Jethro Tull’s relationship with the Christmas season goes all the way back to the legendary band’s early days. Now it’s to be renewed for modern-day admirers and longtime fans alike, with the release of an expanded and remixed edition of 2003’s The Jethro Tull Christmas Album via InsideOutMusic on December 6th, 2024.
With the release just around the corner, the 2024 remix of the track ‘Jack Frost and Hooded Crow’ has been launched on digital services. Newly mixed by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief), you can listen to it now here:
Under the title ‘The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas’, the bands 21st studio album has been remixed from the original masters by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief), as well as being given the surround sound treatment in both Dolby Atmos & 5.1. The limited deluxe 4CD + Blu-ray book-set collection features all-new artwork, as well as live material, and includes the following across its 5 discs.
CD1: Original Album Mixes CD2: 2024 Remixes by Bruce Soord CD3: Christmas Live At St. Bride’s 2008 (newly remixed by Bruce Soord) CD4: The Ian Anderson Band Live At St. Bride’s 2006 (previously unreleased) Blu-ray: Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & High Resolution Stereo Mixes of The Jethro Tull Christmas Album, as well as High Resolution Stereo Mixes of both live recordings
As well as this, the album will be released on vinyl for the very first time, as a Gatefold 180g 2LP featuring the 2024 remixes. Pre-orders are available now here: https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/JethroTullChristmasAlbum
The Jethro Tull Christmas Album was much praised on first release, with Rolling Stone noting admiringly: “The originals simmer with eccentric, eclectic, folky energy, rocking ditties threaded through with Celtic stylings, jazzy undercurrents, Ian Anderson’s distinctive flute and wry humour.” Allmusic called it “perhaps the most satisfying Tull releases in 25 years.”
It included new interpretations of no fewer than seven Tull songs, including their first to be inspired by the holiday, 1968’s much-loved ‘A Christmas Song.’ That Anderson composition, which opened with lyrics interpolated from ‘Once in Royal David’s City,’ was the B-side of the band’s first UK chart single, ‘Love Story.’
“Some of the tracks are not necessarily Christmas songs; they’re more seasonal so that gives a broader window,” says Ian. “And then there are a couple of them that I quite often play in the middle of summer and say, ‘It’ll soon be Christmas – it’s in the diary. So let’s kick it off now.’ And that’s part of what I’ve done over the years since October of 1968 when I went into record ‘A Christmas Song. ‘So, yes – it goes back a long way.”
‘A Christmas Song’ was joined on the album by reworkings of such pieces as Tull’s 1976 festive hit ‘Ring Out Solstice Bells’; ‘Weathercock,’ first heard on 1978’s Heavy Horses; and ‘Another Christmas Song,’ from 1989’s Rock Island. Also among the re-recordings was J.S. Bach’s ‘Bourrée”, another longtime live favourite, inimitably imagined by Ian.
“Part of the joy of redoing those things,” he says, “is that you can…not necessarily recreate, but you can keep all the essential elements of the song and maybe declutter it a little bit and give it a fresh look, but essentially still staying faithful to the original arrangements.”
The Jethro Tull Christmas Album was their last studio set to feature longtime guitarist Martin Barre, who composed its pretty closing instrumental ‘A Winter Snowscape.’ Also featured on the album were keyboard and accordion player Andrew Giddings, bassist Jonathan Noyce and drummers Doane Perry and James Duncan. Anderson compositions making their debut included the opening ‘Birthday Card At Christmas’ and ‘First Snow On Brooklyn,’ while traditional pieces such as ‘God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen’ and ‘We Five Kings’ were interpreted alongside Fauré’s ‘Pavane.’
The new Refestramus single “I Ruined Christmas” is a wet blanket for the holidays, chronicling the perils of parental disappointment, political disagreements, sleeping with someone’s hot sister and smoking joints in the garage before Xmas dinner.
Refestramus composer/drummer/ leader Derek Ferguson says, “My favorite bit is the line ‘it’s like I told you before, it won’t happen again, my dear’ – we know that even as they apologize, they haven’t really learned anything from their mistakes and will undoubtedly be repeating them.”
The music video features clips of Refestramus’ rock video girl Agent M plotting mayhem on friends and family, who aren’t in very good moods at their holiday tables. It shows the band in the studio looking mighty ornery, too.
Along with Derek Ferguson, the band members are guitarist Derek Pavlic and producer Ian Beabout (Colouratura), with long time vocalist NIDA, and a host of festivity-spoiling guests: bassist Jerry King (Cloud over Jupiter), keyboardist Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (Potter’s Daughter), and saxophonist Mitch Lawrence.
The basic tracks of which were recorded at Aardvark Productions in Steubenville with engineering talents of Dan Bozek and Crack the Sky’s Rick Witkowski.
“I Ruined Christmas” comes to you hot off the heels of the critically divisive “Intouríst” album, released through Melodic Revolution Records. After ruining progressive art rock last May, the Grinche’s of Prog, Refestramus, have simply grown in ambition.
