Amulet - Hard Rock (USA)

AMULET was formed in Evansville, Indiana during the autumn of 1978. The musicians were very focused on composing unique, original numbers. Writing and recording was the purpose and how to accomplish that was the first challenge. They decided to learn several sets of cover material and play nightclubs to earn the money with which to fund recording sessions. After making a few appearances playing "one nighters" to warm up and polish their sets, the band began playing at a small local establishment on a regular basis. Once word began to get around, the crowds of rock fans attending shows steadily grew. The band performed cover material from Robin Trower, Pat Travers, UFO, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, Van Halen, and other great artists. While playing club gigs, the members never lost sight of why they were playing together. They diligently worked at writing and arranging their original music.

By mid 1979, the band began performing several original songs in its sets. The AMULET sound became more distinct and recognized as time went on. The original numbers soon became the most requested of all the music the band performed. The following of fans steadily grew. It seemed that there were in deed a lot of people who wanted to listen to rock! AMULET rocked them, loud, hard, and often! In about the autumn of 1979, the band began playing at the largest nightclub in the region. The crowds quickly became so large that the club owner restricted the band to playing only weeknight engagements. He cited the fact that "When you guys play here on Friday or Saturday nights, there are too many people! there are so many people that my waitresses can't even get around." Many times, AMULET drew record crowds, no matter what night of the week they played.

In the spring or 1980, after months and months of hard work, dedication, (and of course, fun), the band finally went into the studio and began to track it's original compositions. On a $3000 total budget, the band recorded, mastered, and pressed it's music on Vinyl LPs. Most everything on the record is - as was. There simply was not enough money to get it perfect. Except for a very few retakes, the songs were counted off and recorded as they happened. There were no "overdubs" on the record, so the listeners got the true three-piece sound the band produced during live shows.

The AMULET LP was released in the summer of 1980. The largest local rock radio station, KC103 (WHKC), began to play a cut off the album, "Just Like A Woman". Within a month, it became one of the most requested songs the station had and was placed on the station's "hot rotation" list. The LP was marketed in most all of the well-known record stores in the region. Within days, the first orders sold out and the stores were requesting more. The AMULET LP was proving to be a real success. Amulet kept filling the orders until the inventory of LPs was nearly depleted. The band contemplated pressing more records, but the decision was made not to do so. The band sent demos out to a few record companies in hopes of landing a recording contract. A few major record companies, including MCA Records and Warner Brothers Records, expressed interest in the band. But, there was not enough interest at the time to warrant any really serious negotiations.

In early 1981, KC103 decided to release "HOME COOKIN", a compilation LP showcasing several local and regional bands. The purpose was to release the sounds to the regional market, but also to attempt to get the area bands heard by the record companies. "Gemini," a popular cut from the AMULET LP, was included on the album. 

 Amulet (1979)

Bass, Vocals – Paul Skelton

Drums, Vocals – John Becker (2)

Executive-Producer – Phil Baker (5)

Executive-Producer, Remastered By, Design Concept – Dennis Bergeron

Lead Guitar, Vocals, Liner Notes – Bob Becker (7)

Lead Vocals – Clif Hill

Lyrics By – B. Becker* (tracks: 8), C. Hill* (tracks: 1 to 7, 9)

Music By – B. Becker* (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9), C. Hill* (tracks: 3, 7), P. Skelton* (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7)

Producer – Amulet (4)

Twelve-String Guitar – Clif Hill (tracks: 3)

MILLENIUM - Neo-Prog • Poland

Immense new album from guitar genius Ralph Santolla and new vocalist Jorn Lande. Guests include Don Airey (Whitesnake/Rainbow/Ozzy Osbourne), Howard Helm (Zon/Refugee) and Dag Stokke (TNT). 2000.

