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BIENVENUE CHEZ UNICORN DIGITAL Last update / Dernière mise à jour: 9 Juin/June 2009
Roger Powell signs with Unicorn Digital and releases Solo Piano Blue Note Ridge
UNICORN DIGITAL is proud to announce that legendary keyboardist Roger Powell (Utopia, David Bowie, Meat Loaf) has signed a deal with the label to release Blue Note Ridge, a collection of improvisations that embrace classical melody, contemporary harmony and impressionist forms on this debut solo piano album.
A stream of consciousness merging styles and eras, Blue Note Ridge is pure, elegant and honest. In the 70’s and 80’s Roger Powell’s groundbreaking electronic synthesizer albums Cosmic Furnace (Atlantic) and Air Pocket (Bearsville) were hailed as masterworks. Powell has always been held in high esteem by his peers.
“Even among the keyboard titans of the progrock Seventies, Roger Powell always stood out.” (Future Music U.S. Ed.- June 2006).
2006 signaled a welcome return of Roger Powell with the retrofuturistic, groove oriented, Fossil Poets (Inner Knot CD/Vinyl LP). The critically acclaimed release was produced by award winning producer Gary Tanin who, along with Powell, produced the 2009 solo piano offering Blue Note Ridge.
Released on Fossil Poet Records a few months ago (as a Limited Edition CD through CD Baby and via digital download) Blue Note Ridge will be available world wide on Unicorn Digital as of July the 14th 2009
VECTEUR K first album on Unicorn Digital
UNICORN DIGITAL is proud to welcome VECTEUR K into the family.
This album, called La peur du désert (Fear of the desert), released in May 2009 on Unicorn Digital (UNCR 5068), offers a reflexion on the feeling of emptyness expressed by mankind and the perpetual fight for filling it. A rich and pure sound, french lyrics, and a desire to keep arrangements simple in spite of the complexity of some structures gave a very special and unique touch to the album, which may please both progressive and general rock fans. In that way, Vecteur K offers something unique.
Formed of lead singer and guitarist Marc-André Noël, lead guitarist Marc-Antoine Sauvé, keyboard player Jean-François Bernard, bassman Benoît Dalpé and drummer Éric Cournoyer, Vecteur K takes place on the musical scene since 2003. Marc-André, Éric and Benoît are in the adventure since the beginning, while Marc-Antoine joined in 2007, followed by Jean-François in 2008. With explosive compositions and imaging lyrics, they established their own style, without any barrier or limits, between rock and progressive types of music.
FLOOD's debut album ‘Tales From The Four Seasons’ is an instrumental album. It began life as a short piece entitled Summer written whilst on holiday in Dorset five years ago and became a four suites concept album
Although typically drawn to more heavy arrangements in terms of the use of synthesisers, bass pedals and electric guitars, Flood felt it was important to keep the orchestration and choice of instruments the same as had been used on Summer. The original orchestration has been augmented by the use of piano, upright bass clarinet and drums. Each season is made up of individual movements linked together using short linking passages. The music was inspired by the sights and sounds of the English countryside.
MYSTERY CELEBRATES THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF DESTINY?
10 years ago, Mystery had just released their 3rd CD entitled Destiny? This album received rave reviews from all over the world. The album cover showed a child waiting for the schoolbus in front of a cemetary. What will happen between this young kid school day and the day that this kid, hopefully very old, will die.
Well in 10 years many things happened. Members have left and other have joined the band, and unfortunately some have left for another world. The world is not really the same anymore and everything did not turn out according to plans or was it all just following the course of a greater master plan fore-ordained by the Divine?? Who knows?, One thing is sure the questions asked on Destiny? Have not been answered yet and probably never will.
2 songs will not make the final mix in 1998 including Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face which 9 years later has become the title track of Mystery’s best selling CD, and Hevean can Wait that you can now find on the new 10th Anniversary edition of DESTINY?
After the release of MYSTERY’s latest album Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face, Tracks from the Destiny? Sessions were transferred into Illusion Studio’s computer and the new mix was started. Michel St-Pere says about this project: Not only this album brought MYSTERY to a new level, but it also started the whole Unicorn Records adventure. But I was not satisfied with the mix and after mixing Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face, I knew I could bring Destiny to a new level.
