Decking the Halls of The Closet Concert Arena

No matter how, when, where, or why you celebrate, festive holiday greetings to all my fellow progheads!  Now that 2017 is in the final stages of existence I feel it is only appropriate that we celebrate all the new discoveries found in the prog garden these past twelve months.

By now you know full well I abhor "Best Of" lists; too subjective, argumentative, and time wasting.  Why bicker, debate, and argue over who was better/more prog/the most creative when the option to simply try it all and focus on what we prefer is always on the turntable?  And does it really make the music better if it sold the most copies?  By that logic we would all be worshiping at the altars of Engelbert Humperdinck and Slim Whitman...

These past 52 weeks proved to be an exciting time in the world of progressive rock.  Several new bands released first albums while still others expanded their catalogs, offering second releases and more.  Many artists worked with new bands or went the solo route, thus expanding their stake in the prog garden.  Time for a walk through said garden so as to enjoy one last time the rich bounty 2017 brought forth...

The year opened excitingly enough; I was fortunate to land an interview with Jordan Rudess.  He was extremely cordial, polite, humble, and down-to-earth.  Jordan continues to stretch the boundaries of prog music with his innovative ideas and creativity.  He also plays a mean keyboard; enjoy Jordan's interpretation of "White Christmas" here...

Nick Beggs, Nad Sylvan, Rikard Sjoblom, Malcolm Galloway, and Will Geraldo are among those who either released solo work away from their bands, performed with new bands and/or collaborations, or presented new music with their existing bands.

Abstract Aprils and Seconds Before Landing also joined the ranks of bands expanding their acreage in the prog garden as they released new material this year. One of the things I find rewarding is discovering new bands and following along as they grow and build their body of work, gaining a wider audience along the way.

I realize not every off shoot in the prog genre is appealing to every proghead; there are sections of the prog garden I prefer not to travel myself.  However; I find it more gratifying to promote the music I like rather than tear down that which I do not.

Time for another holiday interlude; Greg Lake performing one of my personal favorites...

Several musicians passed through the veil in 2017.  Though not progressive artists by definition, one could make the argument that without Chuck Berry and Fats Domino laying some of the early groundwork for rock 'n' roll to take hold, progressive rock may never have built its foundation.

Prog rock has not been immune to loss and tragedy as many icons recently left the garden prior to 2017.  Greg Lake, Keith Emerson, Chris Squire, John Wetton, and David Bowie each left a huge mark on the genre in his own unique way.  Without the inspiration these and other artists used to blaze the trail, we may never have been graced with many of the prog giants we enjoy today--or will tomorrow.  Prog rock thrives and continues to grow because new artists, inspired no doubt by these and other pioneers of the genre, enter the fray all the time.

Progressive rock has birthed many off-shoots of the genre; neo, classic, alt rock, metal...the list continues to grow.  There are those who believe anyone playing prog outside the "established boundaries" are heretics to the entire genre.  I however believe that by definition the boundaries of prog need to be challenged, stretched, and--dare I say--twisted.  There is not a bigger fan of King Crimson on the planet than yours truly, but I can also appreciate the talents and "view through a different lens" Gregorian Rock provides.  And without the antics and mayhem of Dreadnaught, the prog garden would be a bit too dull and dreary.

Time now for your holiday dose of Christmas Frippertronics...

So fellow progheads, I would like to take this time to thank you sincerely for making the search for all things prog the best idea I ever let my daughter talk me into.  The journey has been nothing short of an absolute blast, and without you it would never have been even close.  As we make our way to the end of the ride that is 2017, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Joyous Noel, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Solstice...regardless of how you celebrate, thanks for bringing some of that revelry to the Concert Closet these past twelve months.

So the search for all things prog will once again take a short hiatus to celebrate the holidays, clean out the debris from 365 days spent traveling, and get ready for a new and exciting 2018.  Thanks for coming, and I look forward to discovering and sharing all things prog with you again...until next time...

Cell 15 "Chapter One"

Hello once again fellow progheads and welcome to the final new music review for 2017! What a year it has been; the Concert Closet has logged countless miles, traveled to numerous countries, and crossed most of the continents in the search for all things prog.  The payoff has been more than worth it; so many bands, so much new music, and the privilege of speaking with so many great artists about their craft.  My intention is to wrap up the year on a high note, so The Closet Concert Arena is off to the holiday metropolis known as Pennsylvania to check out Cell 15...

