Featuring bonus track of more than 15 minutes – the first studio recording of the song “Rétrovision”!
It was at the Olympia in June 1980 that the 10th anniversary of Magma was celebrated during three memorable evenings.
This retrospective, bringing together most of the musicians who were part of the group, saw the light of day in the form of 2 albums, one double, Retrospektïw 1/2 the other single, Retrospektïw 3 which was, despite its numbering, published in first. Three titles make up the menu of this Retrospektïw 3: “Retrovision,” a long piece in the continuity of the spirit of the music of the album Attahk, where, on a hellish train, the voices of Stella Vander, Guy Khalifa and Maria Popkiewicz display an astonishing ease, “Hhaï,” in a supercharged version where the Lockwood/Paganotti/Widemann trio performs wonders, and finally “La Dawotsin” where, in a much calmer register, the voice of Christian Vander captivates by its mastery and its depth sensitivity.
A bonus of more than 15 minutes appears on this reissue, it is the first studio recording of the song “Rétrovision,” a pre-production demo for a studio album made in January 1980. Finally, “Rétrovision” will never exist in a studio version.
Recorded as Retrospektïw 3 during the evenings of the Olympia in June 1980, Retrospektïw 1/2 is a fundamental album insofar as it finally presents “Theusz Hamtaahk,” the first movement of the trilogy of the same name, of which we already knew the second movement, “Ẁurdah Ïtah,” as well as the third, “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh.”
A piece performed on stage since 1974, “Theusz Hamtaahk” waited years before being engraved for eternity, because Christian Vander wanted each note to be beautiful, magical, essential and definitive. It is with the same respect for the music that he also offers us on this double album a magnificent version of “Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh,” a version which allows itself two great moments with the hallucinating improvisations of Bernard Paganotti and Didier Lockwood. Klaus Blasquiz, who did not appear on the Retrospektïw 3 album, provides lead vocals this time.
Without a doubt, Magma has left the legacy of constantly evolving music, which defies all standards and connivance of rock, evolving in a universe of their own creation.
In 1982 the English band, Esquire was formed by Nikki Squire after her husband, Chris Squire (Bassist, backing vocalist and a founding member of the progressive rock band, Yes.) went on tour and leaving their home studio free. While assisting the band, New Cross in their home studio Nikki was soon asked to sing lead on a couple of their songs. By the time Chris got off tour he came home to find his wife apart of the band. The band was short lived, but Nikki Squire continued to work and write with the bassist Nigel McLaren.
First they finished the song, Hourglass and continued to work on each song one by one until they had a full album. This 1987 album would their debut album as the band, Esquire.
“Esquire’s first album had a lot of talent that contributed to the production of the album.” Jonie Lyle, inventory assistant at Renaissance Records explains. “Chris Squire was also very supportive of Nikki’s music endeavors.”
“Chris Squire, Alan White (Drummer in Yes), Trevor Horn (Producer/ Former Singer in Yes) and Nikki Squire’s eldest daughter, Carmen Squire, all assisted on their first album.” Lyle states.
Renaissance Records has announced the arrival of the vinyl reissue of Esquire by Esquire. Esquire features tracks, ‘To The Rescue’, ‘Blossomtime’, ‘Sunshine’ and ‘Moving Together’. This Limited Edition 180g LP will include extra incentives that Renaissance Records is known to include in their vinyl packaging. These extra incentives include lyrics sheets, exclusive photos, restored liner notes
and trading cards of the original band.
This English famous rock band is led by their solid lineup of lead vocalist Nikki Squire, bassist and vocalist Nigel McLaren and keyboardist and vocalist Charles Olins.
Track List
Side 1
1. To The Rescue 2. Sunshine 3. Knock Twice For Heaven 4. Up Down Turnaround 5. Blossomtime
Side 2
1. Hourglass 2. Moving Together 3. Silent Future 4. Special Greetings 5. What You’ve Been Saying
Pre-orders are available on their online store. Additional information on this release and upcoming releases is available at www.RenaissanceRecordsUS.com
14th December 2020: Due to popular demand, The Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert, which is scheduled for March 11, 2021 release, has added the DVD format to its roster. The concert will now be available in both the DVD Digipak format and also in a Blu-Ray Hi-Def downloadable version, playable on any device, both accompanied by a bonus audio version of the concert.
To be released on Cherry Red Records, this official 3-disc set brings you the historical 2016 tribute show in Los Angeles featuring a once-in-a-lifetime lineup of musical luminaries performing music from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Nice, Emerson, Lake & Powell, The Keith Emerson Band and the Three Fates Project.
The 2 1/2 – hour concert film features many stellar performances by over two dozen prominent artists in rock, jazz and classical music as well as artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, tribute speeches, and a gallery of personal never-before-seen photos from the Emerson estate.
