by RaynaMon40 | Nov 16, 2024 | DJs
Jef Bek is a multi-instrumentalist/composer that has received 17 awards and nominations composing and performing original music for theatrical productions. As a young composer, Jef was inspired by the great Progressive Rock masters of the early 70’s. Jef began his career as the drummer for the Chicago based Prog-Rock band Dot Dot Dot which included Thymme Jones (which morphed into Cheer Accident). Jef then discovered his niche, providing live original music for theatrical productions. Jef’s first venture into this realm was with John Cusack’s New Crime Productions and served as their resident Musical Director for 7 years. Productions included FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and METHUSALEM (Joseph Jefferson Award for Original Music). Among Jef’s many theatrical collaborations included the American Premiere of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE at Steppenwolf Theatre.
In Los Angeles, Bek was a founding member of Zoo District Theatre. Shows included THE MASTER AND MARGARITA (L.A. Weekly Award for Original Music) and NOSFERATU…ANGEL OF THE FINAL HOUR (Ovation Award, Garland Award for Original Music). Bek wrote the music, lyrics and book for the world premiere of EVEL KNIEVEL THE ROCK OPERA which received critical acclaim and was nominated for Musical of the Year.
Jef’s latest progressive rock album, DISTANT STARLIGHT, has received rave reviews, world wide airplay and has been named a 2024 IndeProg Album of the Year Award Finalist by Friday Night Progressive.
jefbek.com
by RaynaMon40 | Jul 21, 2024 | News
ProgRock.com’s Essentials is delighted to release Whiteout, the latest masterpiece from the acclaimed symphonic progressive band, Sonus Umbra, released on June 22nd, 2024. Whiteout is their seventh studio album; a milestone in the band’s critically acclaimed career making the best, thought-provoking, dark, symphonic progressive hard rock.
Whiteout is a sonic departure from the band’s previous work, being their first all-instrumental album. At the same time, it is a conceptual piece that puts the listener in the middle of a battle for the zeitgeist of the American public during the end of the Trump era, shortly after the Jan 6th 2021 MAGA attack on the Capitol building. Describing Whiteout, Luis Nasser, the creative mastermind behind the music of Sonus Umbra’s 35-year career writes: “The dictionary paints a clear picture: A whiteout is a heavy snowstorm; a blizzard that makes it impossible tosee, causing the horizon and all features of the terrain to become invisible.
In my mind, the storm felt like getting shredded by a swarm of lies: corrupted electronics controlled by propagandists. My whiteout was a mental cancer you catch with your eyes and ears; an act of dominance meant to silence forever anyone not a fascist theocrat. In THIS whiteout, the lie is always one leap ahead of the truth. That was my life in America, 2020…The album takes the listener through those turbulent times, and manages to tie them in with two pieces of old Sonus Umbra mythology that die-hard fans will be delighted by. Whiteout itself is a benchmark in sound design, weaving a cinematographic journey of complex soundscapes, blistering music and the voices of past visionaries who had seen the present we now inhabit and warned us about the folly of our choices. Whiteout is a window through which the listener can see the present as a result of past indifference. It is a plea for unity; to abandon tribalism, the cult of personality and embrace instead a future we can all thrive in.”
In keeping with the desire to tie in the past with the present with both eyes wide open looking into the future, Sonus Umbra have recast themselves as a trio on this album: comprised by Luis Nasser, Andy Tillotson and Tim McCaskey, they are joined by former members and musical friends on this sonic journey.
On this album, the band are joined by Aaron Geller (Might Could), Brian Harris, Alan Hearton (Abel Ganz), Steve Katsikas (Little Atlas, Grackle), brothers Pete Laramee (Kurgan’s Bane) and Jeff Laramee (Sonus Umbra, Kurgan’s Bane), Ramsés Luna (Luz de Riada) and Mattias Olsson (Änglagård, Molesome, White Willow). The conspicuous absence of Steve Royce on flute, Rich Poston on electric guitar and Dave Keller on cello should not be misconstrued or used as gossip fodder. This album was conceived in a bubble, during a worldwide pandemic and the stars didn’t align for their participation. However, Sonus Umbra plans to resume active live performance in 2025; those three absentee musos will be there.
Fans and new listeners alike can delve into the Whiteout experience by purchasing the album via Bandcamp and through the Sonus Umbra section on
essentials.progrock.com, where the band’s long history of evolving artistry continues to be celebrated.
by RaynaMon40 | Feb 10, 2024 | News
ProgRock.com’s Essentials is thrilled to unveil Rizoma, the latest sonic masterpiece from the acclaimed Mexican prog/fusion powerhouse, Luz de Riada, released on February 1st, 2024. Rizoma marks another milestone in the band’s storied journey through the realms of innovative progressive and fusion music.
Rizoma is an auditory journey that captivates listeners with its complex soundscapes, infused with the vibrant cultural essence of Mexico and the expansive influences of modern progressive rock. Fusing jazz, world music, and folk, the album crafts an innovative listening experience that is equally forward thinking as it is deeply imbued with world musical tradition. Describing Rizoma, bassist Luis Nasser remarks, “This album is a cinematographic sound adventure, inviting the audience to explore emotional, previously unimagined terrains; the intensely visual music evokes powerful imagery and is an invitation for self-discovery through resonance with other cultures. In this world, we focus too much on the differences. Rizoma is a window to focus instead on the similarities, and in so doing, question what we think we know about ourselves. When we talk about roots, are we sure we know what they are and what they mean? Who are we, really?”
