MUSIC OBSERVER

AL DI MEOLA

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:36:00 +0000

AL DI MEOLA

Jazz Rock/Fusion

USA

Intense, that's the best word to describe the character of the music that took hold at the outset of the 70's. Powered by stacks of amplifiers, propelled by rock backbeats, fueled with unbridled passion, and full of the spirit of jazz improvisation, this so-called fusion music coalesced into a full blown movement with the arrival of John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, Larry Coryell's Eleventh House, and Chick Corea's Return to Forever. We can feel the intensity in Di Meola's playing in his debut with Return o Forever, 1974's «Where Have I Known You Before», or their 1975 follow-up, the Grammy-winning «No Mystery». That power-house formula of dizzying speed, demanding unison lines, and rock intensity continues on the group's 1976 Columbia debut, «Romantic Warrior» and carries over to Di Meola's debut as a leader, «Land of the Midnight Sun», released the same year on Columbia. His signature sound, the ringing sustain of a Les Paul played through a Marshall stack is an integral part of al those projects. Guitar Player magazine named Di Meola «best new talent» for 1975 on the strength of his playing on «No Mystery». It awarded him «Best Jazz guitarist» for 1977 and also named his «Elegant Gypsy» «Best Guitar Lp» for that year. Al went on to dominate the Best Jazz Guitarist» category, winning five consecutive years through 1981, while also earning «Best Guitar Lp» awards in 1978 for «Casino» and in 1980 for «Splendido Hotel». With those impressive credits, Al was instantly inducted into Guitar Player's Gallery of the Greats, becoming the youngest player in the magazine's history ever accorded that honor.

At the outset of the 80's, Di Meola put his Les Paul on the shelf and turned to the acoustic guitar, touring and recorded with a superstar trio including McLaughlin and Spain's flamenco master, Paco de Lucia. He returned to his old electrified ways briefly with 1982's «Electric Rendez-vous» and its follow-up, «Tour De Force Live». In 1983, the same year he recorded the bravado studio album «Passion, Grace & Fire» with the acoustic trio, De Meola had a brief reunion tour with his old RTF mates, Corea, drummer Lenny White, and bassist Stanley Clarke. Though the tour proved that the intensity was still very much alive, no record was released of this powerhouse fusion unit, together again for the first time since the 1976 breakup.

ALBUMS:

1976 - LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / electric guitar
- Alphonse Mouzon / drums
- Jaco Pastorius / bass guitar
- Mingo Lewis / percussion
- Barry Miles / electric piano and Mini Moog

Tracks Listing

1. The Wizard (6:46)
2. Land of the Midnight Sun (9:10)
3. Sarabande from Violin Sonata in B Minor (1:20)
4. Love Theme from "Pictures of the Sea" (2:25)
5. Suite - Golden Dawn: Morning Fire/Calmer of (9:49)
6. Short Tales of the Black Forest (5:41)

Total Time: 35:11

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1978 - CASINO

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / guitars
- Anthony Jackson / bass
- Steve Gadd / drums
- Eddie Colon / percussion, timbales, Roto Toms
- Barry Miles / organ, synthesizer, piano
- Mingo Lewis / percussion, bongos, conga, keyboards

Tracks Listing

1. Egyptian Danza (5:57)
2. Chasin' the Voodoo (5:05)
3. Dark Eye Tango (5:25)
4. Señor Mouse (7:21)
5. Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars: Viva la... (5:12)
6. Casino (9:29)

Total Time: 38:29

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1980 - SPLENDIDO HOTEL

Musicians

- Al Di Meola / electric and acoustic guitars, mandocello, celeste (3), vocals and drums (8)
- David Campbell / violin (10)
- Peter Cannarozzi / Oberheim (2 & 3)
- Eddie Colon / percussion (1, 2, 3 & 5)
- Columbus Boy's Choir / vocals (10)
- Chick Corea / piano solo (2), piano (2 & 4)
- Steve Gadd / drums (3 & 9)
- Robbie Gonzalez / drums (1, 2, 5 & 6)
- Jan Hammer / Moog synth solo (5)
- Anthony Jackson / bass (2, 3, 5 & 9)
- Dennis Karmzyn / cello (10)
- Raymond Kelly / cello (10)
- Tim Landers / bass (1, 5 & 6)
- Mingo Lewis / syndrum percussion (3), syndrumbomb (5)
- Les Paul / guitar (9) (left channel)
- Phillippe Saisse / keyboards and marimba (1, 2, 3, 5 & 6), keyboards Moogbass and backing vocals (8)
- Carol Shive / viola (10)

Tracks Listing:

1. Alien Chase On Arabian Desert (8:59)
2. Silent Story In Her Eyes (7:35)
3. Roller Jubilee (4:44)
4. Two To Tango (4:13)
5. Al Di`s Dream Theme (6:50)
6. Dinner Music Of The Gods (8:33)
7. Splendido Sundance (4:51)
8. I Can Tell (4:01)
9. Spanish Eyes (5:11)
10. Isfahan (11:35)
11. Bianca`s Midnight Lullaby (1:54)

Total Time: 68:26

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1982 - ELECTRIC RENDEZVOUS

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / electric guitar
- Paco de Lucía / acoustic guitar
- Anthony Jackson / guitar
- Steve Gadd / drums
- Jan Hammer / keyboards
- Mingo Lewis / percussion, keyboards
- Philippe Saisse / keyboards

Tracks Listing

1. God-Bird-Change (3:51)
2. Electric Rendezvous (7:47)
3. Passion, Grace and Fire (5:34)
4. Cruisin' (4:16)
5. Black Cat Shuffle (3:00)
6. Ritmo de la Noche (4:17)
7. Somalia (1:40)
8. Jewel Inside a Dream (4:02)

Total Time: 34:27

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1983 - SCENARIO

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / synthesizer, guitars, flute, drums, saxophone, Tom-Tom, multi instruments, mandocello, Roland synthesizer
- Bill Bruford / drums, electric drums
- Phil Collins / drums
- Jan Hammer / organ, synthesizer, bass, piano, drums, keyboards, Fairlight, Linn drum, Moog bass, Fairlight CMI, Roland synthesizer

Tracks Listing

1. Mata Hari (6:07)
2. African Night (4:52)
3. Island Dreamer (4:07)
4. Scenario (4:00)
5. Sequencer (4:08)
6. Cachaca (5:36)
7. Hypnotic Conviction (3:52)
8. Calliope (4:20)
9. Scoundrel (3:46)

Total Time: 40:48

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1987 - TIRAMI SU

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / guitar
- Roberto Pinheiro / percussion
- DaSilva Pinto / percussion
- José Renato / vocals
- Mino Cinclu / percussion
- Carlos Pinto Dasilva / percussion
- Elizeu Felix / percussion
- Kei Akagi / keyboards
- Danny Gottlieb / drums
- Tom Brechtlein / drums
- Mino Cinelu / percussion
- Anthony Jackson / guitar (bass)
- Chip Jackson / bass
- Phil Markowitz / keyboards
- Harvie Swartz / bass

Tracks Listing:

1. Beijing Demons (6:25)
2. Arabella (7:14)
3. Smile from a Stranger (5:43)
4. Rhapsody of Fire (5:05)
5. Song to the Pharoah Kings (8:50)
6. Andonea (3:09)
7. Maraba (5:24)
8. Song With a View (6:26)
9. Tirami Su, Pt. 1 (1:18)
10. July [*] (5:21)
11. Soaring Through a Dream [*] (12:24)

Total Time: 48:45

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1988 - KISS MY AXE

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / guitar (acoustic), cymbals, andclapping, tabla, guitar (electric), guitar
- Richie Morales / drums
- Gumbi Ortiz / conga
- Tony Scherr / bass, bass (acoustic), bass (electric)
- Arto Tuncboyaciyan / percussion, bata, voices, bongos
- Gumbi Oritz / conga, bata, handclapping
- Rachel Z / synthesizer
- Anthony Jackson / bass (electric), clarinet (contrabass)
- Omar Hakim / drums
- Barry Miles / synthesizer, synclavier, handclapping, piano

