.......................................A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FEATURED ARTIST AND CD REVIEWS - 2002
Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - Logo
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LAST UPDATE 12/18/2002..
. GINJI OGAWA - "Private Diary 1996.7"
Ginji Ogawa started to play the guitar when he was 17 years old and in the following year after experienced numbers of sessions he made a band called "Nezumi Kozo". In July 1976, he formed a band called "Crosswind" where he created imaginative and progressive music. While "Crosswind" successfully played many big stages and got the first prize in the contest, they started their appearance on a mass media. After they released records albuns he also started participating other activities as well as his band. Ginji energetically performed in "Zone", "Carmen Maki Band" and "Quyz" when he encountered with Kiyoshiro and Chabo and participated "RC Succession" which later became the pioneer of Japanese Rock'n Roll scene, the top band which lead the Japanese Rock'n Roll generation. After release the third album, "Crosswind" had been energetically performed such as offering 4 sound track tune to the movie "Oretachi no Ikita Jikan". However the band stopped their activity in 1984. Between 1985-86, he had been performing after dividing his own band into 3 forming the "Ogawa Ginji band", "the-Orchestra" and "Ogawa Ginji & Inner-WIND". At the same period he started recording of his solo-album. (Several tunes out of 17 later recorded in the album, "Private-Pieces"). He recorded about 400 tunes at his private studio for 5 years till 2000. Appropriate numbers of tunes were carefully selected, which became 12 albums. Finally on May 23rd, 2001, these 12 CD were released at once!! with the title of "MUSIC/Private Diary", which any other musician never did before. With simultaneously, he establish his himself record company Power Record. Finally on 28th July 2001 his new band called "Ogawa Ginji Band" has re-started breaking its 9 years silence. It's hard to believe that there is some one who is "the most unknown guitarist in the universe", now you can bet your life that exist one, Ginji Ogawa is this guitarrist, but not very unknown now.  The balance of Ginji Ogawa´s guitars sounds among the bass, drums and keyboards are perfect, drawing a total advance performance and a mixing of variable guitars sounds with all the instruments, here it this music that is reminiscent of "Camel", "Jethro Tull", "Yes", "Focus", also sometimes with similar power tones of the band "Rush". Honestly it was a surprise for me and I have to say that Ginji Ogawa show a lot of charisma, an excellent, competent and a brilliant songwriter and musician. "Private Diary 1996-7" is one of twelve Ginji´s work, we can consider a part of daily that it was opened so that all hear its musical ideas. With eleven tracks a total instrumental explorations of pure and wonderful Progressive Rock. My special and particular attention to the songs: "Mysterious Wind Before The Storm", "The Capricious Sky", "Tull", "Watermelon In The Picture" (Is the Best in Best), "The Sea Wind" and "The Scene Coverede With All Over The Snow". Excellent and indispensable work, high recommendable...
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09/15/2002....................................More information about this great guitar player, go to GINJI OGAWA HOME PAGE...
. MATTHEW D. GUARNERE - "M.D.G."
Matthew D. Guarnere also known as M.D.G., is a virtual one-man band; a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. Truly an independent recording artist since the age of 16, his natural talent has been conditioned through countless hours of recording and producing his own music as well as many other local and international artists. Unique songwriting, thought provoking lyrics, powerful, highly distinctive vocal ability (spanning four octaves) and polyrhythmic instrumentation are all integral parts of M.D.G.'s music. With outstanding influences such as The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, King Crimson and Queen, his music could be classified as rock/pop/fusion with an experimental edge. In 1991, Matthew D. Guarnere established What's Real Unlimited, a proprietary recording service and independent record company. In an effort to forge a new sound for himself, M.D.G. designed and built his own binaural head. Using a dummy head to separate two small microphones, this 19th century technique has been adding real dimension to M.D.G.'s production for over a decade and he is one of only a handful of engineers to use such a device. M.D.G. has never attended music or recording school, yet he has always been able to produce world class music on a challengingly low budget. Through great experience and dedication, M.D.G. achieves a surrounding dynamic sound without relying on computers or automation. Matthew D. Guarnere and his  musical scope can only be described as a extraordinary one man band. Strongly influenced by many old Artists and bands, some thing in this musician reminds me influences of "Yes", "Genesis", "Queen", "Rush", "Saga", "Alice Cooper" and many others influences, in this way M.D.G. created a special musical signature in this production only found in music of the years 70's. M.D.G. contains interesting tracks. Two of them are a tasteful, the balance is perfect can only be described as a stirring Progressive Hard Rock masterpiece is quite nice completely instrumental, the vocals are some times highly melodic some times harder. All songs and remixes produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Matthew D. Guarnere at What's Real Unlimited • P.O. Box 42036 • Rochester, NY 14604 • FAX: (585) 232-5212. With a playing time of almost 30 minutes, the album is not particularly long, but the next we go to wait a full length CD. My special and particular attention to the songs: "White Trash Wonder" and "You Never Have To Grow Old My Dear (Song For Mercury)" is an authentic and emotional tribute to the late Queen lead vocalist, Freddie Mercury, that features a stunning vocal performance by M.D.G. Grow Old was painstakingly crafted over several months and serves as an honorable memorial to the bombastic music of Mercury & Queen. Excellent and indispensable work, high recommendable...
