The New Release Spotlight is a roundup of new and recently released albums.
Arc of Life – S/T (Feb. 12th, 2021)
Arc of Life is the new group featuring three members of the current YES line-up, vocalist Jon Davison bassist/vocalist Billy Sherwood, and drummer Jay Schellen, joined by keyboardist Dave Kerzner (In Continuum, ex-Sound of Contact) and guitarist Jimmy Haun (also featured on YES albums in the past). Billy Sherwood production is front and center, while he and Davison both take shots at lead vocals. The proggers take a more streamlined approach to their songwriting with radio friendly material like the album’s first single “You Make it Real”, and “I Want To Know You Better,” though there are enough twists and turns to keep the prog faithful engaged. The album also has some stranger offerings as in “Talking with Siri” and “Just in Sight,” while the 9 minute track “Locked Down” finds the group firmly in the prog zone. The is a worthy addition to any Yes fan’s collection.
Order here: https://orcd.co/arcoflife
Tracklisting:
1.Life Has A Way
2.Talking With Siri
3.You Make It Real
4.Until Further Notice
5.The Magic Of It All
6.Just In Sight
7.I Want To Know You Better
8.Locked Down
9.Therefore We Are
10.The End Game
Line-up:
Billy Sherwood – Bass and vocals
Jon Davison – Vocals
Jay Schellen – Drums
Jimmy Haun – Guitars
Dave Kerzner – Keyboards
3.2 – Third Impression (Feb. 12th, 2021)
Robert Berry returns with a second 3.2 album, Third Impression, a continuation of the band 3, the band Berry was in with Carl Palmer and the late great Keith Emerson. The first 3.2 album, a reboot of the original “3” project was released in 2018 to much acclaim, and the new follow-up continues to build on that album mixing epic songs with more melodic and AOR moments. Elements of Keith Emerson’s synth are still very much present in tracks like “A Fond Farewell” while the ballad “A Bond of Union” is one of many great melodic moments on the collection. Fans of 3 and the previous 3.2 album will find a lot to enjoy here.
Order here: https://orcd.co/thirdimpression
Tracklist:
1.Top Of The World
2.What Side You’re On
3.Black Of Night
4.Killer Of Hope
5.Missing Piece
6.A Bond Of Union
7.The Devil Of Liverpool
8.Emotional Trigger
9.A Fond Farewell
10. Never
Line-up:
Robert Berry, Keith Emerson
Prog Collective – Worlds On Hold (Feb. 5th, 2021)
Prog Collective is the prog-rock project spearheaded by Yes bassist/singer Billy Sherwood. Worlds on Hold is the third studio album by the project. Many well-known artists contributed to the album including several Yes members and alums, as well as Todd Rundgren, current Asia/former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, ex-Blood, Sweat & Tears frontman David Clayton-Thomas, former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, ex-Rainbow singers Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner, longtime Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre and ex-Queensryche singer Geoff Tate. The album features a mix of original tunes and covers, including very different renditions of Peter Gabriel‘s “Solsbury Hill,” featuring Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings, Procol Harum‘s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” with Graham Bonnet & Derek Sherinian, and The Moody Blues‘ “Nights in White Satin” feat. David Clayton-Thomas & Geoff Downes.
The record also includes three bonus cover tunes taken from previously released tribute albums produced by Sherwood — The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” sung by late Asia and King Crimson singer/bassist John Wetton; Boston‘s “More than a Feeling,” performed by Sherwood, Yes drummer Alan White and founding Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye; and The Doors‘ “People Are Strange,” sung by David Johansen.
Order here: https://theprogcollective.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-on-hold
Tracklisting:
1. Worlds On Hold feat. Todd Rundgren
2. Two Trajectories feat. Geoff Tate & Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
3. Anything but Goodbye feat. Jon Davison & Patrick Moraz
4. Meant to Be feat. Billy Sherwood & Jan Akkerman
5. Brake New World feat. Sonja Kristina & Steve Hillage
6. Glory Days Ahead feat. Arjen Anthony Lucassen & Steve Hackett
7. Solsbury Hill feat. Roine Stolt & Billy Sherwood
8. A Whiter Shade of Pale feat. Graham Bonnet & Derek Sherinian
9. Eye in the Sky feat. Joe Lynn Turner & Martin Barre
10. Nights in White Satin feat. David Clayton-Thomas & Geoff Downes
BONUS TRACKS
11. Penny Lane feat. John Wetton
12. More Than A Feeling feat. Alan White & Tony Kaye
13. People Are Strange feat. David Johansen & Scott Connor
