When the WOBBLER keyboard virtuoso LARS FREDRIK FRØISLIE released his first solo album “Fire Fortellinger” in 2023, fans of both WOBBLER and classic 70s prog took the album to their hearts, and it became a great success. Now, his follow-up album “Gamle Mester” is set to be released on May 9th.
On his second solo album “Gamle Mester” (Old Master), Lars Fredrik Frøislie pays homage to the greats of the past. Drawing inspiration not only from the pioneers of progressive rock but also from art, literature, and mythology, the album reflects on timeless acts of creativity that still resonate today. The title is derived from the ancient oak tree “Den Gamle Mester,” found at Krødsherad Prestegård, which also inspired a poem of the same name by Jørgen Moe. This symbolic tree serves as a unifying theme throughout the album, representing wisdom, endurance, and the passage of time.
The title track “Gamle Mester” is chosen to be the first single from the album, released on the 14th of March. It can be heard on several streaming services and download services:
Lars Fredrik has this to say about the track: The title of the track is partly derived from the ancient oak tree “Den Gamle Mester”, found at Krødsherad Prestegård, and partly from the somewhat vague art history term “Gamle Mester” (Old Master), which is often used about pre-eminent European artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, Da Vinci, Botticelli, etc. I guess you could call this the pop song on the album. Quite catchy, rather short and perhaps even simple, but with a mixture of the strictly composed and the loosely improvised. I think I captured some spontaneous magic in the organ solo, which I’m happy with.
Like on the previous album, Frøislie takes on vocals and drums, as well as a formidable array of instruments including a few tons of old analogue keyboards such as Hammond C3, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Chamberlin M-1, Yamaha CP70B, William de Blaise Cembalo Traverso, Hohner Clavinet D6, Rhodes MkII and Arp Pro Soloist. Joining him is Nikolai Hængsle (ELEPHANT9, NEEDLEPOINT, BIGBANG, BAND OF GOLD etc.) on Rickenbacker 4003 Bass, and Ketil Einarson (EX-Jaga JAZZIST, WESERBERGLAND, WHITE WILLOW) on flute and recorder.
With “Gamle Mester,” Lars Fredrik Frøislie delivers an album steeped in history, mythology, and musical brilliance. A must-have for progressive rock enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Track listing for “Gamle Mester” is as follows: 1. Demring (Dawn) 2. Jakten På Det Kalydonske Villsvin (The Hunt for the Calydonian Boar) 3. Gamle Mester (Old Master) 4. Medusas Flåte (The Raft of the Medusa) 5. De Tre Gratier (The Three Graces) 6. Skumring (Dusk)
With artwork by Frøislie himself, “Gamle Mester” will be released on CD, Limited Edition Gatefold LP on Green / Transparent Marble Vinyl and digital formats, and is now available to pre-order from the following links:
L-R: Armando Bablanian (Guitar) | Stan Komarovsky (Bass) | Michel Karakach (Drums) | Mike Symons (Vocals) | Ran Zehavi (Keys) Photo Credit – Jon Blacker
Set to release their first full-length “Troubled Mind” at the end of March 2025, Toronto prog Derev is kicking off their first leg of tour dates for 2025across Ontario and Quebec.
“Troubled Mind” follows Derev’s 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith”. Derev was conceived after founding member, and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into now a powerful reality.
“Troubled Mind” builds on the foundation laid in Derev’s first release, offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers, while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
“While our debut EP tackled broad themes like war, technology, and injustice in the world, Troubled Mind shifts focus to the personal realm. We wanted to explore and articulate various mental states, the subtle thoughts, and inner dialogues that when nurtured and fed over time, makes us who we are. And while we offer some kind of resolution in a few tracks, the purpose of the album is to explore and highlight these different states of mind, rather than try to resolve them.” adds the band.
Derev‘sdynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on “Troubled Mind”.
Set for release on March 26, 2025, Derev‘s debut album “Troubled Mind” promises to be an introspective journey, offering listeners a relatable experience with mental health and its struggles. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.