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09/15/2002...............................................Do you want to know more? Go to MATTHEW D. GUARNERE HOME PAGE...
. GALAHAD - "Year zero"
Galahad was formed in Dorset, England, as seven-piece band including Stu & Roy. The Band gig extensively in Dorset area combining original material with covers by the likes of Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Marillion and U2. 1987 July, 'Dreaming From The Inside/The Opiate' limited edition (500 copies) single released. 1987 - 1988, gigged extensively in UK, sometimes supporting other luminaries such as IQ, Pendragon and Haze. In 1991, the important European live debut in Paris in front of fans who'd travelled from all over Europe, the official release of 'Nothing Is Written' at the Bournemouth International Centre, and in 1992 'Nothing Is Written' released in Japan & SE Asia through Pony Canyon, complete with biography & lyrics in Japanese, containing an extra track 'There Must Be A Way'. In 1996, Galahad release their first proper live album on CD 'Classic Rock Live' in conjunction with the Rotherham based Classic Rock Society. Galahad also embark on a whistle stop tour of Holland to promote the album. In 1999, Galahad play several European dates to promote 'Following Ghosts' and then start work on their new album 'Year Zero' (though it would be 2002 before this album is released). In 2000 Galahad busy in the studio writing and rehearsing new material for 'Year Zero', also Galahad play their first gig in over a year at Mister Smiths in Bournemouth as part of a belated 15th anniversary celebration. The band also preview new material from 'Year Zero' for the first time. March, 'Year Zero' is completed and scheduled for release later in the year. Neil Pepper leaves the band. Promotional gigs in Holland and Belgium follow, with 18-year-old Peter Wallbridge taking over on bass. In 2002, September 23th 'Year Zero' is officially released. It´s very rewarding to hear one more time one of the best Neo- progressive rock band from England, they can be considered one of the greatest discoveries from the Progressive Rock years 80' scene. Galahad are not another band only, we can consider a "superband" mixing the best elements of classical rock, symphonic rock and progressive rock that you can get in today, with a sensational and wild range of keyboards sounds, guitar parts and nice vocals, creating extraordinary own style and to become very impressive. The album sounds more diverse than the others, I can say more professional or harder in the classical arrangements with lots of experimental sounds mixing very modern heavy style. In this work we can hear a collection of the most traditional influences and different styles, starting with "Camel", "Pallas", "Steve Hackett", "Genesis" and even "Marillion" and also "Yes", including some thing of Progressive Metal, could be some thing in the paths of Dream Theater. It can be considered as a musical production with a proper and distinct signature that only Galahad has and offer to all fans. "Year Zero" all music written and arranged for your aural delight by Galahad except for Cantori voices on Deceptive Vistas arranged by Jonathan Prentice. With fifteen tracks, total time: 56'03". My special and particular attention to all songs: "Year Zeroverture", "Belt up", "Ever The Optimist", "The Charlotte Suite", "Haunted", "Democracy", "Baroque And Roll Dementia", "A Deep Understanding?", "The Jazz Suite", "Take A Deep Breath And Hold On Tight", "Hindsight 1 – Piano And Clarinet", "Hindsight 2 – A Very Clever Guy Indeed", "The September Suite", "World Watchingand" and "Deceptive Vistas/Postscript – Perspective". Today Galahad are: Roy Keyworth - Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Stuart Nicholson - Vocals, lyrics, keyboards, Spencer Luckman - Drums, percussion, Dean Baker - Keyboards, Neil Pepper - Bass Guitar and Lord Lucan - impersonation. Guests Musicians: John Wetton - Vocals and backing vocals, Sarah Quilter - Flute, Saxophone, clarinet and vocals. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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09/22/2002.......................................................................Do you want to know more? Go to GALAHAD HOME PAGE...
. LA TULIPE NOIRE - "Faded Leaves"
La Tulipe Noire was formed in Athens, Greece in 1997 based upon the pre-existing group of "Mavri Toulipa" (the latter was Greek speaking). Its initial members were: Lena, Alix, S. Kontakis, Y. Barkoulas, George F. and Hyde. In the same year, the group released its first album with the title  "In the Gates of Dream", hoping for an international career. The album was released by Europa Records of Greece and was distributed worldwide by Musea. After this first release Lena left the band to continue her studies in classical vocals and George F. left the band due to health problems. They were replaced by Ima and Nick Kassavetis. In 2000 the second album of the group under the title "Shattered Image" was released by Musea. It met great success around the world. Hundreds of e-mails were sent from around the world with enthusiastic comments about the group. Shortly after Y. Barkoulas left the group. He was replaced by K. Savvides in guitars (he began as a guest star and eventually became a regular member of the group). After "Aphrodite’s Child", "Vagelis", "PLJ Band" and "Socrates" during the Seventies, Greece wakes up a second time for Progressive Rock. Now from there we have La Tulipe Noire, a delicate and muffled neo Progressive band or we can say a new generation in Progressive music, a classical-built quintet with a strong base of compositions with a perfect symmetry in all instruments, the wonderful vocals from "Ima" gives the band a special highlights, including the keybords, guitars and Bass where everything seems to be perfect, again La Tulipe Noire proves to belong to the top using a recognized technical music style, highly accessible to any listener. Inside of a similar string and the recognized influences we can associate some thing as "Marillion", "IQ", "Yes", or better saying you must listen this fascinating work and it takes the conclusions yourselves. I consider La Tulipe Noire an excellent Symphonic Progressive Rock Band. "Faded Leaves" is the new work and the third CD, all songs written by Hyde and Alix, produced by Hyde, including nine tracks with 68 min of pure delight resulting in a beautiful and varied album. Distribution by Musea Records. My special and particular attention to the songs: "Silence", "Castle On The Sand" (is one of the best), "Lost Souls Ballad", "Wanderer" and "A Memory Picture". La Tulipe Noire are today: Ima - Vocals, Alix - Keyboards, S. Kontakis - Guitars, Hyde - Bass and Nick Kassavetis - Drums, guest guitars Kostas Savvides. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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09/29/2002...........................................For more info about this Greke´s Band, go to LA TULIPE NOIRE HOME PAGE...
