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I can help you.Artist: The Flower Kings Title: Meet The Flower Kings (Live Recording 2003, 2 DVDs) Format: DVD Genre: Progressive Rock Label: Inside Out Music-www.insideoutmusic.com Website: www.theflowerkings.com I waited for this DVD to arrive with great eagerness. I was finally going to Meet The Flower Kings after having to pass on two opportunities over the last year because of my schedule. Maybe this would fill the gap. I still would like to meet them personally to learn more about them. You meet them only through their music on this DVD, which is exceptional, and that is a given at this point in their career as everything they have done has received rave reviews from this writer. There were some disappointments after viewing the two lengthy discs, although the enjoyment I experienced far outweighed any of those feelings. There were no interviews, which was very disappointing. When their live presentations ended, they screen would fade to black then at times go right into a fragmented disorderly array of scenes on the road or in the studio. Unfortunately, none of them speaks English (they are from Sweden for those of you that did not know) during the course of each DVD, except for lead guitarist/singer Roine Stolt uttering a few words about how many songs were left to record during one of their studio sessions. I could tell what was going on, nevertheless it would have been nice to hear and understand what their conversations were. There was not any continuity or logical order to parts of this presentation. Some of their finest works are committed to celluloid on this generous two DVD set, giving their devout fan base a few hours to digest highlights of their career. Regardless of my criticisms, their music still takes me away, it did not disappoint and it never does because it is always so intricate and interesting. TFK are one of the best bands in the world and it is because each member is an accomplished musician in their own right. For their first DVD they did quite well. There are some interesting sideshows going on as well besides their built in clown/percussionist/whistle blower Hasse Bruniusson, whom is a show all by himself, there are fire eaters, jugglers and ballet dancers for your entertainment value. It is never easy to criticize a band you genuinely love and respect as I do The Flower Kings, but then again this is an entirely different format to experience than a music CD. Now I know how polished they are in a live setting and I look forward to seeing them perform someday soon. I feel it is only appropriate and fair to give a rating that breaks everything down as such: Sound- 5 / 5 Video Quality- 4 / 5 Presentation – 3 / 5 ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck November 28, 2003 DVD 1 1. The Truth Will Set You Free – 31:20 2. On Tour In USA 3. Garden Of Dreams part 1 – 27:07 4. On Tour In Europe 5. Garden Of Dreams part 2 – 17:20 6. Setting up for the DVD DVD 2 1. Humanizzimo – 23:10 2. Oddballs Of Rehearsing 3. Circus Brimstone – 11:18 4. In Recording Studio 2002 5. Silent Inferno – 16:13 6. On Tour In South America 2001 7. Stardust We Are – 26:25 Band Lineup : Roine Stolt - Guitars and Voice Tomas Bodin - Keyboards Hans Fröberg - Guitars and Voice Daniel Gildenlöw - Guitars, Voice, Keys and Percussion Hasse Bruniusson - Percussion and Voices Jonas Reingold - Bass Guitar and Bass Pedals Zoltan Csörsz - Drums Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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Artist: The Tangent Title: The Music That Died Alone Genre: Rock/Progressive, Jazz-Fusion Label: Inside Out/SPV- www.insideoutmusic.com / www.spv.de Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com/bands/band-thetangent.php Prog-rock super groups are usually excellent. The Tangent is one of the best yet, as the release The Music That Died Alone proves without leaving any room for doubt. Once again, the brilliant guitarist/vocalist Roine Stolt is part of a band that will make waves and receive rave reviews from every corner of the globe. The Flower Kings, well represented in this lineup, feature Stolt’s band mates Jonas Reingold and Zoltan Csorsz as well. In addition, holding court with the flower king is Sam Baine and Andy Tillson (Parallel/90 Degrees), David Jackson (formerly Van Der Graaf Generator) and Guy Manning. This mighty band offers the listener 16 unyielding tracks of progressive-rock sprinkled with the occasional jazz-fusion. If you have always had a soft spot for Yes and ELP you will love this album. Fifty percent of the band is TFK, thus you have the Yes influences. On the flipside is the other fifty percent that sounds like ELP both instrumentally and vocally. Not a bad combination if I should say so myself. Although you will detect the influences straight away, there is the necessary inventiveness apparent in every track to compel you to play this album several times in succession before casting it aside for another CD. It worked that way for me. The way they utilize their vocalists is the key to keeping things fresh and appealing from beginning to end. The album consists of three different suites, “In Darkest Dreams,” “The Canterbury Sequence” and “The Music That Died Alone.” Each section offers varying degrees of passionate guitar playing and keyboard driven excellence. This is not music that will ever die much less be alone, it offers too much substance and musical integrity to suffer that kind of fate. This album is so good that I cannot literally describe it all in words. There is an unexplainable intangible element of music that you assimilate only through the ears and senses, that should say it all coming from my little corner of the universe. I promise you, this will be one of the very best prog-rock albums you will hear this year…enough said, now get it. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 8, 2003 Track Listing : In Darkest Dreams 1. Prelude - Time For You 2. Night Terrors 3. The Midnight Watershed 4. In Dark Dreams 5. The Half-Light Watershed 6. On Returning 7. A Sax in the Dark 8. Night Terrors Reprise The Canterbury Sequence 9. Cantermemorabilia 10. Chaos at the Greasy Spoon 11. Captain Manning's Mandolin 12. Up-Hill From Here The Music That Died Alone 13. A Serenade 14. Playing On..... 15. Pre-History 16. Reprise Rating-5 / 5 Band Lineup : Sam Baine & Andy Tillison (Parallel/90 Degrees) Roine Stolte, Jonas Reingold & Zoltan Csorsz (The Flower Kings) David Jackson (Ex-Van Der Graaf Generator) Guy Manning Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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Artist: Tomas Bodin Title: Sonic Boulevard Genre: Rock/Progressive, Instrumental, Jazz, Fusion Label: Inside Out/SPV-www.insideoutmusic.com Website: www.tomasbodin.com Sonic Boulevard is Tomas Bodin’s follow up to his successful solo album Pinup Guru. The trademark progressive-rock keyboards are evident once again but this time out jazz fusion makes a much stronger presence. At times, I felt I could have been listening to Return to Forever or a similar group, the music is that polished and perfected. I found this CD to be very tasteful and eclectic while maintaining a strong production value throughout. His band mates from The Flower Kings, Jonas Reingold (Bass) Zoltan Csörsz (Drums), help his cause as well. They manage to keep the TFK references to a minimum and allow Bodin to leave his own imprint on the sound, thereby making it a true solo album, not something for fans to compare to his full time gig. The more I hear the band members of TFK play on their own and together, the more I realize how each one of them is a star in their own right. This CD is more proof of that fact. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck September 4, 2003 1. The Prayer 2. The Hero From Cloud City 3. Back To The African Garden 4. Picture 5. Walkabout 6. The Horses From Zaad 7. A Beautiful Mind 8. The Happy Frog 9. Morning Will Come 10. The Night Will Fall Rating-4 ½ / 5 Credits: Tomas Bodin: Keyboards Jonas Reingold: Bass Zoltan Csörsz: Drums Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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Artist: Kaipa Title: Keyholder Genre: Progressive Rock Label: Inside Out Music-www.insideoutmusic.com Website: www.kaipainfo.com I am curious to know who is responsible for the fantastic artwork on the new Kaipa CD Keyholder. I would be the first one to say cover art is important but not that critical concerning the over all affect of a presentation. My premise is what you hear on the inside is what really counts. In this case, both factors are just as important and meaningful. The artwork looks like a combination of Salvador Dali and Roger Dean, if you can even imagine that. All of the humanoid and otherwise mythical creatures are standing in line with their keys to see if they can unlock the door to their destiny and dreams. On the other hand, is that what they are waiting for? On the back, the humanoid life form paints a picture of itself, a virtual mirror image of the world in which it lives. It is paradox in that music serves the same purpose for the artist; it is also a mirror of the creator’s soul. This album has a harder edge than Notes From The Past release yet there is an existing Yes/Flower Kings tastefulness in every tune. It would be difficult for this music not sound like TFK as Roine Stolt adds his creative guitar and vocals and TFK band mate Jonas Reingold contributes his standout bass playing. Regardless of the familiarity with the sound you will surely recognize and identify with, you will find this to be a strong Kaipa album due to the other half of the team Hans Lundin’s (Hammond organ, synthesizers, mellotron, pianos & vocals) strong presence and contributions. Aleena is once again a part of the sound on a few tracks. She has a soft and angel like voice that makes the music adopt an entirely different feel. As I recall her talents were utilized more frequently on the previous album, thus the more rock and progressive oriented this album sounds. I am delighted with this album as I am sure all prog-rock fans, Kaipa and TFK faithful will be. This CD offers up an intense session, filled with exacting musicianship that creates atmospheres that will linger in your consciousness long after the disc stops spinning. This is progressive rock for the ages brought to you buy two of the geniuses still making music with meaning and substance, Roine Stolt and Hans Lundin. ©"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck July 24, 2003 1. Lifetime of a Journey-8:14 2. A Complex Work of Art-11:57 3. The Weed of All Mankind-9:29 4. Sonic Pearls-6:06 5. End of the Rope-13:59 6. Across the Big Uncertain-8:30 7. Distant Voices-13:00 8. Otherwordly