7D Media Signs Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius

Renowned Electric Violinist & His Band Joining Innovative Prog & Art Rock Label, New Album Due Out October 11th.

7D Media is pleased to announce the signing of Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius to its progressive and art rock, instrumental roster.  Kansas violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon is also the frontman and lead singer of Stratospheerius, which features bandmates; guitarist Michelangelo Quirinale (Thrilldriver), keyboardist Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band, Crack the Sky), bassist Paul Ranieri (Mark Wood, Riot Act), and drummer Jason Gianni (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band).

7D Media will be releasing the band’s 6th album, “Impostor!” on October 11. The album features favorite prog rock musicians including Michael Sadler (Saga), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Fernando Perdomo (Jacob Dylan), Chloe Lowry (Trans Siberian Orchestra), Val Vigoda (Groovelilly), and multi-instrumentalist Rachel Flowers.  Produced by Joe Deninzon, “Impostor!” was mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser (Neal Morse, Dream Theater, Tears for Fears).  

Progressive Rock Central’s Angel Romero has described Joe as “Perhaps the finest electric violinist of his generation.”     

Label head Trey Gunn says, “I am super excited to have Joe joining our field of innovating artists here at 7D.  He is a perfect fit.”

7D Media is an independent record label founded by musician Trey Gunn, known for his work with the progressive rock band King Crimson. Established to provide a platform for innovative and boundary-pushing artists, 7D Media focuses on producing and distributing high-quality music that defies genre limitations. The label supports a diverse range of musicians and composers, emphasizing creativity and artistic freedom. With Gunn’s extensive experience in the music industry, 7D Media has cultivated a reputation for excellence and a commitment to fostering unique musical voices. 

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius online
Stratospheerius.com
JoeDeninzon.com
7dmedia.com

Featured Video – Nine Stones Close – Ghosted

Nine Stones Close are thrilled to share with you the video for the lead track GHOSTED, taken from the forthcoming album Diurnal. Diurnal will be released on 11th July 2024 through FREIA Music / LOVELYATHOME Records. Pre-orders are open exclusively through the Nine Stones Close official website as of now!

The album will initially be available in 2 formats:

Limited numbered 2 CD Edition. Diurnal CD + Bonus CD of the full instrumental version of the album in gatefold digisleeve + 12 page booklet
Order here: https://9stonesclose.com/product/diurnal-2-cd-limited-numbered-edition/

Diurnal CD in gatefold digisleeve including a 12 page booklet.
Order here: https://9stonesclose.com/product/diurnal-cd/

Nine Stone Close Is
Adrian Jones – Guitars
Brendan Eyre – Keyboards
Adrian O’ Shaughnessy – Vocals
Lars Spijkervet – Drums
Joachim van Praagh – Bass
Christiaan Bruin – Keyboards

Nine Stone Close online
https://www.facebook.com/ninestonescloseband
https://9stonesclose.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ninestonesclosemusic

RETURNED TO THE EARTH announces new album Stalagmite Steeple and single “Dark Morality”

Album available for pre-order now!

UK-based prog band RETURNED TO THE EARTH are pleased to announce the new album Stalagmite Steeple due out on June 14th via Giant Electic Pea.  The follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Fall of the Watcher,’ the new album is another intriguing journey through main man Robin Peachey’s particular take on life.

You can listen to the album’s opening track and first single “Dark Morality” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL2I6kxhkXI

Robin Peachey on the new album:
“The writing for Stalagmite Steeple began in late 2020 during the recording of Fall Of The Watcher, my previous album. It’s been a 2 1/2 year recording process to get the album finished and I have worked again with Paul Johnston as producer/engineer/additional musician. Steve Kitch (The Pineapple Thief) has again mastered the album for me.

“‘Dark Morality’ is the opening track of the album Stalagmite Steeple and sets the scene for the album’s themes. “I saw a story about an elderly couple who were separated during the first Covid lockdown and unfortunately the lady passed away from natural causes. I found it incredibly sad that we couldn’t find a way to bring loved ones together in their final moments during this difficult period of our history. It seemed empathy and compassion were lost but the money spent for the privilege of being in the care home facility still rolled in. I didn’t want this event to be marked by just a single song so it formed the backdrop for the whole album.”

Tracklisting:
1. Dark Morality  7:19
2. The Final Time  5:00
3. Stalagmite Steeple  9:58
4. Meaningless To Worth  6:09
5. Die For Me  9:09
6. The Raging Sea  5:36

Pre-order ‘Stalagmite Steeple’ on CD here:
https://gep.co.uk/products/returned-to-the-earth-stalagmite-steeple-pre-order

All songs written by: Robin Peachey (pictured above)
All music performed by: Robin Peachey & Paul Johnston

RETURNED TO THE EARTH online:
Facebook • YouTube • Website • Twitter 

Canada’s Prog Outfit “The Gardening Club” Release Second Single, “Mr. Forster Reflects,” From Upcoming Album

The Gardening Club is back with their second single, “Mr. Forster Reflects,” from their forthcoming album, “Another Country,” set to release later this year.