In celebration of their recently released work, Luz de Riada have just returned from an extremely successful tour that saw them spend the month of January touring in Chile. It was also the first time in 10 years the band returned to Argentina, where they performed
as cultural envoys and guests of the Mexican embassy before a capacity crowd that included other diplomats such as the ambassadors of the USA, Spain, Ecuador and Morocco and was a milestone in their career. An extensive tour of Mexico will follow. Audiences can expect an electrifying live performance that captures the intricate and spirited nature of the new album. Fans and new listeners alike can delve into the Rizoma experience by purchasing the album via Bandcamp and through the Luz de Riada section on ProgRock.com Essentials, where the band’s evolving artistry continues to be celebrated.
About Luz de Riada:
Emerging in 2010 by visionary saxophonist Ramsés Luna, Luz de Riada stands at the forefront of Mexico’s progressive and fusion music scene. The ensemble’s rich history is marked by their dedication to creating a unique sound that challenges genre boundaries and captivates audiences worldwide. The current lineup boasts a diverse group of exceptionally skilled musicians, including founder Ramsés Luna on saxophone, synth, and vocals who brings an innovative approach to melody and atmosphere. Luis Nasser’s electric bass pulsates with power and rhythmic sophistication. Edgar Arrellín’s sound design expands the textural palette of the band’s music and Sergio Aldama’s drumming and percussion offer a dynamic foundation. Together, they form a high caliber, synergistic ensemble that delivers their compelling compositions with a vibrant stage presence.
This group of artists has not only crafted a distinctive musical identity but has also built a dedicated following through their engaging live performances and community engagement. Each member contributes their unique voice to Luz de Riada’s collective narrative, creating an immersive and unforgettable musical journey for their fans.
For additional information on the album release, tour dates, and to learn more about the band’s rich history and its members, keep an eye out for updates from ProgRock.com’s Essentials and Luz de Riada. Join Luz de Riada as they embark on a new chapter in 2024 with the complex rhythms and elaborate melodies that define their music.
Rizoma is now available as a 16-bit or 24-bit digital download or CD at: ProgRock.com’s Essentials: https://essentials.progrock.com/product-category/bands-artists/luz-de-riada/ Bandcamp: https://luzderiada.bandcamp.com/album/rizoma-16-bit You can also check out the latest single, “ENTROPÍA” on Spotify,
Be sure to follow Luz de Riada online, too, for additional information!
https://www.facebook.com/luzderiada
Luz de Riada – YouTube
Luz De Riada – Spotify
www.luzderiada.com
by RaynaMon40 | Nov 12, 2023 | News
CHICAGO, November 12, 2023 – ProgRock.com’s Essentials, a boutique record label renowned for its unique selection of progressive rock bands, is thrilled to announce the addition of three new bands to its roster: Luz de Riada, Sonus Umbra, and The Devil’s Staircase. Each band brings a unique sound and vision that aligns with the label’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of progressive music.
Luz de Riada Unveils ‘Rizoma’
After a hiatus since their last studio album in 2016, Luz de Riada is back with an exciting lineup and an upcoming album, ‘Rizoma’. The album title carries a dual meaning: in biology, it refers to “a form of root that can generate wholly, even from a small piece,” as explained by bass guitarist Luis Nasser. In the realms of psychology and philosophy, ‘Rizoma’ refers to “the structure of ideas in the form of a network (neural or the internet) that can reconnect in multiple ways rather than a top to bottom hierarchy,” Nasser adds.
The band now features original members Ramses Luna and Edgar Arrellin, who are joined by Luis Nasser on bass guitar and Sergio Aldama on drums and electronic percussion.
‘Rizoma’ is set to be released in January to coincide with their tour starting on January 8 in Santiago, Chile, with further dates across Argentina and Chile.
Sonus Umbra Celebrates 30 Years with ‘Whiteout’
Celebrating their 30th year, Sonus Umbra is ready to make waves in the progressive rock scene with their 8th studio album, ‘Whiteout’. The band for this album comprises Tim McCaskey on acoustic and electric guitars, Luis Nasser on bass, keyboards, pedals, and sound design, and Andy Tillotson on drums, keyboards, synth, guitar, and sound design. Slated for release in early 2024, ‘Whiteout’ is the band’s first instrumental album.
‘Whiteout’ features a host of guest appearances, including new collaborators and returning associates from the band’s past. Luis Nasser describes Sonus Umbra as “a musical collective that’s been making composed, coordinated sound for more than 3 decades. Our music approximates what librarians call prog rock.”
The Devil’s Staircase: Music Meets Mathematics
The Devil’s Staircase is currently working on their second album, set to be released in Fall 2024. The same lineup will be returning, with the project partly funded by the National Science Foundation.
This innovative band is known for their fusion of math and music, offering a unique approach to understanding mathematics through the enjoyment of music. Their work represents a remarkable combination of different schools of thought, further enriching the diversity of the ProgRock.com’s Essentials lineup.
Bass guitarist Luis Nasser characterizes the band’s mission, stating: “The mission statement of The Devil’s Staircase is to take the mathematical principles which give rise to order in nature – which is simple mathematical rules iterated over and over and over, add a random error and watch the patterns emerge. We are trying to compose music that reflects that ethos.”
About ProgRock.com’s Essentails
ProgRock.com’s Essentials is a boutique platform dedicated to promoting progressive rock music. With a commitment to showcasing exceptional talent, the label aims to support artists in their creative pursuits and contribute to the growth and development of the genre. ProgRock.com’s Essentials is driven by a passion for musical innovation and excellence and strives to be a trusted source for remarkable progressive rock artists.
For media inquiries and interviews, please contact:
Progrock.com’s Essentials at progrock.com/contact/
