All posts by KJ

URIAH HEEP’s Phil Lanzon: Chaos & Colour interview

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from- https://markusheavymusicblog.org/

URIAH HEEP”s Chaos & Colour has been out for some time now, and has been received enthusiastically and with great reviews from fans. Phil Lanzon, has been a major part of the Heep songwriting team since he joined the band as keyboard player. On Chaos & Colour Phil, along with founder/guitarist Mick Box, have delivered 6 awesome new Heep tracks. In this exchange Phil answers my questions pertaining to the band’s latest album, as well as what else he is up to. *Check out the links below!

With the pandemic and time away from each other and stage, was there more songwriting going on prior to recording Chaos & Colour?  Was there an abundance of songs & ideas to choose from this time around? 

Yes there was plenty of that. Mick and I wrote songs remotely during the pandemic. It was unusual but worked really well. There are songs and ideas left over, maybe for the next album, who knows.

You worked again with Jay Ruston. Was that an easy decision?

Yes it was easy. Our working relationship worked really well with Living the Dream so we wanted that to continue with Chaos.

Russell & Simon Pinto contributed 4 songs to Chaos & Colour. Was there some tough decisions in cutting down the number of songs?

Well there is always tough decisions when choosing the final songs. Especially as others band members are contributing; which we all feel has made for a great combination of material.

Chaos & Colour is a great follow up to Living The Dream, but I think a bit of a step up with more varied tracks trhoughout. Was there any deliberate move to try and include more progressive moments or ballads? 

I personally always feel that there should be a prog section within a Heep album, specifically to keep variety in the material and also take the listener on a journey. It is a Heep feature that makes an appearance on many Heep albums from the early days to today.

Can you give me a bit of insight into some of the tracks- lyrically or recall on how it all came together… 

I’ll keep it short. We always keep a strict eye on our lyrics that they don’t stray into the ‘norm,’ which is a pitfall of many artists, so we use the basic premise of positivity and the knowledge that there is good everywhere. You just gotta find it!

You seem to have a few new keyboard sounds on this album, such as on “Fly Like An Eagle”. I get a bit of Dream Theatre feel in there. Can you touch on any new sounds, approaches or equipment? 

Not a great deal of new sounds, I was just messing around with a mini-moog style sound and decided it worked for the track.

“Age of Changes” is a fantastic track (my early favorite). Can you touch on this song? 

I wrote this lyric based on my first childhood sweetheart. A story I’m sure will resonate with so many. We go through so many changes in our lives but the first real awakening to that fact hits most of us in the school yard.

You guys recently completed the 50th anniversary tour. How did You enjoy the shows? Any highlights or favorite moments in the set for you? 

We all enjoyed the tour, it was a huge success as far as we are concerned and made a whole lot of Heepies very happy. The acoustic show was well received and was a joy to perform. 

Phil, in your time awaiting the next Heep tour – might you be working on another solo project, book, or any guest appearances anywhere?

I am at the moment trying to sell my Musical, I mean, musical theatre. It is a full length musical about Ellis Island New York in 1917. The script is with an American producer as I write.

What are you listening to these days? Any current (new) favorites?

Nothing new at the moment. I am immersed in my artwork right now. Check out my Instagram.

Links:

http://www.uriah-heep.com

https://www.facebook.com/uriahheepofficial

https://www.phillanzonwordsandmusic.com/

*UH live photos courtesy of Markusheavymusicblog , from Hamburg, Germany, September 2022. See more HERE.

CZAKAN – German rockers return with ‘Unreal’

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German hard-rockers CZAKAN return with their first new album in 30 years titled Unreal, due to be released April 14. The band’s 1989 debut State Of Confusion was recently reissued, an album that sold 25 thousand copies in Germany upon it’s original release.

Unreal is straight out of that class of great ’80s hard-rock & aor, think fellow German bands like Scorpions, Frontline and Bonfire, as well as the likes of Dokken and Firehouse. Guitar driven rockers, with keyboards, harmonies, cool solos, 14 tracks. First run through and I like this; like a lost favorite ’80s heavy melodic rock album, with excellent tracks like – “City Nights”, “Under The Gun”, “Living In A Nightmare”, and “Show Me All Your Love”, sounds excellent. Not a duff cut here! If this was an ;80s album, it’d be tough choosing a first single, but lead off rocker “Free Line” will is an excellent choice!

