New Age Music World

Archive for the ‘Live Concert Music’ Category

List of Official Olympic Songs, Artist Names and Events already released prior to the Sochi Olympic Opening Ceremony.

With the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony now over, nearly a billion people will be watching the international athletic sporting events held in, and around various locations near the host city of Sochi, Russia in 2014.

News about the official announcement of the music and artists who performed during the sporting events are likewise, of special interest as the first music performance during the Olympic Opening Ceremony on February 7, 2014 highlight the historic 22nd Winter Games in Russia.

The Sochi Organizing Committee (SOC) didn’t release the official list of artists and their songs prior to the music events, which includes the Olympic Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and Medal Awards ceremonies, but the good news is that there is a list of official songs and anthems released well before the extravagant Opening Ceremony.

Hits of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games is a song compilation album released earlier, and are likely to be performed at an official venue.

Another song already released is the anthem for the Olympic Torch Relay titled We Are All Under the Sky. The official anthem by the band Kasta was performed by two singers from Russia named Elka and Anton Mishenin.

This anthem was played during Olympic Torch Relay festivals in 2,900 Russian towns and villages. There is also the Sochi Olympic Theme Song titled Reach For The Top, sung by musicians Dima Bilan and Julia Savicheva.

In addition NBC’s coverage of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics included a song by American singer Danielle Bradbery. The song by Danielle Bradbery is titled My Day.

In addition a Russian music group named Red Rocks has been performing live during their nationwide concert tour comprised of 17 Russian cities.

Leading news publishers have implied classical music will be the theme, while another major Russian news source said we can expect a contemporary music theme.

One other news source said the music act Tatu is among the performing artists. Tatu is an international female Russian duo with a pop hit All The Things She Said.

Until the complete list of songs and artists who performed during the Olympic Opening Ceremony are known worldwide and officially announced by the SOC and IOC, here is a preview of official songs already released for the 22nd Winter Games and music to be performed at cultural events during the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.

In an earlier article about music related to the Sochi Olympics I let visitors know there are also inspirational songs available on the Olympic YouTube Channel. Most of the music backing the videos is upbeat, electronic songs but there is a lot of inspiring instrumental music played in the videos too.

If you are one of the estimated one million persons who plan to attend the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games there is also a list of artists who will be performing live music and cultural events in and around Sochi.

Beginning February 5, 2014 to February 22, 2014, as part of Russia’s Cultural Olympiad, instrumental soloists, vocalists, and quartets are performing.

Other cultural events already scheduled are recitals and concert performances by several symphony orchestras and Russian folk ensembles at the Zimniy Theatre in Sochi, Adler Concert Hall, Organ Hall, in addition to other venues.

For complete schedule information on these live concert performances and events visit Culture.Sochi2014.com. For music played during previous Olympic and Paralympic Games visit my category section titled Official Olympic Songs. Big Stock Photos by HelleM – Stayanov – Cobalt88.

Yanni and his Orchestra – World Concert Tour Dates for 2014.

International concert and recording artist Yanni and his orchestra have released new tour date information for the 2014 concert season. Following a successful “World Without Borders” Tour in 2013, and recent Brazil Concert Tour, Yanni and his elite orchestra again take the stage to bring professional live entertainment to many parts of the world.

This year the Yanni 2014 World Concert Tour converges around the globe, touching down in the countries of Chile, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, Czech Republic, and United States.

More concert venues and dates will be added as the year progresses, so hopefully you will have a chance to see the professional team of entertainers perform. The quality of musicians and vocalists he selects for his tours each concert season are unsurpassed and legendary, recognized as some of the world’s finest artists.

If you have ever read one of many Yanni concert reviews, you know the atmosphere and song playlist for a Yanni concert is unique each season, but classic songs favorites can be expected this year too. There will be additional melodies performed during the 2014 concert season, including songs from two of his most recent albums.

Songs from the album Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico from 2012, and an original studio album composition from 2011 titled Truth Of Touch will be performed this year too.

The Yanni Concert Tour for 2014 is designed to showcase the international artists and talented professionals that perform with the celebrity and complete the ultimate concert experience.

If you would like to read more about the leading musicians and vocalists who perform live in concert with Yanni, there is a page at Yanni.com where you can read the biography for each artist.

The orchestra member’s name credits are: Charles Adams: drums, Benedikt Brydern: violin, Jason Carder: trumpet and flugelhorn, Yoel Del Sol: percussion, Victor Espinola: harp, Ming Freeman: keyboards, James Mattos: French horn, Sarah O’Brien: cello, Mary Simpson: violin, Dana Teboe: trombone, Gabriel Vivas: bass, Samvel Yervinyan: violin, Alexander Zhiroff: cello. The vocalists are; Lauren Jelencovich, and Lisa Lavie.

In every sense concertgoers can expect to see something new this concert season, yet unchanged for 2014 is the fact Yanni and his elite orchestra remain one of the most popular international new age music artists in the world! See you there!

For news and information visit Yanni.com. Shown below is the current Yanni concert schedule. Please note the dates shown are subject to change. For complete updates and the most accurate concert info check the Yanni Concert Tour 2014 page. For more information read my concert reviews, album reviews, and webcast Yanni interview in my pages dedicated to Yanni. Photos and concert schedule courtesy Yanni – Wake Entertainment.

Yanni World Concert Tour 2014:

March 15, 2014 – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena

March 18, 2014 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Luna Park

March 20, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 21, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 22, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 23, 2014 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Ginasio Do Ibirapuera

March 25, 2014 – Porto Alegre, Brazil – Teatro do Sesi

March 27, 2014 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Vivo Rio

April 23, 2014 – London, United Kingdom – Royal Albert Hall

April 26, 2014 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Elctric Hall

April 28, 2014 – Berlin, Germany – Tempodrom Berlin

April 30, 2014 – Munich, Germany – Circus Krone

May 2, 2014 – Prague, Czech Republic – Tipsport Arena

May 12, 2014 – Odessa, Ukraine – Opera Theatre

May 16, 2014 – Saint Petersburg, Russia – BKZ Oktyabrsky

May 19, 2014 – Krasnodar, Russia – Music Theatre

May 21, 2014 – Rostov-on-Don, Russia – Music Theatre

May 24, 2014 – Minsk, Belarus – Sport Palace

May 26, 2014 – Kiev, Ukraine – Palace Ukraine

May 28, 2014 – Moscow, Russia – Crocus City Hall

June 4, 2014 – Tel Aviv, Israel – Nokia Arena

August 13, 2014 – Englewood, NJ – Bergen Performing Arts Center

August 19, 2014 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre

August 20, 2014 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center

For news, information and complete tour schedule updates visit Yanni.com.

Alphaville Concert Tour 2014: New Concert Informaton.

The Germany based synthpop group Alphaville has updated their show schedule on their 2014 concert news page. The show locations given so far this year are designed for a European audience since concert venues currently scheduled are locations in Germany and Poland.

Alphaville is a sensational electronic pop music group with a huge international fan base and millions of albums sold the past 30 years.