Brights-7:08 Rating- 5 stars The Performers: Hans Lundin: Hammond organ, synthesizers, mellotron, pianos & vocals Roine Stolt: Electric & acoustic guitars, percussion & vocals Morgan Ågren: Drums Jonas Reingold: Fretless & Yamaha custom basses Patrik Lundström: Lead and backing vocals Aleena: Lead and backing vocals Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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The Flower Kings: Space Revolver (CD, 76:16) Inside Out IOMACD2014 Inside Out America 344-TB Oakville Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15220 CYBERHOME: http://www.insideoutmusic.com Your journey with The Flower Kings’ latest release, Space Revolver begins with traditional symphonic progressive rock – beautifully arranged keyboards, guitar and mellotron combine to start the trip in familiar prog territory. However, just when you start to settle into your headphones, you somehow realize that the boys in the band have taken an unexpected sharp turn at top speeds into the land of heavy metal (with an either conscious or subconscious nod to Black Sabbath’s “Sweet Leaf”). After the din of distortion is complete, a gentle soprano sax kicks in to usher in a passage of airy and uplifting Beach Boys-esque vocal harmonies, which leads into a few measures of fusion that grind to a halt with a bizarre bass and keyboard duel, complete with backwards vocals. What’s next? Well, lounge lizard music of course, as singer and songwriter Roine Stolt belts out (in campy fashion) “I left my heart in San Francisco” while the sax player “riffs nostalgic” alongside the eerie choral loops eminating from Bodin’s mellotron. Then, it’s back to fusion jam land for a few minutes until Flamenco-inspired acoustic guitar enters marking the beginning of one of most beautifully written passages of progressive music written in quite some time. And as if the band knows that the listener will need a moment to exhale, ethereal acoustic guitar and the sound of birds singing fades out into nothingness… And that, my friends, is only the first song. To say that “I Am the Sun (Part One)” is a progressive tour de force is a severe understatement. Mr. Stolt and the rest of the boys in The Flower Kings really kick off Space Revolver with one of the most impressive and ambitious tracks in the history of the band. As a matter of fact, I think it’s safe to say that Space Revolver as a whole is by far the most ambitious of The Flower King’s releases, and its quite a bit different (in a good way) than the band’s previous offerings. There’s a lot of music to take in here, and this release is DEFINITELY one that will need multiple plays before the whole of the album sinks in the sonic conscious. The Flower Kings go from the speedy fusion of “Rumble Fish Twist” (which has more than a passing resemblance to Yes’ “Sound Chaser”) to the Beatle-esque vocals of “Chicken Farmer Song” to the absolute goose-bump inducing beauty of “A King’s Prayer” without missing a single beat. One of the more obvious differences with this release as opposed to previous FK releases is new bassist Jonas Reingold, who adds an immense amount of musicianship to the band. Now, that’s not to say that previous bassist Michael Stolt was a poor player – it’s just that Reingold knocks it up another level; just listen to the jaw-dropping bass solo in “Rumble Fish Twist” and you’ll see what I mean. Reingold also seems to have lit a fire under drummer Jaime Salazar, who simply plays brilliantly throughout the entire disc. Salazar and Reingold compose one of the finest rhythm sections in music today, and one that most bands would KILL to have. As far as composing goes, it seems that Roine Stolt has grabbed even stronger control over the band’s direction as the contributions of keyboardist and usual co-writer Tomas Bodin is limited to a single two-minute track on Space Revolver. Second guitarist and vocalist Hans Froberg makes his song writing debut with the acoustic ballad “You Don’ t Know What You’ve Got,” which could’ve been really annoying were it not for its brevity (2:39) and Stolt’s harmonies. As it is, it’s more harmless than anything else. Froberg also lends lead vocals to the Stolt penned “Slave to Money,” which wins the “Weakest Track on the Album” award by far. As a matter of fact, “Slave to Money” is probably the weakest Flower Kings track I’ve ever heard – but given the consistently phenomenal level of the FK’s output this is certainly excusable. Those who make it through “Slave to Money,” will be treated to one of the most wonderfully emotional songs (both musically and lyrically) I have ever heard by ANY band called “A Kings Prayer.” Beautiful acoustic guitars during the verse combined with the “shudder down the spine” power of Hans Froberg’s vocals during the chorus make for a song that is sure to go down as one of Stolt’s finest compositions. Finishing up the release is the almost anti-climatic “I Am the Sun (Part Two)” which picks up right where Part One left off – birds singing and calming acoustic guitars leading into the 10 minute finale of Space Revolver. Before I sign off, I must admit that I’m a complete Flower Kings “fanboy”. I think that Stolt and Company are among the finest rock and roll bands of all time, and CERTAINLY deserve to be mentioned along with the other greats of progressive music such as Genesis and Yes. It is a shame that the band doesn’t get the