Exiles is on holiday

Next streaming will be on the weekend January 14th/15th.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Exiles Lavender

Prog Review 2016

This weekend I will do a review of new releases of 2016.
With David Bowie, King Crimson, VdGG and many more.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (11pm UTC)
My streaming URL

Esp - Invisible Din (2016)

Esp is a UK-based project by Tony Lowe (producer, composer) and Mark Brzezicki (drums), who have now released their debut album. The music is symphonic prog influenced by 70's Genesis with jazz-rock-fusion moments. Featuring David Jackson on wind instruments and David Cross on violin.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (11pm UTC)
My streaming URL

No show this weekend

This Sunday I am taking a test in Japanese, so I won't be streaming this weekend. See you next weekend!

Big Big Train - Folklore (2016)

This weekend I am playing the new album of the UK-based band Big Big Train. Like the previous albums it is symphonic prog with a nod towards 70's Genesis without sounding derivative, with excellent compositions and a successful incorporation of symphonic instruments like strings and wind instruments into the band's sound.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (11pm UTC)
My streaming URL

The Gift - Why The Sea Is Salt (2016)

The Gift is a band from London (UK). Their third album and recent release receives overwhelming good reviews from prog rock web sites. On one track it features as guest musicians Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (11pm UTC)
My streaming URL

Colin Tench Project - Hair in a G-String (2016)

Colin Tench is the guitar player of Corvus Stone and BunChakeze. Under the name Colin Tench Project he has released an album, which receives remarkable positive reviews on some progressive rock websites. Let us listen together to this release.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (11pm UTC)
My streaming URL

Matthew Parmenter - All Our Yesterdays (2016)

Matthew Parmenter is singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the Detroit based band Discipline. He has now released his third solo album, which I will play in full.
In this show I will also present my top 5 of favourite singers of prog rock. Be surprised!

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) (New UTC time!)
Floating Islands : Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC)  (New SLT time!)
My streaming URL

Van der Graaf Generator - Do Not Disturb (2016)

 "Time to leave, close the door, time to let go..." are the last words on this latest release of Van der Graaf Generator. Will this really be their last album? Anyway, it has a good mix of melancholic, heavy, lyrical, jazzy and complex passages on it. A very enjoyable release throughout.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Opeth - Sorceress (2016)

With this album Opeth continues on the path that they have stepped onto starting with Heritage (2011). It mainly means that they left the death growls behind in favour of more 70's oriented prog rock. Like the two previous albums this album contains nods towards Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull.
I am playing the deluxe version of the album with bonus tracks.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

King Crimson - Live in Toronto 2015 (CD2)

After a warm-up with Colosseum and others I am playing CD 2 of the great new live recording from King Crimson.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

King Crimson - Live in Toronto 2015 (CD1)

King Crimson is currently touring through the world and I have seen them already 3 times in this tour. It was an amazing experience and great performance of the band.
They have released a live CD, recorded in Toronto on November 20th, 2015. With Mel Collins, Tony Levin, Jakko Jakszyk, Robert Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Bill Rieflin and Pat Mastelotto. Today I am playing CD 1, next week CD 2.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

King Crimson - Red (1974)

I am back from my holidays, but unfortunately I could not make it on my usual time at Starport Omega. Nevertheless, I can stream today on Floating Islands at 3pm SLT.
I am spinning King Crimson's Red. This album is the last album of the '70ies' King Crimson before they disbanded and reformed in 1980, and many hailed it also as their best. It is also my favourite.

Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

No excellent Exiles tunes

Exiles is on holiday for the next two weeks.
Next show will be Saturday, October 1st. See you there, and prog on!

Shingetsu - From A Distant Star (2015)

The recent album of the Japanese symphonic prog band Shingetsu contains 2005 recordings with new 2015 arrangements and vocal tracks.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Moth Vellum (2007)

Moth Vellum is a band from the US which only made one album in 2007, then disappeared. Influenced by Genesis and Yes the band created its own style of symphonic prog, with great compositions throughout. Why did they disappear?

