This band originally started life as a duo back in 1995 when bassist/ songwriter/ producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong “bromance.” Interestingly to progheads, Brian was the original singer with Enchant and Bob has guested with them multiple times. The band is now completed by Kenny Steel (guitars, keyboards, string arrangements) and then guests are brought in on drums and additional instrumentation. There are a few things which make this band stand out for me, and the first is the bass. Here it is not being used as an instrument to sit alongside the drums but is often the lead melody. We are treated to a masterclass in how to use the instrument, both fretted and fretless, and it took me a long time to work out who Bob reminds me of, and in the end, I finally realised it was the mighty Ox, John Entwistle. Like Entwistle, Madsen can provide nuances, work the complete length of neck, and also put in blisteringly quick bursts when the music demands in. There are also times when we get slap and pop, which provides a totally different feel to the songs.
But, one of the reasons the bass is such a success is due to the strength of the songs and also to the wonderful vocals of Brian Cline. He can put a rough edge on his voice, or sing melodic straight down the line, which gives a totally different feel in many ways. This is music which refuses to be pigeonholed – I know there are some which are calling it progressive, even heavy, but to be perfectly honest it is neither of those things, both these things, and much more. Think of it is as songs-based rock which contains elements and influences from everywhere while still staying pretty middle of the road in terms of overall sound. It is a clever trick designed to lull in the listener as the songs are full of hooks, well sung, but with far more going on than may immediately be apparent. I gave up trying to think who these guys really remind me of, and in the end will just say Eighties melodic rock with pop and prog tendencies, which at times may or may not include funk. There is a confidence in both the performance and material that they will have complete sections where it may be just drums, vocals, and/or bass. It is an incredibly laid-back album in that it never feels rushed and the listener relaxes into it like a favourite armchair.
Elements of Level 42, Tears For Fears and Be Sharp? Yes, I guess, maybe. Oh, I don’t know, just go out and grab this album as it is a damn fine listen and I smile each and every time I play it as I enjoy it that much.
Prog Ensemble 41POINT9 is releasing their eagerly awaited new album“Mr. Astute Trousers” on October 19, 2018! Hammer meets anvil and the sparks fly. In the process, a sword is made stronger than it could have been before. The same thing happened back in 1995 when bassist/songwriter/producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong “bromance.” In Brian, Bob had found the perfect voice for his muse. The only problem was Brian’s insistence on editing Bob’s lyrics (a process referred to as “lyrical evisceration”). (Of course, the real problem is that almost without exception Bob has had to admit that Brian’s edits make the songs better.)
After nearly a decade of friendship the two decided to start a band together. That band is 41POINT9 and is known for being a prog rock band, but Bob and Brian would probably argue that point with you. “We don’t care about styles or subjects or how the song will be classified. We start out with an idea and let the idea dictate where the song will lead. We usually write the lyrics first and then add the music in order to further the concept of the song. As such, we are able to bring a diverse range of musical influences to bear, like a painter would with many pigments and brushes. We actually create the songs with little to no regard for how we would or even could perform them live.” Bob continues, “We might combine Stravinsky strings with funk bass and heavy metal guitars. Hip-hop or EDM production styles might meet new wave synths and storytelling lyrics that would be at home on a classic country album. We simply don’t care as long as the song is good.”
41POINT9 is known for being a prog rock band, but Bob and Brian would probably argue that point with you. “We don’t care about styles or subjects or how the song will be classified. We start out with an idea and let the idea dictate where the song will lead. We usually write the lyrics first and then add the music in order to further the concept of the song. As such, we are able to bring a diverse range of musical influences to bear, like a painter would with many pigments and brushes. We actually create the songs with little to no regard for how we would or even could perform them live.” Bob continues, “We might combine Stravinsky strings with funk bass and heavy metal guitars. Hip-hop or EDM production styles might meet new wave synths and storytelling lyrics that would be at home on a classic country album. We simply don’t care as long as the song is good.”
“Notice we didn’t mention Prog?” Brian adds, “We absolutely love progressive music; however, we don’t stop there. We are in the pursuit of the different. Shouldn’t progressive music progress? Why apply the same stylistic norms that have been used since the ’70s and still call it progressive? That’s not progressive – that’s stagnant.”
“Don’t get us wrong,” chimes in Bob, “we are writing songs with a very strong pop sensibility and we feel they are eminently listenable; we just don’t feel the pressure to stay in one genre or tonality. It just doesn’t matter as long as it serves the song.”