The new mix sounds a lot better than the original and this album deserves to be heard the way it was meant to be. The 10th anniversary edition of Destiny is now available,
MYSTERY will be playing at FMPM2009 in september and is now recording a new studio album.
UNICORN DIGITAL is proud to welcome Rick Miller into the family and presents his latest Progressive Rock CD falling Through Rainbows
Rick Miller has been composing, producing, performing and recording since the early 80s. Having produced a great deal of instrumental music for various AV productions, in 1982, he released “Starsong,” a new age keyboard, instrumental work that sold over 30,000 copies worldwide..
Throughout the 80s and 90s, Miller gained a great deal of production experience while working at Sound Design Studios in Toronto, then later in his own studio in Lakefield, Ontario, all the while honing his skills as a singer, songwriter.
Early in the new century, Miller turned his attention to his first love, Progressive Rock, the music he grew up listening to. Between 2004 and 2009, he released 4 CDs in the prog rock genre, the latest being “Falling Through Rainbows.” His style can be considered to be about halfway between Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues, and although there is certainly a modern edge to his work, there is no doubt that his major influence comes directly from the 70s. All of Miller’s CDs feature an assortment of guest musicians and singers that typically add their own flavour to each piece they work on.
Rick Miller currently lives and works in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada and is married with 3 teenage children.
Unicorn Digital is proud to announce Iranian guitar player Agah Bahari has signed a deal with Unicorn Digital for the release and promotion of his album "The Second Sight of a Mind" .
Agah Bahari's debut solo album "The Second Sight of a Mind" is a dream come true for fans of Progressive Rock music. A One of a kind adventurous instrumental progressive metal collaboration between Agah Bahari, Derek Sherinian, Virgil Donati and Ric Fierabracci
"Agah Bahari is writing cutting edge instrumental progressive rock. His guitar playing is very impressive as well." Says Derek Sherinian.
"Agah is a great up and coming writer and guitarist who has a really fresh sounding approach that is really welcomed by me." adds Ric Fierabracci The Second Sight of a Mind is available now.
The Power Trio from Hell is Back, Junk Farm didn’t come to Dance
After their critically acclaimed Unicorn Digital debut album "Ugly Little Thing", Junk Farm now presents their very new output "Didn't Come To Dance".On this album Junk Farm put all their energy into 13 songs, which are meant to be "in your face". In the typical Junk Farm manner, they cover a great variety of styles on a skilled playing level, without loosing the red line and the main topic "Power-Rock".
If you ever wanted to know how it feels to be a stalker, how it is to talk to yourself, what do girls hide in their purse, what it means to grow old or how to write a love song ;-) .... this and much more is covered on this album. Although the music is complex, it is very catchy and easy to listen to. But not to much cause you know: They didn't come to dance!
Renowned Canadian progressive rock quintet Saga will be headlining FMPM's Friday night pre-show. Formed in 1977, Saga's unique style of commercially accessible progressive rock has earned them a devoted fan-base the world over. Their nineteen studio releases include gold records such as Worlds Apart as well as concept albums like Generation 13. Reviews for their most recent releases, 10,000 Days, and Trust, indicate a group who are still operating on a creative peak and at the top of their game in terms of musicianship.
In the current edition of the band, original members Ian Crichton, Jim Crichton, and Jim Gilmour are joined by drummer Brian Doerner and vocalist Rob Moratti. Moratti was found after an extensive talent search following the departure of original vocalist Michael Sadler, and reviews of his debut performance with the band were glowing. The group is currently in the studio working on a new album entitled The Human Condition to be released in April.
In addition, Quebec's Miriodor takes the FMPM stage on Sunday to present Avanti! This newest work, their seventh album, which will be released on the Cuneiform Records label in May, features seven pieces, each at least seven minutes in length. Notice a pattern? One of the best progressive ensembles in the world, Miriodor's exciting compositions and surprising melodies have made them a frequently requested group for our bill, and with all new material to perform, it was impossible to say no. This will be Miriodor’s 3rd performance in 4 years at FMPM, such is their popularity !