Cell 15 identifies themselves simply as a prog rock band.  Admittedly that didn't grab me on the first drive by,  so I decided to take a second look behind the curtain and turn the volume up a bit...here is what I found.  The band's debut release is a concept album called "Chapter One."  The LP follows one man's journey through twenty years...if the name of the band is indicative of anything, it does not end well...

The title cut starts the carousel with a frenzy; the keyboards and drums seem to be leading a street chase and you feel yourself being pulled along like a rag doll in a pit bull's mouth.  There is no down time as guitars burst onto the scene; the manhunt is underway.  There are top notes of Liquid Tension Experiment in terms of fever pitch and hysteria, and I sense aromatics of Camel simmering just below the surface.  The week is shaping up to be a white knuckle ride...

The next serving on the buffet line is "Man With a Gun."  The adrenaline rush in this tune takes a much different route through your bloodstream; the inevitable tension usually attached to the climax of a horror movie.  I sense an Alan Parsons Project vibe permeating from this piece...think I, Robot with more cynicism.  The keyboards lead into vocals that at first seem strange and off trajectory, yet as the song progresses they are essential to the lifeblood of the music.  Cell 15 knows many ways to tell a story...

Liner Notes...Cell 15 is the brainchild of Robert Scott Richardson.  In 2011, with the concept of "twenty years in the life" embedded in his brain, Robert set out to turn his idea into reality; in 2014 "Chapter One" was released.  In addition to Robert writing the songs, playing keyboards and performing the vocals, the band is comprised of Shane Jones on lead guitar, Dan MacDonald on bass and vocals, and Kevin Thomas on drums and vocals.

Hailing from Mechanicsburg, PA, Cell 15 has released "Chapter One" independently although the band is affiliated with After 7 Records.  The album is the culmination of a life determined and dreams fulfilled.  Despite playing keyboards for several bands and performing alongside artists such as Derek St. Holmes and John Cafferty, Robert felt pulled toward the progressive side of the music spectrum.  Cell 15 was the outlet he needed to scratch that itch and the rest, as they say, is history...prog music history...

The last serving from this conceptual buffet is the song that closes the album out; "The Messenger." An upbeat lead-in to wrap up a glimpse into the life that was...and is about to be.  Cell 15 threw more color and mood at the canvas than Peter Marx on a coke high.  This piece is the culmination of a life not quite spent but rather beginning once more.  With top notes of Camel and Kansas wafting through the Concert Closet the mood runs on the high side while venturing toward the chaotic and frenzied...but just this side of the lunatic fringe.  Cell 15 brings everything full circle as the song reflects on a twenty year existence that was neither planned, dreamed, or imagined--but lived to the fullest.

Find out more about Cell 15 and purchase your copy of "Chapter One" at Cell 15.  The album is avaiable at cdbaby Cell15cdbaby as well.  Of course you can always follow or just check-in with
Cell 15 on Facebook at Cell15FB and Twitter @cell15band.  Cell 15 also has a YouTube Channel Cell15YouTube for those who prefer to never venture outdoors...😏

My choice for your listening pleasure this week is "Manny's Gone Home."  Smack dab in the middle of the album, this song is the turning point.  The mood is somber and almost seems lethargic if not despondent...you can feel the loss of self and (most) hope dripping from the lyrics like molasses from a spoon.  Cell 15 pulls you under with this song; and just when you think all is lost you start to get a sense of grit and determination pushing through clenched teeth...all is not lost even if I am the only one who believes in me...this is a tall glass of something that burns...


                     

And with that fellow progheads, the final curtain falls on 2017.  Cell 15 seems like a great way to close the prog garden for the season; a long journey ultimately bringing you home.  The search for all things prog has been nothing short of a perpetual joyride for me and I thank you for sitting shotgun across the prog garden on this splendid excursion.

2018 promises to be another bumper crop producing year...I have already been "inundated" with requests for reviews and interviews, and I hope to inject something different once again when the new year raises her head.  For now I simply thank you for reading, listening, learning, and enjoying.  The Closet Concert Arena will dim the lights as the holiday celebrations continue into the new year.  Of course I will present my final holiday post next week and from there join in on the revelry and hoopla that will take us all into 2018--safely I hope...until next time...

Edison's Children

Warm holiday greetings fellow progheads!  I know I've been saying it repeatedly, but the end of 2017 is creeping dangerously close to a foregone conclusion.  So before the hourglass runs dry, the Concert Closet takes the search for all things prog back to the UK for one last listen.  This week I check in with a band I have been enjoying as they fly low under the radar; Edison's Children.

