Tag: Billy James

BillyNew: Quill’s Latest

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
Quill - Brush With The Moon med res.jpg
For Immediate Release 
 
UK Country Rock Band Quill Featuring Bev Bevan of ELO, The Move and Black Sabbath to Release New Album “Brush With The Moon”
 
Birmingham, UK – QUILL is a well-established, 7-piece country/folk/rock band based in Birmingham, England, from the same stable as ELO, Black Sabbath, The Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac) and more, have been wowing audiences for many years. In the past, all of these musicians played in and around Birmingham and kept in touch with each other. 
 
Says lead singer Joy Strachan–Brain, “ ‘Brush With The Moon’ is Quill’s first album to be released Worldwide and we are excited!!Until 2012, Quill was one of the busiest gigging bands in the UK, just getting out there and making music. Our self-penned album ‘Privileged’ sums up how we felt, doing a job we loved, visiting interesting countries , meeting amazing people and making music.” 
 
The band’s new album “Brush With The Moon” is a collection of songs written by the late BEN BRAIN. Ben was bass player and husband to Quill’s lead singer Joy Strachan–Brain. He left a legacy of wonderful songs and inspired by Jeff Lynne’s use of John Lennon’s demos on “Free as a bird”, Quill was moved to use Ben’s vocals and original demos to create this new album. “Brush with the Moon” is a tribute to Ben and has truly been a labor of love. 
 
Featuring respected musicians: Bev Bevan (ELO, Black Sabbath), Brian Tatler (Diamond Head), Tony Kelsey (who has played guitar with Robert Plant, Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi) and Matt Davies (well respected bass player and vocalist) along with band members Joy Strachan-Brain, Dave Bailey, Kate McWilliam and Tim Tandler 
 
Bev Bevan commented, “Over the years I have always been an admirer of Quill. I was particularly a fan of Joy, the lead singer, who I considered to be the best female singer around the Midlands area. When I was asked to put a band together for a national tour called ‘Stand up and Rock and found that the show needed a female lead vocalist, I immediately asked Joy to be part of it and she agreed. Since then ‘Stand up and Rock’ has become one of the most successful shows around with sell out tours around Great Britain. About a year ago I joined Quill as percussionist (being a drummer, I have always also liked playing percussion instruments too and have done so in the studio with The Move, ELO, Black Sabbath and Jose Feliciano). It’s great to be doing it live on stage now, and playing drums on some songs too. The line up has changed since I joined and the band now has a more folk and country rockier edge to it. The band is also now concentrating on just theatre shows and festivals and I’m very proud to be part of it and delighted to be on this current , newly released album ‘Brush With The Moon’. Joy and I are writing songs together and we are looking forward to recording tracks for another album to be released later this year.”  
 
Ben Brain was not only a fantastic wordsmith and performer, but a well respected artist. All of the album artwork consists of Ben’s sketches, which accompany his handwritten lyrics. All of Ben’s drawings seemed appropriate for the “Brush With The Moon” digipak artwork. The front cover is a water colour painting Ben had produced depicting the songs on the album. Additional artwork contribution to the album was from Ben’s daughter, Jenna Swann. 
 
Featuring
JOY STRACHAN-BRAIN (lead vocals) 
KATE McWILLIAM (violin/vocals) 
DAVE BAILEY (keyboards/acoustic guitar/vocals) 
TIM TANDLER (drums/percussion) 
BEV BEVAN (drums/percussion) 
MATT DAVIES (bass guitar/vocals) 
TONY KELSEY (guitar/mandolin/vocals) 
 
Tracks:
1. Quicksilver 
2. Tumbling Years 
3. Schoolyard 
4. Poppy Fields 
5. Nine Mile Camp 
6. England 
7. Hollywood Blue 
8. Wedding Dress 
9. Twister 
10. Man In White 
 
To purchase Quill’s “Brush With The Moon”: 
 
QUILL is enjoying performing to sell-out shows throughout the UK, taking the audience on an exciting and emotional journey that features songs from an album that the audience can relate to. 
 
Quill tour dates
Acoustic Festival of GB – June 21, 2015, Uttoxeter Racecourse Wood Lane ST14 
Americana Festival – July 12, 2015, Loughborough Road Loughborough LE12 
Robin 2 – August 1, 2015, 
Artrix Theatre – August 15, 2015, Bromsgrove Highway Bromsgrove B60 
Abbey Theatre – September 26, 2015, Abbey Green Nuneaton CV11 
Prince of Wales Theatre – October 9, 2015, Arts Centre Cannock WS11 1DE 
Assembly Rooms – November 7, 2015, 1 Mill Street Ludlow 
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall – December 4, 2015, Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 6AB
Huntingdon Hall – December 11, 2015, Crowngate shopping Centre Worcester 
 
Watch the promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOHKHgPB-PE
 
Official Website: www.quilluk.com
 
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

BillyNews: A Tribute to The Doors

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
Light my Fire Cover med res
Superstars Of Classic Rock Honor The Music & Legacy Of The Doors Feat. Members of Deep Purple, Foreigner, Yes, Rainbow, Mountain, Moody Blues, ELP and Others!
 
