Exowax Acquires Mike Keneally’s Immune Records Catalog
Remasters & Re-releases hat. and Boil That Dust Speck
Special Edition Versions Include DVD & Many Extras

Mike Keneally’s 1992 debut release, hat., is now available in a remastered Special Edition. And Mike’s classic ’90s Immune releases are now safely home at Exowax Recordings, the label co-owned by Mike and his manager Scott Chatfield.

The first two records to be reissued are Mike’s 1992 debut, hat., and what has become the Holy Grail of the Keneally canon, 1994’s Boil That Dust Speck. Each title has been remastered with its original track order and will be available as a solo audio CD as well as a Special Edition.

The Special Editions each contain a remastered CD plus a region-free, album-specific NTSC DVD featuring bonus tracks, rare studio footage, vintage live concert material, interviews with participants, and video from a 2006 reunion of the original core band (Mike Keneally, Doug Lunn and Toss Panos) performing songs from both albums. And, of course, the first 3000 copies of each Special Edition will be personally signed and numbered by Mike.

Out of print for years, hat. has been remastered and music previously cut to fit a 1992 CD has been restored. “You’ll now be able to hear ‘Lightnin’ Roy’ the way it was supposed to be heard,” explains Mike, “and songs like ‘Snowcow’ and ‘The Car Song’ will have their guitar solos reinstated to their full fullness. All-in-all we were able to add in another three minutes of music which you should have heard fourteen years ago, so I’m plenty jazzed.”

ALEC K. REDFEARN AND THE EYESORES – THE BLIND SPOT (Rune 244) GENRE: ROCK / POST-ROCK
Post-rock’s magical/”folk” surrealists, Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores are based in Providence, Rhode Island, fertile ground for horror writers, academics, colorful politicians and artists of all stripes. The band’s music captures that city’s essence, blurring the lines between past and present, fiction and fact, shrouding dark secrets. Simultaneously beautiful and horrific, elegant and lowbrow, playful and cynical, its sound crosses genres as easily as a ghost floats through solid walls. Composed by Redfearn, the music combines myriad influences – traditional eastern and western European folk music (including gypsy music), pre-WWII French and German cabaret, circus music, early 20th century classical, classical minimalism, maverick 20th century Americana, elements from visionary French iconoclasts (Pierre Bastien, Pascal Comelade, Albert Marcoeur), acid folk, noise, psychedelia, drone rock, and more – with a dark, primitive, intentionally rough-edged and gritty, folk-crafted sensibility. Redfearn’s songs, whether instrumental or darkly lyrical, are rhythmically entrancing, evocative and remarkably cinematic, leading one critic to call them “as much stage set as free-standing compositions, a space against which unusual and foreign activities might be acted out.” The Blind Spot, Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores’ 6th CD and its 2nd release on Cuneiform, is musically and conceptually the band’s most ambitious work to date. In the 11 songs on The Blind Spot, Redfearn explores the wavering veil that separates life and death, heaven and hell, soul and body, fact and fiction, and art and reality. In doing so, he blurs the lines separating musical genres, and folk and fine art. At the core of The Blind Spot lays an astonishing 8-song funereal song cycle – “I am the Resurrection and the Light” – that Redfearn created as a eulogy for friends who died from addiction and as a personal lament on spiritual bankruptcy, physical addiction and human loss.

UPSILON ACRUX – GALAPAGOS MOMENTUM (Rune 245) GENRE: ROCK / POST-PUNK
Upsilon Acrux is among the best of the young bands transforming punk rock’s landscape, reinvigorating punk’s physically powerful, aggressive and speed-driven sound by infusing it with a compositional intensity and technical prowess long associated with various forms of metal and progressive rock. In Upsilon Acrux’s hands, this sonic fusion results in an explosive new music that is both exhilarating and abstract. A tapestry of complex and hyperkinetic instrumental sound, Upsilon Acrux’s music is composed of disparate elements, dissonance and unexpected time changes daringly interwoven with, and/or punctuated by, beautiful and accessible melodies. This CD, Galapagos Momentum, is Upsilon Acrux’s 5th release and its first on Cuneiform. Galapagos Momentum features 41 minutes of aggressive, intricate, athletic and composed post-punk instrumental rock contained on 10 tracks. Simultaneously physical and cerebral, challenging and melodic, Galapagos Momentum is Upsilon Acrux’s most accessible yet sophisticated release to date.

