Mars Hollow: in the studio with Billy Sherwood for album #2

10T Records is excited to announce that Mars Hollow will soon be entering the studio to begin work on the follow-up to their best-selling self-titled debut CD with veteran producer and musician Billy Sherwood (YOSO, Circa;, YES, World Trade and solo artist fame) at the helm. Sherwood will be serving as producer, engineer and mixer on the project.

“To say we’re stoked would be the understatement of the century,” says Mars Hollow bassist Kerry Chicoine. “We’re all die-hard fans of Billy’s incredible musical career and his cutting-edge production techniques, and to think we’ll be recording under his watchful ears...well, I’m still pinching myself -- hard!”

“Great guys... great musicians what more can you ask for in a band?” says Sherwood of working with Mars Hollow. "It's going to be rockin'!"

Sessions are scheduled to begin in early November 2010, sandwiched between Sherwood’s upcoming sessions with progressive rock legend John Wetton. The official release of Mars Hollow’s highly anticipated, as yet untitled, sophomore effort is planned for spring of 2011.

Plans underway for Zappa dedication and tribute concert

Since last month’s confirmation of the September 19th date for Baltimore City’s dedication of a bust of Frank Zappa, community support has been growing for a concert and festival in tribute to the legendary musician, composer and social icon, whose birthplace is Baltimore. The bust, donated by a Lithuanian fan club, will be placed at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Southeastern Anchor Branch in Highlandtown, and plans now include an outdoor concert featuring Zappa Plays Zappa (fronted by Frank’s son Dweezil), and various events at the library and nearby Patterson Theatre in support of the dedication ceremony.

The date itself is especially significant as September 19th is the anniversary of Zappa’s 1985 testimony on Capitol Hill in favor of free expression by Recording Artists at the Senate hearing instigated by certain congressional wives (members of the PMRC) concerning record labeling. Frank Zappa’s widow Gail commented on the remarkable coincidence, stating, “Frank’s legacy rests in his uncompromising defense of the First Amendment and his uncompromising pursuit of excellence clearly demonstrated in the standards he set in all areas of Music and the arts and sciences associated with it. He was self-taught and self-realized. It is hard to imagine how that is possible except for the 4 cornerstones he had going for him: a talent for music, a hard-core curiosity, a keen sense of humor and access to a library. He was a cheap date for History.”

The broader scope of events, being developed by Clearpath Entertainment in collaboration with the Zappa family, the Southeastern Community Development Corporation, Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the Creative Alliance, are intended to help anchor the new Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District and plans now include a library exhibit, symposiums, and after party in addition to the dedication and concert. Sean Brescia of Clearpath stated, “Baltimore has a rich entertainment heritage dating back to its iconic theatres and jazz ballrooms, and opportunities like this are a chance to re-capture that spirit. We wanted to build an event that was a truly fitting tribute to the Zappa legacy, but also something that can grow into a signature cornerstone event for the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District, and Gail [Zappa] has shared that vision from the beginning.” In the interest of what the events could mean for the community, Brescia reached out to a broad group of community organizations to help plan and raise support for the events.

Echoing that sentiment of community interests, Chris Ryer of the Southeast Community Development Corporation added, “The bust coming to Highlandtown and these events are high-profile, flagship opportunities to position the Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District as major reasons for visitors to come to Southeast while they’re in Baltimore. We’re excited to work with Clearpath and the Zappas to leverage this year’s events as a catalyst for great things to come.”

Remarking on the concert lineup, Clearpath’s David Christensen said, “Frank Zappa’s musical genius and influence is undeniable and it has always been a must for us that Dweezil headline this show in the ultimate tribute to his father. This is going to be Zappa Plays Zappa, next to Zappa’s statue, on Zappa’s street, on Zappa’s day; it couldn’t be more fitting.”

OPETH: In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall due in September

(NB: the BPB review of this release can now be found HERE.  Check it out!)


As part of the ongoing celebration of their 20th anniversary, Sweden’s Opeth is releasing live footage and audio from the band’s recent performance at London’s famed Royal Albert Hall. In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, due out September 21st, is a fierce testament to Opeth’s continued success in the progressive metal community.

Twenty years and nine records into their legendary career, Opeth’s “progressively creative spirit” (ARTISTdirect) remains unwavering, propelling the band through the “Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology” tour, which brought the Swedish titans to six of the world’s most unique venues, and now, with the release of In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall, into the homes of their fans.

The performance at the Royal Albert Hall (recorded on the 5th of April, 2010) includes two sets, the first consisting of the band performing 2000’s now-classic, breakthrough epic, Blackwater Park in its entirety, and the second, a chronologically arranged selection of material from the rest of Opeth’s extensive catalogue, totaling almost three hours of music. It is, like the rest of Opeth’s greatest work, “purposefully warped in all the right places” (Decibel). The front cover artwork concept pays tribute to Deep Purple´s Concerto for Group and Orchestra, underlining the band’s longstanding love for their prog-rock roots.