Millenium biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=376)

MILLENIUM is a Polish five-piece neo-progressive band with Polish vocals on their 1st album and English vocals dominating after their 2nd production, generally in the PENDRAGON and early MARILLION styles but also with some spices of PINK FLOYD and classical GENESIS. There are influences of older Polish bands like Collage (as you can in every Polish neo-prog band). The self-titled first album shows symphonic arrangements, even featuring some violin. "Vocanda" is a concept album that will appeal to fans of ARENA, PENGRAGON and IQ. Their 3rd album: "Reincarnations" is full of accessible and melodic neo-prog, a feature that continues to be observed in their most recent output.

2000 - Hourglass

Thanks Magal!

A Paradise Is Born (Richard Abt) - Folk Prog Rock (Germany)

German folky with dual male/female vocals, that sounds more English in execution (and language of course). Parallels to Carol Of Harvest can be found, but without the progressive elements. Some nice electric leads. File next to Stone Angel.

A Paradise is Born (1980)

A1 A Paradise Is Born 6:37

A2 Woody Woodcock 2:02

A3 Wind 3:08

A4 Freundschaft 3:09

A5 We Are A Nation 4:50

B1 Teufelsspiel 4:13

B2 Speaking To A Bitch 3:02

B3 Blaue Stunde 2:50

B4 In My Mind 5:00

B5 Gegenströmung 3:15

B6 Erkenntnis 5:36

Melvin Sparks - Jazz Soul (USA)

Melvin Sparks (March 22, 1946 – March 15, 2011) was an American soul jazz, hard bop and jazz blues guitarist. He recorded a number of albums for Prestige Records, later recording for Savant Records. He appeared on several recordings with musicians including Lou Donaldson, Sonny Stitt, Leon Spencer and Johnny Hammond Smith.

Groove on Up (2006)

Thanks Magal!

Nymphomania: A Collection of Sexy European GoGo Music from the 60's

Nymphomania Collection

 Nymphomania - Vol.1

 Nymphomania - Vol.2

Nymphomania - Vol.3

PYG - Rock (Japan)

PYG (Pyg) was a super-group from Japan, made up of members of the most famous bands of the Group Sounds era: The Tempters, The Spiders and The Tigers. The band was named by Tokyo resident foreign recording artist Alan Merrill, who shared the same management at the time, Watanabe Productions. Formed in 1971, the unit was fronted by the two biggest stars of the era: lead singers Kenji Sawada of The Tigers and Kenichi Hagiwara of The Tempters. The musical director of the band was guitarist Takayuki Inouye of The Spiders. The remaining members were Katsuo Ohno on keyboards, Hiroshi Oguchi on drums, and Ittoku "Sally" Kishibe on bass. Session man Yuji Harada, a non "Group Sounds" star, was also added to the line-up as a second drummer. The band were a seven piece ensemble on stage. The band released two albums: Original First Album (1971) and Free With Pyg (1972 live 2 album set); as well as 5 singles.

1971 - Pyg! Original First Album

THANKS MAGAL

Birzer Bandana - Folk Electronic Prog

Birzer Bandana biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=10075)

BIRZER BANDANA are Brad BIRZER and Dave BANDANA. The two have never met but started a friendship after Brad reviewed an album by Dave's previous project SALANDER on his Progarchy.com website. When SALANDER went on hiatus due to Dave moving from the UK to Lanzarote to start a new career, Dave asked Brad if he would be interested in writing a concept and lyrics for a new album. The result is 'BECOMING ONE', an album with a wide range of musical styles, but firmly rooted in prog.

Brad BIRZER : A life-long fan of progressive music, BIRZER is a former DJ as well as a current professor of history and author of four-award winning biographies. When he's not writing or teaching, he's hanging out with his huge family, exploring the wilds of America, and listening to too much prog.

Dave BANDANA : Was Dave Smith in SALANDER who released three albums in 2014 and 2015. Now an entertainer in Lanzarote. When he is not writing music or entertaining he feeds and cares for street cats on the island.