sales and accolades that they deserve, but I couldn’t be happier that I discovered their music myself. Roine Stolt and The Flower Kings have churned out another brilliant release in Space Revolver - one that no Flower Kings fan worth their salt should be without. - Michael Askounes (michael@gscyclone.com) CREDITS: Roine Stolt – Lead & backing vox, guitars, bass guitar Tomas Bodin – Piano, organ, synthesizers, mellotrons Hans Froberg – Lead & backing vox, acoustic guitar Jonas Reingold – Fender Precision & fretless bass Hasse Bruniusson – Percussion, mallets, chains, voices Ulf Wllander – Soprano saxophono Jaime Salazar – Drum Kit TRACKS: 1. I Am the Sun (Part One) (15:03) 2. Dream on Dreamer (2:43) 3. Rumble Fish Twist (8:06) 4. Monster Within (12:55) 5. Chicken Farmer Song (5:09) 6. Underdog (5:29) 7. You Don’t Know What You’ve Got (2:39) 8. Slave to Money (7:30) 9. A Kings Prayer (6:02) 10. I Am the Sun (Part Two) (10:48) More information on the Flower Kings can be found at http://www.flower-power.org.uk.
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The Flower Kings: Flower Power (2CD, 2:22:19) DGM0049 Inside Out America 344-TB Oakville Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15220 It takes both confidence and talent to pull of a 60 minute long, 18 movement progressive rock composition. You must first have enough musical ideas in your head to fill up an hour, but then you must also have the backing musicians to perform it proficiently and enough eclecticism to keep listeners interested for this length of time – in musical terms 60 minutes might as well be 60 days – if you’re gonna take up that much time to present a musical statement, it better be a damn interesting statement. There is only one band in existence today that could pull this off, and fortunately The Flower Kings are the folks behind this composition and the release of the incredible album Flower Power. This double CD contains not only a 60 minute progressive tour de force named “Garden of Dreams” which could very well be the best progressive rock composition of all time (YES… better than “Close to the Edge”), but another hour and a half of wonderful and positive music that dabbles heavily in fusion and showcases some absolutely incredible musicianship from all personnel involved. First, well deal with the album’s hour-long showcase, “Garden of Dreams”. Simply put, I’ve never heard a lengthy composition this complex and interesting in all the years I’ve been listening to progressive music. This 18-movement suite goes from beautiful acoustic guitars to “balls to the wall” rock and roll to techno to ambient to classical piano – all seamlessly (and amazingly) arranged by Roine Stolt and keyboardist Tomas Bodin. This isn’t simply 18 different pieces of music slapped together – “Garden of Dreams” does the impossible and actually makes 60 minutes seem too short. There are too many goosebump moments on this track to cover in one review, but if Stolt does not move you with his Bowie-esque half-screaming, half-singing vocals on the final movement of “Garden of Dreams,” you should have your pulse checked. It’s as if Stolt’s brain simply shut down and his singing is coming directly from his heart – his mouth and vocal chords are merely an instrument for the muse to take advantage of. Simply brilliant. The second CD contains more traditional songs (well, if you consider 8 minutes in length to be traditional – I do!) featuring both Stolt’s incredible guitar work and his pop sensibilities – most evident in the made for radio “Stupid Girl” and the strangely Prince-like “Corruption”. However, the surprise of the CD lies in the Hasse Froberg penned track “Magic Pie,” which is nothing short of one of the most infectious tracks in the entire Flower King’s catalog. Froberg’s vocals beautifully convey the majesty and spacey feeling of the music, and some of the chord progressions and vocal harmonies on this track will make the hair on the back of your neck stand straight up. This is one song that gets filed directly into the “I’ll be singing this under my breath all day during work” portion of your brain. The rest of the CD is filled with top quality musicianship and songwriting – it’s nothing short of amazing that Stolt and Company can fill two and a half hours consistently with music of this quality – it’s as if these guys simply CAN’T write a bad song. To say that there’s not a clunker in the entire length of the CD is a testament to the incredible talent and passion of this band, and the fact that The Flower Kings aren’t more popular will continue to baffle me to no end. If you are a fan of progressive music… no scratch that… if you are a fan of ANY MUSIC, go buy Flower Power right now – it represents the best of positive and intelligent modern music available today. - Michael Askounes (michael@gscyclone.com) CYBERHOME: http://www.insideoutmusic.com CREDITS: Roine Stolt – Guitars, Lead Vox, Keyboards Tomas Bodin - Keyboards Hasse Froberg – Lead and Backing Vox Michael Stolt – Bass Guitar Hasse Bruniusson - Percussion Jaime Salazar - Drum Kit TRACKS: CD 1 (FLOWER): 1 – 18. Garden of Dreams (59:57) 19. Captain Capstan (0:55) 20. IKEA by Night (0:05) 21. Astral Dog (8:00) CD 2 (POWER): 1. Deaf, Numb & Blind (11:09) 2. Stupid Girl (6:49) 3. Corruption (5:55) 4. Power of Kindness (4:25) 5. Psychedelic Postcard (9:50) 6. Hudson River Sirens Call 1998 (4:20) 7. Magic Pie (8:19) 8. Painter (6:45) 9. Calling Home (11:00) 10. Afterlife (4:34) More information on The Flower Kings can be found at http://www.flower-power.co.uk. Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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Tomas Bodin: An Ordinary Night in my Ordinary Life (CD, 66:06); Foxtrot Records, Fox CD 017, 1996 E-mail: flowerkings@foxtrot.se Cyberhome: N/A 10 words or less: One of the best progressive releases of the 90s. Elaboration: Tomas Bodin is the Keyboard player for The Flower Kings debut solo album is different in that it's instrumental. The album opens with 'Entering the Spacebike' which is a short sound effect piece that gives the listener the feeling of being an astronaut in the movie 2001, a Space Odyssey. This segues to 'Into the Dreamscape' in which a mellotron soaked long intro gives way to a blasto energetic romp featuring an excellent keyboard solo which then evolves into a rhythmic 5/4 section only to return to the main theme played on guitar by Roine Stolt. Segue again to the 10/4 'The Ballerina from far Beyond'; a very 'Happy the Man' styled piece that builds and builds and evolves within the 10/4 structure; quite a powerful piece in which Roine Stolt utilizes Wah-wah and Whammy bar with the utmost of taste. Piece #4 starts the 2nd section of the album. 'Daddy in the Clouds', a somber piece, is very 'classical' in it's solo organ style. Segue into 'Speed Wizard', a driving piece of music with some excellent, nimble soloing by Tomas which gives way to a Hip-Hop styled coda. 'Speed Wizard' transforms into 'An Ordinary Nightmare In Poor Mr. Hope's Ordinary Life' where we get a 'time capsule' soundscape of modern life which includes spacey sound effects laid over a Hip-Hop rhythm during one section and a Sitar in another before giving way to the sweet piano intro of 'In the Land of the Pumpkins'. Odd percussion sounds take us in to the heavy chorus, which alternates with the melodic theme of the piece. The chorus gets progressively more twisted in a 70s Crimsonish style as it builds to a manic 7/4 wall of sound before releasing in a coda of beautiful solo piano before returning to the theme once more at the end. 'The Magic Rollercoaster' starts during the last note of 'In the Land of the Pumpkins' and we get the feeling that 'Neil and Jack and Me' are 'On the Run'; yes, 80s Crimson meets the Dark Side of Floyd. The sound of a Mellotron takes us into 'The Gathering' with an ominous, moody feeling which evolves into a 3/4 rhythm before giving way to the sweeter Mellotron sound of the 16 minute suite 'Three Stories' which escalates through (Samuel - The Knight) with its ELP overtones, and heavy Crimsonesque bridge to the haunting solo piano and Mellotron of (Adam - The Prophet). A Floydian guitar solo comes in over a slow piano arpeggio and takes us soaring through space as if Comfortably Numb. Fanfare announces (Miranda - The Queen) as we march on to a fevered pitch before floating back down to earth. Rarely nowadays do albums transport the listener as this one does. This album will take you on a journey and leaves you with fond memories of it. ~ L Perez
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Tomas Bodin: An Ordinary Night in my Ordinary Life (CD, 65:46) Inside Out Music IOMCD049, 1999 Inside Out Music Kleiner Markt 10 47533 Kleve CYBERHOME: http://www.insideoutmusic.de As if trying to prove that EVERY member of the top-notch Swedish prog band The Flower Kings is blessed with more talent than should be allowed, keyboardist Tomas Bodin has decided to strike off on his own with An Ordinary Night in my Ordinary Life - a showcase of quality compositional skills and home of some of the hippest keyboard stylings you'll ever want to hear. Bodin is not alone however, he's joined by familiar pals Roine Stolt on guitar, Jaime Salazar on drums, and newcomer Owe Eriksson on most of the bass duties (Roine and his brother Michael also kick in some bass work for the album). The personnel line up make this sort of an "alternate universe" Flower Kings release, albeit one with Tomas Bodin and the keyboards take a lead role, and Roine Stolt's guitar plays second fiddle. In the end, the result are nothing short of fantastic, as Bodin explores musical styles ranging from the funeral dirge-like church music of "Daddy in the Clouds" to avant-garde experimentalism with "An Ordinary Nightmare in Poor Mr. Hope's Ordinary Life" (complete with a voice chanting "Number Ten" over and over) to what can only be described as "jungle-fusion" with "The Magic Rollercoaster". Bodin is all over the musical map, and his styles work on every level. Bodin compositional prowess is at center stage here, as he deftly moves from style to style without seeming to even break a sweat. While he does break into some killer keyboard chops from time to time, it's obvious that he's professional enough to show restraint and allow the other musicians to contribute to the songs as well. After all, when you've got Stolt and Salazar backing you up, you LET THEM PLAY! And play they do, with Stolt contributing some incredible guitar work (did you expect anything less?) and Salazar flying all around his drumkit with both reckless abandon and pinpoint precision at the same time. Stolt REALLY shines in the middle of Bodin's brilliant 17-minute epic "Three Stories," counterbalancing Bodin's beautiful piano