Thinking back to the concert, frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt says "Opeth had a magical night playing the Royal Albert Hall. It was a dream come true, and now afterwards, it still feels like a dream. We got it all on film, and this, our third live recording and DVD might be my personal favorite. One couldn't help to think of all the fantastic artists that played there over the years. Looking back at this night of celebration brings me fond memories of our 20th anniversary—this package is the delayed birthday present. Enjoy!"

The release will be available as three very special configurations:

1. Limited Edition Vinyl Box Set, which includes:
-Double-DVD set of Opeth’s performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall, in its entirety, including bonus features.
-A set of four 180-gram LP’s of the concert’s live audio in its entirety. The vinyl is housed in black poly lined inner sleeves which are packaged as 2 double gatefold set with exclusive artwork. Vinyl only available in this box set.
-Exclusive, numbered lithograph with artwork designed by Mikael Åkerfeldt and longtime Opeth designer, Travis Smith.
-20-page, LP sized booklet printed on coated paper stock that chronicles the night’s events in photos.
-Expanded, exclusive artwork and more.

2. A 5-disc set that consists of 2-DVD and 3 CD’s. The set not only includes the legendary evening captured on video, but the concert’s live audio in its entirety as well.

3. Double-DVD set of Opeth’s performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall, in its entirety, including bonus features.

Track listing is as follows:

Set 1
THE LEPER AFFINITY
BLEAK
HARVEST
THE DRAPERY FALLS
DIRGE FOR NOVEMBER
THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT
PATTERNS IN THE IVY
BLACKWATER PARK

Set 2
FOREST OF OCTOBER
ADVENT
APRIL ETHEREAL
THE MOOR
WREATH
HOPE LEAVES
HARLEQUIN FOREST
THE LOTUS EATER

FLASH to play Progday 2010

NB: I knew I had seen this press release around the end of the week last week...when I went to find it again, I couldn't. At that point I honestly thought I had been imagining this announcement. Apologies for the delay, then, in posting this...



In 1971, Colin Carter, formerly lead singer with Peter Barden’s Camel, initiated an idea with Peter Banks, recently the first ex-Yes guitarist, to form a new band. Musician Ray Bennett had previously met Banks while staying with Bill Bruford, Bennett's former bandmate from The Breed. Recently returned to London, Bennett arrived right on time to fill the bass spot. Carter and Banks discovered Mike Hough, a hard working drummer with a jazz, rock and big band background, playing in a ballroom in London. Together they formed Flash.

In the early 70s Flash put out three albums on EMI/Capitol Records, had the hit single "Small Beginnings" (#28 Billboard), and toured Europe and the USA four times. They even made it to Australia. But after two and a half years, Flash disbanded. All four members later reunited in various combinations during the late 70's and early 80's. But by 1982 the Flash members had gone their separate ways.

In 2002 all four original members made contact again and were initially enthusiastic about a Flash reunion. Now spread out across the globe, plans to get together were discussed over several months. However, in the end, Banks and Hough failed to commit. In late 2004 it was Flash songwriters Ray Bennett and Colin Carter who began working together again. They discovered that the old chemistry was still there and in 2005 they officially re-launched their musical partnership as Flash.

2009 saw the almost miraculous resurrection of the fully realized Flash. Gibson Guitars listed Flash's In the Can as one of their top 10 vintage classic prog-rock albums. Also in 2009, all of their albums were reissued. Now, with a spectacular new 5-piece line-up and a studio album of new material in the works, these prog-rock pioneers set sail again with renewed vigor and their hallmark originality, ready to continue their saga. Advance copies of the new album should be available in September at Progday.

Mars Hollow, The Muffins, Half Past Four and Mahogany Frog join Flash at ProgDay 2010. ProgDay is the longest running progressive rock festival in the world. The 16th edition will take place on Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5, at Storybook Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For more information, and to hear music from this year's bands, please visit us at www.progday.net. Three more bands to be announced soon!


Current Line Up:
Colin Carter: Lead Vocals
Ray Bennett: Guitar, Vocals
Mark Pardy: Drums
Wayne Carver: Bass
Rick Daugherty: Keyboards

Discography:
Flash (1972)
In The Can (1972)
Out Of Our Hands (1973)
Psychosync (archival recording from 1973) (1997)
Flash 4 (To be released 2010)

http://www.myspace.com/flashbennettcarter

New Steve Morse album forthcoming (press release)

Guitarist/composer Steve Morse has teamed up with breakout singer/songwriter Sarah Spencer to release Angelfire, an album of haunting, harmony-laden acoustic songs.

Steve Morse is often described as a “musician’s musician,” acclaimed amongst artists but eschewing the public limelight. The six-time Grammy nominee is regarded as much for his writing as his guitar playing, garnering such accolades from peers as being voted “Best Overall Guitarist” for five consecutive years (Guitar Player magazine). Morse adeptly fuses a wide range of musical styles, including jazz fusion, bluegrass, southern rock, baroque classical and metal. Whether playing with the Dixie Dregs, the Steve Morse Band, previously with Kansas or currently (going on 15 years) with Deep Purple, Steve continues to leave his mark as a distinctive songwriter and guitarist.