Of Course It Must Be

Brad Birzer - lyrics and concept

Dave Bandana - vocals, bass, guitars, drums, drum programming, synths, piano, organ, mellotron

With:

Olga Kent - violin  (1,2,3,5,7)

Kenny Miller -  acoustic guitar (1,3,5,6,7)

Henri Strik - mellatron emu (2)

Lily Miller - spoken word (5)

___________________________________________

Este veio de nosso mais antigo colaborador: Peter Hammil

Thanks Peter

TKO - Rock

Divebomb Records is proud to present the first official (re)release of TKO's classic Let It Roll album. In 1978 a little known Seattle band (formerly Mojo Hand) emerged with an album that would become a classic slab of American rock 'n' roll. Drawing influence from other 70's rock acts like Boston, Heart and Journey, but maintaining a sound all their own, TKO garnered critical acclaim for their achievements. Even with the praise being thrown upon the band while opening for acts such as AC/DC, Van Halen, The Kinks and Cheap Trick, their label (Infinity Records) mismanaged money (apparently signing The Pope for $6 million) and went bankrupt soon after the album's release leaving TKO without a home. Despite the bottom falling out, the band pressed on in support of the material they had spent years perfecting, but eventually the Let It Roll-era lineup disbanded sending members to start new bands throughout Seattle, most notably, Rick Pierce eventually to Floyd Rose's Q5. Vocalist Brad Sinsel however took TKO and pressed onward with a new lineup and grittier edge which can be heard on the album In Your Face, also reissued by Divebomb Records (DIVE001). A proper release of Let It Roll has been long overdue considering the countless bootlegs that have surfaced over the years. The 2008 Divebomb Records issue contains not only the original version of Let It Roll but a previously unreleased 7 track live radio performance recorded in 1978 for KZOK Seattle. TKO's ranks have included members who eventually went onto bands such as FIFTH ANGEL, HOUSE OF LORDS, ALICE COOPER, WAR BABIES, CHASTAIN and Q5.

1979 - Let It Roll

Nigeria Soul Fever Afro Funk, Disco And Boogie - West African Disco Mayhem!

Following their excellent Nigeria Freedom Sounds! compilation, which covered the newly independent country's early-'60s era, Soul Jazz delivers another gem, this time chronicling Nigeria's vibrant late-'70s disco and funk scene. As highlife and calypso acts slowly gave way to the influence of American R&B and funk, the West African nation suffered a horrific civil war in 1967. When the dust tentatively settled, a new breed of young bands had emerged in the capital city of Lagos, ushering in a new decade of music that melded traditional Yoruban rhythms with soul, funk, reggae, rock, and disco. By the mid-'70s, however, a countrywide ban on "luxury goods" was imposed, which included the import of records, leaving the Nigerian music scene to gestate and develop purely on a local level. Over the span of two extremely funky discs, Nigeria Soul Fever: Afro Funk, Disco and Boogie: West African Disco Mayhem! shines a light on this era when artists like Joni Haastrup, Christy Essien, and Tee Mac were at the top of their game, though unknown to the greater world. Filled with previously unavailable rarities, Nigeria Soul Fever is solid front to back, with plenty of high points like Essien's empowered anthem "You Can't Change a Man," Haastrup's powerful "Greetings," and the deep funk of Arakatula's "Mr. Been To." There are some straight-up dance tracks like Haastrup's "Do the Funkro" and Benis Cletin's synth jam "Get Up and Dance," but several also meld politically minded themes with hard grooves, like Arakatula's "Wake Up Africa" and "Free My People," another Haastrup gem, proving why he's the star of this show. Impeccably curated and quite a lot of fun, this collection is another winner from Soul Jazz's ever-impressive stable of reissues.

RARE AFRO FUNK, DISCO AND BOOGIE. MADE IN NIGERIA IN THE 1970'S...

Nigeria Soul Fever Afro Funk, Disco And Boogie - West African Disco Mayhem!

Magni Animi Viri - Symphonic Prog Metal (Italy)

Magni Animi Viri is one of those great bands that puts out one stellar album then leaves you wondering what the heck happened to them. In this respect, they are like the band Dominus Inferi, a symphonic (heavily orchestral & operatic) metal band from Argentina who released the album Age of Darkness in 2008 then broke up later on. With Heroes Temporis having been released in 2006, we can only hope for anything more to come from this great Italian band.