Featuring Todd Rundgren, Ian Gillan, Edgar Winter, Steve Morse, David Johansen, Larry Coryell, Mark Farner, Patrick Moraz, Mick Box, Keith Emerson, Lou Gramm, Leslie West, Thijs Van Leer, Steve Cropper, Rick Wakeman, Roye Albrighton, Nik Turner, Billy Sherwood, Steve Hillage, Zoot Horn Rollo and Others!
 
Los Angeles, CA – A star-studded syndicate of rock virtuosos have gathered together to pay tribute to one of the best loved and most influential bands of all-time, The Doors, on a new CD release titled Light My Fire – A Classic Rock Salute To The Doors to be released by Purple Pyramid Records on June 24th! Produced by the extraordinarily talented Billy Sherwood, the album features brand new interpretations of classic Doors cuts that defined an entire generation, songs such as “Light My Fire,” “Riders On The Storm,” “Break On Through (To The Other Side),” “Love Her Madly,” “L.A. Woman,” “People Are Strange,” and lots more!
 
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear some of The Doors’ peers and prodigies tackle these seminal songs. Not one but TWO members of the quintessential prog rock band Yes, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman and lead guitarist Steve Howe, joined Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan on the signature song, “Light My Fire,” which as Wakeman explains, “has always been one of those iconic tracks that keyboard players listen to because of the fact that there are so few tracks with keyboard/organ solos on them compared to our six-stringed buddies. It’s also a solo area that is totally open to interpretation so whatever you do is not comparable to the original, so it was an absolute joy to do.” Howe likewise enthuses, “I was delighted to play on this album as The Doors were a band I heard a lot as everywhere I went in the late ‘60s their music was playing, at friend’s, in restaurants, gigs & bars throughout London. I’m sure I saw them play at Middle Earth, a then hip club. Then, when the reissue more recently came out, I got totally back into their music, especially ‘Light My Fire.’”
 
Another keyboard legend, Geoff Downes, likewise extolled the genius of Doors’ organist Ray Manzarek saying, “It was a real privilege to be asked to participate in this project. Ray Manzarek was one of the pioneers of keyboard playing in rock music, and had a major influence on me and many others. His style was totally unique, and an integral element into what made The Doors sound the way they did.”
 
Meanwhile, renegade guitarist Steve Morse, of Dixie Dregs fame, recollects that The Doors were “a soundtrack, literally, for some of the most memorable times, good and bad, that I experienced as a young teen. Like many of my favorites, they were adventurous, improvising, unafraid of what the media might say, and all with a sort of lyrical freedom that still stands up today.” The Cars’ lead axeman Elliot Easton proclaims, “I had a wonderful time reinterpreting ‘Spanish Caravan,’” a song Easton found both “challenging and very rewarding!” And jazz fusion Larry Coryell concludes, “The Doors were the unofficial representatives to the world for LA, not ‘Los Angeles,’ but ‘LA.’ Their sound – raunchy, cluttered, sassy, leering, kind of mean, and always horny was the sound of LA/Los Angeles itself. How many times circa ‘65-66 did my first wife Julie and I drive through LA on the freeway listening to, say, ‘Love Me Two Times,’ and think that The Doors were the sound of LA just as clearly as Thelonious Monk was the sound of NYC.”
 
That sound continues to reverberate outward through both space and time, touching each new generation around the globe and keeping The Doors’ flame burning brighter than ever! Producer Billy Sherwood sums it up when he declares, “The Doors’ music will live on forever, and it’s my hope that we’ve paid tribute to the band in the highest way possible.”
 
