Many of the sounds were set to drone on without retriggering, by adding, subtracting and modulating these sounds, I was able to create the "living environment" that I was after. The album ends with a wonderful cover of a classic electronic piece, the "Hymne" from Vangelis' 'Opera Sauvage'.
Beautiful and triumphant, the melody of "Hymne" holds a special place in Norlander's heart. It seems only natural that Norlander should offer his interpretation of the piece here on this electronic release. Another piece worth mentioning is the opener, "Fanfare for Absent Friends", an emotive song that starts with a low, moody drone and builds to a triumphant fanfare played over both martial cadences and speedy rock grooves.
Norlander, along with festival organizer Eric Snelders, planned to release 'Seas of Orion' at the festival itself -- combining the album's debut with a sort of live performance release party. The date of the festival had been planned for some time September 11, That fateful date of couse harkens back to the terrible events of when terrorists attacked New York City and Washington, DC.
So when Norlander set about composing the album, he was keenly aware of the date on which it would be released. But rather than make it a dark and sad piece, I chose to create a triumphant and uplifiting fanfare to honor the memory of the fallen. It is the lives of these people we should celebrate and remember and not their deaths. Like all of Norlander's releases, Seas of Orion is masterfully recorded and exquisitely executed. Seas of Orion is Norlander's 5th solo album following closely on the heels of his new live CD, Stars Rain Down, recorded in Europe in and and already garnering extensive critical praise from the press and fans alike.
Norlander is known for his ability to traverse musical styles with the ease of an accomplished alpine skiier, and this year's releases are perhaps the strongest case for that yet. While it remains a keyboard-oriented album, Stars Rain Down has a decidedly hard rock and almost heavy metal feel to it courtesy of Norlander's magnificent European touring band consisting of traditional rock guitar, bass, drums and aggressive vocals.
The release of Seas of Orion goes almost in the complete opposite direction with its pure usage of synthesizers and percussion. The dichotomy is pure Erik Norlander, an artist who continues to deliver the goods with grace, style and integrity.
Visit us at: www. Surreal Erik Norlander. The Party's Overture The Galaxy Collectors Album Mix Suitcase and Umbrella Unearthly Surreal feat.
Lana Lane El Gran Final Arrival Live Neurosaur Live Fanfare for Absent Friends Live Sky Full of Stars Live Capture the Sun Live Astrology Prelude Live Secrets of Astrology Live Trantor Station Live After the Revolution Live Favorite track: Children of Sanchez Overture. Don Grimm. Neil Hobkirk. Mickael Dujardin. Greg Manthey. Sergio Bezrukoff. Andrew Macaulay. James Mazzarelli. John Richetta. Simone Villa. William Lesniak.
Raymond Kulberda. Purchasable with gift card. Conquistador Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight Turn Me On Heavy Metal Symphony Tour of the Sprawl Andromeda Letter from Space Lost Highway Soma Holiday Return of the Neurosaur Fanfare And Interlude Beware The Vampires The Fire Of Change The Fall Of The Idol Metamorphosis One Of The Machines Fallen Johnny America Music Machine Reprise Mariner Sky Full Of Stars Project Blue Prince Oblivion Days Fanfare For Absent Friends King of the Universe [] this song was originally recorded by Electric Light Orchestra.
Children of Sanchez Overture [] this song was originally recorded by Chuck Mangione. Starless [] this song was originally recorded by King Crimson. Hommage Symphonique was performed by:. Japan: November 23, on the Avalon label. All releases contain the identical track listing -- there are no bonus tracks on any edition. Don't overpay for imports! I know there are those out there who would consider that a CD of covers is not worthy of being a real release.
Well, I'm here to tell you that if you have that attitude you might miss out on what could well be the best prog disc of the year. Sea of Tranquility By Pete Pardo. If you listen to only one covers album for the next year, this should be the one. Sea of Tranquility By Duncan Glenday. The selection of music is certainly complex enough to present a huge challenge - yet Norlander and his guest artists have met that challenge admirably.
They don't stray too far from the originals, yet there's plenty of creativity here - and despite the differences between the original songs and the artists who recorded them, Erik manages to maintain a certain cohesion through the whole piece.
Sea of Tranquility By Michael Popke. Give Erik Norlander credit for not recording a typical tribute album. For one thing, the virtuoso keyboardist doesn't rely on the same tired material as other artists when they cover, say, Yes or Jethro Tull.
And who else would dare try a Chuck Mangione song? Only the most faithful fans of the artists to which Norlander pays homage on Hommage Symphonique will likely be familiar with all of the material he's chosen here. Secondly, he pays his respects to each song while remaining true to his own symphonic-rock tendencies.
Norlander's stamp is all over this record, even though he penned none of the songs. Dead Earnest By Andy Garibaldi.
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