The song playlist from their show performances is not given but I would imagine songs from their newest album Catching Rays on Giant, and a number of additional song favorites like Forever Young, Big In Japan & Sounds Like A Melody are included in the song set list.

Alphaville’s Catchin Rays on Giant album is an outstanding studio release from 2010. I believe the majority of fans would agree Catchin Rays on Giant are some of the best Alphaville songs founding vocalist Marian Gold and band members have produced to date!

There is also news about a new Alphaville album in 2014. The working title for Alphaville’s new album for 2014 is Strange Attractor. There is more press news for Strange Attractor when available, but this is fantastic news and an exciting time for millions of fans worldwide.

Alphaville is an amazing success story beginning with first album Forever Young from 1984. With previous live concerts in Brazil, France, Germany, Hungary, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, and the United States, Alphaville fans in Europe are going to have an eventful year in 2014! Current band members are Marian Gold, Martin Lister, David Goodes and Jakob Kiersch.

Visit the Germany based Alphaville.de for news, merchandise and 2014 Concert information. Below is an Alphaville song video titled Sounds Like A Melody, recorded live at the Tresor Club in Berlin, Germany. Check for official concert information and tour updates at Alphaville.de. Photo is courtesy alphaville.de.

Alphaville Concert Tour Dates 2014:

1. June 21, 2014 – Chodziez City, Poland – Venue Location to be announced

2. August 29, 2014 – Neuenhagen/Berlin, Germany – Venue Location Sommerwind Open Air

Pianist Jim Brickman – Concert Tour Schedule for 2012 & 2013.

Multi-platinum selling pianist Jim Brickman is one of today’s contemporary artists whose selection of romantic piano and Christmas music spans across a wide selection of popular music genres. With 6 Gold and Platinum albums, 2 GRAMMY® Nominations, and 30 chart topping adult radio hits, no doubt Jim Brickman is accustomed to being the recipient of prestigious awards and recognition.

Along with 2 SESAC Songwriter of the Year awards, a Canadian Country Music Award, and a Gospel Music Association Dove Award, top artist Jim Brickman is tied for the most #1 albums in Billboard’s New Age charts. Likewise, Jim Brickman is renowned as the greatest pianist in the Adult Contemporary genre category, having made the Billboard Charts more than any other male performer.

Presently Jim Brickman’s Romanza album, which peaked at the #1position, has spent a total of 51 weeks in Billboard’s Top 10 New Age Chart. With this high favorability rating, chart topping hits, and music awards, no wonder Jim Brickman is one of America’s favorite concert performers in the instrumental music category.

Jim Brickman’s Holiday Concert Tour in 2012, is billed as “Jim Brickman on a Winter’s Night.” According to his website the 2012 concert tour began on November 2, 2012 in Lake Jackson, Texas with numerous concert dates scheduled in 2012. The Jim Brickman Concert Tour for 2013 begins on January 19, 2013 in the Caribbean Islands, with the show taking place during the Jim Brickman Cruise for 2013. Given his popularity, it’s easy to see why he is considered one of the top recording concert pianists in the new age instrumental music category.

There are presently around 50 concert dates scheduled between the 2012 Concert starting date and the up to date of March 28, 2013 in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada at the Festival Place, so check the Jim Brickman Concert Tour Page for 2012 – 2013. There are sure to be upcoming show additions so check back for concert schedule updates in your area. If you missed it, read my Interview with Jim Brickman. For news and information visit JimBrickman.com and find full concert schedule on the Jim Brickman 2012 – 2013 Tour. Photo courtesy jimbrickman.com.

55th GRAMMY® Awards – Program Schedule and Event Information for the 55th GRAMMY® Awards & Nomination Shows Honoring the Best Artists & Best Albums in 2013.

News and schedule information for the 55th GRAMMYS® has been announced giving the date, time and location for the most prestigious music awards honoring the best artists and best albums in 2013.

Complete details for the 55th Music Awards Ceremony specified at the Grammy.com website announce the upcoming date as February 10, 2013, held at the previous location as last year’s ceremony, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

The CBS Television Network will broadcast the live event in 2013 at 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. Prior to the Live Awards Ceremony, select GRAMMY® Nominees will be announced in another live concert event on December 5, 2012 in Nashville Tennessee.

The ceremony this year is publicized as “The GRAMMY Nomination Concert Live!! – Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night.” The CBS Television Network will air the live televised show featuring music performances by past winners and nominees on December 5, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and 9:00 p.m. CT.

The Annual GRAMMY® Awards is ranked in viewership popularity as one of the highest rated television special programs. Last year’s televised live 54th Annual Awards program reported 39.9 million viewers worldwide. This year’s primetime live awards presentation is expected to be another record breaking year for TV viewership.

Artists within the New Age, Instrumental, Americana, World, and every other music genre have been submitting their music and ballot information pertaining to their newest release in 2012 in hopes they too will be nominated and eventually selected for a best album award during the televised awards presentation ceremony.

Like previous years I have written articles or interviewed GRAMMY® Award/Nominated artists, so visitors new to this music blog can read more about artists in this year’s and past years award competition in the New Age, Instrumental, Americana, and World music genres.

Visit Grammy.com for complete news, information updates and read the 55th Grammy Awards 2013 page for more details. Big Stock Photos – Pcummings & Eskay Lim.

Concert Review: John Adorney and Daya Live! in Concert DVD & CD.

For the first time in over 25 years the heartfelt music of John Adorney and eloquent vocals by Daya is now available on DVD. It was during a live concert in Thousand Oaks, California that a professional recording of their concert performance together is presently being offered on CD or DVD format.

For fans of John Adorney and feature vocalist Daya who had the opportunity to attend this special concert event, it was the first time to hear their favorite hit songs performed live, during an exciting evening presentation given in a close, personal setting. I would imagine most fans of John Adorney and Daya have the CD or Concert DVD by now, but for anyone wanting a short concert review of the event, I can say the relaxed intimate setting added to the evening’s stage performance of the best songs by instrumental composer John Adorney.

The complete song list on the John Adorney & Daya – Live! in Concert CD and DVD are Find the Miracle, Neverending, Comme Le Vent, Waiting for the Moon, Always Remembering You/The Other Shore, As My Heart Desires, Drifting, River of Breath, Yilowe, Even in Your Darkest Hour, The Gathering & Every Moment. The recording is nearly an hour and a half in duration. DVD chapters include the Concert, Song Selection, Behind the Music Chapter and Slideshow.

The artists performing with John Adorney and Daya include guest artist Marcel Adjibi, Victor Bisetti (Los Lobos) drums, Eduardo Del Signore (Dionne Warwick) bass, Ricardo Hambra percussion, Richard Hardy (Dave Matthews Band) flute, Mike Fortunato trumpet, Stuart Hoffman keyboards, Fuzzbee Morse (Frank Zappa) guitar, keyboards and flute, Cara Tower guitar, vocals, plus Lauren Evers, Sandra Provencio and Helen Waters performing vocals.