This highly-anticipated concert captures the essence of what made Keith Emerson a pioneer of prog rock, a treasure among his many fans and friends, and a legendary keyboardist and composer with the iconic supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
“Performing ‘Tarkus’ at the Keith Emerson Tribute event was incredibly meaningful. It was truly an amazing night. Having the opportunity to pay my respects to the man who changed my life by playing my favourite piece of music with incredible musicians, made it a memory that will never be forgotten. I’m so thrilled that this incredible evening of music is now going to be shared with the world.” – Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)
“It’s difficult to express what an honour it was to participate in this tribute to Keith. Surrounded by friends and heroes, it was such a privilege to be part of a group of musicians who were as affected by Keith’s life, music and friendships I was. Not surprisingly there’s a lot of us. To play Hammond on The Barbarian, the first song I ever saw him play live, is a cherished memory I’ll never forget. Many thanks to Marc and Mari for keeping this idea and dream alive.” – Steve Porcaro (Toto)
THE OFFICIAL CONCERT ROSTER AND SONG LIST:
The Keith Emerson Band
(Marc Bonilla – Gregg Bissonette – Jonathan Sindelman – Mike Wallace – Joe Travers – Mick Mahan – Travis Davis – Troy Luccketta)
With
Eddie Jobson – Jordan Rudess – Brian Auger – Steve Porcaro – Philippe Saisse – Rachel Flowers – CJVanston – Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – Steve Lukather – Vinnie Colaiuta – Terje Mikkelsen – Rick Livingstone – Kae Matsumoto – Michael Fitzpatrick
3. THE BARBARIAN (Featuring Steve Porcaro & Rachel Flowers)
4. HOEDOWN (Ed Roth & Jeff “Skunk” Baxter)
5. TOUCH AND GO (Featuring Steve Porcaro)
6. A PLACE TO HIDE (Featuring Ed Roth & Steve Lukather)
7. TRIBUTE TO KEITH (Featuring CJ Vanston & Michael Fitzpatrick)
8. THE ENDLESS ENIGMA (Featuring Rachel Flowers & Troy Luccketta)
9. TAKE A PEBBLE (Featuring CJ Vanston, Travis Davis & Gregg Bissonette)
10. TANK (Featuring Joe Travers & Brian Auger)
11. FANFARE FOR THE COMMON BLUE TURKEY (Featuring Brian Auger, Karma Auger & Dan Lutz)
12. RIDE (Featuring Aaron Emerson)
13. FROM THE BEGINNING (Featuring Philippe Saisse)
14. BITCHES CRYSTAL (Featuring Eddie Jobson)
15. NUTROCKER (Featuring Philippe Saisse)
16. TARKUS (Featuring Jordan Rudess & Troy Luccketta)
16. LUCKY MAN (Featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Rick Livingstone)
17. GREAT GATES OF KIEV (Featuring Eddie Jobson)
18. FANFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN (Featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Maestro Terje Mikkelsen)
19. ARE YOU READY, EDDY? (Featuring CJ Vanston & Rick Livingstone)
THE PRE-SALES LINK HAVE JUST BEEN ESTABLISHED IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS! (Add link)
All proceeds go to the The Leon Fleisher Foundation for Musicians with Dystonia. All of the artists, crew, and support personnel have kindly donated their skills and time gratis for this worthy cause, which afflicts thousands of musicians annually.
This particular concert stands out as a moment of grace, partly due to its extreme tension and the risks taken collectively, which the audience still reminisces of to this day.
While chosen for their rich and original musical content, rather than strictly technical qualities per se, these archives are a testament to the astounding talent of cult band Magma during its 50 years of career. In addition to the remastering, the original tape, which had suffered before being found, has been restored and reworked here. Recorded in Bourges in 1979, this concert stands out as a moment of grace, partly due to its extreme tension and the risks taken collectively, which the audience still reminisces of to this day. And if all the musicians offer, as usual, their energy ever so in synch with their worldly reputation, AKT 15 holds a special place in the band’s history, documenting this particular period for which we have very few testimonies. All earthly fans and more recent amateurs will, without a doubt, take great pleasure in (re)discovering that exceptional performance
Magma during the time of this recording: Klaus Blasquiz – vocal Stella Vander – vocal, Fender piano Maria Popkiewicz – vocal Liza Deluxe – vocal Jean-Luc Chevalier – guitar, bass André Hervé – piano Fender, synthétiseur Michel Hervé – bass Christian Vander – drums René “Stundehr” Garber – tenor saxophone
Track List: RETROVISION THE LAST SEVEN MINUTES URGON GORGO KORUSZ XXVI HHAI NONO MEKANIK DESTRUKTIW KOMMANDOH
IZZ began the writing sessions for what would become their 7th full length studio album, Don’t Panic, in mid-2017. At the end of that year, the band got together in a rehearsal studio to piece together the centerpiece of the album, “42.”