. TÉSIS ARSIS - "Ilusões"
Born on May 7, 1958, Anderson Rodrigues (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), grown up in a family with mother and grandmother playing the piano and he used to go to sleep listening to classical music. At 10 years old his uncle presented him with his first guitar and he started to play his first accords, learning by himself how to play it. At the age of 12, in the beginning of the of the creative 70’s and influenced by the 60’s and 70’s rock such as Humble Pie, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, he starts to play the drums in a cover group, performing presentations in small local clubs. During the decade of the 70’s  he becomes fascinated by groups like "Focus", "Nektar", "Genesis", "Yes" and by Mike Oldfield musician. At the age of 16, he begun to compose his first musics, playing them at the guitar by this time and accompanied by his brother Gelson Rodrigues (10 years old), who pretended to play the drums everywhere he finds a chance to.  In the 1980, Anderson’s music is now influenced by the groups Camel, Eloy and Novalis.  He witnesses the reformulation of the progressive rock in the 80’s with Asia Minor, Edhels, Nightwinds and culminating with the so called neo-progs Pallas, Marillion and Pendragon. The period of 1989 and great part of the 90’s was important due to the close contact with friends and good music fans.  This is also the time Anderson buys his first electric guitar and his brother Gelson his drums. The result of those efforts of Tésis Ársis group under the light of prog rock liberty and symphonic progressive atmosphere - is this CD, where we can listen five suites: Ilusões (Illusions) (12’58”) - created during a trip to a region lakes of beautiful landscapes, in Rio de Janeiro surroundings, this track begins with pulsing keyboards, strong cadency and guitar solo; turning afterwards into a calmer atmosphere; Cemitério dos Vivos (Alive beings Cemetery) (15’58”) - expressing the hard life in big cities, begins with strong keyboards, raging from thriller to melodical guitar passages, and culminating in beautiful expressions of keyboards; Global (11’11”) - inspired in the “life without time” around the world, there is a short introduction with basic rock’n’roll, leading to the prog climate through guitars and keyboards passages.  Rescues the fast rhythm of the beginning, this suit ends in a calm pace, almost like new age and as a preparation for the next music. Num tempo só (At the same time) (6’03”) -  this music was created on the sad day to remember in the United States - September 11, 2001.  It is a quietest music in the entire CD, in a new age mood; Hale Bopp (19’17”) - inspired in the sideral space, this last music synthesizes the work as a whole, with a complete different range of prog rock elements: pace changing, strong melodic passages, sound effects, tubular bells, guitar solo and inspiring keyboards. The CD was produced in the period between January 2001 and March 2002, totally independent.  It is a turning point and consolidates his friends’ invaluable support as they helped performing musics and in other tasks, like his brother Gelson who created and produced the CD’s graphic design; friends Claudio Fonseca gave technical support concerning keyboards and partiturs, and Maurício Fonseca collaborated  by recording and mixing the CD in his M&C Studio. Distribution around the world, please contact: Tésis Ársis. Excellent and indispensable work, highly  recommendable... (by Eneida Ribas)
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09/29/2002...................................................................................Do you want to know more? Contact TÉSIS ARSIS...
