The progressive rock ingenuity of ‘Spock’s Beard’ has
been mesmerizing music aficionados since the groups’ inception in 1992.
The band was formed in Los Angeles by Brothers
Neal Morse (Eric Burdon’s i Band, Transatlantic) and Alan Morse (Chad &
Jeremy, Spencer Davis). Alan Morse devised the ingenious pseudonym from a Star
Trek episode entitled “Mirror, Mirror” about a parallel universe in which a Mr.
Spock evil counterpart sporting a beard was characterized.
The group instantly generated a devout following
with their first two critically-acclaimed studio releases … The Light (1995) and Beware of Darkness (1996).
Subsequent studio releases … The Kindness of Strangers (1998),
Day for Night (1999), V (2000)
and their concept album Snow (2002).
Neal Morse left the group in 2002 to pursue a solo
career. Drummer Nick D’ Virgilio took over lead vocalist duties for the group
after Morse’s departure.
Feel
Euphoria their seventh studio album was released in 2003. It
was the first recording without their longtime vocalist and songwriter Neal
Morse. The group’s songwriting responsibilities were now equally shared between
its band members.
Subsequent studio albums …Octane (2005), Spock’s Beard
(2006) and X (2010).
In 2011, Spock’s Beard performed at the Sweden Rock
Festival and the High Voltage Festival at Victoria Park in London. Neal Morse
reunited with the band briefly during the High Voltage Festival.
Later in 2011, Nick D’ Virgilio left the group to
work with Cirque Du Soleil.
It was announced that Ted Leonard (Enchant) would
become their new lead vocalist while Jimmy Keegan (Santana) became their new
drummer.
The
latest album from Spock’s Beard is exhilarating new
music on a double- CD release entitled ‘Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep.’
It’s their eleventh studio album. The band’s current lineup is Alan Morse
(guitar, vocals), Dave Meros (bass guitar, vocals and keyboards), Ryo Okumoto
(keyboards, vocals); Jimmy Keegan (drums, vocals) and Ted Leonard (lead vocals,
guitars).
Original lead singer and songwriter Neal Morse
contributed on two tracks of the album.
Notable
tracks on the new album are (Disc 1) “Hiding Out”… A
hard rockin’ melody hybridized by Ted Leonard’s brilliant lyrical content, Kansas-like
vocalization and intricate synthesized keyboard and electric guitar arrangement.
It’s a powerful track and evocative to the progressive rock glory days of the
70’s. While the entire group shines brightly on this track, Alan Morse’s guitar
solo is positively explosive. “Treasure
Abandoned”… Is another exciting track. Leonard’s vocals are first-class,
reminiscent to the early days of Steve Walsh and Kansas, while orchestrated and performed by unadulterated
rock wizardry. “Submerged”… Is a
laid-back musical journey transcending progressive realm. “Afterthoughts”… Veers into Gentle Giant-type musical arrangements
supported by heavier rock riffs, synthesizers and hard-core drumming. “Something Very Strange” …All the
necessary elements for the quintessential progressive rock song are apparent on
this track and on the next one “Waiting
For Me” …An epic 12:36 music arrangement co-written by Brothers Alan and
Neal Morse.
(Disc
2 bonus) “Down A Burning Road”… Emphasizes
awe-inspiring lyrical content and musical expression. “Wish I Were Here” …A vibrant and intelligent avant-garde musical creation penned by Alan Morse. The track features elements of
psychedelic and progressive rock.
Additional
credits on the album …Stan Ausmus (songwriting and guitar),
John Boegehold (songwriting, vocoder), Craig Eastman (violin, viola, hurdy
gurdy) and Neal Morse (songwriting, guitar).
Spock’s Beard is triumphant! Virtuoso musicians + profound songwriting = incredible and
awe-inspiring music! I gave ‘Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep’ by Spock’s Beard …FIVE (5) STARS
Spock’s Beard recently concluded a European tour in
support of their new release. The tour was supported by Swedish prog-rock group
Beardfish and British prog-rock band Sound of Contact (Featuring Simon Collins,
Phil Collins son).
Spock’s Beard also recently released the “Submerged”
video.
Purchase ‘Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep’ the double- CD release by Spock’s Beard at
amazon.com
Spock’s Beard official website www.spocksbeard.com
Special thanks to Billy James of Glass Onyon PR.
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Book Review says Ray Shasho is a product of the
second half of the 20th century, made in the USA from parts around the
world, and within him is every trend in music, television, politics and culture
contributing to his philosophical and comically analytical reflections
collected in his fine book of memories. I found Check the
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