It is with regret that Unitopia announces that bassist Alphonso Johnson will no longer be able to join the band on their upcoming “Seven Chambers” tour in September due to unforeseen circumstances. The band, however, is thrilled to announce that acclaimed musician Don Schiff will be stepping in to fill the void left by Johnson’s absence.
In the wake of Johnson’s unavailability, Don Schiff emerges as the ideal candidate to take his place. Schiff is no stranger to the world of progressive rock, having carved out a remarkable career spanning several decades. His mastery of the Chapman Stick, an innovative and versatile instrument, has made him a sought-after collaborator and a revered figure in the genre.
Don Schiff’s progressive rock journey began in the early 1990s when he joined the legendary rock band Rocket Scientists. Since then, he has contributed his exceptional skills to numerous groundbreaking projects and has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including the likes of Eddie Jobson, Lana Lane, and Erik Norlander.
Schiff’s ability to blend complex melodies, captivating rhythms, and intricate textures with the Chapman Stick has made him an influential figure in the progressive rock scene. His distinctive sound and virtuosic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Don Schiff’s versatile musical journey extends beyond progressive rock, as he has also made notable contributions to the world of pop music, collaborating with renowned artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Sheryl Crow, Pat Benetar, Tina Turner and Elvis Presley, among others. His exceptional skills on the bass have enriched the soundscapes of their chart-topping hits, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after musician across genres. Schiff’s ability to seamlessly transition between progressive rock and pop showcases his remarkable versatility and underscores his status as a respected figure in the music industry.
Unitopia is thrilled to have Don Schiff joining them on their upcoming tour, and they are confident that his immense talent and passion for progressive rock will bring a fresh energy to their live performances. Audiences can expect an unforgettable musical experience as Schiff seamlessly integrates with the band, contributing his unique style and expertise to the beloved Unitopia repertoire.
Unitopia expresses their gratitude to Alphonso Johnson for his contributions and sends their warmest wishes for whatever lies ahead. They are grateful for the understanding and continued support of their fans as they embark on this new chapter with Don Schiff.
For more information about Unitopia’s upcoming tour and Don Schiff’s addition to the lineup, please visit the band’s official website.
About Unitopia:
UNITOPIA (yu-nih-to-pi-E): meaning living together as one in a place of ideal perfection especially in law, government and social conditions.
Unitopia endeavors to draw from the heart and soul of the listener thought provoking topics such as environmental awareness, political and social upheaval and the hectic pace of life and human relationships in a positive and uplifting light. Using progressive themes as a framework, Unitopia’s music includes elements of world, classical, jazz, heavy rock, and groove. About Upcoming Release “Seven Chambers:
The current members of Unitopia have trodden varying paths where some have encountered serious heart disease, tumors, metabolic disorders, joint disease and psychological upheaval. The “Seven Chambers” is a concept album based on the band’s experiences of illness, a dark subject perhaps, but the simple fact that all four are still here and producing music bears witness to good outcomes and is cause for optimism and grounds for hope.
Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the “Viper” seven-string electric violin. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, which has just released their 6th album, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock).” He can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.
Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Skolnick, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, Peter Criss from KISS, Michael Sadler, Renaissance with Annie Haslam, Kurt Elling, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer’s Grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Masters in Jazz Violin From Manhattan School of music.
KANSAS original member and drummer Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Joe Deninzon to be the newest member of KANSAS. We believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited to kick off the KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in the band’s first album said, ‘KANSAS IS A BAND’ and we remain so to this day.”
Deninzon adds, “As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”
Joe Deninzon’s first performance with the band will be in Pittsburgh, PA on June 2 at the Benedum Center during the premier date of the KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road.
A complete list of KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road is below. Ticket and VIP Package information can be found at KansasBand.com.
Clarabelle is an allegory of which the song and video was inspired by a wonderful doll creation made by Clare Powls.
