Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD will release a new live album, "Warriors Of Ice", in the U.S. on June 21 via Sonic Unyon Metal. The CD, which can already be purchased digitally (see below), will be made available in Canada on June 17 through Indica Records.
Late in 2009, VOIVOD released their live "Tatsumaki: Voivod Japan 2008" DVD, filmed the previous fall when they toured Japan for the first time ever. To celebrate its release of the DVD, VOIVOD performed in front of a sold-out crowd on December 12, 2009 at Club Soda in their adopted hometown of Montreal, Quebec. It was their first headlining show in the city of Montreal in more than ten years and it was celebrated in grand style. It was a fitting end to a busy year that saw them named "Metal Band Of The Year" at the 2010 Indie Awards in Canada. The show was recorded for posterity and is now being released as the fifteen-track "Warriors Of Ice", the first official VOIVOD live album to feature original band members Denis "Snake" Belanger on vocals, Jean-Yves "Blacky" Theriault on bass and Michel "Away" Langevin on drums, as well as new guitarist Dan "Chewy" Mongrain.
"Warriors Of Ice" highlights the classic period of the original VOIVOD lineup as well as a few new songs, all raging with the band's notorious live energy. Containing songs from their classic albums, spanning from 1984's "War And Pain" right up through 1991's "Angel Rat", as well as two songs from their 2009 "Infini" LP, the album is built of VOIVOD's signature songs, from "Voivod" and "Nuclear War" to "Tribal Convictions" and "Astronomy Domine" (PINK FLOYD cover).
"Warriors Of Ice" track listing:
01. Voivod
02. The Unknown Knows
03. The Prow
04. Ripping Headaches
05. Ravenous Medicine
06. Tribal Convictions
07. Overreaction
08. Panorama
09. Global Warning
10. Treasure Chase
11. Tornado
12. Nothingface
13. Brain Scan
14. Nuclear War
15. Astronomy Domine (PINK FLOYD cover)
The 15-track set captured on "Warriors Of Ice" is undeniably packed with VOIVOD fan favorites, making it an absolute must-have release for diehard fans and a great starting point for the uninitiated as well. This is the main set VOIVOD ravaged their audiences with on their 2010 U.S. tour alongside KREATOR, and at their headlining slot at the 2010 Scion Rock Fest.
VOIVOD is currently touring Europe, and will begin to assault the North American masses again this May when it is scheduled as one of the top headliners of the 2011 Maryland Deathfest.
VOIVOD is currently working on material for a new studio album. The CD will contain the band's first music to be written with new guitarist Dan Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005.
"Tatsumaki: Voivod Japan 2008" was released on November 17, 2009 via MVD Entertainment Group. The disc contains professionally filmed footage (three-camera shoot) of VOIVOD's September 20, 2008 concert at Club Citta in Kawasaki, Japan. The band was in Japan taking part in the two-night Thrash Domination 2008 event alongside TESTAMENT and FORBIDDEN.
"Infini", the latest album from VOIVOD, landed at position No. 67 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Latest ProgPower Europe 2011 Update
LINE-UP
Within the next couple of weeks we will announce the last 4 bands for this year's edition of ProgPower Europe, so far the following bands are booked:
Friday September 30
SEVENTH WONDER (swe) *
BARSTOOL PHILOSOPHERS (nl)
Saturday October 1
MEKONG DELTA (ger) *
IN MOURNING (swe) *
WHITE WALLS (rom) *
SCHIZOID LLOYD (nl)
Sunday October 2
REDEMPTION (usa) *
SOLE REMEDY (fin) *
KINGCROW (it) *
MEMENTO WALTZ (it) *
SKY ARCHITECT (nl)
(bands marked with a * will be all exclusive performances for The Netherlands this year)
Within the next couple of weeks we will announce the last 4 bands for this year's edition of ProgPower Europe, so far the following bands are booked:
Friday September 30
SEVENTH WONDER (swe) *
BARSTOOL PHILOSOPHERS (nl)
Saturday October 1
MEKONG DELTA (ger) *
IN MOURNING (swe) *
WHITE WALLS (rom) *
SCHIZOID LLOYD (nl)
Sunday October 2
REDEMPTION (usa) *
SOLE REMEDY (fin) *
KINGCROW (it) *
MEMENTO WALTZ (it) *
SKY ARCHITECT (nl)
(bands marked with a * will be all exclusive performances for The Netherlands this year)
Asia drummer Carl Palmer discusses focusing on present, not past, and recording in the digital age
Thursday, April 28, 2011
By MElinda Rizzo
The Express-Times
In 1982, four English progressive rock musicians formed Asia, touted as a musical super group because of the formidable pedigree of its members.
