CHRIS SQUIRE & BILLY SHERWOOD - Conspiracy Live (2013)

*

Today, on April 9, 2013, Purple Pyramid (a subsidiary of Cleopatra Records) is releasing a special CD/DVD combo by CONSPIRACY, the project masterminded by the giants of prog rock CHRIS SQUIRE & BILLY SHERWOOD.
Sherwood met Squire when he entered in YES at the beginning of the '90s, since then the pair had been writing songs together but the fruits of those labors would be sprinkled over a series of Yes projects, and Sherwood himself wouldn't become an official member of the group for years.
After Sherwood's eventual departure in 2000 they finally issued a two albums as Conspiracy, but there remained a star-crossed sense of unfinished business. So they recorded this private show in 2004.

First of all, "Conspiracy Live" is not a live CD in the typical way: there's no audience claps and screams, nor a stage-like sound. This is like a studio album, just with all musicians playing live together.
Of course it has that special vibe and chemistry of these truly virtuosos playing 'at once', including Billy's bro Michael Sherwood on keyboards & vocals, Scott Walton also on keys, and awesome rockin' drummer Jay Schellen (Unruly Child, Hurricane).

This was a very special and unique event, as apart of Conspiracy material, it features two Yes songs: "The More We Live" (appeared on the 'Union' album) but for the first time here featuring Squire and Sherwood on vocals sharing a soaring duet. The other is "Universal Garden", performed with a more warm feeling than the original.
Of course there's material from Conspiracy's 2000 self-titled debut ("Days of Wonder" and "Red Light Ahead), and three cuts ("Conspiracy", "New World" and "Confess") from the project second and last album The Unknown, each of them representing their trademark sound.
"Conspiracy Live" showcases as well renditions of " Hold Out Your Hand / You By My Side", songs from Squire's 'Fish Out Of Water' - the bassist's first and so far, only solo release - which as he says, 'have hardly ever been played live'.

"Conspiracy Live" shows the abilites and musicality of these seasoned monster musicians with a nice, sweet melodic sound.
The arrangements are quite accessible, enhancing the unmistakable vocals of Chris Squire and the exceptional musicianship spearheaded by Billy Sherwood. Great drum sound as well, you can clearly appreciate Schellen's precise beats.
Very Good stuff.


01 - Conspiracy
02 - Days Of Wonder
03 - New World
04 - Red Light Ahead
05 - Confess
06 - The More We Live
07 - Hold Out Your Hand / You By My Side
08 - Universal Garden

Chris Squire - bass, vocals
B. Sherwood - guitars, keys, vocals
Jay Schellen - drums
Michael Sherwood - keys, vocals
Scott Walton - keys


BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BFZ6E2W

Read more...

DBA (Downes Braide Association) - Pictures Of You (2013)

*

I was quite disoriented when I read some months ago about a collaboration between Geoff Downes (Asia, Yes, the Buggles) and Chris Braide (The Producers).
Geoff Downes needs no introduction, but Braide, apart for the very good project The Producers last year, could be unknown for the fellows readers of this site. Chris Braide is an internationally known singer, songwriter and producer who has worked with Lana Del Rey, David Guetta and Christina Aguilera to name some.
So what is DBA (Downes Braide Association) and their debut "Pictures Of You"? A compulsively listenable, enjoyable recording.

In "Pictures of You" expect Downes' immense keyboard layers creating a lush atmosphere and ambience with Braide's smooth, nearly wistful, vocal style complimenting the former. The music is rather gentle stuff, basically poppy AOR, arty melodic rock and with a bit of Neo Prog throwing in.
Despite Downes' background, "Pictures Of You" probably shouldn't be cast as progressive rock. However, the four part "Sunday News Suite" might come close, and not so far from his recent work with Yes on 'Fly From Here'.
There are so many highlights on this album, you just need to start at the beginning and lose yourself in this sumptuous feast. You will feel elevated, and in a much better mood.
To name some "The Radiant Children" and "Pictures Of You" (the lyrics will instantly appeal to any ageing music lover) should be savoured, whilst "Road To Ruin" and "Live For The Moment" - with echoes of a more impassioned Deacon Blue - sum up the album's overall lite AOR values (as in adult-oriented rock).

"Pictures Of You" draws a line straight back to Geoff Downes seminal pre-Asia work based on cadences similar to early MTV-era hits, while Braide stirs in elements of modernity (check out that crunchy rhythm on the title track) and some stylized stuff like The Producers.
With Downes you are always in very safe, experienced and, moreover, tasteful hands. Chris Braile’s vocal is blatantly auto-tuned for additional effect so in that sense it sounds very commercial and contemporary yet not synthetic or lifeless.
This is light, poppy AORish music with elegant arrangements and touches of subtle lite Prog, '80s inspired yet modern at the same time.
Production and mix is awesome, making "Pictures Of You" a really palatable listening.
A stunning piece of work.



Geoff Downes: Keyboards, Vocals, Programming
Chris Braide: Vocals, Guitar


BUY IT !
www.musicbuymail.eu/index.php?i=38006

Read more...