ESP 2.0 : Gigs-Tickets

Posted on August 24, 2017 by string

Please visit the ESP 2.0 website

ESP 2.0

ESP 2.0 – Peter Coyle (ex Lotus Eaters) : Tony Lowe : Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) with Richard Smith and Pete Clark will perform the new album ’22 LAYERS OF SUNLIGHT’ and material from the top reviewed progressive rock album ‘Invisible Din’. With Special Guest Mikey Cuthbert at The Half Moon and John Young (Lifesigns) at The Stables & Robin 2.

*The music can be compared to Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, and Peter Gabriel.

DATES – TICKETS – 2018

Tuesday – 17th April – The Half Moon Putney, London – ON SALE NOW! – [Mikey Cuthbert – Special Guest]

Saturday – 21st April – The Railway Inn – Winchester, Hants – ON SALE NOW!

Friday – 11th May – The Stables – Milton Keynes, Bucks – ON SALE NOW! – [John Young – Special Guest]

Friday – 6th July – Merlin Theatre – Frome, Somerset- ON SALE SOON!

*Sunday – 15th July – The Robin 2 – Bilston – ON SALE NOW! – [John Young – Special Guest]

*We’ve had to cancel the Box, Wiltshire gig due to schedule conflicts.

*Mark Brzezicki will not be playing at The Stables, Milton Keynes & Merlin Theatre – Frome event due to schedule conflicts but we are excited to have the talented Greg Pringle on board.

*dates, times & guests are subject to change‘22 LAYERS OF SUNLIGHT’ – Album Line-Up (Release 20/04/2018) is the new collaboration between Tony Lowe

(guitarist/composer/producer) Peter Coyle (ex-Lotus Eaters) and Mark Brzezicki (Big Country). Peter Coyle, who was recently described as ‘one of the most under-rated singer/songwriters in the UK’ has now joined forces with renowned composer/producer Tony Lowe to write these deeply evocative and stunningly original songs, merging passionate vocals and intricate soundscapes. Sometimes using complex rhythmic structures, delivered by Mark Brzezicki, overlaid with modern progressive rock elements and orchestral movements, the music creates an intense, dramatic but ultimately uplifting experience. Also featuring Pete Clark and Richard Smith on bass and keyboards. *Mark Brzezicki will not be playing at the Merlin Theatre – Frome event due to schedule conflicts.

*Special Guest Mikey Cuthbert at The Half Moon

Mikey Cuthbert is a singer songwriter from Southend on Sea. His music is guitar based acoustic indie and his gritty but beautiful lyrics express his real-life experiences and emotions. Mikey co-hosted the instant cult hit and real time internet show ‘In the Attic’ with Rachel Fuller, which included live music, witty rhetoric and guest appearances from established musicians and celebrities such as Pete Townshend, Simon Townshend, Jerry Hall, Adele and Roger Daltrey. In 2005 Mikey released an EP ‘Invisible’ produced by Simon Townshend and executive producer Pete Townshend, featuring Mark Brzezicki, Matt Pegg and Simon Townshend.

Since then Mikey brought up his two children and began to write and perform again in the last 4 years. He has been composing and performing songs which he uploads and shares on both his Facebook and YouTube channels and will be releasing an album in 2018… Cont – Photo by Lewis Wilson

*Special Guest John Young (Lifesigns) at The Stables & Robin 2

John Young (Lifesigns) – flying solo. John has played with and written for many bands over the years; Asia, The Scorpions, Paul Rodgers, Bonnie Tyler, John Wetton, Greenslade, and Strawbs. More recently he has returned to his progressive roots with Lifesigns who crowdfunded their recent CD Cardington in just 48 hours and got to number 4 in the Indie Chart ‘despite’ no mainstream radio plays. To supplement his work with Lifesigns John is re-visiting the solo show with the impending re-release of his Significance CD. The live set features songs old and new and also visits some areas of both Lifesigns and the John Young Band.

“One of the best albums of 2016 and maybe of the decade.”

