Canamii - "Concept" album (South Africa)

The name Canami was derived from the star signs of Phil Nel (Cancer) and Claire Whittaker (Gemini).

Both Claire and Phil worked for EMI as engineers. Claire being a tape mastering engineer and Phil being a studio engineer. Phil went on to become chief engineer of EMI (SA) and chief engineer at Downtown studios (Gallo Africa). 

Hailing from South Africa, CANAMII was a studio-based project,  where a few principal members recorded an entire album utilizing outside musicians as needed. The main members in this case were Phil Nel (keyboards) and Claire Whittaker (vocals), and soon after they started working on the project, Paul Woodley (guitars) got heavily involved as well.

Due to Phil and Claire's full time job as studio engineers they were able to use the recording studios of EMI without cost - the label considered this project as good training - and whenever the studio wasn't booked and the threesome had spare time simultanously they used the opportunity to work on this project. Various musicians were brought in as needed, and in 1980 it was ready to be released. 

A band name was constructed by assembling selected syllables from the star signs of Phil and Claire - Cancer and Gemini. The album was named Concept and issued in 1980, and turned out to be the sole production of this project.

Canami Concept was inspired by Abby Road (EMI) engineer Allen Parsons (Allen Parson Project) where studio musicians were used instead of a dedicated band.

Although not originally part of the initial concept Paul Woodley was asked to join the project because of he’s jazz/rock influenced guitar playing as can be heard on the tracks Afrock, Phantom Players, And the Moon Be As Bright. Claire’s vocal style was very much influenced by Annie Haslam from the band Renaissance. Claire also had very strong 70’s folk influence in her vocal style.Phil’s forte’ was in programming synths such as the Synclavier, Fairlight, Jupiter 4, Korg, Moog, RMI and the ARP.

Phil also has grade 8 classical piano (Royal Schools of Music) and he’s major musical influence was Emerson, Lake and Palmer, especially ELP’s LP release Tarkus as can be heard on the Canimi Concept tracks Toccata and Tri. Phil’s other influences were Rick Wakeman, Yes and King Crimson along with the Russian classical composers such as Rimsky Korsakov, Mussorgsky and Khachaturian. 

Tim Kensella, a long time friend of both Phil and Claire was asked to do the vocals on the track Spiral. This track also features the RMI synth. Short of one track to complete the LP, Phil, Claire and Paul spent an entire night in EMI studios and wrote the track Children, using just guitar, a Jupiter 4 synth and the Dr Rhythm drum box. 


Musicians:

Philip Nel - Keyboards
Paul Woodley - Guitar
Claire Whittaker - Vocals
Mickey Woitynek - Guitar
Ashley Kelly - Bass
Herman Eugster, Kendall Kay, Tony Moore - Drums
Tim Kensella - Vocals



Concept (1980 - full album): https://youtu.be/N6VY8eJAJd4

Little Tragedies (prog rock, art rock, symphonic rock / Russia)

Little Tragedies is a Russian language progressive rock, art rock and symphonic rock band from Kursk in Russia. The band described its style as "a battery of keyboards - drums - bass; hard rhythm section support and soloing keyboards". Little Tragedies has their very own style, influenced by classical music and heavy art rock. The music of Little Tragedies is very melodic and always features a keyboard solo with an improvisation accent.The band are one of the only progressive rock bands in Russia using Moog and Hammond keyboards. Most of the songs of the band are based on known Russian poets, especially Nikolai Gumilev. Due to the fact Ilyin moved to live in Germany, he sends the music scores to the band members via email, and after they learn it he arrives to Kursk for the rehearsals and recordings.

"Little Tragedies" was founded in 1994 by the graduate of St. Petersburg Conservatory, composer Gennady Ilyin after previously performing with a band called Paradox. The name was taken from a play by Alexander Pushkin. The group's first recording, 1, was never recorded as an album. It exists only on an amateur videotape made from the group's only concert at that moment. They started as a trio in 1994.