THE CLAUDIA QUINTET – FOR (Rune 247) GENRE: JAZZ / POST-JAZZ
“For” is the new CD by the Claudia Quintet, the genre-defying band led by Grammy-nominated composer John Hollenbeck. Since Hollenbeck first presented the band in an internet cafe on Avenue A in Manhattan in 1997, the Claudia Quintet has amazed audiences from Alabama to the Amazon. Their unique sound has inspired dancing hippie girls at a New Mexico noise festival, the avant-garde cognoscenti in the concert halls of Vienna and Sao Paolo, and a generation of young musicians worldwide. In the course of the thousands of miles they have traveled together and hundreds of concerts they’ve played, the Claudia Quintet has evolved and grown, developing a dynamic live sound based on trust and spontaneity. They bring this powerful energy into the studio, where they record the old-fashioned way, live, playing as a band. The legions of people who have been won over by the music of the Claudia Quintet live and on CD attest to the fact that genre-defying new music need not be “inaccessible.” “For” is for everyone. “For” is a positive message. “For” is driving rhythms, beautiful melodies, and passionate virtuosity. “For” is for all music lovers. “For” is also their fourth CD.

STEVE LACY - ROSWELL RUDD QUARTET – EARLY AND LATE (Rune 250/251) GENRE: JAZZ
The name of Steve Lacy is synonymous with the term Modern Jazz. One of the greatest soprano saxophonists in the history of jazz, he is responsible for popularizing that instrument in the post-WWII years, resurrecting it from Dixieland and introducing it, liberated and free, into the modern world. One of Lacy’s most significant contributions to modern jazz was done in collaboration with trombonist, composer and ethnomusicologist Roswell Rudd, who, paralleling Lacy, had transformed a Dixieland instrument into a modern performance weapon. In a quartet during the early 1960s, Lacy and Rudd pioneered the notion of modern jazz repertory by devoting themselves solely to the music of Thelonious Monk, Herbie Nichols, Cecil Taylor and other modern, living composers – a radical concept at the time. They insisted that each generation should honor its own masters, and that ‘jazz standards’ should grow exponentially – a “jazz process” – and not be a hermetically sealed, closed set. This double CD release by Cuneiform, titled Early and Late, provides a 40-year overview of Lacy’s and Rudd’s collaborations in the Steve Lacy-Roswell Rudd Quartet. The earliest recordings on this release date from October 9, 1962, one year after Lacy and Rudd formed their quartet; the latest tracks date from August 9, 2002, two years before Lacy died. None of these recordings have been previously released – they are heard here for the first time. Jason Weiss, editor of Steve Lacy: Conversations (Duke University, 2006) compiled and produced the release and wrote the liner notes. Consisting of both studio and live recordings, Early and Late compliments and illuminates other releases by the Steve Lacy-Roswell Rudd Quartet, helping to complete the Lacy-Rudd story.