The band hired a film crew to document these sessions not knowing in what manner the film might be used later on. The result of these sessions, 42: Glimpse of a Moment is a 48-minute documentary that provides a unique window into the band’s process as they write, arrange, and rehearse their epic track from Don’t Panic, “42.” The documentary includes a full rehearsal run-through of the entire song at that early stage of development.
“The footage in this film was shot several months prior to commencing the recording of Don’t Panic, so it’s really exciting to have captured the band working together in the studio at such an early stage in the writing and arranging process,” notes bassist John Galgano.
Don’t Panic, released in May 2019, turned out to be IZZ’s most successful album to date and when the band looked back at the footage from these sessions in late 2017, they found that they had captured the essence of the collaborative spirit and camaraderie of IZZ.
“I think IZZ fans will absolutely love this look behind the curtain and I think fans of progressive rock in general will enjoy it because it’s just an interesting peek into how a band works on an extended piece of music,” says keyboardist Tom Galgano.
IZZ hopes that fans will enjoy the experience of being a fly on the wall with the band.
Film and editing by Mallory Kinney, who has previously worked with IZZ and Laura Meade on the videos for Don’t Panic and Sunflowers at Chernobyl.
Watch the Trailer for 42: Glimpse of a Moment here:
IZZ Paul Bremner: Guitars Anmarie Byrnes: Vocals Brian Coralian: Drums & Percussion Greg DiMiceli: Drums & Percussion John Galgano: Bass & Vocals Tom Galgano: Keyboards & Vocals Laura Meade: Vocals
TRANSATLANTIC – the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas – are pleased to announce their fifth studio album ‘The Absolute Universe’, set for release on February 5th, 2021. Representing the band’s first new music since 2014’s ‘Kaleidoscope’, with ‘The Absolute Universe’ the band have done something unique and created two versions of the record: ‘The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)’ & ‘The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)’.
As Mike Portnoy explains: “We’ve got two versions of this album. There is a two CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one – that’s 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the song titles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally what you’ll hear has been altered. You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different.” Pete Trewavas adds: “We did write some new music for the single CD,” adds Trewavas. “What’s more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records.”
Each album will be available on CD, LP & Digitally. But there will also be what has been called ‘The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition’, which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LP’s, 3CD’s & a Blu-ray that contains a 5.1 surround sound mix with visuals & a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have unique artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard. The full list of formats is below, and pre-orders start on the 20th November:
‘The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)’
Limited Deluxe Clear 5LP+3CD+Blu-Ray Box-set – contained within a foil-finished lift-off box with extended 16-page LP booklet & 60x60cm poster
Initial tracking began in September 2019 when the band met up in Sweden to write and arrange the new material. As Portnoy explains: “Over a period of 10-14 days, we mapped out the songs. Then we all went back to our home studios and did the recording. That’s the way we always do it. At one point, though, it was suggested that instead of doing what was by that time going to be a double album, we should just be content to do a single CD.”
“What happened was that everything kept expanding and expanding,” recalls Stolt. “Therefore we decided it made sense to make it a double album. It was Pete and Neal who then came out and said they felt this would be too long, and we should reduce it to one…But we were already recording, and it didn’t seem feasible to cut it back. There were so many pieces that each of us loved in what we were planning and didn’t want to lose. That’s when we ended up in discussions over the best way forward.”
This album also marks a return to the concept album for Transatlantic. “Well, the idea of Transatlantic deciding to do a concept record this time around won’t shock anyone, right?” laughs Portnoy. “What we have is essentially one giant composition, split into chapters. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today.”“We didn’t start out with the idea of this being conceptual,” admits Stolt. “The way things work with us is that we have a load of ideas, and these are developed spontaneously when we meet up. Everything happens in the moment.”
So, how does this new ground-breaking album compare to Transatlantic’s previous four albums?
“I always try not to compare albums as much as possible,” insists Morse. “It’s very difficult when you’re trying to be creative, because your natural instinct is to constantly compare. But in order to create you have to kind of step away from that. Having said that, I would say this would have more in common with ‘The Whirlwind’ album (the band’s third, from 2009) than others that we’ve created.” For Trewavas, ‘The Absolute Universe’ is a momentous project.
“I think it is right up there with the very finest albums we’ve done. As the others have said, it compares very well to ‘The Whirlwind’, which I believe represents Transatlantic at our best. As on that album, we took our time to write and arrange everything, and that shines through. I am very excited for people to hear it.”
Transatlantic were originally formed in 1999, releasing their debut album ‘SMTPe’ the following year as well as its follow-up ‘Bridge Across Forever’ in 2001. Following a 7-year hiatus, the band reconvened to record and release the much-acclaimed epic 77-minute, single-track album ‘The Whirlwind’ followed by a world tour in 2010 which included an appearance at High Voltage Festival in London where they were joined by legendary Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. The band’s fourth album ‘Kaleidoscope’ arrived in 2014, going on to win ‘Album Of The Year’ at the Progressive Music Awards.
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