Monday, November 4, 2024

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

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

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

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

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

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