News

June 2, 2008 - Ed Unitsky Art Design for "Flashback" - Featuring the Mystic Orchestra

(Logo by Ed Unitsky)
"FLASHBACK,"
FEATURING THE MYSTIC ORCHESTRA,
RE-ENVISIONS ROCK CONCERT LEGENDS' GREATEST MUSIC TO CREATE
"THE CLASSIC ROCK EXPERIENCE"

(Artwork by Ed Unitsky - © 2008 - Licensed to the Mystic Orchestra for its Flashback Tour)

SAVANNAH, GA - 06/03/2008 - John Lennon gave the marching orders long ago. Imagine. For his part, veteran concert promoter Rick Bowen imagined a rock concert like no other: Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd playing together on one stage. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and other legends performing with the benefit of today's state-of-the-art lighting and sound. The elusive tribal feeling, unique to classic rock concerts, recreated for a new generation.

Imagine no more. "Flashback - the Classic Rock Experience," featuring the Mystic Orchestra, is about to storm the concert arenas of America - kicking off August 27 at the Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama (see below for complete itinerary).

With its elite team of musicians, technical wizards and design specialists, "Flashback -- the Classic Rock Experience," delivers anew the hit music of the all-time greatest artists: Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and more, presented in a mind-boggling multi-media spectacle one must see to believe.

"The intention is to present the music like it's never been presented before," says Bowen, founder of "Flashback - the Classic Rock Experience," and its creative director. "I wanted to do it even better than done originally. We have the world's greatest players, who studied every move the classic bands ever made."

With music director Frank Gilcken at the helm, the Mystic Orchestra features 14 brilliant rock musicians and singers, as well as an 11-piece string-and-horn section, together elevating classic rock to new heights. For the Mystic Orchestra core band, Gilcken recruited fellow guitarists Phil Hilborne and Jamie Humphries (veterans of the hit Queen retrospective "We Will Rock You" and the Australian Pink Floyd Show, respectively), keyboardist Brian Chatton (Phil Collins and Meatloaf), keyboard/woodwind player David Boruff (Madonna, Chicago) and Australian drummer Adam Troughear.

Rocking the mics, Spanish vocalist Jose Manzano, Katrina Chester (star of the off-Broadway smash "Love, Janis"), Elizabeth Eagan and special guest star lead vocalist Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, back to sing that band's greatest hits and more.

The nearly three-hour show reworks indelible songs of the most highly regarded era in rock: the Doors' "Light My Fire" and "Riders on the Storm." Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and "Mercedes Benz." Jimi Hendrix masterpieces like "Purple Haze" and "Foxy Lady." Other rock classics include Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water," Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild," "Layla" by Derek and the Dominoes, Rod Stewart's "Maggie May," as well as Three Dog Night's "One" and "Joy to the World," sung by Chuck Negron.

The second half of the show offers something never before attempted in the rock 'n' roll universe: Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd playing together. All their greatest songs are featured, including Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," "Kashmir" and "Stairway to Heaven," as well as Pink Floyd's "Money," "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2," "Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb" and "Shine On You Crazy Diamond." This is a carefully crafted meeting of the titans - a loving vision of what might have been.

(Logo by Ed Unitsky)

Behind the scenes, Bowen assembled a world-class production team to mount "Flashback - the Classic Rock Experience." They include promotions manager and founder of Rainbow Ticketmasters, Lou Dickstein; lighting designers Bryan Hartley and Phil Ealy; art designer Ed Unitsky; and sound mixer Seth Goldman. Collectively, these experts have worked with the top acts in rock ''n'' roll: Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, the Doors, Pink Floyd, Kiss, Elton John, Van Halen and David Bowie to name just a few.

Great as the bands were in the '60's and early '70's, they were handicapped by primitive light and sound. For "Flashback - the Classic Rock Experience," Bowen and his team have no such problems. Six truckloads of intelligent LED lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, an overhead helium-filled zeppelin with two screens and five additional towering hi-def video screens are all backed up by an EAW Quad 225,000-watt surround sound system.

Bowen is in a unique position to oversee "Flashback - the Classic Rock Experience." A veteran producer/promoter of at least 1,500 concerts, Bowen has seen and worked with such immortals as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, Elvis, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Three Dog Night, and Rod Stewart, to name a few. But he sees this project as the culmination of a life's work.

Says Bowen, "These legends represent the best rock and pop music ever created and, turning back the hands of time, with an average ticket price under $40.00." Adding, "If we do our job right, this re-creation will be a night to remember, a concert event and experience for multiple generations, as we tour the nation."

For More information: www.myspace.com/flashbacktour

# # #

MEDIA NOTE: Hi Res Photos and Press Info at: www.lobelinepr.com/flashback

Media Contact: Lobeline Communications

Phil Lobel 310-271-1551 ext 13 phil@lobeline.com

Tour Dates

May 5, 2008 Michelle Young Portrait

Michelle provide Ed with the "Bram Stoker's Dracula" idea and some of her photos and here is one of the concepts he created.

Michelle Young started her career in Progressive music with the band Glass Hammer in the early 90's. Having been inspired by several artists, she launched her record label (Naosha Records) and solo career in 1996 with her debut album "Song of the Siren". Though she admittedly was "allergic to metronomes and heavy compression" at the time, she did much of the engineering and instrumentation herself, and worked very closely with Fred Schendel to complete the project. It was very hard work, but at the end of the day it was worth it. SOS opened many doors in her career...she was included in the 1997 book The Billboard Guide To Progressive Music, and has been featured in many Progressive magazines, both in the US and abroad. One such article was seen by Ian Anderson, who contacted her to request some of her music. He really enjoyed it, and it was because of him that she went on to meet Doane Perry, Andrew Giddings, and the rest of the Tull lads.

Shortly after her first release, she met Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon, Shadowland) at a Progressive Festival in California. They decided to collaborate on her next solo album, "Marked For Madness", and the melding of their talents created what many critics have labeled a masterpiece! The lineup was brimming with talent...Clive Nolan, Doane Perry, Pete Banks, Bobby Kimball, Stan Whitaker, Peter Gee, and Karl Groom, all contributed to the high sound quality, as well as it being mastered at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London.

Since the release of "MFM", Michelle has been involved with several projects while trying to produce her third solo album. She played the role of Caterina on "Leonardo, The Absolute Man, a rock opera by Trent Gardner, based on the life of Leonardo DaVinci. That album included a duet between Michelle and Steve Walsh, and showcased other talents such as James LaBrie and Chris Shryack.

She appeared on Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman's album "Jabberwocky", played the role of Laura Lyons on Clive Nolan and Oliver Wakeman's release of "The Hound of the Baskervilles", has co-written a duet with Jon Wetton, and has performed and co-written on both solo albums by Rudi Buttas, guitarist for PUR (Germany), including touring with the "Rudys Journey" gang.

As busy as she is, Michelle would like to share her music with you at MySpace.com, and encourages you to check out her official website as well, www.michelleyoung.com.

Please visit Michelle's music:
http://www.myspace.com/naosharecords

http://www.michelleyoung.com/

April 30, 2008 Laurie Larson WXRT

This week if you have time call, email or fax this radio station and ask them to play "A

Striking Resemblance" by Laurie Larson.

Music Request Phone: 773.777.8881

Programming/Music Request Fax: 773.427.3543

E-Mail: comments@wxrt.com

For additional information:

www.93wxrt.com www.laurielarson.com

Laurie's new album is off to a phenomenal start and we wish her the very best!

April 3, 2008 2007 Dutch Progressive Rock Poll Awards

Please join me in a big Congratulations to Ed for the 2007 Dutch Progressive Rock Poll Artwork of the Year Award. Topping the artwork poll for the third time in five years!

His surreal images have been a favourite for bands and fans alike, and his Fish-Bus for The Flower Kings' "The Sum Of No Evil" proved a masterstroke.

Ed has place in the top three in the DPRP awards for the last 5 years.