If I had to describe the music as compared to well know bands, I would say the operatic male voice in Heroes Temporis sounds a bit like the singer from Therion, not the guy that sounds like Ozzy but the guy who does the operatic & chanting voices. The music itself is heavily orchestral & operatic, so in listening it kept bringing me back to my fond memories I had when I discovered Therion. The female singer from Heroes Temporis on the other hand sounds like the singer from After Forever, having a strong almost rock chick voice.

If you like orchestral & operatic symphonic metal like the bands Therion, After Forever, Nightwish, Theater of Tragedy, or Dominus Inferi you will also enjoy this. If you are into a little more "Metal sounding" syphonic metal bands like Hollenthon or Amore E' Morte (Again great band with one album) it is still worth a listen. If you like black syphonic metal like Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, or Ancient then this might not appeal to you. If you like expiremental syphonic metal like Sigh or The Meads of Asphodel, again this might not be up your alley but you still might like it.

Eddie (https://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Temporis-Magni-Animi-Viri/dp/B012IZ1CO2)

Written by a classically trained musician (Giancarla Trotta) and a progressive-rock based musician (Luca Contegiacomo) gives this album the perfect balance between the two worlds of music. The two also play the keyboards and piano on the album.  The dual vocal delights of Francesco Napoletano and Ivana Giugliano are so exceptional and yet work to gether and compliment each other so amazingly. The entire band and orchestra are woven together so neatly that at times you forget what you are listening to, and simply get lost in the sound, which is exceedingly complex, but not in a way that overburdens you and takes you away from the music. While there is not a weak part of this album the exceptional songs on it are "Heroes...", "...Temporis" and the introduction of the female voice in "Finché".  The beauty of the music provided is encapsuated by the "Outro" of the album, which is as moving a piece of music as you will ever hear.

Heroes Temporis - 2007

Thanks Magal

Break of Reality - American Cello Rock Band

Break of Reality (BoR) is an American cello rock band consisting of three cellists and a percussionist. The group is associated with the terms "cinematic rock", "cello rock", and "indie classical". Break of Reality's current members are Patrick Laird, Ivan Trevino, Laura Metcalf, and Adrian Daurov. The band's sound consists of many musical influences, such as rock, classical, and indie rock. The group was formed while the original members were freshmen at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. At the time of its formation, the band consisted of four cellists. The band gave their first formal concert in a small classical venue at Eastman, where they received complaints for being too loud.

In 2006, the band released "The Sound Between", a double disc album featuring both electric and acoustic songs.[citation needed] After all graduating from Eastman, the group collectively moved to NYC in 2007, where they developed a fan base through busking in Central Park. The band split a year later, leaving Laird and Trevino as the remaining members. In 2008, Laird and Trevino began composing and recording music together, much of which is featured on "Spectrum of the Sky", released in May 2009. Soon after, Laird and Trevino were joined by cellists Philip Borter and Martin Torch-Ishii and began touring again.[citation needed] Borter was later replaced by Laura Metcalf. The band has gained a following through Pandora Radio, where their music has 44,000 daily streams.

In 2013, the band's cover of the "Game of Thrones" TV show theme song appeared on Huffington Post and was called "the best rendition of the theme song you will ever hear". In 2015, the band did a tour of central Asia, which included playing in Turkmenistan and four cities in Kazakhstan. The band performed at the 25 year celebration of Kazakh-American diplomatic relations in Almaty, Kazakhstan in August 2016.