Sample or purchase John Adorney & Daya – Live in Concert at JohnAdorney.com and Eversound.com Record Label. While you are visiting Eversound find John Adorney’s new album The Fire in the Flint and the best new music by quality artists, including The 15th Anniversary Concert album – The Artists of EverSound Live 11. Photos are courtesy eversound.com.

Yanni Concert Tour Dates in 2013 – World Without Borders.

International concert artist Yanni and his orchestra have just released new concert information for 2013. While there are two remaining concerts in Brazil scheduled for 2012 the newly updated Yanni Concert Tour for 2013, billed as World Without Borders, and tour scheduling information has just begun.

Earlier this year, Yanni and his orchestra performed before sold out concert venues in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia and most recently in a North American Tour 2012, which incorporated a live concert DVD and CD recording in Puerto Rico titled Yanni-Live at El Morro, Puerto Rico.

The 2013 concert season defined by a World Without Borders theme having an integrated message of unity, announces a harmonious tone shared each year by the Yanni team and millions of Yanni fans worldwide.

Presently there are concert venues in 2013 scheduled in Australia, and a new itinerary for Yanni of the island country New Zealand. Additional information on the orchestra musicians and soloists performing with Yanni in 2013 was not given but concertgoers can be assured his selection of only the best quality instrumentalist and vocalists worldwide will be paramount.

If the Yanni Concert song playlist in 2013 is anything like the previous year, attendees in 2013 can expect to hear songs from Truth of Touch, Yanni-Live at El Morro, along with a number of classic songs that have become fan favorites over the years. Visit Yanni.com for the latest news, plus Concert Tour information and upcoming tour schedule updates. If you want to read what concert attendees may expect in 2013, like the song playlist, performing vocalists and solo artists for 2013, read my Yanni Concert Review – Live at El Morro. Photo and Banner courtesy Yanni-Wake Entertainment.

Yanni Concert Tour 2013 – World Without Borders.

International Festival of the Mayan Culture:

November 2, 2013: Yanni will be the featured performer for the first International Festival of the Mayan Culture. Watch a promotional video and find more information on Yanni’s live performance at the upcoming Festival of the Mayan Culture concert show at Ficmaya.com.

Please Note: For Yanni’s 2013 & 2014 concert schedule updates visit the Yanni.com Tour Page.

Sarah Brightman News – Dreamchaser World Concert Tour, Dreamchaser Album & Upcoming Spaceflight to ISS in 2013 Announced.

When describing the life and career of international celebrity Sarah Brightman, one can describe her amazing career of singer, actress, songwriter and dancer as an out of this world superstar in every respect. We now have another reason to place Sarah Brightman in the star celebrity category. Already an interstellar idol for many persons, she is about to embark on the intrepid journey of a lifetime.

Days ago on October 10, 2012 Sarah Brightman released a press announcement about her upcoming spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) for a 10 day interstellar excursion.  After having passed evaluation tests she is now approved by the ISS to begin training for her Russian Space Federation flight aboard a Soyuz Space Rocket.

The exact spaceflight schedule date after her aeronautical training is completed will be determined by the International Space Station team partners at a forthcoming date. During the news statement video Sarah Brightman told of her current flight status, and also gave details about her newest album entitled Dreamchaser, which has a release date of April 16, 2013.

Concert information for the Sarah Brightman World Concert Tour in 2013 was also provided during the live news conference. Her 2013 World Tour, with over 100 concert dates originates in the North American continent on September 13, 2013 in the Canadian province of Hamilton, Ontario, covering 5 continents with concert tickets and VIP packages taking place.

During the course of her professional career, Sarah Brightman has acquired 180 Gold and Platinum awards in over 40 countries worldwide, and reached over 30 million in album sales.

Already a brilliant star in every sense by the accomplishment of many firsts during her career, her ambitious intercontinental World Concert Tour in 2013, and upcoming travel destination of the International Space Station will give new meaning to the expression superstar!

Visit the new SarahBrightman.com website for more news and for World Concert Tour 2013 ticket information. Below is the official YouTube video of the live news broadcast she provided in Moscow, Russia. Space Shuttle photo courtesy NASA – Big Stock Photo Rkasprzak.

Newest Interview with Pianist David Lanz prior to 2013.

Platinum selling pianist David Lanz is a legendary instrumental recording and concert artist who achieved worldwide prominence early on in the New Age music genre, and over the course of his lengthy career which spans decades. Today David Lanz is recognized as one of the leading concert pianists, and instrumental recording artist.

David Lanz celebrates the 25 year anniversary of Cristofori’s Dream in 2012 by the release of a brand new recorded version of his most popular piano album. New Age Music World host John P. Olsen had an opportunity to interview David Lanz prior to the New Year 2013.

This newest interview covers a variety of topics, including the new solo piano, and piano with instrumental recordings of Cristofori’s Dream, Liverpool – Re-imagining the Beatles, Here Comes the Sun, and a new Christmas album project scheduled for release in 2012.

During this interview with David Lanz there are also questions about his career achievements and personal style as composer. We are pleased to present their conversation to David Lanz’s international fan base and our site visitors.

John P. Olsen: Thank you for giving everyone a moment of your time David. Like your fans, I too have admired your music for many years, so our interview today is especially rewarding to me.

You gained prominence as a new age artist early in your career, and have enjoyed many successes along the way. Let me begin our interview by first congratulating you on a remarkable 25 year career David!

David Lanz: Thanks John, I am happy to be here and speaking with you today!

John: Decades ago you helped put the New Age Music Genre on the forefront by release of Cristofori’s Dream. In fact Billboard Magazine selected Cristofori’s Dream as the #1 album in 1988 when they introduced the Billboard Adult Alternative/New Age Album Chart for the first time. Are you optimistic your 2012 Cristofori’s Dream releases, in either version, may make the Billboard Chart again?

David Lanz: That would be great, however I do not really pay as much attention to charts anymore and without a major label doing the leg work, it may be a stretch, but hope springs eternal – right?

John: Was the overwhelming success of Cristofori’s Dream in 1988 a surprise to you at all, or did you feel after completion you had produced an album, many people then and now consider a masterpiece?

David Lanz: I remember both Paul Speer and I (Paul was my co-producer) sitting and listening to the final mix and thinking, “This is a good record.” That was our response, so the overwhelming success did catch us a bit off guard! When you are doing your work-you don’t really stop to think about its impact, only that you are either satisfied or not.

John: Cristofori’s Dream is your most popular album. What do you feel are the key characteristics about the original Cristofori’s Dream that have made this one of your top selling albums of all time?

David Lanz: There were a number of factors. The timing was right, as radio was very open to the album. The cover version of A Whiter Shade of Pale was a great bridge between pop instrumental and New Age music, and the fact that I had tapped into history by bringing Cristofori’s work and name into the hearts, minds, and ears of the public was a major factor I believe.

John: How are the first and second Cristofori’s Dream albums alike, and in what ways do the two albums vary?

David Lanz: Well, the list of songs is the same, but they have been opened up a bit with variations and improvisation and recorded as solo piano pieces this time, without the extras like strings, synths, percussion, etc.