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Exiles is on holiday

... and won't be streaming on the next two weekends.
Next show will be on Saturday, August 27th. Take care and see you there!

Shingetsu (1979)

Shingetsu (new moon) is hailed as one of the greatest progressive rock bands from Japan. They only rarely release albums, but they are still touring today in one form or the other as 'Shingetsu Project'. This weekend I am playing the debut album of this Genesis-influenced symphonic prog act.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Night of the Prog special

This weekend I am playing live tracks of Arena, Galahad, IQ, Lazuli, Pendragon, RPWL, Subsignal and Traumhaus. All bands have been playing live at the Loreley Night of the Prog in the past few years.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Focus: Moving Waves (1971), Hamburger Concerto (1974)

This weekend I will focus on... Focus! This band is one of the most important bands of the Dutch prog scene of the 70's. They play symphonic prog with classical influences. In two weeks they will be playing live at the Loreley Night of the Prog.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

KBB live 2004

Last weekend I went to the concert of the Japanese progressive jazz/rock/fusion band KBB. The instrumental violin driven music sounds as if Jean-Luc Ponty, Mahavishnu Orchestra and King Crimson are mixed together!
Today I am playing a live recording made 12 years earlier at the same venue.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

The Samurai Of Prog - Lost And Found (2016)

This weekend I am playing CD 2 of the new release of The Samurai of Prog.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

The Samurai Of Prog - Lost And Found (2016)

They did it again! After the great 2014 album 'The Imperial Hotel' this multinational band released another one, 'Lost and Found', full of amazing symphonic prog. This time it is a double CD with a total time of 1:50 hours. Because I have only 1:30 hours time, I play CD 1 this weekend and CD 2 the following weekend.

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Floating Islands in Second Life Destinations

Regularly I am streaming Progressive Rock on my land "Floating Islands". Recently I noticed an increase in traffic. What has happened? Floating Islands appeared on Second Life Destinations! I had no idea! I feel very honoured. Someone visited my place and took some beautiful pictures, see http://mainland.blog.jp/archives/1058136686.html:



  























 



 

Seven Steps To The Green Door - Fetish (2015)

The latest album of the German band Seven Steps to the Green Door blends poly-rhythmic sounds, Gentle Giant-like complex vocal harmonies and a jazzy vibe to an exciting mix. This band will play on this year's Loreley Night of the Prog. I will introduce the new album at

Starport Omega : Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC)
Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Grand Stand - Tricks of Time (2002)

Grand Stand is a short-lived band from Sweden, who made only two albums. I am playing the second one in full. The music is symphonic prog with Genesis influences. After that I am playing some more music from Sweden, such as The Flower Kings, Anglagard and Morte Macabre.

At Starport Omega : cancelled.
On Floating Islands : Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) 
My streaming URL

Solstice - Prophecy (2013)

Solstice is a band from the UK formed back in 1980. The music mixes symphonic progressive rock with jazz and folk elements and shows influences by Yes, Kansas and Camel.
I am playing the latest release 'Prophecy' (2013), which includes three bonus tracks remixed by Steven Wilson.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

a few songs

I am back again! One day earlier than announced, because I have mixed up the time. Here in Japan, where I am residing, I am about one day ahead of 'the western world', which means, when it is for me Sunday, in Europe and America it is still Saturday.

I have 3 or 5 little songs for you before DJ Kim takes over the stream. It will be some or all of the bands Chaos Code, Days Between Stations, Discipline, Grand Stand and Unreal City.
Saturday starting from 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

No streaming until May 13th

I have a visitor at home for the next two week. During that time I won't be streaming. I will be back on May 14th with some more great tunes. Take care and see you then!

Spring is here!

Today I am playing Deep Purple's April, Echolyn's Mei and other tracks with spring or flowers in the title.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Lazuli - Nos Ames Saoules (2016)

Today I am playing the latest album of the French band Lazuli. In their meanwhile sixth release they continue their relaxed blend of prog rock and world music.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

This is not English!