Track Listing: 1. Buried Voice (7:23) 2. Cyclone (5:39) 3. Crawl Space (1:16) 4. Room 9 (6:15) 5. Paracusia (4:35) 6. Tides of Time (5:59) 7. Darker Self (5:44) 8. Trace Within (5:01) Album Band Line Up: Adel Saflou – Vocals Armando Bablanian – Guitar Michel Karakach – Drums Stan Komarovsky – Bass Ran Zehavi – Keys Live Band Line Up: Mike Symons – Vocals Armando Bablanian – Guitar Michel Karakach – Drums Stan Komarovsky – Bass Ran Zehavi – Keys
Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.
After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.
Derev’s debut release “Leap of Faith” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.
The band’s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev’s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.
As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album “Troubled Mind” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.
Discography: 2025 – Troubled Mind – LP 2021 – Leap of Faith – EP
“Toronto prog quintet Derev will release their debut full-length album, Troubled Mind, on March 26. The yearning, epic tones of Cyclone is the second single to be taken from the upcoming album, and Derev will be touring throughout Ontario and Quebec over the coming months to support the new album.” – Prog Magazine – Great new prog you must hear… Tracks Of The Week – Cyclone – Feb 21, 2025 “The best part of the album (Troubled Mind) is the band’s ability to carry strong emotions into their music. Many of the songs are not complicated, but they are loaded with feelings. I’m not sure I have heard a Progressive album that is this unpretentious and this emotional at the same time. 8/10” Metal-Temple “its eight tracks draws us into a music that combines intensity and peaceful atmospheres of old school prog. The melodies thus highlight many sound universes from one composition to another including beautiful vocal harmonies and important instrumental parts… Derev delivers retro-sounding music with plenty of late 70s and early 80s progressive influences… Troubled Mind, with its instantly relatable melodies, is a resounding success. 4/5” – Prog Critique “For the prog-rock group Derev, this new work continues to carry on its shoulders the burden of the misfortune of living in times of war, which unites two childhood friends: Michel Karakach (battery) and Armando Bablanian (guitar), who after fleeing the war in the Middle East and taking refuge in Toronto (Canadá), meet again through music to reflect on pain, loss and, above all, persistence…. This album represents a profound act of emotional liberation both for its creators and for those who immerse themselves in listening to it.” – Dargedik
“Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.” – The Prog Space
DEREV – Troubled Mind ON/ QC Tour March 15 – Barrie, ON – The Queens w/ Kill/Death Radio & Cudbear March 22 – Toronto, ON – The Supermarket w/ Magnavita & St. Doval, and Rod Rodrigues March 28 – Waterloo, ON – Midnight Run Café w/ Local Goblin March 29 – Guelph, ON – The Red Papaya w/ Jupiter Hollow, Crown For A King, and Exolithic April 5 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar w/ World On Alert & Vinyl Hero April 11 – Hamilton, QC – Club Absinthe w/ 8 Banger, Hollow Core, Bad Communication April 12 – Brantford, ON – Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar w/ Jupiter Hollow & Guests April 25 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion w/ Mad Wet Sea & Guests
13th March 2025: The brand new reimagined, mixed and mastered version of Gentle Giant’s classic 1977 live album ‘Playing The Fool’ is set to be released on 2nd May.
‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’, will be released across several formats including double CD, triple vinyl, Blu-ray and digital download in 96/24 stereo, 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The album has been painstakingly mixed and mastered from the original source tapes by producer Dan Bornemark, who has worked extensively with the band on archival projects.
Containing new sleeve notes together with a plethora of photographs along with a track list that reflects the original running order of the setlist played on the tour including three previously unreleased songs and the between song banter from frontman Derek Shulman, this represents the most accurate account of Gentle Giant live at the very peak of their prowess.
Check out trailer for the album here:
Derek Shulman: “Effectively what you’re hearing on this album is the whole show with all the bells and whistles included with me speaking to the audience and to the band just like it was on the night.”
‘Playing The Fool: The Complete Live Experience’
Intro [1:24]
Just the Same / Proclamation [10:40]
On Reflection [7:31]
Interview [7:06]
The Runaway / Experience [9:54]
Sweet Georgia Brown (Breakdown in Brussels) [1:54]
Derek Shulman: “It’s important to have a live album, which is live. There were no overdubs afterwards in the studio. So what you saw and heard is what you have on the album.”