We have also included several bonus tracks not found on the original and created a 16-page booklet that gets into the making of as well as giving historical background on Cristofori himself.

John: During the early years when you lived in Seattle Washington you played in bands, covering a variety of music genres including Rock, Pop, Jazz and Blues. You are widely recognized as an innovator and new age music superstar by your early recordings. In retrospect, what was the catalyst that began your transition to composing and performing new age music?

David Lanz: As I matured as a musician, and as a spiritually aware human, I looked around to see what I could contribute through my music, and the answer was found in a more introspective music and an attitude that focused on the attributes of healing and relaxation. This was the answer to my question, “What does the world need from me?”

John: I have always felt the Piano is perhaps one of the best instruments to express the depth of oneself on a personal level. What was the connection, or reasons you chose the piano over other instruments?

David Lanz: Well that was pretty simple. Both my grandmother and mother played the piano, and they each had pianos in their homes, so I was exposed to that influence as a child and had a natural curiosity about the piano, which led my mother to get me started with piano lessons before I was even 5 years old.

John: As an original song composer, how do you go about the process of composing solo piano music?

David Lanz: That is a big question. Honestly, every song has its own story of origin. The easiest answer is I sometimes just sit at the piano, and improvise until I play something that catches my ear – and it goes from there. There are times however when something in my life will directly affect me emotionally, and then I am able to transform those feelings into music.

John: What led you to compose Cristofori’s Dream?

David Lanz: There is a great explanation of that in the liner notes of the new recording. The spark, the divine seed if you will for Cristofori’s Dream, was found in Judith Oringer’s book, Passion for the Piano, a gift received from a good friend, and a very fortuitous gift it turned out to be! In the forward of this book about the piano and various pianists throughout history, was a dedication to a one, Bartolomeo Cristofori, “the inventor of the piano.”

You could have knocked me over with a feather! There I stood in the middle of my kitchen, mouth agape, a thirty something year old pianist who had played the piano most of his life, but had never once stopped to consider that the piano had an inventor. Hello!

Immediately upon seeing the name Cristofori, my imagination mimicked the name and whispered in my mind, “Christ-Euphoria,” followed directly by the title, Cristofori’s Dream. This was a defining moment! It was also highly unusual for me, as song titles rarely appear like this, if ever, or precede a composition, almost always coming to me during or even after a piece has been composed.”

John: You have more new releases for 2012 including The Beatles inspired Here Comes The Sun, which is available in two separate versions. Apart from the solo piano and piano with instrumental aspects, what are the style variances in the way they were composed and recorded?

David Lanz: I always arrange my pieces to stand alone as solo piano arrangements. I do usually leave space in my arrangements as a matter of style. This allows the use of other instruments, but the piano always carries the melody and can easily standalone without any other musical embellishment.

John: Liverpool – Re-imagining the Beatles & Here Comes the Sun are both beautiful with exclusive variations in style. What are the distinctions from one another?

David Lanz: Liverpool was recorded pretty much live in the studio with a bit larger cast of musician, including drums and hand percussion, making rhythm a larger part of the sound. On Here Comes The Sun, we have more of a chamber sound with the music being performed on piano cello and flute only.

We referred to ourselves (the 3 of us) as the Liverpool Trio, and performed as the same. Both albums feature primarily the music of Lennon and McCartney, but Here Comes The Sun of course features that wonderful piece from George Harrison as well as an original piece I dedicated to both him and George Martin entitled Sir George-Liverpool Farewell.

John: Clearly The Beatles influence on music worldwide cannot be overstated, but on a personal level, what elements about The Beatles music that compels you to compose and perform their cover songs?

David Lanz: I grew up as a musician and a young composer, being much influenced by the way they composed their songs. I wanted to pass the torch, so to speak, as I have a younger generation of composers who look too my work. I wanted them to see where much of my early influence and inspiration has come from. I believe our early influences really help to shape us in whatever we do in life.

John: How do you make your song selections from the many great albums and songs by The Beatles?

David Lanz: That was a very long process of listening and just trying them out on the piano to see how they laid under my hands. It was a very long labor of love!

John: You also have a brand new songbook titled The David Lanz Collection 2000-2011, which is a special group of songs with a connection to family and friends. Would you like to give the details about this new songbook collection?

David Lanz: it was simply a way to put a few highlights from the last decade of music I’ve composed and recorded into a collection for those folks who may only be exposed to my earlier work from the 80’s and 90’s.

There is a very special piece dedicated to my friend Robbie King, who was a musical mentor and passed away several years ago, leaving us much too soon!

John: Being a prolific artist, there is an endless list of albums to choose from out of your current album collection. For anyone who may be new to your music, what 2 albums would you suggest they sample or purchase from each of your solo piano works and piano with instrumentals?

David Lanz: Skyline Firedance features both solo and ensemble versions of the album’s material. Look at Romantic – The Ultimate David Lanz Collection (a 2-CD set with a nice cross section from the first two decades of material, both solo and ensemble) or Painting The Sun and A Cup of Moonlight are a nice representation at my current solo piano work.

John: Your piano sheet music is quite a hit, and very popular seller too, isn’t that right?

David Lanz: Everywhere I go, I hear from piano teachers that tell me my music is not only popular with their students, but it is easy to teach and laid out well. It makes them look good and everyone is happy. There is now over a quarter of a million books of my music out in the world!

John: That’s impressive to have such a popular selection David! I’ve heard the news you have a new Christmas album for 2012. Can you give the title, and when will you be releasing your new Christmas album?

David Lanz: We are working on having that out by mid-November. This is a solo piano collection of Christmas music entitled Joy Noel.

John: I hope to release additional news for your fans and our readers today if possible. Can you release any news information or perhaps plans for a new album project?

David Lanz: Well, after working on getting 2 new albums released in one year (don’t try that at home!) I will need to take a break and review my next project, which looks to be a solo piano recording. Much of the music is already sketched out, but I imagine I will jump back into to my composing, so stay tuned!

John: You have enjoyed a successful music career practically your entire life. What do you find the most rewarding experience as a professional musician?

David Lanz: Just being able to support my family and myself doing the work I love to do. I love being in the David Lanz business!

John: That’s great David, and I want to thank you again for giving everyone another opportunity to find out more about you, and your newest projects. I hope we can get together by another interview someday. Before we close, is there anything you would like to express to the fans that have supported you over the years?

David Lanz: I am and have been so grateful for the opportunity to express myself in music. To have been so embraced by my fans and other pianists is really overwhelming! I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to do my work and serve the world on my own terms!

Visit DavidLanz.com for news and information about concerts and workshops. Visit the DavidLanz.com Store for CD albums, downloads, and merchandise like DVDs, songbooks and sheet music. Visit the artist section for David Lanz at Amazon. Interview photos courtesy BHP Images, Carole May Images, Kyle Zimmerman & davidlanz.com.

With the Closing London 2012 Olympic Ceremony a memory at this point, the official start for the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony for the athletic games took center stage during the live celebration event held at the Olympic Stadium on August 29, 2012.

Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is the title given to the 18 songs total by Various Artists. Celebrating the spirit of the Olympic Games, the 18 songs on Enlightenment were made available at iTunes on August 30, 2012 thru Decca Records.

The 18 songs total are available as a complete album or individuals downloads. The official soundtrack is primarily numbers by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). Stephen Hawking starts the album by narration on the song Prologue, with additional single songs by Barts Choir, The London C, Orbital & Graeae Theatre, Beverley Knight, and Rihanna. There is also a Digital Booklet available for purchase at iTunes.

Speculation has already begun for the Closing Ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. At this point, the chart topping mega artists Coldplay and Rihanna are expected to be the among the artists during the Olympic Closing Ceremony. To sample or purchase the official album visit iTunes to buy Enlightenment – Music for the Opening Ceremony.

A Symphony of British Music and Isles of Wonder – The Official Olympic Closing & Opening Ceremony Songs by the Artists available for online purchase at Amazon.co.uk and DeccaRecords.com.

With the London 2012 Olympic Games nearing its conclusion, anticipation is building for the Official Closing Ceremony Show and music, set to begin on Sunday evening August 12, 2012.

It stands to reason after the brilliant theatrics displayed during the Opening Olympic Ceremony from Danny Boyle, the upcoming Closing London Olympic Ceremony Show, produced by creative director and choreographer Kim Gavin is expected to be equally extravagant as the opening ceremony.

The Closing Olympic Ceremony for the London 2012 Games in part is said to include a spectacle of 4100 performers, a parade of 10,000 athletes and a victory ceremony with videos highlighting inspiring segments of the athletic games. Popular British artists and their songs from the past 50 years are going to set provide the theme music for the closing show. There is also going to be an official Olympic Flag handover to Rio De Janeiro, the city selected for the 2016 Olympic Games.

In regards to the official Olympic Closing Ceremony music, the lineup of artists and complete playlist of songs during the Olympic Closing Ceremony is known in part, but as organizers have previously stated, the final lineup of artists and songs can change. The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) is of course keeping many aspects of the closing ceremony a secret so we can expect many surprises during the final hours of the London Olympics.

Like the official Opening Ceremony Music release Isles of Wonder, available on CD/mp3 Amazon, iTunes and Decca Records, music for the official Olympic Closing Ceremony Soundtrack with songs in digital format, can be sampled and purchased, but only in digital download format at DeccaRecords.com.

Isles of Wonder is a top selling compilation album, and having secured the #1 album on download charts in the UK, Belgium, France and Spain, reaching the #5 position as a top-selling album in the U.S.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the title given to the 30 digital songs to be made available at Decca Records right after the closing ceremony on August 12, 2012.

Music director David Arnold will host the music entertainment festivities anticipated to feature live stage performances by popular British acts like Annie Lennox, Elbow, Elton John, Emeli Sande, Kate Bush, Madness, George Michael, One Direction, Paul McCartney, Queen, Ray Davies, Rolling Stones, Spice Girls, Take That, The Clash, The Pet Shop Boys, The Who, plus a variety artists performing popular cover songs. During the evening of entertainment, songs by lesser known, up and coming artists will be placed in the spotlight too, while highlighting British music’s cultural influence on the world.

Songs performed by a variety of artists during the closing ceremony are expected to include Read All About It, Our House, West End Girls, What Makes You Beautiful, Waterloo Sunset, One Day Like This, Open Arms, Freedom, White Light, Little Bird, Should I Stay Or Should I Go, We Will Rock You, Rule The World, and many more. British superstar group The Who is likely to close the show which ends with a fireworks display from atop the Olympic Stadium.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is again, a digital album only that will be released and made available at Decca Records right after the games end on August 12, 2012. A Symphony of British Music is currently available by pre-ordering at Amazon.co.uk.

The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) was selected to score the official Olympic Soundtracks for both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the London Olympics, and the equally exciting Paralympic Games that run August 29, 2012 – September 9, 2012.

A Symphony of British Music Soundtrack by a variety of artists is sure to be a popular item like the opening album Isles of Wonder available at Amazon.co.uk, iTunes, and Decca Records. You may also purchase A Symphony of British Music at DeccaRecords.com after the formal closing events on August 12, 2012.

Purchase A Symphony of British Music at Amazon.co.uk by pre-ordering, and you may purchase Isles of Wonder at iTunes, and purchase A Symphony of British Music at iTunes.com. Big Stock Photos – Pressmaster & Gary718.

A Symphony of British Music – Music for the Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is now available for purchase pre-orders at Amazon.co.uk & Decca Records on August 12, 2012.

With the London 2012 Olympic Games nearing a conclusion, official music for the Olympic Closing Ceremony songs is just beginning. If you would like to sample or purchase the official London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremony Songs you may do so at a number of online stores.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is available for album pre-order purchase at Amazon.co.uk. Buy A Symphony of British Music at Decca Records on August 12, 2012.

The Opening Ceremony music Isles of Wonder became available at iTunes and Amazon on July 28, 2012. The 2 disc Olympic Opening Soundtrack of 36 songs by various artists, with digital booklet is available at iTunes and Amazon.com.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the long, but official title given to the Olympic Closing Soundtrack of 30 songs scheduled for release on August 20, 2012.

You may purchase the Closing Ceremony album titled A Symphony of British Music at DeccaRecords.com on August 12, 2012. You may now purchase the Opening Ceremony music Isles of Wonder at Amazon.co.uk.

It is expected to be a playlist of 30 songs by popular British acts like Annie Lennox, Elbow, Emeli Sande, Madness, George Michael, One Direction, Queen, Ray Davies, Take That, The Clash, The Pet Shop Boys, along with some new acts. Music group The Who is expected to perform the closing song.

Pre-order purchase A Symphony of British Music at Amazon.co.uk, which will be made available as mp3/digital downloads (only) on August 20, 2012. Purchase the London Closing Olympic songs at DeccaRecords.com, after August 12, 2012. Albums cover artwork courtesy amazon.co.uk.

Isles of Wonder – Official Music for the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

If you are one of the nearly billion persons expected to watch the opening ceremonies and 2012 London Olympic Games, then you would probably agree the official Olympic songs performed by a variety of artists, played an important role in the overall impression felt by the grand theatrical exploits of artistic director Danny Boyle, who engaged a cast of over 10,000 stage performers.

It leads to the important question, where to buy the official Olympic songs performed during the opening ceremonies, and the official music for the Olympic closing ceremonies, which will follow August 12, 2012. The music directors for the opening 2012 Olympic Games Ceremonies, British music duo Rick Smith and Karl Hyde of Underworld and other representatives have already released the mp3/digital downloads of the Olympic opening music, made available on July 28, 2012 at iTunes.

Isles of Wonder – Music For The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the official title of the Olympic opening ceremonies. This album was made available at iTunes following the opening ceremonies. The physical audio CD of the opening ceremony music is soon to be released through the Decca Records Label website shown below.