1. L.A. Woman – Jimi Jamison (Survivor), Ted Turner (Wishbone Ash) & Patrick Moraz (Moody Blues)
2. Love Me Two Times – Lou Gramm (Foreigner), Thijs van Leer (Focus) & Larry Coryell
3. Roadhouse Blues – Leslie West (Mountain), Brian Auger & Rod Piazza
4. Love Her Madly – Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) & Mick Box (Uriah Heep)
5. Riders On The Storm – Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Tony Kaye (Yes) & Steve Cropper (Booker T. & The M.G.’s)
6. The Crystal Ship – Edgar Winter & Chris Spedding
7. Intro (People Are Strange) – Keith Emerson, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter & Joel Druckman (John Fahey)
8. People Are Strange – David Johansen (NY Dolls) & Billy Sherwood (Yes)
9. Touch Me – Robert Gordon, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Steve Morse & Nik Turner (Hawkwind)
10. The Soft Parade – Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Christopher North (Ambrosia) & Steve Hillage (Gong)
11. Hello, I Love You – Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep) & Roye Albrighton (Nektar)
12. Spanish Caravan – Eric Martin (Mr. Big) & Elliot Easton (The Cars)
13. Alabama Song (Whiskey Bar) – Todd Rundgren & Geoff Downes (Yes / Asia) & Zoot Horn Rollo (Captain Beefheart)
14. Break On Through (To The Other Side) – Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) & Chick Churchill (Ten Years After)
15. Light My Fire – Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Rick Wakeman (Yes) & Steve Howe (Yes)
16. The End – Pat Travers & Jimmy Greenspoon (Three Dog Night)
 
To pre-order the CD at Amazon: http://georiot.co/216h
To pre-order the album on iTunes: http://georiot.co/Wns
 
Press inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James

 

BillyNews: Wishbone Ash Tour North America

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment
Wishbone Ash 2014 photoNew London, CT – Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, returns to North America this Spring with brand new tunes from their upcoming release, Blue Horizon.
The group returns to these shores following last year’s annual tour through the the East, Midwest, Northwest and Western Canada, where they delighted fans with high-energy performances featuring a vast catalog spanning 45 continuous years of music-making.
The 2014 Spring tour has been nicknamed “The Blue Horizon Tour” to coincide with the March US release of Blue Horizon and celebrate the return of the band to areas not visited in many years.
“I thought, why not ring the bell to see if our fans in the South and Southwest would come out and join the party,” says bandleader and founding member Andy Powell.
The first leg of the tour begins April 15 in Florida and winds south and west before heading northward through the Pacific West Coast and Canada.
“We hope our long-lost fans will come check out what we’ve been doing, which has been continuously touring, recording and rehearsing,” said Powell. “The band has a fire in its belly, and we want to share that.”
Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash has to its credit 24 original studio recordings, 10 live albums and four live DVDs along with a DVD rockumentary (“This is Wishbone Ash”). The band is led by founding member Andy Powell on guitar and vocals, trading licks with Finland’s guitar wizard Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, a 17-year veteran of the band and in-demand studio musician, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain’s new breed of drummers whose performance credits include Pendragon and David Cross of King Crimson.
“The band basically lives together year-round, so we have a very strong level of communication that translates in our performances and recordings,” says Powell.
Wishbone Ash’s new album, Blue Horizon (Solid Rockhouse Records), includes guest artist Pat McManus playing fiddle on two tracks. Fans will recall McManus made an appearance on 2011’s Elegant Stealth and also co-wrote one of the songs, “Can’t Go It Alone,” with Andy Powell. Blue Horizon features two songs written by Aynsley Powell (Powell’s son) and one by former Wishbone Ash guitarist Roger Filgate.
Elegant Stealth (ZYX Records) was enthusiastically received by fans and critics alike. Classic Rock Revisited’s Jeb Wright called it “One of the best albums in Wishbone Ash’s career.”
“This band is like a fine wine that just keeps getting better with age and this is one of their strongest studio releases in years,” said Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck of MuzikReviews.com.
“The songs are catchy, very technical, but there is a soul in what Wishbone Ash is doing!” said Mark Kadzielawa of 69 Faces of Rock.
Lynyrd Skynyrd cites Wishbone Ash as a primary influence on their style along with Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden and, more recently, heavyweights like Opeth and some of the guitar-based Indie/Alternative bands. All have been transformed by the original, legendary twin-guitar approach of Wishbone Ash. There is no other rock band on the planet that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash.
Longtime fans and new converts will find that Wishbone Ash offers an undeniable concert experience.
Tour dates and more information can be found at www.wishboneash.com
To download electronic press kit: www.wishboneash.com/epk
Like the band on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wishbone.ash.official
Wishbone Ash Publicity and Marketing: Kate Goldsmith – kate_goldsmith@wishboneash.com
Wishbone Ash Worldwide Publicity: Glass Onyon PR – PH: +1 828-350-8158 ,glassonyonpr@gmail.com
North American Booking: Steve Ozark, Ozark Talent (785)760-3143, OzarkTalent@gmail.com

BillyNews: Transatlantic

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
Transatlantic To Release New Studio Album Kaleidoscope on Jan 28, 2014
Announces World Tour Jan 31 – Mar 15, 2014
 
Cross Plains, TN – Good things come to those who wait. Transatlantic fans are accustomed to playing the waiting game, and their patience has been rewarded with the band’s fourth official studio album, Kaleidoscope. Steeped in vibrant prog rock organics, it’s a triumphant return to the band’s original creative style.
 
