2024 Work in Progress..ive

[nicola]

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks








ABOUT

Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks

...Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
from official website



Jon Anderson

JON ANDERSON is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the lead vocalist and creative force behind Yes. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the series of epics produced by Yes and his role in creating such complex pieces as Close to the Edge, Awaken, and especially The Gates of Delirium was central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including I've Seen All Good People, Roundabout, and Owner Of A Lonely Heart.

Jon was born John Roy Anderson in Accrington, Lancashire, England, on October 25, 1944 to Albert and Kathleen Anderson, who were of Scottish (father) and Irish (mother) ancestry. Anderson dropped the h from his first name in 1970.


Early career

In 1962, Anderson joined The Warriors, where he and his brother Tony shared the role of lead vocalist. He quit this band in 1967, released two solo singles in 1968 under the pseudonym Hans Christian Anderson, and then briefly sang for the band The Gun. In March 1968, Anderson met bassist Chris Squire and joined him in a group called Mabel Greer's Toyshop, which included guitarist Peter Banks.


Yes

Anderson, Squire, and Banks went on to form Yes, with drummer Bill Bruford and keyboardist Tony Kaye. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1969. Amongst the line-up changes (Rick Wakeman would replace Kaye in 1971 and Alan White would replace Bruford in 1972) Jon stayed with the group until 1980, and this period is now known as the classic period of Yes. Jon was a major creative force and band leader throughout the period (describing himself as the 'team captain' and 'catalyst'; nicknamed by his band mates Napoleon for his diminutive stature and leadership of the band) and is recognized as the main instigator of the series of epics produced by Yes at the time. His role in creating such complex pieces as Close to the Edge, Awaken, and especially The Gates of Delirium is central, despite his limited instrumental abilities. Yes released 11 critically acclaimed albums (including one live album 'Yessongs' and one early compilation 'Yesterdays') between 1969 and 1979, including such classic titles as 'Fragile' (which contained the band's first hit "Roundabout"), 'Close To The Edge', 'Tales from Topographic Oceans', 'Relayer' and 'Going For The One'.


Jon rejoined a reformed Yes in 1983, which produced their most commercially successful album '90125' with newcomer Trevor Rabin. After a second album 'Big Generator' and several world tours, Jon departed again in 1988 over the band's continued pursuit of major commercial success and mainstream radio play. In 1989, Anderson and other former Yes members formed the group Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe (ABWH), augmented by bassist Tony Levin who had played with drummer Bill Bruford in King Crimson. After the successful first ABWH album, a series of business deals caused ABWH to reunite with the then-current members of Yes (Squire, Rabin, White, Kaye), who had been out of the public eye while searching for a new lead singer. The resulting eight-man band assumed the name Yes, and the album 'Union' (1991) was assembled from various pieces of an in-progress second ABWH album as well as recordings that Yes proper had been working on, without Anderson. A successful tour followed, but the eight-man lineup of Yes never recorded a complete album together before splintering in 1992. Although many more personnel changes followed, Anderson would remain with the band until 2004. The '90125' line-up recorded one more album in 1994 titled 'Talk'. The 'classic' line-up (Anderson, Squire, Wakeman, Howe, White) reformed with 'Keys To Ascension (1996) and Keys to Ascension 2 (1997). Wakeman was replaced by Igor Khoroshev, who was featured on 'Open Your Eyes' (1997) and 'The Ladder' (1999) along with guitarist Billy Sherwood. The album 'Magnification' released in 2001 marked the second album Yes recorded with an orchestra, the first being 'A Time And A Word' in 1970. In 2002, Rick Wakeman returned to the band to celebrate their 35th anniversary with a major worldwide tour. The band ceased to tour in 2004, partly due to health concerns regarding Anderson and Wakeman.


Vocal and lyrical style

It is a commonly held misconception that Jon Anderson sings falsetto, a vocal technique which artificially produces high, airy notes by using only the ligamentous edges of the vocal cords; however, Jon Anderson does not sing falsetto. His normal singing (and speaking) voice is naturally above the tenor range. In a 2008 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Jon stated, "I'm an alto tenor and I can sing certain high notes, but I could never sing falsetto, so I go and hit them high." He is also noted for singing in his original Lancastrian accent.