Tracks Listing

1. South Bound Traveler (5:22)
2. The Embrace (5:49)
3. Kiss My Axe (5:04)
4. Morocco (7:41)
5. Gigi's Playtime Rhyme (Interlude #1) (2:36)
6. One Night Last June (8:19)
7. Phantom (7:53)
8. Erotic Interlude (Interlude #2) (2:32)
9. Global Safari (5:42)
10. Interlude #3 (1:59)
11. Purple Orchids (6:45)
12. The Prophet (Interlude #4) (1:18)
13. Oriana (September 24, 1988) (5:19)

Total Time: 65:01

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1990 - WORLD SINFONIA

Musicians

Al Di Meola - guitars, percussion
Chris Carrington - guitars
Arto Tuncboyaciyan - percussion, vocals
Gumbi Oritz - percussion, conga
Dino Saluzzi - bandoneon

Tracks Listing

1."Perpetual Emotion " (Al Di Meola) (3:30)
2."Orient Blue" (Di Meola) (2:57)
3."Tango Suite Part 1" (Astor Piazzolla) ( 8:49)
4."Tango Suite Part 3" (Piazzolla) (8:50)
5."Falling Grace" (Steve Swallow) (4:21)
6."Last Tango for Astor" (Di Meola) (6:20)
7."No Mystery" (Chick Corea) (12:37)
8."Lustrine" (Dino Saluzzi) (9:12)
9."Little Cathedral" (Di Meola, Augustin Barrios) (1:45)
10."La Cathedral" (Barrios) (4:37)

Total Time: 62:58

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1993 - HEART OF THE IMMIGRANTS

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / synthesizer, charango, synclavier, multi instruments, voices, guitar
- Hernan Romero / vocals, voices
- David Speltz / cello
- Nancy Stein / cello
- Arto Tuncboyaciyan / percussion, voices,
- Conde Hermano / guitar, charango
- Chris Carrington / guitar, contreras
- Gloria Lum / cello
- Timothy Barr / bass
- Jodi Burnett / cello
- Arni Egilsson / bass
- Barry Gold / cello
- Ron Leonard / cello
- Dino Saluzzi / bandoneon

Tracks Listing

1. Night Club 1960 (5:46)
2. Vistaero (4:36)
3. Carousel Requiem (6:18)
4. Tango II (5:35)
5. Under a Dark Moon (5:12)
6. Bordel 1900 (4:33)
7. Indigo (7:05)
8. Heru Mertar/Don't Go So Far Away (4:39)
9. Parranda (4:26)
10. Somebody My Prince Will Come (5:12)
11. Café 1930 (6:16)
12. They Love Me from Fifteen Feet Away (1:24)
13. Milonga del Angel (3:46)

Total Time: 64:48

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1994 - ORANGE AND BLUE

Musicians

- Al DiMeola / synthesizer, guitars, percussion, piano, shakuhachi, composer, cymbals, drums, koto, producer, finger snaps, cover design, crowd noise, kotolin
- Simon Shaheen / violin
- Peter Erskine / drums
- Marc Johnson / bass
- George Dalaras / vocals
- Andres Boiarsky / saxophone
- Conrad Herwig / trombone
- Steve Gadd & Manu Katche / drums
- Noa / vocals
- Gumbi Ortiz / percussion, bongos, conga
- Pino Palladino / bass, Fretless bass
- Mario Parmisano / organ, synthesizer, bass, piano, strings, keyboards, associate producer
- Mike Pinera / trumpet
- Hernan Romero / synthesizer, guitar, piano, vocals, multi instruments, bells

Tracks Listing

1. Paradisio (7:18)
2. Chilean Pipe Peace (4:51)
3. Ta'alina Chant (1:55)
4. Orange and Blue (7:31)
5. This Way Before (4:38)
6. Summer Country Song (5:29)
7. If We Meet Again, Pt. 1 (1:29)
8. If We Meet Again, Pt. 2 (5:03)
9. Cyprus `74 (3:50)
10. Theme of the Mother Ship (5:24)
11. Precious Little You (4:24)
12. Casmir (4:07)
13. On My Own (3:21)

Total Time: 59:25

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TANTALUS

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:23:00 +0000

TANTALUS

Prog Related
United Kingdom

This band is undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of today's British Symphonic Progressive. The band's roots are very diverse. From classic prog such as YES, GENESIS & FLOYD to acts like HATFIELD AND THE NORTH, WEATHER REPORT and even elements of world music & modern psychedelic dance music. I think that music is now so global that it is a great thing that we can explore and combine many influences.

The third TANTALUS album, "Lumen Et Caligo - I", is the first part of a two CD project (part II coming in 2003). According to the CD press kit, the title of this album reflects the fact that the band's compositions have expanded in their depth and variety to cover flowing, commercial, and lighter sounding material through to the most adventurous, powerful, and sometimes dark sounds that the band have ever produced.

ALBUMS:

1996 - SHORT STORIES

Musicians

- Max Hunt / keyboards, drums & percussion programming, backing vocals
- Rupert Willder / guitars, lead vocals
- Steve Meston / bass, backing vocals

Tracks Listing:

1. 23 Enigma (5:07)
2. Shot Down In Flames (5:38)
3. Light From Dark (6:22)
4. Moondance (4:56)
5. Plans (4:06)
6. City Of Dreaming Spires (4:54)
7. Wherever You Turn (4:54)
8. Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (7:45)
9. Can't Say No (4:00)

Total Time: 47:42

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STRANGEFISH

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:28:00 +0000

STRANGEFISH

Neo-Prog

United Kingdom

STRANGEFISH has been together since 1989 in various forms, mainly a live act with a steadily growing following. When Julian (bass) joined in 2000, the band gained the catalyst to steer towards a more professional approach. Between touring experience gained and the number of songs written through the years, STRANGEFISH had a rich source to draw on for the four songs-long demo that became "Reeled In". STRANGEFISH continued to develop with the support of England's Classic Rock Society.

2003 saw the debut album "Full Scale". STRANGEFISH loves making music and this dedication shows. "Full Scale" doesn't always follow the classical verse/chorus scheme, and concepts & lyrics figure equally. Long instrumental parts and vocal sections alternate regularly. Steve's voice works here like an additional instrument for which he was awarded with Best Male Vocalist in 2003 by the Classic Rock Society. The music itself is driven by keyboards, brilliant guitar & bass lines, and solid if not excellent drumming. Instead of self-indulgent solos, the listener encounters well-arranged, balanced tunes, pleasing to the ear, yet not boring. People who like GENESIS might find Strangefish appealling.

This album comes highly recommended; it's fun to listen to as even the serious songs emanate a positive vibe, reflecting the lads' attitude to take the music but not themselves too seriously.

Uschi Mitchell-Schrage, UK

ALBUMS:

2006 - FORTUNE TELLING

Musicians

- Steve Taylor / vocals
- Paul O'Neil / keyboards
- Julian Gregory / bass, violins, mandolin, viola
- Bob / guitars
- Dave Whittaker / drums & percussion

Tracks Listing

1. Happy as I am (8:48)
2. It could be me (7:02)
3. Random (5:04)
4. 360° (1:18)
5. Keep the exits clear (6:32)
6. Have you seen the light? (5:51)
7. Lightswitch (0:37)
8. Ignorance of bliss (8:28)
9. Reflection
1) Reflection (3:02)
2) This is Me - Part I (4:00)
10. This is Me - Part II (6:35)
11. Lighthouse Jig (Bonus - Instrumental) (7:38)

Total Time: 64:55

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SLAVIOR

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:12:00 +0000

SLAVIOR

Progressive/Alternative Metal

USA

SLAVIOR...After departing from FATES WARNING, Mark Zonder, along with the talents of Wayne Findlay (M.S.G./Vinnie Moore) Gregg Analla (Seventh Sign/Tribe of Gypsies), and Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai/ Ring of Fire), have formed a brilliant modern heavy rock act. “I am very proud of my work for the past 14 years with Fates Warning…” Mark said in a recent interview, and continues: “However, this is something very different, the new SLAVIOR album will speak for itself and have its own identity...”

