by Nick | Jan 12, 2017 | News, Tour
Re: ASIA: I’ve always loved John Wettons voice, playing and compositions. His work In King Crimson, UK and Asia and his solo works continues to be an inspiration to me. I’ve had the great fortune to work on many various projects over the years with JW, I recall saying after one of the sessions “we’ve worked on so many tributes, what do you think of creating an original piece of work”? he replied…. “Let’s make my new solo record together in your studio”. It was an amazing time, we had always done file share sessions before, now it would be in person, for the 1st time, creating new music with one of my all time heroes in music. We spent 29 days in my studio, and made “raised in captivity”, A record I am very proud of indeed !!!
We developed a great relationship over the years and a friendship that’s endured and one I cherish !!
John has been fighting cancer and bravely pushing forward to recovery…. Always looking to tomorrow in hope, my thoughts and prayers always with him
With the above said… I’m honored to have been thought of and asked by John to stand in while he continues the fight. Of course my heart breaks, understanding the circumstances which have me performing with Asia. It’s a tight knit community in Prog Rock, and Wettons a giant walking within it !! I shall work very hard to maintain the integrity and musical standards expected !!
by Nick | Jan 11, 2017 | News, Tour
A PERSONAL STATEMENT FROM ASIA’s JOHN WETTON
I am disappointed to announce that, on the advice of my medical team, I have to withdraw from Cruise to the Edge, and from the first leg of the Journey tour, March 15 – April 4.
I will soon be starting a new medical chemotherapy procedure, under which I will not be able to fly.
I am grateful to the promoters of the cruise. I wish them pleasant sailing and I know my friends on the cruise, both artists and fans, will have a ball on the ocean wave, I will be with you all in spirit.
My good friend Billy Sherwood will fill in for me within Asia, keeping my seat warm during the initial 12 Journey dates. While I am naturally disappointed to miss the beginning of what I know will be an historic ASIA tour, I am intending to return to the stage with Asia later in 2017, dates soon to be announced. I know this decision will be in the best interests of my health and our fans, in the long run.
John Wetton
Bournemouth
England
January 11th. 2017
by Nick | Dec 20, 2016 | News
Yes they can! YES will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the Class of 2017, it was announced this morning. The induction, following two previous nominations, will occur one year shy of the legendary progressive rock band’s 50th anniversary.
“What an honor this is for us and all involved with the history of this band,” shares guitarist Steve Howe. “We thank all the Yes fans who have been so passionate over the decades, and helped us to keep the flag flying. It is the fans who have constantly demanded our inclusion. They have been heard.”
“We look forward to accepting this esteemed award next spring in honor of our fallen brother, Chris Squire, who would have been delighted to see his musical vision finally receive such recognition,” adds drummer Alan White. “We thank everyone who voted for YES. We’ll see you soon, Cleveland!”
The members of YES who will officially be inducted into the Rock Hall are the ‘UNION‘ tour line-up: current members White and Howe, the band’s late bassist and founding member Chris Squire, and former members Jon Anderson (vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), Tony Kaye (keyboards), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and Trevor Rabin (guitar).
“YES was like my first girlfriend, to whom I was hopelessly committed,” says Bruford. “Despite a couple of wrinkles, I’m glad to hear the old girl is in fine shape.”
Kaye confirms, “I am honored to be included in YES’ induction. I am delighted for my friends in the band, and I salute Chris, without whom it would never have happened. Chris would have been so very proud.”
In addition to Steve Howe and Alan White, YES’ current line-up includes Geoff Downes (keyboards; first joined in 1980), Jon Davison (vocals since 2011) and Billy Sherwood (guitar/keyboards in the 1990s and Chris Squire’s choice to take over bass/vocals in 2015).
About YES
Founded in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson, Grammy-award winning recording artists YES have created some of the most important and influential music in rock history, such as iconic pieces “Roundabout,” “Close to the Edge,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” “Starship Trooper,” and countless others. Its albums, including Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales from Topographic Oceans, Relayer, Going For the One and 90125, have been certified multi-platinum, double-platinum, platinum, and more by the RIAA, and have sold over 50 million records total in its career that has so far spanned almost five decades. Among the world’s most influential, ground-breaking, and respected progressive rock bands, YES continues creating masterful music that inspires musicians, fans and music lovers around the world.