We also wish to congratulate Lasse Hoile's for his cover "Fear Of A Blank Planet" - Porcupine Tree, Mark Wilkinson "13th Star", Fish, Hugh Syme, "Systemic Chaos" Dream Theater, and new comer Antonio Sejas, "Night" - Gazpacho. In total 123 different albums were voted for in the ’Best Artwork’ category.

We also would like to congratulate our Friends - The Flower Kings, for its honors in the Best Album and Best Tracks, The Tangent for it award in the DVD category and to The Reasoning and The Gourishanker voted top for Best Newcomers in 2007.

Please visit the Dutch Progressive Rock Poll 2007 to see other honorees.

We wish to thank DPRP and their many supporters for all that they do to promote Progressive Rock Music!

April 1, 2008Prog Awards Italia Hall of Fame

Fabrizio Catalano announces Ed’s induction into their 2007 Prog Awards Italia Hall of Fame for his Cover artwork for the Flower Kings' "Sum of No Evil". Jury for Nominations and Awards are promoters of Progressive Rock Music Ezine sites.

They include, Movimenti Prog, ProgHiFi,Rock Impressions, Tales of Wonder, UnProgged, and Wonderous Stories. Ed had received two nominations in 2006 for his artwork on The Tangent’s' "A Place in the Queue" and for Oresund’s Space Collective "It’s all about Delay".  Ed was presented with an award to recognize his induction.

March 24, 2008 Saatachi Gallery

Ed joins Saatchi Gallery and enters "Light Breathing of the Transparent Cave" in one of its gallery showdown competitions.

The Saatchi Gallery - Contemporary art in London is one of the largest online Art Galleries and is the largest Contemporary Art Gallery in London. Ed's artwork can be seen on the online Saatchi Gallery and we anticipate seeing his artwork entered in another gallery showdown in the future.

March 2, 2008 Music Street Journal

The first issue of Music Street Journal was published on February 1st, 1998.

A Microsoft word document sent as an email attachment, it was sent out to the original 28 subscribers. After two more issues (and as a response to reader requests), Music Street Journal became a website.

Music Street Journal started as a progressive rock only publication, but over the years has expanded into covering anything and everything. Out of respect to those original subscribers, though, MSJ devotes at least half of every issue to progressive rock to this day.

Since its inception, Music Street Journal has gone through two site re-designs, and has gone from those original 28 readers to over a million unique visitors per month. The zine is published every other month and also has a presence on myspace devoted to keeping everyone up dated on the comings and goings.

At the end of January to mark the 10th Anniversary of Music Street Journal the site went through its third redesign and this one was the most extensive to date. Not only does the site look and operate differently it has changed over from a purely html site to a database oriented one but it will also has a number of new features.

In addition, the book The Strange Sound of Cthulhu Music Inspired by the Writings of H. P. Lovecraft, written by Music Street Journal’s publisher and creator will be available in its entirety for members to read on the internet. The members only content will be updated more regularly than the every two months that the zine is published.

If you would like to be featured at Music Street Journal, you can drop an email to:

musicstreetjournal@musicstreetjournal.com.

For more information check out Music Street Journal at:

www.musicstreetjournal.com www.myspace.com/musicstreetjournal

It should be mentioned that the website design is being done by Greg Johnson with Studio Fyra, Inc. The new logo has been designed by the world renowned artist (a legend in the neo-prog community) Ed Unitsky. These two talented individuals have added their special skills to helping MSJ do its job (of keeping the readers informed) in even better ways.

March 1, 2008 The Bargain

If you live in or around the Cleveland, Ohio - Please mark your calendar for March 7th, 8th - 14th, 15th, 2008!

Ed has completed amazing art-work for the Christian Rock Opera – The Bargain. The Bargain is Written and Composed by David J Fox and arranged by Ric Koenig. The creative works of many local Cleveland talents have the additional collaboration of Ed’s incredible artwork.

Ed's captivating art will be incorporated as backgrounds for the show and future DVD release of the filmed and recorded The Bargain show. Each artwork piece powerfully captures the essence of the show. In one of the artwork showpieces, Unitsky created his perception of the Last Supper. Dali’s influence in Ed’s artwork is evident. His artworks expressions are intended to show the Last Supper, The Crucifixion, and the ascension of Spirit. While Mr. Unitsky has definitive intentions of his Last Supper artwork, many conceptual elements within the picture are for the observer to interpret.

The Bargain is a true period drama of the Passion of the Christ set to a musical score of original contemporary music. The Bargain began as collaboration between L. Michael Breeze and David J Fox. Breeze's script and Fox's music is based on the Gospel of John. The Bargain's subsequent productions and its acceptance led to its development as a full-length musical where the 25 original songs have undergone comprehensive musical arrangements by Ric Koenig and the manuscript rewritten by David Fox.

Ed's mutual interest in the spiritual nature of Fox's project connected the two artists, and they agreed to work together to create another dimensional identity for The Bargain in its visual appeal through Ed's interpretive artworks.

With a cast of nearly 50 people includes David J Fox as Jesus, Allison Lehr as Mary Magdalene, Will Mortenson as Peter, Chad Duwe as John, and many more gifted singers and dancers, stage direction by Karen Porter, choreography by Lisa-Marie French, additional production assistance of Julie Douglass and Ken Philips, and live orchestration by the local and critically acclaimed CCM rock band Synergy, of which David Fox is a lead singer, create a truly credible and entertaining dramatic production.

The songs ranging in a variety of styles from pop to blues, jazz and bluegrass, and rock, will have its opening night at The Mayfield Church in Chesterland in cooperation with aka/ Angel Rising Productions, March 7 & 14@ 8 pm , March 8 & 15 @ 3 pm.

The production of The Bargain promises to deliver a truly entertaining and emotional journey. A few pieces of Ed's Giclee' Limited Editions will be on exhibit for sale during the show.

The Mayfield Church in Chesterland in cooperation with aka/ Angel Rising Productions presents The Bargain, March 7th & 14th at 8:00 pm - March 8th& 15th at 3:00 pm.

The Bargain Show Information: David Fox contact info:
divadxof@yahoo.com
www.divadjxof.net/thebargain_2008
www.myspace.com/divadjxofnet

January 26, 2008 INTERVISTA AL PITTORE ED UNITSKY INTERVIEW WITH THE PAINTER ED UNITSKY (artworks for Flower Kings, Tangent, OSC, Moongarden...)(italian version)

By: Giancarlo Bolther

Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers, please?

I was born in Belarus and have lived here all my life. I have been interested in music and art since being a small child. My artistic abilities are natural born. I have done many different aspects of artistic creations. When I was a small boy, I would sketch, draw, paint - much like many young children do. As I grew older, I was commissioned to do murals, using different techniques such as airbrushing, create designs for signs and banners, and I did oil paintings that I have sold over the years, also.

When I was younger, I started a print shop and I had the opportunity to begin using the digital technology related to this and as I began to work with the computer I realized I loved working with the technology to apply my art. And as this evolved, my interest and ability to create many forms of digital artwork. I love many artists, and there a too many to name.

It is better to say, I simply love good art! My manager and I spend hours at a time looking at different artist’s artwork from all over the world and from many different eras. This is my constant source of inspiration.

And music! I very much love music of many different genres! Since being a small boy, I have loved music! I remember when I was a small boy and my parents gave me a small music player. My friends and I played the few available recordings over and over. Many times, singing along with the music player pretending to be a famous music star! I am also an avid reader. I love good books.

Can you tell me something about the painting techniques used to create your paintings?

Currently, I use a variety of Photoshop programs to create my artwork. I also have done oils, acrylics, airbrushing, charcoals, pencils, pastels, watercolors ...

When did you realize that you could use your talent for the music world and which was the first album that featured one of your paintings?

Early in 2002 I began to realize this. My first published artwork was for the 2002 Fan Club CD for The Flower Kings and then The Tangent CD artwork followed. It changed my life!

Did the paintings that you make for yourself are different from the ones used for the bands?