TEN (2014)

FLAC

Direto do Baú do Ricardo

Muito obrigado

"...E falando em novidades sem fronteiras, essa vem dos EUA. O grupo Break of Reality é composto de um percussionista e vários violoncelistas. São estudantes de Violoncelo que gostam de rock progressivo. Se reuniram e resolveram dar voz ao instrumento. Começaram tocando tudo que gostavam de ouvir e produziram dois álbuns nesta linha cover. Com a maturidade, resolveram compor suas próprias músicas. Desta coleção de composições, surgiu o terceiro álbum, TEN, lançado em 2014 e que segue no link. O álbum é melódico, nada monótono e de audição muito agradável, além de ter uma bela arte visual que acompanha o álbum. Participam deste álbum os seguintes integrantes:

Patrick Laird: cello, producer

Ivan Trevino: percussion, drums, producer

Laura Metcalf: cello

Adrian Daurov: cello

Brook Speltz: cello

Meta Weiss: cello

Marnie Laird: piano, producer

Adam Mathes: viola

Página oficial: https://breakofreality.com/"

RICARDO

Bobby Messano - Blues (Guitar)

 

Bobby Messano is a legendary guitarist and Contemporary Blues Artist who has released seven Solo CDs, placed songs in many TV and Cable shows and played on over 50 Major label and Indie albums. His playing has been heard on everything from MTV jingles to Benny Mardones' smash hit "Into The Night". The celebrated guitarist has played on records by Clarence Clemmons, Franke & The Knockouts, Joe Lynn Turner and STARZ, and produced the 60's hit act, "THE SHADOWS OF KNIGHT". Live he has played guitar and been the music director for Steve Winwood, Lou Gramm and Country artists Jimmy Wayne, Rodney Atkins and Steve Holy. Bobby has played or headlined BAMFEST, The Charleston Blues Festival, Smokin’ In Steel, Summerfest, Charlotte Speed Street, Blues Brews & BBQ, Blues At The Beach, Bayfront Blues Festival, Deltaville Seafood Festival, Willow River Blues Fest, Ambassador Blues Fest, Colonial Beach Blues Festival, and Southern Maryland Blues Festival. The guitarist’s last five CD’s ( “Holdin' Ground”,” Bobby Messano Live In Madison”, “that’s why i don’t sing the blues “, “Welcome To Deltaville” and “Love & Money”) have garnered 26 Grammy 1st Round ballots in 8 categories and airplay on over 275 Blues shows. "that's why i don't sing the blues" was on the American Blues Scene's Blues Top 5 Chart for 24 weeks and was named 2012 TOP BLUES/ROCK ALBUM (USA) by Blues Underground Network. Between 2012 and 2016, Bobby played over 400 shows in 32 states to over a ½ million people. On December 22nd 2012, the artist was inducted into the “BLUES HALL OF FAME”. His CD’s are heard daily on “Sirius/XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville and “LOVE & MONEY” which was released in April 2015 was nominated for a prestigious Blues Blast Award for “Best Rock-Blues Album” in August 2015. It debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart at # 7, peaked at #1 and spent a total of nine weeks in the Top 10. It was also #7 on the Billboard Heat Seekers Chart and Top 40 on both the Billboard Rock and Indie Charts. “Love & Money” also ended 2015 at #44 on the Roots Music Report Chart.

Bobby’s newest CD “BAD MOVIE” will be released on April 15,2017. It is a collection of fifteen incredible songs written with major co-writers Jon Tiven , Larry Weiss and Steve Kalinich and features the amazing “Come To Your Senses” written by Queen founder Brian May and Jon Tiven and the haunting duet “Water Under The Bridge” with Bobby and Alecia Elliott (2001 AMA Nominee) “BAD MOVIE” offers a unique perspective of personal traumas and a country in a state of flux and the early reviews have been outstanding.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bad-movie/id1219056180

Bad Movie

Agnes Strange - Blues Rock (UK)

Agnes Strange, a hard rock/blues band based in Southampton, Hampshire, England, formed in the mid-70s and quickly acquired a recording contract with Birds Nest Records - an affiliate label distributed by Pye Records. Comprising Alan Green (bass), Dave Rodwell (drums) and John Westwood (guitar, vocals), they made their debut in 1975 with Strange Flavour, a perfunctory but expertly played collection of original rock songs that failed to bring them to the attention of the mainstream. They broke up shortly thereafter, though members of the band remained active on the Hampshire club scene.

1975 Strange Flavour