Naya Baaz – Charm (Whirlwind Recordings, 2023) Naya Baaz, the collaborative effort between remarkable virtuoso guitarist Rez Abbasi and Josh Feinberg, released its debut album, Charm, a few months ago. It marked a significant fusion of musical talents deeply rooted in diverse traditions. Abbasi, a Guggenheim Fellow, brings forth his expertise as a guitarist with a mix of contemporary jazz and South Asian influences, while Feinberg, proficient in Hindustani sitar and jazz bass, contributes his unique mastery to the ensemble. Charm arose from the duo’s exploration of uncharted musical territory ..read more

Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter – SuperBlue The Iridescent Spree (Edition Records, 2023) American jazz singer Kurt Elling is highly regarded for his unparalleled mix of robust swing, perfect pitch and soul-stirring insight. His new album, SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree, is a brilliant collaborative venture with other boundary-pushing mavericks. On this occasion, Elling teams up with Charlie Hunter alongside the rhythmic wizards Corey Fonville on drums and DJ Harrison on keyboards. The album unveils a kaleidoscope of auditory delights, featuring captivating new compositions, audacious covers, a ..read more

Welcome, John Cook and Charlie Bramald to the Noble Shire of Progressive Discussion and ProgressiveRockCentral.com! This band is like a Supergroup of modern UK progressive rock talent. Along with the two members above, they also have “gravity-defying bassist”, Mark Gatland, of Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, and IT; and multi-instrumentalist, plus producer-extraordinaire, Dom Bennison, from Last Motion Picture, and ex-This Winter Machine. Dom also plays drums, and keyboards. The band has released some singles, but the complete album will be released on the 31st of May, 2024 ..read more

Alex Henry Foster collaborates with Momoka to release the music video for “Nocturnal Candescence,” the second single from his upcoming LP, Kimiyo, set to be released on April 26th. Expressing his admiration for Momoka’s unique spirit and artistic talent, Foster highlights their shared perspectives on life and spirituality. He emphasizes her integral role in conveying the essence of the project, allowing her to interpret the lyrical themes in her native language authentically. Foster’s latest endeavor, Voyage à la Mer, delves into the complexity of human emotions, drawing inspiration from his ..read more

Renowned rock-fusion trio The Aristocrats are embarking on an extensive North American summer tour, dubbed the “Duck” Tour, set to begin in July. The progressive rock band recently released their concept album centered around an Antarctic duck’s escapades. The Aristocrat includes Guthrie Govan on guitar, Bryan Beller on bass, and Marco Minnemann on drums. They will present their signature musical virtuosity across various stages. The tour will feature a substantial portion of their latest album, Duck, alongside classic selections from their five-album repertoire. Starting in Monterrey, Mexico ..read more

Tom Penaguin – Tom Penaguin (Amarxe, 2024) Tom Penaguin, a multi-instrumentalist and composer from France, rolled out his remarkable eponymous debut album, Tom Penaguin, earlier this month. Finely crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the sublime progressive rock music presented in this album mirrors the intricate style of National Health, Egg, and Hatfield and the North. Serving as a heartfelt homage to the Canterbury sound, Penaguin exhibits his virtuosity by handling all keyboards, drum, bass, and guitar duties with remarkable skill and finesse. Each composition within the album stri ..read more

Il Cerchio d’Oro – Pangea e Le Tre Lune (2023) Pangea e Le Tre Lune (Pangea and the Three Moons) is a first-rate concept album by the Italian progressive rock band Il Cerchio d’Oro. Specifically, the topic is the ancient supercontinent Pangea. This recording radiates 1970s magic. It evokes the great classic rock progresivo italiano bands of the era. This is no mere coincidence. Il Cerchio d’Oro was originally founded in the mid-1970s, although they never released a full album during that decade. However, they returned in 2005 and this is their fifth album. Pangea e Le Tre Lune includes seven t ..read more

The future of progressive rock in the UK is being shaped by bands like The Blackheart Orchestra, Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, The John Hackett Band, Cairo, Ruby Dawn, Ghost of the Machine, Shadows of Mercury and now, add one more to this list…The Age of Distraction. To me A Game of Whispers, sounds like a return to the bold and innovative era of the 1980s; which saw the rise of bands like IQ, Marillion, and Pendragon, and that later spawned bands like No-Man. Yes, there is some wonderful music being made in the UK’s “Green and Pleasant Land”, again! Age of Distraction, is, in fact, a “sup ..read more

Nektar – Journey To The Other Side – Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023 (Deko Music, 2024) Nektar, renowned pioneers of progressive rock, is set to release Journey To The Other Side – Live At The Dunellen Theatre June 10, 2023 paying homage to the late drummer and founding member Ron Howden. This live album serves up a tantalizing mix of progressive rock intertwined with classic rock elements. Stealing the spotlight are the sprawling classic suites, including “A Tab in the Ocean,” “Recycled 2,” “Remember the Future Part 1,” and “Remember the Future Part 2.” Here, aficionados will delig ..read more

The debut single, “The Pocket Bandit,” by the funk and progressive rock fusion trio Pocket Bandits was released on April 5. Originating from Ithaca, the trio includes Joe Massa, Samuel B. Lupowitz, and Simon Bjarning, who bring a wealth of musical experience to their collaboration. Having played together for a decade, Joe and Samuel lead the group in exploring a fusion of funk, progressive rock, and jam-blues genres. Musicians: Simon Bjarning on drums; Samuel B. Lupowitz on Hammond organ, bass synth/pedals, Seaboard; Joe Massa on electric guitars, baritone guitar. The post Funk-Fusion Trio T ..read more