work with some incredibly emotional guitar work that seems to patch directly to your soul (as Stolt's work often does). Bodin and Stolt also score a major victory with "In the Land of the Pumpkins," which combines standard progressive sounds with excellent piano passages and some furious fusion to create a song that will stick in your head like white on rice. But perhaps the most impressive musical moment of the CD comes not from familiar faces such as Bodin or Stolt, but from bassist Owe Eriksson who simply BLOWS THE LIGHTS OUT with his bass licks on "The Magic Rollercoaster". His wonderful interplay with drummer Salazar on this cut is something that simply must be heard to be believed. Despite all the praises I have to the boys in the band, the ultimate kudos must go to Tomas Bodin who has shown that he has compositional talent that rivals that of Flower Kings leader Stolt. Perhaps future releases from The Flower Kings will showcase more of Bodin's writing as well as his always solid keyboard playing. However, if this does not come to pass, I very much look forward to any future solo efforts put forth by this very talented man. - Michael Askounes (michael@gscyclone.com) CREDITS: Tomas Bodin: Hammond Organ, Piano, Rhodes Piano, Mellotron, Synthesizers, FX & Odd Voices Hasse Bruniusson: Percussion, Bicycle Wheel, voices Roine Stolt: Guitars, Bass (3,7) Owe Eriksson: Fender & Warwick Basses (5,6,8,10) Michael Stolt: Fender Bass (2) Jaime Salazar: Drumkit TRACKLIST: 1. Entering the Spacebike (1:28) 2. Into the Dreamscape (9:41) 3. The Ballerina From Far Beyond (7:37) 4. Daddy in the Clouds (3:57) 5. Speed Wizard (5:34) 6. An Ordinary Nightmare in Poor Mr. Hope's Ordinary Life (5:54) 7. In the Land of the Pumpkins (9:06) 8. The Magic Rollercoaster (3:07) 9. The Gathering (3:02) 10. Three Stories (i. Samuel-The Knight, ii. Adam-The Prophet, iii. Miranda-The Queen) (16:41) More information on Tomas Bodin can be found at http://www.flower-power.org.uk. Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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The Flower Kings: Alive on Planet Earth (2CD, 115:34) Inside Out IOMACD 2007 InsideOut Music America 2000 344-TB Oakville Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15220 CYBERHOME: http://www.insideoutmusic.com There was a time when I thought that progressive bands such as Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, and ELP would forever remain untouchable - always compared to, but never equaled much less surpassed. In my search for premier modern day progressive rock, I made many wrong (or at least not totally right) selections... I tried out Spock's Beard, but found them to be a bit forced. I tried Dream Theater, but found the vocals reminiscent of 80's hair bands and felt that the guys were more interested in showing off then "showing up". I tried (and liked) Porcupine Tree, but that sounded more like ambient techno than prog. Marillion was close but a little too poppy, and supposed prog bands like Kula Shaker turned out not to be prog at all. Sure, there was still King Crimson with their brilliant brand of "math rock," but modern KC carried with it a very negative energy - their music was not uplifting, but rather disturbing and harrowing. Where then, had all the positive energy in progressive music gone? Why did it seem that I was constantly reaching backward in time to find forward-thinking music? With all the negativity in the world today, positive energy is a force in great need; so where did all of the peace, love, and hippie ideals of bands like Yes go? I'll tell you where they went... they went to Sweden. And all the positive energy that Yes once held, together with the composition and musical energy of all the classic progressive bands - seemingly in a search for a host - finally hovered over and fused within a man named Roine Stolt, who has a band named the Flower Kings, who in 2000 released a double live CD titled Alive on Planet Earth. Upon first listen of this CD, I knew I had found what I had been searching for - a band with a inspiring vision, incredible musicianship, and sounds that seemed to pour directly from the artist's soul into mine. As a matter of fact, I was so enraptured with the first two songs on the CD ("There is More to This World" and "Church of Your Heart") that it took me weeks to get past them to the rest of the CD. These compositions were full of the positive vibes and beautiful melodies that have been missing from the prog scene for nearly two decades. It looked like in Roine Stolt I had finally found a present day "yin" for Robert Fripp's "yang." Alive on Planet Earth is a double CD - the first disc was recorded live during their 1998 North American tour, and the second was captured from their 1999 tour in Japan. Both CD's are filled to the brim with breathtaking chord changes, beautiful harmonies, and excellent musicianship. Tomas Bodin is one of the finest rock keyboardists I've heard, and drummer Jaime Salazar and bassist Michael Stolt comprise a very effective rhythm section. However, with no disrespect meant to the other members of the band, it won't take you long to realize that guitarist/singer/composer Roine Stolt is the true star of the show. His voice is very distinctive - smooth like John Wetton at times, "whiskey bar-ish" like Joe Walsh or Marty Balin at others. His voice isn't the most technically proficient