Indeed, the album reveals a powerful band of strong musicianship with tasteful melodic songs. The self titled debut album "SLAVIOR" , had Joe Marlett (Bruce Dickinson, Korn, Steve Vai, Foo Fighters, Probot, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Brian May and others) taking care of the engineering and the final mix.

The highly acclaimed debut SLAVIOR CD has just been released worldwide on InsideOut Music. It has already hit stores in Europe and North America.

ALBUMS:

2007 - SLAVIOR

Members:

MARK ZONDER- Drums/ Percussion
WAYNE FINDLAY - Guitars/ Keyboards
GREGG ANALLA - Vocals
PHILIP BYNOE - Bass

Tracklist:

1. Origin 3:54
2. Shatter 4:40
3. Swept Away 5:07
4. Altar4:48
5. Another Planet 4:57
6. Deeper 4:22
7. Dove 5:02
8. Slavior 5:37
9. Give It Up 4:46
10. Red Road 8:49

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SOLAR ARCHITECT

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:35:00 +0000

SOLAR ARCHITECT

Heavy Prog
Canada

SOLAR ARCHITECT is a young progressive rock band from Ottawa, Canada, formed in January 2004. From the beginning the band was a trio, like masters Rush from where they take some of their influences (among others as YES or LED ZEPPELIN). Members include Rob NIMAN on bass; Frank MADORE on Drums; and Don FOURNIER's guitar, with special guest on keyboards and CD art, Kelly DODD. Their first release 'Ocean Depths' was in 2006, and was followed by the stunning 'Wrath of Nature'.

From slower-paced moments to more up tempo passages, SOLAR ARCHITECT is definitely a winner in this genre, the production and arrangements first rate and the cover art for 'Wrath of Nature' is superb and complex thanks to Kelly DODD's skills. The spirit of modern progressive music - taking an already established musical idea and creating something that is unique - is precisely what Solar Architect have done.

by b_olariu (Bogdan Olariu)

ALBUMS:

2010 - WRATH OF NATURE

Musicians:

- Don Fournier / guitars
- Rob Niman / bass
- Frank Madore / drums

Tracks Listing

1. The Land of Angry Mushrooms (4:57)
2. Glaciers (7:45)
3. Claustrophobia (5:43)
4. Ripple Effect (5:53)
5. Blackfly (4:54)
6. Ozone (3:59)
7. The Tempest (19:30)

Total Time: 52:41

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TRAFFIC SOUND

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:41:00 +0000

TRAFFIC SOUND

Psychedelic/Space Rock

Peru

As I mentioned on another biography, in 1968 started a very turbulent decade in Perú, the democratic Government was interrupted by a Military Ultra Nationalist Dictator, who clearly stated that Rock was a dangerous Yankee influence against our ancestral inheritance and for that reason considered a poison.

Most radio stations were in hands of friends of the Government that captured all the media and Rock stations were harassed, I don't pretend to give a lecture on Peruvian contemporary history, but I believe it's important to describe all what this guys had to live while creating great music.

One year before the Revolution (Pompous name for a simple uprising of the militarism), in 1967, the brothers José and Freddy Rizo Patrón (Lead and rhythm guitar) left their former band "LOS HANG TENS" along with the vocalist and ex-classmate Manuel Sanguinetti with whom they decided to create a professional Rock band.

Their first dream was to become the most influential Peruvian Rock band and if possible make a contract in USA to gain international fame, but they alone weren't enough for that task.

Manuel who had some relations with another Psychedelic band (LOS MADS), recruits the very talented Jan Pierre Magnet (Saxophone and winds), and Willy Thorne (Bass, Keyboards). Thorne by his side calls two friends Willy Barclay (Lead Guitar) and Luis Nevares on drums.

I honestly don't know what happened with José Rizo Patrón because there's no mention of him leaving the band but he's not credited in any album.

TRAFFIC SOUND was officially born, the legend says that the name was chosen not in reference to a TRAFFIC influence as many people believe, but because they had a Traffic Light in the attic of the Rizo Patron's house where they used to practice (A souvenir from a savage night in Lima).

After a year of continue rehearsals and private shows they tried luck at The Tiffany (Peruvian psychedelic emporium equivalent to The Cavern) with great success, after three singles in 1968 Mag Records gives them the chance to release their first album "A Bailar Go Go" (not properly an LP but a 21 minutes EP) made with covers from HENDRIX, CREAM and others, but with a special Latin touch and sung in perfect English by Manuel Sanguinetti (Most, if not all the members had very solid English studies since kids, so the accent was not problem) All this made the EP worth to be bought and has become a collector's item..

Despite the terrible name (Let's Dance Go Go, being Go Go the cheesiest form of POP back in the 60's on the Peruvian scenario), the EP was well received by the critics, and by the people more interested in the innovative Psychedelia rather than in softer POP.

Their second album and the one that catapulted them to a legendary status was "Virgin" (1969) especially for the absolute icon of Peruvian Psychedelia "Meshcalina", all the material is original even when still heavily influenced by bands as THE BEATLES, PINK FLOYD, THE DOORS, LED ZEPPELIN and others, but again, but is also important to state that they are not clones because managed to work this influence with an absolutely peculiar and acoustic approach, probably the most searched collector's item of this era (I have one without cover).

In 1970 they recorded another LP named "Traffic Sound" aka. III aka. "Tibet's Suzettes", IMO their most mature album where they blend the Psychedelic spirit with an Andean folk sound, and give the necessary step to be closer than ecver to Progressive Rock.

The next year is very important for TRAFFIC SOUND, because an Airline (Believe it was Braniff) organizes the first South American Tour of a Peruvian band, being well received in exigent markets as Argentina and Brazil, who were already used to have good Rock bands.

At the return of the tour they change to a bigger label called Sono Radio where they release four singles in two 45 Rpm discs, at this point Willy Thorne left the band and is replaced by Zulu in the electric bass, with whom they release their last LP "Lux", incredibly during a massive strike of Sono Radio workers the master tapes disappear until 1996.

This album is different to the previous, the Andean influence is more evident and some political concerns are expressed by TRAFFIC SOUND, which of course almost nobody could listen until the 90's.

It was the beginning of the end, but still the greatest extravaganza was missing, in 1971 they gave their most memorable concert in the Segura Theater with Jaime Delgado Aparicio and the Contemporary Orchestra, the climax of this event (sadly never filmed or recorded) was the 30 + minutes version of Mr. Skin, something that will remain for ever in the memory of those who were lucky enough to be there.

From that point, the band members decided to follow their lives (Most people couldn't live of music in Perú on those years) except Jean Pierre Magnet who became a worldwide famous sax player.

But there was still a chance for some of us to see them, in the year 1993 they gathered for a concert in a local at the beach which I was lucky enough to see, not their best performance according to an older guy sitting at my side and smoking joints as if he was 15 again, but still great for those of us who never had the chance to see TRAFFIC SOUND on their glorious days.