The beloved prog rock project featuring Neal Morse (ex-Spock’s Beard), Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) and Pete Trewavas (Marillion), Transatlantic’s foundation was built in 1999 with the release of their debut album, SMPT:e, in 2000. A second studio album, Bridge Across Forever, solidified their position as prog’s definitive supergroup. It would be nine years before Transatlantic’s fans were rewarded with a new studio album: 2009’s The Whirlwind, the band’s most popular release to date. Following the subsequent tour, spawning two live DVDs, the band decided to record a new studio album as soon as they could.
 
“There was talk about a year ago about doing an album before we actually did it,” reveals Morse. “I was feeling it for a while. Some of the music that ended up on my Momentum album (2012) seemed like good material for Transatlantic. Roine and my schedules have a little more space in them, and Pete and Mike’s schedules finally aligned, so we were able to put this together. I’m just glad we got to do it again and I’m really happy with the way the album came out.”
 
Morse, Portnoy, Stolt and Trewavas shared equally in the songwriting, with Portnoy ultimately sifting through the material and picking out what he felt was best. For the most part, the music that fans hear on Kaleidoscope (and all of their previous albums) was created for Transatlantic. There are, of course, exceptions. “I wrote the second song on Kaleidoscope, “Shine,” before my Momentum album came out,” says Morse. “I thought about recording it for myself, but it just smelled of Transatlantic. I presented it with two other acoustic songs, and that’s the one the other guys chose, as well.”
 
The band convened at Neal’s studio in Tennessee; writing, arranging, and laying down the final drums and bass. Morse offers, “At this stage, we sketch out the house and build the foundation. Then Roine and I go off to our respective studios and do what we need to. We send those parts, including vocals, back and forth via the internet; but the writing is done together in Tennessee. We just go from the gut, and I think it’s an amazing process of trusting each other. There’s no shortage of ideas; it’s more like which ideas do we want to use?”
 
As the fans have come to expect, Kaleidoscope is also available as a Special Edition featuring eight uniquely Transatlantic cover songs. “I don’t know how it started,” Morse says of the cover song tradition. “But we’ve done it for every album. It’s a lot of fun because most of the time it’s simpler music than what we’re mainly involved with.”
 
There are points during the journey through Kaleidoscope where the listener will be reminded of artists like Yes, early Genesis, and even Styx. But in the end, the album is distinctly Transatlantic before it can be compared to anyone else.
 
“I think that comes from the different ingredients,” says Morse. “It’s the four of us from all over the world—with our different backgrounds, cultures and musical history—that makes this band totally unique.”
 
The band will embark on a six-week world tour January 31 – March 15, with an additional performance at the Sweden Rock festival June 4-7. They will be joined by Pain of Salvation’s Daniel Gildenlöw as a 5th touring member. The tour will include headlining the Progressive Nation At Sea 2014 Cruise,February 18-22, alongside 22 other leading prog acts including Adrian Belew Power Trio, Devin Townsend Project, King’s X, Anathema and Spock’s Beard. The event will also feature a special performance of Yes material by Transatlantic with legendary singer Jon Anderson on vocals.
 
Transatlantic – Kaleidoscope (75:50)
 
1. Into The Blue (25:13)
I. Overture (Instrumental) 
II. The Dreamer And The Healer 
III. A New Beginning 
IV. Written In Your Heart 
V. The Dreamer And The Healer (Reprise)
2. Shine (07:28)
3. Black As The Sky (06:45) 
4. Beyond The Sun (04:31) 
5. Kaleidoscope (31:53) 
I. Overture (Instrumental) 
II. Ride The Lightning
III. Black Gold
IV. Walking The Road 
V. Desolation Days 
VI. Lemon Looking Glass (Instrumental) VII. Feel The Lightning (Reprise) 
 
Bonus CD: 
 
1. And You And I (Yes) 
2. Can’t Get It Out Of My Head (ELO) 
3. Conquistador (ProcolHarum)
4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John)
5. Tin Soldier (Small Faces)
6. Sylvia (Focus)
7. Indiscipline (King Crimson)
8. Nights In White Satin (The Moody Blues)
 
Line-Up:
Roine Stolt – Electric guitars, vocals
Pete Trewavas – Bass, Vocals
Neal Morse – Keys, Guitars, Vocals
Mike Portnoy – Drums,Vocals
 