A Symphony of British Music – Music For The Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games is the official Olympic soundtrack for the closing ceremonies to follow. The closing Olympic soundtrack will be made available as mp3/digital download release (only) on August 12, 2012 at the Decca Records website.

Isles of Wonder is itemized in the soundtrack category at iTunes. Some may be more familiar with the songs than others, but for those who would like to know, the first opening album by a variety of artists has an equal variety of music genres too.

Many songs are instrumental, rock or pop music, plus there are songs in the electronic, dance and techno music category too, with a lot of familiar vocalists. Many are popular songs including several in the new age music category. The song playlist varies from the actual stage performance, but it’s a fine music collection.

Purchase the official Olympic opening soundtrack of 36 songs total by various artist entitled Isles of Wonder – Music For The Opening Ceremony at iTunes. Along with the album at iTunes, there is an accompanying digital booklet available too.

Visit Amazon.co.uk to sample or purchase the opening ceremony and closing ceremony Olympic soundtracks when available. Album cover art courtesy iTunes.

Isles of Wonder – Official Opening Ceremony Song Playlist:

First Track Song List:

1. Frank Turner song – I Still Believe.

2. Four Nations Choirs songs, Jerusalem, Flower of Scotland, Danny Boy, Bread of Heaven.

3. LSO On Track song, Nimrod.

4. Underworld song, And I Will Kiss (featuring Dame Evelyn Glennie).

5. Mike Oldfield songs, Tubular Bells, In Dulci Jubilo.

6. London Symphony Orchestra song, Chariots of Fire.

7. Blanck Mass & London Symphony Orchestra song, Sundowner.

8. Dizzee Rascal & Armand Helden song, Bonkers (Radio Edit).

9. A.R. Rahman song, Nimma Nimma (featuring Jaspreet Jasz).

10. Emeli Sande song, Heaven.

11. Emeli Sande song, Abide With Me.

12. Arctic Monkeys song, I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor.

13. Arctic Monkeys song, Come Together.

14. Underworld song Caliban’s Dream (featuring Dockhead Choir, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Only Men Aloud!, Elizabeth Roberts, Alex Trimble).

Second Track Song List:

1. The Chemical Brothers song, Galvanize (Beginning).

2. High Contrast song, Moon Watcher.

3. Underworld song, Always Loved a Film (Instrumental).

4. Underworld song, Dark And Long (Dark Train).

5. Pet Shop Boys song, West End Girls.

6. Underworld song, Minneapolis (High Contrast Remix)

7. High Contrast song, Reach.

8. High Contrast song, Ghost Dance.

9. Underworld song, Confusion the Waitress (Darren Price & High Contrast Remix).

10. Wretch 32 song, Traktor (featuring. L – Radio Edition).

11. F Buttons song, Olympians (High Contrast Remix).

12. High Contrast song, Can’t Stop This Fire.

13. Underworld song, Moon In Water (Instrumental).

14. Underworld song, Crocodile (High Contrast Remix).

15. U2 song, Where the Streets Have No Name (High Contrast Remix).

16. High Contrast song, For Years.

17. Underworld song, Dirty Epic (Darren Price & High Contrast Remix).

18. High Contrast song, The Long Way Home.

19. Underworld song, Dark and Long (Darren Price And High Contrast Remix).

20. Underworld song, Rez (High Contrast Remix).

21. David Bowie song, Heroes.

22. The Chemical Brothers song, Galvanize (Ending).

The progressive rock group YES, is a favorite topic at this site having been a fan of the legendary group YES from their beginning. Another favorite topic is former YES members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman, two original artists who have toured together and enjoyed successful solo careers of their own for many years.

YES is preparing for their 2012 North America Summer Tour with the group Procol Harum, a progressive rock band noted for their own unique sound. The opening night for their summer tour is set for July 10, 2012 in Rama Ontario at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre, with dozens of venues throughout the U.S. and North America.

The definitive superstars of progressive rock music, YES and current member lineup of the band during the 2012 summer tour are Jon Davison (vocals) Steve Howe (lead guitar) Chris Squire (bass guitar) Geoff Downes (keyboards) Alan White (percussion).

YES is an award-winning progressive rock group with a changing lineup, but unchanged is their exceptional blend of progressive rock with classical music, making them popular as ever with YES fans today as they were yesteryear.

Visit YesWorld.com for current YES tour events information and shop for VIP concert packages and YES merchandise. Read publications for Rick Wakeman and my Jon Anderson interview. Concert banner courtesy Big Stock Photo – Dws.

Legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman, former keyboardist of the progressive rock group YES, has released a new live concert CD for 2012. Rick Wakeman’s newest album is an archival live concert CD titled In The Nick Of Time.

Recorded during a concert tour in 2003 to promote his current studio album at the time Out There, the new 2012 album is a recording of his performance with the group New English Rock Ensemble. In The Nick Of Time is an archival concert recording, commercially released for the first time.

Celebrating 40 years as a legendary keyboardist, Rick Wakeman throughout his career, has joined forces with some of the most prevalent artists in the music business including famous artists Cat Stevens and David Bowie.

There is also the front man for glam rock group T. Rex Marc Bolan, the original YES singer songwriter Jon Anderson, and a host of other music greats. Some may not know that many of the best hit songs produced by a lengthy list of popular artists involved Rick Wakeman’s masterful performance on keyboards.

Rick Wakeman is famous as soloist, and for his albums with progressive music group YES. The immensely popular albums Fragile, Close To The Edge and live album, Yessongs are just a few. Then there are countless fans like myself who admire Rick Wakeman’s studio and live collaboration albums with YES vocalist and lyricists, Jon Anderson. The two artists as a team are a wildly popular duo during their concert tours together in both the U.S. and UK.

Rick Wakeman’s new album In The Nick Of Time, is a signature style, progressive rock album with 7 songs performed live with the New English Rock Ensemble. The 7 identifiable in style songs on the release are Catherine Parr, Out There, No Earthly Connection, Dance of a Thousand Lights, The Cathedral In The Sky, White Rock & Wurm.

Rick Wakeman’s Biography titled Caped Crusader – Rick Wakeman In The 1970’s by Dan Wooding, with forward written by Elton John is also available at Gonzo Multimedia.

Visit the Rick Wakeman Communications Centre at RWCC.com. To purchase Rick Wakeman – In The Nick Of Time CD and his biography, visit gonzomultimedia.co.uk or Gonzo Multimedia U.S. store. Sample songs at Amazon U.S. store. Cover artwork is courtesy rwcc.com.

Blackmore’s Night fans across Europe will have numerous opportunities to attend a Blackmore’s Night concert during the summer months in 2012. The international success for the renaissance inspired band Blackmore’s Night is impressive, with an enormous following in North and South America, Europe and Japan.

Blackmore’s Night has a 2012 concert schedule posted at their site with over a dozen concert venues listed like shown below. Most appearances for Blackmore’s Night are scheduled for Germany, but there are additional concert venues scheduled in Holland, Luxembourg, and the Czech Republic.

