Multi-instrumentalist Marco Ragni (who here provides vocals, guitars, keyboards, piano, and bass) is back with his latest album. Peter Matuchniak (Kinetic Element, Gekko Project, Mach One, etc) returns on lead guitar, as does Dave Newhouse (The Muffins) on woodwind, Jeff Mack (Scarlet Hollow) on five-string fretted and fretless bass plus Chapman Stick along with drummer Maurizio Antonini. They were all involved in Marco’s last album, ‘The Wandering Caravan’, and the core band line-up also now includes JoJo Razor (Gekko Project) on backing vocals. There are also a few guests who make important contributions on a few tracks, namely guitarists Bjørn Riis (Airbag) and Marius Halleland (Wobbler), plus the incredible Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld) who on this release provides sitar on “Voice In The Dark”.
Released deliberately on the Summer Solstice, this album ties in with Marco turning fifty this year which has led to serious contemplation, so the songs, cover and even the lyrics underwent changes during the process. But this isn’t a melancholic or depressing album, but rather one of incredible
variety and dynamics. Some songs are almost folk-based, take “The Wind Blows Anyway” as an example. Plucked acoustic guitar forms the basis of this, along with electric piano and some dated synths which weave a tapestry of sound which the bass and drums manage to find their way into, but there are significant periods where Peter is sat waiting for his moment, as electric guitar is notable by its absence as the fretless bass resounds through whatever room is available. But then when Peter takes the opportunity it is deft, almost Gilmour-like with controlled sustain, which takes the song into new directions, leading into an ending I certainly didn’t expect. This is a very rich album, full of contrasts, dominated by the arrangements which are intricate, delicate, yet incredibly powerful. It is broad, controlled and epic prog, and there are times when one can hear the psychedelic influences which take his music back in time. It feels much more like a classic progressive album than one from the end of the second decade of the 21 st century, and it is one that is both instantly accessible and a grower. This is an album I have thoroughly enjoyed as it moves in so many directions from Floyd through Yes and even elements of Crimson but is very much Marco Ragni. 8/10 by Kev Rowland
“Oceans of Thought” features members of Airbag, Wobbler, Knifeworld, and Gekko Projekt, among others.
About the album
“Oceans of Thought” was originally called “The Merchant of Eternal Youth” but during the time of the recordings I had some personal problems and I was a little depressed. So the songs, the cover but above all the lyrics, have undergone a change because my music comes from what I have inside of my mind and soul.
So this album talks about the difficulties that life sometimes brings us, but also talks about how to try to overcome them. It’s a record that I care a lot about because it talks a lot about me. Because great musicians have played there, from Norwegian guitarists Bjørn Riis founder of the band Airbag and Marius Halleland (Wobbler), Peter Matuchniak (Kinetic Element), Jeff Mack (Scarlet Hollow) and Maurizio Antonini the beating heart of this record. The precious woodwinds arrangements by Dave Newhouse (The Muffins) and the beautiful voice of JoJo Razor(Gekko Projekt) and last but not the least, Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld) playing Sitar.
This year I turned 50, an important and very significant milestone for me. Half a century on Earth! What a wonderful journey up to here. First of all, I want to thank my beautiful and wonderful Wife because She made my life happier and more dynamic. Then all the supporters who allowed me to record this album and in particular Jon Hawkins for having produced it. I am proud and very happy to present it to you today. I hope it will reach your heart and your mind. Entertaining you, relaxing and making you think about life, its beauties and sometimes its inconsistencies.
The album was released today June 21st, the day of the summer solstice. The most important day of my life.