I would say that my artwork I create artwork out of the inspirational mood when this comes to me. I don’t always know what idea is going to be. But, when it arrives, I simply go with the idea. This always makes me happy! And sometimes, I have creation in my files that seems to fit a bands album theme. So when I show them a piece of my artworks, sometimes they agree that this is fitting for their cover and sometimes, we modify it a little bit to fit the cover of their album. All of my artwork ideas come out of inspiration of an idea I have in my head.

You did a lot of paintings for progressive rock artists, what do you think about progressive music?

I love progressive rock music. I believe this is the modern day version of classical music. It is truly timeless.

Which is the most inspiring for you and what kind of music do like to listen to, which are your favored bands?

I love Progressive Rock of course! I also listen to classical music, opera, indie, actually many different kinds of music that is excellent. There are only a few genres of music that I don’t like.

When you make a painting for an album, do you usually listen the music first to find some inspiration?

Sometimes, the music becomes the background mood for me and I listen music for inspiration. I always have some cool music playing around me. But, most of the time, an idea simply pops into my head and I start to work on it and it evolves into a creation.

Usually, do you are satisfied with your finished paintings or there is always something that you would have the possibility to change?

No, I am always thinking I could do something to make it a little better. I am very picky and a perfectionist. I am constantly reworking a piece. But, this is the nature of an artist.

In the music tradition there are some great painters that were used a lot, the first one that comes to my mind is Frank Frazzetta (my fave), Roger Dean, Whitehead (GENESIS), Rodney Matthews and so on... did you were influenced by their works?

These are all amazing artist! And they do give me inspiration. However, perhaps the most influential artist for me is Salvatore Dali.

If you have to choose an album from the past that you would have painted the cover art, which one do you choose and why?

Only one? This is a very difficult question for me. Each one is very special and dear to my heart. Each one reflects a different dimension of my creativity and so it is very difficult to choose.

Usually your paintings are very rich and complex, how do you manage the very small dimension of a cd’s booklet, do you care about it and which are usually the real dimension of your paintings?

The artwork begins much larger. Then it is made smaller to fit the size of the CD/DVD cover and booklets. The larger pieces show much more detail than what you actually are able to see on the small CD/DVD sizes. The original dimensions I start with change for each artwork piece. Sometimes it is very big and sometimes it is small. It just depends.

How long did it takes one of your paintings to be done?

When I am in the creative mood, the artwork just flows out and I create, create, create, create! Sometimes this can be many pieces in a short period of time. And at other times, I simply need to show up and wait until the artwork inspiration comes to me.

Which was the most gratifying artwork you’ve done or the one you are particularly proud of?

To be able to do my artwork for people to enjoy is very gratifying to me. And I am proud and honored when they are happy.

Which was the artists it was most easy to work with and why?

Oh, this is a very difficult question.

Which was the most particular or difficult request that you have been asked for an artwork?

The most difficult requests for me are when a band wants something that isn’t artistically wants something done that isn’t good artwork or wants a modification that is bad for the artwork piece. This does happen from time to time. It is very difficult to express to them that this is my artwork, my image, my reputation and when their request is less than up to my standards, or to change it, modify it, recolor it, or use the image inappropriately, this is upsetting to me.

When I look at your paintings I feel also a lot of spirituality, do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If yes, can you tell me more about, please?

Yes, my artwork is spiritual. Spirituality is contained within each piece in some way or another. Even in some cases, the dark side of spirituality. And yes, I consider myself a spiritual person. I believe very much there is a higher source of Divine. I believe it is in all of us and in everything that exists.
The nature is always very important also, you paint the beauty of the nature, does this it is the world through your eyes or does it is a dreamland world?

Both. I love nature very much. I find a lot of comfort and solace in the woods, by the river, in flowers, trees, the sky, rain ... it adds to my creative imagination in my Surrealistic Dreams! What do you think about what the men are doing to affect the world? Well, I think the earth is a beautiful place and that humans are basically good. But, somehow we haven’t seemed to figure out how to be humane, live in peace and harmony for all the people. This makes me sad.

Which is the greatest challenge for you?

Ask my manager (laughing)

Can you tell me something about your future projects?

In September 2007, my artwork will be on the cover of the new release for The Flower Kings – "Sum of No Evil". I just completed the Logo artwork for the Happy Birthday, Moscow! 860th Anniversary celebration. I will be doing the Rites of Spring Festival Logo artwork again for the 2008 Festival. I will be doing artwork for Italy’s wonderful group Moongarden for their upcoming album. Also, Jade Warrior’s new album NOW. We have about 15 projects in the works for the very near future.

Feel free to end this interview as you like...

Giancarlo, thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you. I have visited your ezine many times to keep up with the news. I hope someday we have the pleasure to meet. Very best wishes to you and your family.

GB

January 11, 2008 Shipping New Calendars Dear Friends!

We are shipping our New - 2008 Calendar this Weekend! We still have a few copies of the Calendars - so get yours before we are SOLD OUT!

Enjoy a new piece of artwork each month with a total of 15 Pieces artwork - all for the low price of $21.95 (plus shipping & handling).

This is Ed’s first published calendar edition, and will certainly be the "Collector’s Collectable" rarity as the quantity was limited. Don’t miss out!

January 1, 2008 - Laurie Larson

Laurie contacted Ed about integrated some of her personal photos into a stunning CD cover for her new Release "A Striking Resemblance".

The double lightning bolt energetically connects to Laurie and creates the astral visual artistry that musicians and artist know well. Ed incorporated Laurie's beautiful photo along with her photo of a double lightning bolt, an extraordinary phenomena into a cosmic background to create the cover for her new CD. The double lightning bolt energetically connects to Laurie and creates the astral visual artistry that musicians and artist know well.

Laurie's new album "A Striking Resemblance" will be released in January 2008.

The pre-release advance track "A Call to Action " is on the January / February 2008 Global Rhythm Collector's CD, their review: "There's a bit of the desert in Arizona-based Laurie Larson's stately folk-pop songs.

Her zephyr-like tenor brings a solitary, mournful air to the opening of "A Call to Action", pushing the song into a double-time beat that flies by like the mile markers on an open highway."

T he advance track will appear on 60,000 copies of Global Rhythm's sampler CD.

The title track "A Striking Resemblance" and another "Obliquity" will feature guitar hero Rich Williams (the guitarist for the rock band Kansas).

Track 1, "Endless Thank You Loop" features Jim Robertson Hammond B3. He is also mixing "Artist's Mirage Two". Jim Roberts has produced, performed on and engineered records for John Entwistle (The Who), Kansas, Steve Walsh (Kansas), Leslie West  (Mountain), Joe Franco (Twisted Sister), Joel Kosche (Collective Soul), Steve Luongo and Mark Hitt (TorQue) and others. He is an A.S.C.A.P. songwriter and publisher whose work has aired on Good Morning America, ABC World News Now, Good Day New York and various shows on ABC, FOX, ESPN, PBS, and NBC. Jim is on the advisory board of The John Entwistle Foundation . He is also a voting member of the Recording Academy (NARAS), the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).

Recording engineer Jim Brady of Jim Brady Recording Studios recording such legendary artists as Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers and many more, is mixing the rest of the tracks and plays bass.

GuitaristEd DeLucia (Linda Ronstadt) and Grass Roots drummer Ralph Gilmore also team up with Laurie Larson on the new album. All songs are written by Laurie Larson.

Laurie has been on stage with Jefferson Airplane, Mick Fleetwood's Zoo and members of Country Joe and the Fish. She has won awards for her bass playing in many jazz contests. Her song Feather Dancer was a top video in Albuquerque, NM. Her song A Moment's Reflection was nominated for a Grammy on the original MP3.com.

To Purchase Laurie's new release and her other albums, click on her picture or visit: www.laurielarson.com

December 30, 2008 – Blessing to you …

December 22, 2007 A Christmas Prayer, Author Unknown

God give us eyes this Christmas to see the Christmas Star,
And give us ears to hear the song of angels from afar.
And, with our eyes and ears attuned for a message from above,
Let "Christmas Angels" speak to us of hope and faith and love.
Hope to light our pathway when the way ahead is dark,
Hope to sing through stormy days, with the sweetness of the lark.
Faith to trust in things unseen and know beyond all seeing,
T hat it is in our Fathers love we live and have our being.
And love to break down barriers of color, race and creed,
Love to see and understand and help all those in need.
Blessings to you and yours ... Ed and Nancy

December 11, 2007– USA Progressive Music

The results are in! USA Progressive Music Staff Members Vote Their Top 2007 albums of the year.

