Robeone is releasing his eighth album, “Optimistica” with the title cut as its music video on September 27, 2024. (The music video will be out on September 24). “The theme of the record is being optimistic in these crazy times. The music is to carry you away from all the negativity and bickering.
“Optimistica” is a jazzy tune with upbeat and fun instrumentals. “My hope is for it to carry the listeners away from their troubles.”
The music video for “Optimistica,” which also goes live on September 27, was created by Blake Carpenter, who produced past two other videos –“Broken Days” and “Peace A Dream”—from the album. The video offers insight into Robeone’s personality, with two of his passions—playing keyboards and watching dozens of dogs play outdoors. “I love animals,” he says, “I have three dogs and am fostering three others.” Watch the “Optimistica” music video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOnzDsed4c
The “Optimistica” album, which is instrumental using 11 different keyboards, is inspired by a range of his emotions and experiences. The tender piano-led “Billie’s Heart” is dedicated to his wife for 50 years of service at her job at the community hospital. The bluesy “Possibly Blue” remembers Robeone’s friend Rhett Tyler, an amazing guitar man, who recently passed.
Reflective instrumentals about our times are “Broken Days” where he wails his keyboards, and “Peace a Dream” offers an introspective tempo. Robeone lets loose in “No Clue.” The last composition on “Optimistica” is “Colors,” which he says, “is to leave you in peace and calmness.”
Like all of Robeone’s previous releases, 100% of the sales go to the Bob Moog Foundation. The CD and Vinyl versions have a QR code for donations, and Robeone is “making T Shirts with the QR code on the back!” In addition to having a space at the Moogseum in Asheville, NC, “Optimistica” is available through Bandwagon USA and Bandcamp.
He will be performing at ProgStock, in Rutherford, NJ, this October 18-20. Also he’s curating outdoor performances and premiering the album in person for the first time.
Robeone (aka Robert Schindler) has been recording since the early 1970s. He’s worked with notables Ronnie Spector and for Johnny Nash when “I Can See Clearly Now” was a hit. He played with progressive rockers Mayson on Bearsville Records, pop rock acts The States on Chrysalis and Boardwalk Records. He’s in the progressive rock group ZOOM with Paul Landry on New Age Music Planet Records. Recently he recorded with two different Melodic Revolution Records’ artists Tony Romero’s Vortex and Joe Mac’s American Garage. He’s played live at a number of Festivals—most recently ProgStock and RosFest. Robert also worked on the award-winning soundtrack to “The Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Keyboards Used on “Optimistica”:
Moog Subsequent 37
Mellotron M4000D
Roli Seaboard
Expressive_e Osmose
Yamaha S80
ASM Hydrasynth
Kurtzweil Artis
Korg M3
Roland AX-Edge
Technics KN7000
Kurtzweil K2000
“Optimistica” Track Listing
Billie’s Heart 7:58 Broken Days 5:11 No Clue 3:56 Optimistica 6:11 Peace A Dream 5:22 Possibly Blue 5:07 Colors 6:10
All Songs Copyright Robeone Music BMI 2024 Transglobal Records
Progressive, psychedelic rock pioneers Gong have announced a new special edition of their highly praised 2023 release Unending Ascending today. The new release, a CD package with an 8-page booklet, includes 6 previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live from the band’s superb 2024 show at Edinburgh’s Summerhall as part of the ‘Gong + Ozric Tentacles UK Tour’.
The release coincides with Gong’s extensive late-2024 North American & European tour which will see them play shows across the USA, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, amongst others. “It’s been a long time coming but, following the release of Unending Ascending, Gong are delighted to be playing in the US. No minds left unblown or else” says Kavus Torabi.
“Cosmic rock of the highest order” – PROG
“If Unending Ascending is your first time encountering Gong, this is a spectacular introduction” – LOUDER THAN WAR
GONG UPCOMING SHOWS 15/08 Woodstock Forever ’24, Eisfeld – DE 16/08 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells – UK 17/08 A New Day Festival, Hernhill – UK 24/09 Chapel at Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA – USA 25/09 The Southern Music Hall, Charlottesville VA – USA 26/09 King’s Raleigh, Raleigh NC – USA 27/09 The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC – USA 28/09 Mockingbird Theater, Franklin TN – USA 30/09 The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids MI – USA 01/10 Reggie’s, Chicago IL – USA 02/10 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI – USA 03/10 Token Lounge, Detroit, Westland MI – USA 04/10 Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati OH – USA 05/10 Irving Theater, Indianapolis IN – USA 06/10 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH – USA 09/10 75 Stutson Street Auditorium Stage, Rochester NY – USA 10/10 Homer Arts Center, Homer NY – USA 14/10 Space Ballroom, Hamden CT – USA 15/10 The Iron Horse, Northampton MA – USA 17/10 The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls NY – USA 19/10 Orion Studios, Baltimore MD – USA 20/10 Progstock Festival @ Williams Center, Rutherford NJ – USA 07/11 O13, Tilburg – NL 08/11 Boerderij, Zoetermeer – NL 10/11 MS Stubnitz, Hamburg – DE 11/11 Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen – DK 12/11 Babel, Malmö – SE 13/11 Musikens Hus, Goteborg – SE 15/11 Debaser, Stockholm – SE 16/11 Rockland, Sala – SE 18/11 Validi Karkia Club, Pori – FI 19/11 Louhisali, Espoo – FI 21/11 Hybrydy, Warsaw – PL 22/11 Kuźnia, Bydgoszcz – PL 23/11 CK Zamek, Poznan – PL 24/11 Rialto, Katowice – PL 26/11 Kofferfabrik, Fürth – DE 27/11 KuBa, Jena – DE 28/11 Akropolis, Prague – CZ 29/11 Kino Ebensee, Ebensee – AT 30/11 Porgy & Bess, Vienna – AT 03/12 Backstage, Munich – DE 04/12 Das Rind, Rüsselsheim – DE 05/12 Jubez, Karlsruhe – DE 06/12 Cafe de la Danse, Paris – FR 07/12 Le Grillen, Colmar – FR 09/12 Harmonie, Bonn – DE
The universe of Gong began in 1969 when visionary Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative, and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically.