Anderson is also responsible for most of the mystically-themed lyrics and concepts which are part of many Yes releases. These elements are crucial components of the classic Yes sound. The lyrics are frequently inspired by various books Anderson has enjoyed, from Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' to Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha'. A footnote in Paramahansa Yogananda's 'Autobiography of a Yogi' inspired an entire double album 'Tales from Topographic Oceans' (1973). Recurring themes include environmentalism, pacifism and sun-worship.


Outside of Yes...

In 1970 Anderson appeared as a featured guest singer on King Crimson's 'Lizard' album, on the track Prince Rupert Awakes. The tune was outside the range of the group's then-vocalist, Gordon Haskell.


In September 1975 Anderson appeared on the Vangelis album 'Heaven and Hell'.


In 1979 Anderson composed the score for a ballet 'Ursprung'. 'Ursprung' was part of a grouping of three dance works collectively entitled 'Underground Rumours' which was commissioned and performed by The Scottish Ballet. The choreographer was Royston Maldoom, the set and costume designer was Graham Bowers, and the lighting designer was David Hersey. The principal dancers were Andrea Durant and Paul Russell.


In early 1980 when Anderson and Wakeman left Yes, Jon Anderson started recording again with Vangelis and by summer 1980 Jon & Vangelis had released 'Short Stories', followed in November by Jon's solo album 'Song of Seven' and a major UK tour with The New Life Band. Jon would record four celebrated albums with Oscar winner Vangelis, each of which sold over a million copies worldwide.


In 1981 Anderson appeared on Rick Wakeman's concept album '1984'.


In 1982 Anderson released the album 'Animation', which featured Jack Bruce, David Sancious and Simon Phillips. A major tour ensued which included a high profile live radio broadcast on the King Biscuit Flower Hour.


In 1983 Anderson appeared on Mike Oldfield's In High Places from the album 'Crises' as well as another song called Shine (In 2010 Jon's vocals from "In High Places" were sampled on Kanye West's track "Dark Fantasy" from his 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' CD). In 1983 Anderson also appeared on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones album 'Outbound', which also featured Adrian Belew.


In 1984 Anderson appeared on the song Cage Of Freedom from the 1984 soundtrack for a re-release of the silent Fritz Lang film 'Metropolis'.


In 1985 Anderson's song This Time it Was Really Right was featured on the soundtrack for the movie 'St. Elmo's Fire'. He also sang Silver Train and Christie on the film soundtrack 'Scream for Help'. Along with Tangerine Dream Anderson appeared on the song Loved by the Sun for the film 'Legend' directed by Ridley Scott. Jon also released the critically acclaimed Christmas album 'Three Ships' that year (reissued in 2007 with bonus tracks).


The 1986 film 'Biggles: Adventures in Time' features a song sung by Anderson.


In 1987 Anderson sang on Moonlight Desires on Gowan's album 'Great Dirty World'.


In 1988 Anderson released the CD 'In the City Of Angels', and sang on the song Stop Loving You on the Toto album 'The Seventh One'.


In 1992 Anderson appeared on Kitaro's album 'Dream', adding both lyrics and vocals to three songs: Lady of Dreams, Island of Life and Agreement. Jon toured the far east and the US with Kitaro in 1992.


In 1993 Anderson appeared on the song Along The Amazon which he co-wrote for guitarist Charlie Bisharat's album of the same name.


In 1994 Anderson released two albums: 'Deseo' and 'Change We Must'. He also sang on the 7th Level children's video game Tuneland.


In 1995 Anderson released 'Angel's Embrace', his first CD comprising mainly of instrumental ambient / meditation music.


In 1996 Anderson released the CD 'Toltec'; an album made up of 13 tracks divided into three parts that tells the tale of the Toltec, a Native American concept of a group of people who have been all over the earth, existing within different cultures throughout the centuries.