Line Up: Michael Schennach – Vocals, Oliver Güttinger – Guitar, Tom Fein –Keyboard, Randy Arcachon – Drums, Frank Schrafft – Bass

Links:

https://www.czakan-band.de/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.phpid=100085605874815

DEADWOLFF – to release Heavy Rock N’ Roll, announce tour dates.

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L-R: Tommy Wolffe (Bass. Vocals), Bobby Deuce (Guitar), Angus Pike (Drums)
Photo Credit: Megan Kay

Toronto’s Deadwolff have released their 3rd single from their upcoming debut full length album Heavy Rock N’ Roll, due out at the end of March. The metal trio also plays a release party for the album on April 7 in Toronto, and will undertake a tour of North America (see below). *Check out the new track below, as well as the press release and links for more info on the band and Heavy Rock N’ Roll.

 

A blend of hard rock, punk, and metal, Deadwolff set themselves apart from other bands with their take on the New Wave of Heavy Rock and Roll. Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Motorhead, and W.A.S.P, Deadwolff‘s is a revival of foot-tapping, beer-drinking, headbanging tunes, and more. They are touring across the United States and Canada this May and June in support of their forthcoming debut full-length “Heavy Rock N’ Roll” due out on March 31st via Golden Robot Records.

Music Video – Heavy Rock n’ Roll – https://youtu.be/kAiNlEmDkZk​

Music Video – Homeward Bound – https://youtu.be/iPC0z5J3Xnc​

Album-pre-save – https://linktr.ee/deadwolff

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/officialdeadwolff

AN INTERVIEW WITH DEADWOLFF (CANADA)

May ​
8 – Outer Limits Lounge – Hamtramck, MI
9 – Liars Club – Chicago, IL
11 – Whittier – Tulsa, OK
12 – Double Wide – Dallas, TX
13 – Black Magic Social Club – Houston, TX
14 – Valhalla Tavern – Austin. TX
15 – Faust Tavern – San Antonio, TX
17 – The Edge – Tuscon, AZ
18 – The Blooze Bar – Pheonix, AZ
19 – Tower Bar – San Diego, CA
20 – Red Dwarf – Las Vegas, NV
23 – Destructive Warehouse – Fresno, CA
24 – The Knockout – San Francisco, CA
25 – On the y- Sacramento, CA
26 – Shea’s Tavern – Reno, NV
27 – Knucklehead – Los Angeles, CA
30 – High Water Mark – Portland, OR
31 – The Cherry Pit – Seattle, WA
​
​June ​
1 – Sunny Chibas – Squamish, BC
2 – The Cambie – Vancouver, BC
3 – Kami Inn – Kamloops, BC
4 – Canmore Hotel – Canmore, AB
6 – The Palamind – Calgary, AB
7 – Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB
9 – Bulldog – Winnipeg, MB
10 – Atmos – Thunder Bay, ON

NEAL SMITH releases latest Killsmith album

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In Neal Smith’s latest release under the Killsmith character, he ventures in to country / western, with this 10-track CD, due out at the end of March. Lyrically and musically Killsmith Goes West draws inspiration & influences from old school country & western types like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Jimmy Dean, and more. So, there’s good uses of piano, slide guitar, and fiddle throughout this. There’s also some great titles and stories from song to song. I do lean a bit towards liking the lighter numbers, which there are a few of, but there are some serious rockers as well. Favorites would have to be “Sunsets Of Gold”, “Coffee, Beer & Borrowed Time”, the hard driving’ “Pull It Out Smokin'”, and “Evil Wind”.

*check out the press release below, as well as the links.

Drum Legend Neal Smith To Release the Fourth in His KillSmith Solo Series “KillSmith Goes West”

Founding member of the original Alice Cooper Group and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Neal Smith’s newest album, ”KillSmith Goes West,” the fourth in his KillSmith solo series, is heading in a whole new direction partner. Neal’s percussive, musical and songwriting contributions and influence to the world of rock are undisputed. From the ground breaking shock rock direction of the multi gold, multi-platinum legendary band “Alice Cooper,” until the present, Neal has always taken on the challenge of exploring new musical directions.

