Match! June 16, 2020

Anthony Braxton’s new recording Duo (Improv) 2017 to be released on his 75th birthday June 4th.

'The Plague' is most likely Demon's finest hour; and that's saying something given that the band has released about a dozen good to great albums over the years. In spite of being perpetually linked with the NWOBHM movement, Demon was rarely full-on metal (other than perhaps the second album 'The Unexpected Guest') and much closer in concept to a 'heavy Pink Floyd' than contemporaries Saxon, Motorhead, Venom, early Maiden et al.. On 'The Plague', writers Mal Spooner (late guitarist) and vocalist Dave Hill (the only constant throughout the band's career) don't display chops in line with of say King Crimson or Rush, but comprise a highly entertaining and catchy suite of songs linked around what seems to be the concept of state/societal repression of human nature. Recommended for those who appreciate heavy prog bands that 'trim the fat' and focus on effective songs above all else.

The world of contemporary prog seems to solidify on bands who either comply to the museum piece values of the 1970s progressive rock or make it a priority to deny being a part of the movement at all - and then there’s The Tangent, an English progressive rock outfit, which wears a plethora of hats simultaneously. In short, the band plays modern symphonic prog somewhat similar to Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings, taking the occasional stab at the classic Canterbury blend of jazz and rock. Apart from the obvious vintage prog influences, you can hear subtle traces of bands such as The Isley Brothers, Steely Dan, and Return to Forever. That is to say, The Tangent is eclectic prog of the finest caliber…

Irish Power Trio led by former Mama's Boys and Celtus guitarist/violinist,singer and songwriter Pat McManus. Band members are Pat McManus, Marty McDermott & Paul Faloon. Over the years Pat has also written, recorded and performed with a massive amount of other bands and artists. From such diverse artists as pop pin-up Samantha Fox to Trip Hop record producer, rapper and actor Tricky…..Prog-Rock icons Wishbone Ash to Grammy-nominated musician John Parr with award-winning film composer Harald Kloser and from Spike & The Quireboys to local traditional music projects “Hidden Fermanagh” & “Cool Celi”…… and so many more too numerous to mention.

In early 2018, LaFarge — searching for the sort of artistic freedom and inspiration he wasn’t finding in the Midwest — relocated from his longtimehome base of St. Louis, Missouri, to Los Angeles, California. New songs came quickly to LaFarge in his new environment, but new temptations soon found him, as well. Though he declines to get into specifics, LaFarge admits that he experienced a significant “fall from grace” during the last months of 2018. “Things sort of started to unravel in my mind,” Shortly before the recording of Rock Bottom Rhapsody began, LaFarge experienced a spiritual awakening — and the faith he re-embraced in his hour of darkness helped to buoy him through the making of the album.