Years active: 1994 – present

Members:

Gennady Ilyin - composer, keyboards, vocals) (1994-present)
Oleg Babynin - bass guitar (1994-present)
Yuri Skripkin - drums (1994-present)
Alexander Malakhovsky - guitar (2000-present)
Aleksey Bildin - saxophone(2000-present)




Prodigal Son:  https://youtu.be/BUMxWFgptN0

In the Moonlight: https://youtu.be/oOdudWp36rE

There Came An Unexpected Guest: https://youtu.be/QjNRZ4oKRNc

In The Heavens: https://youtu.be/8EcXyRw_ROI

In The Heavens: (from Porcelain Pavilion (2000). 

Originally this album was released as a work by Little Tragedies.The album is basically a solo work by Gennady Ilyin, Little Tragedies' keyboard player, founder and composer and it was reissued under his name in 2009.

Discography:

Studio albums:

- Porcelain Pavilion (2000)
- The Sun of Spirit ( 2000)
- Return  (2005) 
- New Faust  (2006) 
- The Sixth Sense (2006) 
- Chinese Songs  (2007) double album
- Cross (2008) 
- Paris Symphony (2009) 
- The Magic Shop (2009) 
- Obsessed (2011) 
- At Nights  (2014)

 • Re-released in 2009 as Gennady Ilyin's solo albums.



Sources: wikipedia

Vespero (psych rock, prog rock.space rock / Russia)

Biography:

Vespero got together as a quartet in Astrakhan (south of Russia) 2003 on the common interest in playing psychedelic music. Later Natalya Tjurina (vocals) joined, and the band moved into more progressive rock-related areas. As their Moscow fellows Kaftan Smekha, Vespero are deeply influenced by avant theatre and experimental poetry. Since the very first demos their sound has been influenced by Gong, early Pink Floyd, Faust and related bands from that era. 

Vespero have been quickly developing into one of the most exciting instrumental bands on the contemporary Space Rock scene. Utilizing elements of Space Rock, Psychedelia, Krautrock, Progressive Rock and ethnic influences, Vespero morph, mutate and blend their various influences into music that varies from one album to the next, but is always uniquely Vespero." 

Formed in early 2003 in Astrakhan, South Russia, Vespero went through several personnel changes, produced numerous low budget recordings, and turned into a mainstay of local scene before releasing their official debut album in 2007. They spend most of the time diligently honing their musical craft and inventing their own fantasy world somewhere near the crossroads of psychedelia, space rock, progressive rock, kraut-rock, ethno-fusion, and improvised music.



Current members: 

Arkady 'Ark' Fedotov (bass, synths, flutes, voice) 
Ivan Fedotov (drums, percussions) 
Alexei Klabukov (synths, keyboards, accordion)
Alexander Kuzovlev (guitars, electronics)
Alexander Krupin (percussions) 
Natalya Tjurina (vocals) 

Amaryllis: https://youtu.be/SPN98orhmt0

Inna's Burst In Tears: https://youtu.be/qL_ckDAPjHA

Discography:

- By The Waters Of Tomorrow (2010) 
- Surpassing All Kings (2009) 
- Liventure #19 (2008) 
- Foam - Live 2006 (2008) 
- Rito (2007) 

Also Eden (Melodic rock, rock, prog rock, art rock / UK)

Biography:

Also Eden is a 5-piece South-West UK progressive rock band comprising vocals, keyboards, guitars, bass and drums.

Influenced by traditional progressive rock music such as Genesis and Yes along with the more modern progressive sounds of Porcupine Tree and the Flower Kings, the band was initially formed as a recording project in 2005 by Huw Lloyd-Jones (vocals) and Ian Hodson (keyboards/vocals). 

With the addition of Simon Rogers (guitars/vocals), Ralvin Thomas (bass) and Mark Hall (drums), the band sound began to take evolve, culminating in the 2006 release "About Time". About Time has since received many favourable reviews, and the band's live appearances helped win new audiences both in the UK and on the Continent following live performances at Summers End Festival 2005 and 2006, and ProgFarm (Bakeveen, Holland) in 2006.