On the Blackmore’s Night tour page it is indicated that the dates shown below are the last to be scheduled for 2012, and special seating will be made available to fans wearing renaissance attire until those seats are filled. Enjoy the show by one of the top international concert artists! Visit BlackmoresNight.com for 2012 tour information.

Concert banner is courtesy blackmoresnight.com & Blackmore Productions.

Blackmore’s Night – European Summer Concert Tour 2012;

July 4, 2012 – Abenberg, Germany

July 7, 2012 – Neu Isenburg Hugenottenhalle, Germany

July 8, 2012 – Bonn Beethovenhalle, Germany

July 11, 2012 – Nijmegen Holland, Holland

July 13, 2012 – Essen Philharmonie, Germany

July 16, 2012 – Heidelberg, Germany

July 20, 2012 – Chateau Beaufort, Luxembourg

July 21, 2012 – Rottenburg, Germany

July 27, 2012 – Kloster Buch, Germany

July 29, 2012 – Slavkov, Czech Republic

August 1, 2012 – Steintor Varietee Halle/ Saale, Germany

August 3, 2012 – Berlin Admiralspalast, Germany

August 5, 2012 – Tambacher Sommer/Coburg, Germany

Check blackmoresnight.com tour page for updates and important notices.

Jon Anderson – South America Tour Dates 2012.

Legendary solo artist, and original YES singer and songwriter Jon Anderson, has a summer concert schedule update for 2012. This is great news for fans of the popular music celebrity who has been a highly regarded source of music entertainment for millions of people over his decade’s long career.

Recognized as one of the most identifiable voices in progressive rock music, Jon Anderson is renowned worldwide for his work with YES, Vangelis and Kitaro, in addition to his original solo recordings.

After completing several successful tours of the U.S. and South America, Jon Anderson’s Summer Tour in 2012 is in support of his internationally successful CD album, Survival & Other Stories, and newest digital download entitled OPEN.

People attending a Jon Anderson concert can expect to hear the best material from Jon Anderson’s prolific solo career including Survival & Other Stories, OPEN, collaborations with Vangelis (Jon & Vangelis), and classic YES songs. Concertgoers can expect to hear favorite songs and some new compositions too, during a fun evening of entertainment that includes humorous and inspirational moments, and personal life stories from the legendary artist.

During Jon Anderson’s career as a music professional, Jon has covered popular music like progressive rock, but he shows his versatility as an artist by producing new age, pop, adult contemporary, and Christian music releases too. For many people, the year 2012 is going to be a great opportunity to hear a true music legend in a more intimate concert venue!

On August 8, 2012 Jon Anderson performed in the UK for the first time in many years at the Sadler’s Wells Theater in London. People attending this special concert event heard Jon and the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra perform favorite song classics from YES, Jon & Vangelis, plus new songs in a concert for “Earth and Peace” at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London England.

Visit JonAnderson.com for news and 2012 tour schedule. Read our interview together and my pages for Jon Anderson. Below is Jon Anderson’s current 2012 tour schedule. Concert tour schedules change so visit JonAnderson.com for news and concert tour updates. Concert tour info courtesy jonanderson.com & photo by Tami Freed.

Jon Anderson – South America Concert Tour Dates 2012:

September 11, 2012 – Auditorio Nacional Adela Reta – Montevideo, Uruguay

September 14, 2012 – Teatro Positivo –  Curitiba, Brazil

September 17, 2012 – Teatro Luis Mendonça –  Recife, Brazil

September 19, 2012 – Teatro Castro Alves – Salvador, Brazil

September 21, 2012 – Centro Cultural Joao Nogueira – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

September 26, 2012 – Palacio das Artes – Belo Horizonte, Brazil

September 28, 2012 – Teatro ND Ateneo – Buenos Aires, ARG

September 30, 2012 – Teatro Auditorium – Mar del Plata, ARG

October 3, 2012 – Teatro San Martin – Tucuman, ARG

October 5, 2012 – Teatro Luz y Fuerza – Cordoba, ARG

October 7, 2012 – Teatro Plaza – Mendoza, ARG

October 10, 2012 – Teatro El Circulo – Rosario, ARG

For concert schedule updates visit JonAnderson.com.

Gallery of Dreams – Plus Live by Gandalf with Steve Hackett.

With the advent of the New Year 2012 well past us, new age and popular artists of every genre are releasing their best new project for 2012. While brand new CD and mp3 album downloads are arriving daily at music stores, legendary new age artist Gandalf and popular rock music icon Steve Hackett, formerly of Genesis, have a new 2012, re-mastered release of an exquisite instrumental music classic.

Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams – Plus Live featuring Steve Hackett is the title given to this definitive 3 CD Anniversary Edition, that is progressive instrumental music at its finest! Also available as mp3 digital downloads, the first CD is an original studio Gallery Of Dreams album digitally re-mastered.

Plus, Gandalf and Steve Hackett’s previously unreleased 2 CD live concert recordings at the Wiener Konzerhaus concert in Vienna, Austria are included in the special 3 CD Anniversary Edition, comprised of several world-class quality guest instrumentalists, and a wonderful vocalist named Tracy Hitchings on the title track.

Gandalf – featuring Steve Hackett – Live in Concert Part 1 & Live in Concert Part 2 are the official titles for the 2 live concert CDs. The 3 CD Anniversary Edition of Gandalf and Steve Hackett’s legendary studio recording, plus their 2 CD live concert recorded during the Wiener Konzerthaus concert in Vienna Austria is an exceptional collection of songs. The finer points with this release are the artisanship, cinematic qualities and cultural fusion of new age and progressive rock music.

Gallery Of Dreams by Gandalf, featuring Steve Hackett is a masterful arrangement that amazed the music world in 1992, like the definitive anniversary collection carries on the tradition today.

Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams is a timeless instrumental classic, powerful in depth by the beauty of orchestral instruments of oboe, flute, piano and English horn in perfect rhythm with classical, acoustic and electric guitar. Even while conveying an air of refinement and complexity, the focus on instrumental warmth and harmony create a personable atmosphere from beginning to end.

It is in a likeness to predecessor Symphonic Landscape, another instrumental album by Gandalf whose symphonic innovations remain ageless with the passing of time. I say with near certainty, Gallery Of Dreams – Plus Live is one of the rarest albums destined to be one of the best progressive instrumental albums I, or any review publicist will write a review about in 2012.

Gandalf featuring Steve Hackett – Live In Concert – Part 1 & Part 2 CDs are previously unreleased live recordings during Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams in 1992 at the Wiener Konzerhaus concert in Vienna Austria, with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett as special guest artist.

Live In Concert Part 1 & Live In Concert Part 2 is parallel to the Gallery Of Dreams studio album by the inherent music qualities given by the artists involved, but perhaps more dynamic being a concert recording made on stage in front of a live audience.

Steve Hackett takes the lead in rock opera styled guitar refrains on a number of songs. Live In Concert Part 1 contains the two Genesis songs Horizons & In that Quiet Earth. As fans of the band Genesis know, guitar virtuoso Steve Hackett in classic form and bravura will leave a lasting impression on the listener every time.