In 1997 Jon released two albums: 'The Promise Ring', a CD of Celtic-inspired songs, and 'Earth Mother Earth', an effort recorded in Anderson's home studio where he plays most of the instruments, and is accompanied on vocals by his wife Jane.


In 1998 Anderson released 'The More You Know'; an exploration of his more commercial music.


In 1999 Anderson appeared on the song The Only Thing I Need by act 4Him; it was recorded for a multi-group album called 'Streams'.


In 2004 Anderson appeared with the Contemporary Youth Orchestra of Cleveland. The concert was recorded but only released to the orchestra members.


In 2005 Anderson embarked on a series of successful solo tours. The resulting live DVD 'Tour of The Universe' was released that year.


In 2006 Anderson appeared with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (East Coast Troupe) during two December 16 shows in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to play Roundabout.


In 2007 Anderson contributed vocals to an album 'Culture of Ascent' by American progressive rock group Glass Hammer; and appeared as part of a vocal ensemble on the track Repentance from the Dream Theater album 'Systematic Chaos'. In 2007 Anderson toured both the USA and England with The Paul Green School of Rock Music.


In 2008 Anderson appeared on the song Sadness of Flowing which he co-wrote for Peter Machajdik's album 'Namah'. He made similar contributions to a remastering of Tommy Zvoncheck's album 'ZKG'. One of Jon Anderson's passions is his painting and he uses his art as yet another channel for his creativity and self expression. His artwork is available to view on his official website.


Throughout 2009 and 2010 Jon Anderson toured the US and Europe solo, and in 2010 he toured the UK with former Yes band mate Rick Wakeman. Anderson and Wakeman released the critically acclaimed album 'The Living Tree' in 2010 on Voiceprint Records / Gonzo MultiMedia, UK. On May 24, 2010 Jon shared the stage with the 112 member Cleveland Contemporary Youth Orchestra and 60 member student chorus. The concert was filmed and shown on HDNet.


In the spring and summer of 2011 Anderson toured the northeast US to full capacity audiences - the tour was a major success. June 14, 2011 marked the official release of Jon Anderson's new album 'Survival & Other Stories' on Voiceprint Records / Gonzo MultiMedia. The album received rave reviews by critics and fans alike worldwide along with substantial airplay. Two new songs written by Jon, with music by Michael Mollure, titled "The Highest Pass' and "Waking Up" were included in the film 'The Highest Pass' released in August 2011. In the fall of 2011 Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman reunited for a tour of the northeast US and some dates in Canada. Once again the tour was a huge success with concert goers and the music press. Plans for more US and UK dates are currently in the works in support of the recent CD release 'Anderson / Wakeman - The Living Tree In Concert Part One' (featuring live tracks from the duo's 2010 UK tour) on Gonzo MultiMedia, UK.


On October 25, 2011, Jon Anderson's 67th birthday, his latest musical masterwork, a 21-minute opus titled 'OPEN' was released digitally. A return to the long-form composition that Jon Anderson is best known for, ("Close To The Edge", "Gates of Delirium", Revealing and "Awaken"), OPEN is a 21-minute exhilarating musical journey; a pioneering effort that weaves intricate melodic and harmonic themes within a classical music framework whilst showcasing Anderson's iconic vocals and timeless melodies throughout. In many ways OPEN is a return to Jon Anderson's musical roots, as Yes music continually flows through his veins, making it only natural to revisit now and again. Coupled with wonderful orchestration by his neighbor and good friend Stefan Podell, messages of peace, love, light and freedom are further explored within OPEN, making listening an uplifting and joyous experience!


From 2016 through 2018, Jon Anderson joined forces with former Yes collegues Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin to tour the US and Europe, first as 'Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman' (ARW) and then 'Yes Featuring ARW'.


In 2019, Jon released a solo album titled '1000 Hands: Chapter One' on a limited basis, followed by a wider release in 2020. The album featured music originating from early '90s sessions along with newly-written/recorded material, performed by all-star cast of musicians. A US tour with the '1000 Hands Band' followed the initial release.


During 2021-22, Jon kept busy performing live Yes music on tour with the The Paul Green Rock Academy Band, an ensemble of young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18.