The addition of vocalist Rich Harding in 2010 coincided with a change in overall musical style and direction for the band. Guitarist and founding member Simon Rogers has mentioned attempts "to impress" in the bands' early albums, with sections featuring multiple keyboard and guitar solos, whereas in later works the releases have become "more song based.". The credits to the Differences As Light EP include thanks to Harding's two biggest influences, Hazel O'Connor and Billy Mackenzie, a lyric from each of whom is included in the three-part track, Reality Cheque.

The band underwent some personnel changes due to personal and work commitments in 2007, and recruited Steve Byrne (drums) and Steve Dunn (bass/vocals). This line-up performed at Summer's End, Progfarm and ProckFest (Bunde, Germany) and these performances have enhanced Also Eden's profile to a new audience. Also Eden have since parted with Steve Byrne, but are busy writing and recording their second album (due for release in March 2008) and are very excited by the new sound and change of direction" and the prospect of live work in 2008.

Years active: 2005 – present


Current members:

Rich Harding – Vocals, rhythm guitar (live)
Andy Rigler – Keyboards, backing vocals
Simon Rogers – Guitar, backing vocals
Graham Lane – Bass
Lee Nicholas – Drums

Former members:

Huw Lloyd-Jones – Vocals
Ralvin Thomas – Bass
Steve Dunn – Bass
Tim Coleman – Drums
Mark "DB" Hall – Drums
Steve Byrne – Drums
Dave Roelofs – Drums
Ian Hodson – Keyboard, Backing Vocals

Howard "H" Sinclair – Keyboards, backing vocals



The Greater Game: https://youtu.be/cxIeqMifHic

Artificial Light: https://youtu.be/MRpPodF9mHc

Discography:

Studio albums:

About Time (2006)
It’s Kind of You to Ask (2008)
Think of the Children! (2011)
[REDACTED] (2013)


EP's:


Differences as Light (2010)

Arena (neo prog rock/metal rock / UK)

Arena is a British neo-progressive rock musical group.
The band was founded in 1995 by Clive Nolan keyboardist of Pendragon and Shadowland, and Mick Pointer, the original drummer of Marillion, his tenure lasting from 1979 until 1983. The other founding members of the band were guitarist Keith More, vocalist John Carson, and bassist Cliff Orsi. Orsi was replaced by John Jowitt (of IQ) in the band's inaugural year, whilst Carson and More left the band in 1996 and 1997, and were replaced by Paul Wrightson and John Mitchell (of Frost*) respectively. Both Jowitt and Wrightson left the band in 1998, to be replaced by Ian Salmon and Rob Sowden, creating the band's most stable lineup to date (from 1998 until 2010). This lineup came to an end with Paul Manzi replacing Sowden in 2010. In 2011, Jowitt rejoined the band to replace the departing Salmon, leaving again in 2014 and being replaced by Kylan Amos.

Most of the band's lyrics are written by Nolan, though Pointer contributed lyrics to Sirens and other tracks on the first two albums.

Musically the band's style ranges from symphonic to hard rock. Some of the band's recent albums have a similar sound to Nolan's earlier band, Shadowland.


Allmusic called them one of the dominant neo-prog groups of the 1990's.

Their musical style has always had a harder-edge, but their first three albums are softer and more traditional progressive rock. After the album 'Immortal', Arena explored their hard rock side more and the two albums 'Pepper's Ghost' and 'The Seventh Degree of Separation' even have some metal influences in them. Their most recent album 'The Unquiet Sky' was released April 27th 2015.