The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.
Photo credit – Layla Burrows
The current lineup of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong’s illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen’s passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia.
The Unending AscendingSpecial Edition will be released on Kscope on 27th September on digipak CD with an 8-page booklet. Pre-order:https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition
Acclaimed musician Leon Alvarado is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the official video for the title track of his critically praised album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to premiere on Friday, September 20th, the video showcases mesmerizing visual sequences created by video artist Nuutti Kataja, marking an exciting collaboration between the two artists.
Reflecting on the new project, Alvarado shares, “In my previous video, we explored some really immersive imagery, where viewers felt as though they were stepping into a surrealistic painting. For this new video, I wanted to push the boundaries even further by blending a more realistic feel within a fantastical setting. Nuutti and I worked closely on gathering reference material and discussing different approaches to bring the scenes to life. When we ran some initial tests, I knew we were onto something special. The final sequences are stunning and flow seamlessly with the music. Nuutti did an outstanding job translating our vision into a visual masterpiece.”
Alvarado also commented on the use of modern technology in the creative process: “There’s a lot of debate around artificial intelligence, but I believe that when used properly, it can enable incredible visuals that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve. In the right hands, it can be a powerful tool for creativity.”
Musically, the video highlights Alvarado takes on drums, keyboards, and bass, while Edoardo Scordo, guitarist from Brit Floyd, lends his skill on guitar and slide guitar. The track was mixed and produced by Alvarado, with final mastering by renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum.
Fans of Alvarado and new listeners alike can look forward to the innovative blend of music and visuals in this highly anticipated video release.
THE CHANGING TIDE Video Release date: September 20, 2024
Credits: Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards Bass & Effects Edoardo Scordo: Guitars and slide Guitar Produced and mixed by Leon AlvaradoMastered by Maor AppelbaumA.I. Video sequences by Nuutti Kataja. Editing by Nuutti Kataja and Leon AlvaradoTitles by Synergy Design Record on: Melodic Revolution Records
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 fan base 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.
UK underground progressive champions Dawnwalker unveil their latest opus The Unknowing. Helmed by mastermind and songwriter Mark Norgate, The Unknowing features an exciting new cast of players including Luke Fabian (ex-Pupil Slicer), Sofia Sourianou (Deathbloom, Lure In), Chris J Allan (ex-Malefice) and flautist Bella Band. Conceived across three studio albums, The Unknowing promises a sharply tuned focus on songwriting, harmony and sonic finesse through a new found foray into heavy, art-rock flavoured songs.
Main songwriter Mark Norgate hints that “T he album deals with grand themes that we’ve been reaching for throughout our whole discography; a conscious move away from post-metal towards something spacier and more progressive; and probably more pop too.” The Unknowing promises to challenge fans and listeners as a concept album meditating on grand themes concerning our shared search for belonging, and our desire to know our place in this vast, hostile and unknowable universe.
Following their widely acclaimed fifth album House Of Sand, Dawnwalker continue to build their legacy independently and will self-release The Unknowing on October 18th in-house on classic black Vinyl, plus a limited blue marbled vinyl variant, making The Unknowing is a relic for record collectors. In late 2023, Dawnwalker completed a short double-headlining UK tour with HealthyLiving, initiating some of this new recording line-up ahead of the album writing and studio process. The band have also shared stages with the likes of <Bruit, Sacred Son, Bodies On Everest, Sugar Horse, Novere, and more.
Progressive rock band Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius spent six years making their sixth album, “Impostor!” due on 7d Media (City Hall Distribution) on October 11, 2024. The songs share stories of emotional battles Joe has observed in his life and the outside world.
“Sometimes you write a bunch of songs and don’t see the thread that binds them together until they are all on one album.”