2007 Top 10 Prog Rock Albums

1. Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon
2. Neal Morse - Sola Scriptura
3. Magic Pie - Circus of Life
4. The Flower Kings - The Sum of No Evil
5. Ritual - The Hemulic Voluntary Band
6. Beardfish - Sleeping in Traffic: Part One
7. Rush - Snakes & Arrows
8. Starcastle - Song of Times
9. Blind Ego - Mirror
10. Those Men - Sobgod

2007 Top 10 Prog/Power/Symphonic Metal Albums

1. Circus Maximus - Isolate
2. Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet
3. Amaran's Plight - Voice in the Light
4. Nightwish - Dark Passion Play
5. Poverty's No Crime - Save My Soul
6. Suspyre - A Great Divide
7. Symphony X - Paradise Lost
8. Kamelot - Ghost Opera
9. Allen-Lande - The Revenge
10. Within Temptation - The Heart of Everything

Congratulations to all our friends!
Please Visit:
www.usaprogmusic.com
www.myspace.com/usaprogmusic

December 10, 2007 - 2008 Progressive Rock Hall of Fame

Ed creates the first Progressive Rock Hall of Fame 2008 Poster.

The Progressive Rock Hall of Fame is accepting nominations until January 31, 2008 for the following categories:

2008 Inductees

Progressive Rock Album of the Year
Progressive Rock Artist of the Year
Progressive Rock Recording Engineer of the Year
Progressive Rock Producer of the Year
Progressive Rock Song of the Year
Best New Progressive Rock Artist
Best Female Progressive Rock Vocalist
Best Male Progressive Rock Vocalist
Best Progressive Rock Instrumental Album
Best Progressive Rock Instrumental Performance
Best Progressive Hard Rock Album
Best Progressive Acoustic Album Best
Progressive Jazz Album
Best Progressive Country Album
Progressive Rock Lifetime Achievement Award

www.progressiverockhalloffame.com
www.myspace.com/progressiverockhalloffame

December 5, 2007 Gallery Exhibition 

Debut This is the featured article in Beet Cafe' (www.beetcafe.com) highlighting Ed's Gallery Exhibition at Cusco Jack's on December 1st and below you will find the pictures that were in the article. To see the full article - visit: www.beetcafe.com

Date: 11/25/2007 International Artist Has Debut Gallery Exhibition in Rockford
by Gary Hill – gary@beetcafe.com

How often do you get the chance to see a Gallery Exhibition of an internationally renowned artist in Rockford?

What if, that showing was the first such display by the artist? The two things combined show just how important this event is. They also should tell you that if you miss this one you’ll be kicking yourself for a long time.

Ed Unitsky is the artist and his work has been seen most conspicuously in the world of progressive rock where he has designed numerous CD covers and logos for genre favorites like The Flower Kings and Illinois band Starcastle.

This outlet has certainly brought Unitsky a high level of recognition in both the art world and the world of music.

Unitsky was born in Belarus in 1962 and discovered his love for art at an early age. In some ways, though he had created many works before then, it wasn’t until 2002 that artist and medium were truly wed. It was then that Unitsky discovered the wonders of creating art in a digital format.

Showcasing a more inspired in this new method of digital painting. Unitsky's love of music, and progressive rock in particular, led him to send his works to Roine Stolt, the main man behind Swedish prog rock sensation The Flower Kings. Stolt arranged to use a work of Stolt’s as the cover to a fan club release in 2002. It was the start of an era. Much as Roger Dean represented progressive rock art work in the 1970's Unitsky is starting to be similarly recognized in the new century.

When you look at this illustrious background it should be apparent that you won’t often get a chance like this to see the work of such a talent on display in Rockford. That’s why you need to be at Cusco Jacks Gallery, Gifts, & Gatherings on December 1st as part of their open house.

The store will be open for you to view (and purchase) Unitsky's works from 10 AM to 6 PM. If the art display isn't enough for you, there will be giveaways, refreshments and special sales.

December 2, 2007 Moongarden’s, Songs from the Lighthouse

Ed's artwork perfectly reflects the music of the album for Moongarden - one of Italy's finest Progressive Rock Groups and their Album is scheduled to be released in February 2008. Their Album is will be available through ProgRock Record, Galileo Records and soon through SPV for European Distribution. The combination of Ed's Artwork along with the musical talents of: CRISTIANO ROVERSI: Keys and Orchestrations, MIRKO TAGLIASACCHI: Freted and Fretless Basses, MARCO TAFELLI: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Violin, SIMONE BALDINI TOSI: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, MAURIZIO DI TOLLO: Drums and Percussions, and An-dy Tillison as a featured guest on "That Child"!

Please visit Moongarden for additional information

November 1, 2007 Rites Of Spring Festival Gold Seats on Sale

Just a reminder that our Gold seat tickets go on sale this Saturday November 3rd. Gold seat tickets are 225.00 each &. Friday event tickets are 55.00 each. If you are using paypal there is a 4% paypal fee per ticket. In other words each Gold ticket is $234.00 each and the Friday tickets are 57.20 each. Gold tickets will have first dibs at the best seats in the house. Gold seat ticket holders will also have the opportunity to purchase Friday event tickets too.

In addition purchasing Gold Seat tickets will enable you to attend the greet and meet with the bands at an after hours party on Saturday night at the host hotel. The greet and meet will feature electric live and improvisational performances from various members of our performing bands. To purchase Gold seat tickets head on over to the RoSfest website and click on the Ticket Info tab. rosfest.com/Ticket_Info.htm

October 31, 2007 ESSENTIAL MINI-GUIDE TO PROGRESSIVE ROCK-2nd Edition

Ronald Couture is the Co-founder ProgArchives. PROGARCHIVES is the premier resource site for all genres of progressive rock music. You will find an incredible comprehensive catalog of music discographies, progressive rock bands, albums (LP, CD and DVD) reviews, and user submitted videos.

Their online catalogue of discography totals over 16, 000 titles from over 3,000 bands. Ronald, in his endeavors to promote his passion for progressive rock, he created his "1st Edition of the ESSENTIAL MINI-GUIDE TO PROGRESSIVE ROCK".

The Mini - Guide chronicles the History of Progressive Rock Music between 1967-2004. Through this "mini guide" of the "progressive music", you discover the many genres of music and the historical waves of the progressive movement chronicled over a span of nearly 40 years.

Ronald now is in the process of completing his "2nd Edition of the ESSENTIAL MINI-GUIDE TO PROGRESSIVE ROCK". The new edition is 64 pages of essential PROGRESSIVE ROCK references and historical notes that follow the complex development of this musical genre and is complete with Ed Unitsky's - Progressive Rock Cover Art-work.

August 19, 2007 Manuel Gцttsching ... A Friend ... A Legend ...

Copyright -Kim Jin-hee

Is one of the most notable musicians and leader of a group in the 70's and 80's by the name of Ash Ra Tempel. Manuel is also is considered to be one of the premier guitarists of the Kosmische Musik Era (experimen-tal/contemporary-electronic music) which appeared in the late 60's and was popular through the 70's.

Klaus Schulzeand Hartmut Enke joined Gцttsching. Together, they released a studio album and a live album as Ash Ra Tempel. Ash Ra Tempel: Ash - (an English word) the ash, the remains, the final curtain; Ra - the Egyptian Sun God, the energy, the source of our lives; Tempel - a place for rest and contemplation (written in the German idiom).

The live album was recorded as part of the Cornucopea concerts organized by Julian Cope at the Royal Festival Hall in London, England. Gцttsching, in subsequent years, as Ashra, Manuel Gцttsching furthered his musical career and performed as a solo artist.