. JÓZEF SKRZEK - (SBB) - "Koncert Swietokrzyski"
Józef Skrzek was born in Michalkowice in the Upper Silesia in miner's family. He has played and sung since he was a child as he was brought up in the spirit of art: music, plastic art., dance and sport. He got a degree in the piano class of the famous Karlowicz School in Katowice. Then he started studies in the Music Academy also in Katowice but the fate - the father's death in 1970 - bent his steps to the Profi stage. In that time he made his debut as a bass player and pianist in "Breckout". In 1971 he set up his favourite band "SBB". It was very lucky that such band came into being as it created a quite new trend in Polish and maybe in worldwide music - Progressive Rock in a new shade. Inviting Apostolis Antymos and Jerzy Piotrowski to cooperation, Józef Skrzek, a multi instrumentalist and a composer showed the world a new formula of universal music with Slavic romanticism and rebellious dynamism of rock. In the first nine years (till 1980) they recorded a dozen or so of CD and sold millions of them in many countries destroying all market conventions. However, they had no chance to make a good deal as they came from behind the Iron Curtain, the country where there were no copyright and royalties at the world level. Józef Skrzek composes and appears in other different constellations. For example solo as a pianist and an organist. He recorded his CD with piano and organ music. He also designs spatial screenplays for an acoustic and vivid presentation of his music in very interesting places. At first is important know who are SBB, they were a Polish trio led by keyboardist/ bassist Jozef Skrzek, who released a bunch of albums from 1974 onwards. The new album also features a wide range of interesting keyboards instruments total based in classic compositions, but nothing reflecting the same idea of the compositions of the SBB. In fact this work is not specifically a Progressive Rock CD, but as a good work for all eletronic music fans. "Koncert Swietokrzyski" was recorded live in concert at The Holy Cross Church in Warsaw in 1983 during state of war period. The songs are: "Come Closer To My Heart", "Sun Eclipse", "The Wheels Of History Are Rolling On", "We Are Not Worthy To Stand, Lord" and "Frredom". Józef Skrzek - vocal, great pipe organ, minimoog, polymoog, micromoog, sony six. Great church organ and moog synthesizer sound. Excellent and indispensable work, high recommendable for people who like piano and keyboards concerts...
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09/29/2002...........................................................................For more info about, go to JÓZEF SKRZEK HOME PAGE...
. ARILYN - "Tomorrow Never Comes"
This is a brief history about Arilyn, the band was born in German, after the split up of their former band "Desperation", Christian, Jürgen and Christof decided to go on and build up a new band. In 1999 a person called Jürgen Moßgraber contacted them, because he read in a local newspaper that the band was looking for a keyboard player. With Jürgen's keyboardsound, the face of the music turned from normal rock to space-rock. After some time of writing new songs, the band decided that Christian should also do the job of the bass-player because they found no one to complete the line up. That was the new band called Arilyn. After a good year 2001, they could record a complete album in Christians new founded recording-studio in Ludwigshafen. In january 2002 a record-label from Heidelberg got very interested in their music and after hearing the master-cd, then Quixote-Music gave them their first record-deal. This german band has recorded an album that surely will become a classic among best Art Rock´s Bands, but still mixed with some influences of progressive rock. The overall sounds are very modern, showing some nice compositions with wonderful themes, the main songs turn around from Christian Külbs vocals, is certainly main highlights, the instrumental are not limited with a variation between keyboards, guitars and drums, disclosing a great ability for music, exploring more accessible and melodic areas of years 80s. Better to compare or same showing, they play music inspired by bands as: "Saga", "Asia" and "Styx". Arilyn definitely has a lot to offer, being a great promise. "Tomorrow Never Comes" is the first work, produced by Christian Külbs and Christof Doll. Thirteen tracks with 64 min, you can order the CD from the label Quixote music. My special and particular attention to the songs: "State Of Desperation", "Nameless", "Return", "Rescue Me", "Reach You", "Mindeater" and "Tomorrow Never Comes" (is the bets in best). The band Arilyn consist of the following musicians: Christian Külbs - Vocals and Bass, Jürgen Moßgraber - Keyboards, Jürgen Kaletta - Guitar and Christof Doll - Drums and Percussion. Excellent and indispensable work, high recommendable...
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10/13/2002............................................................................Do you want to know more? go to ARILYN HOME PAGE...
. BRAD LOVE - "Through Another Door"
Brad Love born in Olympia, WA and raised in Malott, WA (just west of Okanogan) He started playing piano at the age of 5 years old. Growing up, both of his parents who were musical played guitar and sang folk and country music in the evenings at home. Brad started in his first band in Jr. High School in which he wrote all the songs that they performed on stage, because he felt "that writing was easier than learning songs off of a record". In 1975 right after making their first recording as a band called 'Aviary' Brad left northeastern Washington and headed for Washington University in Seattle, WA with longtime friend, Paul Madden. Within the next few years, Aviary took on change of members, to eventually become the band that Brian Lane, manager of the progressive rock band "Yes", would get signed to a recording deal with Epic Records. In 1982 Brad recorded his solo album, 'Colours', on MCA Records with producer John Hug. Various record companies are considering the idea of a 'real' release of this beautiful album. Also that same year, Brad flew to Australia to work on film music for the movie, 'Captain Invincible' starring Alan Arkin. After the management team of Bestall & Reynolds (Air Supply) split up, Brad teamed up with 3 guys from the band "Oxo" and in 1984 the band recorded a demo tape which started a large bidding war amongst most of the major record labels. In 1984 Brad played stand-in keyboards for two some Wang Chung performing on Solid Gold, American Bandstand and other television shows. From 1985 until 1993 Brad continued writing songs, and started a few Los Angeles bands, one band he originated was the band, 'Artica'. Brad Love offers a melodic rock which sound evokes great groups from the 70's. The style is a blend of AOR and progressive rock with some hard rock passages or considering some thing that similar with "Queen", "Styx", "Procol Harum" and "Kansas". The compositions are credited to Brad Love but the performances are those of a band that also includes musicians with great talents, the songs are developed through short tracks but with dynamic rhythms alternated between the vocals and the instruments,  there is an explosive energy generated by the whole band. "Through Another Door" contain twelve tracks and all songs written by Brad Love, produced by Troy Warren Jr. My special and particular attention to the songs: "Annie Annie", "Serious Games", "All Over Now", "Remember Me" and "Between Us". Brad Love and the band are: Brad Love - Vocals, Piano, Bass and Acoustic Guitar, Troy Warren Jr. - Drums and Percussion, Jason Husbands - Electric Guitar and Sarah Husbands - Violin. Excellent and indispensable work, high recommendable...
