Alphonso Johnson Unable to Tour with Unitopia in September, Don Schiff to Join as Replacement

From a social media post by Unitopia

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.

Unitopia Online
Website: http://unitopiamusic.net/home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unitopiamusic

Don Schiff Online
Website: https://www.donschiff.com/about/

Media Contact:
Twitter: @EssentialProg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/progrockessentials
Website: https://essentials.progrock.com/

Kracked Earth unveil Art-work and Album info for Immortal

According to Andy Kinch Keyboardist, Guitarist, Composer, and Founder of Kracked Earth 

I’m excited beyond measure, and proud to reveal details of the vinyl release, together with the artwork for our forthcoming retrospective album “Immortal”. Once again the wonderful Ed Unitsky has designed a spectacular and thought-provoking work of art for the project.
– Andy

The highly anticipated Sophomore release “Immortal” is planned for an early 2019 release. Immortal is a retrospective of Andy’s work over the past 20 years and will feature 10 remixed and re-mastered tracks.

Track Listing for the vinyl version, with each song being mastered and cut at Abbey Road… 

Side One.
1. Everlastin’ Love (2019 Remaster)
2. Border Town (2019 Remix)
3. My Captors’ Heart (2019 Remaster)
4. Can’t Get Over You (New Version)
5. Into The Vortex/ Harvest (2019 Remix)

Side Two.
1. When The City Sleeps (2019 Remaster)
2. Simple Man (2019 Remix)
3. Footsteps In The Snow (2019 Remaster)
4. The Promise (2019 Remix)
5. I Thank You (Back Street Mix 2019 Remaster)

More news to follow with regard to the Deluxe version. This will be digital only, featuring extra bonus songs and demos.

Shop Kracked Earth Online 
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Splash-Kracked-Earth/dp/B009WU52NO
Bandcamp: https://krackedearth.bandcamp.com
CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/KrackedEarth
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/mt/artist/kracked-earth/589257792

Follow Kracked Earth
https://www.facebook.com/krackedearthband
http://mrrmusic.com/kracked-earth/
https://www.youtube.com/user/andykinch/

Melodic Revolution Records Online:
http://mrrmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic
https://twitter.com/MusicIsOurVoice

Melodic Revolution Records Spotify Playlists:
https://open.spotify.com/user/melodicrevolutionrecords

Kracked Earth To Release Sophomore Album “Immortal” On Limited Edition Vinyl

Kracked Earth Keyboardist, Guitarist, Composer and Founder Andy Kinch and the band are hard at work on their Sophomore album simply titled “Immortal” for a late 2018 release. Immortal is a retrospective of Andy’s work over the past 20 years and will feature 11 tracks of remixed and re-mastered tracks including one new track.


Photo by Dave Armitage 

“Immortal” will be released as a Hi-Quality digital album and a Limited Edition Vinyl release.
According to Andy “We are here but for a moment. But the music we make is Immortal”

Side One.

  1. Everlastin Love (2016 Remix)
  2. Onwards Upwards (2018 Remix)
  3. Border Town (2018 Remix)
  4. Strange Desire (2018 Remix)
  5. Warm (2018 Remix)
  6. The Promise (2018 Remix)

Side 2

  1. When The City Sleeps
  2. Simple Man (2018 Remix)
  3. Wheels in Motion
  4. Footsteps in the Snow (2018 Re-master)
  5. Mountain (2018 Remix)

Everlastin Love was re-released on April 28th2016 and features one of the last recordings of the late Kelly Groucutt of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) the song originally appeared on the 1998 CD “Andy’s Diner”.  World-renowned artist Ed Unitsky will once again step up for creating the artwork.

Kracked Earth’s music is available worldwide in both CD and Digital formats.
You can listen, buy and share “Everlastin Love” by following the links below.

Kracked Earth’s music is available worldwide in both CD and Digital formats.
You can listen, buy and share “Everlastin Love” by following the links below.

Kracked Earth Online Shop
Bandcamp: https://krackedearth.bandcamp.com/track/everlastin-love
CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/krackedearth2
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everlastin-love-feat-kelly-groucutt-single/1109018603

Follow Kracked Earth
https://www.facebook.com/krackedearthband
http://mrrmusic.com/kracked-earth/
https://www.youtube.com/user/andykinch/

Melodic Revolution Records Online:
http://mrrmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic
https://twitter.com/MusicIsOurVoice

Melodic Revolution Records Spotify Playlists:
https://open.spotify.com/user/melodicrevolutionrecords

Lisa LaRue’s Twenty Five Year Retrospective “Origins” is now available for Pre-order

Origins is a sixteen track double album which include one hidden bonus track and celebrate’s 25 years and 11 release by LaRue.