Iván Melgar Morey, Perú

ALBUMS:

1971 - LUX

Musicians

- Manuel Sanguinetti / vocals, percussion, chorus
- Willy Barclay / lead guitar, chorus
- Freddy Rizo Patrón / rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, chorus
- Zulu / bass, keyboard, chorus
- Luis Nevares / drums, perccussion
- Jean Pierre Magnet / flute, Tenor saxophone, quena

Tracks Listing

1. Lux (3:00)
2. El Gusano (Alice in wormland) (4:02)
3. White Deal (1:45)
4. Poco (1:00)
5. Big Deal (1:11)
6. Inca Snow (5:26)
7. Marabunta (10:12)
8. Survival (2:27)
9. A Beautiful Day (2:40)
10. The Revolution (4:26)

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THE LOAD

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:31:00 +0000

THE LOAD

Symphonic Prog

United States

This powerful Columbus, Ohio trio was formed in 1973 by bassist/guitarist Dave Hessler (OSIRIS, THE DANGER BROTHERS) and brothers Sterling (keyboards) and Tommy (drums) Smith. In time, Hessler built himself a double-neck guitar with a bass on the bottom and six strings on top, while Sterling acquired a Minimoog synth, allowing him to switch from bass to synth. Doing mostly American prog with classical influences, they gigged locally for a couple of years and became part owners of Owl Studios and Owl Records, allowing them to record their first LP at their own pace in 1976, "Praise the Load". Their second effort, "Load Have Mercy", recorded a year later, was quickly shelved and wasn't to be released until it appeared on CD in 1996. They then relocated to Los Angeles, spent the next two years working as session musicians (mostly with The BEACH BOYS) and by 1979, they called it quits and returned to their native Ohio.

"Praise the Load" offers a mix of conventional rock numbers with classical influences, featuring nicely crafted keyboard parts and complex themes in the tradition of KING CRIMSON, YES, ELP and REFUGEE. After 18 months of carefully remixing multi-track tapes of new material, the superior "Load Have Mercy" came out, a much more personal album showing less of their influences. Also classically inspired, it contains lots of dynamic interplay between the trio; Tommy Smith, in particular, is a percussive powerhouse while Hessler treats the listener to some aggressive, earbending solos.

Their second album in particular is a true sonic workout for any sound system and is highly recommended, especially if you're into classic ELP, REFUGEE, THE NICE or TRACE.

Lise (HIBOU), CANADA

ALBUMS:

1976 - PRAISE THE LOAD

Musicians:
- Sterling Smith / keyboards
- Dave Hessler / guitar, bass
- Tommy Smith / drums, percussion

Tracks Listing

1. Fandango
2. Flyaway
3. Brandenburg #3
4. Dave's 'A' Song
5. The Betrayal
6. The William Tell Overture
7. Sit Down (bonus track)
8. She Calls My Name

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SANTANA

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:14:00 +0000

SANTANA

Jazz Rock/Fusion

USA

Best known the world over for the group that bears his name, Carlos Santana has been reinventing and reshaping the landscape of the known universe's musical culture for close to four decades. A visionary artist with no regards for genre boundaries, Carlos' fluid sound long ago laid claim to the concept of "world music" before the term ever surfaced on pop culture radar. Having evolved and expanded for over four decades, the "Carlos" sound could well be on its way to becoming interplanetary music.

Born in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico-where there's now a street and public square in his name--to the son of a virtuoso Mariachi violinist, Carlos followed in his father's musical footsteps, taking up the violin at the age of five. It was when his family moved to Tijuana several years later, however, that Santana began his lifelong relationship with the instrument that would make him a musical icon--the guitar.
In 1961, Carlos made the border crossing moving from his native Mexico to San Francisco. A few years later, he formed the Santana Blues Band there, and the cool, soulful riffs and rhythms of his Latin-blues based sound found an audience eager for his innovative musical ideas. Carlos and company emerged as giants of the era-defining Bay Area music scene of the late '60s, and their fame grew far beyond its parameters while their artistry remained true to its free-flying spirit.

Massive success quickly followed. By the end of the decade, Carlos had played to packed houses on a cross-country tour, performed on the venerable Ed Sullivan Show, and made an indelible global mark with Santana's legendary, crowd-detonating performance at the original Woodstock festival in 1969.

He has not slowed down since: On a roll from his Woodstock performance his debut album shot up the chart bringing in a high-power fusion of rock and Latin beats. The next two albums duplicate the formula every time increasing his profile and winning over fans. With Caravanserai, the group changed directions developing a stunning jazz-rock and the album remains one of the textbook case of fusion music. This prompted Carlos Santana to start a solo career with collaborations with Buddy Miles, John Mc Laughlin (the superb Love, Devotion, Surrender) and Alice Coltrane (the no-less superb Illuminations), while his group was still releasing strong albums like Welcome, Borboletta. By the Mid-70's Santana was cruising effortlessly with a string of albums that were easily identified by the public: Moonflower, Amigos each provided huge hits while developing sophisticated fusion music. By the end of the decade however, and the numerous personnel changes, the group started losing a bit of focus.
Commercial success came back with singer Alex Ligterwood (ex-Brian Auger's Oblivion Express) being hired for the Marathon album. The 80's provided Santana many successful moments, but by the end of the decades his fortunes were again decreasing. Through certain collaborations, he remained in the spotlight and became a hero when appearing on John Lee Hooker's The Healer album. Carlos and his group cruised the 90's without much worries and his latest albums have been selling millions worldwide. But by this time, his music is much less interesting to progheads.

ALBUMS:

1992-08-28.Concord (LIVE)

Tracklist:

01 - Bill Graham-Peace On Earth (6:48)

02 - Somewhere In Heaven (10:50)

03 - Why Can't We Live Together (6:07)

04 - Life Is For Living (4:37)

05 - Savor-Karl Perazzo-Raul Rekow (15:45)

06 - Wings Of Grace (3:45)

07 - Black Magic Woman-Gypsy Queen (9:55)

08 - Oye Como Va (5:09)

09 - Jam wt Phish and Marcia Miget (11:49)

10 - Aqua Marine (9:40)

11 - Angels All Around Us-Spirits Dancing In The Flesh (7:28)

12 - Make Somebody Happy Meddley (15:07)

13 - Toussaint L'Overture (6:44)

14 - Soul Sacrifice-A Love Supreme-Aranjuez (28:10)

15 - Europa (6:14)

16 - Jingo-Band Introduction (12:36)

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MAGUS (THE WINTER TREE)

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:31:00 +0000

MAGUS (THE WINTER TREE)

Neo-Prog

United States

MAGUS is something of an alchemist, fusing atmospheric soundscapes with progressive rock. Essentially a vehicle for guitarist/vocalist Andrew Robinson, the band's '90s output included drummer Steve Perkins and keyboardist Rue Yamauchi on the releases "Magus," "Traveller" and "Highway 375" (the latter featured songs based on Frank Herbert's Dune series, which had earlier inspired KLAUS SCHULZE). Following 2001's "The Green Earth" (which was augmented by flute and violin), Robinson emerged with a new set of collaborators on the concept album "The Garden." Often likened to PORCUPINE TREE, the music of MAGUS has cast its spell on listeners who like a little space in their progressive rock.

ALBUMS:

2011 - THE WINTER TREE (AS WINTER TREE)

Musicians:

- Andrew Laitres / multi-instrumentalist
- Mark Bond / vocals, guitar
- Deb Bond / keyboards

Tracks Listing

1. Voices from a Lost Age
2. Babylon
3. Guardian Angel
4. Fading Shadows
5. In May
6. Now That You've Flown
7. A Twilight in Middle March
8. The Other
9. The Three Hills
10. Stranger
11. The Adventures of Prince Caspian
Part I - Under a Narnian Sea
Part II - To The End of the World
Part III - Voyage of the Dawn Treader

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HEXATONICA

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:49:00 +0000

HEXATONICA

Progressive Metal

Argentina

HEXATONICA is a progressive-metal band formed in La Plata, Argentina, in 2002.

