous digital download.

“Studio Cadet” is one of several previously unreleased albums tucked away in my archives. Recorded in 2015, it contains 14 guitar-based instrumental tracks. The atmosphere is relaxed and sometimes dreamy. A gleaming guitar melodic soundscape. - Bill Nelson - 2024

Burning Shed are now taking pre-orders for Bill Nelson's “Studio Cadet.” The release date is due to be December 6th, which is ideal timing for a Christmas present to (or from) your loved ones!

CD in a triple-fold digi-sleeve with a four-page booklet insert.

Track list:
01) A Splendid View
02) Phantom Island
03) Crystal Springs
04) Barely There
05) The Ecstatic Transfiguration Of The Great Northern Twang Magus
06) An Interval
07) Dance Of The Anti-Gravity Enthusiasts
08) Deep Sky
09) Space Age Dreamer
10) Slow Smoulder
11) Sunglasses After Dark
12) My Giddy Levitation
13) I Saw You In A Sailplane
14) Night Boats Pass Beneath The Stars

“Studio Cadet” pre-order from Burning Shed: https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_studio-cadet_cd

For further information and to hear audio samples visit the album's page in the Discography at Dreamsville:
https://www.billnelson.com/studio-cadet?utm_campaign=f290e473-89db-47cb-9ef8-56d8c8332afe&utm_source=so&utm_medium=lp

Secure your copy by pre-ordering from Burning Shed.

Also available:

“Powertron”:
https://www.billnelson.com/powertron
https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_powertron_cd

“Starlight Stories”:
https://www.billnelson.com/starlight-stories
https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_starlight-stories_cd

“All The Fun Of The Fair”:
https://www.billnelson.com/fun-of-the-fair
https://burningshed.com/store/billnelson/bill-nelson_all-the-fun-of-the-fair_cd

Available as both physical CD (from Burning Shed) or as a digital download (from Bandcamp).

For more information: www.billnelson.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3Below “Live in Mérida” Featuring Michael Manring (Jaco Pastorius), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Alonso Arreola Releases November 8, 2024

3Below features three extended range instruments played by Michael Manring (Jaco Pastorius alumni, creator of the Hyperbass), Trey Gunn (Warr Guitarist with King Crimson), Alonso Arreola (Mexican bassist, writer and poet).

Their latest release, “Live in Mérida”, was recorded on November 5, 2023 at the Palacio del La Música de Mérida in the Yucatan in Mexico. During this performance, they were joined by special guest Emmanuel Pina on the oud.

3Below began in a small but significant way when Arreola and Gunn, along with Gunn’s daughter Harper, traveled across Mali and The Dogon in West Africa in 2012. They took their baritone ukuleles with them hoping to touch base with local musicians. Mali is known for its deep musical traditions and by the third day they had found their way in: go into each small village and ask for lessons from the local master drummer or ngoni player (African string instrument). This led to a string of lessons and playing sessions with a variety of musicians from Bamako, Séguo, Mopti, Djenne and throughout the Dogon where they ended up participating in a late-night festival and jam session with the king and queen of Begnemato.

These experiences and the musical languages they learned in Mali set the groundwork for 3Below. This exploded further with bringing in bass legend Michael Manring. Manring is most known for his jaw-dropping solo performances, but he is also a brilliant ensemble player.

3Below first began with live shows in Mexico about one year after their return from Mali. Combining roots from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe, the first part of a 3Below live show is acoustic-based with Arreola and Gunn on ukulele and acoustic bass. The second half of the show is full-on electric, with the addition of solo pieces by Gunn and Manring.

Time Out Magazine calls them “Musicians with enormous talent and giant careers.”

“3Below was the triumph of the Alterna Jazz Season.” - The Chronicle on their Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral, Mexico City performance.

Credits
Alonso Arreola: Percussive Electroacoustic & Electric Basses
Trey Gunn: Warr Guitar, Baritone Ukulele
Michael Manring: Fretless Basses, Caxixi Shaker
Emmanuel Pina: Oud

Live Sound: Nelson Sánchez
Mixed by Trey Gunn at 7d Studios

Track List:
1. Relamparia (Arreola)
2. Mamadou's Mercedes (Arreola)
3. Versos (Arreola)
4. Hard Winds (Gunn)
5. Forest Floor (Gunn, Arreola)
6. Big Fungus (Manring)
7. Lake of Ice (Gunn)
8. Lake of Fire (Gunn)
9. The World Is Everything That Is The Case (Manring)
10. Monkey Businessman (Manring)
11. Culpa (Arreola)
12. Area (arr. Arreola, Pina)