In 2023, Jon hit the road in the US with The Band Geeks for their critically-acclaimed "Yes Epics & Classics Tour".


In 2024, Jon and The Band Geeks recorded their first album, "True", and embarked on a second US tour.














Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

























True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOa...ZmLini&index=1




Once Upon A Dream-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAqkvUh5I9A


GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

RENDEZVOUS POINT








ABOUT

RENDEZVOUS POINT

...RENDEZVOUS POINT
from official website




The musicians in Rendezvous Point met when they studied rhythmical music at the University of Agder. In 2012 the band was titled the most promising band in southern Norway and held a concert with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
They have spend their early years touring Europe with bands like Haken, Leprous, Long Distance Calling and Circus Maximus.

Rendezvous Point delivers a fierce and hard hitting energy bomb in the realm of progressive metal. With highly educated and skilled musicians, they are able to push the boundaries within the genre, creating a larger than life sounding experience for the listener as well as for themselves. With heavy drums, rumbling bass, raw guitars, large synthesizer sounds and powerful vocals, they explore new areas of the genre, daring to expand upon that which is already there. The band consists of Geirmund Hansen on vocals, Baard Kolstad on drums (Leprous), Petter Hallaråker on guitar, Nicolay Tangen Svennæs on keyboards (Ihsahn, Bernhoft, Emilie Nicolas) and Gunn-Hilde Erstad on bass.
The epic arrangements of Rendezvous Point are truly one of a kind, and should really be experienced live.
















Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser




























Once Upon A Dream-RENDEZVOUS POINT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx8nQuEZ2sA


GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

PLANISPHERE









ABOUT

PLANISPHERE

...PLANISPHERE
from progarchives website


Planisphere biography
A Köln-oriented unit PLANISPHERE were founded in 2010 by four musical mates - Andre (bass, synthesizers), Jens (guitars, synthesizers), Robin (guitars), and Tilo (drums, percussion, synthesizers) - each of whom has been inspired by authentic progressive rock scene especially Post / Math Rock. They released the debut ep "Porphyrogen" in 2011 compiled with rehearsal recordings, whilst they gigged for the first time at the local band competition "Köln Rockt" of the Kölner Stadtanzeiger in cooperation with the sponsor Musicstore 2012 and reached the semifinals. During their local gigs or attendance at festivals, they created and matured material for the full-length debut album "Into The Known" released in June 2018 finally.
PLANISPHERE Videos (YouTube and more)
















Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory






























Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSI8...NqZ718&index=6


GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

FROST*








ABOUT

FROST*

...FROST*
from official website


In September 2004 musician Jem Godfrey, better known to the wider world at the time for creating chart-topping hits for acts including Atomic Kitten, Shayne Ward and Holly Valance, was privately becoming increasingly frustrated by the creative limitations of the pop genre and made a conscious decision to record an album true to his own childhood roots in progressive rock to let off a bit of steam. After 6 months of writing and recording in isolation, Godfrey approached John Mitchell, who had himself just released the now classic Kino album “Picture” and asked if he would contribute guitar to the as yet untitled project. Mitchell agreed and soon introduced Godfrey to John Jowitt, bass player at the time for IQ and Jadis. This subsequently lead to contact with ex-Robert Plant drummer Andy Edwards who was also in IQ, they listened to the demos and agreed to get involved. John Boyes, a former band-mate in Godfrey’s first band Freefall had already performed significant rhythm guitar work on the recordings and so with a bassist, guitarist and drummer to complete the line-up, recordings were completed over the winter of 2005 on what would become Frost*’s first album, “Milliontown”.
Named after the 26 minute long final track inspired by the book “The Apprentice” by Gordon Houghton, Milliontown was released in the United States on 18 July 2006 and in Europe on 24 July to widespread critical acclaim. The band went on a brief tour to play a selection from the album, supporting Pallas on a four date tour of the Netherlands and Germany in October 2006, but it wouldn’t last for long….
Shortly after returning from the tour, Godfrey announced – by way of an article on the band’s blog on MySpace and re-iterated by InsideOut in a bulletin on the same site two days later – that due to his increasing professional and personal commitments elsewhere, Frost* would be dissolved after fulfilling four remaining concert dates. The final appearance of Frost* in support of their album Milliontown, was as support for The Flower Kings at The Scala in Kings Cross, London, on 10th December 2006. However, in early 2007, Godfrey changed his mind, revived the band name and wrote in his blog about writing material for a second Frost* album…
Following the band’s reformation, Godfrey recruited Declan Burke of Darwin’s Radio (whom he had met at the Flower Kings gig) to contribute vocals and guitars on the follow-up album, Experiments in Mass Appeal, which was released worldwide on 17th November 2008. Throughout the recording, Godfrey posted many vblogs on YouTube called “Frost* Reports” which became cult items in themselves. In the midst of this, Frost* supported Spock’s Beard for an 8 date tour across Europe and the UK. Shortly before the album’s release, Andy Edwards announced that due to his new job as a college lecturer he would retire from live playing,
On 17th January 2016, Jem Godfrey announced the new album would be called ‘Falling Satellites’. The band also announced an 8 date UK tour in the summer of 2016. ‘Falling Satellites’ was released on 27th May to critical acclaim.
In May 2021 FROST* released their fourth full length studio album ‘Day and Age’ through InsideOutMusic. ‘Day And Age’ features Jem Godfrey, once again joined by John Mitchell & Nathan King, as well as 3 guest drummers: Kaz Rodriguez (Chaka Khan, Josh Groban), Darby Todd (The Darkness, Martin Barre) & Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson, Mister Mister). The album also features spoken word on one track from actor Jason Isaacs. Jem Godfrey comments of the new album: “2020 was the year of the studio for obvious reasons. As a result 2021 is going to be a bumper year for new music I think and we’re very happy to be riding that wave too into what I hope will be a better year for everybody. It’s great to be back.” ‘Day And Age’ was recorded over the course of 2019 and 2020, featuring 8 tracks and striking cover artwork by Carl Glover of Aleph Studios (Steven Wilson, Marillion, Steve Jansen).














Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires























Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*
https://frost.bandcamp.com/track/life-in-the-wires-pt-2



Moral and Consequence-FROST*
https://frost.bandcamp.com/track/moral-and-consequence


GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

NICOLA LORI









ABOUT

NICOLA LORI

...NICOLA LORI
from official website


Born in Rome, Nicola Lori, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, co-founder of the Italian band FJIERI. Coming from classical studies, he trained with Italian and English Progressive Rock through groups such as Area, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, PFM, Orme, New Trolls, Arti & Mestieri and English groups such as Gentle Giant, , King Crimson, Jethro Tull Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin etc... In 1997, after many musical experiences, together with his brother Elio Lori on bass, Stefano Panunzi on keyboards and Angelo Strizzi on drums, he began the experience with FJIERI which contains the influences of Progressive Rock heading towards new sounds of the 90s and especially towards an English group, Japan, and David Sylvian. In 2000 he met the English keyboardist of Porcupine Tree, Richard Barbieri (former keyboardist of Japan, Rain Tree Crow, JBK) and from an initial collaboration of Richard Barbieri, after a careful examination of the material produced by Fjieri, he decided to artistically produce the debut Album “Endless”, recorded at Forward Studio’s in Grottaferrata in Rome. This first work brought very interesting collaborations with international artists such as Tim Bowness, Peter Chilvers, Haco, Mick Karn, Gavin Harrison, Richard Barbieri, Andrea Chimenti. In 2004, in parallel with the production of the first album of Fjieri, he began to work actively on the debut album of Stefano Panunzi (Timelines) as a composer, acoustic and electric guitarist, bass player in 7 tracks of the album then published in 2005. In 2009 “Endless” finally came out, the first album of Fjieri. Subsequently, the release of 3 other albums by Stefano Panunzi (A Rose, Behind the Illusion and Songs from the See) followed, where he continued to collaborate by composing and playing in various songs. In 2016, the second album by Fjieri was released (Words are all we Have) with the participation of the guitarist and singer Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson). In February 2024, the same album was remastered but in the reloaded version a new track composed by Panunzi-Lori was added (A sense of Lost). Now, the release of Nicola Lori's debut album is scheduled for October. In the album (Urban Vision) there are great musicians who collaborated on the project including Grice Peter, Robert Aceto, Colin Edwin, Robert Nissim, Cristiano Roversi, Andrea Chimenti, Nicola Alesini Danilo Cherni, Angelo Strizzi, Stefano Panunzi, Sergio Romano, Giacomo Anselmi Daniele Iacono, Luca Fareri, etc…
The guitarists who contributed to his musical education are, Andres Segovia, Robert Fripp, David Torn, Gary Green, David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Pat Metheny…

















Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision


























The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI
https://nicolalori.bandcamp.com/trac...-of-persuasion


GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

BENJAMIN CROFT









ABOUT

BENJAMIN CROFT

...BENJAMIN CROFT
from official website


Benjamin Croft is a British keyboardist, music producer and songwriter.
From a very young age, Benjamin developed a strong interest for music. His next-door neighbour was a professional trumpet player and pianist. As a toddler, he used to sit in the corner of his music room and watch him perform. He promised young Benjamin to teach him music when he would be old enough to sit still and concentrate. At the age of 7, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons.

“Around age 17, my life was forever changed after hearing the album 'Close to the Edge' by the band Yes. I quickly developed a love for progressive rock. Keyboard players such as Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson inspired me to practice for up to 8 hours a day.“ says Croft.
At 19, he won a scholarship at Leeds College of Music, where he spent 4 years studying piano, trumpet and composition.
After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines, travelling and performing. He lived and played in the US, and toured the world twice, working with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters.
"One night I was playing country, the next musical theatre and then jazz or rock."
Benjamin relocated to London (UK) in 2012 and quickly began to make a name for himself performing in some of the city's most notorious jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s, and the Vortex among others . He played in the West End Show ’ Straight From the Heart’, and became a rehearsal pianist for TV shows such as ‘The Voice’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. In 2018, he recorded for Beautiful South founder Dave Hemingway’s latest project ’Sunbirds', and worked as a session musician, composer and arranger for various singers and instrumentalists.
While keeping up with a busy schedule performing and recording, Benjamin started composing his own music and released his first album ‘10 Reasons To...’ on 33Jazz Records in March 2019. 12 original compositions blending jazz fusion, classical and progressive rock.
"The musicians who collaborated on my first project were friends I had met performing at Ronnie Scott's.These included trumpet player Andy Davies and violinist Benet Mclean."
His second album, "Far and Distant Things", was recorded throughout 2020 and released in the summer of 2021 on Ubuntu Music. It features some prestigious guests musicians such as Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti, Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller, and Chad Wackerman.
Both albums have been critically acclaimed in the UK, US and Europe.
Benjamin spent the last 2 years making his latest album, “We Are Here To Help,”.
“It has been a great honour to record with legendary musicians including Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale.”
“We Are Here To Help “ is an epic project with a heavier blend of progressive rock and metal, pushing further the boundaries of creativity, musical mastery and sonic excellence. The album also marks the launch of his record label "Galactic Receiver". It is due for release on May,3rd 2024.
















Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

























The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mcLlvAYpbg




Caught In The Flypaper-BENJAMIN CROFT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L7AMtmuv7c




GOOD LISTENING

[nicola]

FRANCIS GREGOIRE








ABOUT

FRANCIS GREGOIRE




Francis Grégoire (Keyboards) I have been following him since 2015, when he released his first album with Universe Effects, a group that I think has a great chance of getting noticed in the Prog World. With this first solo album Prologue Francis Gregorie tries his hand at a mix of Jazz-Prog and I didn't know this tendency of his but since he is an excellent artist composer, no goal is precluded to him.


...FRANCIS GREGOIRE
from official website


Francis est un pianiste, claviériste et compositeur originaire de Québec, Canada.

