Below are the bands that have been announced to date for NEARfest 2009. Use the icon to read a brief biography of each band, check out the personnel that will be performing, and listen to exclusive MP3s approved by the bands. Go to the Schedule page to view the sequence and set lengths for the weekend.
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Country: ENGLAND Style: PSYCHEDELIC |
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The seeds for Gong were sown in 1966 when Daevid Allen envisioned himself on stage
in front of a large rock festival audience and experiencing an intense connection with them. In July of 1968, leaving Soft Machine and after many experiment collaborations, Allen wasted no time in pulling together a team of virtuoso musicians to form the first proper Gong band in Paris and began recording in September. From that point on, Gong begins its involvement with many progressive musicians such as Pip Pyle, Kevin Ayers, Pierre Moerlen, Bill Bruford and Steve Hillage. By this time the 1970’s are in full stride and Gong in one incarnation or another, are creating seminal classic albums such as "Continental Circus," "The Radio Gnome Invisible, Pt 1: Flying Teapot," "Angel’s Egg," "You" and "Shamal. " The many musicians that have been passed through the band have channeled countless off shoot projects and bands such as Planet Gong, Mother Gong, New York Gong and Paragong. 2009 finds Gong still going strong and prepared to twist minds when they hit the stage at NEARfest.
Daevid Allen, vocals, guitar
Gilli Smyth, vocals, space whisper Steve Hillage, guitar, vocals Miquette Giraudy, synthesiser, vocals Mike Howlett, bass Chris Taylor, drums Theo Travis, saxophone, flute
(MP3 downloads to be posted soon)
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Country: ITALY Style: SYMPHONIC |
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The mighty PFM... The beauty and power of the music from this classic Italian band help start what became known as the classic Italian prog movement. Premiata Forneria Marconi was officially formed in Milan in 1970 when the members of Quelli met Mauro Pagani from the group Dalton. Pagani helped the group expand their sound to include violin and flute. By this time they were already highly experienced musicians and easily able to play the kind of complex progressive heavy rock played by the leading English and American groups. With such classic Italian albums as "Storia di un minuto," "Per un Amico" and "L'isola di niente" as well as later works such as "Chocolate Kings" and "Jet Lag," PFM cemented themselves a place in progressive rock history.
Franz Di Cioccio, drums and vocals
Franco Mussida, acoustic and electric guitar Patrick Djivas, bass Lucio Fabbri, violin, keyboards Gianluca Tagliavini, piano, Hammond, Mini-Moog Piero Monterisi, additional drums
(MP3 downloads to be posted soon)
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Country: SWEDEN Style: SYMPHONIC |
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Trettioåriga Kriget (Thirty Years War) was formed in 1970 in Saltsjöbaden, a seaside resort southeast of Stockholm. In just a few short years, the band developed a sound that set them apart from the mainstream of Swedish rock. Early in 1974, the band struck a record deal with CBS and released their self-titled debut album. This was followed in 1976 with their symphonic masterpiece, "Krissång," a progressive rock tour de force with the entire second side of the LP devoted to the "Krissång 2" suite. Despite gaining international praise from the subsequent tour, CBS dropped the band and they signed with a small Swedish label for the release of "Hej på er" in 1978. The band continued until mid-1980 when they decided to call it a day. However, in 2002 most of the classic lineup reunited to try out new material. "Elden av år" was released in 2004 and immediate burst the band back on to the prog rock radar, even garnering them an invite to ProgDay 2004, where they dazzled the audience at Storybook Farm. Since then, the band has continued to play live and produced excellent albums, including 2007's "I början och slutet."
Stefan Fredin, bass, rhythm guitar, vocals
Dag Lundquist, drums, violin, percussion, vocals Christer Åkerberg, electric and acoustic guitars Robert Zima, vocals, guitar Mats Lindberg, keyboards, saxophone |
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Country: ITALY Style: SYMPH/FUSION |
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Formed in Verona during 1991 around Alberto De Grandis, drummer, occasional vocalist and main composer, and bassist Luca Baldassari, D.F.A. was initially an instrumental keyboard-led trio, a formula that evolved over the years, first with the arrival of guitarist Silvio Minella in 1993, and two years later with the introduction of vocal parts in the compositions, following the release of a demo tape entitled "Trip On Metro."