Members of the original Asia lineup were drawn from '70s progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Today, Asia continues to tour and is planning to head back into the recording studio to produce the follow-up to 2010's "Omega."
"We have lots of ideas and just need time to come together and sit down in a room and work them out," says drummer Carl Palmer.
The band -- Palmer, bassist and vocalist John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Steve Howe -- performs tonight at the State Theatre in Easton.
The band will stick to a playlist that includes enduring Asia hits such as "Heat of the Moment" "Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor."
What's missing from this tour is a selection of works from each band member's individual rock 'n' roll past, according to Palmer. Previous tours showcased hits such as Yes' "Roundabout," "Fanfare" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson's "In The Court of the Crimson King" and "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.
In addition to Asia hits, audiences will hear work from recent Asia recordings "Phoenix" and "Omega'.
"We've stopped doing the retro stuff from those previous years, and we're playing these shows with our own music together now," Palmer says.
Palmer says what's different about recording and performing today is what people want to hear, but the key to enduring work remains.
"The secret is in the (song) writing," Palmer says.
Selling new material has changed since Palmer and his fellow band members began working in the industry more than 35 years ago, when vinyl recordings reigned supreme.
Palmer says he enjoys being able to record in an age where editing and correcting tracks is seamless.
"Making a recording today is a lot different," Palmer says. "You don't have to redo everything because you want to make a change."
Being played on the commuting "drive time" circuit, when radio stations give bands airtime, has changed, too.
"It's just not the same," Palmer says. "Selling new material is different, so is releasing it into the (marketplace). Touring has become very important to us."
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment/index.ssf?/base/living-1/1303963522176691.xml&coll=3
By MElinda Rizzo
The Express-Times
In 1982, four English progressive rock musicians formed Asia, touted as a musical super group because of the formidable pedigree of its members.
Members of the original Asia lineup were drawn from '70s progressive rock bands Yes, King Crimson and Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Today, Asia continues to tour and is planning to head back into the recording studio to produce the follow-up to 2010's "Omega."
"We have lots of ideas and just need time to come together and sit down in a room and work them out," says drummer Carl Palmer.
The band -- Palmer, bassist and vocalist John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Steve Howe -- performs tonight at the State Theatre in Easton.
The band will stick to a playlist that includes enduring Asia hits such as "Heat of the Moment" "Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor."
What's missing from this tour is a selection of works from each band member's individual rock 'n' roll past, according to Palmer. Previous tours showcased hits such as Yes' "Roundabout," "Fanfare" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson's "In The Court of the Crimson King" and "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.
In addition to Asia hits, audiences will hear work from recent Asia recordings "Phoenix" and "Omega'.
"We've stopped doing the retro stuff from those previous years, and we're playing these shows with our own music together now," Palmer says.
Palmer says what's different about recording and performing today is what people want to hear, but the key to enduring work remains.
"The secret is in the (song) writing," Palmer says.
Selling new material has changed since Palmer and his fellow band members began working in the industry more than 35 years ago, when vinyl recordings reigned supreme.
Palmer says he enjoys being able to record in an age where editing and correcting tracks is seamless.
"Making a recording today is a lot different," Palmer says. "You don't have to redo everything because you want to make a change."
Being played on the commuting "drive time" circuit, when radio stations give bands airtime, has changed, too.
"It's just not the same," Palmer says. "Selling new material is different, so is releasing it into the (marketplace). Touring has become very important to us."
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment/index.ssf?/base/living-1/1303963522176691.xml&coll=3
Friday, April 29, 2011
It's Official: MIKE MANGINI Is New DREAM THEATER Drummer
Mike Mangini, the 48-year-old session artist who has played for ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE and STEVE VAI, has officially joined DREAM THEATER as the replacement for the recently departed Mike Portnoy.
Commented Mangini: "The day that I got the phone call to be in DREAM THEATER, it took my brain a minute to assemble what was going on, and when it sank in, the feeling was just of tremendous relief.
"It means so much to me, I almost felt like crying a couple of times. [Laughs] I didn't know what to do.
