Also see: NEARfest 2002 ~ Keyboard Triangle
Bookmarks: The Ruins of a Glass Fortress
From: Mark Fonda
<>
If you like Ars Nova you'll probably like Gerard... in fact you may already have some of
their music. I only have their most recent CD 'Pandora's Box' (1997), but they've
been around since 1984, pre-dating Ars Nova by about 8 years. They are the same
three-piece Japanese keyboard-dominated powerhouse formula. They have a male lead
singer (in English). They have five previous releases. Anyone know much about them?
From: "E-Man"
<>
(Gerard is) one of the hardest-driving, non-industrial, keyboard-led, guitar-free groups
around! Gerard hail from Japan, and Toshio Egawa is one bad-ass mo'fo' on da keys!
From: Mark Fonda
<>
I just received my copy of 'Meridian', the new special edition release by Gerard. Here's
the track listing:
1. Meridian (Special Version); 2. Orpheus - Part 1-3 1998 (New Version)*; 3. The act of
the apostles; 4. Prelude (Instrumental Version); 5. Empty lie, empty dream*; 6. Revenge;
7. Melting time (Special Version); * originally on 'The Pendulum'
All the tracks except two are new as far as I know. Gerard does not stray from their power
trio formula yet there is plenty of variety. I especially like "Prelude" since
it has some fantastic orchestral passages with strings, horns and bass drums along with a
fabulous synth lead line over the top. This is a studio album recorded from Dec.'97 to
March '98 in Tokyo. The lineup is unchanged with Toshio Egawa on keyboards, Atsushi
Hasegawa on bass and Mashuhiro Goto on drums. Guests Robin Suchy and Tomoki Ueno provide
the vocals on tracks 5 and 2, respectively.
The CD comes in a special cardboard box with a baroque image on the front and a color
photo of the band inside along with a b&w paper insert giving the track and recording
details. I'd say that this is an indispensable item for any true Gerard fan and also a
great place to start for anyone not already familiar. With only 300 copies being printed
these will go fast... and they may be worth something in the future. My only complaint is
that the copies are not numbered or autographed.
From: "E-Man" <>
Gerard, the Japanese trio (actually, an on/off quartet, whenever they involve a vocalist)
led by virtuoso keyboardist Toshio Egawa, has a "new" release out, called
MERIDIAN, as Mark had let us know. I just received it. If this is their idea of a 300-copy
"limited edition," than I'd rather have the regular edition (provided it has the
same tracks, and not the same gimmick).
Here is that gimmick: take a regular, brown cardboard box about the thickness of a
250-page novel, and the width and height of an eight-track cartridge, and make it open and
close with a "secret diary"-style lid. Next, stamp the Gerard logo in black ink
at the top, and hand-glue a color photocopy of a gorgeous Renaissance oil painting beneath
it. Now, open the box. It's a Kodak, no, sorry, it's a Fuji moment, as a snapshot of
Gerard hails you in. Beneath that is a folded, b&w one-sided photocopy with the track
titles, credits, acknowledgements, and lyrics. Really. Beneath that is the CD, in a
transparent case. The CD is only about forty minutes long, too. All this for $25. Really.
*sigh*
On to the music: I'll admit that this is a must for Gerard fans, IF, once these 300 copies
are gone, then that's it. The opening track, "Meridian," is a stunner! Such
interaction and wound-tight time changes effected between Toshio, Atsushi Hasegawa (bass),
and Masuhiro Goto (drums) isn't very common. These guys make one helluva trio. The next
track, "Orpheus (Pts. 1-3) 1998" is better left alone. It's more lively than the
version on THE PENDULUM, but Tomoki Ueno's newly-recorded vocals are terrible, as if he's
trying to have a bowel movement. Really. Track 3, "The Act of the Apostles," is
another up-tempo, testosterone-laden piece. Toshio says he wants no guitarist in this
band, and I really don't think they need one! "Prelude (Instrumental Version)"
is a lovely, orchestral piece. "Empty Lie, Empty Dream" is the same version from
THE PENDULUM. I would have rather seen another new track. Track 6, "Revenge," is
an organ-laden, hot-blooded, Goblin-style piece. These guys amaze me. They should remain
an instrumental outfit. The closer, "Melting Time (Special Version)" is another
ripper. Toshio adorns this one with plenty of guitar-mimicking solos, played with a gritty
sound from one of his Korg keyboards. Like Vince Di Cola, Jens Johansson and Claudio
Simonetti, what can't this guy play? :-)
From: "Andrew J. Rozsa"
<>
Gerard's 'Meridian'... is breathtakingly beautiful. At least according to my tastes. Some
tracks make your blood surge, others bring tears to your eyes. One of my all time
favorites.
