Saga: The Human Condition Tour 2009

The Human Condition Tour 2009 (Special guest: It Bites/**without It Bites)

16.04.2009 D-Worpswede/Music Hall
17.04.2009 D-Worpswede/Music Hall
18.04.2009 NL-Uden/De Pul
19.04.2009 NL-Purmerend/P3
22.04.2009 D-Hamburg/Fabrik
23.04.2009 D-Oberhausen/Turbinenhalle
24.04.2009 D-Hildesheim/Vier Linden
25.04.2009 D-Geseke/Antonianum
26.04.2009 D-Aalen/Stadthalle
28.04.2009 AT-Woergl/Komma
29.04.2009 D-Remchingen/Kulturhalle
30.04.2009 D-Metzingen/Stadthalle
01.05.2009 D-Speyer/Halle 101**
02.05.2009 D-St. Wendel/Saalbau**
03.05.2009 CH-Pratteln/Z7**
05.05.2009 D-Augsburg/Spectrum**
06.05.2009 D-Nürnberg/Hirsch**
07.05.2009 D-Giessen/Hessenhalle**
08.05.2009 D-Eich/Altrheinhalle**
09.05.2009 D-Bonn/Brückenforum**
12.05.2009 NL-Appeldorn/Gigant**
13.05.2009 D-Aschaffenburg/Colos-Saal**
15.05.2009 D-Rottweil/Alte Stallhalle**
16.05.2009 D-Schweinfurt/Stadthalle**
17.05.2009 CH-Winterthur/Garden Club**
20.05.2009 D-Ulm/Ulmer Zelt**
22.05.2009 CZ-Karlovy Vary/Amfiteátr Loket**
24.05.2009 DK-Copenhagen/Amager Bio**
03.07.2009 D-Bad Arolsen/Outback**
04.07.2009 D-Mössingen/Mössingen rockt Open Air**

Some Brief Thoughts on Saga’s new album, The Human Condition

…I miss Michael Sadler.
…Rob Moratti has a decent voice, but it is a bit less individual than Sadler’s was.
…Saga has gotten heavier on this release! At times I thought I was listening to Dream Theater…
…keyboards seem less heavily involved in the mix.
…Ian Crichton is entirely far too underrated as a guitar player.
…many moments don’t really sound like the Saga that I know from past releases.
…having said this, “Avalon” and “You Look Good To Me” really do remind of older Saga…but different.
…I’m not sure how Moratti will handle the older material, and I am intrigued to find out.

Yes, this is Saga reborn for the later end of the 21st century’s first decade. Saga has gotten heavier while still maintaining several of the classic Saga elements. As Ian Crichton puts it, “It’s still us, of course with a different twist, some of the ideas on the CD are more prog than before.”

I do think Jim Gilmour’s keyboards could either be mixed higher, or he could pick patches that are less guitar like (this is something that bothers me about Jordan Rudess at times with Dream Theater...he can pick patches that sound so close to a distorted guitar that it can be difficult to discern his playing until he steps out to solo at times)…he’s shown himself to be a very able player, and he should be showcased more. Ian Crichton is as strong as ever on guitar, and his brother Jim’s bass playing is solid and in the pocket. Jim pairs up exceedingly well with Brian Doerner (ex-Helix) on drums, and they are the pulse that drives Saga’s music forward.

(NB: Doerner will be replaced on tour by Chris Sutherland, as Doerner is dealing with health issues)

Of course, everyone is curious how new boy Rob Moratti carries himself. His singing is good. His voice is perhaps a little less unique than Michael Sadler’s…Sadler has a voice that you immediately recognise, and Moratti simply can’t match that personality. He handles the material very well, and I can’t agree with some criticism I have read that says his voice is flat and featureless. Having said that, he’s simply not a Michael Sadler clone. That’s a good thing for Saga in a way…the new guy sounds different, and that means change and growth. I might have been more upset had they picked a clone, as it’d infer a fear of change that would result in stagnancy and petrifaction/ossification. I think it’s going to take some getting sued to a far different voice fronting Saga…the proof is going to be in how Moratti handles the classic material in a live setting, and we’ll find that out soon.

For me, the highlights of The Human Condition include the opening title track, a 7-minute slice of music verging on prog metal, with heavily processed vocals that hint at a potential interesting direction for the band. As mentioned above in the pseudo-bullet points, “Avalon” and “You Look Good to Me” hint at the older Saga sound, with just enough new shine to make them different from what has come before. The band is playing with confidence, and Moratti doesn’t show any hesitance in fronting a band with a history that stretches back over 30 years. One hopes Saga gives Moratti more than one album to prove himself, unlike some bands who changed singers and only gave the new guy one album and tour before hanging it up (coughGenesiscough)…The Human Condition is a solid, if sometimes unspectacular rebirth of a band for a new generation of listeners.


Track Listing:

1. The Human Condition
2. Avalon
3. A Number And A Name
4. Let It Go
5. Now is Now
6. Crown of Thorns
7. You Look Good To Me
8. Hands of Time
9. Step Inside


Band Lineup:

Rob Moratti - Vocals
Ian Crichton - Guitars
Jim Crichton - Bass
Jim Gilmour - Keyboards
Brian Doerner - Drums

More Saga news/info

Courtesy of InsideOut Music:

The first studio album with new singer Rob Moratti, The Human Condition, will be released in time for the upcoming European tour.