“A triumph of style, and substance”

”Glorious and traditional British prog-rock”

22 LAYERS OF SUNLIGHT

THE ALBUM – RELEASE – 20/04/2018

Album Line-Up

Peter Coyle – formed The Lotus Eaters in 1982. He is best known for the international hit The First Picture of You which still enjoys regular airplay on many radio shows today and remains a firm favourite with both old and new listeners. He left the band in early 2017. Peter has written and recorded with Toyah, The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie, Space’s David Yorkie Palmer, OMD’s Mal Holmes. A talented producer, he has worked with Steve Power (Robbie Williams, Julian Cope) Ronnie Stone (The Pixies) and has composed for the film (Powder 2011). He also recently worked with Heaven 17’s, Martyn Ware, where he performed at the National Portrait Gallery in London – continued.
Tony Lowe – Guitars with Simon Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Modern English, Julian Lennon and many more. Producer to ‘David Cross & Robert Fripp’, John Foxx, Toyah, Bram Stoker, Simon Townshend and more. Currently producing Pete Banks tribute album ‘Crossover’ featuring David Cross and members of King Crimson and Yes.
Mark Brzezicki – Drummer with Big Country, Phil Collins, Pete Townshend, Sting, Procol Harum, The Cult and Midge Ure.
Pete Clark – Bass – has played in many original bands since the early 1980’s. His taste in music is eclectic but a constant favourite has always been progressive rock. This interest has led to his current involvement with tribute bands “What The Floyd” and “Progfathers”. He has been a professional musician since 1989 and has performed with numerous cover/function bands including T-BASS where he met his singer/songwriter wife, Fran. Together they set up their own label and have produced and released two solo albums for Fran, “To Fly” (2007) and “Beautiful People” (2013).
Richard Smith – Keyboards – trained as a classical organist and harpsichordist, studying all over Europe and giving solo recitals in many cathedrals. Until recently he made is living principally as a choral and orchestral conductor but has recently discovered the joys of playing rock’n’roll. He is also the keyboardist for the Pink Floyd tribute band What The Floyd and The Rube Goldberg Machine.

REVIEWS

Invisible Din – The Album – 4/5 & 4.5/5 Stars

‘Invisible Din’ is written and produced by Tony Lowe who co-produced the ‘Starless Starlight‘ album by David Cross & Robert Fripp and ‘Cold Reading‘ by Bram Stoker, among others. ‘Invisible Din’ is a unique symphonic, progressive rock concept album and a collaboration with musicians from King Crimson, Van der Graaf Generator, Big Country – Procol Harum, GTR, Lifesigns, and Landmarq. Released 2016.

“Lowe cleverly combines sumptuous orchestration with incisive guitar and keyboards, compelling lyrics and soaring vocals. The critical fifth element is the intricate, precise rhythms of Mark Brzezicki…A triumph of style, and substance” Record Collector January 2017

“I’ve got a feeling that symphonic progressive rock has a new standard-bearer. I’ll certainly seek out future ESP shows in London and the South East – long may they continue.” Gareth’s Prog Blog

“The performance is absolutely exemplary, without the slightest imperfection expert hands move in unison as guided by the inspired direction of Lowe…The debut of the ESP has all it takes to become a must for all lovers of progressive rock.” from Open by Claudia Porceddu – English Translation

About Peter Coyle’s vocals – “which come from deep within the soul. He lives and breathes this music and it can be felt as well as heard in his songs” Peter Coyle – An Exclusive

Invisible Din – Official Album Promo
(This line-up exclusive to album)

Follow Invisible Din on Twitter – @ESPInvisibleDin or on Facebook – @ESP.InvisibleDin

*The ESP Project – Invisible Din has an open door collaboration policy, the performer line-up may vary for shows and subsequent albums.*About Peter CoyleInterview with Peter Coyle formerly of The Lotus Eaters*About What The FloydSave

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Lowe & Brzezicki’s ESP – Invisible Din – Reviews

Posted on January 31, 2017 by string

We want to thank all the editors, bloggers and reviewers listed below for the excellent reviews of ‘Invisible Din’ – please click on links or the images to go to the full review or obtain ordering information for the magazines. Support music magazines! *Image copyright of all magazines retained by respective magazine or journal.