Alonso Arreola - Percussive Electroacoustic & Electric Basses
Joined as time went by on a Saturday afternoon. It was Day of the Dead in Mexico City, November the 2nd. The year: 1974. There were clouds in the sky. When he could believe in something, he chose the movement that animates music and words. With seven albums to his name and as many in collaboration or as a producer, he has created and staged numerous stage projects in more than fifteen countries. He has also written thousands of articles, interviews, reviews, chronicles, poems or stories in magazines and newspapers about music, cinema or gastronomy from four continents, as well as a book about letters from his paternal grandfather (Juan José Arreola). He has done stage shows with authors such as Michel Houellebecq and Agustín Fernández Mallo. He is the author of “Relamparia,” a collection of poems, voices and entertainment published by Attica. For twenty years he has had a bass laboratory with dozens of disciples (LabA), and for twenty-five years he has had a musical column in the cultural supplement of the newspaper La Jornada. He launched the Curandera guitar alongside the Spanish artist Alejandro Sanz and the luthier Antonio Álvarez Bernal. He aspires to be a son of art and become a lightning rod. His favorite animal is the water buffalo.

Trey Gunn - Warr Guitar, Baritone Ukulele
A native Texan who resides in New Mexico, Gunn is known for the unusual 10-string touch guitar that he plays. From the blistering live recordings at the Royal Albert Hall in London with David Sylvian and Robert Fripp (“Damage”, Virgin Records) to ten years recording and touring with King Crimson – a group many contend as the most aggressively, adventurous rock band of all time – Gunn is associated with a constant stream of cutting edges projects.

In addition to the powerful performances and recordings of his groups Tu-Ner, TU, KTU, 3Below, The Security Projectand the multi-mediators Quodia, Gunn has toured and/or recorded with John Paul Jones, Brian Eno, Maynard J. Keenan’s “Puscifer”, Vernon Reid, Azam Ali, David Hykes of the Harmonic Choir and Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree.

When not on the road, Gunn continues his work scoring for tv/film, runs his own media label (7d Media) and coaches musicians in the creative process.

Michael Manring - Fretless Basses, Caxixi Shaker
Hailed by many as the world’s leading solo bassist, Michael Manring has been pushing back the boundaries of what’s possible on the bass guitar for decades. A student of bass legend Jaco Pastorius, Michael has honed his skills on hundreds of recordings and thousands of live shows around the world, working with a diverse collection of artists including the late guitar genius Michael Hedges, New Age keyboardist Suzanne Ciani, Avant-improv guitar innovator Henry Kaiser, celebrated folk troubadour John Gorka, experimental post-metal rockers Tim Alexander (Primus) and Alex Skolnick (Testament) and electro-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby. He has earned three gold records, Grammy and Bammie nominations, a Berklee School of Music Distinguished Alumni Award, two Just Plain Folks Awards and numerous Bass Player Magazine Readers’ Poll awards including 1994 Bassist of the Year. His YouTube videos have garnered millions of views displaying the expressive skills that have led The San Jose Mercury News to call him “...a virtuoso electric bassist who’s almost single-handedly re-defined the outer limits of the instrument” and The Philadelphia Inquirer to refer to him as simply “...the hottest bassist today.”

Emmanuel Pina - Oud
Biologist, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and multi-instrumentalist musician. Throughout his scientific career, he has been involved in several research projects with international publications in fields such as virology, breast cancer and the development of drugs for the treatment of lymphoma, diabetes, and parasitic diseases. As a self-taught musician, he started playing drums and guitar. Currently specializes in the study and performance of ancient string instruments such as the oud, tar, setar and baglama, as well as modern instruments such as the electric bass and the Chapman Stick. He has been part of various bands and shared the stage with several musicians, including Human, Luz de Riada, Alfonso André, Markus Reuter, and Alonso Arreola in projects such as Rosetta and LabAcústica, which eventually led to his inclusion in 3Below.

To purchase: https://3belowband.com/live/

For more information: https://3belowband.com

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

Prog Multi-Instrumentalist Tim Morse To Release New Album “Soundtracks”

Prog multi-instrumentalist Tim Morse will be releasing his eagerly awaited new album “Soundtracks” on November 12, 2024! The title of the album comes from each song being its own musical vignette or individual mini-soundtrack. Tim decided to play all of the instruments on “Soundtracks” by himself - for the first time creating a true solo album. In addition to singing all of the vocal parts, he played: keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, ebow guitar, mandolin, banjo, other stringed things, bass guitars, drums and hand percussion

Says Tim, “‘Soundtracks’ isn’t a concept album, although I’m sure you could find a theme or concept if you wished. The main thing that was important for me was to follow my muse and record music that truly moved me. Even when writing the lyrics, the words I chose were more for the emotion they evoked rather than their meaning. I decided with this project that I’d write everything from scratch, giving myself a couple of months to create the music needed for the album. There were no rules about the music itself, so Soundtracks is a diverse, eclectic mix of styles and genres. On this album you’ll find a Beatles homage (‘Blueberry Way’), instrumental electronic music (‘Cityscape’), a ballad (‘Lullaby’), and so much more. It was a blast to roll out of bed and think, ‘I feel like recording bass this morning...’ and not depend on anyone else to complete the project. It brought out a fun aspect of experimentation, especially with instruments I’d never played in the past. Lastly, I gave myself the challenge of recording/mixing/mastering the album within six months to keep the project fresh and immediate for me. Overall, I’m very pleased with ‘Soundtracks’ and feel it’s one of the best things I've ever done.”