He re-emerged in 1984 with a masterpiece E2-E4 that earned Gцttsching recognition as one of the premier innovators of the musical aesthetics, later it would be called "electronic". E2-E4 remains a building block in the subsequent development of styles ranging from techno to contemporary ambient music.

Manuel Gцttsching most recent appearances, a live concert on Mt.Fuji, Japan at the 2007 Anoyo Prism Festival. on April 29, 2006. And, Manuel will perform live for the silent movie "Schloss Vogeloed" (THE HAUNTED CASTLE) by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau on Friday, August 10th at the Cheongpung Lake Outdoor Stage at the closing ceremony of the Jecheon Film-Music-Festival 2007.

Tokyo Tower Wax Museum enshrined Marilyn Monroe, Chiune Sugihara, Abraham Lincoln Manuel Gцttsching and has a full exhibition of Manuel's CD Albums, and features a life size wax figure. 

For more information visit:
www.myspace.com/manuelgoettsching
www.ashra.com

I would like to thank Manuel for his musical contributions to the world and for the collection of CD's. Thank you Maneul and Illona – Nancy and I adore you!

August 13, 2007 - THE FLOWER KINGS'- "Sum of No Evil!"

Ed's retro-hippie creative idea was to morph a 1960's VW Van into a gold fish in a sea of cosmic Light surrounded by spiritual representations and swimming above the Taj Mahal.

On the interior of the booklet you will find several of Ed's artwork pieces; one is a re-colorized version of Ed's "The Great Car" depicting the sum of goodness traveling through life's journey. A Buddha figure riding atop a VW Beetle Car with a good luck elephant leading the car forward. The car is equipped with many other collage details such as a budding lotus mandolin, bamboo scripture wheels, ancient limestone carvings, peaceful, serene and beautiful elements, landscapes, flowers and but-terflies. It is an adventure to see the many details as shown below of the The Great Car on its blue-sky desert-moon highway.

Full artwork pieces will be on display on his website soon! Ed's Artwork exemplifies his unique imagination and once again pushes the limit of his creative talent.

The Flower Kings Music is full of fantasy and flair, just as you'd expect from Flower Kings. Most of all, this is The Flower Kings "TO THE MAX", according to Roine. "It has everything a prog lover would loves and it delivers both skill and passion with no cheese moments and no pointless prog noodling just for the sake of proggin'." The music has passages of keyboard heavy transitions, reflecting the progrock of the 70's, plenty of true analog Hammond B3, Wurlizer, Rhodes pianos, Mini-Moog and CS 80 galore. A top 70's vibe prog rhythm section of Drums and Bass from Zoltan and Jonas along with some cool epic guitar leads. Hasses' high and strong pitch vocals deliver the epic chill, and Roine's lower vocal unique vocals that take you to unseen places.

This is an album that is pure prog. It has no pop songs, no jazz noodling (unless you consider Crimson or Zappa to be jazz) and no ambient experiments, just as a progger surely enjoys. On one track The Flower Kings had a 320 men/women choir flown in from Budapest and 3 imported German Church organs that were taken down and rebuilt in the studio for that Grand Final chord of the last song and a long sustained one that last for 54 seconds . A fantastic intense REAL PROG EPIC ENDING.

he album can be purchased at: Inside Out

August 10, 2007 Robert Farmer’s "Seeing Red"

Robert had wanted Ed to create an image of a male figure looking down on societies imperfections and problems with a bit of sadness and disappointment. Utilizing photos taken by Margaret Harwick , Jeff Cox,Marchella of Gossamer Glennand Ed's personal photographies, Ed masterfully integrated this collection of photos into the perfect concept for Robert.

Ed incorporated photos of Robert within a setting of an abandon building reflecting his image as he is contemplating societies imperfections and problems with a bit of sadness and disappointment. A pictorial representation of Robert's music.

Farmer writes and performs what he describes as "atmospheric rock fused with improvisational feel" He is an award-winning musician, taking home both solo artist of the year and best song of the year honors in 2007 competition. His CD "In a Dream" contributed two songs to the soundtrack for "Revelation," whose trailer will also feature a Farmer song.  Robert Farmer announces his release of his new album, "Seeing Red," set to hit streets on May 27. 

Farmer recently signed on with A&R Select, Hollywood's leading indie A&R firm
A music video is also in the works. IOM Magazine printed a piece on Farmer and also offered an extremely positive review and a one on one interview conducted by Colin Lynch, executive director of www.rcatcommunications.com .

Farmer was a featured artist in Merge Weekly Entertainment Magazine (print and online) and was ranked as one of the country's top ten artists in Pop, Rock & Electronica categories at:
www.americanidolunderground.com.

At Garage Band, he has frequently held track of the day and track of the week honors. He has worked with Larry Gold, producer and arranger of such artists as Jay Z, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Teddy Pendergrass, George Thorogood, Billy Blaugh and Hank Carter (The Delaware Destroyers). Frankford Wayne Recording Studios, which has served the likes of Suzanne Vega, Moby, Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Erykah Badu and more.  Gold is doing the mastering on "Seeing Red."

Farmer has shared the stage with such superstars as Patti Smith, James Cotton and Robert Hunter of The Grateful Dead, just to name a handful. "I'm dedicated to producing original recordings for release and sale, as well as promoting soundtracks for movies and television," says Farmer of his current activities - besides polishing work on his forthcoming disc. Of "Seeing Red," he says, "This is an incredible production of alternative rock mixed with the power of fusion/improvisation and influenced by the music, people and events in the world today. 'Seeing Red' is a collision of the independent music revolution and the new political revolution." He believes that it is something only an indie artist could have gotten away with creating and cites his new album as an example of artistic freedom.

More information is available by visiting:
www.robertfarmermusic.com
www.myspace.com/robertfarmermusic
www.arselect.com

August 10, 2007 Two Swiss Progressive Rock to promote Progressive Rock!

The two have joined forces to promote Progressive Rock in Switzerland. Patrick Becker of Galileo Records contacted Ed to see about the possibility of a logo that would represent both logos into one Logo/T-shirt design. The Logo/T-shirt design created unique expression for this promotion of Progressive Rock.

ProgSol, The Swiss Prog Rock Association that hosts the premier Annual Progressive Rock Festival held every October in Biberist, Solothurn – Switzerland. ProgSol has featured bands from all over the world such as … LEST, ARF, HIGH WHEEL, XANG, DEEP THOUGHT, THONK, MOONGARDEN, ERTLIF, ZENIT, LA MASCHERA DI CERA, TAAL, EX-VAGUS, ARS NOVA, FOCUS, COSMOS, GALLEON, NEVERLAND, RAK, IRRWISCH, LIQUID SCARLET, THE WATCH DISCUS, DAWN, SENSITIVE TO LIGHT, BELIEVE, SISYPHOS, NEBELNEST, and RWPL, along with Proggies.ch an E-zine source for progressive rock fans in Switzerland.

Proggies.ch features news, reviews, blogs and a progressive rock shop with progressive rock CD Albums from all over the world. The design will be on T-shirts that will be sold as a fundraiser for continued promotion of Progressive Rock in Switzerland. Please visit: ProgSol Festival Information and Swiss Progressive Rock.

August 10, 2007 INTERNATIONAL MUSIC-FEST 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOSCOW!

Ed has just completed the artwork for the "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOSCOW!" celebration!

On August 31 and September 1, The "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOSCOW!" celebration begins as Moscow will be celebrating its 860th Anniversary!

The eternally young capital is prepared for an amazing celebration of its 860th birthday. Muscovites and guests of the capital can look forward to the appearance of traditional signs of the urban holiday.

In the sky above Tver, Ed's artwork can be seen flying high in city's streets along with colorful balloons, and ribbons creating a the mood for the wonderful festivities for the "Happy Birthday, Moscow! Celebration." Thousands of serious music fans will be flocking into the streets to enjoy the First International festival. It will be two festive days of celebration whipping the fresh wave of guitar music in all directions and will include access to numerous open air concert areas. At night musical hits will be heard thundering from the stage in the famous well-known open Air-amphitheater Central Gorky Park. Spectacular performances are anticipated from NOGU SVELO, BI-2, TOKYO, CITY 31, KALINOV MOST, Igor Talkov.