Hailing from Lakeview Chicago, Illinois, fans are calling Refestramus “the Punks of Prog” because “this song is out to spoil your holidaze next month,” says Derek Ferguson, “The good news is you can make everyone’s holidays better by gifting ‘I Ruined Christmas!’”
left to right Derek Pavlic, Derek Ferguson, Ian Beabout
The I Ruined Christmas Sessions NIDA – lead and backing vocals Mitch Lawrence – saxophones Derek Pavlic – guitar Dyanne Potter Voegtlin – piano, keyboards and Moog synthesizer Jerry King – bass Derek Ferguson – drums, sleigh bells, glockenspiel, bass drum
Agent M from the Music Video “I Ruined Christmas”
Additional Information: Produced by Ian Beabout and Derek Ferguson Mastering Engineer: Ian Beabout Recording studio: Aardvark Productions and The Rec. Room, Steubenville OH Record label: Melodic Revolution Records
The John Hackett Band embodies the spirit of progressive rock. From John’s pastoral flute textures, through the funky interplay between drummer Duncan Parsons and bassist Jeremy Richardson to the intricacies of Nick Fletcher’s lead guitar the group embrace pop, rock, jazz, classical, funk and all stops in-between, from the tenderest of ballads to hair-raising
instrumental workouts!
John Hackett has been a much-loved and admired figure in the progressive rock scene since the mid-70’s; best-known for his flute work with his brother, former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett on albums such as Voyage of The Acolyte, Sketches of Satie and Please Don’t Touch, alongside his own solo albums Checking Out Of London, Another Life
John Mitchell is an English musician, songwriter and record producer. A multi-instrumentalist who predominantly sings and plays guitar, Mitchell is a member of several popular progressive rock bands, including Frost*, It Bites and Arena. John releases his solo music under the pseudonym Lonely Robot. John also masterminded the bands Kino and The Urbane and played bass for alternative rock band A. John has performed live with the likes of John Wetton (Asia) and Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) to name a few.
Last Night of the Progs FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/871165237977396 First Night of the Progs FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/334250666382614
Manuel Barbará, an acclaimed metal guitarist and composer, is pleased to announce the release of his new video for the single “Whisper in a Storm”. The track, featuring Thalia Tymowski of Among the Stars and guitarist Millisa Henderson, is the title track from Barbará’s latest EP, released on September 13, 2024. He comments on the collaboration:
“I’ve wanted to have Thalia Tymowski sing a song of mine ever since I met her in 2020. I’m super happy to be able to feature her on something as cool as this. It was very satisfying to pour my fascination with Cyberpunk into a song with Thalia’s help and Millisa’s guest solo at the end made me nervous to record mine.”
Barbará continues to explain that “Whisper in a Storm” is the most “traditional” of the four songs with a typical verse-chorus structure. It still features odd expanding and contracting rhythms and huge stacks of guitars with Tymowski’s powerful voice tying the whole thing together. The final bridge gives way to two melodic guitar solos and a final, crushing riff.
Inspired by the Cyberpunk genre and specifically the film “Blade Runner”, the single showcases Barbará‘s ability to weave complex narratives through instrumental music. His fascination with Cyberpunk as a genre grew out of a few authors in the 80s reinventing the noir genre to talk about the political, social, economic, and scientific shifts that were happening at the time.
The collaboration with Tymowski on vocals adds a new dimension to Barbará‘s typically instrumental approach and is recommended for fans of Keith Merrow, Monuments, and Meshuggah.
Watch and listen to the music video for “Whisper in a Storm” via its premiere on V13 HERE.