An Evening With Transatlantic 2014 World Tour
 
Jan 31st – Los Angeles, CA – El Segundo Performing Arts Center
Feb 1st – San Francisco, CA
Feb 2nd – Seattle, WA
Feb 4th – Chicago, IL – The Arcada Theater
Feb 5th – Quebec City, Canada – Theatre Du Capitole
Feb 6th – Montreal, Canada – L’Olympia
Feb 7th – Boston, MA
Feb 8th – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theater
Feb 9th – New York City, NY – Highline Ballroom
Feb 11th – Mexico City, Mexico – Teatro Metropolitan
Feb 13th – São Paulo, Brazil
Feb 14th – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Feb 15th – Santiago, Chile
Feb 18th to 22nd – Progressive Nation At Sea
Feb 27th – Madrid, Spain – La Rivera
Feb 28th – Barcelona, Spain – Razzmatazz 2
March 2nd – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
March 3rd – Rome, Italy – Orion
March 5th – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7
March 6th – Karlsruhe, Germany – Substage
March 7th – Munich, Germany – Muffathalle
March 8th – Berlin, Germany – Astra
March 9th – Cologne, Germany – E Werk
March 11th – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix
March 12th – London, England – The Forum
March 13th – Tilburg, Holland – 013
March 14th – Tilburg, Holland – 013
March 15th – Paris, France – Le Bataclan
June 4th-7th – Sweden Rock Festival
 
Studio Album Discography
SMPT:e (2000)
Bridge Across Forever (2001)
The Whirlwind (2009)
Kaleidoscope (2014)
 
Press Contact
Glass Onyon PR
 
Transatlantic Online:
 
Progressive Nation Cruise
 
Radiant Records

 

BillyNews: Psychedelic Santa!

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment
Cleopatra Records Taps Modern Psych-Space Bands
For A Psychedelic Themed Christmas Album
 
Featuring Psychic Ills, Dead Meadow, The Vacant Lots, Sleepy Sun,
Dark Horses, Elephant Stone, Sons Of Hippies, and more!
 
Los Angeles, CA – The 2013 holiday season is about to get a whole lot trippier with the release of Cleopatra Record’s Psych-Out Christmas, a brand new compilation of spaced out, psychedelic interpretations of Christmas classics and new holiday favorites performed by a team of current psych-space rock bands from around the globe! The compilation is available now on both CD & vinyl at all fine music retailers as well as for download at iTunes and other digital music retailers.
 
Canadian indie rockers Elephant Stone kick things off with a sitar-infused version of the beloved Beatles’ holiday singalong “Christmas Time (Is Here Again),” followed by Sweden’s own Dark Horses turning in an original piece composed specifically for this compilation, the wintry, ethereal ballad “Jul Song.” Another Swedish band, The Movements, whose new album was released earlier this year by Cleopatra, offer a uniquely drumless take on “Little Drummer Boy” that swirls with fuzzy guitars and dreamy synths to create a headswimming sugar plum hum.
 
The vibrant psychedelic rock scene blooming on American shores is well represented here by the likes of Sleepy Sun, who thoroughly deconstruct the 19th century carol “What Child Is This?” and The Vacant Lots, who bring a Spiritualized twist to a long buried holiday treasure written by the band Suicide called “No More Christmas Blues.” The band explained their selection, “After spending many hours overdosing on the more familiar Christmas tunes, we gravitated towards the obscure Ze Christmas album track by Suicide.  As big fans of the band, ‘No More Christmas Blues’ seemed the perfect choice. The song also deals with the sadder side of the holidays, which we could relate to. It was a lot of fun to reinterpret the song in a new light and be part of a record with many other great bands.”
 
Florida-based trio Sons Of Hippies chose the unconventional yet wholly appropriate cover of The Zombies’ “Time Of the Season,” for what is Christmas if not “the season of loving”? Singer Katherine Kelly explains, “‘Time Of The Season’ was fun to cover. We replaced the organ parts on the original Zombies version with layers of distorted guitar leads and gave the drums an eerie, echoed intro. The Psych-Out Christmas compilation is unique and spooky and we wanted to be a part of that vibe.”
 
New York band Psychic Ills, currently on tour with Mazzy Star, got their Christmas wish when they were given the opportunity to record a version of Chuck Berry’s rollicking “Run Rudolph Run.” Guitarist/vocalist Tres Warren proclaims, “I always liked ‘Run Rudolph Run’ because it was a song that I’d actually want to listen to regardless of what time of year it is, and Chuck Berry is as mythical as Santa Clause in my mind.”
 