Neal’s early music influences were not only rock, big band swing, theater and movie music, but also country western. Growing up in Ohio, his mother, who loved live music, would often take Neal and his sister Cindy to Fixler’s Ballroom in nearby Sharon Township. Neal would often dance the “Mash Potatoes” solo with a clapping crown encircled around him, to the live band’s rousing version of “The Orange Blossom Special.” That band consisted of a drummer, guitarist, fiddle player, upright bassist and a blind piano player named Clarence. Now any band with a blind piano player named Clarence has to be a great band and this was a great country band.

In the story-telling spirit and tradition of great singer songwriter legends like Franke Lane, Johnny Horton, Jimmy Dean, Tennesee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, Neal continues in that Western spirit with “KillSmith Goes West” and his ten new Outlaw Country Rock songs!!!

Featuring:
Neal Smith (rhythm guitar, keys, drums, percussion & lead vocals)
Rick Tedesco (lead, slide, rhythm, bass guitar, keys & backing vocals)
Peter Catucci (bass guitar & backing vocals)
Pete Hickey (keyboards)
Stu Daye (slide guitar, rhythm guitar & backing vocals, on Tattooed Cowgirl)
Arlen Roth (lead guitar)
Gary Oleyar (fiddle)

To purchase: http://nealsmithrocks.com/store

For more information:
www.nealsmithrocks.com
https://www.facebook.com/NealSmithRocks

PAUL NEWTON (Uriah Heep) releases his first book – Bone Structure

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Paul Newton was the original bass player in Uriah Heep, a founding member. Paul was the link between the 2 pre-Heep bands The Gods and Spice. He played on the band’s first 3 albums, featuring such classics as “Gypsy”, “Lady In Black”, “July Morning” and “Look At Yourself”. Following Heep his life took a very different path, but in later years he found his way back to the Heep family and fans, having been involved in shows with Ken Hensley & John Lawton, The Heep Legends, and guesting with the band on occasion, as well as Heep tribute bands. He also released an album (with Chris Rainbow) in 2016, titled License To Rock.

Paul comments on the how and why he wrote Bone Structure – “It was a project I started during the pandemic lockdowns, just a self-indulgent exercise..to see if I could actually write a book that I could put on my shelves amongst my recordings but ‘Aspect Design & Publishing’ suggested that I should make it available…so here we are. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing process and ending up with ‘my own’ book’…job done. Anything else will be a little bonus..!!”

Regarding the book’s subject matter, Paul opted to write a fictional book, as opposed to a mere autobiographical recall on his time in bands – “It is a fictional story based on my life through the eyes of an alter-ego. I did not want to produce yet ANOTHER Heep anthology as there are so many out there and I only spent a fairly brief time with the band. As I said, it was purely self-indulgent exercise and will have probably have very limited appeal but that does not bother me really and I have no great expectations…” Despite his ‘no great expectations’, early orders for Bone Structure warranted a 2nd run of the book within a few days!

*for more info and ordering, check out the links below

Read more about & Order Bone Structure here > https://www.aspect-design.net/product-page/bone-structure?fbclid=IwAR1X6p5wfDnCvOyrHnA02HHgHEVjkqKzeiasZ7cy4AYDtOBA-Jb15CohXAI

https://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/news/23344422.uriah-heep-bass-guitarist-paul-newton-publish-first-book/?fbclid=IwAR01TwtdGISf8UqZb9_c45QfqV3QKkhxadPqz6HZf-gVy5LrMXFkb9mf3bM

http://www.amazon.co.uk

ANDY CURRAN AND HAREM SCAREM ISSUE NEW LIMITED CLASSIC VINYL / DIGITAL HYBRID RELEASES

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The debut solo album from Andy Curran (Coney Hatch, Envy Of None) in 1990 will see a super deluxe reissue bundle. Following 3 albums with Coney Hatch, a few line up changes, and a break up Curran put together his own band. Released simply as Andy Curran, it featured such radio hits as “License To Love”, “Let Go”, and “No Tattoos”. Now, retitled Whiskey & The Devil, the album will feature 2 previously unreleased tracks from the original sessions, as well as a live show from Vancouver. Andy Curran was nominated for 2 Juno Awards (Canada) in 1991 for Best Hard-rock album, and Most promising male vocalist; he won the latter. Whiskey & The Devil will also include various goodies from that era, with an 8 X 10 photo, a tour pass, tattoo kit and more, all with the 2 cherry red colored LPs in a new cover.

