When I started writing some thirty years ago, one of the reasons for doing so was that I was aware of some wonderful music which the mainstream press ignored. Being able to sing and/or play instruments no longer seemed to be as important as it used to be, and the state of music being played on normal commercial radio filled me with despair, so I just didn’t listen to it anymore. This is how I became involved in the underground scene, and over the years have been fortunate to hear some incredible music which otherwise would have passed me by. Earlier this year Peter Matuchniak sent me a copy of his latest project, ‘Gyreland’ by Bomber Goggles and I loved it immediately. One of the people involved in that was Steve Bonino, and we soon discovered we had a lot in common and I interviewed him for his latest album, ‘Stargazer’ (which is awesome, everyone should have a copy). Following on from that he sent me some of his older material, and I am currently playing Children of the Moon from 2014. My only question has to be, why on earth didn’t I come across this before?
Children of the Moon is multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Steve Bonino, with singer Pascale Elia and drummer Jimmy Keegan. If that isn’t enough in the way of Spock’s Beard credentials, Ryo Okumoto guests on one song and it was mastered by none other than the mighty Rich Mouser. To say this album is a delight is a masterful exercise in understatement. Power pop, pop rock, crossover prog, melodic rock, call it what you will but know that there are some gorgeous songs here with great hooks. Both Steve and Pascale take turns on leads, as well as harmonizes, while Jimmy shows yet again why he is such an in-demand drummer as he adds nuances here and there without removing any emphasis from the melody.
There are quite a few different styles here, and “Everybody Loves Love” is a standout country number (the pedal steel is a wonderful touch), while “My Young Man” is a singer-songwriter classic which belongs in the late Sixties with gorgeous harmonies. Special mention must be made of Amy Tori, who guests with flute on five songs, and this adds an additional sense of class and style to the album that works really well. Many of the songs seem incredibly personal, so much so that I felt at times that I was almost intruding, but it was all so good that I couldn’t turn away. The CD is still available, and it is also possible to stream through Bandcamp, and I can only urge all those into wonderful psychedelic power pop to get straight over to https://thesteveboninoprojects.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-moon and discover it for yourselves.
After a blasting successful pledge campaign crossed over 227% the album is releasing to rest of the world on Friday October 21, 2016.
Thank you all for making it possible. The response from pledgers has been very positive and It is always pleasing to read your comments and thoughts.
I know many of you already pledged and pre-ordered the album If you are still waiting then this is the time as we are start shipping CDs, T-Shirt orders from next week.
Other than that we are working hard to bring the band to your town in USA and play some good music for you. Keep visiting our website SHOWS page to see what is happening in FG’s world. If you are interested in Fire Garden to play in near your area simply reply to this email we will put your city in our plans.
Cheers,
Zee
About
Fire Garden second full length record contains 9 new tracks featuring Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Jimmy Keegan (Spock’s Beard).
Mixed by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief)
Album cover by Travis Smith
CD and Digital with 24 page booklet contains song artwork and lyrics
Available from 10/21/2016 in Stereo and 5.1 Surround and Hi-Resolution Audio
Releases Date October 21, 2016
Far and Near Line Up
Zee – Music, Lyrics, Vocals, Guitars, Mellotron, Synths
Jimmy Keegan (Spock’s Beard) – Drums
Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) Keyboard solo on Life of a Drifter
Jimmy Keegan
Hey Kids! So … In 2003 I was asked to join Spock’s Beard. I had been toying with the idea of putting my own band together but this seemed a safer route as well as an honorable one. Nick had become the singer and they needed a drummer who could sing (especially the high bits) as well as play the often complex parts that Nick had crafted so well. The fit seemed perfect. Almost too perfect! I became the touring drummer while Nick played alongside and in the studio. Some time later, Nick would get a call to join Cirque du Soleil and he decided to take the offer, as I would’ve as well. I became the full time drummer and tracked two fantastic records as well as some great tours and shows. The idea of my own band was still nagging. I started to humor it and raised some money in a campaign but the schedule has proven extremely difficult and I have been way too slow to produce this first album. I should’ve been doing this long ago. For this reason, I have stepped down as the drummer for Spock’s Beard and will be putting all my efforts into my own project. Oh sure, I will continue doing sessions, gigs and short tours but my daily focus will now be … well, myself. For those who contributed, I can’t thank you enough for your patience. For SB fans, you will be in good hands. Look to the guys for announcements of what is to come.
Definitely not an easy decision but a necessary one. Thanks for your support and thanks to Spock’s Beard for allowing me to be a part of such a fantastic band for so long.
Stay tuned!
In a statement for the Spock’s Beard Camp
We regret to announce that Jimmy Keegan has resigned from Spock’s Beard to pursue other interests. Jimmy has been a key member of the SB family since 2003, and his unique contribution will be sorely missed. His talents as a drummer and vocalist are world class, unsurpassed. We wish Jimmy well and look forward to what he’s going to come up with next – Dude, you’re the best!
Jimmy was Drummer and Vocalist for Spock’s Beard between 2011 and 2016 and recorded to albums with the band:Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep (2013) and The Oblivion Particle (2015) Jimmy has He has played with artists such as Santana, as the drummer on the song “Primavera” on Santana’s hit album Supernatural also with John Waite, Amadeus Awad, Steve Bonino and Kenny Loggins to name a few.
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