In support of the “Mr. Astute Trousers” album release, 41POINT9 is preparing to tour later in the year if all goes well. “The difficulty in touring is that we have been having a real problem finding a drummer for the band,” Bob concludes. “All of the ones we have auditioned have spontaneously combusted. I guess that’s what we get for using the same talent agency as Spinal Tap.”
For the past year Bob and Brian have been producing a series of high quality concept videos for songs on “Mr. Astute Trousers.” In their most recent video, 41POINT9 pays tribute to the honor and traditions of the Marine Corps and to the sacrifice embodied by all who serve. It is for this reason all proceeds from this video will be donated to The Semper Fi Fund, an A+ rated charity that provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post 9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
Here’s what some of our friends are saying about the album:
“What a great Progtastic album by 41POINT9. The compositions, playing and production by Bob and the boys is superb. Listen out for some familiar players on the excellent collection of tracks” – John Payne – Asia, Dukes of the Orient
“In my mind this is a band that melds two of my favorite things about music; Pop sensibility and progressive complexity. Delivered in droves by, not only the songwriting but by the vocals from Brian Cline (the original vocalist of Enchant) and the Bass playing of Bob Madsen (who has guested on numerous Enchant releases) Love it.!!!” – Ted Leonard – Spocks Beard, Enchant
“41POINT9 is great modern prog/metal/jazz/pick-your- drawer stuff, driven by Madsen’s elegant basslines and composition skill, and genre-busting guitars by Chad Quist. The record sounds fantastic, this is a great mix by Tom Size and Matt Wallace. From a bit Gothic to a bit Fusion to a lot of Metal and performed with skill and confidence, this is good stuff. I wish I’d played on it.” – Tony Carey – Rainbow, Planet P, Tony Carey Solo
This video is for a song called “The Marine” and was based on the true story of a U.S. Marine Corps soldier killed in Afghanistan. When his body was returned to his wife (who was pregnant with their first child) she requested to “sleep one last time by her husband’s side” in the funeral home. At her request, the Marine Honor Guard fixed her a makeshift bed beside the coffin and as the last Marine was leaving the chapel, he looked back to see her quietly crying. He turned around and went back to her and asked her if she would like him to stay for a while. She said she would like that. The Marine stepped back up on the dais beside the coffin and stood at attention. When the young mother woke the next morning, that Marine was still there….still standing at attention. Still watching over her, her unborn child and her deceased loved one.
This is a true story that won a Pulitzer Prize for best photo essay in a Colorado Newspaper. You can read that story and see the pictures that inspired this song here; http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0604/finalsalute_thumbs.html
41POINT9 wishes to pay tribute to the honor and traditions of the Marine Corps and to the sacrifice embodied by all who serve. It is for this reason all proceeds from this video will be donated to The Semper Fi Fund, an A+ rated charity that provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to post 9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
“In my mind, this is a band that melds two of my favorite things about music; Pop sensibility and progressive complexity. ” – Ted Leonard – Spocks Beard, Enchant
Prog ensemble 41POINT9 is premiering their second video titled “These Four Lands” from their forthcoming album “Mr. Astute Trousers” on Sonic Perspectives! The band has two albums being released internationally on September 21, 2018. One is the brand-new sophomore release “Mr. Astute Trousers” and the other is a remixed and remastered version of their debut album “Still Looking For Answers.” The band has been busy creating a series of high-quality concept videos to help get word about the album out.
Watch 41POINT9’s “These Four Lands” video here:
Hammer meets anvil and the sparks fly. In the process, a sword is made stronger than it could have been before. The same thing happened back in 1995 when bassist/songwriter/producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong “bromance.” In Brian, Bob had found the perfect voice for his muse. The only problem was Brian’s insistence on editing Bob’s lyrics (a process referred to as “lyrical evisceration”). (Of course, the real problem is that almost without exception Bob has had to admit that Brian’s edits make the songs better.)
After nearly a decade of friendship, the two decided to start a band together. That band is 41POINT9 and is known for being a prog rock band, but Bob and Brian would probably argue that point with you. “We don’t care about styles or subjects or how the song will be classified. We start out with an idea and let the idea dictate where the song will lead. We usually write the lyrics first and then add the music in order to further the concept of the song. As such, we are able to bring a diverse range of musical influences to bear, like a painter would with many pigments and brushes. We actually create the songs with little to no regard for how we would or even could perform them live.” Bob continues, “We might combine Stravinsky strings with funk bass and heavy metal guitars. Hip-hop or EDM production styles might meet new wave synths and storytelling lyrics that would be at home on a classic country album. We simply don’t care as long as the song is good.”
