-- see reviews below --
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Rites of Spring Festival debuts at Colonial Theatre By DENNIS J. WRIGHT , dwright@phoenixvillenews.com PHOENIXVILLE - Philly Prog Rock Connection will be hosting the first Rites Of Spring Festival, a two-day progressive rock concert held at the Colonial Theatre on Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25. The festival will feature eight progressive rock bands, Jadis, Alias Eye, IZZ, Orphan Project, RPWL, Salem Hill, Little Atlas, and Sonus Umbra, from various U.S. States, England and Germany. Doors open for both days at 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. According to Tom Smith, Philly Prog Rock Connection, they chose to have the festival in Phoenixville after an extensive search of theaters. "We looked at numerous theaters and vicinities that had a 'Main Street USA' feel to it," said Smith. "Phoenixville, with its current development going on, certainly fits the bill for our first festival. We see this festival growing with the town and the community. Philly Prog Rock Connection is an entertainment organization specializing in concert production and dedicated to providing quality and divergent music styles at the forefront of their genres. We are committed to the diversity of the arts and to bringing progressive and intense music back to the forefront." George Roldan, Philly Prog Rock Connection, added, "This festival is a big deal for both Phoenixville and for progressive rock. We've noticed how the theatre and the businesses get along very well. That's why we've staggered the times of the bands so the festival goers can visit the various businesses in Phoenixville. We want to capitalize on that with our promoting of this festival. That's why we want to make this an annual event in this town." The line-up for Saturday, April 24 starts with Orphan Project from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; IZZ from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Alias Eye from 5 to 7 p.m.; and the headliner, Jadis, who'll be on stage from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Jadis will be making their United States debut at the festival. Known for their neo-progressive rock in the United Kingdom, this British band combines solid powerful compositions with strong vocals and refined instrumentals. They will be performing songs from their release, "Fanatic." Another band making their United States debut on Saturday will be Alias Eye. Popular in Germany, the band's music is a variety of different genres, ranging from rock, pop, funk, jazz and classical. Joining Jadis and Alias Eye are two bands from the states, IZZ, from New York, and Orphan Project, from Maryland. IZZ have created a distinctive style of their own with enticing melodies and symphonic progressive rock. They'll be performing music from their 2002 album, "I Move." Orphan Project are known for their classy modern progressive rock and have built a solid fan base in Baltimore. The line-up for Sunday, April 25, starts with Sonus Umbra from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Little Atlas from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Salem Hill from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Germany's RPWL will headline from 9 to 11:30 p.m. Formerly a Pink Floyd cover band, RPWL is another band making their United States debut. Their art rock has managed to stand on its own from its Pink Floyd and Beatles influences. The band has released three albums in their career, "God Has Failed," "Trying To Kiss The Sun," and 2003's "Stock." Symphonic progressive rockers Salem Hill, from Nashville, Tennessee, mark their influences as Kansas, Rush and Pink Floyd. Their music, especially 2003 release, "Be," features strong vocals, good melodies, and interesting arrangements. Little Atlas from Miami, Florida is especially strong with their songwriting and wide range of musical experimentation. Their style, as displayed in their release "Surface Serene," is a context of woven stories, from despair to resilience. Combing the elements of rock, jazz and fusion is Sonus Umbra from Mexico. The band will be debuting their new album, "Spiritual Vertigo" at the festival. Along with the eight bands, Smith said there will be venders inside the theatre lobby on both days. Venders such as Inside Out Records; Art Sublime Records; Record Connection; Of Sound And Mind; Big Balloon Music; Expose Magazine; Progression Magazine; and many others will have merchandise and CDs for sale. Roldan said Bigg Daddy's Rhythm & Ribz will be providing food for the bands and the festival staff, along with running food specials the entire weekend for festival goers. Tickets for the festival are $40 for each day and are available at the door. A pre-show, featuring bands Man On Fire and Frogg Caf? will be held Friday, April 23, at Dan's Sports Pub, 184 Bridge Street. Doors open at 7 p.m. and showtimes is 9 and 12 p.m. Pre-show tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. |