Edison's Children is like the quiet kid in math class who dresses well and aces all the tests...good pedigree; just admirably humble.  Referring to themselves as "...Sci-Fi Prog with a Pink Floyd edge..." has definitely tweaked my listeners.  Time to sit under a set of headphones and dim the lights...

Starting the walk across the prog garden with "Stranger in a Foreign Land" I find myself stepping through acreage rich with an uptempo beat.  The bass flows seamlessly with the drums, carrying the vocals across the top like caramelized sugar on a creme brulee...once the shell is cracked, it all becomes the best part.  There are top notes of Crack The Sky and perhaps a touch of Nad Sylvan as well.  Edison's Children smacks the canvas with a wide array of colors...pale blue to bright red to scorching orange to sullen gray...as they blend together you get the impression this ride is quite the mood elevator...

Digging deeper into the band's resume, I come across "Light Years."  The dust on the stylus sound that opens the song is actually quite impressive; I feel like I am listening to George Harrison jam with that impressive all star band he used to call his friends...the dark clouds overhead are tempered with a gentleness and serenity that allow you to relinquish control, knowing you are safe so long as the music is playing.  Edison's Children emit a fragrance reflective of The Strawbs on this cut; soothing, mesmerizing, and a bit haunting...complete with candles burning brightly in the background...

Liner Notes...Edison's Children is the determined collaboration between Pete Trewavas and Eric Blackwood.  The band splits home turf between Sugar Loaf NY, and Aylesbury, England--since these are Eric and Pete's respective hometowns.  You may recognize these two as card carrying members of the prog garden who gained entrance prior to joining forces.  Undoubtedly you know Pete Trewavas from Marillion and Transatlantic; Eric Blackwood was  a member of Crimson Steele, Blackwood, and Sunblister.  For a time Eric left the music world to work in the "movie biz" (east coast version) and explore his passion for photography.  Fortunately for us mere mortals, he ultimately joined forces with Pete, breathing life into Edison's Children for our enjoyment here in the prog garden.

Pete and Eric are accompanied by many special guests, all of whom are well known in their own right.  They include Ian Mosley, Mark Kelly, Steve Rothery, and Steve "h" Hogarth--all Marillion alums.  Also appearing are Robin Boult, Henry Rogers, Chris Mack, Andy Ditchfield, and Rick Armstrong...you know, son of the "first man on the moon" Neil Armstrong.  Besides crowding a well-built stage, it almost appears to be Marillion 2.0, but that would be an injustice--and an
inaccuracy--all around.

Rather, Edison's Children is an extension of two artists who needed an outlet for the other stuff floating in their head and auspiciously they found it.You can learn much more about Edison's Children at Edison's Children and their Facebook page Edisons Children FB.  Their music can be purchased directly from their website and/or on Amazon.  With three albums on their resume you will definitely find something to satisfy your auditory canals.  Don't forget to follow Edison's Children on Twitter @edisonschildren

My third selection for review is feasibly a bit more on the ominous side; "Final Breath."  The piano/percussion opening sends a chill up your spine; the notes strike like hammer blows...deliberately and haltingly.  When the song reaches its climax you are pelted with hailstones seemingly from nowhere.  While there is a strong Marillion feel to this piece, it is tempered with top notes of early Pink Floyd and a dash of Gentle Giant.  Edison's Children changes the aura in the room with the finesse of a fine sherry; so subtle you cruise right through.

Have a listen to "Spiraling" from the band's 2011 release "In the Last Waking Moments."  Edison's Children opens the door just enough to let their inner Spock's Beard out.  The acoustic guitar carries the vocals like driftwood gently to shore while the keyboards build a gentle cocoon around the entire piece holding it all together.  Might as well dim the lights and relax...

And with that another seven days fades from the 2017 calendar.  Edison's Children may have come about through equal parts chance, happenstance, and determination, but that does not make the band a lesser part of the prog whole.  Artists finding an avenue of escape for work that doesn't fit the constraints of their existing band are part of what makes the prog garden the beautiful labyrinth that it is.  Every once in a while the search for all things stumbles across a gem hiding in plain sight, and Edison's Children is one such pearl in the oyster bed.

Now the journey moves on, winding down its 2017 run while gearing up for what lies in wait behind the curtain that is 2018...until next time...