With the announcements of Saga on Friday and Miriodor on Sunday, the group Mystery will be moving to Friday night to play with Saga. This puts two bands in a unified style together for the pre-show. Regular FMPM weekend box-sets and pre-show tickets will go on sale Saturday March 7th (see details below), the day following FMPM’s special presentation of the Strawbs’ 40th anniversary tour concert on March 6 at Café Campus in Montreal. Current Gold ticket holders for FMPM 2009 will be guaranteed the same seats for the pre-show as they will have for the rest of FMPM weekend, providing they order their pre-show tickets by Sunday March 15. In addition, the first ten Gold Ticket holders who order tickets for the Friday pre-show will receive a promotional copy of Saga's 10,000 Days.
The schedule for FMPM 2009 will be:
FRIDAY PRE-SHOW (separate tickets at $49.50) – Saga (Canada), and Mystery (Quebec)
FMPM 2009 WEEKEND BOX-SETS (Gold Tickets at $189; Regular Tickets at $129):
SATURDAY - Le Orme (Italy), DFA (Italy), Rouge Ciel (Quebec), and ExCubus (Quebec)
SUNDAY - Magenta (Wales), Thieves' Kitchen (England), and Miriodor (Quebec)
Please note that FMPM Sunday will end earlier than last year to give out-of-towners a chance to travel, and Montrealers more chance to party !
FMPM 2009 takes place September 11th, 12th and 13th at the Gesù in Montréal. Gold Tickets entitling holders to center seats in the first 8 rows are currently on sale exclusively at www.progquebec.com. Regular tickets for FMPM weekend and the pre-show go on sale Saturday March 7th on www.progquebec.com at 9am, and on www.admission.com and at the Gesù box office (514-861-4036) at noon.
THIS MORTAL COIL the new CD from CELESTIAL OEUVRE
"This year there is not only a GOOD reason to celebrate Friday the 13th, but an extraordinary one! Forget about Black Cats, Broken Mirrors or Walking Under Ladders; for while others around the world are preoccupied with all manner of things going awry due to silly superstitions, preternatural mishaps and just plain bad luck, in the music world of progressive rock, Friday the 13th is being turned on its head with the sensational new release of Celestial Oeuvre's second album 'THIS MORTAL COIL' on Unicorn Digital.
It was an amazing feat when the New York boys' first CD Second Chance (an Indy effort), received ubiquitous worldwide critical acclaim in the progressive rock community. Now, with the Midas touch of Co-producer Michel St-Pere, in colaboration with Jose Damian and Joe Acaba producing, another milestone has come to roost at Unicorn Digital.
It is said that to be forwarned is to be forarmed, well then, the Unicorn family is serving notice on Friday the 13th to beware!...the Boys From New York City are back and this time they have shuffled off "THIS MORTAL COIL"! The results are nothing short of astounding and iconoclastic!
Joe Acaba and Jose Damien founded Celestial Oeuvre in 2004. The band is conceptually a Neo-Classical Progressive Rock force in the old tradition but with a totally modern edge. The music compositions are a collaboration between Jose Damien and Joe Acaba. The music consists of intense vocals riding on rich elements of Rock, Classical, Psychedelic, Funk and Jazz Fusion. The lyrics, which are all written and sung by Joe Acaba, are nothing short of allegory and poetry!
SIGNS OF ONE AND JELLYFICHE AT THE TERRA INCOGNITA CONVENTION 5
Terra Incognita magazine and Musique du Faubourg present the 5th edition of the Terra Incognita convention, on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3 2009 at the Centre D'arts La Chapelle (620 Plante Avenue, Quebec City). 5 great bands are featured this time around, inluding The Watch from Italy, Pineapple Thief from England, american composer Matthew Parmenter, Montreal's Jelly Fiche and Quebec City's Signs Of One. The Watch will perform on both days, presenting their own compositions on Saturday, and a special reconstitution of Genesis' 1972 Nursery Cryme show on Sunday. Doors open at 4:00 PM.
Le magazine Terra Incognita et Musique du Faubourg présentent la cinquième édition de la Convention Terra Incognita, le samedi 2 mai et le dimanche 3 mai 2009 au Centre D'arts La Chapelle (620, avenue Plante, Québec). Cinq formations ou artistes se produiront dans le cadre de la Convention, dont The Watch d'Italie, Pineapple Thief d'Angleterre, le compositeur américain Matthew Parmenter, le groupe montréalais Jelly Fiche et de la région de Québec, Signs Of One. The Watch est en quelque sorte un invité spécial puisque la formation italienne présentera deux concerts. Le premier (samedi le 2) sera consacré en bonne partie aux compositions du groupe alors que le second (dimanche le 3) sera la reconstitution du spectacle que Genesis présentait en 1972 pour présenter son classique Nursery Cryme. Les portes ouvrent à 16h00.