Dès l’âge de 7 ans, il entame une formation en piano classique jusqu’au niveau collégial. Il est détenteur d’un baccalauréat et d’une maîtrise en musique en interprétation jazz/pop à l’Université Laval, où il pu apprendre auprès d’excellents musiciens jazz reconnus tels que Jean-François Lambert et Rafael Zaldivar. Francis oeuvre principalement dans le domaine musical à titre de musicien de scène et de studio, de compositeur, d’arrangeur et d’enseignant.

Musicien et compositeur versatile, ses intérêts musicaux oscillent notamment entre le jazz, le classique, la pop, le rock et même le métal. Il a d’ailleurs cofondé le groupe de rock/métal progressif, Universe Effects, avec lequel il a composé et coréalisé deux albums, où il a pu travailler notamment avec l’ingénieur de renommée internationale Paul Northfield (Rush, Dream Theater, Gentle Giant, Queensrÿche, etc.). Il est également claviériste au sein du Carl Mayotte Fusion Quintet et s’est produit sur scène aux côtés notamment de Paul Brochu (UZEB), Luc Boivin, Jean-Pierre Zanella, Marie-Denise Pelletier et Senri Kawaguchi. Il a également collaboré avec le compositeur et directeur audio Jim Bonney (Bioshock, Mortal Kombat, Mafia) pour la composition de la musique pour le jeu vidéo Romancelvania de la compagnie Deep End Games. Francis a de plus agi à titre de directeur musical et de claviériste de Prog Story, un spectacle de revue musicale du rock progressif britannique des années 70.

Francis prépare actuellement en tant que compositeur, réalisateur et interprète, la sortie de son premier album, Prologue, qui paraîtra le 11 octobre prochain sur toutes les plateformes numériques ainsi qu'en copies physiques.

Cet album réunit un quintet jazz ainsi que le Quatuor Crema une section de cordes regroupant des musicien/nes de l’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec et des Violons du Roy.


















Hi friends

2024 Work in Progress..ive



These are my best tracks of 2024


Track Title-Group or Artist-Album

Stranger Skies-ELLESMERE-Stranger Skies

Quasar-SONIQ THEATER-Solar Winds

The End-HUGO TORO-The Journey

Searching For Mr. Kite (Expanded Version)-KARFAGEN-Messages From Afar: Second Nature

Sky Coaster-SCOTT HENDERSON-KARNEVEL!

Ghost Moon and Living Love-STEVE HACKETT-THE CIRCUS AND THE NIGHTWHALE

Frailty-DRIFTING SUN-Veil

Half Remembered-HEAD SPIN-Refractor

Beneath the Masts-BIG BIG TRAIN-The Likes Of Us

The Watcher-SAQQARAH-THE RUNAWAY

Hellishade of Heavenue-LEVIATHAN-Heartquake_Redux

Ignition-MONKEY3- Welcome To The Machine

The North Sky-THE TANGENT-To Follow Polaris

into_the_wastelands-THE DAME- II

stay_under_cover-GLASS ISLAND- Lost Media

Echoes Of Avalon-COLIN MASSON- Echoes Of Avalon

Encounter with the Elven Princen-CEN-projekt-THE STORY OF ENJA

Tear it Down-AIRBAG-The Century of the Self

Voyager-BAROCK PROJECT-Time Voyager

Black Science (Part 1-6)-INFRINGEMENT-Black Science and White Lies

Waves-UNIVERSE EFFECTS-The Distance

Spiderweb Train-Kaipa-SOMMARGRYNINGSLJUS

True Messenger-Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks-True

Presence-RENDEZVOUS POINT-Dream Chaser

Bees Bees Bees-PLANISPHERE-Mindstory

Life in the Wires, Pt. 2-FROST*-Life In The Wires

The Psychology Of Persuasion-NICOLA LORI-Urban Vision

The Age Of Magrathea-BENJAMIN CROFT-we are here to help

Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE-Prologue





































Blue Shift-FRANCIS GREGOIRE
https://francisgregoiremusic.bandcam...ack/blue-shift





Blues Interstellaire-FRANCIS GREGOIRE
https://francisgregoiremusic.bandcam...interstellaire



GOOD LISTENING