Later in 1995, Alberto Bonomi replaced the original keyboard player and D.F.A. found its definitive shape. Bonomi was soon to become an essential creative force in the band alongside De Grandis, co-writing most of the material with him. The new quartet made its live debut in January 1996, and soon afterwards embarked on the recording of their first proper album, "Lavori In Corso" ("Work in Progress"). With their second work, "Duty Free Area" in 1999, D.F.A. broadened their musical palette with new sounds, especially in the keyboard department, putting their mark on the progressive world. The band's watershed appearance at NEARfest in June 2000 was documented on a best-selling live CD. Meanwhile, D.F.A. started work on their next album, aiming to further establish the unique D.F.A.identity. The resulting album entitled, "4TH," (MoonJune) was released to both critical and mass acclaim making many best of 2008 lists.
Alberto Bonomi, keyboards
Alberto De Grandis, drums Luca Baldassari, bass Silvio Minella, guitar
(MP3 downloads to be posted soon)
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Country: ENGLAND Style: FUSION/ROCK |
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Steve Hillage, best known in art rock circles as a masterful progressive and fusion guitar player, began his career in a blues rock band in the late ‘60s called Uriel. After the dissolution of Uriel, the remainder of the band forming Egg, Hillage began work on his own material and was soon signed to Deram Records. He soon formed Khan with Nick Greenwood of the Crazy World of Arthur Brown which produced the excellent, “Space Shanty,” in 1972. Later, after a brief stint with Kevin Ayers’ Decadance, Hillage joined Gong in 1973. This classic incarnation of Gong released the beloved “Radio Gnome” trilogy, made up of “Flying Tea Pot,” “Angel’s Egg,” and “You.” In 1975, Hillage left Gong to focus on his solo work and released his first album, “Fish Rising.” His debut has become something of a legendary progressive rock guitar album. Its follow-ups, “L” and “Motivation Radio” and “Green,” are also held in very high regard by fans of rock, fusion and space rock.
Steve Hillage, guitar
Miquette Giraudy, synthesiser, vocals Mike Howlett, bass Chris Taylor, drums
(MP3 downloads to be posted soon)
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Country: SWEDEN Style: SYMPH/ZAPPA |
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Hailing from Sweden, Beardfish are a prime example of an archetype of an exceptionally expressive prog rock act. Building on the strength and power of previous releases such as "The Sane Day" and "Sleeping in Traffic: Part One," their current album, "Sleeping In Traffic: Part Two," features quotes from almost all eras of music history, blending them into an unmistakable sound. Beardfish's music has depth and substance without overtaxing its listeners with overly intricate structures. A distinct sense of Zappa-esque humor pervades Beardfish's music and lyrics. Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater said about Beardfish: "Sweden's Beardfish are my favorite "new" band with an "old" sound. Utilizing all of the classic styles and sounds of the original progessive rock bands of the 70's (Mellotron, Hammond organ, Leslies, clean guitars, dry organic drums, etc.), these guys are making music for the folks who truly miss the classic bands that started this whole genre."
Rikard Sjöblom, vocals, keyboards
David Zackrisson, guitars Robert Hansen, bass Magnus Östgren, drums |
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Country: UNITED STATES Style: SYMPH/FUSION |
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Born out of the ashes of the seminal progressive favorite Happy the Man, Oblivion Sun brings together long-time band mates Stan Whitaker and Frank Wyatt with Bill Plummer into the next phase of their musical partnership. Oblivion Sun has created a powerful, dynamic sound that aims to satisfy fans of many musical forms. If the first batch of Oblivion Sun tunes are any indication, this is a band that's not afraid to step away from the expected at times and throw down some serious rock grooves and even improv! Expect a good deal of vocal content as well, and fear not, this is still progressive rock and fans of Happy the Man's lush arrangements will not be disappointed! Their sophomore CD is in the works with new members Keith Macksoud and Eric Slick, the band expects to eclipse the critical success of their self-titled debut. As a live act, they are nothing short of jaw-dropping, their gigs meet with the highest reviews.