STEVE MILLER / LOL COXHILL – COXHILL/MILLER MILLER/COXHILL “THE STORY SO FAR…” “…OH REALLY?” (Rune 253/254) GENRE: ROCK / JAZZ-ROCK / FUSION
Long embraced as a “national treasure” [BBC] within his native England, a series of reissues, retrospectives, and new releases around the turn of the century have revealed saxophonist Lol Coxhill to be one of the world’s most distinctive voices on soprano sax. In a career spanning more than half a century, and continuing unabated in energy and originality today, he has proven himself equally adept at performing music both “inside” and “outside” the box. One of the key formative experiences of Coxhill’s early musical career was his work from 1968-73 in composer and pianist Steve Miller’s London based band, Delivery, and his independent work with Miller and others from the “Canterbury School” bands that Delivery spawned. This double CD release by Cuneiform documents Steve Miller and Lol Coxhill’s collaborations in the early 1970s, a three year period during which they worked together intensely. It includes the first CD reissues of their two albums: Miller/Coxhill Coxhill/Miller, and “The Story so Far…” “…Oh Really?” It also includes several previously unreleased live performance recordings. Cuneiform’s CD package includes a 20-page booklet containing historical photos of Miller and Coxhill, an interview Steve Miller gave in the summer of 1998 with Nick Loebner, and liner notes written by Mike King, who coordinated this release. The first reissue of Coxhill and Miller’s collaborations on CD, and featuring guest performances by the storied Canterbury School musicians Kevin Ayers, Laurie Allan, Archie Legget, Pip Pyle, Richard Sinclair, and Robert Wyatt, this double CD is an essential document for those interested in Canterbury School music, including Soft Machine, Matching Mole, Caravan and Hatfield and the North. It is also a fascinating overview of an important period in the development of one of the masters of contemporary soprano sax and improvisation, providing clues as to how the Blues and Canterbury School music influenced the avant-garde, and how the avant-garde in turn influenced the development of the Canterbury School.

When it comes to the heady art of improv, guitar legend Allan Holdsworth is a master without peer and his own worst critic
By JOHN COLLINGE, Progression Editor

Things you probably didn’t know about guitarist Allan Holdsworth yet never would have guessed:

He’s a rabid Star Trek fan and loves science fiction, but has been to a movie theater only twice since 1986.

Now 60, he sometimes feels uncomfortable performing to live audiences on what he considers “a young man’s instrument.”

And 90 percent of the time he leaves a gig feeling disappointed in his performance. (more…)

KOCH Records is proud to announce the release of The Acatama Experience, the new album by legendary electric violinist Jean-Luc Ponty & His Band, on May 22, 2007.

Jean-Luc Ponty is a pioneer and unquestioned jazz immortal. He is widely regarded as an innovator who has applied a visionary spin that has expanded the vocabulary of modern music in numerous directions, combining jazz, electronics, classical and world music into an eternally progressive blend.

Jean-Luc’s career spans five decades, and he has appeared on over 70 recordings, including works by Frank Zappa, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and countless others. In the 1970’s Ponty spearheaded—along with Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and others—America’s growing jazz-rock movement, filling stadiums around the world and cracking the Top 40 with his albums Enigmatic Ocean and Cosmic Messenger. Since then, he has maintained a worldwide touring profile and a large, loyal fan base.

The Acatama Experience is Ponty’s first studio album in several years; it’s a joyful, romantic and colorful instrumental journey that moves from Paris ( a funk-fueled reading of Bud Powell’s classic “Parisian Thoroughfare”), to the mountain deserts of South America (the atmospheric, electronic title piece), with stops in Ireland (”Celtic Steps”) and the mysterious streets of Bombay, India. Musically, the album flows between electronic funk, virtuoso jazz rock, Latin & African percussion, impressionistic soundscapes and lyrical balladry. Tying it all together is Jean-Luc’s stunning virtuosity, particularly compelling on the solo turn, “Desert Crossing.”

The Acatama Experience is performed by Ponty’s touring group, with two very special guests on guitar: jazz master Philip Catherine and fusion immortal Allan Holdsworth. It’s an album that redefines and repositions Jean-Luc Ponty at the very center of the contemporary jazz and progressive music experience.