Information from Yesworld.com
by Nick | Nov 16, 2016 | New Releases, Tour
Multi-million-selling keyboard icon returns with ‘Piano Portraits’ in 2017
Revered keyboardist, songwriter and broadcaster Rick Wakeman will release his new solo album Piano Portraits on January 13th 2017. Prompted by the unprecedented reaction to his performance of David Bowie’s ‘Life on Mars’ on BBC Radio 2 earlier on this year, Wakeman has recorded a full solo piano album featuring a varied selection of music including classic songs that he originally performed on.
Bucking the trend of orchestral projects, Piano Portraits captures both the technical virtuosity and lightness of touch that have become trademarks of Wakeman’s playing since he first made a name for himself in the 1970s. Recorded at The Old Granary in South Norfolk, the 15-track collection ranges from landmark David Bowie hits ‘Life on Mars’, which Wakeman recorded the original piano parts for, and ‘Space Oddity’ to which he contributed mellotron; through The Beatles, Yes and Led Zeppelin; to classical pieces composed by Debussy and Tchaikovsky.
“I’ve been wanting to do a piano album for years and I spent quite a bit of time looking at everything from straight classical pieces to stuff that I’d played on in the past like ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘Life On Mars’,” Wakeman explains. “Plus pieces of music that I thought would work really well like Stairway to Heaven and classics like ‘Clair de Lune’. Nearly all of the tracks have a memory for me somewhere down the line and it just seemed to work.”
Rick Wakeman has carved out a fascinating, idiosyncratic career that has comfortably traversed multiple musical worlds. A classically trained pianist, he studied at the Royal College Of Music before going on to become a much in-demand session musician playing on a string of hit songs by the likes of Black Sabbath, Elton John, Cat Stevens and David Bowie.
Also well known as a member of progressive rock band Yes and as a hugely successful solo artist, Wakeman is without doubt one of the most original, entertaining and groundbreaking performers of his generation.
Order the Piano Portraits album from the official UDiscover store to include a limited edition signed canvas print. https://RickWakeman.lnk.to/PianoPortraits
Digital pre-orders will receive an instant download of Rick’s interpretation of ‘Help’ by The Beatles.
https://RickWakeman.lnk.to/PianoPortraitsDigital
Tracklisting
01 Help
02 Stairway to Heaven
03 Life on Mars
04 I’m Not In Love
05 Wonderous Stories
06 Berceuse
07 Amazing Grace
08 Swan Lake
09 Morning Has Broken
10 Summertime
11 Space Oddity
12 Dance of the Damselflies
13 Clair de Lune
14 Vow To Thee My Country
15 Eleanor Rigby
by Nick | Nov 11, 2016 | New Releases, News
London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, Esquire featuring Nikki Squire, the first wife of Chris Squire from YES, has released their first new album in several years! On their new release “No Spare Planet”, the band has championed a unique and sophisticated sound and they have straddled traditional music boundaries and essentially unleashed an innovative style of progressive rock that is varied, accessible and modern.
Esquire is now set to extend their musical legacy with this 3rd studio album. Comprising of nine unreleased songs, the last that Nikki Squire and Nigel McLaren wrote together before Nigel’s untimely passing in 2015.
Says Nikki, “Nigel and I started work on these songs a few years ago. Our intention was to create an album that although still ‘progressive’, would bring a modern and fresh outlook and move forward to build a meaningful album…a solid basis that was to become ‘Esquire 111 – No Spare Planet’. Nigel my co- writer suddenly passed away in 2015, just as we were getting ready to mix and master our music. Many things that happened after this led me to complete the album alone, which has now become a Tribute to Nigel McLaren.”
Fronted by Nikki Squire, Esquire is a British rock band noted for their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Formed in 1982, Esquire released two studio albums – the self-titled “Esquire” in 1987, written and produced by Nikki Squire, Nigel McLaren & Esquire, and then a follow-up album “Coming Home” in 1997. Chris Squire and Mark Wallis produced the mixes, YES drummer Alan White, YES producer Trevor Horn and Chris and Nikki’s eldest daughter, Carmen Squire and Charles Olins, all worked on the band’s debut album. The second album, “Coming Home”, was written by Nikki Squire and Nigel McLaren; it also included Danny Isaacs on guitar on three tracks and Tony Matteucci on drums, Also WINGS Denny Laine on backing vocals, to name but a few…
Now, completing the Esquire trilogy after their last album, “Esquire III – No Spare Planet” brings the band right up to date in 2016!
Special Appearances by John Baker, former Mars Hollow, and Lisa LaRue of 2KX on No Spare Planet, as well as Robbie Blunt and others.
For more information: http://esquiretheband.com/
To purchase: http://geni.us/esquire3
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com