Tracklist:

1. The Human Condition
2. Step Inside
3. Hands Of Time
4. Avalon
5. A Number With A Name
6. Now Is Now
7. Let It Go
8. Crown Of Thorns
9. You Look Good To Me

InsideOut bands news (Saga, Frost*, OSI, Riverside)

SAGA (Contact)

The long expected final European show with singer Michael Sadler will be released on March 16th, 2009 (2DVD and Limited Edition). The double CD version will be released on Jan. 26th, 2009. In USA/Canada the double CD will be available on Jan. 27th and the 2DVD and Limited Edition on March 24th.



OSI

New album in spring 2009 Guests: Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) & Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth)

Experts consider the music of the creative duo, OSI, a perfect example of inventiveness and innovation. Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos have released two albums to date (Office Of Strategic Influence, 2003, & Free, 2006) and are currently working on their new, as yet untitled third recording, scheduled for release in spring 2009.

Along with Moore and Matheos, the new album will also feature Porcupine Tree drummer Gavin Harrison. In addition, there will be a guest appearance by Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) on ‘Stockholm’, which the Swede co-composed. Mixing is scheduled to begin in early December with engineer Phil Magnotti.



FROST* + NICK D’VIRGILIO (NDV)

Frost* are very pleased to announce that Nick D'Virgilio will be joining them for their first American appearance at RoSFest on May 2nd 2009. Replacing original drummer, Andy Edwards, Nick brings a wealth of experience and talent to an extremely challenging role. Nick first met Frost* when the band supported Spock's Beard on their European dates during summer 2008.
Jem Godfrey said "I'm really thrilled that Nick has been mad...sorry, brave...sorry, kind enough to become an honourary Frostie for one of our most eagerly anticipated performances. We're already working on it and I think it's going to be a belter of a show. We can't wait."
Nick D'Virgilio said "WHOO HOOO!!! I get to be a Frostie for a day!

"Seriously, after Spock's and Frost* toured I knew they were a great band with great music. But I was never really able to get into the music that deeply on tour because I was always getting ready for the Spock's set while they were on stage. Then recently I was asked to sit in for the Rosfest show. I said yes immediatly and then started really listening closely to the CD's. Man-o-man do I have my work cut out for me. In a great way. I am very excitied to be a part of this gig and thank you FROST* for having me along.

Make sure you're there for this unique occasion!



RIVERSIDE

Riverside is working on the new album - "Anno Domini High Definition".

The band has already begun recording, this time in Studio X in Olsztyn. We keep you up-to-date with the process of creation on a special "record" website.

Mariusz Duda: "We have gone from Warsaw, we have changed the studio and the producer. We care deeply about creating a coherent record and that is why most probably there are only going to be 5 songs on it. The material will be energetic, multifarious, and - I hope so - very good for live performances. It will be a story about liquid modernity, life in a constant hurry, stress and anxiety about the future. A picture of our times in 1920 x 1080 definition."

The expected release date is June 2009.

Saga to release final show with Michael Sadler on DVD/CD

The long expected final Saga European show with singer Michael Sadler will be released on January 26th, 2009. 'Contact - Live in Munich' will be available as double CD, double DVD and limited edition with both DVDs and CDs housed in a lavish package with slipcase.

DVD DISC ONE:
01. The Interview (live)
02. That's As Far As I'll Go (live)
03. You're Not Alone (live)
04. I'm OK (live)
05. Can't You See Me Now (live)
06. Book Of Lies (live)
07. The Perfectionist (live)
08. Drum Solo (live)
09. The Flyer (live)
10. Mind Over Matter (live)
11. The Security Of Illusion (live)
12. Time's Up (live)
13. Piano Solo (live)
14. Scratching The Surface (live)
15. We've Been Here Before (live)
16. On The Air (live)
17. On The Loose (live)
18. Careful Where You Step (live)
19. 10,000 Days (live)
20. Wind Him Up (live)
21. Humble Stance (live)
22. Don't Be Late (live)
23. What's It Gonna Be? (live)

DVD DISC TWO:
01. Documentary
02. Underground TV Live in Mannheim
03. Photo gallery


CD DISC THREE:
01. The Interview (live)
02. That's As Far As I'll Go (live)
03. You're Not Alone (live)
04. I'm OK (live)
05. Can't You See Me Now (live)
06. Book Of Lies (live)
07. The Perfectionist (live)
08. Drum Solo (live)
09. The Flyer (live)
10. Mind Over Matter (live)
11. The Security Of Illusion (live)
12. Time's Up (live)
13. Piano Solo (live)
14. Scratching The Surface (live)

CD DISC FOUR:
01. We've Been Here Before (live)
02. On The Air (live)
03. On The Loose (live)
04. Careful Where You Step (live)
05. 10,000 Days (live)
06. Wind Him Up (live)
07. Humble Stance (live)
08. Don't Be Late (live)
09. What's It Gonna Be? (live)

Saga announces new singer

Posted initially on Saga's official website:

The search is over, after internet auditions, live auditions, and singers who had their ears to the ground about Saga's quest. We, SAGA, would like to thank all the vocalists for their time and stepping up to the plate. We found our man, SAGA would like to introduce Rob Moratti from Toronto Canada, our new lead singer.