Curran posted to Facebook – “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of my Juno Award-winning debut solo record than with a limited-edition reissue! Every song has been remixed and each bundle includes a physical and digital component. I’ve gone through the archives to create a unique, signed, double-vinyl record, and included rare photos from my personal collection, plus other unreleased studio tracks and memorabilia. As a bonus, every purchase gives you a chance to win an autographed Fender Precision bass guitar signed by me!”

Harem Scarem’s Mood Swings was the band’s 2nd album, released in June of 1993, and featured the hit “No Justice”, as well as further singles “If There Was A Time” and “Change Comes Around”. Harem Scarem’s line-up at the time included Harry Hess (lead vocals, keyboards), Pete Lesperance (guitar), Mike Gionet (bass), and Darren Smith (drums). Smith sang lead on the cut “Sentimental Blvd”. (Smith, in recent years, would front Jake E Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel). This release will be the first time Mood Swings is issued on vinyl! Aside from the purple vinyl LP , there’ll be bonus tracks, as well as CD, a tour poster, and drink coaster among other items included.

*For more info, check out the press release below…

Fans of vintage, Canadian melodic rock should make room in their record collections for two new reissues available today – Andy Curran’s 1990 debut solo effort Whiskey and the Devil 30th and Harem Scarem’s 1993 sophomore offering Mood Swings. Both projects are now being offered as exclusive, limited-edition releases only available on SING Market.
 
Each release includes a vinyl package and a matching digital package, which also contains digital-only extras – at a retail price for each package of USD $89.95, plus shipping.

“Working on my solo album decades later was a trip down memory lane,” recalls Curran (founder of Coney Hatch and Envy of None with Rush’s Alex Lifeson) about the new reissue entitled Whiskey and the Devil 30th.  “I completely forgot about two songs we recorded during those sessions but that weren’t included on the original release – so now, many years later, they will be part of this release. This was also the first time I produced a record… which was a white-knuckle ride! Winning a Juno Award that year was the icing on the cake. It was only ever released in Canada, so I’m excited to shine the spotlight back on this one.” 

Iron Maiden/British Lion bassist, Steve Harris, is a big fan of Curran’s solo record, adding: “I’ve been listening to this album for 30 years and it still sounds great!”
 
Harem Scarem lead singer Harry Hess recollects, “June 2023 will mark the 30-year anniversary of the release of our second album, Mood Swings. This record took us to another level internationally, being released in over 50 countries and voted Kerrang! Magazine’s rock album of the year. We are excited to revisit the songs, recording five new acoustic bonus tracks and releasing the original remastered recordings on vinyl for the first time ever.”

These new hybrid packages include serial-numbered digital collectibles, permanently capped at a preset quantity using blockchain technology – once they’re sold out, no more can ever be produced. SING guarantees fans own their music – just like a numbered print, fans have true ownership of each package and artist-authorized proof of its authenticity. No knowledge of crypto is ever needed to use SING – just a love of great music and a credit card, debit card or Apple Pay.

Both exclusive packages are available now for immediate purchase on SING Market at the following links:

Andy Curran – Whiskey and the Devil 30th – Click Here to Purchase

https://market.singidea.com/market/asset/f922d877-8734-402b-a046-e5e524717400

Check out the Andy Curran unboxing video here: https://vimeo.com/807505344

You’ll Receive:

  • Cherry red double 180-gram audiophile LPs (Original Album remixed with two previously unreleased tracks, plus Live in Vancouver performances)
  • Whiskey and the Devil Tattoo Kit
  • Andy Curran Vintage Tour Pass
  • Andy Curran Fantoons designed mini Cereal Box
  • An 8 x 10 High Gloss Photo
  • An Exclusive re-print of Andy’s infamous private Biker Gang Show ticket (VIP CARD)
  • A Whiskey and the Devil 30th Album Art Sticker
  • A golden ticket entry to win a Fender Precision Bass Guitar (Classic 60’s), autographed by Andy Curran