HEXATÓNICA is one of the most relevant prog metal bands hailing from Argentina. The band sounds very modern, indeed, clearly bearing influences from DREAM THEATER, LTE and SYMPHONY X in its nucleus. Yet, there is also a rich integration with the most genuine tradition of progressive rock (ELP, YES, KING CRIMSON), plus some additional touches of neo prog (a-la ARENA). Of all five original members, three had years of musical studies, so the use of complex ideas in compositions and arrangements was a very manageable task for the band since its early stages. Their first original pieces - among them, 'Loco 1' and 'Pintor Dadah' - were a surprise even for the HEXATÓNICA guys themselves: confidence promptly motivated the writing of new material. During these seminal times, the band had a lead singer on board, but after he left, the remaining former members decided to move on as an instrumental combo.

In 2004, HEXATÓNICA was summoned to perform at the Centro Cultural Carlos Gardel, at an event organized by the city council of Buenos Aires. That same year and the following one, it operated as the support band for Ritchie KOTZEN. Meanwhile, line-up changes occurred for the bassist's role until the arrival of Sergio TOPHAM in 2004. November 2005 saw the debut release of HEXATÓNICA, the live album "En Vivo". The official presentation concert took place at the Golden Hall of La Plata's Council on December, a very rare occasion for a gig that preferentially arranges chamber music concerts. August 2006 was the time for the release of "Formas", the proper studio debut album, the recording of which took the entire first half of that year. By then, the band had also recorded a version of 'Hell's Kitchen' for a DREAM THEATER tribute double CD compiled by a host of Argentinean rock bands. In February 2007, guitarist Julián DI PIETRO and keyboardist Jorge OBEAGA left HEXATÓNICA: their respective replacements were Abel VALENTE and Diego YANIVELLO. Before the end of the year, Leónidas PORTO also quit, being replaced by Tomás TREBEC.

HEXATÓNICA albums are especially recommended to lovers of prog-metal, as well as those symphonic prog lovers who don't mind to lend their ears to the prog-metal trend once in a while.

(Thanks to Cesar Inca for the artist's information.)

ALBUMS:

2006 - FORMAS

Musicians

- Leónidas Porto / guitars
- Julián di Pietro / guitars
- Sergio Topham / bass
- Jorge Obeaga / keyboards
- Juan Gasco / drums

Tracks Listing:

1. Pintor Dadah (10:30)
2. Loco 1 (7:35)
3. Klinophrén (5:17)
4. Tregua (4:38)
5. Período (8:19)
6. Sos de Gualeguay (4:24)
7. Doble Fractura Expuesta Con Picardía (7:46)
8. Yeseano (12:36)
9. Cartones (8:33)
10. Arutrebo (3:42)

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(flac)

MORPHINE

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:43:00 +0000

MORPHINE

Alternative rock

Experimental rock

USA

Morphine was an American alternative rock group formed by Mark Sandman and Dana Colley in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1989. They disbanded in 1999 after frontman Sandman died of a heart attack.

Morphine combined blues and jazz elements with more traditional rock arrangements, giving the band a very unusual sound. Sandman's distinctive singing was described as a "deep, laid-back croon" and his songwriting featured a prominent beat influence. When asked by reporters to describe their music, the band created the label "low rock". One critical appraisal suggests that "Morphine immediately established a minimalist, low-end sound that could have easily become a gimmick: a 'power trio' not built around the sound of an electric guitar. Instead, with sly intelligence, Morphine expanded its offbeat vocabulary on each album."

Although Morphine was critically lauded throughout their career, it is difficult to measure their success commercially. In the United States the band was embraced and promoted by the indie rock community, including public and college radio stations and MTV's 120 Minutes (which the band once guest-hosted), but received little support from commercial rock radio and other music television programs. This limited their mainstream exposure and success in their home country, while internationally they enjoyed mainstream success and support, especially inBelgium, Portugal, France and Australia.

ALBUMS:

1992 - GOOD

Members:

Mark Sandman - 2-string slide bass, vocals, organ, guitar, tritar
Dana Colley - baritone sax, tenor sax, double sax, triangle
Jerome Dupree - percussion
Billy Conway - percussion (tracks 5 & 6)

Tracklist:

"Good" - 2:36
"The Saddest Song" - 2:50
"Claire" - 3:07
"Have A Lucky Day" - 3:24
"You Speak My Language" - 3:25
"You Look Like Rain" - 3:42
"Do Not Go Quietly Unto Your Grave" - 3:21
"Lisa" (Dana Colley) - 0:43
"The Only One" - 2:42
"Test-Tube Baby/Shoot'm Down" - 3:11
"The Other Side" (Sandman, Colley) - 3:50
"I Know You (Part I)" - 2:17
"I Know You (Part II)" - 2:45

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1995 - YES

Tracklisting:

"Honey White" – 3:06
"Scratch" – 3:13
"Radar" – 3:28
"Whisper" – 3:28
"Yes" – 2:00
"All Your Way" – 3:04
"Super Sex" – 3:53
"I Had My Chance" – 3:05
"The Jury" (Sandman, Swart) – 2:07
"Sharks" – 2:22
"Free Love" – 4:14
"Gone for Good" – 2:52

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1997 - Like Swimming

"Lilah" – 0:59
"Potion" – 2:00
"I Know You (Pt. III)" – 3:31
"Early To Bed" – 2:57
"Wishing Well" – 3:32
"Like Swimming" – 4:00
"Murder For The Money" – 3:34
"French Fries with Pepper" – 2:53
"Empty Box" – 3:54
"Eleven O'Clock" – 3:19
"Hanging On A Curtain" – 3:48
"Swing It Low" – 3:16

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1997 - B-Sides and Otherwise

Track listing:

"Have a Lucky Day"
"All Wrong"
"I Know You-Part Two"
"Bo's Veranda"
"Mile High"
"Shame"
"Down Love's Tributaries"
"Kerouac"
"Pulled Over the Car"
"Sundayafternoonweightlessness"
"Mail"
"My Brain"
"Virgin Bride"

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ZERO HOUR

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:29:00 +0000

ZERO HOUR

Progressive Metal

United States

A young progressive metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, ZERO HOUR is largely the product of two brothers: Jasun Tipton (guitars) and Troy Tipton (bass). Drummer Mike "Mikey" Guy joined early on, but the band went through a number of singers and keyboardists in their early days. Finally the band discovered computer programmer Eric Rosvold, whose powerful voice and commanding technique was a perfect match for ZERO HOUR's powerful, dark, and complex progressive metal.

Their debut CD was recorded in 1997, despite losing a keyboardist to carpel-tunnel syndrome. Session players Matt Guillory (DALI'S DILEMMA) and Phillip Bennett (ENCHANT) were brought in to do keys on the debut, which featured progressive metal easily recognizable to the DREAM THEATER/FATES WARNING fans. Despite the familiarity, ZERO HOUR made themselves stand out with top notch writing and performances, including an epic suite that truly showed of Erik Rosvold's strong vocal talent, reminding of both Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN) for power and Maynard Keenan (TOOL) for intensity. The debut was released independently and sold so well that the band was out of copies and had to re-press it a few times. The band also placed the album on their website to strengthen their exposure, and sold many copies of their debut CD this way.

Years of shopping their debut CD to labels had made the band very angry with the music scene, and that anger led to the writing of material for a second album. Once again self-financed and produced by the band's friend Dino Alden, "The Towers of Avarice" was optioned by the new Sensory label (an offshoot of The Laser's Edge) for publishing worldwide in 2001. The new album showed a large change from the band's excellent but somewhat generic debut: a far darker, heavier edge, with little to no keyboards, supported a concept album about people fighting against oppression in a dystopian future ruled by an oligarchy. The music is heavy and quite complex, though repetition is an issue at times. Still, the album as a whole works wonderfully, producing an oppressive, powerful atmosphere that eventually gives way to relief as victory is achieved... at considerable cost.