Alongside these newcomers, a few veterans join in the mix, including long time garage rock heroes The Fuzztones, and the original wild man himself Iggy Pop! Fans of these great artists, as well as anyone looking for a break from the traditional ho-hum Christmas album, is sure to find stocking full of surprises on this great release!
 
1. Christmas Monster Party (Intro) – Len Maxwell
2. Christmas Time (Is Here Again) – Elephant Stone
3. It’s Christmas Day – Cosmonauts
4. Silent Night – Quintron & Miss Pussycat
5. Jul Song – Dark Horses
6. What Child Is This? – Sleepy Sun
7. No More Christmas Blues – The Vacant Lots
8. Time of the Season – Sons of Hippies
9. Santa Claus – The Fuzztones
10. Christmas Tears – Eli Cook
11. Little Drummer Boy – The Movements
12. Jingle Bell Rock – Quintron & Miss Pussycat
13. Frosty The Snowman – The Candy Store
14. Run Rudolph Run – Psychic Ills
15. Mele Kalikimaka – Dead Meadow
16. Jingle Bells – He 5
17. White Christmas (Guitar Stooge Version) – Iggy Pop
 
Purchase the CD at Amazon: http://georiot.co/2ceI
 
Download the album at iTunes: http://georiot.co/1a7a
 
Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
 
CLEOPATRA RECORDS, INC.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025

 

Billy James: PR Demi-god

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

glassonyon22

As announced elsewhere, progarchy.com is now a year old.  Happy birthday to us!!!

We could never have done what we’ve done, though, without the support of a number of great folks out there.  One of the best is Billy James of Glass Onyon PR.  If you’re looking for someone to promote your work and to do so with art, tenacity, and integrity, look to Billy.

We’re proud to be affiliated with him–in any way possible.  We even style his PR statements, “BillyNews.”  Proudly.

http://glassonyonpublicity.wordpress.com

BillyNews: Blodwyn Pig Compilation

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Blodwyn Pig coverBlodwyn Pig Compilation Of Rare Unreleased Recordings ‘Pigthology’ Now Available!

London, UK – British blues-rock legends Blodwyn Pig, featuring original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams, have released a new compilation of rare unreleased recordings titled ‘Pigthology’ on Gonzo MultiMedia UK. Along with Abrahams (vocals, guitars), the band featured Jack Lancaster (saxes, flutes, violin, keys and wind controllers), Andy Pyle (bass), and Ron Berg (drums) and was later joined by Jethro Tull’s Clive Bunker on drums. Produced by Mick Abrahams and Jack Lancaster, ‘Pigthology’ features re-mastered recordings of Blodwyn Pig’s most beloved and successful songs “Dear Jill”, “See My Way” and “Drive Me”, along with unreleased live and studio material.

Blodwyn Pig in its first form was a legend in rock history hitting the top of the LP charts in Britain and elsewhere around the world. The band received new recognition and inspiration when the track “Dear Jill” was used in Cameron Crow’s movie ‘Almost Famous’. Many bands credit Blodwyn Pig with being a huge influence at the start of their careers, including rock legends Aerosmith. There are several fan sites across the internet which still attest to the group’s popularity. Through the years several bands have recorded covers of Blodwyn tunes, the most noted being Joey Ramone’s version of “See My Way”.

Blodwyn Pig played alongside Led Zeppelin, The Who, Procul Harem, BB King, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Joe Cocker at the Isle Of Wight rock festivals, and the Reading rock festival. The “Pig” completed two successful American tours, playing venues like the Filmores, numerous universities and the LA Forum. Most of the recordings on ‘Pigthology’ are from this period.

A few notes from Jack Lancaster: “On ‘Baby Girl’ Mick played piano as an overdub, otherwise the track was played live in the studio. ‘Cosmogrification’, this was a reformed Blodwyn with Clive Bunker on drums. We only did a short tour. Clive joined because of Rin Berg’s illness. I play piano on ‘Monkinit’ – I mention this because normally we never used keyboard on tracks.”

Tracks include:

  1. See My Way – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
  2. Baby Girl – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
  3. Dear Jill – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
  4. Monkinit (A tribute to Thelonious Monk) – recorded at Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown)
  5. Drive Me – recording location unknown (1970)
  6. The Change Song – live at the Marquee Club Soho (1969)
  7. Cosmogrification – live at Luton Town Hall (1973)
  8. Same Old Story – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
  9. Hound Dog – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
  10. Sly Bones – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio, Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown)
  11. It’s Only Love – outtake, Morgan studios (1969)
  12. Stormy Monday – Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)

This is an anthology of the greatest moments of the original band’s career. Every track is a gem, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! – Jonathan Downes, The Gonzo Daily

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15559/Blodwyn_Pig-Pigthology.html

For more information: http://www.squirrelmusic.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

More BillyNews: Jon Anderson in Las Vegas

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(yes, we love Billy!–Thanks to Glass Onyon for keeping Progarchy so well informed).