From: "Mark Fonda" <>
Just got this fantastic new release: Gerard - Live in Marseille; Made in Japan Records,
1998; Recorded June 7, 1998 at L'Affanchi, Marseille, France; Mixed in Nov. 1998 at Studio
Triade, Tokyo, Japan; Artists: Toshio Egawa (Keyboards, used Korg Synthesizers), Atushi
Hasegawa (Bass) and Mashuhiro Goto (Drums)... all men. Tracks: (total time - 46:23)
1. Chaos (originally on 'Pandora's Box'); 2. La Conquista della Posizione Eretta; 3.
Orpheus part 2 (originally on 'The Pendulum' and 'Meridian'); 4. Into The Dark; 5.
Meridian (originally on 'Meridian'); 6. Freedom (originally on 'Pandora's Box'); 7. The
Acts of Apostles (originally on 'Meridian'); 8. Pandora's Box (originally on 'Pandora's
Box'); 9. (bonus track) Revenge (new track?)
This album is everything you would expect from Gerard... searing over-the-top,
take-no-prisoners, keyboard-driven power-prog!! This being a live performance I did
not detect any noticeable flaws or bad notes... very good renditions of their previous
studio productions. The audience is sparse since you can hear individual people
yelling. The lineup is the same as 'Meridian' (1998), 'Pandora's Box' (1997) and
'The Pendulum' (1996)... only Egawa is still from the original lineup from 'Irony of Fate'
(1990)... although I don't know about their two previous releases: 'Gerard' (1984) and
'Empty Lie, Empty Dream' (198?) or 'Save Knight by the Night' (1994). There are no
guest performers such as Robin Suchy who did vocals on 'Meridian'. So if you like roller
coaster-type excitement in your music, this turbo-charged live performance is just for
you... just make sure you fasten your seat belts!!
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
> From: "Richard Stockwell" <>
> Just listening to a promo tape of Gerard "Live In Marseille". Wicked! How
come this group isn't talked about as much (if not more) than artists like the
Flowerkings, Par Lindh, Cairo etc etc ??????? Never see any mention of this band on
rec.music.progressive or elsewhere. This band has to be any prog (keyboard) fans target
for buying.
Who knows why they're not making waves like Spock's Beard or Flower Kings. My guess
is that they're 1) not exactly a vocal band, excepting those songs with Robin Suchy; and
2) those who don't identify with serious keyboard shredding won't be able to digest the
compositions, and will dismiss Gerard as more ELP-inspired keyboard-wankering. Their loss.
Gerard are in my Top 10, currently (they edged out BareNaked Ladies, hahahaha).
From: Jeff Marx <>
(back to top)
Some interesting news from Ghostland (http://www.ghostland.com/)
Ars Nova has finished recording for a progressive rock tribute album with Gerard. Ars Nova
covered ELP's "Tarkus", Trace's "King Bird", "Buree" and an
Il Balletto di Bronzo song. Gerard covered ELP, Rick Wakeman, Banco and PFM songs. This
will be released from Avalon/Marquee in Japan on July 21st. Musea will also release it
with a different album cover. Ars Nova was unsuccessful in finding a female bass player in
Japan, so they have decided to remain as a double keyboard trio.