Available for immediate download: 

  • All the above vinyl tracks plus 2 additional “studio” out-takes, newly remixed by Juno Award-winning engineer Vic Florencia, delivered as MP3 files 
  • Original 1990 record re-mastered
  • Music videos for No Tattoos and License to Love singles
  • 5 Pre-recorded deal demos (these were the actual demos that got Andy his first record deal!)
  • Original Track Sheets from the Metalworks sessions

Harem Scarem – Mood Swings – Click Here to Purchase

https://market.singidea.com/market/asset/0a3c36ae-1d72-4e34-b99b-df84249e21bd

Check out the Harry Hess unboxing video here: https://vimeo.com/807604157

You’ll receive:

  • Purple 180-gram audiophile LP with Companion Compact Disc (includes bonus tracks)
  • 24” x 36” Mood Swings Tour Poster (Re-issue from Mood Swings tour)
  • Re-issued VIP All Access Pass
  • Mood Swings Custom Drink Coaster
  • VIP Metallic Membership Card – Meet and Greet the Artist at Harem Scarem Live Events
  • Metallic band logo sticker
  • A Golden ticket entry with every purchase to be entered to win a Seagull guitar made by Godin Guitars and signed by the band 

Available for immediate download:

  • Vinyl tracks in MP3 format 
  • 5 Acoustic Bonus Tracks
  • Harem Scarem VIP Fan Club Membership
  • Live Photos
  • Fan Art Banners
  • Studio Track Sheets
  • A Making-of Video – (mini documentary made for the 30th Anniversary edition)
  • Mood Swings Songbook (digital version)

Curran and Hess added fire power by teaming up with SING and arranging physical manufacturing and distribution. Curran added, “Harry and I have so many friends in the business who either had record deals, or are between deals, but they control their content. We have had lots of calls asking for help, so we set up a scenario whereby the artist owns everything, and we’re simply the vehicle to help them put it all in one place for their fans to access. We can’t name names just yet, but we have had lots of interest, so look for more SING limited-edition digital releases in the coming months.”
 
Founded in 2019, Seattle-based SING is an online record store that puts artists and fans first by offering curated digital and physical products that you won’t find anywhere else. “We’re thrilled to be working with Andy Curran and Harem Scarem on two of their most iconic albums,” says SING CEO, Geoff Osler. “These exclusive releases will give fans a unique opportunity to truly own these records in both vinyl and digital formats – with never before possible digital bonus material that fans can download and enjoy immediately.”
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
 
sing-inc.com
andycurranmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/andycurranofficial/
facebook.com/harem.scarem.band
https://www.instagram.com/haremscaremofficial/ 

JANN KLOSE – releases seventh album Surrender

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Singer/songwriter Jann Klose has released his 7th album Surrender, featuring a number of singles, notably “Pilot Light”, “Flesh and Blood”, “Sugar My”, and the latest “Surrender”. Klose’s music is primarily acoustic based, appealing to fans of power-pop and yacht rock.

“There’s a cohesive idea of the record, ‘Surrender,’” Jann says.  “It’s a journey of overcoming and going through the good, the bad, the ugly, and coming out on the other side still wanting to experience new things.”

This album features a good mix of upbeat numbers, such as the title track, “Flesh and Blood”, and the more rockin’ “Even If It Takes A Lifetime”, combined with standout ballads like “All The Way Down” and “Stay The Same”. “Here In My Heart” is another feel-good pop number, featuring a live singalong throughout. Included also are 3 versions of “Love You The Most”, a duet with Alicia Madison – there’s the main version, an acoustic take, and a Spanish version. (The song, which charted in South Africa and North America, was recorded for the movie soundtrack of “Married Young” now available on Amazon Prime.  Jann and Alicia sang a Spanish version (“Te Amaré Más”), which found it’s way on radio in Brazil.)

Surrender is available at Jann’s site on CD and Vinyl!

Links:

https://linktr.ee/jannklose

https://www.facebook.com/jann.klose

http://www.jannklose.com

DANIEL BOONE – RIP British musician/songwriter

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British musician/singer/songwriter and producer Peter Green (best known as Daniel Boone) passed away January 27, in Paignton Devon, UK. Boone was best known for his 1972 international hit single “Beautiful Sunday”.