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10/13/2002.........................................................................................For more infos, go to BRAD LOVE HOME PAGE...
. GRATTO - "Anakin Tumnus"
Gratto story begins with the Rodler brothers, Chris and Brett. Timeline 1996, while writing and recording music that would become "Second First Impression", "Leger de Main" auditioned pianist / vocalist Gratto. While his extraordinary talents were obvious, "Leger de Main" opted to remain a trio. However, Gratto did write the keyboard score to the track "Silent Monster", as well as one other track written during the auditions. It is this lone track that would prove to be the catalyst for Gratto,...the band.  Despite the decision not to use Gratto as Leger de Main's keyboard player, Chris and Gratto kept in touch. Intrigued by the music they had written together and inspired by the potential the pair possessed musically, they decided to begin a project together using the material written at the "Leger de Main" rehearsals as a starting point. The band's namesake, Gratto, is also the name of the braintrust and creative catalyst behind the project. Gratto is not only responsible for the piano, organ, and vocals, but he is equally adept at composition, arranging, mixing and record production. His evocative lyrics and thought provoking storyline on this "concept" album not only tell a good tale but often treat the manipulation of words as an art form unto itself. Gratto has truely put an immense effort into every aspect of this CD and on one listen to his music supports this claim. As a first impression it was a big surprise when I have listened the songs, It's better than some progressive albums I've heard in the last months. These four guys have shown their great potential to make progressive rock, mixing a variable range of elements that cover the best traditions and influences of Progressive Rock and Hard Rock from all times. Better comparing the sounds could be influenced by masters of the genre like "Yes", "Rush", "Roger Waters", "King Crinson" "Genesis" and "Gentle Giant", but with a particular own and seductive intrumental language of the members. The guitars sounds played by Chris Rodler are hypnotics, also including the piano and the organ sounds played by Gratto that gave a multiple flow on the rhythms, the vocals, bass and drums and all instruments together draw a typical progressive rock band. "Anakin Tumnus" is the first work. The three songs, 36 minute CD was recorded and mixed primarily at the Fortress in Erie, PA. Digital editing and mastering was done by Dave Yost at Materpiece Mastering Studios in Cleveland Ohio, distributed by PMM music. A short album but with great songs, now we will waiting for a full album. The Band are: Gratto - Piano, Organ, Vocals, Chris Rodler - Guitars, Brett Rodler - Drums (Leger de Main, RH Factor, Klang)  and Gary Madras - Bass Guitar. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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10/13/2002.........................................................................Do you want to know more? Go to GRATTO HOME PAGE...
. MURUROA - "Planets"
September 1st 1995 in Italy. "Norma" (a small village, province of Latina, near Rome) where Alessandro Alviti, his father Maurizio and the mythical Sandro Viani walked quietly for that suburb. They were discussing on the possibility of create a band that mixes two different generations. It bears as the idea of found a very particular band, without pretensions, without envies and typical jealousies of the Music planet. Then, they must choose a name that should have represented the band: here, like a lightning, a name and, with him, the idea that would have opened the road to ours first concept-album: Mururoa! Think about the name: really, it was not an excessive mental effort. "Mururoa" isn't the coolest name, surely, however it's spontaneous, and, above all, it mirror our music faithfully. They celebrate advent of 2000 year, however it won't be positive: many financial problems for them. But, also because of the problems, the group grows stronger, and they improve the technique and the style. Frequent and complex improvisations, (any with duration more than a hour!) take them to put end words to the concept Planets: they convince them to prepare for return in recording study to try again with record houses of the whole world! On March 2000, Alessandro creates Mururoa 2000 with only 3 very long improvisations, that he subdivides in 6 separated traces for duration of over a hour. It's the second improvisations cd and they are very proud of it! So, on October we go to record a demo cd that contains 5 passages, of 10, of the concept. Definitive choice falls on: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Moon, Uranus. Mururoa's influence comes from British and Italian groups from the 70's and 80's, mixing diferent styles as Melodic Rock, Hard Rock and Progressive Rock with Symphonic passages. The songs flow between excellent vocals, while the keyboards adding a touch of symphonism among nice guitar sound solos, the result is a different harmony in each music, features a wide range of interesting arrangements and expert instrumental performances, creates its own signature. If you are a fan from bands like "Yes", "Robin Trower", "PFM" and "Pink Floyd" certainly Mururoa will be an excellent choice. "Planets" is the four release, at first this demo has five tracks, the themes are developed like a trip around the universe between planets and stars, all the songs are long. It was recorded and mixed on March/April 2001 in Norma by Sandro Cantarelli. "Sole", "Mercurio", "Venere", "Luna" and "Urano" are the songs that best describe the Mururoa ideas. The band are today: Alessandro Alviti - Guitar and Vocals, Maurizio Alvit - Keyboards, Manuelo Leonoro - Drums and Percussions and Sandro Ciani - Bass. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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11/03/2002......................................................................Do you want to know more? Go to MURUROA HOME PAGE...