ABOUT GENTLE GIANT
Gentle Giant was a British progressive rock band formed in 1970 in London by three brothers Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman along with Gary Green, Kerry Minnear and drummer Martin Smith who was latterly replaced by John “Pugwash” Weathers in 1972.
The group was renowned for its complex and eclectic musical style, blending elements of rock, jazz, classical, folk and medieval music. The band played a diverse array of instruments between them and their intricate arrangements and exquisite vocal harmonies gave them their own unique, instantly identifiable sound.
Gentle Giant released a series of highly regarded albums including ‘Acquiring the Taste’ (1971), ‘In a Glass House’ (1973), and ‘The Power and the Glory’ (1974) across which they pushed their musical boundaries to the limit. Their live album ‘Playing The Fool’ (1977) remains a testament to their stunning live shows.
In 1980 Gentle Giant called it a day and have refused numerous calls to reform since then, perhaps this is why their reputation remains intact to this day. Wide Scale chart success may have eluded them but their fiercely loyal fanbase followed them right through their career and beyond. Their legacy has remained undiminished within the Progressive Rock world being major influences on Porcupine Tree`s Steven Wilson, Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Michael Sadler of Saga and Opeth`s Mikael Akerfeldt, who cites ‘Acquiring The Taste’ as one of his favourite albums.
Derek Shulman: “We were a rock and roll band that played interesting music and we wanted to have fun for ourselves and have the audience go out with a smile on their faces.” Official Website:www.gentlegiantband.com
Big Big Train’s The Likes Of Us In North America tour commences on 2nd April and runs until 19th April, with 10 shows in the United States and Canada as well as a co-headlining appearance on board Cruise To The Edge. The band then co-headlines the Gouveia Art Rock festival in Portugal at the beginning of May.
Today the band is announcing the support acts for the North America tour. District 97, The Twenty Committee and IZZ will each open one show. For the remaining shows a member of Big Big Train will play a solo set.
“On our tour last autumn we chose to have different bands open some shows for us, while keeping other shows ‘in the family’ to help to make each night really special, and the mixed approach worked very well,” lead vocalist Alberto Bravin comments. “We’re looking forward to sharing the stage with District 97, IZZ and The Twenty Committee and really recommend that you get to the show in time to see them.”
“There’s just so much musical talent in Big Big Train,” Alberto continues. “Our keyboardist Oskar Holldorff, violinist Clare Lindley, drummer Nick D’Virgilio and guitarist/keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom all have lots of experience fronting bands outside Big Big Train and singing lead vocals. Their solo sets were very positively received in September and October in the UK and Europe, so we think fans in North America will enjoy them too. It will be a surprise each night which band member – or maybe even band members – are going to open the show.”
BIG BIG TRAIN – LIVE IN ‘25
THE LIKES OF US IN NORTH AMERICA TOUR
Wednesday 2nd April – Sweetwater, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA – No support Friday 4th – Wednesday 9th April – Cruise To The Edge (Festival shows) Thursday 10th April – Arcada Theatre, St Charles, Illinois, USA – Support: District 97 Friday 11th April – The Token Lounge, Westland, Michigan, USA – Support: BBT solo Sunday 13th AprilElectric City, Buffalo, New York, USA – Support: BBT solo Monday 14th April – Fairmount Theatre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – Support: BBT solo Tuesday 15th April – Algonquin Theatre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – Support: BBT solo Wednesday 16th April – Salle Dina-Bélanger, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada – Support: BBT solo Thursday 17th April – Regent Theatre, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA – Support: BBT solo Friday 18th April – Rivoli Theater at The Williams Center, Rutherford, New Jersey, USA – Support: IZZ Saturday 19th April – Rivoli Theater at The Williams Center, Rutherford, New Jersey, USA – Support: The Twenty Committee
Sunday 4th May -Gouveia Art Rock, Gouveia, Portugal (Festival show)
Tickets for all shows are on sale now via www.bigbigtrain.com/live.
CConstellations of Atlas is a progressive rock band based in the Netherlands. They have made a name for themselves in the progressive rock scene, both in their home country and internationally.
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