After the band's success with "Towers," Sensory helped them re-release their debut in the form of the 2003 "Metamorphosis," which adds a few demo tracks and alternate version as well as a remastering of the original album. Since then ZERO HOUR has been working on and recording new material for a third album, predicted to debut in early 2005.

"The Towers of Avarice" is strongly recommended for fans of very complex progressive music who can tolerate very heavy guitar work.

Matthew Harper, USA

ALBUMS:

2001 - THE TOWERS OF AVARICE

Musicians:

- Mike Guy / drums, percussion
- Erik Rosvold / lead vocals
- Jasun Tipton / guitars
- Troy Tipton / bass

Tracks Listing:

1. The towers of avarice (7:52)
2. The subterranean (4:11)
3. Stratagem (8:06)
4. Reflections (3:56)
5. Demise and vestige (15:47)
6. The ghosts of dawn (5:30)

Total Time: 45:22

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SADE

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:40:00 +0000

SADE

VERY RARE ALBUM

1984 - A LOVE AFFAIR WITH LIFE
LIVE IN MONTREUX 13.07.1984

01 - Why Can't We Live Together
02 - Your Love Is King
03 - Hang On To Your Love
04 - Sally
05 - When Am I Going To Make A Living
06 - I Will Be Your Friend
07 - Cherry Pie
08 - Frankie's First Affair
09 - Smooth Operator
10 - Love Affair With Life

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2011 - THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

CD1

Your Love Is King
Smooth Operator
Hang On To Your Love
The Sweetest Taboo
Is It A Crime
Never As Good As The First Time
Jezebel
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Paradise
Nothing Can Come Between Us
No Ordinary Love
Kiss Of Life
Feel No Pain
Bulletproof Soul

CD2

Cherish The Day
Pearls
By Your Side
Immigrant
Flow
King Of Sorrow
The Sweetest Gift
Soldier Of Love
The Moon And The Sky
Babyfather
Still In Love With You
Love Is Found
I Would Never Have Guessed
The Moon And The Sky (Remix Featuring Jay-Z)
By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)

Look!!(flac)

'B-SIDES / UNRELEASED (1983-1992)

1. Keep On Hanging On
2. Killer Blow
3. Love Affair With Life
4. Make Some Room
5. Paradise (Instrumental)
6. Room 55
7. Should I Love You
8. Snake Bite (Red Eye)
9. Spirit
10. Super Bien Total
11. Wired

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PINEAPPLE THIEF

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:48:00 +0000

PINEAPPLE THIEF

Crossover Prog

United Kingdom

The guitarist of VULGAR UNICORN starts his solo career with this band, which is inspired as much by PORCUPINE TREE as by his old group. PINEAPPLE THIEF has a mix of prog with some space rock. Balance, beauty, and modernity are all to be found in the plush sounds of PINEAPPLE THIEF ... great melodies, songs and plenty of atmospheres. This band will appeal to fans of RADIOHEAD, but other occasional influences show through that are less obvious but apparent (PINK FLOYD, U2, OZRICS and KING CRIMSON).

With their second release, PINEAPPLE THIEF (PTh for short) have reached a state of grace with their frenzy guitar drawings and acoustic sets, using Mellotron to the better effect without ever sounding retro. Indeed, and more than with the two previous albums from PINEAPPLE THIEF, "Variations on a Dream" is brimming over with its creator's talent and is impressive with its incredible commercial potential. Thus, PTh has elaborated a "double layer album", in which the prog fan will enjoy the fine-tuned production and the arrangements, while the pop rock lovers will be delighted with accessible and addictive songs. This is the type of CD that one plays over again as soon as it ends. A little miracle of balance, and a place in my Top 5 for 2003.

Highly Recommended..!

ALBUMS:

2008 - TIGHTLY UNWOUND

Musicians:

- Bruce Soord / vocals, guitar
- Wayne Higgins / guitar
- Steve Kitch / keyboards
- Jon Sykes / bass
- Keith Harrison / drums

Tracks Listing:

1. My Debt to You (5:19)
2. Shoot First (4:12)
3. Sinners (4:52)
4. The Sorry State (4:11)
5. Tightly Wound (6:35)
6. My Bleeding Hand (4:20)
7. Different World (10:44)
8. And So Say All Of You (4:05)
9. Too Much To Loose (15:12)

Total Time: 59:30

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THE MIRACLE

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:18:00 +0000

THE MIRACLE

Progressive Metal

Indonesia

The embryo of this band was a cover band named as "X-Part" in 1998 when they played classic rock music. They made an effort to change their music direction into progressive rock vein and won some festivals in Indonesia. They disbanded in 2000 because some members of the band continued studying overseas.

Four years later, Reza who was the drummer for "X-Part" during classic rock era of the band invited Faisal (guitars) to reform "X-Part" with a new concept being a Dream Theater cover band and changed their name to "The Miracle" (Well, I believe it's inspired by Dream Theater's song) . I personally saw them playing a gig at local Barbados Café at Kemang, Jakarta, Indonesia, sometime in 2004, I think. I was stunned watching them covering long tracks of Dream Theater almost flawlessly. It's truly awesome. I could not believe a local band could ever cover complicated and fast speed music of Dream Theater excellently.

Having seen their virtuosity in playing progressive metal music, the rock community (i-Rock!) where I get involved with, made an attempt to present a Dream Theater Nite at a café in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia on April 13, 2007 with The Miracle as headliner. Again, I was satisfied with the performance of the band. The crowd was crazy during the gig - they sung along as the band played Dream Theater songs and also they did head-banging all night long 'til dawn! What a fabulous show! What made the event memorable was the fact that there were many crowd who came from Jakarta (110 miles away from Bandung) for the show only! (and I was one of them). By that time they had new line-up: Chemmy (vox), Reza (drums), Vedy (bass), Faisal (guitar) and Yessi (keyboard).

Another gig was performed by The Miracle during the 1st Anniversary of i-Rock!, August 17, 2007 as part of "One Loud Nite" event at Mario's Place, Jakarta, Indonesia. The Miracle appeared as headliner out of four bands who contributed in the anniversary party. Again, they made the crowd crazy. It was a successful concert with crazy crowd. And I know since then that the band played in various events which I could not attend.

What surprised me was: in relatively short period (less than 6 months) I was informed that the band was recording their own album with their own material. JRENG! What a great news for me as prog lover. So I was curious about the new album. Yeah! Their debut album is called "The M" which has significant influence from Dream Theater but they have their own identity that is worth enjoying. The album is released under Quadrann label, produced by Fadhil Indra (keyboard player of Indonesian well known prog band - Discus) and co-produced by Yessi Kristianto & The Miracle, with Manarissan as Executive Producer. Recommended!

ALBUMS:

2008 - TheM

Musicians:

- Faisal / guitars
- Reza / drums
- Yessi / keyboards
- Chemmy / vocals
- Vedy / bass

Additional & guest performances:
- Santi & Nita / women's choirs on 8
- Fadhild Indra / Choir composition, score & virtual orchestration (8), co-arranger (9)

Tracks Listing:

1. Chapter One : Mawarhitam (7:03)
2. Chapter Two : Bebas (4:12)
3. Chapter Three : Bertemu (7:10)
4. Chapter Four : Matahari (6:36)
5. Chapter Five : Dosa (6:16)
6. Chapter Six : Pergi (3:32)
7. Chapter Seven : Kembali (5:36)
8. Chapter Eight : Selesai (6:48)
9. For Their Reprise : Bertemu (2:22)

Total Time: 48:12

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THE D PROJECT

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:37:00 +0000

THE D PROJECT

Neo-Prog

Canada

Better known as founder and leader of the progressive Canadian band "Sense", Stephane Desbiens makes no compromises on Shimmering lights, offering us an exceptional and unconventional musical experience. Calling on its various influences, from blues, hard rock to jazz and classical music, this amazing guitarist makes no excuses as he proposes a very personal and alternative view of progressive rock music.

