KOMPENDIUM – PROG’S HIGHEST TALENTS GET TOGETHER TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE CONCEPT ALBUM
In an era of disposable music and throwaway icons, over two dozens timeless artists joined forces to create a concept album that brings back to life ‘the tradition of War of the Worlds, Dark Side of the Moon and Tubular Bells’.
Born as a personal challenge for celebrated producer/composer Rob Reed (Magenta, ChimpanA) to find the lost spirit of the 70s epic albums, the Kompendium project quickly attracted an array of significant figures and different styles. The result was Beneath the Waves, a record bursting with emotions, intensity and a rare amount of talent.
Beneath the Waves blends Celtic music with Rock and Classical to bring the listener through a unique journey. Lead vocalist Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar) gives emphasis to the strong melodies and rich textures, turning back time to the feeling of anticipation as the needle was about to hit the vinyl. ‘An astonishing album of passion and intensity’ according to Classic Rock, ‘if you seek intelligent, uncompromisingly beautiful, wonderfully performed music that delivers a very special aural experience (…) look no further’, says Fireworks magazine; ‘Beneath The Waves will have you diving back in time and time again’, concludes Prog.
Touching ballad Lilly, where an emotional Angharad Brinn on vocals teams up with Steve Hackett’s classic guitar, is only one breathtaking fragment of an album that can be surprising yet incredibly cohesive. Watch the video here:
The star studded line-up includes:
Steve Hackett (Genesis)-nylon guitar;
Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) – drums;
Nick Beggs (Steve Hackett Band, Kajagoogoo)- stick;
Troy Donockley (Nightwish, Bad Shepherds) – Uilleann Pipes, whistles;
Nick Barrett (Pendragon) – guitar,
Neil Taylor (Tears for Fears, Robbie Williams)- guitar;
Jakko Jackzyk (20th Century Skitzoid Band) – guitar;
Francis Dunnery (ex It Bites) – guitar,
John Mitchell (It Bites) – guitar,
Mel Collins (King Crimson, Camel) – sax,
BJ Cole (Elton John, David Gilmour) – Pedal Steel Guitar,
Chris Fry (Magenta) – guitar
Christina Booth (Magenta) – backing vocals
Angharad Bryn – (introducing) vocals, in the role of Lily
Steve Reed (Magenta) – lyrics
Geoff Taylor (War of the Worlds) – artwork
Adding to the epic quality of the album are celebrated vocal ensemble Synergy, The English Chamber Choir conducted by Guy Protheroe, the London Session Orchestra conducted by Dave Stewart (Bruford) plus renowned opera singers Rhys Meirion and Shan Cothi.
A dark fairy-tale of love, death, sea and the afterlife, told by a gifted collective of infinite talent: here comes the album you thought you could only dream of. The wait is over.
Beneath the Waves is out for general release on February 11th. Available as a Ltd edition CD with bonus DVD with 7” gatefold sleeve and 20 page booklet, 5.1 Surround Mix; Ltd edition double blue vinyl in gatefold sleeve and as a digital download. Check www.kompendium-web.com for more details and to get your copy.
Watch the video for BENEATH THE WAVES which features Steve Balsamo (Vocals) and Nick Beggs