Nathan Mahl unleash their first studio album in over 5 years. Inspired by events depicted in the second book of the Old Testament (and Torah), Exodus focuses on the emotional and physical struggles of those who wish to escape the bonds of slavery.
Musically, the band has approached the subject as a Rock Opera, having as central characters Moses, Pharaoh, and God, further expanding their vocabulary of Symphonic/Fusion/Canterbury progressive-rock to include elements of HardRock and Metal. The band’s lineup for this new work have all contributed heavily, making this a true collective effort.
Formed in 1981, Nathan Mahl are a Canadian Progressive rock band with Jazz fusion elements. Throughout a constantly evolving lineup of possibly some of the finest rock and fusion musicians from the Ottawa and Gatineau regions, keyboardist Guy LeBlanc is widely regarded as the essence and constant of the band.
Guy appears to be more widely known as the keyboardist for Progressive Rock Legends Camel from 2000 to 2003. Recording and touring resulted in a Nod and a Wink and The Paris Collection (Live).
They have released numerous concept-based CDs to critical acclaim, including Shadows Unbound, and the Heretik Trilogy. Furthermore, they have played several prestigious music festivals including NEARfest, and FMPM.
MYSTERY Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face released in the USA on ProgRock Records
ProgRock Records and Unicorn Digital are proud to announce their new strategic partnership where ProgRock Records will distribute Unicorn Digital titles in late 2008 starting with Mystery "Beneath the Veil of Winters Face
Shawn Gordon, President of ProgRock Records had this to say, "Michel and I have been friends for years, we have his catalog on our digital Mindawn service, and I’ve long been a fan of many of his releases. As the music market continues to change, we all continue to look for creative ways to stay successful and by working together, we are able to do that. I’m very pleased to be able to expand my friendship and business relationship with Michel.".
Michel St-Pere, President of Unicorn Digital adds, "Shawn and I have been discussing for a while about working together for the US distribution of the Unicorn Catalog, I think that the time is right and having known Shawn for a few years now, I know that his label shares the same passion and vision about the music we produce. I am very pleased and honnoured to be working with ProgRock Records.".
Episodes is the third release from Montreal Prog-Fusion Band KARCIUS. This new album is a blend between Modern Rock and Jazz-fusion that will take the listeners to various moods and images. Mixing heavy and powerful rock with the spontaneous jazz intensity, Karcius creates a complex and unique sound that is hard to define.
After releasing 2 previous albums on Unicorn Digital, Karcius has gained a good and solid reputation in the Progressive Rock world for both their studio recordings and energetic live performances. The band is stronger than ever and definitely moving toward a modern progressive direction while exploring the vintage sound legacy.
Produced, recorded and mixed at Studio Victor by Guitarist Simon L’Espérance, Episodes is definitely the best and most advanced recording form Karcius so far. Like the previous albums, it has been carefully created to transport the listeners through different moods and imageries. With this new instrumental CD, KARCIUS is definitively a major force in instrumental prog-fusion
BENOIT DAVID JOINS YES!!!!
Mystery and Close to the Edge singer Benoit David will be joining Yes on their upcoming American tour. Yes, which consists of Squire, Anderson, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White, scrapped their anniversary tour in June after Anderson suffered acute respiratory failure and was ordered by doctors to rest six months.
Squire found David on the Internet after a friend sent him a YouTube clip of David's tribute band, Close To The Edge. Squire liked what he saw and called David to offer an audition.
``The first thing he said to me was, 'Well, I'm looking around to see where the cameras are in case I'm being punked,''' Squire said.
Yes has taken a page from another classic rock group, Journey, who selected Arnel Pineda, a sound-a-like of old lead singer Steve Perry, to be their singer after the group discovered him singing Journey songs on YouTube. Pineda sang on the group's successful comeback album this year and has also been touring with them.
It's not the first time Yes has had a singer besides Anderson. Trevor Horn sang on the 1980 Yes album ``Drama'' when Anderson briefly left the band. Squire hopes to work songs from that album into the set for the upcoming tour, plus a few songs he said were not Anderson's favorites to perform live but the rest of the band likes.
