DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

NEGUS / DARE TO DREAM

It's here. Saga's original and long standing drummer Steve Negus, the Lord of The Drums has released his first solo album since leaving the progressive rock group... yet, to call this a solo album draws attention away from the outstanding musicians Steve has brought together for this pilot voyage of prog-rock. I assume Steve recognized this as well, which is why he probably opted to call it "Negus" instead of The Steve Negus Project or something of the sort... and why shouldn't he treat it as a band? The guitarist, Kelly Kereliuk (ex-Animate) is an incredible master of the axe and took on the difficult task of replacing Mark Severn after his untimely death two weeks after completing this project. Matt Whale, keyboardist extraordinaire along with tasteful bassist Ian Nielsen form the rockin' foundation that can only serve as a launching pad for down & dirty vocalist Al Langlade (Total Stranger). My prediction is that Negus will win over long time Saga fans and seduce music fans seeking out rock the way it used to be played... very well!

Signed to Cyclone Records (Caveat, Inner Surge, Wormbox), Steve Negus has unleashed a solo album worth waiting for, but the wait can hardly be considered a wait, since the band's inception, first concert date and recorded disc have all come to fruition this side of 2007. Fresh off a return date he did with Saga in October, fans were left wondering what would become of their beloved stick man. Negus holds the unique badge of honor as being a very identifiable drummer. Just the way you know Tom Scholz of Boston the moment he plays a chord or the way you know it's Geddy Lee when he sings his first line - Negus has honed a style that is recognizable the second he graces the set. Dare To Dream is a fine representation of that. Standing strong as a drummer's solo effort but standing even stronger as complete unit chock full of powerful songs and quality compositions. Of course this should come as no surprise considering Negus has played with the finest. Over twenty years in Saga, a sought after side project in GNP (which is slated for remastered re-release) and he even played drums on the legendary track by Chris DeBurgh "Don't Pay the Ferryman".

The tracks Lust, Body and Soul & Satellites are among the most progressive tracks on the album. Strong melody lines, shredding guitar work and captivating changes make for an intriguing listening session. Yes, there will undoubtedly be moments when you cant help but think that certain parts remind you of Saga, but this project also offers new sounds and experiences that can only be attributed to the fine musicians gathered together under one recording. Whale's keyboard style is both inviting but unobtrusive. You're strangely drawn in when you notice he is constantly playing but not always present on the mind, but he is no background instrumentalist as he frequently proves with dazzling fills. Lest we forget who's band this is, track five's "I rest My Case" is a stunning live drum solo captured hi-fi style in the studio. Steve flawlessly executes a stirring drumline and flavors it with jungle beats & heartbeat poundings with uncanny precision. Who else could get away with a studio recorded drum solo? Bravo

On the downside, "One Man's Army" and "Catch My Fall" were my least favorite tracks. I was unaffected by the Army and Fall just seemed too contrived and blatantly geared for radio with structured verse-chorus. Oddly enough, and not at all consistent with the rest of the album are some guitar fillers that seemed to be added as an afterthought - in a completely different studio... the sound & quality are just completely different from the rest of polished project.

Back on the upside, I dont know if Langlade is directly responsible, but the vocal lines are masterfully supported with moving bgv's and harmony vocals that will leave you awe-struck. Particularly on Dare To Dream (the album's title track), the vocal stylings will leave little doubt that vocals were of utmost importance on this album. At times the grit and rough around the edges style gets a bit tiresome, but that feeling doesnt last long as you will soon hear that he is not a one-trick pony, just listen to my favorite track that he sings "Satellites".

While holding ground as a band after their own sound, I cant help but hear influences of Def Leppard, Alan Parsons, Pink Floyd (track 7 As I Am) and even 10cc. You can bet I'll be catching them on tour... see you there!

Find Steve Negus online at: www.stevenegus.com

and on myspace at: www.myspace.com/stevenegusmusic.

DALE JUDAY