Tomas Bodin from Flower Kings, Martin Orford from IQ and Fred Schendel from Glass Hammer have all contributed to this very special project

Two years after the "Shimmering Lights" album, a new D Project is in the making. In "The Sagarmatha Dilemma", STÉPHANE DESBIENS explores new musical horizons as he interprets the EVEREST EXPERIENCE in his own special way. Once again, he calls upon author and producer FRANCIS FOY to put words on his inspired music. Special guests such as DEREK SHERINIAN (ex DREAM THEATER), STU NICHOLSON (GALAHAD), BRETT KULL (ECHOLYN), and JOHN GREEN (SINGULARITY).

ALBUMS:

2006 - SHIMMERING LIGHTS

Musicians:

- Stephane Desbiens / vocal, acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, mellotron

Guest musicians:
- Mathieu Gosselin / bass, stick
- Danny Robertson / drums
- Sandra Poulin / violin
- Alyssar back / vocals
- Francis Foy / back vocal on "Hide from the sun"
- Tomas Bodin / mellotron, Taurus and Fender Rhodes keyboards, solos
- Martin Orford / Moog Voyager synthesizer
- Fred Schendel / Mini Moog, Nord Electro keyboards through a ring modulator, Leslie simulator

Tracks Listing:

1. Shimmering lights (8:54)
2. They come and grow (6:23)
3. Hide from the sun (8:00)
4. What is done is done (Rat) (3:32)
5. End of the recess (3:55)
6. September solitude (10:08)
7. That's life (7:39)

Total Time: 48:31

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2008 - THE SAGARMATHA DILEMMA

Musicians:

- Stephane Desbiens / vocals, guitars, keyboards
- Mathieu Gosselin / bass, Chapman Stick, backing vocals
- Jean Gosselin / drums
- Sandra Poulin / violins
- Alissar / backing vocals
- Francis Delisle / cello
- Francis Foy / backing vocals

Guest musicians:
- Stu Nicholson / vocal (2)
- Brett Kull / guitar solo (2)
- Derek Sherinian / keyboard (6)
- John Green / vocal & keyboard

Tracks Listing:

1. Closer To My Soul / Closer To Heaven
2. The Sagarmatha Dilemma
3. The Red Mountain
4. Thin Air
5. Even If I Was Wrong
6. Radio Sherpa
7. I"m Coming Down (I Shall Go Back)

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SUNCHILD

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:15:00 +0000

SUNCHILD

Crossover Prog

Ukraine

SUNCHILD is yet another prog project from talented and prolific Ukrainian musician Antony KALUGIN. KALUGIN currently records under three band names, KARFAGEN, HOGGWASH and SUNCHILD. Under the SUNCHILD name, he brought together a plethora of other Ukranian musicians to supplement his impressive keyboard and writing talents. The music is an all out prog feast with many varied tempos and loads of keyboards washing over everything. A wide array of horns and woodwinds are used to great extent as well. KALUGIN does the bulk of the singing (in English) with perhaps a slight accent. He also brings in guest vocalists, both male and female to add even more dimensions to the proceedings. The debut album is a double that features three songs over 16 minutes.

KALUGIN is young (born 1981) but his already wide experience as a professional musician has propelled him to a high place among young artists recording prog today.

ALBUMS:

2009 - THE INVISIBLE LINE

Musicians:
Antony Kalugin - keys, vocs, tamb, shaker, rainstick, triangles
Sergey Balalaev - drums, percussion, tamb.
Kostya lonenko - el. bass, ac. fretless bass
Alexey Khorolskiy - el. guitar
Bogdan Gembik - el. guitars
Artem Vasylchenko - tenor sax
Dmitriy Bondarev - trumpet, flugel horn
Yulya Bilchuk - bandura (ukr. trad, instr.)
Helen Bour - oboe
Alexander Pastuchov - basson
Olya Kaganyuk - voc, back voc, choir voc.
Sergey Kovalev - bayan, voc.
Roman Gorelov - ac & el. guitar
Victoria Partincho - shakers, back voc.
Lesya Kofanova - penny flute

Tracks Listing:

1. Postcards from the past (pt1) (1:40)
2. The invisible line (pt1) (6:22)
3. Raindrops (6:29)
4. Amalgama (5:08)
5. A moment in time (5:13)
6. Time & the tide (11:20)
7. Fading light (3:31)
8. Recolections (1:33)
9. Line in the sand (14:36)
10. Postcards from the past (pt2) (5:20)
11. The invisible line (pt2) (8:21)

Total Time 69:33

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NEMRUD

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:37:00 +0000

NEMRUD

Psychedelic/Space Rock

Turkey

NEMRUD has its roots in Istanbul/Turkey and was founded in 2008 by Mert Göçay (guitar), Harun Sönmez (percussion), Aycan Sari (bass), Alpaslan Altun and Adil Giyici. None of them were professionally engaged in the music business. The band underwent several lineup changes furthermore passing through weekly studio tests which eventually ended up with a conceptual progressive rock album.

Guest musicians joined, Dogaç Titiz, winner of 2008 Drum Contest, Hakan Süersan (bass, fretless bass) and Mert Topel for the whole keyboard additions. The recordings were fully completed in November 2009 and 'Journey Of The Shaman' was finally released in 2010, going beyond the standard Turkish rock respectively popular line-chorus structured songs.

The album is reflecting the golden 1970s era and made up of reminiscences to Pink Floyd, Eloy and other bands with psychedelic and symphonic leanings. The three episodes are written by Aycan Sari, telling the story of the physical and spiritual journey of 'Mitos', a Shaman living somewhere in Central Asia. Mert Göçay is responsible for lyrics and compositions. Harun Sönmez has completed the conceptual design of the album booklet.

Since 2011 a modified line-up features keyboard player Mert Topel and Mert Alkaya (drums).

ALBUMS:

2010 - JOURNEY OF THE SHAMAN

Musicians:

- Mert Göçay / guitar, vocals
- Harun Sönmez / drums, cymbals
- Aycan Sari / bass

guest musicians:
- Mert Topel / keyboards
- Hakan Süersan / bass, fretless bass
- Dogaç Titiz / drums

Tracks Listing:

Part I : (15:50)
- a. In The World Of Dreams
- b. Beginning Of Divine Inspiration
- c. Revival
- d. A Stone In The Ocean

Part II: (12:00)
- a. A Farewell To Sun
- b. Fly To Underground Without The Past
- c. Fight With The Evil Spirits

Part III: (17:20)
- a. A Journey To Innerself
- b. Scourge Of Nemrud
- c. In All Stages Of Immortality
- d. Jump To Final Dimension Through The Seventh Sky

Total Time: 45:10

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KAIPA

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:55:00 +0000

KAIPA

Symphonic Prog

Sweden

In their early years, KAIPA was one of Sweden's best seventies symphonic prog bands. Roine STOLT from THE FLOWER KINGS was a member of KAIPA. Their albums contain a mostly instrumental music, drawing its influences from Progressive music (CAMEL, YES, GENESIS...), classic music (BACH) or Swedish folklore.

The first three albums ("Kaipa", "Inget Nytt Under Solen" and "Solo") are a beauty and probably most indicative of their style - dreamy symphonic rock with simple, yet very effective melodies and a great deal of emotion. "Notes From The Past" is their 6th studio album since 1975 and the first one since 1982. All colours of the unique KAIPA-music from the 70's are present but with a brand new collection of masterpieces. With the new album "Keyholder", Hans LUNDIN and Roine STOLT perform some new music, searching for a new level of progress, yet echoing fragments of the glorious 70's, trying to bring the new Kaipa-sound to a higher level. The melodies linger on and will probably stay with you for decades to entertain and to thrill. AN ESSENTIAL CDS for fans interested in symphonic progressive rock!

