Exposé issue #37 Summary
Features in this issue include:
JORGE REYES:
Mexican composer Jorge Reyes died in his sleep on February 7, in his house located in Mexico City, where he lived with his wife and three sons. Nothing is more different from his music than what is usually called Mexican music. No Mariachi, no joyful scream, no moving guitar rhythm. Jorge Reyes chose a different path by exploring Mexico’s indigenous traditions, namely pre-Columbian music. In other words, those ancient cultures the Spanish conquistadores tried to erase by burning many codices and musical instruments. This constant reference encompassed all his life. Jorge’s interest in Mesoamerican cultures, however, was not mere archaeology. On the contrary, it was the starting point to conceive intricate textures mixing ancient sounds and contemporary electronic devices.
FMPM 2008:
FMPM stands for “Le Festival des Musiques Progressives de Montreal”, and 2008 was its third year, and the good news is that it looks like it’s here to stay – the 2009 event will feature Saga, Three Friends, Miriodor, Le Orme, DFA, Magenta, Mystery, Rouge Ciel, and several other acts. The theme from year to year seems to be to come up with a a lineup that presents an equal mix of Quebec based bands, and great progressive rock bands from all other parts of the world. There is certainly no shortage of great artists from Quebec, and that gives FMPM a distinctive local flavor that most other North American festivals – save Baja Prog – seriously lack. 2008’s event was held at Montreal’s Salle Pierre-Mercure, but this year (2009) will return to the earlier venue Gesù - Centre de Créativité. Our coverage concentrates on the 2008 Festival with several great photos by Linda Shulman.
ROB REED / MAGENTA:
Magenta’s keyboard player, main composer, and producer Rob Reed operates out of his studio in Wales. From there he masterminds various musical endeavors, including the popular progressive rock outfit Magenta. The group has risen to prominence over the past several years, though their latest album Metamorphosis signals changes on several fronts for Reed and his main cohort, vocalist Christina Booth. Expose caught up with Reed at his studio to talk about past, present, and future.
JAN SCHELHAAS:
Keyboardist Jan Schelhaas is known to most fans of the Canterbury music scene as an integral member of both Caravan and Camel, but he also has made contributions to other notable artists work such as Thin Lizzy, and noted English blues guitarist Gary Moore. Exposé caught up with him after the recent release of his first solo album Dark Ships which has more than a few recognizable nods to his previous group efforts and his 35 years in the business.
EDWARD KA-SPEL:
For those of you who don’t know, Edward Ka-Spel is a founding member and driving force behind The Legendary Pink Dots. Both Edward and the Dots have a long and prolific recording career, dating back to 1981. Edward and the band for that manner are very friendly to their fan base. They will talk with fans after their concerts as well as taking time out of their demanding touring schedule to reply to emails. Edward has been interviewed countless times over the years and Exposé attempted to avoid some of the more typical interview questions, focusing instead on topics that may not have been covered in the past.
MORGAN ÅGREN:
Swedish drummer Morgan Ågren became internationally known through his involvement with the Zappa’s Universe project in the early 1990s. Before and after this time Morgan has worked steadily with his childhood friend and fellow Zappa’s Universe alumnus keyboardist Mats Öberg. The Mats/ Morgan musical collaboration now spans more than 25 years and encompasses 8 albums, a DVD, and several tours. Morgan has also found the time to form a record label and record and perform with numerous artists, including Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah), The Flesh Quartet, Glen Hughes, Denny Walley, and brother Jimmy Ågren.
SATELLITE:
Wojtek Szadkowski co-founded Collage, Poland’s most successful progressive rock band to date, back in 1985 and served as drummer and composer until they dissolved in 1996, at what was arguably the height of their popularity. Since then he’s been involved in several bands, though Satellite is the best known and has the strongest links with his former group. With their 4th album gaining favorable reviews and several successful festival appearances under their belt, Satellite appear poised to make a run at Collage’s level of broad popularity.
PETER HAMMILL:
Peter Hammill has long been at the vanguard of his game as a singer / songwriter and leader of arguably one of the most challenging British bands, Van der Graaf Generator. Exposé was glad to see him return to the US again for the first time in many years and spend time reviewing his career as well as the recent endeavors of the three-man VdGG.
CHRIS SQUIRE:
Yes bassist Chris Squire has long been known as “Keeper of the Flame” where his famous group is concerned, even if it means scraping together a touring lineup that’s now down to three veteran members: himself, guitarist Steve Howe and drummer Alan White. To fill the shoes of semi-retired keyboard player Rick Wakeman, Squire turned to the Caped Crusader’s own son Oliver, fresh off a stint touring the UK and Europe with his own band. Filling the vocalist spot is Benoit David, singer for the Canadian tribute band Close to the Edge (as well as Quebecois prog outfit Mystery.) The group has wrapped up a successful first leg of their North American tour and were preparing to hit the road for round two when we caught up with Chris near his home in Southern California.
Also included in issue 37: All of our regular reviews sections -- Roundtables, New Releases, Archives and Reissues. 92 Pages total.