Born Peter Charles Green on July 31, 1942, the singer had a lengthy career dating back to the early ’60s with such bands as The Beachcombers and The Bruisers. He soon started using the name Lee Stirling, then Peter Lee Stirling, and recorded a number of singles under that name. Some of his songs were recorded by other artists during the ’60s as well.

In 1971 Green adopted the name Daniel Boone and recorded a number of albums, and having other such hits as “Annabelle” and “Sunshine Lover”. He’d also recorded for Avenue Records (cover versions), Bell Records (singles), and recorded rock albums with studio bands Rumplestilskin and Hungry Wolf.

Boone also had a working relationship with David Byron (Uriah Heep), and co-wrote and produced Byron’s 1978 solo album Baby Faced Killer. The pair also worked on a number of disco/dance releases under such names as Warlord, The Intergalactic Orchestra, and Technique – who scored a hit with “Michael Angelo”. During this time at Old Smithy Studios with Muff Murfin, Byron wrote under the alias Mark Oxford, while bass player Pino Palladino (uncredited) was also involved. Boone ended the ’70s with his 1979 solo album All My Own Work (a Canada only release).

In the ’80s, as Boone, he released a solo album in 1985 – I’m Only Looking, and played on Peter Green’s (ex Fleetwood Mac) 1983 album Kolors. He also co-wrote 2 tracks that appeared on the first Byron Band single, as well as co-wrote and appeared on releases by guitarist Robin George. In the ’90s he recorded with The Troggs. There are a few clips on youtube of him appearing on TV in Europe performing “Beautiful Sunday”.

LINKS:

http://www.brumbeat.net/bruisers.htm

http://www.davidbyron.net/

https://www.discogs.com/artist/1522711-Peter-Green-10

http://www.rtlmusic.co.uk/danielboone.html

http://www.california-ballroom.info/bands/peter-lee-stirling.htm

GALLERY:

YES announce new album, single

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photo by Gottlieb Bros.

YES have announced the release of a brand new album, and follow up to 2021’s The Quest. The band’s 23rd studio album – Mirror To The Sky comes out in May, including 9 tracks, and featuring Roger Dean artwork. It is also features the lead off single / video “Cut From The Stars”, and is the first to feature Jay Schellen (ex Hurricane, Asia feat John Payne, Unruly Child) as YES’ fulltime drummer, taking over for the late Alan White . *check out the video below, as well as more info on Mirror To The Sky from the press release.

YES, who are Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen, are pleased to announce their new studio album Mirror To The Sky on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on the 19th May 2023. “This is a very important album for the band,” says Steve Howe, Yes’ longest serving member, master guitarist, and producer of Mirror To The Sky. “We kept the continuity in the approach we established on The Quest, but we haven’t repeated ourselves. That was the main thing. As Yes did in the seventies from one album to another, we’re growing and moving forward. In later years, Yes often got going but then didn’t do the next thing. This album is demonstrative of us growing and building again.” For Yes, that “next thing” is a collection of high energy, intricate, lush and layered new studio songs for an album which adds to the band’s much heralded legacy, while charting a path to exciting future times ahead. 

As they were wrapping up The Quest, Yes found themselves with song sketches, structures, and ideas that were demanding attention. Yes received unconditional support from InsideOut boss Thomas Waber, who encouraged them to keep going in the studio, months before The Quest would even go on sale. It was like throwing gasoline on their creative fire. 

“When we delivered everything, and they were just getting the vinyl and everything into production for manufacturing, we were still very much in that creative zone,” explains Steve Howe. “That belief that Thomas had in us really meant a lot,” he says. 

“We truly get along as people,” says Jon Davison. “I feel like everyone’s focused inward to the greater circle, concentric to the core of highest standards that define Yes. It’s a wonderful thing to witness and of which to play a part. I believe this reflects vibrantly in the music and the creative input that each one is willing to apply, not for the benefit of the individual, but for the greater whole that is Yes.” 