Years active: 1995 – present


Current members:

Clive Nolan - keyboards, backing vocals (1995-present)
Mick Pointer - drums, backing vocals (1995-present)
John Mitchell - guitars (1997-present)
Paul Manzi - vocals (2010-present)

Kylan Amos - bass (2014-present)


Former members:

Keith More - guitars, backing vocals (1995–1997)
John Carson - vocals (1995-1996)
Cliff Orsi - bass (1995)
John Jowitt - bass, backing vocals (1995–1998, 2011-2014)
Paul Wrightson - vocals (1996–1998)
Ian Salmon - bass (1998–2011)
Rob Sowden - vocals (1998–2010)

Solomon: https://youtu.be/PLM-HCc0BIM

Sirens: https://youtu.be/ii3Srrre1Aw

Eyes of Lara Moon: https://youtu.be/JwD7cHmaqNg

Discography:

Studio:

Songs from the Lion's Cage (1995)

Pride (1996)

The Visitor (1998)

Immortal? (2000)

Contagion (2003)

Pepper's Ghost (2005)

The Seventh Degree of Separation (2011)

The Unquiet Sky (2015)

Live:

Welcome to the Stage (1997)

Breakfast in Biarritz (2001)

Live & Life (2004)

Arena: Live (2013)

EP: 

Contagious (2003)

Contagium (2003)

Compilations:

The Cry (1997)

Ten Years On (2006)

Contagion Max (2014)

Anubis (neo prog rock / Australia)

Biography:

The Australian band ANUBIS was formed in 2004 (Sydney) and the specific aim of the band was to create a concept album. While the plan initially was to honour a dear, departed friend by writing the album in his honour, they have chosen to make this person a more anonymous inspiration as the work progressed. Anubis describe the final result as pure fiction, while the protagonist became anonymous to represent the fact he wasn't actually anyone at all. The final result of this process was finalized in 2009 as the album "230503", and was made available in digital and physical formats towards the end of autumn the same year. 

With this first goal achieved it will be interesting to see where this outfit will go next. They have an outspoken vision along the lines of making music that excites them, disregarding whatever trends are popular and they don't have much of an interest in the commercial aspect of their craft either: Their aim, vision and goals are of an artistic nature only.



Current Line-up:

Robert James Moulding: Vocals, Bass Guitar (on Hitchhiking), Percussion, Guitar
David Eaton: Keyboards, Guitars and Vocals
Douglas Skene: Electric Guitar and Acoustic and Vocals
Dean Bennison: Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar and Vocals
Anthony Stewart: Bass Guitars and Vocals (New bassist, did not play on album)
Steven Eaton: Drums, Percussion and Vocals 

Martyn Cook: Saxophone, Flutes, Brass



Heaven On Earth: https://youtu.be/j83jmvrPjVc

Discography:

-  '230503' (2009)
-  'A Tower of Silence' (2011) 
-  'Hitchhiking to Byzantium' (2012)

Leap Day (prog. rock / The Netherlands)

Biography:

The Dutch band Leap Day was formed in 2008, but the events leading up to the band formation started a year earlier. Drummer Koen Roozen (Flamborough Head) had been looking for musicians with a desire to play symphonic rock to cooperate with, and in his search met keyboardist Derk Evert Waalkens (King Eider) who also were looking for like-minded musicians. Shortly after vocalist Jos Harteveld (Pink Floyd Project) joined this so far unnamed project. Koen and Derk then started discussing the possibilities of performing the King Eider material at Progfarm 2007. Guitarist Hans Gerritse (King Eider) liked this idea and hooked up for this project, along bassist Peter Stel (Nice Beaver). They needed another keyboard player for this gig though, and Gert van Engelenburg was asked to join.

Gerritse left after the Progfarm gig.The rest of the guys wanted to continue on though, and when guitarist Eddie Mulder (Trion, Pink Floyd Project, Flamborough Head) agreed to join, Leap Day was born. 


Years Active: 2007 - present                 



Members:

Gert van Engelenburg
Jos Hartevelt
Eddie Mulder
Koen Roozen
Peter Stel 
Derk Evert Waalkens

Former Member: Hans Gerritse


Hurricane: https://youtu.be/5TUSzjR6mSs

Discography:

2007: Somateria Spectabilis onder de naam King Eider (Musea Records)
2008: Demo (Eigen Beheer)
2009: Awaking the Muse (OSKAR)
2011: Skylge's lair (OSKAR)
2013: From the days of Deucalion chapter 1 (OSKAR)