Other stage performers participating in the event are MILASA, talented performer who has opened for Dimitry Dibrov, and the much anticipated dynamic musical sensations, Vladimir Kuzmin and group DINAMIK, Dmitry Chetvergov, as well as legendary collective Stasa Namina - FLOWERS.

But, the main surprise of the holiday celebration will be the foreign guests - SANTANA THE EXPERIENCE from Sweden as the Headliner for the August 31st and MAMAGUAY from Italy as the September 1st Headliner!

Santana The Experience was formed in Stockholm around of the former concert promoter, and now guitarist Lasse Olsson. First Olsson organized the stages of such stars as Sarah Brightman, Joe Cocker, David Copperfield and Plasido Domingo, but has then decided to pursue a childhood dream and create a group.

The group consists of 11 partici-pants, creates a musical cocktail of salsa, blues, and jazz. The name of group is a name the musicians " borrowed" from the surname of the executor, who inspired them creatively, guitarist of Carlos Santana.

As concert organizers promise, each day of the festival, the concerts will be visited from 10-12,000 spectators. More than 20,000 people will hear the best rock groups of in the very center of Moscow during the 2 day festival.

Ticketscanbepurchasedat:ticketland.ru/wg.dll/buildinfo?id=1583&view=0

Ed's artwork can be seen on many promotional advertisements and publications. Special thanks to Oleg Shevchuk and Julia Malyasova

July 1, 2008 SOULRIDER is about to release their debut CD at one of the biggest rock events Rocklahoma held in Pryor, Oklahoma on Friday, July 12th thru July 15th, 2007.

SOULRIDER has been invited to perform on both Friday, July 13th and Sunday July 15th, to make a statement with their released material for their already large fan base. The CD Album titled 'This Way ' will have 12 songs on it and will consist of melodic intricately orchestrated ballads, to grinding "wickedly composed" hard rock songs.

The powerful and electrifying group has joined Rocklahoma's already historic line-up. Featuring Special: POISON, RATT, QUIET RIOT, SLAUGHTER, Y&T, WHITE LION, VINCE NEIL, DOKKEN, WINGER, SKID ROW, WARRANT, FIREHOUSE, ENUFF Z'NUFF, FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, BANG TANGO, TWISTED SISTER, QUEENSRџCHE, JACKYL, GREAT WHITE, L.A. GUNS, STEELHEART, BRITNY FOX

"We're all just honored to be a part of rock and roll history on a HUGE scale such as this!" says front man and vocalist David Martinez. "It's time to rise and shine!" Other members of the band Danny Molster, Kelly "Miller Time" Miller and Ler are also eager to enter rock and roll history by playing at the event. "This will be the biggest CD release party I could ever recall being witness too" said drummer of Soulrider Danny Molster.

With VH1 Classic host Eddie Trunk as Master of Ceremonies, Rocklahoma's. This is a great opportunity for fans of '80s rock to see the largest gathering of this kind. There will be over 30 bands at this four day event Tickets sales have been worldwide for Rocklahoma and have been sold across six continents and throughout the United States, making Rocklahoma one of the most successful music festivals across the United States and is a part of Oklahoma's Centennial Celebration as '80s rock fans will converge on the state from locations as far away as Japan, Australia and South Africa.

The event is expecting a massive turnout of approx. 30-40 thousand people from all over the world.

For more info on SOULRIDER will be found on:
www.myspace.com/soulridermuzik

July 3, 2007 – The Tangent - "Going Off on One" DVD Release

Once again Ed has manifested stunning images for the new Tangent CD/DVD release album - Going Off On One. This is the fifth Album cover artwork Ed has completed for the Tangent. Ed's Signature artwork is well known in the Progressive Rock community and is beginning to receive international attention on par with the likes of Roger Dean, H.R. Giger, and other notable fantasy artist.

This fifth Tangent album cover comes on the heels of the 10th Annual Dutch Progressive Rock Poll Awards - where Ed's spectacular artwork for The Tangent's - "A Place In The Queue", won by a two to one vote!

Ed previously topped his own previous poll award in 2003 with his artwork for The Music That Died Alone and he shared second place with Carl Glover's artwork for the Marillion Cover in 2004 for his artwork cover The World That We Drive Through.

The Tangent placed 3rd in the Best Album Category and 3rd in the Best Track Category for their music. Inside Out is quoted as …. "With the already existing three studio albums, the Tangent have proved that even today you can still pull a dedicated fan base with classic progressive rock.

The fact that The Tangent are also an excellent live band is demonstrated in a very special manner on their first DVD 'Going Off On One'.

June 2007 - D’arcana

D’arcana was formed in the summer of 2003, with three highly acclaimed independent releases to their credit in as many years. Their third endeavor entitled Premonitions, is a double CD with artwork designed by Ed Unitsky.

Premonitions, includes a two part, 44 minute epic, and runs 1 hour 45 min. total. D’arcana has been receiving air play on various radio stations world-wide and it seems word is starting to spread about this exciting and innovative project.

The song "Shimmer" was included on a 2006 Canadian compilation CD from Terra Incognita entitled "Discoveries vol.6" featuring some of the leading names in contemporary progressive/art rock. While the songwriting core of D’arcana is a three piece, the live band is as many as six, incorporating Michael Snow of the Metropolitan Hot Club (violin), Skip Allen Smith (drums), Mike Palshakov (Keys) Jay Tausig (Lead Vocals, Multi-Instrumentalist) and Shelby Snow who began playing guitar, singing and performing at the age of nine and has been a prominent member of the progressive rock scene on the east coast since the mid 90’s.

Jay was a scholarship student at the Westchester Conservatory of Music studying classical guitar and theory under James Larusso. His past projects (Lunar Sea, Solid Space, E-Motive) have toured with and supported a variety of prog giants including Gong, Brand X, Fish, Richard Sinclair, etc. He has also been a featured vocalist / performer on four internationally released tribute CD’s to Genesis (Supper’s Ready, The Fox Lies Down), King Crimson (Schizoid Dimension) and Peter Hammill / VDGG (Eye Witness).

Shelby Snow (Bass, Vocals, Percussion etc.) - Began playing at the age of 12 under the tutelage of Bob Stern, son of legendary concert violinist Issac Stern. Shelby has performed live with Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead), Santana, Zero (John Cippolina), Carol King, Lacy J. Dalton, Gene Harris, Johnny Otis, John Marmaduke Dawson and many others to round out a career of independent projects that span 32 years. Shelby’s projects include opening performances for Jefferson Airplane, Booker T & the MGs, David Grisman Quintet and Stoneground, to name a few. Shelby studied music at the College of Marin in California.

James Camblin (Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Vocals) - James was born and raised in the Northern California area, and has been a working musician since the age of fifteen. In addition to performing live and recording with D'arcana, Camblin is also a session guitarist (Flying Whale Studios-Grass Valley, Ca.), and has been a member of supporting and headlining acts for the local Bill Graham Presents venue, including opening acts for names like Rush and ZZ Top.

April 16, 2007 - Gert Emmens & Ruud Heij - Journey

Gert Emmens had his first introduction to Electronic Music when he was 17 years old when he heard the album: Timewind of Klaus Schulze. Immediately he wanted to make that kind of music! Gert made electronic music on his own until 1984.

He had lost his interest in electronic music from 1984 through 1995. During that period, he made Symphonic Rock and Fusion joining in many bands as a keyboard player and as a drummer. In 1995, he purchased an old analog synthesizer and again started to focus on electronic music and began releasing solo-albums beginning in 1999. Gert became member of Alfa Centauri in 1995 (Alfa Centuri an organization that supports Electronic Music and Musicians).

Since March 2003 Gert furthered his creativity in electronic music with Ruud Heij, of who Gert thinks he is the greatest sequence designer of all times. Ruud had his first introduction to electronic music when he was 9 years old when he heard the album: Phaedra of Tangerine Dream. Later, when he heard Moondawn of Klaus Schulze he knew he wanted to make that kind of music too. He purchased his first synthesizer in 1982, a Korg MS-20 (he still owns that synthesizer).