``You can't ever really replace Jon Anderson, because he's been such a force in the music business,'' Squire said. ``We look upon his replacement as more of an understudy.''
Squire said he is hopeful Anderson will be well enough to do shows next year.
Claire Vezina new CD CYBER NEPTUNE to be released on Unicorn Digital
Unicorn Digital is proud to announced that Quebec singer songwriter Claire Vezina was signed to the label for the worldwide release of her new CD “Cyber Neptune”
With her new album, the musician makes us navigate through her universe with the help of electro-rock atmosphere, slightly influenced by progressive sound, without disconnecting from her musical roots.
The arrangements of Cyber Neptune flow from the beginning till the end and gives us the desire to come back a little bit more in order to immerge ourselves in her completely opposite poles. With her unique voice, Claire indulges us with her attractive and finely shaped melodies.
You will rediscover the color and legendary warmth of her piano Rhodes that she brought back in many of her compositions. The pianist reveals herself with other parts of piano, Wurlitzer, Mellotron, organ and even handles the guitars.
Cyber Neptune will be released on the 29th of October 2008
SNARLING ADJECTIVE CONVENTION FIRST CD Bluewolf Bloodwalk
Snarling Adjective Convention is an adventurous group of talented artists who are fiercely experimental in their approach to music. Combining elements of avant-garde jazz, metal, dark ambient, psychedelic, prog rock, and funk, the ensemble consists of five instrumentalists who are well known in both experimental and progressive rock circles: Roger Ebner (wind synth, sax), Joe Kopecky (guitars), William Kopecky (basses), Dan Maske (keyboards, trumpet, flute, percussion), and Craig Walkner (drums). William's wife Sophie appears as a special guest on two tracks to contribute haunting spoken word performances en francais.
Snarling Adjective Convention’s spontaneously composed debut CD Bluewolf Bloodwalk is a startling collection of sinister, cutting-edge works of art that bristle with dark energy and virtuoso playing. Invoking the ghosts of 70’s electric-era Miles and gloomy French sound sculptors Shub Niggurath, Bluewolf Bloodwalk offers the fearless listener an unforgettable and visionary musical trip.
Canadian instrumental progressive rock band Talisma has just released their third album entitled Quelque Part on Unicorn Digital. Talisma who has been making waves into the progressive rock world for the past 5 years, had released two successful album, Corpus in 2003 and Chromium in 2005. Following the footsteps of Spaced Out, Talisma has gained over the years a great reputation, thanks to 2 albums that are still to this day among the best selling CDs at Unicorn Digital.
It has been quite a year for HAMADRYAD, Unicorn Digital’s best selling artists has been real busy in 2007, Opening for Deep Purple for 2 shows, Giving one of their best performance at FMPM2007, and progtober fest3, releasing their third album and first live CD recorded live at the Crescendo Festival in France in 2006, played more European dates in 2007.
After taking a little rest, the band is back in the studio to record their third studio album. No dates have been announced yet , according to guitarist Denis Jalbert, the band will not release the album until they are confident that this is going to be their best opus yet. but the band is aiming for a 2008 summer release.
Roger Powell signs with Unicorn Digital and releases Solo Piano Blue Note Ridge
VECTEUR K first album on Unicorn Digital
FLOOD first album Tales from the Four Seasons
MYSTERY CELEBRATES THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF DESTINY?
RICK MILLER JOINS THE UNICORN FAMILY
THE SECOND SIGHT OF AGAH BAHARI'S MIND
The Power Trio from Hell is Back, Junk Farm didn’t come to Dance
MYSTERY TO PERFORM WITH SAGA FMPM 4
THIS MORTAL COIL the new CD from CELESTIAL OEUVRE
SIGNS OF ONE AND JELLYFICHE AT THE TERRA INCOGNITA CONVENTION 5
NATHAN MAHL EXODUS Available Now
MYSTERY Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face released in the USA on ProgRock Records
A New Episodes for KARCIUS
BENOIT DAVID JOINS YES!!!!
Claire Vezina new CD CYBER NEPTUNE to be released on Unicorn Digital
SNARLING ADJECTIVE CONVENTION FIRST CD Bluewolf Bloodwalk
TALISMA NEW CD AVAILABLE NOW
HAMADRYAD all set to record third studio album