around, but he manages to sing with such emotion that technical qualities don't really matter much. He gets a little vocal assistance from Hans Froberg at times, who really shines on the closer "Stardust We Are, Part 3" - an absolutely breathtaking piece of music. Besides, vocals are only Roine's "side-job" - it's his guitar that does the talking most of the time. And just wait until you hear it... Finding words to describe Stolt's guitar playing isn't easy. Soaring... cleansing... raw... all these words describe but parts of his six-string repertoire. If the mind is what makes up a person's conscience, and the subconscious is what makes up a person's mind, then Stolt's incredible solos reside in the twilight between the spaces. They are both technically proficient from an objective point-of-view, and emotionally visceral and primal. Picking a "favorite" solo on this CD is like a mother picking a favorite child, but if you can get through "Nothing New Under the Sun" without sprouting a few patches of goose bumps then you need to have your pulse checked. The only weak spots on this release would be the inexplicable inclusion of a cover of Genesis' "Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." It's not that Stolt and company don't do a great job with this classic, it's just that I would've much rather heard another Flower Kings composition as opposed to someone else's music. Also, The opener on CD 2 "The Big Puzzle" has some great moments, but it takes a bit of filler to stretch it out to 18 minutes and can seem a bit tedious at times. Other than those minor rough spots, I would say that Alive on Planet Earth, is the best live prog offering since Genesis released Second's Out. The Flower Kings' musicianship is outstanding, Stolt's compositions and guitar playing are brilliant. Combine that with some good ol' fashioned Jon Anderson-style hippie ideals, and you wind up with an incredible album from a band that is destined to become a major part of the progressive rock pantheon - right next to Yes, King Crimson, and Genesis. If you're a progressive rock fan and don't have this CD (or any Flower Kings CDs), your collection is incomplete. - Michael Askounes (michael@gscyclone.com) CREDITS: Roine Stolt: Lead Guitar, Voice Hans Froberg: Acoustic, Electric & Slide Guitar, Voice Robert Engstrand: Keyboards (CD One) Tomas Bodin: Keyboards (CD Two) Michael Stolt: Bass, Bassynth, Voice Jaime Salazar: Drums, Percussion & Voice TRACKLIST: CD 1 1. There is More to this World (11:31) 2. Church of Your Heart (9:41) 3. The Judas Kiss (15:43) 4. Nothing New Under the Sun (4:13) 5. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (9:17) CD 2 1. Big Puzzle (18:29) 2. Sounds of Violence (6:37) 3. Three Stories (6:04) 4. In the Eyes of the World (12:14) 5. The Flower King (11:27) 6. Stardust We Are, Part Three (10:00) More information on The Flower Kings can be found at http://www.users.wineasy.se/flowerkings
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The Flower Kings: Scanning the Greenhouse (CD, 72:43); Outer Music OM2008CD, 1998 Pangea Music International Ph: (831) 425-0270 Fax: (831) 425-3874 E-mail: info@pangeamusic.com Cyberhome: www.pangeamusic.com How do you compile a “Best of . . .” this band? From 1995-98 The Flower Kings have continued to release formidable prog “Rock-of-Gibraltar-solid” hits. How do you possibly pick the best without doing a 2 or 3 CD compilation? Their talent is at times overpowering. Stolt’s passionate delivery in superb vox and monster guitar is a solo act in its own right. Add his brother Michael on bass and Tomas Bodin on good-as-ELP keys and drums by Jaime-Salazar and you are smacked flat to the wall with this band’s Swedish prog magic. To further pummel your talent- smitten ears, hear Hans Fröberg on lead and backing vocals with even more guitar. Hans Bruniusson adds more percussive. After their premier US show at Progfest ‘97 Shawn Ahearn convinced Stolt and gang to compile this “Best of . . .” release of eight TFK gems. This is one of those CDs I will do the rare thing and simply say -- BUY THIS. If you have never heard this band, this is a great collection of what all the fuss is about. I guarantee you’ll wind up searching out the original releases that represent the rest of the iceberg beneath Scanning the Greenhouse. As a treat to those who already own their releases, “The Flower King” and “Stardust We Are/ Part 3" appear here as 1998 re-recorded versions. (Yeah, it is worth hearing and soul-tripping anew all you completists.) “Retropolis”, my fav cut, is what progressive rock stands for -- power, grace, majesty, and mastery of song. How can be people ever go back to mainstream pop or sappy neo-prog-pop after hearing tunes like Stolt’s? Whoa baby -- this is killer! When first hearing TFK at ProgDay 98, I was impressed with the professional and fun show they give on stage. Their compositions are a challenge to the listener to dream, to be inspired, and to be encouraged. I cannot and probably should not go on heaping praise on TFK but when you find gold you can’t help but dancing and shouting and crying in joy, “Here, look here! It is beautiful. There is enough for everyone to share. Listen.” Oh yeah, a 12-page booklet of lyrics, photos, cool art, and such is included. Highest of recommendations! ~ John W. Patterson