| RITES OF SPRING FESTIVAL The Colonial Theater Phoenixville, PA, USA April 24th and 25th 2004 Concert review by Stephen Ellis http://www.prog4you.com/Special_Feature/Rites_Of_Spring_Festival.htm THE BANDS Saturday - April 24th: JADIS / ALIAS EYE / IZZ / ORPHAN PROJECT Sunday - April 25th: RPWL / SALEM HILL / LITTLE ATLAS / SONUS UMBRA Rites of Spring Festival April 24th and 25th, 2004 I?m not sure where to actually begin. Looking back on how much fun my wife and I had at the inaugural Rites of Spring Festival, it all seems like a most wonderful dream. I can recall when George first told me that this festival was going to happen. In fact, George had discussed with me this idea as far back as NEARfest 2K3. Then when George called me and said it was going to happen, I was so stoked. Especially when he told me the line-up. Ah, the line-up. It was so great to go to a full weekend of music where I was going to truly like each and every band. As has become a standard at each of the US progressive rock festivals I?ve attended over the past 7 years, there is a Friday night pre-show designed to get the musical juices flowing. ROSFest was treated to a wonderful Friday pre-show with Frogg Caf?from NYC opening followed by Man on Fire from Atlanta. : : Frogg Caf?: : I had seen them two times in the past and this set was the best I had heard from the Froggies. They were tight and really ?on?. They ripped through songs from both of their CD?s and it was clear these guys were here in Phoenixville to make people take notice. I was most thankful that the Froggies left the weed whacker at home however! (Insert smiley face) : : Man on Fire : : Then came on to close out the night. This is a band that needs to be heard. They play what I call ?funky prog?. They have clear Rush and Kansas overtones but then they throw in a little George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic. I?ve known these guys since my first Prog Day back in 1997 when I heard their first CD and had seen them as a pre-show band prior to the 2000 Prog Day. I really think both Frogg Caf?and Man on Fire would be perfect for the main stage in 2005. After a good nights sleep, we headed over to the wonderful Colonial Theater to get ready for the show. Ah the Colonial Theater. This is a historical old theater that had seen better days but was in the process of a complete restoration and make over. The 450 seats were well placed and really there was not a bad seat in the house. Next year the balcony will be complete and open adding another 200 seats so this wonderful event will be able to grow without moving. I cannot wait. I was blessed to be named Master of Ceremonies for the weekend event, and I must tell you, I was extremely nervous (at least at first). As I walked into the hall and began to observe the stage, lighting, and sound system, I was impressed and knew all attendees were in for a sonic and visual treat all weekend. The sound system was astounding. At first glance it appeared to be ?small? by indoor standards but I must say this system was balanced and clear. My wife and I were in the second row stage left and right in front of one of the large PA stacks. The stacks were suspended from the lighting rig so the sightlines to the bands were not affected at all. The sound was perfect for every band and frankly even in the second row hearing protection was not called for at any point. Kevin Feely and Denis Haley must be complimented for the smooth working of the entire stage swap outs and sound. An A Plus performance for sure. Okay, the main reason we were all there was to listen to some incredible music. As I was familiar with every band but only having seen two of them live in the past, I was like a kid in a candy shop. : : Orphan Project : : First up on Saturday was a great band with a depth of musical and lyrical consciousness that extended far beyond the length of time they had actually been playing together. These guys clearly had influences from bands like Kansas, U2, Peter Gabriel and even Yes, but their own sound filled the room. Complete with a strong religious message these guys rocked, rolled, and simply set the bar higher than is normal for opening bands at any type of rock and roll show. A review of their CD, Orphan Found can be found on the www.prog4you.com web site. From the beginning of planning for this event, George and Tom had struggled with whether they would have four or five bands per day. My self and I suspect all who attended really appreciated the fact that only four bands per day played. This allowed for a minimum of 90 minutes between bands. The net effect was that the stage could be changed out as needed and each band was able to have a legitimate sound check which I am certain was directly responsible for the high quality of sound each band had. : : IZZ : : The second band on Saturday was IZZ. I just do not know where to start telling you just how good these guys were. Having seen them twice before, I knew they were a great band but I was unprepared for the way they ripped on this day. Having three full CD?s out they had a great deal of music to offer up to the demanding crowd. IZZ is a great