I thought it was time for a theme, and the theme is: all titles are not in English or not sung in English.
Today I have tracks from Traumhaus, Harmonium, Arachnoid, Byron, Ananke, Morpheus, Quarterstorm, Kaizers Orchestra, Uz Jsme Doma, Unreal City, Kaipa, Masal, Lazuli and Oktober.
Enjoy! 

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Eclipse Sol-Air - Schizophilia (2013)

Eclipse Sol-Air is a French/German band with male and female vocals, with lyrics sung in English, French and German. The music is an exciting mix of styles ranging from Rock, Pop, Folk and Classical.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Happy Easter!

This weekend I am not streaming, because on Easter Sunday I am giving a concert with the company orchestra. Not prog though, just a mix of classical and pop music.
Therefore, I am wishing you already now a nice Happy Easter!

Jesus Christ Superstar (1970)

Easter is approaching and traditionally I am playing the masterpiece of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice:  "Jesus Christ Superstar" (1970). A rock opera with Ian Gillan as Jesus and Murray Head as Judas.

At Starport Omega, Saturday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm SLT.
Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 1am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - two albums

Today I am playing two albums of Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Pictures at an Exhibition (1971) and Trilogy (1972).
Keith Noel Emerson (2 November 1944 – 10 March 2016) R.I.P. my favourite keyboard player of all times.

At Starport Omega, Saturday 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm SLT.
Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 3pm SLT DST (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Frequency Drift - Last (2016)

Frequency Drift is a female fronted German band, which music can be described as 'dreamy melancholic' and 'cinematic' prog. Today I am playing their latest release.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Riverside - Love, Fear and the Time Machine (2015)

Today I am playing the latest release of the polish prog rockers Riverside. Piotr Grudziński R.I.P.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Hands - Caviar Bobsled (2015)

Hands is one of the 'lost gems' of symphonic prog rock, a short lived band from Texas/USA, who was active in the second half of the 70's. Now recently they have reformed and released a new album, which is strongly influenced by 70's American prog folk. I have just discovered it, otherwise this great release would have been in my top releases of 2015!

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Izz - Everlasting Instant (2015)

Izz is a modern symphonic prog band from the US. I am spinning the latest and 7th release, which was one of my favourites of last year. The music, influenced by Genesis and Yes, features lush sound layers, a driving bass, sophisticated vocal arrangements and an overall blend of Rock, Jazz, Latin and Funk.
 
Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Special Providence - Essence of Change (2015)

Special Providence is a band from Hungary with a conventional line up of keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. The instrumental music is based on a highly virtuosic blend of jazz rock/fusion and a heavier side of prog. I saw them live at the Loreley Night of the Prog, and it was completely fascinating. Today I am playing their latest studio release.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

David Bowie - Blackstar (2016)

The latest and last album of David Bowie (R.I.P.) is probably not completely prog, but has many prog leanings. You can listen to it on

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Reve General - Howl (2015)

I have found a new favourite of mine for 2015: This debut album of the multinational band Rêve Général. Actually it is not a band, more a chamber orchestra, featuring violin, cello, guitars and drums. With occasional singing. The music mixes classical music with folk and rock in a way, that, if Strawinsky, Bartók or Janáček were still alive, they would have loved it!

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL

Unreal City - Il Paese Del Tramonto (2015)

Unreal City is a Parma (Italy) based band, who have released their second album.
It sounds like a symphony in 7 movements, starting with an overture and ending with a recurring theme. With lush keyboards, guitar solos somewhere between Hackett, Gilmour and Mick Rogers, plus well-composed clear vocal arrangements. Great compositions throughout. My favourite of 2015 so far.

Saturday 6pm SLT (Sunday 2am UTC) at Starport Omega and
Sunday 2pm SLT (10pm UTC) on Floating Islands
My streaming URL