Sarah Spencer, 22, grew up in a musical family. She began piano lessons at age six, and was recording original material at eleven. At 14, she was cast in a VH1 reality show (ultimately cancelled) that followed the lives of teenage prodigies. She wrote in the operatic pop genre, inspired by orchestral movie soundtracks. Spencer began working with established producers during her teens, recording live-orchestral songs with producers Paul Weston and Al Steele.

Sarah met Steve when she was 16, and they began collaborating on what was to become Angelfire. “When I first heard Sarah sing, I was amazed…I’d never heard a voice so pure,” says Morse. “My first thought was to write an album with her so I could hear and share it with other people.” Sarah responds, “Steve has been so generous throughout our collaboration. Everyone knows about his incredible talent, but only a lucky few know about his big heart. I feel so blessed to be able to work with this renaissance man!”

Their collaboration represents several firsts for them both. Even after 44 albums, Steve has never written a vocal album. Sarah is stepping out front as a performer and songwriter. And despite their cumulative experience spanning multiple genres of music, neither has written anything that sounds like Angelfire.

At first imagining Sarah McLachlan meets John McLaughlin, or the collaborative approach of Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, Angelfire soars beyond compare into the hearts of audiences eager for fresh, unique new music.

* * * * * * * * * *

Track Listing

1. Far Gone Now (3:50)
2. Everything to Live For (4:30)
3. Feelings Are Overrated (3:39)
4. What Made You Think? (2:57)
5. Here Today (3:55)
6. Get Away (4:25)
7. Pleasant Surprise (3:48)
8. Terrible Thing to Lose (4:18)
9. Omnis Morse Aequat (3:36)
10. Take It or Leave It (3:57)
11. Urban Decay (4:18)

K2 signs with Magna Carta; new album due in September

California-based Progressive band K2 has signed to Magna Carta Records and has released the first single “Widows Watch” from their upcoming release Black Garden. Black Garden is scheduled for release world-wide on September 21, 2010.

K2 is a true progressive rock band that combines influences of Genesis, Yes, ELP and UK. With vocals reminiscent of Peter Gabriel, bass recalling Yes’ Chris Squire and keyboards from Ryo of Spock’s Beard that bring to mind Rick Wakeman and Tony Banks, K2 is a prog lover’s dream.

Black Garden, K2’s first release on Magna Carta Records, is an instant Prog classic featuring skillful instrumentation, haunting vocals and a rich lyrical backdrop that tells the story of ancient Oceania. Black Garden describes the epic journey of the ancient Polynesians sailing over a third of our world before settling the islands of the South Pacific. And they did it more than 2000 years before Columbus sailed.

Jaquess took on the challenge of writing this ancient tale after visiting the South Pacific and Hawaii and being inspired by the islands’ beauty and history. He was fascinated by the story of how man first came to inhabit the islands so dense with splendor and seemingly cut off from the known world.

The early explorers had only small boats to cross the ocean’s vast emptiness drenched in molten sunlight during the day and veiled in complete darkness by night with only the stars and moon to guide them. The Polynesians travelled across the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean from the Asian mainland to find the mystic islands looming on their horizon after months of confinement on their small vessels.

K2 realizes this imagery in both their lyrical and musical approach to this album. K2 captures the essence of these travelers’ amazing journey where the abundant natural majesty found on the islands was only matched by the danger they faced every day both on land and sea.

Release Date: September 21, 2010
1) Black Garden 6:25
2) Passage to the Deep 11:37
3) Widows Watch 6:38
4) Encounter or Absence 7:12
5) Storm at Sunset 11:06
6) Summer's Fall 2:13
7) Path of the Warrior 10:44


K2 on the Magna Carta website: http://magnacarta.net/K2/index.html
K2 “Widows Watch” single on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/29t6zbn
K2 “Widows Watch” single on iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/2bd8pdq
K2 Official website: http://www.myspace.com/k2ken

Unitopia signs 3 album deal with InsideOut Music

(NB: their album The Garden has been reviewed HERE.)

(Press release): In a first for an Australian band, Unitopia have signed a three album deal with Inside Out Music, the largest progressive rock and metal music label in the world.

Their 2nd album, a double CD package titled The Garden with artwork by internationally renowned cover artist Ed Unitsky, will be released world-wide by the German based record company in October - November 2008.

Their signing is a result of Unitopia’s initial success with their debut CD More Than a Dream.

Asked what the signing means to the band, keyboard player and co-song writer Sean Timms said, “It means that Unitopia will now be part of the world stage, recognized as a high quality progressive rock act from Australia..... We’ll be able to tour and perform overseas with the support of a major international record label.”

Vocalist and co writer Mark Trueack stated, “We now have a greater sense of belonging and we can concentrate on excelling in the style of music that we create. We’re very proud to be the 1st Aussie act to be connected to Inside Out. Personally I had few expectations on anything we had done. It’s been all about the enjoyment of what we do, not the economic aspect. If you focus purely on the music, things will happen. I’m pleasantly surprised but as they say…the sky’s the limit.”

Unitopia will launch The Garden with a live showcase performance TBA.