Gandalf and Steve Hackett each have their own highly successful solo albums with distinctive style and technique, but it was Steve Hackett’s musical influence that made a major impression on Gandalf’s music. The natural ability of both artists as soloist is legendary. Gandalf and Steve Hackett complement one another beautifully during their performance, so it’s no surprise their collaborative effort together has resulted in a phenomenal collection of songs.

The 3 CD Anniversary Edition comes with a 6 page color photo booklet, concert poster, and a song video clip of Face in the Mirror that is playable on your computer. For Gandalf concert information, the Gandalf – Art Of Infinity Concert is scheduled for November 3, 2012 at the Planetarium Bochum in Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany.

Full credits for artists performing on Gallery of Dreams – plus live, Live in Concert Part 1 & Live in Concert Part 2 are; Gandalf – electric guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, piano, keyboards, sitar, sequencers and atmospheres. Steve Hackett – electric and classical guitars. Robert Julian Horky – flutes. Andrea Krauk – oboe, English horn.

Peter Aschenbrenner – flutes, soprano saxophone, and keyboards. Erich Buchebner – bass and fretless bass, taurus, bass-pedals and acoustic guitar. Toni Muhlhofer – percussion and Tracy Hitchings is the vocalist on Gallery of Dreams title track.

Visit Gandalf.at and BSCMusic.com to purchase, and then visit HackettSongs.com. Cover art and photos are courtesy Gandalf & Steve Hackett.

Gallery Of Dreams – Plus Live featuring Steve Hackett is the title of Gandalf’s 3 CD Anniversary Edition of progressive instrumental music featuring former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. An album and concert review of their 3 CD Anniversary Edition will be ready before “Earth Day.” Until then, here is a song video of Face In The Mirror.

The first CD is an original studio Gallery Of Dreams album, plus Gandalf and Steve Hackett’s previously unreleased 2 CD live concert recordings are included in the special 3 CD Anniversary Edition digitally re-mastered for 2012.

The live concert CDs of Gandalf’s Gallery Of Dreams European Tour in 1992 was held at the Wiener Konzerhaus concert in Vienna Austria. Steve Hackett, former Genesis guitarist joined Gandalf as the special guest artist on the Gallery Of Dreams studio album, and the 2 live concert CDs titled Live in Concert Part 1 & Live in Concert Part 2.

Visit Gandalf.at or find Gallery of Dreams at BSCMusic.com.

Gandalf and Steve Hackett of Genesis complement one another on stage, and in their own words below;

Gandalf: “Steve Hackett is one of the people who in the past had a major influence on my musical development. Over the last few years, I have been finding my own personal style and working with Steve felt like closing a circle. I managed to build a bridge to my musical roots.”

Steve Hackett: “Working with Gandalf on this album has certainly been one of my most enjoyable recording experiences. In his field, he is undoubtedly a musical genius without parallel.”

Concert Tour – Mysterium Tremendum by Mickey Hart Band.

Former Grateful Dead member Mickey Hart has always been an artist identified by his progressive music, both as a percussionist for the iconic Grateful Dead band, along with his 3 time GRAMMY® Award-Winning albums, and innovative sound excursions with his group the Mickey Hart Band.

The Mickey Hart Band “Above The Clouds Concert Tour” in 2012 is underway, with concert reviews for the bands performances getting admirable music reviews for their giant leap into progressive new sounds that becomes somewhat problematic when you try to categorize or brand his music.

Mysterium Tremendum is the Mickey Hart Band’s new album in 2012. Call it progressive rock, pop, adult contemporary, new age, world, or whatever you like, but identical to their new Mysterium Tremendum release, The Mickey Hart Band’s music is unlike anything you have previously heard. There is a variety of innovative sounds matched with great instrumentals and vocals.

During the Mickey Hart Band Tour – 2012, they perform a number of songs from their fantastic new album Mysterium Tremendum, just released on April 10, 2012. It’s a great album that shines by a contrasting fusion of music genres during every one of the 12 songs total. Possessing deep percussions, vocals and heavy rhythms, the divergent mix is extraordinary.

Can you envision the Mickey Hart Band will be among those in the New Age or World music categories in the GRAMMY® Awards in 2013? If there were an innovative music category, the Mickey Hart Band would definitely be the winner! Mickey Hart is a constantly evolving musician with no final conclusion in sight for the former Grateful Dead drummer who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award.

Band members are; Mickey Hart, Crystal Monee Hall, Tim Hockenberry, Dave Schools, Gawain Mathews, Sikiru Adepoju, Ian “Inkx” Herman and Ben Yonas. The YouTube song sample video below is live music from the Mickey Hart Band Concert Tour.

Visit MickeyHart.net to sample or purchase Mysterium Tremendum, and check out the band’s 2012 Concert Tour schedule. Special VIP packages are also available. Below is the current Mickey Hart Band 2012 Concert Tour schedule for 2012. Please note concert dates shown below are subject to change, and more concert dates may be scheduled once confirmed. For concert updates and most accurate concert info visit MickeyHart.net tour page. Photos are courtesy mickeyhart.net.

Mickey Hart Band – Concert Tour Dates 2012;

April 17, 2012 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle

April 18, 2012 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

April 20, 2012 – Live Oak, FL – Wanee Festival

April 21, 2012 – Atlanta, GA – Sweetwater 420 Festival

April 22, 2012 – Birmingham, AL – WorkPlay Theatre

April 23, 2012 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge

April 25, 2012 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater

April 25, 2012 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater

April 26, 2012 – Austin, TX – La Zona Rosa

April 27, 2012 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s

April 28, 2012 – Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen

April 29, 2012 – Memphis, TN – New Daisy Theatre

May 7, 2012 – Bend, OR – Tower Theatre

May 8, 2012 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

May 9, 2012 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre

May 10, 2012 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

May 11, 2012 – Ashland, OR – Ashland Armory

May 12, 2012 – Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory Concert House

May 14, 2012 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma Theater

May 15, 2012 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory Concert House

May 16, 2012 – Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room

May 17, 2012 – Denver, CO – The Ogden Theatre

June 30, 2012 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

July 21, 2012 – Bridgeport, CT – Gathering of the Vibes

July 22, 2012 – Thornville, OH – All Good Music Festival

July 22, 2012 – Thornville, OH – All Good Music Festival

September 5, 2012 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre

September 6, 2012 – Charlottesville – The Jefferson Theater

September 7, 2012 – Harrodsburg, KY – Terrapin Hill Harvest Festival

September 11, 2012 – Ozark, AR – Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Music Festival

September 14, 2012 – Ozark, AR – Yonder Mountain String Band’s Harvest Music Festival

October 13, 2012 – Columbia, MO – Blue Note

October 14, 2012 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall

October 15, 2012 – St. Petersburg, FL – The State Theater

October 17, 2012 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution

October 18, 2012 – Live Oak, FL – Magnolia Fest – Amphitheater Stage

October 19, 2012 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

October 20, 2012 – Black Mountain, NC – Lake Eden Arts Festival

Visit MickeyHart.net Concert Shows Page for future schedule updates.