example that prog rock has in fact moved forward and is not all based around themes harking back to the 1970?s. They blend some aspects of that early 70?s sound but their originality shines through so much that there are no real comparisons to bands form the past. You get wonderful vocal harmonies, some Celtic sounds, a little jazz, a little funk, all the while maintaining a clear sense of melody. One of the highlights of this set was Paul Bremner on lead guitar. I mean maybe I did not pay attention the previous times I had seen them, but Paul absolutely shredded on this day. His playing style made everyone sit up and take notice and frankly may have been arguably the best guitarist of the weekend. Unfortunately they used up their 90 minutes during their set and left themselves no time for a much-demanded encore. Oh well, we did have a show to run and off the stage they had to go. It was very pleasing to hear so many people after they left the stage wanting to hear more from IZZ. Much like Orphan Project?s set, IZZ definitely raised the bar a little higher for the next band up. : : ALIAS EYE : : After another 90 minute break Alias Eye took the stage. I had reviewed their newest CD ?A Different Point of You? for George?s web site and was very much looking forward to hearing these guys live. I was not disappointed. They opened their set with the first track from that CD, ?A Clown?s Tale? and the crowd immediately sat on the edge of their seats still unaware of the great music to follow. This song is full of wonderful musical experimentation while being very proggy. You get a host of Arabian instrumental sounds mixed with heavy guitar riffs and a strong back beat. Alias Eye?s set then took you into a 30?s jazz club vibe with their song ?Too Much Toulouse?. Also, when is the last time that you heard an accordion played in a progressive rock band? Well they did and it worked perfectly. For the entire weekend there was only one technical boo-boo and of course it occurred during Alias Eye?s set. It seems that a circuit breaker in the keyboardist gear would keep tripping. Unfortunately it occurred right in the middle of each of his solos. It got so bad that ultimately Denis Haley, the ROSFest keyboard tech, ended up crouching on the stage right behind the unit resetting the breaker when it would trip. Regardless of this tiny but obvious problem, Alias Eye too seemed to step up to the plate and hit a home run again forcing the headliner to really do a top-notch show. After Alias Eye?s 2-hour set there was a 2-hour dinner break. Again, a tip of the hat to George and Tom for their planning. Adjacent to the Colonial Theater was Bigg Daddy?s Rhythm ? N ?Ribs, a most wonderful watering hole and place to eat. They had a special Rites of Spring Festival buffet that was priced right and full of great food. : : JADIS : : So after a nice dinner it was time to get ready for Saturday?s headliner. Jadis, while not truly one of the first neo-prog bands say like Pendragon, Marillion, or IQ, they had been playing live as a supporting band for these bands as far back as 1987. To finally get to see these guys live was yet another dream come true. The cool part was that it seemed the entire audience felt exactly like I did. Jadis?s set was a great reminder that this music we love is in fact progressive ROCK. Gary Chandlers voice was so right on. Martin Orford?s keyboard work was brilliant as ever, John Jowitt in his plaid pants with a gazillion zippers showed how he makes playing a five string bass rock. Finally Steve Christey?s drumming really out showed all three previous drummers. Jadis played their hearts out for the entire two hours and did not disappoint any one who was there. They played a little something from all their releases covering the audience with brilliant musical soundscapes that filled us all with awe and wonder. Jadis was a band that I had felt I would never get an opportunity to see, as they just were not going to get an invite to come play across the pond. I can now put them into my musical box of bands I?ve been able to see. Nektar, Caravaan, Steve Hacket, and now Jadis. Life is good, my friends, life is very, very good. : : AFTER HOUR PARTY : : As part of this event, those attendee?s that paid a slightly higher charge for Gold Patron Tickets got to attend a private ?after show? party back at the Sheraton Great Valley. A side bar, what a great hotel, hotel staff, and room rates. I?m back there again for next year. Okay, back to the party. George and Tom had arranged for a drum kit, a keyboard, and a couple of small amps to be set up in the ?party room?. All patrons were treated to a meet and greet with all the bands that had played on Saturday and some who had arrived early that were playing on Sunday. Alias Eye had worked up some special songs for their impromptu set in the party room. I?ve got to tell you hearing these guys from Germany playing rockabilly music was a tad bit scary. Not that they were bad at it but it just seemed so odd. Then there was a jam session with members of IZZ, Little Atlas, Salem Hill and Man on Fire. At