Rejoining the musical journey are Martin Springett on vocals and acoustic guitars, Drew Briston (Sultans of String) on fretless bass, and Kevin Laliberte, handling music and production direction. The band also welcomes new member Chendy Leon on drums and percussion.

Music by Martin Springett, Kevin Laliberte
Lyrics by Steve Bennett

About “Mr. Forster Reflects”
Martin was eager to delve into Forster’s idea, articulated in the final passage of “Howards End,” that achieving a connection between rational thought and emotional impulse – the head and the heart – could lead to greater enlightenment, both personally and politically.

We aimed to depict Forster’s Cambridge – where he studied and taught at King’s College – as an imagined journey along the River Cam. This approach acknowledges the city’s broad cultural and intellectual influence, as well as Forster’s own struggles with his ‘open’ sexuality and his conscientious objection to war, despite his active service overseas.

Some listeners may notice subtle references to Pink Floyd, Crick and Watson, Nick Drake, and the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo, along with occasional glimpses of familiar Fenland landscapes. Others might decide that these references are unimportant and simply enjoy the song by embracing Forster’s own timeless advice: ‘only connect.’
– Steve Bennett

Follow Online

Website: https://martinspringett.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041018869969
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@martinspringett6423/videos
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/music/player/artists/B078HM5ZLB/the-gardening-club
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-gardening-club/1536024139
Bandcamp: https://thegardeningclub.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QpeOvVe8MaFi5QwOkC0IG?si=QgIancxyTxuYMIHlEYf4KA

Prog Artist Leon Alvarado Announces Pink Floyd Influenced New Album “The Changing Tide” Released May 31, 2024

US prog artist Leon Alvarado is excited to unveil his newest album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to release on May 31st, this highly anticipated album follows the successful EP release, which previewed two of the album’s tracks; a captivating cover of Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage,” and the enchanting instrumental “Dance of The Pink Elephants.”

Alvarado explains, “The creation of ‘The Changing Tide’ was very much influenced by the musical heritage of Pink Floyd. We aimed to seamlessly blend their timeless formula with our unique styles to produce material that charts its own course.”

While acknowledging the influence of Pink Floyd as a foundational element, Alvarado emphasizes the infusion of his own creative perspective. “Listeners can anticipate a departure of sorts from my previous works,” he shares, “yet they’ll find my hallmark keyboard textures and atmospheric nuances intricately woven throughout.”

Alvarado is joined on this musical endeavor by an ensemble of exceptional musicians, featuring bassists Tony Franklin (known for his work with Jimmy Page and Paul Rogers on The Firm) and Gary Gnaedinger, guitarists Edoardo Scordo and Damian Darlington (both renowned members of Brit Floyd), alongside Jimmy Griggers also on guitars and saxophonist John Helliwell (from Supertramp fame). Additionally, L.A. session musician Pablo Hopehayn contributes on strings. The backing vocals on Brain Damage are skillfully provided by Jeff Sanson, Liz Hall, and Linda Alvarado.

“The Changing Tide” will be available for streaming on all major platforms and will also be released on CD through Melodic Revolution Records. The physical CD promises to be a sensory delight, boasting stunning artwork within an impeccably designed package that will undoubtedly enhance any music enthusiast’s collection.

About Leon Alvarado:
Leon Alvarado is a progressive rock artist known for his innovative fusion of electronic and rock music. Over the course of more than two decades, Alvarado has consistently demonstrated his ingenuity as a musician, constantly expanding the horizons of his artistic vision with each successive project. His repertoire boasts collaborations with esteemed figures in the Prog rock scene, earning him widespread acclaim and nurturing a devoted fanbase worldwide. Beyond his own musical creations, Leon frequently collaborates with bands and promoters, channeling his artistic skills into crafting fascinating album covers and promotional tour materials.

Track list:
1. THE EQUILIBRIUM OF TIME
2. A DAY OF A DIFFERENT SORT
3. A VIEW FROM A DIFFERENT ROOM
4. DANCE OF THE PINK ELEPHANTS
5. THE CHANGING TIDE.
6. BRAIN DAMAGE

Credits:
Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards & Effects on all,
Bass on 5, Vocals on 6
Edoardo Scordo: Guitars on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tony Franklin: Bass on 1, 2, 3, 4
John Helliwell: Saxophone on 3
Pablo Hopenhayn: Violin, Viola and Cello on 1
Gary Gnaedinger: Bass, Guitar & Keyboards on 6
James Griggers: Guitar & Slide Guitar on 6
Jeff Sanson: Backing Vocals on 6
Linda Alvarado: Backing Vocals on 6
Liz Hall: Backing Vocals on 6
Produced and mixed by Leon Alvarado
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum
Design and Art Direction by Synergy Design
Label: Melodic Revolution Records

The Changing Tide” release date: May 31, 2024

Follow Leon Alvarado on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/leonalvarado80/

Where to Buy Watch and Stream Leon’s Music
https://li.sten.to/leonalvarado