. POOR GENETIC MATERIAL - "Leap Into Fall"
The Poor Genetic Material came from German and the original members Stefan Glomb and Philipp Jaehne have played together for ages in various bands and projects. Three yeas ago, they founded the band as an experimental/instrumental projects. In that time they released good albuns which contained improvisations and soundscapes. Although, a lot of Poor Genetic Material´s music were used for several productions of various performance-theatre groups. However, at the same time ideas for song oriented material were collected. When they have started the songs they were faced with the question of who would sing, the problem was more than convincingly solved when Stefan and Philipp met and became friends of "Alias Eye" members. Some time ago I got a demo called "Free to Random vol 1". After, some time later they recorded the first album called "Summerland", well, when I heard the 'Wouldism"  it was certain, that a new progressive musical concept was born, I  was really correct. What about the style, some thing same or very near to Ambient/Experimental, Progressive Rock, Melodic Rock or Neo Progressive. Well, with the new release I am sure that now Poor Genetic Material really found the positive directions, Stefan and Philipp had discovered the right format and the way to play a diferent and excellent Progressive Rock, in one better style using all the true ingredients correctly, a true Progressive Rock from years 2000. The union between the wonderful vocals from Philip Griffiths with the guitar, bass and keyboards creates a different atmosphere where the sound is crystalline, completely fascinating and the melodies are beautiful and very enjoyable in all moments. Nothing in special it´s possible to compare Poor Genetic Material with others bands today, just one thing to say that, they are now originals. "Leap Into Fall" is a special release by QuiXote Music, including six long tracks, recorded and mixed at silent sound, all songs by Poor Genetic Material. My special and particular attention is to all songs but it´s impossible to tell which one is the best: "Antares" (there are no words to express this song), "Leap Into Fall", "Fall", "Rush Of Ages", "Thin Red Line" and "Star Of Eden". The band are today: Philip Griffiths (Alias Eye) - Vocals, Stefan Glomb - Guitars, Philipp Jaehne - Keyboards, Dennis Sturm - bass and Ludwig Benedek - Drums. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable to all prog friends around the world...
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12/01/2002...........Do you want to know more about this great band? Go to POOR GENETIC MATERIAL HOME PAGE...
. FREEWILL - "Frac"
We are in Japan whem Masahiro "vmo" Lee and Kozo "george" Tsuji were been looking for members (Vocal/Bass/Drums) to form a band, which plays technical-rock. And They'd met Shingo "sin" Uchida+geddy (bass) +Tahira (vocal) through any times of auditions. This five people owned a kindred spirit, after playing DreamTheater/UK...etc with. Tahira has got out. They'd been looking for a vocalist, and had auditions again and again. And some vocal-songs was composed. Each member polished himself in supports for other bands. In 2001, Geddy has got out, and the band was dissolved on purpose of polishing each, in every free fields. In this term, Vmo - TribalJazzRock, George - Yotarou Teikoku (prog-band), Sin - many sessions as support...etc, every members in every fields. An accidental meeting - Hisashi "sisyo" Nakao on the web. They (called "Doripon") planed to play DreamTheater ("A Change Of Seasons") at the end of the year (planed-live-event). Sisyo played bass as a support member. In 2002, "Doripon" planed to play Dream Theater ("Leraning To Live") in a Rock-event, with ex-Vo; Tahira. And...for the other set lists, Doripon has needed instrumental numbers, and they've begun to compose full-scale INSTs. "Doripon" changed its name into "Freewill", to quest one of the style (INSTs) of music professionaly. They held 1st live as Freewill. This Japan band is very influenced by some old years 70' favourite UK bands as "EL&P", "Yes",  "Led Zeppelin", and "Todd Rundgren - Utopia" adding touchs from "Dream Theater", similarities or coincidences with any bands from the past or present are normaly found today in any young new bands, but the Freewill interpretations are diferent from others one, they have a strong power in the compositions and arrangements, you can listen thousands of fascinating keyboards and guitars sounds where you will find pure emotions with a perfect and brilliant instrumental passages. Around some famous Progressive Rock bands come from Japan as: "Mugen", "Pageant", "Blazing Bronze" and others, certainly in a few time Freewill will be among of them with a massive potential. At the live they took Concerto Moon as guest, Freewill played important roll in great success. "Frac" is the first demo CD includin four tracks and have been on sale from the band´s site. The songs are: "Zenith Of Karma", "Conversion Creation", "Inner Space" and "Pagoda". Freewill are today: Masahiro "vmo" Lee - Guitars, Shingo "sin" Uchida - Drums, Hisashi "Sisyoh" Nakao - Bass and Kozo "george" Tsuji - keyboards. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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12/01/2002.....................................Do you want to know more about this great band? Go to FREEWILL HOME PAGE...