“Impostor!” is being released on Trey Gunn’s 7d Media and features Joe (electric 7-string violin, acoustic violin, viola, chin cello, lead and background vocals, and producer), Michelangelo Quirinale-(Guitars), Paul Ranieri (bass), Jason Gianni (drums), and Bill Hubauer (keyboards). “Impostor!” is mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser (Tears for Fears, Dream Theater, Weezer).
Now the band are pleased to share the video for the new single “Outrage Olympics”. Watch the video here:
“‘Outrage Olympics’ criticizes cancel culture. It shows both the world at large and his band being spied upon by drones and cameras in a present-day dystopia.”
‘Impostor!’ features many outstanding guests and tackles a number of topics. “Cognitive Dissonance” features guest vocals from Randy McStine (Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree) explores how religious intolerance destroys childhood friendships. “Storm Surge” explores anxiety and features some legends in the prog world, including pianist/flautist Rachel Flowers, guitarist Fernando Perdomo (“Echo in the Canyon,” Jacob Dylan, Carmine Appice), and Saga vocalist Michael Sadler, who co-wrote the song with Joe and the group’s drummer Jason Gianni. Inspired by Friedrich Burgmuller’s 19th century piano piece, “L’Orage (the Storm).”
The title track addresses impostor syndrome and the epic “Chasing the Dragon” about “ unrealized dreams and expectations, ‘Are we ever satisfied?’ The dragon represents that elusive goal, always just out of reach.” The song features guest vocalist Chloe Lowery (Trans-Siberian Orchestra).
The album also includes the Jean Luc Ponty/Jerry Goodman-inspired instrumentals “Voodoo Vortex Part I & II.” The song title, “Tripping the Merry-Go-Round” is taken from Bruce Springsteen’s lyric in “Blinded by the Light.” Joe performs most of the acoustic strings and describes the song; “If Gentle Giant wrote ‘Eleanor Rigby.’ It’s a snapshot of a long relationship where the ‘merry-go-round’ of life keeps people from making adequate time for each other.”
Stratospheerius also covers King Crimson’s “Frame by Frame” with backup vocals from Val Vigoda (Groovelilly).
Joe’s music’s been compared to Rush, Muse, Dream Theater, and Kansas, who welcomed Joe into the band in May 2023. “While Kansas became my main gig, it was my work with Stratospheerius that got their attention.” Looks like all that “dragon chasing” paid off for Joe and his bandmates!
CLEAR VINYL Signed by both Rick Wakeman and Gordon Giltrap – Limited to 250 Copies
“From Brush & Stone” is a studio album by guitarist Gordon Giltrap and keyboardist Rick Wakeman. The album is the first opportunity to record together for Gordon Giltrap and Rick Wakeman. Both are longtime friends who have been on separate musical paths for forty years.
“Having known Gordon for more years than we both care to remember and having great admiration for both his musical and technical ability plus his unique style of composing, it was a no-brainer for us to produce this album together. Logically, I played exactly what I felt was needed on Gordon’s compositions and he played exactly what he felt was needed on mine – another no-brainer. It’s one of those albums where every time you listen to it you discover something new in the music. Each track evokes a different emotion for the listener which indeed it did for Gordon and myself when we recorded the tracks. An album I think we can be rightly proud of.” – Rick Wakeman
“In 1963 at age 15 I was forced to leave school by my well-meaning father, suggesting that I learn a trade thus abandoning any hope I had of going to art college. Since becoming a writer of tunes I think subconsciously I have been using music as my creative canvas. I have always found that paintings have been a great source of inspiration culminating in 1976 with the William Blake inspired Visionary album and then in 1981 with Peacock Party followed by the Pre-Raphaelite inspired Brotherhood Suite. When the opportunity came along to make an album with my old friend and towering keyboard genius Rick Wakeman I put forward my Brotherhood Suite as a concept and starting point. Rick responded very positively and came back with his idea of classical sculpture as an inspiration. This he did superbly. I was given the luxury of time to work on his compositions, about 6 months in fact, and I hope I did justice to his creations. It was and continues to be an honour to have worked with one of the great Godfathers of progressive rock.” – Gordon Giltrap
Tracklist: Side One 1. The Savannah Bird 2. Caesar Augustus 3. The Kiss 4. Hermes Side Two 1. The Thinker 2. David 3. The Discus Thrower 4. The Last of England Spring Side Three 1. The Death of Chatterton 2. The Light of the World 3. World 4. By Angle Tarn 5. Maddie Goes West Side Four (Previously Unreleased) 1. A Dublin Day 2. Down The River 3. Isabella’s Wedding
Personnel: Gordon Giltrap – guitars Rick Wakeman – keyboards Production Produced by Erik Jordan, Gordon Giltrap and Rick Wakeman. Guitar recording sessions engineered by Paul White at Malvern Studios. Keyboard recording sessions engineered by Erik Jordan at Pavilion Studios. Mixed by Erik Jordan at Jordan Audio Studios. Artwork by Jan Leytham-Gain. Additional photography by Lee Wilkinson. Special thanks to Malcolm ‘Mad Malc’ Welch.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