ALBUMS:

2010 - IN THE WAKE OF EVOLUTION

Musicians

- Patrik Lundström / voice
- Hans Lundin / keyboards and vocals
- Jonas Reingold / basses
- Morgan Ågren / drums
- Per Nilsson / electric and acoustic guitars
- Aleena Gibson / vocals

Guest Musicians:
- Fredrik Lindqvist / recorders
- Elin Rubinsztein / violin

Tracks Listing:

1. In The Wake Of Evolution (10:57)
2. In The Heart Of Her Own Magic Field (5:12)
3. Electric Power Water Notes (17:51)
4. Folkia's First Decision (2:33)
5. The Words Are Like Leaves (5:36)
6. Arcs Of Sound (8:22)
7. Smoke From A Secret Source (9:24)
8. The Seven Oceans Of Our Mind (10:09)

Total Time 70:05

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D'ACCORD

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:30:00 +0000

D'ACCORD

Heavy Prog

Norway

Norwegian band D'ACCORD formed early 2008 and really appeared on the scene in Summer of 2009 when they released their eponymous debut album.

Critically acclaimed it has received great reviews so far even outside Norway with music which is reflecting their influences adopted from several heavy rock and prog bands like Uriah Heep, Deep Purple and Jethro Tull, to name a few. The songs are rendering an authentic 70`s sound with great vintage keyboard work.

ALBUMS:

2009 - D'ACCORD

Musicians

- Daniel Maage / vocals, flute
- Bjartü Rossehaug / drums
- Martin Sjøen / bass
- Stig Are Sund / guitar

additional musicians:
- Fredrik Hådn / keyboards, sax (4)
- Ingvild / backing vocals (4)
- Marit / backing vocals (4)

Tracks Listing

1. Play By The Hall Rules (12:13)
2. This Is The One (4:42)
3. BiN (5:44)
4. Time To Play (8:31)
5. Capitale Venditio (13:24)

Total Time: 44:34

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NOSTRADAMEUS

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:44:00 +0000

NOSTRADAMEUS
Power metal
Sweden

ALBUMS:

2003 - The Third Prophecy
Members:

Freddy Persson - Vocals
Lennart Specht - Guitars
Jake Fredеn - Guitars
Thomas Antonsson - Bass
Esko Salow - Drums

Tracklist:
1. Far Too Strong
2. Randall Flagg
3. Those Things You Did
4. The Future Will Show
5. If We Believe (In Our Dreams)
6. Revenge Is Mine
7. 1986
8. HMS Ulysses
9. In Harmony
10. Towards The Sleep (Stalingrad)

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LETHAL

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:16:00 +0000

LETHAL

Progressive Power Metal

USA

ALBUMS:

1990 - Programmed

Tracklist:

1 Fire In Your Skin 5:39

2 Programmed 4:03

3 Plan Of Peace 2:59

4 Another Day 6:17

5 Arrival 4:24

6 What They've Done 5:44

7 Obscure The Sky 3:59

8 Immune 4:59

9 Pray For Me 3:10

10 Killing Machine5:36

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HIGHLORD

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:54:00 +0000

HIGHLORD

POWER METAL
ITALY

At the time of the release of their debut "Heir Of Power", HIGHLORD had been the epitome for the overkill of Italy's Power/Speed scene. Almost purely generic music with a singer that my ears did not like at all made for a kind of one listen, then complete loss of interest. With their second album "When The Aurora Falls…" I could detect quite some overall improvement, even though I still could not fully comprehend the fuss that people created around that particular album.

Both albums were graced by great to good covers and now their third album "Breath Of Eternity" again comes with a very interesting cover, all in blue and ochre, showing two different worlds, one of technics, one of apparently medieval times, and for the first time in the HIGHLORD history the five guys manage to back up the great cover with equally good music.

"Breath Of Eternity" also is the first one to feature new vocalist Andrea Marchisio (DESDEMONA, the Italians, not the Polish), who definitely contributes to the big improvement of this band (to my ears), for his voice has power, range and can give the songs the emotional depth that they need and also fully deserve.

The very nice and long intro "Atlantis-Part One: Beneath A Silent Sky" is followed up by "Part Two: The Dreamer And The Deep Blue Ocean", which shows us that HIGHLORD has grown into a band that really is becoming a force to reckon with in this genre, variable Power Metal with keyboards (yet compared to many comparable acts used a lot better), excellent arrangements and a damn good vocal performance by Andrea, a start in style!

Or take the furious "Dream Chaser", fast and with prominent, but very well fitting keyboards, "Back From Hell", which could come straight from the late Eighties Melodic Metal bands, the soaring "Follow Me" or the wonderful closing ballad "Moonlight Romance", complete with female vocals and a saxophone, all of them excellent songs.

Of course all ye haters of this style will still continue to do so and "Breath Of Eternity" is then yet another album to hate, but if you have any affinity towards this particular sub genre, then HIGHLORD's third is absolutely an investment you should consider! (Online April 11, 2003)

http://www.metal-observer.com

ALBUMS:

2002 - Breath Of Eternity

Tracklisting:

1.Atlantis-Part One: Beneath A Silent Sky
2.Part Two: The Dreamer And The Deep Blue Ocean
3.Stream Of Illusion
4.Dream Chaser
5.Back From Hell
6.Show Me Your Kingdom
7.Follow Me
8.Breath Of Eternity
9.Phoenix's Fire

10.Moonlight Romance

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HEAVEN'S CRY

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:09:00 +0000

HEAVEN'S CRY

Progressive Metal

Canada

HEAVEN'S CRY were formed in the early 90's and recorded their first demo in 1993. The band's founding members are Pierre St-Jean (vocals, guitars) and Sylvain Auclair (vocals, bass) who are from Montreal (Canada). They were joined by Olaf Quinzanos (acoustic guitar), Luc D'Aoust (drums) and Sebastian Boisvert (guitars), the latter of which were replaced in 2000 by René Lacharité (drums) and Eric Jarrin (guitars). They play a quite unique kind of Progressive Metal, which is best compared to PAIN OF SALVATION, SHADOW GALLERY and ICE AGE.

ALBUMS:

1997 - FOOD FOR THOUGHT SUBSTITUTE

Musicians:

- Sylvain Auclair / bass & vocals
- Pierre St-Jean / guitars & vocals
- Olaf Quinzanos / finger picking guitar
- Sebastian Boisvert / guitars
- Luc D'Aoust / drums & percussion

Tracklist:

1. Your God's Crime (5:01)
2. Out of Me (5:33)
3. March (5:44)
4. The Alchemist (6:30)
5. Gaia's Judgement (6:35)
6. Face (5:39)
7. Cruel Disguise (5:36)
8. The Horde (6:49)
9. Passage (3:04)
10. Wings (4:10)

Total Time: 53:21

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EVERGREY

noreply@blogger.com (Music Observer) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 16:47:00 +0000

EVERGREY

Progressive Metal

Sweden

EVERGREY is a progressive metal band from Sweden. Kings of morose metal they have set themselves apart by finding a sound that is distinctly their own. But EVERGREY's sound and style is what I would call dark progressive metal. Or even disturbed progressive metal might fit. After all, the music is clearly haunted by anguish and other dark emotions. The song writing is excellent, the band is polished and the style dark progressive metal is engaging.

ALBUMS:

2003 - RECREATION DAY

Tracks Listing

1. The Great Deceiver (4:18)
2. End Of Your Days (4:38)
3. As I Lie Here Bleeding (3:51)
4. Recreation Day (5:21)
5. Visions (6:01)
6. I'm Sorry (3:18)
7. Blinded (4:34)
8. Fragments (5:37)
9. Madness Caught Another Victim (2:59)
10. Your Darkest Hour (6:14)
11. Unforgivable (4:28)

Total Time: 60:19

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