About the Captain
The captain is a troubadour, storyteller and free-thinking renegade. His musical offerings are inspired by the great songwriters and philosophers of yesteryear. This is visceral music for the mind and body, full of dreamy verses, life affirming choruses and sheer audacity. Where melodic invention meets alternative folk, progressive, world and ambient sounds.
He is not just the figurehead of his musical vessel, he’s ringmaster, bard, master of ceremonies and sage. There’s far more to him and his absurdly engaging world than any of your ten – a – penny musical stars. Seen through showers of glitter, kaleidoscopic lens flares and in the rainbows of a million puddles. The captain tells sonic stories to connect with everyone past, present and future.
Captain Of The Lost Waves Discography
Not Your Average Love Song (2023) Digital & Streaming Hidden Gems Chapter 3 (2022) CD, Digital & Streaming Hidden Gems Chapter 2 (2019) CD, Digital & Streaming Synthesis (2028) LP, CD, Digital & Streaming Hidden Gems Chapter 1 (2017) Digital & Streaming
Shaun T. Hunter Solo Discography
Still Talking Scribble (2010) CD, Digital & Streaming Thinnest Hopes Magnified (2009) CD, Digital & Streaming The Great Departure (2007) CD, Digital & Streaming Flying Not Falling (2004) CD, Digital & Streaming
18th May 2023: ASIA are a multi-platinum selling, English Rock band who formed in 1981 and celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2021. ASIA announce the release of Phoenix for the first time as a 2 vinyl LP set on 26th May. Phoenix was originally released in 2008 and was their first studio album with the original line-up in a quarter century.
In terms of sound this emotional, compelling comeback album sees Asia continue the very high standards from where they left off in 1985, as ever displaying suppleness when stretching out into multi-part suites while retaining a knack for big, arena pop hooks.
Their 1982 self-titled debut album reached number one in several countries, including 9 weeks topping the US charts, with lead single Heat Of The Moment making the top 40 in over a dozen, including US #4.
This is the second of four critically acclaimed reunion releases (2007-2012) featuring vocalist John Wetton ex of King Crimson, guitarist Steve Howe and keyboard player Geoff Downes from Yes and drummer Carl Palmer from Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
The sleeve comprise unique artwork by world famous rock music artist Roger Dean.
Tracklisting
Side A 1. Never Again 2. Nothing’s Forever 3. Heroine
Side B 1. Sleeping Giant / No Way Back / Reprise 2. Alibis 3. I Will Remember You
Side C 1. Shadow Of A Doubt 2. Parallel Worlds / Vortex / Déyà 3. Wish I’d Known All Along
Side D 1. Orchard Of Mines 2. Over And Over 3. An Extraordinary Life
Pooling the talents of bassist/vocalist John Wetton, drummer Carl Palmer, keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Steve Howe, ASIA immediately became the epitome of a supergroup of rock aristocracy and the natural heir to its members legendary bands of the 70s King Crimson, Emerson Lake & Palmer, The Buggles and Yes.
Leaving behind their progressive roots, ASIA embraced the commercial FM rock sound that dominated US airwaves and took that, and the new MTV video channel, by storm. The single Heat Of The Moment was a world-wide monster smash and their eponymous 1982 debut album spent an incredible 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart as Asia became the biggest selling album of the year and world tour dates sold out.
A second album, Alpha, was released in 1983. The four original members reconvened in 2006 for a world tour, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of that incredible success, and the album Phoenix followed.
While the members were still heavily involved in other projects, they came together again to record Omega in 2010 and XXX in 2012, both albums were acclaimed by their faithful fans and supported by more world tours.
Steve Howe stepped back from ASIA to concentrate on his work with YES and was absent for 2014s Gravitas. Following this tour came the news of John Wettons treatment for cancer, a fight he sadly lost in 2017.