. PROGFEVER - "Vol 1"
Progfever vol 1 a charity sampler for the victims of the flood in east germany, in october QuiXote Music released the sampler "Progfever Vol 1", a collection of mainly unreleased material from 12 of today's most famous and interesting german progressive rock bands. Most of the material will consist of unreleased tracks, featuring "Violet District", "Ines Project", "Poor Genetic Material", "Cinnamonia", "Cromwell", "High Wheel" and more. 100% of the profits will be donated for the victims of the disastrous floodings in the east of germany. Finally an excellent "tribute" album where the choice of the German bands had been perfect and representing the majority of the best musical styles as Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, Classic Rock and others. You  will not be disappointed, it is really a true collection of some unreleased tracks. A very carefully production, really excellent by today's standards that came out lately by QuiXote Music a very young record label. There is no special songs, but in my opinion there are a few tracks that had really impressed me, and some of them are: Violet District - "Principles of Alternation", Chrass - "Discovery", Ines Project - "Dark Room" and Poor Genetic Material - "The Lady Stands" (is a great track with a strong musical performance), but all of them are perfect. "Progfever" is a collection dedicated to all progressive rock fans around the world. The tracklist are: Violet District - Principles of Alternation (unreleased), Cromwell - At The End Of Life (unreleased), Zhorn - Of Swords And Kisses (from the album "Z comes First"), Poor Genetic Material - The Lady Stands (alternative mix of the track from the album "Leap into Fall"), Cinnamonia - Sunstream  (alternative version of the track from the album "The Scarlet Sea"), Ines Project - Dark Room (from the album "Slipping Into the Unknown"), Dreadful Minds - Lost My Heart (unreleased), Anguish - Symmetry (from the album "Symmetry"), High Wheel - Something In You (from the 2nd Album, not available anymore), T- Shades of Silver (unreleased), Zenobia - Power From Within (live unplugged, unreleased) and Chrass - Discovery (unreleased). Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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12/01/2002..............................................................Do you want to know more? Go to QUIXOTE MUSIC HOME PAGE...
. SPECIAL EXPERIMENT - "Fortune Memories"
Behind Special Experiment stands the artist Dzidek Marcinkiewicz with his Progressive Instrumental Solo-Project. Dzidek Marcinkiewicz was born on 21st of February, 1962 in Legnica (Poland) and lives in Osnabrueck German since his 20th birthday, in May 1981. Dzidek Marcinkiewicz was a member of "Blues Company", a bluesband from Osnabrück. From 1983 to 1988 the band had several worldtours with wellknown german and international artists. From 1990 to 2000 they collaborated with the Folkrohr-Rock Project from Rumania, "Transsylvania Phoenix". Several tours and concerts were often performed in front of more than 40,000 people, some even with a symphony-orchestra and a choire. In 2001 Dzidek Marcinkiewicz to became a currently member of "Seven Seals", a progressive melodic rock band. Dzidek Marcinkiewicz has been successfully making a name for himself in all world music circuit as a talented musician and songwriter. He was born in Poland but is living in Germany, two countrys that are very known for innovative musicians and bands such as "Novalis", "Jane", "Inquire", "Eloy", "Quidam", "Collage" and many others. The musician explores all styles, since the Classic Rock passing for the Neo-Progressive themes and finishing with the purest and traditional Progressive Rock, accompanied by delightful hard guitars and melodic keyboards solos which go back to the golden days of Progressive Rock age. From beginning to end a pleasant and emotionally sonic journey into a modern Progressive Rock music, very professional with a solid work and one of the most intrigued releases from 2002. As instrumental reference we can use bands as "Collage", "Quidam" and "Marillion". "Fortune Memories" is the first solo project of the polish composer Dzidek Marcinkiewicz, all songs were written and independently produced by Dzidek and played by him and professional instrumentalist with many years of experience. Including eight tracks. My special and particular attention to the songs: "Centre Opit Fuga, "Fortune Memories" (Is one of the best), "King of Twighlight", "Dark Angel" and "Cristal Lake". The musicians are: Dzidek Marcinkiewicz - E-Piano, Synthesizer, Keyboards and Ac. Guitars, Frank Tienemann - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Ac. Guitars, Daniel Seebass and Joseph Kappl - Bass Guitars, Carsten Witte and Frank Tienemann - Drums, Janine Tienemann - Backing Vocals and Nasir Genser - Saz. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable to all prog friends around the world...
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12/15/2002...................................................Do you want to know more? Go to SPECIAL EXPERIMENT HOME PAGE...