The songs on “Origins” were written and recorded over 25 years. Some in a small recording studio in Tahlequah, OK over a year’s time with John “Yakfe” Timothy, and some in Los Angeles working extensively with John Payne as a co-producer, mixing engineer, bassist, and vocalist. Also, certain songs were known as some of the first prog projects done via internet transfer and finalizes with “Sussuration” and “Lemniscate,” completely produced and mixed by LaRue.

According to Lisa, “This album is extremely important – it’s important to me, as it represents 25 years of my life and some of the best work I’ve done with some of the best friends in the world. It’s important because it represents the unity and bringing together of many musicians, big and small, through the universal language, music. Lastly, it’s important to fans, as it represents some of the obscure work of many top-notch artists that they may not have in their collection. Melodic Revolution and Nick Katona have always been known for bringing artists together, so there is no better label to showcase this 25-year effort.”

“Lisa has a unique perspective to her music. Her Prog rock style is highly influenced by her Native American roots. The listener is drawn in by the mystical and avant-garde approach. From my point of view, it has always been a pleasure and great experience working with her music.” – John Payne

“A very atmospheric composition, with a lovely tranquil finale. I hear a lot of my father’s influence in it, a beautiful arrangement.” – Aaron Emerson (son of Keith Emerson) regarding the song “Aspiration”

Origins also features John Payne (Asia, GPS), Michael Sadler (Saga), Mitch Perry (Talas, Aerosmith), Gilli Smyth (Gong), Don Schiff (Rocket Scientist, Kracked Earth), Federico Fantacone (Orchestre Celesti) John Baker (Forever Twelve, Mars Hollow) as well as Steve Adams, Brenda K, Michael Wheeler, Merrill Hale, Svetlan Raket (Par Lindh Project), John “Yafke” Timothy, Michael Alvarez.

Origins is housed in a new style of Digipak called a Digipack Lite™ this is one of the most unique and eco-friendly packages on the market, in fact, the CD tray actually flexes and is more durable than the standard ridged plastic tray as it is made from recycled water bottles.

1) All pre-orders get shipped before the release date.
2) All Pre-orders supporters will receive a personalized thank you postcard.
3) All Pre-orders of Origins also come with 2 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it’s released

All orders include a digital booklet with purchase

Important Links:
Official Website: https://www.lisalaruemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisalarue2kx
ReverbNation https://www.reverbnation.com/lisalarue
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/LisaLaRue2KX/videos
Melodic Revolution http://mrrmusic.com/lisa-larue/

 

Melodic Revolution Records is thrilled to sign Iconic Keyboardist & Composer Lisa LaRue who is set to release her new album Origins featuring Gilli Smyth, John Payne, Michael Sadler among others.

LaRue became the first female artist signed to the Sound of America Records label (SOAR) a sub label of Natural Visions, the first all-Native American record label founded by Grammy Winner and Motown producer Tom Bee.

In 2008 LaRue was nominated for a Hollywood Music Award and was also awarded The Oklahoma Music Award for “Native American Artist of the Year.” Her band 2KX was Nominated as Instrumental Band of the Year in 2011 by the Los Angeles Music Awards.

Lisa has also appeared on recordings by others, including Head Transfer Process (Stargazer), Esquire with Nikki Squire (“Stay Low”), Don Schiff, Ryo Okumoto, Oliver Wakeman, Steve Gresswell, Quester and Beyond the Labyrinth.

Origins is a double album celebrating 25 years and 11 release by LaRue, featuring some of the best musicians in the business; John Payne (Asia, GPS), Michael Sadler (Saga), Mitch Perry (Talas, Aerosmith), Gilli Smyth (Gong), Don Schiff (Rocket Scientist, Kracked Earth), Federico Fantacone (Orchestre Celesti) John Baker (Forever Twelve, Mars Hollow) as well as Steve Adams, Brenda K, Michael Wheeler, Merrill Hale, Svetlan Raket (Par Lindh Project), John “Yafke” Timothy, Michael Alvarez.

A Statement from Lisa
“I look forward to being part of the Melodic Revolution family, and hope to collaborate with other MR artists, and interact with the fans. Great prog has come from the vaults of Melodic Revolution, and I hope I can contribute to that.”

Important Links:
Official Website: https://www.lisalaruemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisalarue2kx
ReverbNation https://www.reverbnation.com/lisalarue
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/LisaLaRue2KX/videos
Melodic Revolution http://mrrmusic.com/lisa-larue/