Have a good trip folks! Marco Ragni
Track Listing 1 Flashlights 2 Dizziness 3 Hammil’s Thoughts 4 The Wind Blows Anyway 5 Regain Control 6 Oceans of Thought 7 Under a Big Red Sun 8 Voice in the Dark 9 Open My Arms
Music and lyrics by Marco Ragni Produced by Jon Hawkins Album Art by Marco Ragni
Featuring: Marco Ragni: Vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keys, bass Peter Matuchniak: Electric guitar Dave Newhouse: Woodwinds Jeff Mack: Five string fretted and fretless bass & Chapman Stick. Maurizio Antonini: Drums JoJo Razor: Backing vocals
Special Guests Bjørn Riis: Lead guitar on No. 9 Open My Arms Marius Halleland: Lead Guitar on No 2 Dizziness & No 5 Regain Control Charlie Cawood: Sitar On No 8 Voice in the Dark
Melodic Revolution Records and Marco Ragni are thrilled to announce that Oceans of Thought will officially be released in both CD & Digital formats and available worldwide June 21st, Pre-orders will go on sale on June 1st and will includ 5 digital-only bonus tracks with all pre-orders
About the album “Oceans of Thought” was originally called “The Merchant of Eternal Youth” but during the time of the recordings I had some personal problems and I was a little depressed. So the songs, the cover but above all the lyrics, have undergone a change because my music comes from what I have inside of my mind and soul.
So this album talks about the difficulties that life sometimes brings us, but also talks about how to try to overcome them. It’s a record that I care a lot about, because it talks a lot about me. Because great musicians have played there, from Norwegian guitarists Bjørn Riis founder of the band Airbag and Marius Halleland (Wobbler), Peter Matuchniak (Kinetic Element), Jeff Mack (Scarlet Hollow) and Maurizio Antonini the beating heart of this record. The precious woodwinds arrangements by Dave Newhouse (The Muffins) and the beautiful voice of JoJo Razor (Gekko Projekt) and last but not the least, Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld) playing Sitar.
This year I turned 50, an important and very significant milestone for me. Half a century on Earth! What a wonderful journey up to here. First of all I want to thank my beautiful and wonderful Wife because She made my life happier and more dynamic. Then all the supporters who allowed me to record this album and in particular Jon Hawkins for having produced it. I am proud and very happy to present it to you today. I hope it will reach your heart and your mind. Entertaining you, relaxing and making you think about life, its beauties and sometimes its inconsistencies.
The album will be released on June 21st, the day of the summer solstice. The most important day of my life.
Have a good trip folks! Marco Ragni
Track Listing 1 Flashlights 2 Dizziness 3 Hammil’s Thoughts 4 The Wind Blows Anyway 5 Regain Control 6 Oceans of Thought 7 Under a Big Red Sun 8 Voice in the Dark 9 Open My Arms
Pre-Order Bonus Tracks 1 Abstract Dreams 2 Fifty Years on Earth 3 Nocturne #7 (piano sessions) 4 Hammil’s Thoughts (JoJo’s vocals) 5 Open My Arms ( demo strings arrangements)
Music and lyrics by Marco Ragni Produced by Jon Hawkins Album Art by Marco Ragni
Featuring: Marco Ragni: Vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keys, bass Peter Matuchniak: Electric guitar Dave Newhouse: Woodwinds Jeff Mack: Five string fretted and fretless bass & Chapman Stick. Maurizio Antonini: Drums JoJo Razor: Backing vocals
Special Guests Bjørn Riis: Lead guitar on No. 9 Open My Arms Marius Halleland: Lead Guitar on No 2 Dizziness & No 5 Regain Control Charlie Cawood: Sitar On No 8 Voice in the Dark
Prolific psychedelic rock musician Marco Ragni returns with his first single; featuring Bjørn Riis on Lead Guitar, the founder of the band Airbag. The forthcoming album “Oceans of Thought” will be released June 21st. Pre-orders will be available soon.
According to Marco, I wrote the song thinking about Colin Tench and when I recorded the piano parts and wrote the lyrics, I thought I’d ask Bjørn Riis if he wanted to play the lead guitar. I’ve been a fan of Airbags and his guitar playing for many years. He didn’t know my music but when I let him hear some songs, he told me “great stuff!” So I sent him the track and we started talking about it. Then he sent me the guitar parts and when I listened to the mixed song, I got a giant smile and then a tear … One of my dreams was coming true!”
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