June 1: Detroit, MI, Music Hall
June 2: Columbus, OH, Southern Theatre
June 3: Cleveland Heights, OH, Nighttown
June 7: Fairfield, CT, Fairfield Theater
June 8: Sellersville, PA, Sellersville Theater
June 9: Annapolis, MD, Ram’s Head
June 12: Rochester, NY, Eastman Theater
June 15: West Palm Beach, FL, The Theatre
June 17: Charlotte, NC, Jazz Cafe
June 19: Washington, D.C., XM Radio Show
June 20: Alexandria, VA (Wash DC area), Birchmere
June 21: Wilmington, DE: Rodney Square (Clifford Brown Jazz Festival)
June 23: Saratoga, NY: JVC Jazz Festival
June 24: Toronto, ON, Canada: Jazz Festival Marquee
June 27: New York, NY: Zankel Hall @ Carnegie Hall, JVC Jazz Festival
June 29: Richmond, VA: Kanahawa Plaza (Fridays at Sunset International Festival)
July 1: Pittsburgh, PA: Hartwood Park

California-based instrumental rock guitarist Adrian Galysh has completed work on his new recording, entitled “Earth Tones”. The new CD features Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, TED NUGENT) on bass and Joey Heredia (STEVIE WONDER, TRIBAL TECH) on drums. Also featured are special guest performances by guitarist Carl Verheyen (SUPERTRAMP) on “Terrestrial Races”, bassist Chuck Wright (QUIET RIOT, HOUSE OF LORDS) and drummer Glen Sobel (GARY HOEY, JENNIFER BATTEN, GRAHAM BONNET) on the track “Planetary Cycles”.

“I believe my new material is my best to date, and solidifies an identifiable style of composition, instrumentation, and guitar playing”, Galysh says.

Adrian is currently seeking a suitable label to release the album, which is tentatively due in the second half of 2007.

For more information, visit www.adriangalysh.com or www.myspace.com/adriangalysh

The annual Prog’Sud Festival in Les Pennes-Mirabeau, France, is gearing up for another run May 16-19. Thirteen bands will participate, including Quidam (Poland), After Crying (Hungary) and Eclat (France), as well as sole American entry Oxygene 8, which headlines the 19th with Kotebel (Spain). For further information visit the Prog’Sud website.

New metal label DARK BALANCE – based in The Netherlands – signs two bands. Since the label is all about metal without any particular subgenre, any band with some Metal roots is welcome. First release will be of the Dutch progressive Rock/Metal band PICTURE OF THE MOON. This Release is produced by Joost van den Broek (AFTER FOREVER) and contains three songs. After their appearance up to the semi-finals during the Metalbattle 2006, PICTURE OF THE MOON is getting known in the club scene in The Netherlands. Release date of the EP with the title ‘Ageless Day’ is set on the 1st of June 2007.

Besides this DARK BALANCE has also signed Tampa, Florida (USA) based Gothic Rock/Metal act MENA BRINNO. It’s a new band set up by KATY DECKER and MARIUS KOZLOWSKI. Female opera vocalist KATY DECKER appeared for many years in the opera houses in the USA, like the Orlando and Atlanta opera. MARIUS KOZLOWSKI – originally of Zabrze, Poland – played in different bands before and was invited for guest participation in COUNCIL OF THE FALLEN. MENA BRINNO will enter the studio this summer to complete their first full length. This release will appear in the second half of 2007, and probably after this MENA BRINNO will go to Europe for a tour.

To find more info about Dark Balance and these artists, check out: www.darkbalance.com

Friday Music is proud to announce the signing of the legendary guitarist, vocalist and award winning artist Dave Mason to the label. The co-founder of the progressive rock band Traffic, as well as Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductee delivers his first album in almost a decade to retail this May 8th with Live At XM Satellite Radio/ The Deluxe Edition (Friday Music 1059).

As co-founder of the legendary rock band Traffic, Dave Mason has always been a powerful force in popular music. His tenure as their guitarist, vocalist & songwriter, along with his friends Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood, netted the quartet several hit singles and albums including his signature tune Feelin’ Alright and international smashes like Hole In My Shoe and You Can All Join In.

While collaborating with his friends like Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison, Dave Mason continued to develop his trademark sound, while igniting a solo career that took off with his first platinum plus debut album Alone Together from 1970.