"What it means to me to be part of not only such a legendary band, but this band, is a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I feel like a puzzle piece, and with Mike [Portnoy] in particular, I feel really honored to carry on the torch for him; I'm carrying on his spirit."
Regarding the decision-making process, the members of DREAM THEATER had the following to say:
Jordan Rudess (keyboards): "The thing that stands about Mike Mangini is that he [plays] with such intensity and direction and power, and that was very engaging.
"It was hard to totally decide; you can't just say, 'OK, it's him and write off some other guy, because they're both incredible."
John Petrucci (guitar): "We unknowingly used a method that we use when we write music, which is, 'Just hear out my side.'
"During that discussion, we kind of came to some conclusions, we hashed things out, and at the end of the discussion, it was clear. We made a decision."
John Myung (bass): "A lot of it was just how felt with each particular drummer. It turned out that we were kind of all on the same page as to who we needed to carry on. I think it was meant to be."
Mangini is notorious for his technical prowess and holds three out of four World's Fastest Drummer titles. These include the Fastest Matched grip at 1,247 strokes in 60 seconds; Fastest Hands, which he earned by executing 1,203 single-stroke notes in 60 seconds without drumsticks mallets etc.; Fastest Traditional Grip which he earned by executing 1,126 strokes in 60 seconds; and Fastest Single Stroke Foot record, playing 13,222 hits in 15 minutes and 5,222 hits in five minutes.
Mangini has written two books about his drumming techniques. These books, titled "Rhythm Knowledge", are a practice method for deconstructing and simplifying complex polyrhythms and time signatures.
Mangini joined ANNIHILATOR in 1991 and appeared on the band's "Set The World On Fire" album. He toured with the group in support of the CD until 1994 at which point he was asked to play with the Massachusetts band EXTREME, replacing that group's original drummer Paul Geary.
After EXTREME dissolved in 1996, Mike was informed through drummer Jonathan Mover that guitarist Steve Vai was auditioning drummers for his live band. Mike successfully auditioned for Steve Vai's band and relocated to Los Angeles.
From late 1996 to early 2000, Mangini was the highly regarded drummer of Vai's live ensemble, which also included bassist Philip Bynoe, guitar wizard Mike Keneally and (in 2000) guitarist Dave Weiner. Mike also recorded several drum tracks for Steve's "Fire Garden" and "Ultrazone" albums.
In 2005, Mike accepted a full-time teaching position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and today he is a prominent faculty member in the school's percussion department.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band last summer while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD.
He played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them in late 2010 .
The third and final webisode in which the members of DREAM THEATER share with their fans some of the intense process, along with the musical joy, that went into choosing a new drummer can be viewed below.
A little more than a month after Portnoy's sudden departure from DREAM THEATER, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world's greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer's incredible chops with the band's trademark prog-rock sound.
The members of DREAM THEATER have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of their fans around the world. "The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow," said guitarist John Petrucci. "The fact that as a result of that event we'd be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening."
The following seven drummers took part in the DREAM THEATER audition process:
* Aquiles Priester (age 39) (ANGRA, PAUL DI'ANNO)
* Peter Wildoer (age 36) (DARKANE)
* Marco Minnemann (age 40) (KREATOR, NECROPHAGIST, EPHEL DUATH, JOE SATRIANI)
* Virgil Donati (age 52) (PLANET X, SEVEN THE HARDWAY)
* Derek Roddy (age 38) (HATE ETERNAL, NILE, TODAY IS THE DAY)
* Mike Mangini (age 48) (STEVE VAI, EXTREME, ANNIHILATOR)
* Thomas Lang (age 43) (JOHN WETTON, ROBERT FRIPP, GLENN HUGHES)
Commented Mangini: "The day that I got the phone call to be in DREAM THEATER, it took my brain a minute to assemble what was going on, and when it sank in, the feeling was just of tremendous relief.
"It means so much to me, I almost felt like crying a couple of times. [Laughs] I didn't know what to do.
"What it means to me to be part of not only such a legendary band, but this band, is a sense of fulfillment and purpose. I feel like a puzzle piece, and with Mike [Portnoy] in particular, I feel really honored to carry on the torch for him; I'm carrying on his spirit."
Regarding the decision-making process, the members of DREAM THEATER had the following to say:
Jordan Rudess (keyboards): "The thing that stands about Mike Mangini is that he [plays] with such intensity and direction and power, and that was very engaging.