Jon Anderson RTRV deborah design

YES founding member and former lead vocalist Jon Anderson joins Raiding The Rock Vault At The Las Vegas Hotel Casino for five shows 9/20-24

Las Vegas, NV – Jon Anderson, founding member and former lead vocalist of the definitive progressive rock band YES, will guest star in RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, the Ultimate Classic Rock Concert Experience, Sept. 20 – 24. The co-writer and singer of cosmic classics, including “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Roundabout,” “Going for the One,” and “Close to the Edge,” whose time with the band spanned five decades, will sing in the show for five special performances.

“Jon Anderson is an icon,” said RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT creator, director and producer John Payne. “He is one of the biggest names in the history of progressive rock and I’m really excited for him to lend his voice to the show.”

The story of classic rock comes to life in RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, which takes audiences on a magical musical journey, traversing the genre’s history from the ‘60s through the ‘80s. The hard-rocking show features classic anthems from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, the Eagles, Queen, Van Halen, AC/DC, Journey, Free, Bryan Adams, Supertramp, Toto, Deep Purple, and more, truly boasting “The Greatest Set List Ever.”

The show’s all-star lineup includes Howard Leese [Guitar] (Heart), Tracii Guns [Guitar] (LA Guns, Guns n’ Roses), Robin McAuley [Lead Vocals] (MSG, Survivor), John Payne [Lead Vocals and Bass] (Asia), Paul Shortino [Lead Vocals] (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot), Jay Schellen [Drums] (Badfinger, Asia), Andrew Freeman [Lead Vocals and Guitars] (Lynch Mob, The Offspring), and Michael T. Ross [Keyboards] (Lita Ford, Hardline).

Ticket prices for RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT range from $49 to $125 (plus fees) for a special Rock Star Package (which includes tickets in first five rows, t-shirt, concert program, album, meet-and-greet and VIP pass). Special discount tickets for $39 are available for locals. For an up-to-date schedule or to purchase tickets, visit the LVH box office or log onto thelvh.com, vegas.com, or ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 702-732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361.

About LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino: LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, a world-class destination, offers a unique blend of amenities and excitement with all your favorite table games, hottest slots on the market, incredible restaurants, endless entertainment, more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space and the world’s largest race and sports SuperBook®.  LVH – Las Vegas Hotel & Casino provides a range of culinary adventures including exhibition-style Japanese cuisine at the world-famous Benihana, fine steaks at TJ’s Steakhouse, Pan-Asian dining at 888 Noodle Bar, authentic Japanese sushi at Teru Sushi, a traditional buffet that features tastes from around the world, and more. LVH boasts a strong entertainment schedule led by world-class headliners in the LVH Theater, as well as a variety of on-going production shows in the Shimmer Cabaret. Its proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center and its designation as a Monorail station (connecting it to the Las Vegas Strip) makes it the ideal hotel for conventions and visitors alike.  For more information or to book accommodations, call toll free at (800) 732-7117 or log on to www.thelvh.com or connect with us on our social pages www.thelvh.com/Hotel/stayconnected.

www.facebook.com/RaidingTheRockVault

https://twitter.com/Rock_Vault

www.raidingtherockvault.com

 

Press Releases & Assets:

www.msopr.com/n/client-roster/raiding-the-rock-vault

For more information on RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT, please contact:

LANGDON FLYNN COMMUNICATIONS

702.889.2705

Steve Flynn, steve@langdonflynn.com

Ceatta Bogataj, ceatta@langdonflynn.com

Jon Anderson official website: www.jonanderson.com

For media information regarding LVH – LAS VEGAS HOTEL & CASINO, please contact:

702.732.5479

Melissa Healy

For media information on Jon Anderson, please contact:

Glass Onyon PR

828.350.8158

Billy James, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

BillyNews: Shatner Goes Full Prog

On By bradbirzerIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

William Shatner Ponder THe Mystery medDun-dun-dun-dun-dun!  Great news from Billy James.

 

William Shatner To Perform His New Album ‘Ponder the Mystery’ With Prog Rock Group Circa: featuring Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye formerly of YES

Los Angeles, CA – William Shatner will be performing his new record Ponder the Mystery in its entirety along with the progressive rock heroes Circa: featuring Billy Sherwood, who produced and co-wrote Ponder the Mystery with Shatner, and Tony Kaye both former members of the legendary prog rock band YES.