times different people would pick up the guitar or bass and overall we were treated to just a fun evening of more great music. There was lots of time to meet new friends and get re-acquainted with old ones. There was time for a few beers, some jokes, kudos and pats on the back to Tom and George and just an overall great time. Well worth the minimal difference in the price of the patron tickets. Who knows, maybe George and Tom will sell more than 100 patron seats for ROSFest 2K5. I ended up going to bed around 3 am and woke refreshed and ready to go around 6 am. Hey, who needs sleep when there is music to listen to? After a nice breakfast we headed over to the venue to prepare for the opening band, Sonus Umbra. : : SONUS UMBRA : : Sonus Umbra (the sound of shadows) is a band I have loved since I first met Luis Nasser and Jeff Laramee at ProgDay some years back. I believe it was 1999 and I was helping park cars at Story Book Farm (a great setting for any type of music show by the way) when Jeff of the prog band Kurgan?s Bane climbed out his vehicle wearing a Kurgan?s Bane T shirt. I acknowledged that I liked Kurgan?s Bane and had their CD. Not recognizing Jeff as Kurgan?s Banes drummer I was waxing poetic about how good I thought they {Kurgan?s Bane} were. Jeff then asked me if I had ever heard Sonus Umbra and I said no. Luis then handed me their first CD ?Snapshots From Limbo? which instantly became a CD that has been on regular rotation through all my CD players ever since. So when George announced that Sonus Umbra was going to play ROSFest, I was elated. Now comes the tricky part. Sonus Umbra have not played a live gig in many years. In fact, most of the music on both CD?s was recorded in parts, shipped to either England or South America for other members to do their bits and pieces. So when it came to putting together a ?live? band for ROSFest it took planning and effort. The result was a killer set from a multi-piece band who had only played two or three live gigs the few weeks before ROSFest. And frankly they sounded like they actually HAD been playing so much more. Here was a band that mixed the heaviness of say Black Sabbath, the intricacies of King Crimson with the dark and moody nature of Pink Floyd. As the opening band on Sunday, only a few hours since many of us had gone to bed, their set was electrifying and energizing. Loud parts, soft part, great vocal harmonies, crunchy guitars with a very strong bass and drum section. Knowing how little time these guys had played together made their set even that much more impressive. And boy by the end of their set the crowd was wide-awake and raring to have more. Again a flawless load out and right on time the second band of the day, Little Atlas was set to hit the stage. I feel I?ve been a bit remiss in not discussing the lighting used this weekend. All I can say is that George and Tom did not hold back when it came to going for great lighting. Festive Productions with their excellent audio and lighting technicians were outstanding and without question they should be back in 2K5. Of course this was no lighting rig for say a Yes show but boys and girls it was exquisite nonetheless. They had no fewer than six remotely controlled spotlights that kept the front line clearly visible. There were effective, colorful, bright backlights used with precision by the lighting techs. In addition, there were these little rotating projections on the large screen behind all the bands. The really cool part was that each band had good use of the lights. Of course the effects and tricks increased as we moved from the opening band to the headliners but really none of the bands could have asked for better lighting. Period. : : LITTLE ATLAS : : Little Atlas, again a review of their CD ?Little Atlas? can be found on www.prog4you.com is from Miami and that fact alone makes it very hard to ?pigeon hole? what or who they might sound like. In fact, they sound like no one you?ve ever heard yet they sound familiar and very accessible. These guys, much like Man on Fire and IZZ, are leading the way for modern progressive rock where you get the complexity of prog with unique and different combinations of sounds. There is a clear ?Latin? flavor to their sound without it being Latin at all. Steve Katsikas, a true multi-instrumentalist, played and sang his heart out. These guys had a stage presence that was really powerful. Again, Little Atlas made sure that everyone in attendance was reminded that in fact it is only rock and roll and rock and roll they did. I?d like to talk about Diego Pocovi, Little Atlas?s drummer. I?d like to just say this guy?s playing put him squarely in the top 5% of all drummers that are playing or have ever played any type of music. His command of the kit, his ability to play time signatures that in fact are rarely seen even by the likes of Neil Pert and NDV was astounding. I was captivated by the way he held sway over the rest of the band. I mean Steve?s singing and playing Rik Bigai?s bass and Roy?s guitar work were all exceptional but to this reviewer?s ears it was Diego?s complete command of the drum kit that truly impressed me and acted like the glue holding the band together. These guys ruled, and as with every other band thus far this weekend, raised the bar and made each subsequent band have to really be ?on? or look weak. Little Atlas, my hat?s off to you. Bravo and a totally great job. Whew, my how time flies when you are having so much total fun. It seemed like Little Atlas had just started when it was time for them to leave. Luckily most of the bands realized their time limitations and left themselves time for encores and Little Atlas did not fail us worshipping at the alter of Little Atlas. A great band that should not be missed if they play near you. : : SALEM HILL : : Next up, Salem Hill. Hailing from Nash-Vegas, Salem Hill is a group of guys whose love of great progressive rock music goes back to their days in high school. In many ways me even writing a review of anything Salem Hill does is probably a bad thing. Why you might ask? Well, it because I think everything they have ever done is totally brilliant and full of exactly EVERYTHING I love about progressive rock music. Okay, now that I?ve said that I can say this, these guys are one of the most underrated American progressive rock bands of all time. In Salem Hill you have the power of Kansas, the insight of St. Paul, the complexity of Genesis and Yes, the bizarreness of Zappa, the scariness of Stephen King, and the peak into salvation offered by our Christ. Why these guys continue to choose to write such dark yet powerful music when all their lives are so filled with all the positive stuff that God can offer, well I just cannot understand. But, saying that the music these four guys have given us since 1991 is outstanding. As a band with 7 releases under their belt, they needed to figure out a way to satisfy us long time fans without boring to death any potentially new fans that may be hearing them for the first time at ROSFest 2K4. So what was their decision? They did a wonderful medley of songs long past which worked just fine for me. The majority of their complete songs came from their newest CD ?Be? but they were able to fill their 2 hour set with complete songs from ?Robbery of Murder?, ?Catatonia?, and ?Not Everybody?s Gold?. Heck they even played my second favorite Salem Hill song ?Peculiar People? which I would have bet they would not play. For the record my personal #1 favorite song by these personal friends of mine is ?Awake?. Salem Hill did not disappoint at any time in their set and as each band before them, they raised the bar making the penultimate band of the weekend, RPWL, really have to work to come across better than Salem Hill. : : RPWL : : So after another wonderful dinner and a relaxing time away from ?the music?, it was time for the one band of the weekend that I truly felt I would never see on this side of the Atlantic, RPWL. As I had just stated, Salem Hill had blown me away and while I was really waiting to see RPWL, I was prepared to be let down as Salem Hill?s set was so good. I can tell you now, I was not and I suspect neither were anyone else in the house. Let?s see, the roots of RPWL were clearly born in the neo-prog movement. Parts of RPWL started in a wonderful neo-prog band named Violet District. If you love all things neo-prog and have not heard Violet District, find their one CD and buy it. After Violet District select members began a Pink Floyd cover band and played around Western Europe. They began to write original music albeit in the same vein as Pink Floyd and thus RPWL (formed from initials from the band members names) was born. Man, as I type this I?m drawn back to that night. The sound perfect, the visual effects outstanding (yes, the lighting crew saved the best effects for last) the songs heart wrenching and the crowd amazed at ever turn. This band was so much more than a ?Pink Floyd? cover band. They of course had a sound that might remind one of 80?s era Floyd but this was RPWL?s music and it was music from the heart. Yogi Lang, RPWL?s singer was as powerful as a 20-ton nuke while having the peace and tranquility on stage of the Dali Lama. I got goose bumps in almost EVERY song. The coolest thing on stage was Stephan Ebner playing bass and wearing a floor length leather skirt. His movements were always small and calculated in direct harmony with Yogi?s karmatic and direct movements. This was a magical moment and one where the real truth about the music we listen to and love came through. When it was all over I just simply had to sit and chill as the crowd left the hall. To conclude a weekend of great music as RPWL had done made me thankful I had an opportunity to experience it live. Not sure if the final band at ROSFest 2K5 can top this one but hey, I?ll be there to find out. To all who put this event on, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Cannot wait to do it all again next April. Make your plans now, as this will be an event not to be missed. Stephen Ellis Official ROSfest website - http://www.rosfest.com Philadelphia Prog Rock Connection - http://www.pprcmusic.com |