Stan Whitaker, guitar, vocals
Frank Wyatt, keyboards, saxophone Bill Plummer, keyboards Eric Slick, drums Keith Macksoud, bass |
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Country: ENGLAND Style: DARK SYMPHONIC |
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Strangers to few and loved by many, Van der Graaf Generator’s career dates back to 1967 with their first album, “The Aerosol Grey Machine,” surfacing in 1969. Soon after the band was signed to Charisma Records and became famous label mates with Genesis and Lindisfarne. This phase of the band defined their sound, a brooding brand of rock mixed with classical and jazz influences, and produced such classics as “He to He, Who Am the Only One” and “Pawn Hearts” and solidified what some consider the classic lineup of Peter Hammill, Guy Evans, Hugh Banton and David Jackson. After a short hiatus, the four reunited and produced three additional essential albums in “Godbluff,” “Still Life,” and “World Record.” After a lineup change, a name change and one more album the band split once again. In 2004, Hammill, Evans, Banton and Jackson came together once again and resurrected Van der Graaf Generator. They released “Present” in April 2005, a double CD of new material, and played several European concerts to rabid audiences. In 2006, the band reduced itself to the trio of Hammill, Evans, and Banton. After some live dates in the summer of 2007, the band released “Trisector” in March 2008. Both new studio albums live up to the band’s classic discography and prove that Van der Graaf Generator is not only back, but back with a vengeance.
Peter Hammill, voice, piano, electric guitar
Hugh Banton, organ, bass pedals, bass guitar Guy Evans, drums and percussion
(MP3 downloads to be posted soon)
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Country: MEXICO Style: AVANT GARDE |
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Cabezas de Cera has gone through various phases: as a trio (1995-1997) with Cristóbal Pliego on the bass and brothers Mauricio and Francisco Sotelo on the electric guitar and the drums respectively. In 1998 CDC became a quartet with Ramsés Luna; in this way, CDC close their first cycle. Finally, in 2000 CDC consolidates as a band formed by Mauricio Sotelo on the strings, Ramsés Luna on the winds, Francisco Sotelo on drums and Edgar Arrellín as the sound designer.
CDC grounds its compositions on a diversity of styles and contemporary genres. However, it is in this creation of unique metal instruments, as well as their extraordinary execution and experimentation where CDC finds a rich balance between acoustic and electronic styles. A Cebezas De Cera concert is full of emotions and colors, which seems from time to time to evoke the endeavor of forging metals in an atmosphere of strength and fire. The compositions encompass experimental music, jazz, world music and Mexican popular music, but they find in rock and improvisation, the liberty to merge these sounds into a unique style. Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson fame states: "At a time when so many are sounding the same its a delight to hear a band as unique as Cabezas de Cera". With albums such as Un Segundo, MetalMúsica, Fractal Sónico and their latest Hécho en México, live, and countless festival performances under their collective belt, CDC is on the forefront of the current avant/world/jazz metal scene.
Francisco Sotelo - Drums
Mauricio Sotelo - Grand Stick, Chapman Stick, charrofono, guitars Ramsés Luna - Saxohpone, wind MIDI, whistle |
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Country: BELGIUM Style: SPACE ROCK |
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Hailing from Belgium, Quantum Fantay begins when two crazy friends, Pieter Van den Broeck (Pete Mush) and Wouter De Geest (Jaro), combine their musical visions and creativity. The result is the music of Quantum Fantay and their brand of liquid space rock. Drawing influences from, without being derivative of, bands such as Ozric Tentacles, Hawkwind and Hidria Spacefolk, Quantum Fantay create soundscapes and rhythms that wholly draw in the listener. Using hypnotic waves, atmospheric soundscapes, psychedelic synths, haunting melodies, woody groovy basslines with energy driven and experimental drums, a Quantum gig is a show to remember. To make the band live breathable and even more interesting the two neighbors attracted drummer Gino Verhaegen, guitar player Dario Frodo and flute-player Karel Slabbaert (Charles Sla). Quantum Fantay, a name that came out of a typing error for the word fantasy, was on it's way. The year 2005 saw them release the album, "Agapanthustherra" to critical acclaim while 2007
saw the release of "Ugisiunsi," their second studio album recorded at "Pete's Mushroom Land" recording studio. This creation was a step further in terms of production and playing. 2008 has been an exciting year for the band as their first album has been re-released and a new live album titled, "From Herzberg to Living Room," are added to their catalog and recordings for the next studio album are fully on.
Pieter (Pete Mush) Van den Broeck, synthesizers
Wouter (Jaro) De Geest, bass, didgeridoo Gino (Bartolini) Verhaegen, drums, percussion Karel Slabbaert, Flute, additional synthesizers Glenn (Dario Frodo) Ployaert, guitars |
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