"It was hard to totally decide; you can't just say, 'OK, it's him and write off some other guy, because they're both incredible."
John Petrucci (guitar): "We unknowingly used a method that we use when we write music, which is, 'Just hear out my side.'
"During that discussion, we kind of came to some conclusions, we hashed things out, and at the end of the discussion, it was clear. We made a decision."
John Myung (bass): "A lot of it was just how felt with each particular drummer. It turned out that we were kind of all on the same page as to who we needed to carry on. I think it was meant to be."
Mangini is notorious for his technical prowess and holds three out of four World's Fastest Drummer titles. These include the Fastest Matched grip at 1,247 strokes in 60 seconds; Fastest Hands, which he earned by executing 1,203 single-stroke notes in 60 seconds without drumsticks mallets etc.; Fastest Traditional Grip which he earned by executing 1,126 strokes in 60 seconds; and Fastest Single Stroke Foot record, playing 13,222 hits in 15 minutes and 5,222 hits in five minutes.
Mangini has written two books about his drumming techniques. These books, titled "Rhythm Knowledge", are a practice method for deconstructing and simplifying complex polyrhythms and time signatures.
Mangini joined ANNIHILATOR in 1991 and appeared on the band's "Set The World On Fire" album. He toured with the group in support of the CD until 1994 at which point he was asked to play with the Massachusetts band EXTREME, replacing that group's original drummer Paul Geary.
After EXTREME dissolved in 1996, Mike was informed through drummer Jonathan Mover that guitarist Steve Vai was auditioning drummers for his live band. Mike successfully auditioned for Steve Vai's band and relocated to Los Angeles.
From late 1996 to early 2000, Mangini was the highly regarded drummer of Vai's live ensemble, which also included bassist Philip Bynoe, guitar wizard Mike Keneally and (in 2000) guitarist Dave Weiner. Mike also recorded several drum tracks for Steve's "Fire Garden" and "Ultrazone" albums.
In 2005, Mike accepted a full-time teaching position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and today he is a prominent faculty member in the school's percussion department.
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band last summer while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD.
He played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them in late 2010 .
The third and final webisode in which the members of DREAM THEATER share with their fans some of the intense process, along with the musical joy, that went into choosing a new drummer can be viewed below.
A little more than a month after Portnoy's sudden departure from DREAM THEATER, the band held three days of auditions in New York City. Over an amazing and productive three-day period, the band played, jammed and spoke candidly with seven of the world's greatest drummers, learning about them musically, personally and professionally, and assessing the fit of each drummer's incredible chops with the band's trademark prog-rock sound.
The members of DREAM THEATER have been extremely sensitive to the fact that this is not only a monumental decision in their own lives, but also a critical moment in the lives of their fans around the world. "The departure of our lifelong bandmate and friend was an unexpected and truly heartbreaking blow," said guitarist John Petrucci. "The fact that as a result of that event we'd be introduced to seven infinitely capable and uniquely talented drummers was heartening."
The following seven drummers took part in the DREAM THEATER audition process:
* Aquiles Priester (age 39) (ANGRA, PAUL DI'ANNO)
* Peter Wildoer (age 36) (DARKANE)
* Marco Minnemann (age 40) (KREATOR, NECROPHAGIST, EPHEL DUATH, JOE SATRIANI)
* Virgil Donati (age 52) (PLANET X, SEVEN THE HARDWAY)
* Derek Roddy (age 38) (HATE ETERNAL, NILE, TODAY IS THE DAY)
* Mike Mangini (age 48) (STEVE VAI, EXTREME, ANNIHILATOR)
* Thomas Lang (age 43) (JOHN WETTON, ROBERT FRIPP, GLENN HUGHES)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
April News Bytes
- JUDAS PRIEST, WHITESNAKE, SAXON, SLADE and MIKE & THE MECHANICS have been confirmed for the Sofia Rocks festival, set to take place Friday, July 8 at the National Hippodrome Bankya in Bankya (Sofia), Bulgaria. More acts will be announced soon.
- New York project IZZ has re-recorded the classic Peter Gabriel track Red Rain and is available at their website at http://izznet.com
- West coast classic fusion project which features Scott Kinsey and Scott Henderson called Tribal Tech is in the midst of recording a new album.
- Seminal jazz-rock band Return to Forever has a new lineup. The quintet now features Chick Corea (keyboards), Stanley Clarke (bass) and Lenny White (drums) with guitar legend Frank Gambale and former Mahavishnu Orchestra member Jean-Luc Ponty (violin).
QUEENSRŸCHE Joins Synergia Northwest Benefit to Aid Northwest Youth Music Education
Seattle's progressive stronghold QUEENSRŸCHE will join the stellar 2011 Synergia Northwest lineup on Friday, May 6 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle to support youth music education. "They are a perfect fit," said musician and show producer Michael McMorrow. "Their music has resonated for a couple generations of music fans here in the northwest and world-wide; and of course lends itself to symphonic components beautifully, and most importantly, they get it. They totally understand the tremendous need to support youth music education programs. They know where they come from."
The concert event raises funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to music students who would not have the necessary financial resources. A first of its kind event, Synergia Northwest 2010 launched in Tacoma's Landmark Convention Center last year, and blended classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one concert, unifying musicians across cultures, ages and musical genres all in the name of Washington State Youth Music Education. This year Music Aid Northwest's "Music Matters" Washington State License Plate Initiative campaign fund will be an emphasized beneficiary. This initiative allows the Washington State Department of Licensing to collect fees to create special ‘Music Matters' license plates. These plates will help fund music programs in our Washington schools.
Other highlights of the evening will include performances of the Synergia Northwest Orchestra with Pacific Northwest rock recording artists including Grammy award-winning drummer Alan White (YES, JOHN LENNON) and his band WHITE in a reprise of their performance at Synergia 2010, Shawn Smith of BRAD, tennis pro, Heart by Heart with Heart founder Steve Fossen and Somar Macek, Brendan Hill of BLUES TRAVELER, Geoffrey Castle, Scotty Olsen, Michael McMorrow, special performances by the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS BLUE THUNDER DRUM CORP and Seattle's Kokon Taiko. The Kokon Taiko performance continues Synergia Northwest's acknowledgement of the area's unique and diverse cultural heritage. The Synergia Orchestra will also perform the brilliant and moving Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia composition "China Doll" from Georgia-based composer and educator Lee Johnson's "Dead Symphony #6: An Orchestral Tribute to the Music of the Grateful Dead".
The concert will conducted by internationally recognized Dr. Nikolas Caoile, Director of Orchestras at Central Washington University and the conductor of the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed violinist William Boyd is the concertmaster. The Synergia Northwest Orchestra is comprised of some of the area's finest professional classical musicians and selected players from Washington State All-State groups and regional youth and public school orchestras.
The event will have special emphasis on "Music Matters", a self-perpetuating fundraising initiative Senate-House Bill 1329 to help support school music programs through sales of a distinctive new Washington State license plate, available through the Washington State Department of Licensing. Monies raised through Synergia Northwest 2011 will help the campaign fund school music programs statewide in Washington as well as collect signatures needed to continue its development in the state legislative process.
Synergia Northwest 2011 is sponsored by Washington Music Educators Association, Central Washington University, NAF Productions, Drifting Homeward Music, STG, Stenide Ilumination. Synergia Northwest 2011 has again enlisted Music Aid Northwest, a Washington State 501 (c)(3) organization, to direct the funds to Young Musicians Excelling award funding grant program through Washington Music Educators Association to Musicworks Northwest and Music Matters. Other non-profit agencies benefiting from Synergia Northwest 2011 will be announced.
Tickets are on sale at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org.
(Golden Circle seats are a reserved seat in the first 3 rows with access to a pre-show meet and greet with musicians, a poster for autographs and a photo opportunity.)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lana Lane, The Bob Moog Foundation and The Wall of Doom To Join Erik Norlander at RoSFest 2011
Lana Lane, The Bob Moog Foundation and The Wall of Doom To Join Erik Norlander at RoSFest 2011
Limited number of tickets still available for prestigious prog-rock fest
April 20, 2011
The Galactic Collective, an innovative re-imagining of the best of Erik Norlander's vast instrumental catalog, is scheduled to perform at the prestigious progressive rock festival RoSFest on Saturday, May 21st from 5-7PM with a very special guest appearance by symphonic rock icon Lana Lane. Norlander's band of stellar musicians includes guitarist Freddy DeMarco, bassist Mark Matthews, and drummer Nick LePar, all from the Akron, Ohio area. Also joining this performance will be Asheville, North Carolina vocalist Debrissa McKinney who worked with Norlander on the Moogus Operandi concert last year. An additional highlight of the concert will be Norlander's Wall of Doom, a massive Moog modular analog synthesizer whose core dates back to 1967. Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of The Bob Moog Foundation, will be introducing the band on stage and hosting a table for the Foundation throughout the festival.
The Rites of Spring Festival 2011 (RoSFest) will be hosted by the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA May 20th - May 22nd. A limited amount of tickets are still available and can be purchased at http://www.rosfest.com.
"RoSFest is a special event for me," affirms Norlander. "And we have put together some very special plans for the show. In addition to bringing out the Wall of Doom, my 24-oscillator 1967 modular Moog synthesizer, we will play the entire Galactic Collective album along with some songs from my solo catalog that have never been performed live before. Lana and Debrissa will bring a vocal element to The Galactic Collective, both in a choral fashion like we did on the album and also to deliver some vocal songs from my composed catalog. We will play a 2-hour set. I'm also honored to have Michelle Moog-Koussa join us at the festival, both to introduce the band and to promote her vital work with The Bob Moog Foundation."
About The Galactic Collective:
Erik Norlander's "The Galactic Collective" CD was released by Chian Productions on March 27, 2010. "The Galactic Collective” is a fresh and innovative take on the best of Norlander’s vast instrumental catalog written for Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane, and his own solo albums over the years. The versatile keyboardist recorded the CD with an astounding array of classic analog synthesizers, Hammond organ, and a Steinway grand piano at Cleveland’s Magnetic North Studio with engineer Chris Keffer (Syzygy) and executive producer Dena Henry. Musicians included bassist Mark Matthews, drummer Nick LePar, and a cadre of stellar guest guitarists including John Payne (Asia Featuring John Payne), Mitch Perry (Asia Featuring John Payne, Michael Schenker Group) and Mark McCrite (Rocket Scientists) along with leading Ohio artists Freddy DeMarco and Ron Redfield.
Limited number of tickets still available for prestigious prog-rock fest
April 20, 2011
The Galactic Collective, an innovative re-imagining of the best of Erik Norlander's vast instrumental catalog, is scheduled to perform at the prestigious progressive rock festival RoSFest on Saturday, May 21st from 5-7PM with a very special guest appearance by symphonic rock icon Lana Lane. Norlander's band of stellar musicians includes guitarist Freddy DeMarco, bassist Mark Matthews, and drummer Nick LePar, all from the Akron, Ohio area. Also joining this performance will be Asheville, North Carolina vocalist Debrissa McKinney who worked with Norlander on the Moogus Operandi concert last year. An additional highlight of the concert will be Norlander's Wall of Doom, a massive Moog modular analog synthesizer whose core dates back to 1967. Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of The Bob Moog Foundation, will be introducing the band on stage and hosting a table for the Foundation throughout the festival.
The Rites of Spring Festival 2011 (RoSFest) will be hosted by the Majestic Theater, 25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA May 20th - May 22nd. A limited amount of tickets are still available and can be purchased at http://www.rosfest.com.
"RoSFest is a special event for me," affirms Norlander. "And we have put together some very special plans for the show. In addition to bringing out the Wall of Doom, my 24-oscillator 1967 modular Moog synthesizer, we will play the entire Galactic Collective album along with some songs from my solo catalog that have never been performed live before. Lana and Debrissa will bring a vocal element to The Galactic Collective, both in a choral fashion like we did on the album and also to deliver some vocal songs from my composed catalog. We will play a 2-hour set. I'm also honored to have Michelle Moog-Koussa join us at the festival, both to introduce the band and to promote her vital work with The Bob Moog Foundation."
About The Galactic Collective:
Erik Norlander's "The Galactic Collective" CD was released by Chian Productions on March 27, 2010. "The Galactic Collective” is a fresh and innovative take on the best of Norlander’s vast instrumental catalog written for Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane, and his own solo albums over the years. The versatile keyboardist recorded the CD with an astounding array of classic analog synthesizers, Hammond organ, and a Steinway grand piano at Cleveland’s Magnetic North Studio with engineer Chris Keffer (Syzygy) and executive producer Dena Henry. Musicians included bassist Mark Matthews, drummer Nick LePar, and a cadre of stellar guest guitarists including John Payne (Asia Featuring John Payne), Mitch Perry (Asia Featuring John Payne, Michael Schenker Group) and Mark McCrite (Rocket Scientists) along with leading Ohio artists Freddy DeMarco and Ron Redfield.
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