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Michael Thompson Band – Future Past
Frontiers Records are excited to announce the return of the Michael Thompson Band with the release of their brand-new album “Future Past” on February 24 in Europe and February 28 in North America.
In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, guitarist Michael Thompson finally got signed by Geffen Records to release the “How Long” album, under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker. On “How Long” some great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex-The Strand), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with Mr. Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR stars such as Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker. As of today “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR/westcoast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. “I think the album has stood the test of time with a great batch of songs and some really strong performances. It was heartfelt and I think people respond to music that comes from the heart. I'm glad that many fans of melodic rock still list this record amongst their favourites,” tells Michael Thompson.
“How Long” was reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks and started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers Records, which finally brings the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012. “I've tried to keep the new MTB album, ‘Future Past’, in the same spirit as ‘How Long’. I'm hoping that people will hear the natural progression of my music and appreciate the new record as much as the first one,” continues Michael. “Although 22 years is quite a gap time-wise, the music was recorded with the same feeling and spirit as I always had”.
For the new album Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album “Future Past”. In Michael Thompson’s words: “When I was considering singers for this new record I asked myself: ‘who is the best rock singer that I know’ and only one person came to mind - Larry King. That guy has such a phenomenal range and texture and it goes perfectly with my guitars. We started writing songs together a little over a year ago and from the first song, I knew we had something special!”
MTB’s 2012 line-up is rounded off by Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass. “Larry brought them into the picture and it was a pleasure for me to work with some knew guys that I wasn't familiar with. It brought a fresh approach to the music,” says Michael.
The production of “Future Past” is just flawless and the album is destined to become an AOR music classic. “I think that the title kind of says it all”, concludes Michael. “Larry and I are both big fans of classic rock and melodic rock, so we just naturally infuse that love into the music that we write. It's elements of the past with a modern approach”.
URL: http://www.michaelthompson.cc
Z Records sign Hush
Norwegian AOR act Hush is back! The band have signed a multi album deal with Z Records in addition to confirming their live appearance at Z Rock 2012 on May 6. Hush return to the English stage 10+ years after their critically acclaimed appearance at the Gods Festival.
Introducing AOR BLVD Records
AOR BLVD Records are based in South London, UK and set up by Paul Rudland and Kelv Hellrazer. 2010 saw their first release: Push UK with “Strange World” (ABR 001). November 2011 saw the long overdue release of “Something To Believe In” (ABR 002), the second album of Milwaukee rockers Warp Drive, produced by Ricky Medlocke, ex-Blackfoot and current Lynryd Skynryd member. Next up are the albums “The Colors Of L.A” (ABR 003) from Frédéric Slama’s AOR project and David A. Saylor’s “City Of Angels”. Push UK’s frontman returns to the spotlight for a solo adventure mixing the styles of Pride of Lions and Jimi Jamison. An additional three unusual cover versions give “City Of Angels” an impressive edge to satisfy even the most demanding melodic rock fan.
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