From: Jeff Marx <>
Cross-posting from the ELP list: Hallo fans. I just received a CD called
Keyboards Triangle. It is a new but expensive Japanese CD. Two bands are playing
on it, Gerard and Ars Nova. Gerard plays: La Conquista Della Posizione Erata
from BANCO, Catharine Parr from Rick Wakeman, Four Holes In The Ground from PFM,
Toccata from ELP. Ars Nova: Birds Medley from TRACE, Epilogo from Il
Balletto Di Bronzo, Tarkus from ELP. I think it is one of the best CDs of
this year and you all must listen to this CD and the real ELP fans will buy
it. I hope that Keith Emerson will listen to his tracks and maybe he will
get new inspiration. Label= AVALON.
From: "Carlos Lima" <>
The album KEYBOARD TRIANGLE "Same" was scheduled to be released by
Musea on last October, under the number "FGBG 4307.AR". I don't know
if it was! However, if you'll like to save some money on it, I think you should
wait for the Musea's release :-)
From: Jeff Marx <>
Just in case any of you haven't ordered this lovely keyboard trio tribute album
from Arsnova and Gerard, but would like to check out some of the music, I've put
up three RealAudio samples on my website. Here's the direct URL; http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Frontrow/7806/plp.html
From: "all4rains" <>
<>>
Whaddaya' think, Jeff? Just got mine from Mr. Walker the other day too...this
one's a smoker, IMO! Great high-octane stuff....
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
I'm not Jeff, but I agree (and he knows it!). "Fall Into A Doze" &
"RoaGF, Pt. 2" are the two I like the best. Gone is Robin Suchy,
perhaps for the better. Did you order any Kenso, too?
From: Jeff Marx <>
Yeah...a very satisfying trip from Toshio
and company! I haven't heard it enought times to be sure, but I'm thinking this
could be the best Gerard studio album yet. What do you think? Hopefully Musea
will roll out the new Arsnova album sometime in the next month or two.
From: "all4rains" <>
Hey Eli...I'm partial to "The Edge Of Darkness" &
"RoaGF,Pt.2" myself. Toshio Egawa is stretching out a little more
these days, but I'd have to agree with you & wish he'd get some more varied
synth tones. Still one friggin' killer album, though! The bass player especially
impresses me on this one.... No Kenso
yet; my cup runneth over a little much with Greg this month. Next month...:)
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
Funny, in ever Gerard album reads the line, "Toshio Egawa uses KORG
synthesizers," but as Jeff pointed out, in the Keyboards Triangle release,
besides no less than six separate Korg synths, Toshio also employs a MiniMoog
(his, or on loan from Keiko?) and a Roland XP-60, which must be the source of
his Mellotron sample. Still, everything aside from the 'Tron seems to have
"Korg" written all over it (wait, a Hammond XB5 with Leslie
Speakers!).
> The bass player especially impresses me on this one....
Ah totally agree with ya: Atsushi is a bad-ass mo'fo' on the big-bottom
generator.
From: "nearfest" <>
Subject: Japanese heavyweights GERARD to perform at NEARfest 2002
NEARfest is pleased to announce that the excellent Japanese symphonic
progressive power trio Gerard has enthusiastically agreed to perform at this
year's festival. This will be Gerard's first ever appearance on the main
bill of a North American progressive rock festival, and
first ever show on the East Coast of the United States. With this choice,
we looked for a powerful, aggressive symphonic prog group.
There is no finer band currently active in this realm than Gerard. The
band features the vigorous playing and memorable melodic
compositions of multi-keyboard virtuoso Toshio Egawa, with the
spectacularly dynamic rhythm section of Masuhiro Goto and Atsushi Hasegawa,
comfortable in all kinds of odd time signatures. Gerard is poised to blow the
roof off of Patriots Theater on the Sunday afternoon
portion of the festival with their athletic instrumental fireworks.
