Topos Uranos - Prog Rock (Brazil)

Brazilian band (from Niterói - RJ) formed in 1991, Topos Uranos released a good debut LP two years later. Accumulating some performances in theaters and concert halls in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the group impressed the audience with their technical preparation and the instrumental complexity of the compositions, demonstrating a vigor only partially present in the vinyl. The band would also break up in 1993 with the departure of guitarist Arthur Nogueira and his sister, Virginia, who until then was producer and businesswoman of the band. "(ECR).

Topos Uranos, hails from Brazil and consist of 4 amazing musicians. This, their only record, is a wonderful journey, into what the Brazilian progscene, have to offer, when it comes to complex, well written and great performed prog rock. There is not many vocals on this, more some narrated sounds of a sort. But the main thing here, are the complex way the music is performed.

Musicians:

Arthur Nogueira - guitar and vocals

Jorge Mathias - bass

André Dias - keyboards

Paulo Márcio - bateria

Discography:

Mystic Suite - 1993 - Eternal Light Project / 1996 - Eternal Light Project

Suíte Mística

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Jesus Bachiller - Great Jazz from Spain

It covers a great variety of styles, jazz, funk, groove, afro ... which makes it a fresh project and without complexes. The disc is recorded live in Barcelona.

Bachi Reunion (2013)

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Omnia - Paganfolk (Holland-Belgium)

Omnia is a Pagan folk band based in Holland/Belgium playing mostly self-composed music, with a sprinkling of traditional tunes from places like Ireland, Brittany and Afghanistan. The music is 100% acoustic - no synthesizers, no electric instruments, no programming. Omnia has played a variety of Gothic, Folk, Fantasy and Medieval festivals in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria and Hungary. They sing in English, Gaelic, Breton, Finnish, German, Latin and Hindi. Instruments include Celtic harp, mouth harp, hurdy-gurdy, bodhran, guitar, bouzouki, didgeridoo, flutes of all kinds, bagpipes, various drums and percussion instruments.

Omnia is a self-described "neoceltic pagan folk" band based in the Netherlands and whose members over the years have had Irish, Dutch, Cornish, Belgian and Persian backgrounds. Their music takes on the form of various cultural routes, from places around the world such as Ireland, England, Cornwall and Persia. They sing in English, Irish, Breton, Finnish, German, Dutch, Swedish, Latin, and Hindi, and play Celtic harp, mouth harp, hurdy-gurdy, bodhrán, guitar, bouzouki, didgeridoo, flutes of all kinds, bagpipes, various drums and percussion instruments.

The Band:

- Steve "Sic" Evans van der Harten (lead vocals, double flute, overtone flute, whistle, bouzouki, darbukka, dombek, davul, mouth harp)

- Jennifer "Jenny" Evans van der Harten (lead vocals, Celtic tall harp, piano, hurdy-gurdy, bodhrán, hammered dulcimer)

- Daphyd "Crow" Sens (slideridoo, didgeridoo, mouth harp, vocals)

- Rob "Thunder" van Barschot (drums and percussion)

Earth Warrior (2014)

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Caviars Blues Band - Blues Brazil

The high gastronomy of the blues now has one more item on the menu: the new album of the band Caviars has just come out! Wine, pain, love, and, why not, the delight in songs performed with category and viscerality.

The album features partnerships with Lee Marcucci (Rita Lee, Radio Taxi, Titãs), Paulinho Pessoa (Paulo Ricardo and PR5), Sá (Sá & Guarabyra), Hélcio Aguirra (State Coup), Cezar de Mercês Chui. Guappo Sauerbeck (vocal and harmonica), Mauro Hector (guitar), Ney Haddad (bass) and Alaor Ne

Merlot

Big Allanbik - Blues Brazil

A group of blues formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Composed by Ricardo Werther (voice), Alan Ghreen (piano and organ), Big Gilson (guitar), Ugo Perrotta (bass) and Beto Wrether (drums) Performing in bars and nightclubs in Rio de Janeiro. In 1993, on the label Interdisc, he released the CD "Blues special reserve". In 1995, he released the album "Black coffee", an album with which the band achieved the greatest projection. The following year toured the United States (New York and Chicago) and performed in mythical venues for the blues, such as Blue Note. The group regularly participated in several blues festivals, both in Brazil and in foreign countries. In 2000, he performed the "Batuque y blues" show at the Rio de Janeiro Hard Rock Cafe.

Blues Special Reserve

Jan Akkerman - Jazz Fusion (Guitar)

Jan Akkerman (born 24 December 1946) is a Dutch guitarist. He first found international commercial success with the band Focus, which he co-founded with Thijs van Leer. After leaving Focus, he continued as a solo artist, adding jazz fusion influences. He has also introduced baroque music into his repertoire. Akkerman joined the Thijs van Leer Trio in late 1969 which, as the nascent band Focus was the pit band for the Dutch theatrical production of "Hair" (recorded as an album in 1969). Continuing under the name Focus, the band explored the progressive rock genre (an amalgam of classical, jazz, and rock music in short and extended instrumentals) and scored a few worldwide hits in the seventies (the singles "Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia" and the certified Gold albums "Moving Waves" and Focus III). In 1973 Akkerman was chosen 'Best Guitarist in The World' by the readers of the UK magazine, Melody Maker. His standing was such that he teamed up with manufacturer Framus to produce one of the first 'signature' guitar models. In early 1976 Akkerman left Focus and continued his solo career, and collaborations with other musicians. The concept album "Eli", recorded with Kaz Lux on vocals, won the Dutch Edison Award for best album in 1976.

Heartware

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TODD RUNDGREN Crossover Prog • United States

Todd Harry Rundgren (born June 22, 1948) is an American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Hailed in the early stages of his career for both his own material and for his production of other artists, supported by the certified gold solo double album Something/Anything? in 1972, his career has produced a diverse and eclectic range of recordings often both as a solo artist and as a member of the band Utopia. Rundgren has often been at the forefront as a promoter of cutting edge recording technologies.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Rundgren engineered and/or produced many notable albums for other acts, including The Band's Stage Fright (1970), Badfinger's Straight Up (1971), Grand Funk Railroad's We're an American Band (1973), the New York Dolls's New York Dolls (1973), Hall & Oates's War Babies (1974), Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell (1977), and XTC's Skylarking (1986). In the 1980s and 1990s, his interest in video and computers led to his "Time Heals" (1981) being the eighth video played on MTV, and "Change Myself" (1991) was animated by Rundgren on commercially available Amiga computers.

His best-known songs include the 1972 singles "Hello It's Me" and "I Saw the Light", which have heavy rotation on classic rock radio stations, and the 1983 single "Bang the Drum All Day", which is featured in many sports arenas, commercials and movie trailers. Although lesser known, "Couldn't I Just Tell You" has had a major influence on artists in the power pop musical genre.

Something - Anything

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Lijadu Sisters - Afrobeat, Jazz (Nigeria)

The Lijadu Sisters, Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu, are identical twin sisters from Nigeria who were an important music duet from the mid-1960s to the 1980s. They achieved success in Nigeria and had modest influence in the United States and Europe. They were notable for being a West African version of the Pointer Sisters who mixed Afrobeat sounds with jazz and disco, according to one source. Since the late 1980s, they retired from the music scene.

Sunshine

ØRESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE Psychedelic/Space Rock • Multi-National

Øresund Space Collective biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2642)

It all started with some loose jam sessions in the rehearsal rooms of the bands Bland Bladen and Mantric Muse. Founded by Scott Heller aka Dr. Space (synth, management) in 2004 ØRESUND SPACE COLLECTIVE (OSC) are a multinational crew which get together as often as possible to play free form improvised space rock music. The band name derives from the Øresund Bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden since the year 2000. The purpose is to offer another flavour with every new session. This is guaranteed by everlasting line-up changes. 

The whole OSC family comprises more than 30 members in the meanwhile, temporarily entrusted by nearly every existing Nordic psych/space band. They have toured all over in Europe whilst collaborating with Sula Bassana and others. The musical trademark is provided by a grooving backbone in general. This is decorated by playful multiple guitars and a proper proportion of synthesizer and organ input. The interplay is somnambulistic due to a special spirit. All in all their music blends elements of psychedelic, space, dub, jazz and krautrock. Nearly every studio session or live gig has been recorded - the best-of excerpts got a place on several studio albums, starting with the eponymous debut in 2006. 

Additionally the band offer several recordings for free via their official website respectively other legal download platforms, for example Internet Archives. The Black Tornado Studios in Copenhagen must be beneficial for the band's spirit - with the result of several highlights. Released on Transubstans 'It's All About Delay' (2006) and 'Black Tomato' (2007) are critically acclaimed albums coming from jam sessions in early 2006. Two years later a different line-up recorded new high quality material at the same place. 'Slip Into The Vortex' and 'Dead Man In Space' have been already released in 2010, a third album is announced.

West, Space And Love

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BE BOP DELUXE Crossover Prog • United Kingdom

Be Bop Deluxe biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2530)

During the comparatively barren times for progressive music in the early 70s, guitarist Bill Nelson (William Nelson, 18 December 1948, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England) recorded the limited edition Northern Dream. Tapes of this collector's item were played by the pioneering disc jockey John Peel on his legendary BBC Radio programme, Top Gear. The line-up of Nelson, Nicholas Chatterton-Dew (drums), Robert Bryan (bass, vocals) and Ian Parkin (d. July 1995; guitar) recorded Axe Victim as BE-BOP DELUXE. Nelson soon disbanded the outfit, and following a tour supporting Cockney Rebel, he formed a new band, taking members from that fragmented unit. This short-lived combo also broke up. With the addition of bass player Charles Tumahai (b. New Zealand, d. 21 December 1995) and drummer Simon Fox, Nelson released Futurama and Sunburst Finish. The latter included a surprise hit single, "Ships In The Night". Nelson's undeniable talent as a guitarist began to dominate the band and as his technical virtuosity grew, the songs became weaker. Nelson abandoned the name in 1978 for the more radical Red Noise, retaining keyboard player Andrew Clark from the old band, although he now records under his own name. During their peak, Be-Bop Deluxe were an exciting and refreshing band who were ultimately unable to find a musical niche that suited their varied styles.

One of the pioneers of so called "art rock", Be Bop Deluxe never quite hit the heights they deserved, but their brand of intelligent pop/rock featured cleverly constructed songs played by excellent musicians, particularly the multi-talented Bill Nelson. Be Bop Deluxe were a mix of glam rock, electronic experimentation music, and straight out rock and roll.

Axe Victim (1974)

Drastic Plastic (1978)

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Les Chakachas - Latin Funk & Soul

The Chakachas were a Belgian based group of Latin soul studio musicians. Also known as Les Chakachas or Los Chakachas, they were formed by bandleader Gaston Bogaert, ex-Los Juano Boengs and The Continentals, percussion (conga and tumba); Tito Puente's singer wife Kari Kenton, vocals and maracas; Vic Ingeveldt (a Dutchman from Liege), saxophone; Charlie Lots, trumpet; Christian Marc, piano; Henri Breyre, guitar and backing vocals; and Bill Raymond, bass guitar. All were native to Schaarbeek (a district of Brussels), or nearby Charleroi, Willebroek and Liege.

Discoteca Sudamericana (1974)

Amsterdam Connection - Jazz (Harmonica)

Amsterdam Connection is formed by the passionate and qualified musicians Tim ‘Harmony’ Welvaars (jazz harmonica & piano) and Naomi ‘Smile’ Adriaansz (tenor and alto sax), rooted in beautiful Amsterdam (NL).

Spreading harmony and love through music, is their mission. In a unique way… Naomi and Tim have created a unique sound : the remarkable fusion of the dark tenor sax and the joyful harmonica. Their trade mark!

Amsterdam Connection plays a diverse repertoire of happy jazz, danceable swing, soulful smooth jazz, groovy funk, ‘sultry’ bossa and swinging rock ‘n roll music. Some are with vocals, but mainly you can absorb the warmth of their unique instrumental sound.

Isn't She Lovely (2017)

Combining the sensual funky passion of tenor and alto saxophonist Naomi “Smile” Adriaansz and the lively piano and lush jazz harmonica of Tim “Harmony” Welvaars, the Netherlands based duo, Amsterdam Connection, releases ISN’T SHE LOVELY, a unique, eclectic tribute to the legendary musical icon, Stevie Wonder. Produced by double Grammy winning producer, Smooth Jazz guitarist Paul Brown. The album is a spirited fusion of laid back cool and feisty grooves... Stevie himself calls Tim a “genius on the harmonica.” You’ll agree when you hear ISN’T SHE LOVELY!

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Blindstone - Danish Rock Trio

Blindstone is a Danish rock trio formed 2002 in Thisted, Denmark. Current lineup consists of Martin J. Andersen (guitars, vocals), Jesper Bunk (bass) and Anders Hvidtfeldt (drums), who replaced original drummer, Benjamin Hove a few months after the debut album was released in 2003. Andersen and Bunk made an appearance on George Clinton album How Late Do U Have 2BB4UR Absent? (2005) providing guitar and bass parts on a cover version of the old rock classic Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On. Although Blindstone have recorded cover versions of songs by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Robin Trower, Funkadelic, Frank Marino and The Isley Brothers on their albums, the band's releases mainly consist of original material. All Blindstone albums have been released by New York based record company Grooveyard Records which is specialized in guitar oriented rock music.

Blindstone's second album Freedom's Calling was record of the month in Cutting Edge Magazine, September 2008.[2] The album also got a 5 out of 5 rating by Scott Heller on Aural Innovations web zine.

Rise Above (2010) likewise received excellent reviews, an example being that of the Sea Of Tranquility  website, where the album was rated four-and-a-half stars, out of five. The album contains guest appearances by King's X guitarist Ty Tabor and renowned Danish guitarist Poul Halberg. Tabor also mastered the album.

Grooveyard Records released Live in Denmark in 2015 and The Seventh Cycle of Eternity in 2016.

The Seventh Cycle Of Eternity

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Rag 'n' Bone Man

Rory Charles Graham (born 29 January 1985), better known as Rag'n'Bone Man, is an English singer-songwriter. His first hit single "Human" was released in 2016 and his debut album, also named Human, was released in February 2017. At the 2017 Brit Awards he was named British Breakthrough Act and also received the Critics' Choice Award.

Rag'n'Bone Man is certainly one of the names to keep an eye on in 2017. The British artist named Rory Graham releases his first studio album on Friday (10), but before the debut, the musician was Winner of the Brits Critic's Choice Awards of 2017 - already given to Adele, Florence + The Machine and more recently Jack Garratt. Riding on the stage since 2012, Rag'n'Bone already has a number of EPs (available on Spotify), working with hip hop names and even the producer of "Bad Blood" from Bastille.

The album "Human" arrives based on the single of the same name, bringing the seal of Columbia Records. The singer stands out by mixing elements of hip hop, soul and pop at a single time, creating a style of music proper to him. All the experiences gained in the road years are now put to the test, delivering an excellent and unpredictable debut album. No wonder that the song reached the 2nd place of the English charts.

It's the single "Human" that opens the record, with its dense and heavy atmosphere, exposing the deep and dark feelings of the vocalist, who does not hide and already delivers in the first track of the debut - the slight variation of the instrumental gives a touch still Greater sophistication, which justifies the great success of music. "Innocent Man" takes the foundation of soul pop and breaks the mood of the introduction, delivering an irresistible groove.

(https://br.nacaodamusica.com/resenhas-cds/resenha-human-2017-ragnbone-man/)

HUMAN