William Shatner is a film and TV icon with an intense passion for music which has yielded several solo records including the critically acclaimed Seeking Major Tom. This most recent solo record, Ponder the Mystery, which includes guest artists from the prog and fusion genres such as Rick Wakeman, Al DiMeola, Steve Vai, Robbie Krieger, Vince Gill, Edgar Winter, George Duke, Zoot Horn Rollo and Dave Koz to name a few), expands Shatner’s musical horizons due to the fact that all of the songs are original, written by Shatner and his musical partner in the project Billy Sherwood. The album will be released on both CD and vinyl on October 8, 2013.

This partnership of Shatner and Sherwood has created a vast and expansive artistic landscape for Shatner’s amazing gift of poetry while Sherwood composed the musical backdrop. The record is conceptual in nature: following a man in despair through the setting sun, twilight and finally darkness, and in the process, regains his joy of life.

Both Bills had a vision of taking the record to the stage and performing it live. When it came time to form the band for this event, Circa: was the obvious choice, Sherwood and Kaye have had a long running musical relationship playing on stage together with YES and forming Circa: in 2006. Circa: recently released a new album Live From Here There and Everywhere.

Performance dates and locations:

Wednesday, October 23, 2013: Saint Rocke, 142 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa, CA 90254 (310-372-0035)

Thursday, October 24, 2013: The Canyon Club, 289 12 Roadside Dr., Agoura, CA 91301 (818-879-5016)

Friday, October 25, 2013: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949-496-8930)

 

For more information: www.WilliamShatner.com

To pre-order Ponder the Mystery: http://amazon.com/Ponder-The-Mystery-William-Shatner/dp/B00ECV85K0

 

Publicist for William Shatner:

Cherry Hepburn

Putnam & Smith

PH: 818-783-4071

cherry@putnam-smith.com

 

Press inquiries:

Glass Onyon PR

Billy James

PH: 828-350-8158

glassonyonpr@gmail.com

 

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.

11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703

Los Angeles CA 90025

www.CleopatraRecords.com

BillyNews: Jon Anderson

On By bradbirzerIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I continued to be mightily impressed with the skills of Billy James.  Just got this from him about 15 minutes ago.  Thanks, Billy–ed.

____

Legendary Singer/Songwriter Jon Anderson To Perform In The UK, Finland And Sweden, 
And To Be Honored In Las Vegas – August 2013
Asheville, NC – Legendary vocalist Jon Anderson, YES’s singer/songwriter for 35 years along with his successful work with Vangelis, Kitaro, and Milton Nascimento, will be performing special engagements in the UK, Finland and Sweden in August 2013. The shows promise to deliver an exciting mixture of material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career, collaborations with Vangelis and classic YES songs, along with new compositions, highlighted by humorous and enlightening stories told by Jon.
Says Jon, “Performing the classic YES songs I wrote for the band, and Vangelis work is always fun and rewarding… I’ll be doing some New song ideas, plus a classic Beatles song, plus a couple of surprises. I just have the best time singing on stage…Hope you find time to come and see the show!”
Jon Anderson Tour Dates:
August 04, 2013 – Royal Exchange Theatre – Manchester, UK – http://www.royalexchange.co.uk/event.aspx?id=735
August 10, 2013 – Under The Bridge – London, UK – http://underthebridge.co.uk/events/jon-anderson/
August 12, 2013 – Savoy-teatteri – Helsinki, Finland – http://www.savoyteatteri.fi/EnrolmentClient/info.aspx?Key=022C5CA068DFF87F6D8293650937637B
August 15, 2013 – Taubescenen – Gothenburg, Sweden – http://liseberg.se/hem/Scen–show/Taubescenen/Jazz-pa-Liseberg/
In other news, Jon will be presented with the ‘Voice Of Progressive Music’ special award at the 4th Annual Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards at the Joint inside the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, August 25th. For more information: www.vegasrocks.com. Jon has made some recent guest appearances on several new CD releases: Acoustic guitarist Jeff Pevar’s debut album ‘From The Core’; French keyboardist/composer Jean Philippe Rykiel’s new CD ‘Inner Spaces’; and guitarist Dennis Haklar’s debut CD release ‘Lizard Tale’. Says Jon, “With the internet my musical world has evolved to an amazing degree, one day I’m singing with a Brazilian dude, the next day with peeps in Liverpool, the next creating a Symphonic work with a mate in India…then singing with Steve Layton ‘down under’ – it’s an endless musical world!” Jon is currently recording new material, including the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 21-minute opus “OPEN” from 2011 titled “EVER”.
 
For more information: www.jonanderson.com, 
 
 
 
Jon Anderson ‘Survival & Other Stories’ available through Gonzo MultiMedia:
 
Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Interview requests please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR