The brand new issue of PROG magazine, no. 72, features an insightful interview with the incredibly talented Greg Spawton, co-founder and bassist of Big Big Train. Spawton reveals his favorite songs, novels, and a variety of other things. Well worth reading.
Author: bradbirzer
By day, I'm a father of seven and husband of one. By night, I'm an author, a biographer, and a prog rocker. Interests: Rush, progressive rock, cultural criticisms, the Rocky Mountains, individual liberty, history, hiking, and science fiction.
2112 40th Anniversary Trailer
Ok, so I’m excited about a remastered 2112, and I ordered this back in early November. . . but who cares if some non-Rush guys can play Rush music? I want Rush, not wannabe Rush.
[Click the link, and it will take you to Facebook]
Best Prog of 2016, Part II
continued from last night. . .
Andy Tillison Diskdrive, MACHTE ES DURCH. Sadly, this release has gotten very little press, and, yet, as with all things Tillison, it’s simply genius and extraordinary. When thinking of Andy and The Tangent, think intensity and integrity. When thinking of Andy Tillison Diskdrive, think of taste and integrity. On his solo albums (at least this one and the previous one), Andy has been exploring–rather expertly–jazz-rock-fusion. He is a natural and a master.
Ghost Community, CYCLE OF LIFE. I’ve been rather joyously following the trajectory and art of Matt Cohen for almost a decade now. The guy is simply put–the kind of guy you really, really, really want to support. Whatever tragedies the man has experienced, he comes out on top and with an infectious joy. Not only is his bass playing on this album gorgeous, but the album itself is just joy made manifest. Imagine a truly progressive and non-cheesy Styx of 1975, and you have Ghost Community. Probably more rock than prog, it’s what prog needs right now to keep some balance. (Notice, please, that I used some form of “joy” three times in this mini-review!)
The Best Prog of 2016, Part I
What a year. I would guess that when historians look back to 2016, they will see it as a year of extreme violence and angry populism. Sadly, both the violence and the politics revealed themselves from time to time in the prog world, but not detrimentally so.
Life, dignity, and art remain, however, no matter what the politicians scream. And, praise the Lord we have good music to heal so many hurts of this broken world.
Glass Hammer, VALKYRIE. Not just the best GH album, but one of the greatest rock albums ever made. Susie has never sounded better, and GH has gone well beyond their comfort level to explore a full-blown novel in this terribly moving story. This album strikes that perfect—and all too elusive—via media, balancing beauty and innovation. VALKYRIE is, undoubtedly, my favorite album of the year.
In the next several spots, I have to wrestle with myself. Frankly, any ranking after VALKYRIE, would change day by day and, perhaps, even hour by hour. So, I offer the following loves.
Orchestral Galahad
Here’s hoping I’m only one of millions who download this rather–not surprisingly–excellent version of “Empires Never Last,” recorded with a full orchestra. Very nice. Very nice, indeed. These guys never cease to surprise and delight me.
https://galahad1.bandcamp.com/track/empires-never-last-orchestral-version
Please Support Dave Kerzner
Kerzner is seeking Kickstarter pledges:
Here’s a brand new 75+ minute album (the length of a double album) of Progressive Rock you can get for as low as $10 (or $20 with an exclusive bonus only available on Kickstarter). If you like bands such as Pink Floyd, Genesis, Porcupine Tree, Marillion, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Radiohead and Sound of Contact (my band with Simon Collins) then just watch the video where I talk about and play music from my new album “Static” here: https://www.kickstarter.com/…/static-a-progressive-rock-alb…
Less than 9 days to join to get the exclusive extras and a glimpse behind the scenes during the making of the album all the way up through our performance on Yes’s Cruise To The Edge (including updates from CTTE itself with Steve Hackett, Nick D’Virgilio, Billy Sherwood and more!)
Chicago Prog: Fire Garden Live, Nov. 30
Fire Garden Live at Martyrs’ with Sonus Umbra and Erzulie
Recommended for the fans of Progressive Rock, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd.
Venue: Martyrs’ Chicago
Date: Wednesday Nov 30, 2016
Tickets: $7
Doors: 7:30 PM
Erzulie 8 PM – 8:50 PM
Fire Garden 9:10 PM – 10:00 PM
Sonus Umbra 10:20 PM – 11:10 PM
Tickets at
http://martyrslive.com/wed-nov-30-8pm-7
Come and enjoy great music, venue and atmosphere.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1678754159103385/
Serdecznie zapraszamy: Newspaperflyhunting
According to my translator, this means, “You are warmly welcome.” I’d expect nothing less from one of the greatest bands of our era in rock.
Progarchy 