“Notice we didn’t mention Prog?” Brian adds, “We absolutely love progressive music; however, we don’t stop there. We are in the pursuit of the different. Shouldn’t progressive music progress? Why apply the same stylistic norms that have been used since the ’70s and still call it progressive? That’s not progressive – that’s stagnant.”
“Don’t get us wrong,” chimes in Bob, “we are writing songs with a very strong pop sensibility and we feel they are eminently listenable; we just don’t feel the pressure to stay in one genre or tonality. It just doesn’t matter as long as it serves the song.”
In support of the “Mr. Astute Trousers” album release, 41POINT9 is preparing to tour later in the year if all goes well. “The difficulty in touring is that we have been having a real problem finding a drummer for the band,” Bob concludes. “All of the ones we have auditioned have spontaneously combusted. I guess that’s what we get for using the same talent agency as Spinal Tap.”
41POINT9 is great modern prog/metal/jazz/pick-your- drawer stuff – Tony Carey (Planet P)
AOR Prog Ensemble 41POINT9 is premiering the first video and single from the band’s forthcoming album “Mr. Astute Trousers.” “Confessions At Midnight” is the risqué new video that has been accepted into a service providing music to over 2500 strip clubs in the US making the single the first ever Prog Rock single and video to be accepted into this type of market. Yes, you heard that right, for the first time thanks to 41POINT9 you can hear Prog in a Strip Club. Gentlemen, you’re welcome.
Watch 41POINT9’s “Confessions At Midnight”
Says bassist Bob Madsen, “What started as an inside joke has actually become a pretty cool lil’ tune. One evening the band was wondering why you never hear Prog in a Strip Club? That just seemed unfair. So 41POINT9 set out to rise to the challenge and correct this tragic wrong. Hence, ‘Confessions At Midnight’ was born. For the first time Progsters can now hear ‘Prog In A Strip Club.’ Gentlemen, yer welcome… This video tells the story of a burlesque dancer that falls in love with her Emcee and the sparks sure do fly! Enjoy!”
41POINT9 came about in a dark, cobweb filled corner of Bob Madsen’s mind. One day whilst navel gazing, he thought to himself, “My, there’s a lot of lint in there.” Err…umm…scratch that…what I meant to say is… he thought to himself, “If its unlikely I’ll ever make money making music, then I’m just gonna make music that I want to hear and that I enjoy making.” With that decided, he went back to wondering why the lint was blue when he was wearing a red sweatshirt…
Such was the genesis of this group of misfits from Northern California. In 2011 they released their debut album “Still Looking For Answers” to critical acclaim and way more success than was warranted based on the small budget they had for marketing.
From 2013 to 2016 the band took a break and dealt with life. In the process the band has consolidated to two core members: Brian Cline (Guitarist/Vocalist) and Bob Madsen (Bassist/Producer). In early 2016 Bob started The Highlander Company Records with renowned Engineer/Producer Tom Size (Journey, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth etc) Tom immediately remixed the band’s first album and was halfway through mixing the second, “Mr. Astute Trousers” when he succumbed to cancer in October of 2016. The guys were fortunate enough to enlist the help of Matt Wallace who just happened to be one of Tom’s old students. Matt finished the album in the summer of 2017 and helped get them introduced to AISA, LLC who provided 41POINT9 with access to international distribution and manufacturing. Both albums were remastered by the award winning mastering engineer Dave Collins (Elton John, Soundgarden etc) and the results are astounding.
For the past year Bob and Brian have been producing a series of high quality concept videos for songs on “Mr. Astute Trousers.” These videos are set to be released this summer with the albums slated for release on September 21, 2018.
Here’s what some of our friends are saying about the album:
“What a great Progtastic album by 41POINT9. The compositions, playing and production by Bob and the boys is superb. Listen out for some familiar players on the excellent collection of tracks” – John Payne – Asia, Dukes of the Orient
“In my mind this is a band that melds two of my favorite things about music; Pop sensibility and progressive complexity. Delivered in droves by, not only the songwriting but by the vocals from Brian Cline (the original vocalist of Enchant) and the Bass playing of Bob Madsen (who has guested on numerous Enchant releases) Love it.!!!” – Ted Leonard – Spocks Beard, Enchant
“41POINT9 is great modern prog/metal/jazz/pick-your- drawer stuff, driven by Madsen’s elegant basslines and composition skill, and genre-busting guitars by Chad Quist. The record sounds fantastic, this is a great mix by Tom Size and Matt Wallace. From a bit Gothic to a bit Fusion to a lot of Metal and performed with skill and confidence, this is good stuff. I wish I’d played on it.” – Tony Carey – Rainbow, Planet P, Tony Carey Solo
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