For those of you unfamiliar with Gerard, we urge you to pick up "Live in
Marseilles" or "Ruins of a Glass Fortress". Both of these albums are on Musea
Records and are available from the usual on-line prog dealers. Aggressive
keyboard power trio prog rock gets no better than
Gerard. They are somewhat of an underrated band right now, but their
profile will be tremendously enhanced by their performance on
the NEARfest stage.
With Gerard's addition there has been some schedule reshuffling. Gerard will
perform second on the Sunday portion of the festival and have a 75 minute set.
Isildurs Bane will move to third on Sunday, extending their set time to 90
minutes. Enchant will then slot in third on
Saturday, with an 80 minute set. Peace, Rob LaDuca, President, NEARfest
From: "jet22p" <>
Date: Wed Jul 10, 2002 7:18 am
Subject: Gerard at NF???
I'm really disappointed at the lack of reviews (let alone raves) for Gerard at
Nearfest. C'mon, isn't there anyone who was blown away by these guys? Please
give us some info (I'm sure E-man is dying for some too!) How was the sound?
Lighting? What were they wearing? What tunes did they do? Did they interact with
the crowd? Did the drummer do any singing or was their set all instrumental? Was
anyone hearing them for the first time and did you buy any CDs afterwards? Were
there any "Japan-prog moments" such as the famous Ars Nova line: "I not with
band. I have penis." ? thanks, Jet
From: pfm@mse.biglobe.ne.jp
Date: Wed Jun 26, 2002 12:37 pm
Subject: Japanese Musicians at NEARfest
Hello progers! As you know a Japanese band Gerard will play at NEARfest. I know
many other very good music in Japan. POSEIDON Productions will promote 18
Japanese musicians at NEARfest. We deal color flyers and provide following their
CDs. Please come to our table.
-Bellaphone - Firefly.......Symphonic rock, close to Camel
-Bikyoran - Anthology vol.1.........'70s King Crimson style.
-Bondage Fruit - Skin..........Heavy minimal groove.
-Cinderella Search - same, Stories of Luminous Garden.....Theatrical rock.
-Djamra - same.........R.I.O style.
-Elephant Talk............Ambient progressive rock with clear female vocals.
-KBB - Lost and Found........Violin oriented symphonic jazz rock.
-Kenso - II, Ken Son Gu Su, Fabulis Mirabilibus de Bombycosi Scriptis....Master
peaces.
-L'evolzione - antibiOtic RHYTHM.......Dream Theater style.
-Lucifer - Marginia........Progressive folk rock.
-Pochakaite Malko - same.........Heavy Zeuhl with Hammond organ.
-Quaser - same...........Symphonic rock with heavy rhythm section.
-Round House - Jin-Zo-Ningen, Live@2001 in Osaka, Wings to Rest...Symphonic jazz
rock.
-Six North - I'm here in my heart................Technical jazz rock.
-Theta - seeds of the Dream..............Symphonic rock with violin and female
voice.
You can see more detail on our web site.
http://www.musicterm.jp/nearfest/FLYER.HTML
POSEIDON Productions has provided management service for Japan tour of foremost
progressive musicians including Kevin Ayers, Richard Sinclair and the East,
Banco, Lars Hollmer's Sola, Anekdoten, Blast, Pekka Pohjola, Mastermind, Pest,
among others, and will be hosting Il Balletto di Bronzo later this year.
-Hiroshi
From: all4rains
Date: Sunday, July 21, 2002 11:35 PM Subject: Re: [e-Prog] New Gerard?
(Sighs Of The Water)
<<I was visiting Musea website and noted that new Gerard CD is being sold.
Anyone already listened to it?
Yes. I just did a marathon road trip to Orlando & back with the new Gerard (& a
few other newies) in the Jeep, & can highly recommend it. Some very nice
textures this time around, with Toshio Egawa experimenting a little more. The
high-energy thing is still there, but there's some more relaxed moments, with
more of a symphonic feel. As E-Man pointed out recently, there's even a Gerard
first--a little dash of fusion thrown in. I'm really impressed with the way
these guys have been growing from album to album. I'd pick it up, Ricardo!