. AZOTH - "Demonstration 2002 - 2003"
The name Azoth is the word from Alchemy. It means "from Alpha to Omega" known in Cristian's bible. "A" is the first letter of your language, and "Z", "O," TH" are the end of the letters of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. They are from Japan, and in 1985 Azoth was formed by Masayuki Adachi (Guitars) and Chikato Ohki (Vocals and Bass). Visioning of creating Japanese Progressive Rock artistic pop music. The band usually perform great gigs in Osaka (Hometown) and also in Tokyo area. With some gigs and recording demos by year. Azoth has a strong musical power, and they usually play some Frank Zappa´s style, because they are fans more than many Frank Zappa´s fans around the world.  Azoth could be known for their multi instrumental quality, influenced by many old favourite and famous bands like Caravan, Curved Air, and also Stars of the Guitar as Frank Zappa. The band has a brilliant collection of instrumental arrangments that will be easily recognized for that they appreciate a good Progressive Rock, blending elements as Jazz Fuzion, Progressive Rock and Symphonic Rock they created a perfect balance among all the instruments, where the sounds generated of the guitars are the masters and could be as a conductor, including the violin sounds where the band obtains a shining atmosphere. In fact in Azoth music you will find only pure emotions. Some internacional fanzines, magazines and the web zines classified Azoth like a Frank Zappa Japan band. Azoth could be considered a treasure for Progressive Rock fanatics. "Demontrations 2002 -2003" is a demo with seven tracks, including five alive song records. The band are trying to get a record deal, if somebody will be interested send e-mail to azoth@nyappa.com. My special and particular attention to all songs: "Isolation", "Z" (Part 3), Tracks 3 - 7 recorded live at Silver Elephant, Tokio in 10/19/2002, "Inprovisation", "Isolation", "Moments", "Domino", "Turquoise Sky" and "Apostrophe".  Azoth are today: Chikato Ohki - Vocal and Bass, Masayuki Adachi - Midi-Guitar and Chorus, Kazuhiro Fujiwara - Drums and Chorus, Junko Minobe -  Keyboard and Violin.  Guests Musicians: Lisa Ohki - Vocals, Fumiaki Ogawa - Moog, Katsuko Tanaka - Keyboards. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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12/15/2002............................................................................Do you want to know more? Go to AZOTH HOME PAGE...
. SEAN MERCER - "Electric Storm"
Sean Mercer began playing acoustic guitar at age ten. It took five years before he got his first electric guitar a used Morris Strat copy. Around this time Jethro Tull, Eric Clapton and Santana were Sean's early inspirations. He spent time learning their licks and riffs. After playing in high school bands He performed in both duo and four-piece top forty bands while studying electrical engineering at the University of Cape Town. All this in the early 1980's. Given his less than enthusiastic appreciation for the standard rock vocal outfit, Sean Mercer was not entirely displeased when fledgling attempts at vocal orientated rock failed due to his well, exacting requirements. In the late 1980s, Sean Mercer perfects his technique. To this end, his practice routines now run for several hours a day. To better harness his creativity, He undertakes the study of music theory and composition with a private tutor. Working as a recording engineer during the early 1990’s enabled Sean’s to record the original neoclassical instrumental compositions. He has engineered commercial recording sessions and has occasionally worked as a session guitarist. He maintained a full roster of private guitar students for several years and performed clinics at his alma mater, the University of Cape Town, as well as at several events organized by local music stores. In 1993 Sean gives a clinic with bassist Johan Buys right after a workshop by Frank Gambale — not an easy act to follow! After hearing his compositions, Mike Varney chose, in October of 1991, to feature Sean in Guitar Player Magazine's prestigious Spotlight Column. Once again, I didn't expect to hear at the musical scene today a young high-quality guitar player, of course his style is filled with all the possible Progressive Rock ingredients also contains powerful and fast guitar solos, basic and very important element of the Progressive Metal style, however sometimes the guitars sounds become highly melodic, very elegant and full of tecnical harmonies. Including the keyboards sounds where the musicians creat a spiritual atmosphere around the arrangements. The style are very reminiscent of, or better comparing with "Yngwie Malmsteen", "Marty Friedman", "Vinnie Moore" and "Rod Morgenstein", if you like the guitars solos of bands as: "Nightwish", "Within Temptation", "Edenbridge" and "After Forever", of course Sean Mercer is one of the choice, probably soon he will be among the famous guitars players. "Electric Storm" is the first album, with 12 songs on the CD. The instrumental was mastered by Grammy winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen at The Mastering Lab during August \ September 2002. My special and particular attention to the songs: "Elation", "The Festival", "Reflections", "Electric Storm", "Holding Back" and "Opus 2". Sean Mercer and  the following musicians: Sean Mercer - All compositions, all guitars, keyboard programming, Johan "Yoyo" Buys - Bass, Neil Sebba - All drums (except where noted, Neil endorses Promark Sticks and Peace Drums, Neil currently performs with Jamestowne and Brian Robbins), Andrew Green - Drums on tracks 1,2,4 & 6 (Andrew currently performs with Days of Worth), Nigel Mercer - Drum performance on track 10, Steve Philpott - Keyboards on tracks 1,2,4 & 6 and Keyboard runs on track 11 and Richard Kessel - Keyboard programming. Excellent and indispensable work, highly recommendable...
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12/18/2002.................Do you want to know more about this great Guitar Player? Go to SEAN MERCER HOME PAGE...
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Click for More - .A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FEATURED ARTIST AND CD REVIEWS - 2002M
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