Track Listing: 1. Dead Hand (feat. Jody Miller) – 5:43 2. A Different Horizon (feat. Jake Howsam Lowe) – 5:49 3. Aphelion (feat. Michael Nystrom Bala) – 4:13 4. Whisper in a Storm (feat. Thalia Tymowski & Millisa Henderson) – 4:51 5. Whisper in a Storm (instrumental) – 4:51 EP Length: 24:42
“the song (A Different Horizon (feat. Jake Howsam Lowe (Plini)) blends metal heaviness and classical music concepts to create something intricate, unique, and highly technical.” – Decibel Magazine “Berklee trained and steeped in metal music, composing, and shredding, the EP (Whisper in the Storm) is going to unite die-hard metal fans and guitar geeks alike. The first single off this EP is “Dead Hand,” which features Jody Miller, a renowned violinist in the video game music scene.” – Ghost Cult Magazine “If a sophisticated and often elegant variety of mainly instrumental progressive metal is a subject matter of particular interest, and you are fond of such creations exploring the entire span from gentle and melodic all the way towards the extreme, then you will find this EP quite the rewarding experience I’d imagine.” – Progressor “When I came across New Jersey based guitarist and composer Manuel Barbará and his solo debut album “Moonrise” in 2021, I saw myself blown away by his modern instrumental style, combining mighty heaviness with dreamful electronic sounds. Finding inspiration in a wide range of classical, neoclassical as well as contemporary artists and bands, his new EP, “Whisper in a Storm”, lines up here as well, offering epic shredding within a spacey atmosphere fitting to the Blade Runner theme. While the playing is highly sophisticated and not an easy listen due to its dissonance and complexity, there’s still this djenty grooviness that keeps me vibing with it. Recommended ffo modern Progmetal in the veins of Tesseract, Periphery and Meshuggah.” – The ProgSpace “It is no surprise that a composer and big-time guitar player as Manuel Barbará took care of everything on “Whisper in a Storm”: all songs were written and (almost) performed only by Manuel Barbará, and produced and promoted all by himself. The result of Barbará’s musical expertise resonates throughout all the sequences of this musical journey on “Whisper in a Storm”, full of guitar solos and complex string instrument arrangements and impressive drum tempo and captivating Djent riffs. But the cleverness of “Whisper in a Storm” is on the other side of the coin. Even though “Whisper in a Storm” is grounded by lavishing on melodies which are composed in the high level of mastery of Barbará, the fact is that “Whispers in Storm” brings to us five palatable songs. I guess that Manuel Barbará’s main goal was not only to mesmerize guitar-students-amazed-by-complex-solos-lovers on “Whisper in a Storm”, but also to relate with people who love just to listen to good songs. The Progressive harmonies on “Whisper in a Storm” seem to stroll by guitar riffs, with synchronized tempo that resembles experimental Metal bands like Tesseract and Devin Townsend, and shredders players as Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. 10/10” – Ever-Metal “Prog metal, with a pinch of metal/deathcore musically” – Moshpit Radio 89.9FM WORT (Madison, WI)
Robeone is releasing his eighth album, “Optimistica” with the title cut as its music video on September 27, 2024. (The music video will be out on September 24). “The theme of the record is being optimistic in these crazy times. The music is to carry you away from all the negativity and bickering.
“Optimistica” is a jazzy tune with upbeat and fun instrumentals. “My hope is for it to carry the listeners away from their troubles.”
The music video for “Optimistica,” which also goes live on September 27, was created by Blake Carpenter, who produced past two other videos –“Broken Days” and “Peace A Dream”—from the album. The video offers insight into Robeone’s personality, with two of his passions—playing keyboards and watching dozens of dogs play outdoors. “I love animals,” he says, “I have three dogs and am fostering three others.” Watch the “Optimistica” music video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOnzDsed4c
The “Optimistica” album, which is instrumental using 11 different keyboards, is inspired by a range of his emotions and experiences. The tender piano-led “Billie’s Heart” is dedicated to his wife for 50 years of service at her job at the community hospital. The bluesy “Possibly Blue” remembers Robeone’s friend Rhett Tyler, an amazing guitar man, who recently passed.
Reflective instrumentals about our times are “Broken Days” where he wails his keyboards, and “Peace a Dream” offers an introspective tempo. Robeone lets loose in “No Clue.” The last composition on “Optimistica” is “Colors,” which he says, “is to leave you in peace and calmness.”
Like all of Robeone’s previous releases, 100% of the sales go to the Bob Moog Foundation. The CD and Vinyl versions have a QR code for donations, and Robeone is “making T Shirts with the QR code on the back!” In addition to having a space at the Moogseum in Asheville, NC, “Optimistica” is available through Bandwagon USA and Bandcamp.
He will be performing at ProgStock, in Rutherford, NJ, this October 18-20. Also he’s curating outdoor performances and premiering the album in person for the first time.
Robeone (aka Robert Schindler) has been recording since the early 1970s. He’s worked with notables Ronnie Spector and for Johnny Nash when “I Can See Clearly Now” was a hit. He played with progressive rockers Mayson on Bearsville Records, pop rock acts The States on Chrysalis and Boardwalk Records. He’s in the progressive rock group ZOOM with Paul Landry on New Age Music Planet Records. Recently he recorded with two different Melodic Revolution Records’ artists Tony Romero’s Vortex and Joe Mac’s American Garage. He’s played live at a number of Festivals—most recently ProgStock and RosFest. Robert also worked on the award-winning soundtrack to “The Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Keyboards Used on “Optimistica”:
Moog Subsequent 37
Mellotron M4000D
Roli Seaboard
Expressive_e Osmose
Yamaha S80
ASM Hydrasynth
Kurtzweil Artis
Korg M3
Roland AX-Edge
Technics KN7000
Kurtzweil K2000
“Optimistica” Track Listing
Billie’s Heart 7:58 Broken Days 5:11 No Clue 3:56 Optimistica 6:11 Peace A Dream 5:22 Possibly Blue 5:07 Colors 6:10
All Songs Copyright Robeone Music BMI 2024 Transglobal Records
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