In the first years of composing electronic music, Ruud did it on his own. During the nineties, he met Renй Jansen and together they formed Patchwork. From then, things went faster. Ruud became a member of Alfa Centauri and met people with whom he started to make music. Most important: Free System Projekt, which is making a pure form of Berlin School.

Since March 2003, Ruud has been making electronic music with Gert Emmens, who has electronic music influences that differ from Free System Projekt and Renй Jansen.

Purchasing information can be found on:
home.versatel.nl/emmens_heij/order_cds.htm home.versatel.nl/gert.emmens/

April 13, 2007 TEMPUSTRY

Ed Unitsky has just finished yet another art-work of art with the cover of Tempustry's upcoming 'Astral Gate' CD. Originally planned for release to coincide with ROSFest '07, the CD release date will be later this year, tbd. Tempustry's 2nd CD release, 'Astral Gate' promises to be an all-out unrestrained assault of an innovative blurring of Berlin (Example: Tangerine Dream, Klause Schulze) & Dusseldorf (Kraftwerk) schools of electronic music.

This release will be the 1st Tempustry release to highlight Allen's acoustic/electronic drumming along side his programming abilities. TEMPUSTRY is an electronic music project of Allen Brunelle. 'TEMPUSTRY' is a pseudonym Allen created from the Latin word for time, ,'Tempus', and the postfix, -try, meaning 'the study of'. As a percus-sionist and drummer, Allen's number one responsibility has been to keep time and to be the rhythmic force behind bands of many genres.

Previously, Allen drummed for Celtic/Renaissance Metal Band, TODESBONDEN, progressive rock band, THE DARK AETHER PROJECT, toured internationally with Neo-progressive rock band, ILUVATAR, as well as playing drums/keyboards for San Antonio, Texas Metal band, KING'S RANSOM Allen will be performing on the Friday line-up at the Rites of Spring Festival in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania along with Starcastle and Puppet Show.

It is an incredible line for the avid Music Lover.
www.myspace.com/tempustry
www.cdbaby.com/tempustry

April 04, 2007 - 10th Annual Dutch Progressive Rock Poll Award

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary the Dutch Progressive Rock Poll Has Announced its 2006 Winners!

50 Different countries were represented in the 2006 Poll. Votes were cast on 634 albums. Below are the Results.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
1. The Flower Kings - Paradox Hotel
2. Frost* - Milliontown
3. The Tangent - A Place In The Queue
4. Sylvan - Posthumous Silence
5. Spock's Beard - Spock's Beard
6. Magenta - Home / New York Suite
7. David Gilmour - On An Island
8. Tool - 10,000 Days
9. Pure Reason - Revolution The Dark Third
10. Muse Black Holes and Revelations

TRACK OF THE YEAR:
1. The Flower Kings
2. Frost*
3. The Tangent
4. Spock's Beard
5. Sylvan

TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL TRACKS:
1. Frost* - Milliontown
2. The Flower Kings - Monsters & Men
3. Spock's Beard - On A Perfect Day
4. The Tangent - In Earnest
5. The Tangent - A Place In The Queue

ARTWORK OF THE YEAR !!!

1. Ed Unitsky - The Tangent - A Place In The Queue
2. Alex Grey - Tool - 10,000 Days
3. Andres Valles - The Flower Kings - Paradox Hotel
4. Mark Wilkinson - Fish - Return To Childhood
5. Tobias Harback - Sylvan - Posthumous Silence

Ed received more than twice the votes of any other album artwork in the poll with his Artwork for The Tangent's " A Place in the Queue " released on Inside Out Music - May of 2006.

Ed's has received top Artwork Awarsd in the poll in 2003 with his artwork for 'The Tangent's - The Music That Died Alone and he was third in 2004 for 'The Tangent's' - The World That We Drive Through.

Please join me in congratulating Ed and The Tangent for a successful Year!

For Additional Information - Please visit DPRP at: www.dprp.net/dprpoll/2006/index.php

February 15, 2007 - The Last of Days

This is The Last of Days first CD comprised of a five song EP with a multi-faceted sound. Their music combined with style and attitude will draw you in within the first moments of each opening refrain. Band members Joey Duncan - Guitar, Tim Cardwell - Vocals, Jason Thomas - Bass, and Kevin Gelinas - Drums, formed The Last of Days in 2004, and their first CD is a dynamic mix of exciting sounds uplifting and hair-raising flight. "Somewhere between a Rocket ship & a Wrecking Ball."

January 06, 2007- PROJECT AEON

PROJECT AEON is the creation of Jay Grigsby and was created to be a true expression of musical freedom and fusion. The music that PROJECT AEON creates is music with a message, meaning, and purpose. Project Aeon's goal is to make the world a better place with their music and visions. Their sound is a fusion of Metal, Experimental and Industrial syntheses.

This EP is a limited edition created for Project Aeon's friends and fans. So that people can get a taste of things to come. Project Aeon plans to produce a full length CD "Echoes of the Fallen Empire" (E.O.F.E) in a larger studio environment.

This EP is only the tip of the iceberg. The full length CD will consist of twice as many songs as this EP.

TO PURCHASE THE CD VISIT:
www.myspace.com/projectaeon

 $1.00 of every CD we sell will go to local charity.

December 31, 2006 - STARCASTLE IS SIGNED TO PROGROCK RECORDS "SONG OF TIMES"

Starcastle, the classic and highly respected American progressive rock band, will debut its first album of new material since 1978, Song of Times, on Prog Rock Records.

This new record features Starcastle's trademark vocal harmonies, twin guitars, fluid and driving bass playing, and grand synthesizer lines. At the same time, the record has a more modern and rocking, less glossy feel than earlier Starcastle releases, more representative of their high energy live shows.

The songs and arrangements are tight and melodic, and there's even one (Babylon) that's mostly in 4/4 time! Some of the songs are from the demos done during the "California' years at Sharkbite Studios in California. Song of Times features songs that originated on analog 2" tape (both in Champaign and in California), ADAT, hard drive, and MIDI sequences. All the songs with Scott McKenzie drumming were recorded on 2" tape in Oakland California by Gary Strater. Song of Times includes contributions from all the original members: Gary Strater (bass and vocals), Matt Stewart (guitars and vocals), Steve Tassler (drums, vocals and keyboards), Herb Schildt (keyboards), Steve Hagler (guitar and vocals), and Terry Luttrell (vocals, original REO vocalist)- alongside a number of new players and singers, including current Starcastle vocalist Al Lewis and guitarist Bruce Botts.

Produced by Gary Strater, Mark Rubel, and Al Lewis Recorded by Gary Strater and Mark Rubel at Pogo Studio, Champaign IL USA; by Gary Strater at Sharkbite Studios, Oakland CA; and other locations using the Pogo Mobile Mixed by Mark Rubel at Pogo, assisted by Carl Lund Mastered by Emily Lazar at The Lodge, NYC Starcastle Music Partners 2007 "The Rhythm of Life" painting created for Gary by Annie Haslam www.anniehaslam.com/ Starcastle formed in the late 1960's in Champaign Illinois.

They released four records on CBS/Epic Records: Starcastle (1976), Fountains of Light (1976), Citadel (1977), and Real to Reel (1978). Together these records have sold more than a million copies. The middle two albums were produced by Queen/Cars/Darkness producer Roy Thomas Baker.

The band toured extensively into the 80's, appearing with such artists as Aerosmith, Foreigner, Jethro Tull, Roxy Music, Ted Nugent, Rush, The Guess Who, Gentle Giant, Kansas, ELO, J. Geils, Styx, Peter Frampton, Hot Tuna, Blue Oyster Cult, Santana, Boston, Todd Rundgren, and of all bands- Sha Na Na!

Through a series of adventures and the passing in 2004 of bassist and driving light Gary Strater, these dedicated groups of friends and associates have persevered to complete and release Song of Times, and are now looking forward to the new Starcastle's headlining appearance April 27th 2007 at the Rites of Spring Festival in Phoenixville, PA.