“There was a lot of material floating around because the band hadn’t done anything in the studio for so long. Ideas were just copious,” says bassist Billy Sherwood. “The pace of it was fast. As soon as we were finished with The Quest, and the mix had come out, we took a couple of little breaks there to catch our breath. But there was still music flowing around in the loop. It was just constantly being looked at and worked on. As we were all home and in that mode, things started progressing quite swiftly. We just went one album into another without really announcing, ‘Hey, we’re working on a second record right now.’ We just continued to work on material. It came about pretty naturally, and then we refined it as the process went on. But the initial bursts — there was a lot of material around!” 

Much to everyone’s delight, including that of long-time fan Thomas Waber, Yes have pushed into territory they practically invented — the prog rock epic — albeit in a thoroughly new and modern way. “I always felt that it would be great to have stuff that’s a little bit more epic,” he says, although he resisted the temptation to push for something that would be too formatted and could come off as contrived. He just gave the band space to do what they do and let things develop. “They were so excited by The Quest and the momentum they had that they went straight back into the studio. What they were writing, even early on, was obviously headed in that epic direction — what Yes music really is to me. It is almost a genre onto itself. It is ‘Yes Music.’ Mirror To The Sky certainly is Yes Music.” 

Mirror To The Sky features not one, but four tracks clocking in at over eight minutes, with the sweeping and cinematic title track coming in just shy of fourteen minutes. What’s more, the tracks, like Yes’ best, take the listener on a wide dynamically ranging journey of soundscapes which also showcase Steve Howe’s dazzling guitars, keyboard wizard Geoff Downes’ impeccable sounds, exquisite melodies and fills, Jon Davison’s angelic, crystalline vocals, Billy Sherwood’s deftly dancing bass and Jay Schellen’s masterfully controlled explosions, on drums. 

Jay Schellen, who has been touring with the band since 2016, was hand-picked to step into his mentor and friend Alan White’s role when White sadly passed away in 2022. “I had done the 2016 Topographic Drama tour on my own for Alan,” says Jay. “From late 2017 onwards, we had a partnership, and a beautiful partnership, I might add. I learned so much, and discovered so much about Alan’s style, and why it was the way it was. It fit his personality so perfectly. This album has Alan’s presence all over it. It is inside of us. So this is still, in my heart, Alan just being present and with us, and with me, in a big way.” 

‘Mirror To The Sky’ will be available on several formats, all featuring artwork by long-time Yes artist & collaborator Roger Dean:  

Ltd Deluxe Electric Blue 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook with poster 

Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook 

Ltd 2CD Digipak 

Standard CD Jewel case 

Gatefold 2LP+LP-Booklet 

Digital Album 

The Blu-ray editions include the album as Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound, Instrumental Versions & Hi-Res Stereo Mixes. 

Pre-order now here: https://Yes-Band.lnk.to/MirrorToTheSky  

Tracklisting: 

CD1: 

Cut From The Stars  

All Connected

Luminosity

Living Out Their Dream  

Mirror to the Sky

Circles of Time

CD2: 

Unknown Place

One Second Is Enough

Magic Potion

YES ONLINE: 

www.yesworld.com   

www.facebook.com/yestheband   

www.twitter.com/yesofficial   

www.youtube.com/user/yesofficial   

www.instagram.com/yesofficial   

www.soundcloud.com/yesofficial  

The COMMONERS release new single, + UK tour dates w/ Troy Redfern

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photo: JC Polien

Canadian blues-roots rockers The Commoners have released a 4th single, w/ lyric video from their album Find A Better Way. The single “More Than Mistakes” and the new album can be streamed Here. or watch the video below.

On the punchy and rollicking “More Than Mistakes,” the rock train rolls on full steam ahead.  Bright tambourine accents a rhythm section to rival Motown, illuminating a track that instantly pushes listeners to the edge of their seats, raising them to their feet.  Alive and free, “More Than Mistakes” affirms the album’s theme of self-empowerment with gusto.

“More Than Mistakes is a song written in self-defiance,” says the Commoners’ lead singer, Chris Medhurst. “It’s about taking on one’s own weakness with a sense of forgiveness for past transgressions, while enthusiastically searching for the limit.”

Possessing a sound tapped from the oaken belly of a whiskey barrel, The Commoners are a four-piece Roots/Rock outfit from Toronto, Canada.

In April The Commoners tour the UK, along with the amazing blues-rocker Troy Redfern!

Links:

http://www.thecommoners.ca

http://www.troyredfern.com