Prog music artist Leon Alvarado will be releasing a new box set of his most recent album “Charging The Electric Dream” on May17th! The set includes the original CD of the very well-received album plus a second CD containing “Outisde The Dream” (Epic version) which serves as the soundtrack for the short film of the same name. The box set also includes two full color post cards recreating some of the promotional poster and a numbered and signed presentation card. All the materials are neatly contained in an elegant, collectible box with a color-printed insert and it’s own unique artwork.
Says Leon, “The project as a whole has taken a long time to come to fruition, so I wanted to give it a release with all the trimmings. I think collectors will find great enjoyment and additional engagment in this box set.”
The music housed in this box set was recorded periodically over a span of several decades. A video for the title track was released concurrently with the album on Decemeber of last year followed by “Outside The Dream” the short film which was released on February 15th along with its soundtrack. The Box set will be sold exclusively through Melodic Revolution Records.
Primarily known for his record label and music promotion artwork, in 2008 Leon Alvarado released his first album,“Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff”as an ode to one of his favorite bands. Since then, he has released several records and worked alongside an impressive list of well-known musicians such as Rick Wakeman, Bill Bruford, Billy Sherwood, Jon Davison (Yes), John Goodsall (Brand X), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, KC), Jerry Marotta, (Peter Gabriel), John Helliwell (Supertramp), Tony Franklin (The Firm), Johnny Bruhns, (Circa), Edoardo Scordo, Damian Darlington (Brit Floyd), Ty Tabor (King’s X) to name a few.
Leon’s musical output can be categorized as a blend of Prog Rock with Ambient, some Classical and a measure of Fusion. Each piece, as well as his library as a whole, is a constantly evolving musical landscape that can simultaneously embrace the listener in familiarity, while embarking on exciting and experimental journeys of sound.
Personnel: Leon Alvarado all instruments Engineered by Leon Alvarado Engineering Assistance by John Douglass Mastering by Maor Appelbaum
Hello everyone, The time has sadly come to announce the departure of our bassist, Peter Episcopo. This was by no means sudden to the rest of the band as we’ve been aware of this decision for a while. Our recent shows were our last with Peter and the feeling was incredibly bittersweet and we feel privileged and grateful that more people than ever came out to see us and share the send off with us. We will all continue to be close friends with Peter and look forward to many more happy memories ahead outside of Kyros. Let’s all wish Peter the best of luck for his future endeavors! A few words from the man himself:
“Hi all, My last note with Kyros was a D#, at the end of Cloudburst at the Lower Third in London. I never wanted it to end on that note, but hey.. After almost 10 years, it feels surreal to be announcing my departure from Kyros. The band has been a big part of my life ever since Shelby graced me with bass duties back in 2014. Playing with Robin, Joey and Shelby has been an absolute honour, a treasure that I will always hold dear. They’re insanely gifted musicians and keeping up with their skill level has been one heck of a challenge. I remember walking into our third ever rehearsal with a shirt saying ‘Sorry girls, I’m gay… The bond grew strong. Fellow musicians quickly became friends. Friends became family. Jesus, so dramatic… All I’m trying to say is that I’m very fond of them. My eyes got watery when I last hugged them at the end of our last show together. I wish them all the best and will always be a fan of their music. I’m massively looking forward to the new material and I’m very proud of what we have achieved and to have been a part of this adventure.
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank you all for the continuous support over the years. I’ve met many lovely people and have played alongside many incredible bands on this journey. I don’t know where, I don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again. All the best, Peter”
And with our next shows a mere four months away – we must press on ahead and the search begins for a new bassist for Kyros Time is of the essence but we are determined to find someone who fits our ethos, drive, determination and tenacity. We are ideally looking for a bassist who is based in the south/midlands of England, has a good ear for learning parts aurally, is capable of basic keyboard playing and backing vocals.
If you think you fit the bill, we’d love to hear from you ASAP.
To get started – send us some footage of you playing, plus some brief words about yourself to band@kyrosmediagroup.com
We’ve been Kyros. You’ve been amazing. Here’s to the future. Shelby, Joey & Robin
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