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The Flower Kings: Back In The World Of Adventures (CD, 71:28); FOX CD-015, 1995 Foxtrot Records/ Foxtrot Music Ltd. Box 15070 750 15 Uppsala, Sweden Ph & Fax: +46-18-507400 Email: flowerkings@foxtrot.se Cyberhome: http://www.users.wineasy.se/flowerkings I had my virgin exposure to and privilege of seeing this band perform at Prog Day '98. I was impressed with their delivery, songwriting, and musicianship. And this release only serves to reaffirm those first impressions of Roine Stolt et al. His music is prog rock with soul and heart. The songs pull you in, wow you, grip you, and sail you off into Stolt's incredibly beautiful world of spirit and fire. Roine's voice is strong, full, passionate, and delightfully accented. The Flower Kings' lyrics are heady, compelling, and hook-city. You'll unavoidably carry these tunes in your head comfortably. The guitar work is extremely melodic and rates right up there with anything Brian May or David Gilmour has offered. Roine is clearly at ease with his axe. His timing and soul-fired punch and technique is a vast mosaic of delights. You shred-heads need to absorb this Stoltian expertise and expand your horizons. Roine is expertly meshed in this band with brother Michael on bass and voice. Tomas Bodin excels on Hammond organ, Mellotron, piano, and flute. Hasse Bruniusson is percussion alongside Jamie Salazar on drum kit. Ulf Wallander guests on sax. Ten songs offer five instrumentals and five with great vocals mingled with extended instrumental bridges and a variety of sonic excursions. Diverse creativity pours out of every possible place in each song. Each piece is a rocking, swirling matrix, of multifaceted sound-gems glistening in an endless cascade of wonder. Do I exaggerate?Not a bit. I have waded through hundreds of sonic offerings and this material of Stolt's is clearly inspired genius. It's never off- the-hip nor shalllow. It is highly intelligent expertise and tastefully served up in joy. If Stolt doesn't inspire or send a few tingles up your spine you shouldn't call yourself a progger or a music lover. "Big Wheel" and "World of Adventures" baptized me in concentric waves of synapse firings and flooded my heart with gossamer-winged butterflies. This is imported ear-candy crafted and wrapped in elegance. Who do they sound like? Take the best of Crack the Sky, Pink Floyd, early Genesis, and the pop-rock, slickcool of Queen and Prince's 1999, mix it all together in the cauldron of Stolt's vision of world peace and out comes a fresh batch of magic. Thank you, Roine, for sharing your heart and vision so clearly in song. Highest of recommendations! ~ John W. Patterson
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AND STOLT'S 98 SOLO RELEASE: Roine Stolt: Hydrophonia (CD, 67:48); FOX CD-019, 1998 Foxtrot Records/ Foxtrot Music Ltd. Box 15070 750 15 Uppsala, Sweden Ph & Fax: +46-18-507400 Email: flowerkings@foxtrot.se Cyberhome: http://www.users.wineasy.se/flowerkings The Flower Kings' Roine Stolt wears an invisible crown set with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, amber, jade, and fire-stranded opals of the eternal muse. He has listened well, echoing the distant cosmic winds' voices of the starry wisdom. He returns in joy from barren crags and grassy knolls to chart the song of the heavens, the voice of the sea, the susurrant whisper of the night, and laughter of children. A million cold whitenesses drift down covering the hillsides in a blanket of purest snow. Well-worn cobblestone streets glow golden with the flickering firelight of nightfall. This is the music of dreams and joys, of embraces and goodbyes, of sunlight-dappled lovers and moon-shadowed fields of harvest. Tracks "Cosmic Lodge", "Shipbuilding" and "Little Cottage By The Sea" evoked the foregoing imagery. "Cosmic Lodge" gets my vote as Hydrophonia's best cut. Is that the Mothership on the horizon? "Little Cottage By The Sea" could take the award for one of the year's most beautiful compositions of the progressive genre. Ten compositions by Roine Stolt carry you along through musical journeys and image-rich wanderings. Stolt is, as usual, superb guitars, bass, keys, and percussion. Jaime Salazar is drumkit and percussion. Ulf Wallander is soprano saxophone. Stolt even offers an innovative Zappa-esque, fusiony rock, "Peaches En Regalia" progression on "Bizarre Seahorse Sex Attack". He waxes very Oldfieldian on "Oceanna Baby Dolphin" that is new-agey lullaby. He rocks out in a Pekka Pohjolic adventure-track style on "Nuclear Nemo". Title cut, "Hydrophonia" calls to mind the guitar work of John Themis, Joaquin Lievano, Paul Speer, and Mike Oldfield and wraps it all in a Kitaro/Vangelis package. We get islands jazzy on "Lobsterland Groove' and Wallander stretches on the sax nicely. Things are wrapped up Eric Johnson, White-Cliffs-of-Dover style with a driving tune ballad-reel and riff fest on "Seafood Kitchen Thing" that eventually breaks down into Gilmour jams. No vocals this time around but an immense spectrum of hum-along material is provided here. There should be well enough material here to satisfy any Flower Kings fan on Stolt's Hydrophonia. An odyssey of melody and soaring instrumentals can be found on this release to entertain the most jaded of proggers and rockers. A definitely recommended experience. ~ John W. Patterson Listen to samples & Buy CDs/DVDs here
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