The first single “Blueberry Way” features a stunning A.I. video created by Doug Reid (Augwolf). Says Tim, “When I wrote the music to the song ‘Blueberry Way’ I noted that the harmonic structure had a mid-sixties British pop feel and leaned into it. The original lyrics were more of a parody, and I felt they didn’t really fit and so I wrote an idealized version of childhood with the refrain ‘Blueberry Way’ being a magical, loving, idyllic place. It’s been great to see that the people who've heard it respond enthusiastically to the song and its message.”

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cuyualo8q7g

Tim Morse began his instrument instruction at a young age and started composing immediately upon picking up the guitar. He later moved onto the piano and studied as a music composition major, writing extended pieces such as a string quartet and two piano sonatas. During this time Tim performed with various rock and fusion bands and played on many recording sessions. Tim’s first album of original music was entitled “Transformation” and was released in 2005. The album was well received by the Progressive Rock community and was recognized as keeping in the tradition of seventies prog-rock yet recorded and performed with a modern edge.

His second album “Faithscience” was released in 2012 and musically it picked up where “Transformation” left off, continuing to explore the best of Progressive Rock. In addition to this release Tim became a member of the Jerry Jennings band and formed The Mangoes with Bret Bingham. The Mangoes released their debut album in 2014 and it was appreciated for its pop sensibility and quirky humor. His more recent solo releases “III” and “The Archaeology Project” were also warmly embraced by critics and fans alike.

Tim’s cover version of the classic Yes song “Awaken” has received the ultimate compliments from members of Yes – Rick Wakeman enthused, “Best YES cover I’ve heard …well done to everybody” and Jon Anderson said, “Great job with ‘Awaken’…the fact you sat around and decided to perform it is a treat…. not an easy work!” Composer/musician Adam Holzman was so impressed by this performance of it that he offered to do his own remix of the song (both versions can be found on Tim’s Youtube channel).

Watch Tim Morse/Parallels 'Awaken' cover version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay1N95FqXWM

Here’s what the press has said about Tim Morse’s previous albums:

(The Archaeology Project)

“Tim Morse has a new compilation out titled ‘The Archaeology Project’ that covers a diverse range of his work, including expansive art rock, intelligent melodic pop, ambient explorations, and elegant acoustic guitar instrumentals...This release is an ideal place to start your exploration of his material.” - Anil Prasad, Innerviews

“A well rounded retrospective and a fitting showcase for his musical inspirations and talents.” -Geoff Feakes, DPRP

“A great way to discover Tim Morse!” -Music in Belgium

“A magnificent fourteen song retrospective of Morse’s music from 2005-2020.” -Exclusive Magazine

“Classy...that speaks to both the quality and the consistency of Morse’s music. I can’t think of a better introduction to his music than this CD.” -Gary Hill, Music Street Journal

(Tim Morse III)

“There’s no doubt fans of symphonic prog will find much to enjoy. Recommended.” - Jerry Lucky, The Progressive Rock Files

“Musically, ‘III’ is enjoyable – occupying the lighter end of the Yes style spectrum.” - PROG Magazine

“Recommended for fans of melodic rock with some progressive touches.” - Jon Davis, Expose

(Faithscience)

“Tim Morse deserves to make it into the mainstream, as he surely one of the greats of the genre.” - John Bollenberg, iO Pages

“A smartly arranged, melodic-symphonic opus.” - John Collinge, Progression Magazine

“Probably the biggest surprise of the year…and highly recommended to fans of classic prog.” - Kinesis

(Transformation)

“Transformation is a work truly realized, an impressive work of creativity that grows on one even more after repeated listening.” – Andres Valle (Mellotron)

“An interesting and expansive collection of symphonic prog songs…it not only rewards repeated listening, it demands it.” – DPRP

Tim is also a published author and his book “Yesstories” has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide. His book “Classic Rock Stories” was published by the St. Martin’s Press and was featured on the Howard Stern show and VH1. He has also written for music magazines over the years including Mix, Guitar World, Keyboard and Bass Player.

Tim will be doing videos and PR to support the release of “Soundtracks.” He’s also working on a duets project that should be released in the New Year. As for live performance, that is completely up to what happens with interest/demand for shows.

In closing Tim has this to impart, “I’m always grateful when anyone takes the time to listen to my music. In this modern age of endless distractions, it is a lovely thing when someone will truly listen to music.”

Release date: November 12, 2024

“Soundtracks” is available for preorder on Bandcamp: https://timmorse.bandcamp.com/album/soundtracks
14 track album

For more information:
Tim Morse website: https://timmorse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timmorsemusic
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TimMorseProgRock

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