Over the next three decades, Dave Mason continued his legendary status as a staple radio artist, riding the top rung of the many music charts with tunes like We Just Disagree, Let It Flow, All Along the Watchtower, Show Me Some Affection, and Feelin’ Alright.

A few years ago, Dave Mason and his band entered into the XM studios in Washington D.C., and recorded the new Friday Music album Live at XM Satellite Radio. This unique session was performed organically in front of an intimate gathering of friends and fans. From start to finish, it is a solid 100% classic Dave Mason concert.

Things start off with a nod to his Alone Together album with the prog-rock classic World In Changes and his Delaney and Bonnie hit Only You Know and I Know. Mason’s vocals and guitar styling are second to none as the crowd roars in approval.

We Just Disagree was Dave’s most successful venture at Top 40 radio back in the late seventies. This emotional live reading brings back the memories of this era and skillfully shows the interplay between Mason and his good friend guitarist John Sambataro (Firefall, McGuinn Clark & Hillman). This track is indeed a defining moment of the show.

No Dave Mason concert is complete without the classics All Along The Watchtower, Traffic’s Dear Mr. Fantasy and the surprise groover Feelin’ Alright. His fans and new converts will agree, this new live offering will satisfy the classic rocker in all of us.

In addition to this pivotal live recording, Dave has gone into the vaults and found a very rare live interpretation of the Eagles classic Take It To The Limit. Recorded several years ago in the Orange County, California locale, this tune takes on a whole new feeling with the Dave Mason magic.

As a further gift to his fans, Dave has also included two new studio tracks that will truly enhance your listening experience. First, there is the very rare Dave Mason/Jim Capaldi duet of the classic 40,000 Headmen. Recorded shortly before his untimely death, Jim Capaldi truly sings his soul out on this revisit to the Traffic era. Dave shares on the vocal chores, as well as an incredible guitar workout throughout.

The intriguing closer, Deaf, Dumb And Blind, is one of those tunes that his fans have been clamoring years for. Dave’s vocals are the ticket here, the amazing music he creates is still intact after four decades of recording, and like a fine wine, his career just gets better all the time. This tune will surely become one of his future classics.

On 4th June 2007 Metal Mind Productions will release Caamora’s EP “Walk On Water”. Caamora is a partnership of Clive Nolan (Pendragon/Neo) and Agnieszka Swita in a lavish and creative collaboration. They provide the artistic nucleus to an extravagant and imaginative musical experience.

The “Walk On Water” EP includes new material specially written for this release as well as two songs from the forthcoming “She” project, a musical version of H. Rider Haggard’s novel. Spearheaded by Clive and Agnieszka, this epic production will feature guest vocalists, instrumentalists, orchestra and choir, forming a two-hour musical journey.

The “Walk On Water” EP features guest performances by Mark Westwood (Neo) on guitar, John Jowitt (IQ) on bass and Scott Highem on drums.

Tracklist:
1. Walk On Water
2. Shadows
3. I Can See your House From Here
4. Invisible

DVD Release Date: September 2007. DVD Catalogue Number: EREDV634
CD Release Date: 25 June 2007. CD Catalogue Number: EDGCD359

Eagle Rock Entertainment, the leading independent source for high quality music audio and audio/visual music programming, is proud to announce the release of the first ever live DVD via Eagle Vision and the first ever live CD via Eagle Records featuring the original ASIA line-up.

Shot in March of 2007, FANTASIA – LIVE IN TOKYO captures the band playing to a sold out crowd in Tokyo, Japan. Recorded in DTS and Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, FANTASIA – LIVE IN TOKYO features a career spanning set list that included Heat Of The Moment, Only Time Will Tell, Don’t Cry, Sole Survivor, The Smile Left Your Eyes as well as renditions of King Crimson’s classic Court Of The Crimson King, Yes’s Roundabout, ELP’s version of Fanfare For The Common and The Buggles’ hit Video Killed The Radio Star.

Bonus footage on the DVD includes exclusive interviews with John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe and Carl Palmer, making this DVD as well as the CD must-have releases for both fans and music enthusiasts alike.