Song of Times is available for immediate order at:
www.starcastlemusic.com

Press contact:
Paige Franklin,
Media Relations
Prog Rock Records
PO Box 80265
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
USA Tel: (949) 713-3276 Fax: (949) 713-4846 E-mail: paige@progrockrecords.com

November 02, 2006 - Classic Gong

Celebrating 40 years of Classic Gong On November 3rd, 4th and 5th, The Melkweg, Amsterdam , CLASSIC GONG - Unconventional Gathering - A Joyous Full-Moon Conspiracy.

The most eccentric psychedelic band of the late sixties and early seventies. The original classic Gong line-up returns for the first time since 1977 when Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy re-join Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe and Tim Blake on-stage as the climax of 3 nights of classic Gong-style entertainment spread over the two halls ('The Max' and the 'Old Hall') of Amsterdam's world famous Melkweg.

The story of GONG began (again), full moon Easter 1966 when Daevid Allen had a vision which was to change his, and many other people's lives. He had the vision that he was an experiment being supervised by intelligences far beyond his normal level of awareness that he was on stage in front of a large rock festival audience and experiencing an intense connection with them that had the quality of intense LOVE, at the same time being surrounded by an enormous cone of etheric light ... simultaneously drawing astral shadows from deep below us and dissolving them in the down pouring radiance focused at its peak." This vision spawned the entire mythology around which the band was based.

The concept of playing anything as remotely fashionable as pop music was a radical step for Allen. He says he would never have considered playing pop songs if he had not heard the Yardbirds. ALLEN: "- for a time I forgot about this revelation, but before long, the act of offering myself to the powers that combine energies and transform all that lives through music became my only reason to exist.

At this point I became aware of my life purpose." One of the exceptional highlights undoubtedly was the first performance since 1979 of the illustrious and iconic Steve Hillage Band. Daevid Allen, Tim Blake, Steve Hillage, Miquette Giraudy, Mike Howlett, Didier Malherbe, Gilli Smyth with Chris Taylor System 7, Steve Hillage Band, Tim Blake & J.P. Rykiel, Hadouk Trio, Acid-Mothers-Gong, Eat Static, Mothergong, Daevid Allen unplugged, Zorch, Kangaroo Moon, Toolshed Lite, House of Thandoy, Here & Now, University of Errors, Glissando Orchestra, Sacred Geometry, Stroking the Tail of the Bird, Slack Baba, Purusha, Thom the Poet, more...
The Classic Gong members Daevid Allen, Gilli Smyth, Steve Hillage, Miquette Giraudy, Tim Blake, Didier Malherbe and Mike Howlett, with Chris Taylor, were presented with an Ed Unitsky Artwork Collage representing their 40 years of Classic Gong elements by Ted Duggan drummer extraordinaire.

The Classic Gong was joined by Pierre Moerlen & Pip Pyle - Loving spirits from above.

To learn more about the Classic Gong and to purchase their many wonderful albums visit: www.planetgong.co.uk/

October 15, 2006 Шresund Space Collective's 2CD

"It's all about Delay" is already available in October 2006! CD should be available for pre-order from the Oresund Space Collective site by the 20th and also from the Transubstans site.

The Шresund Space Collective was formed in April 2004. The collective is a group of Danish, Swedish and American musicians that get together as often as possible for free form improvised space rock music. The flavour of the music is different with each session. The jams can often combine complex interplay between guitar and synthesizer as well intense drumming and bass playing.

We enter into the genre of funk, jazz, reggae and space rock as we improvise our way along. The jam sessions alternate between Malmц and Kшbenhavn across the Шresund bridge! The core of the collective features current and former members of the Danish bands Mantric Muse and Gas Giant as well as the Swedish bands Bland Bladen. Occasionally other musicians join as well from other Swedish band like the Carpet Knights and Sgt. Sunshine. Mantric Muse is an all instrumental progressive psychedelic space rock band, who has recorded an CD-EP entitled, Picks in Space and a full length CD, called Kap Nжb (currently looking for a label to release it).

The band has played concerts in and around Kшbenhavn for the last 6 years. Gas Giant are an internationally known heavy psychedelic space rock band, who have toured all over Europe and have released several albums, with the latest called Mana. Bland Bladen, are a progressive instrumental space rock band based in Malmц, Sweden.

The band released a debut CD-R in 2004on their own and has played mainly in Sweden but also in Kшbenhavn (with Mantric Muse). The collective records all of the jam sessions and makes these available to fans via the web site in MP3 format. We currently have over 20 hours of material on the web site for free download. The band has released 10 limited edition CD's with the best of the jam sessions.

The band records in the studio every 6-8 months and plans to release several CDs a year. Our first CD came out in Jan 2006 on Transubstans Records in Malmo, Sweden. The Main Collective Members: Magnus - Guitars, Effects and Synthesizers, Sabana - Guitars and effects, Jocke - Bass, Michael - Bass, Scott - Synthesizer, Ola - Fender Rhodes and Synthesizers, Mogens - Synthesizers, Sшren - Drums, Kasper - Congas and Percussion...

Band Website: www.oresundspacecollective.com

MySpace URL: www.myspace.com/oresundspacecollective

Record Label: Transubstans Records www.recordheaven.net

October 13, 2006 - Rites of Spring Festival 2007

The fourth annual Rites of Spring Festival in Phoenixville, PA is proud to feature 10 great bands over 3 days in the month of April 2007.

The festival features some of today's best progressive acts from all over the world. Gold seat tickets on sale October 28th, 2006 at 12 Noon.

Ticket price $202.50 each. 2007 RoSfest Regular seat tickets - ON SALE IN FEBRUARY TBA 2007

Regular seat ticket price 100.00.

For Tickets visit: www.rosfest.com

THE COLONIAL THEATER

Friday - April 27th FRIDAY NIGHT PROG ROCK SHOWCASE
Performers TBA
9:30 PM
Puppet Show 7:15 PM
TBA 6:00 PM
Friday night event show tickets - Early bird price $40.00 - per ticket and $45.00 at the door

Saturday - April 28th
Performers Headliner Pendragon 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Carptree 5:00 PM
Frost 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Rocket Scientist 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Sunday - April 29th Performers
Headliner Spock's Beard 9:00 PM
Magic Pie 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Anyone's Daughter 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Darwin's Radio 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

THE COLONIAL THEATER
227 Bridge St,
P.O. Box 712
Phoenixville, PA, 19460

September 09, 2006 - The Tangent in Concert August 30, 2006

Manning’s – Ansers Tree `Anser's Tree' is the eighth album from Guy Manning and represents yet another musical departure from the more acoustic based 2005 `One Small Step" album. `Anser's Tree' traces the history of one family told though the eyes of their last descendent, searching on the `last remaining hill' to discover the secrets of his own past and uncover the Universal patterns that surround us all.

For this elaborate seven song cycle, Guy has assembled a remarkable team of supporting musicians. With the expert seasoned talent of Ian `Walter' Fairbairn on fiddles & the exceptional performance of flautist Stephen Dundon (on loan from UK artists "Molly Bloom"), the opening tracks have a distinctly folk rock feel; but, as we have come to expect from Guy , this is not an album that remains static and the music leads the listener through the Ages and the changing face of music with each story being told in intimate detail. Add to the mix, sax goddess Laura Fowles on saxes & vocals plus guest keyboards maestro Andy Tillison (from The Tangent) and these diverse arrangements jump into life!

The styles range from swirling acoustic numbers similar to his debut album `Tall stories for small children' and `One Small Step' through to more complex ensemble arrangements reminiscent of `The RaggedCurtain' and The `View From My Window' albums. David Million steps wonderfully into the role of lead guitarist, providing a welcome bluesy rock edge to the pieces. Albums purchased directly from the Progrock records or the Guy Manning websites will also receive a special full colour poster that includes the complete family tree for the characters on the album.

August 1, 2006 - ProgSol

Copyright 2002-2008 - Ed Unitsky™
www.edunitsky.com - www.edunitsky.net