“Evocative and ambitious…From the first moments of Overture it’s apparent that we’re dealing with quality…Stylistically, this is solid classic/symphonic prog.” GMM – PROG January 2017

“Highlights include…Searching the Banks for a Memory which opens with gorgeous electric harp (Yumi Hara)…before blossoming out with John Beagley’s vocals…Almost Seen, is a beautiful dreaming piece with David Cross’s excellent electric violin work and Pat Orchard’s gentle acoustic guitar…” Rest of Review – DK – Rock Society Jan/Feb 2017

Best Albums of 2016– “Tony Lowe and Mark Brzezicki may have released the BEST new music in progressive rock in years. From the opening song “Overture” to the closing “Almost Seen” every piece is simply superb…One of the best albums of 2016 and maybe of the decade.” Read the rest of the review by Benjamin E. New Esq. at Without Shoes

From Japan – Progressive Award 2016 – Top 10 -“glorious and traditional British prog-rock” – Many thanks for the inclusion in the top 10! – Prog Notes Special

TOP Pick of 2016 – Thanks to The Progressive Aspect and Mark A France who included ‘Invisible Din’ in his top three albums of the year; “Lowe & Brzezicki’s ESP/Invisible Din: Tony Lowe and Mark Brzezicki very recently released what I am calling one of the BEST progressive rock albums in years. From the opening “Overture” to the closing “Almost Seen”, this is a true voyage for the prog aficionado!” The Progressive Aspect

“‘Invisible Din’ is good. Oh, it’s good alright. This is big, important Prog…” Steve Swift – Fireworks

“…one of the best prog releases this year. Fantastic album!” – Campbell Stewart

“I’ve now listened to the album three times and the concept stands up really well. The production adds a Floydian feel to some of the material and the tracks evoke appropriate emotions: sometimes reflective, sometimes elation. The work is remarkably melodic…and repeated listening has revealed further layers and previously unnoticed jazzy moments. It’s impossible to choose a favourite track because the album holds together beautifully. ESP: All symphonic progressive rock fans should buy Invisible Din and make every effort to go to see them on tour.” Gareth’s Prog Blog

“Invisible Din is an excellent album, the kind that the leaders of prog used to make, fashioned over hours of careful and thorough practice….a wonderland of sounds that will take you back to a different era. Get this album and experience music made by consummate professionals, the way it used to be.” Professor Mark – The Progressive Aspect

TIP (Highly Recommended) “The traditionally constructed symphonic rock has a melancholic atmosphere… due to the prominent, often compelling guitar playing and the melodic as well as furious saxophone-parts there’s a clearly sharper edge to ESP. Yet the statelier works dominate, especially because solemn Mellotron-like sounds, vital Moog-riffs and robust Hammond organ passages are frequently embedded in the medium length, multi-part compositions.” René Yedema – Dutch progressive rock-magazine iO Pages, No. 140 – English Translation

4/5 Stars “The symphonic/big sound created make this album one that will stand up to repeated plays. Interesting listen and it certainly grabs the listener’s attention taking them on a marvelous musical journey.” Jason Ritchie – Get Ready to ROCK!

9/10 Stars “Invisible Din” is quite brilliant, and surprisingly accessible…the songs are epic journey’s often encompassing two or three parts, and many with huge instrumental passages – and the phenomenal Saxophone of Jackson at the end of “Through The Dream” is worth buying this record for alone – but all with the idea that this should be enjoyed not endured and there is nothing remotely “challenging” (always a dread word) about this quite glorious 70 minutes.” Andy Thorley at Maximum Volume Music

4.5/5 Stars “…it’s difficult not to be swept away by the masterful touch and sounds on show. Keep in mind however that Invisible Din is a slow burn, an album that at first feels intriguing, before slowly revealing its true and quite breathtaking strengths. There’s little doubt that prog is where it’s ‘at’ once again, stunning albums seemingly dropping from nowhere on a monthly basis to amaze and impress. What Lowe and Brzezicki have created with ESP however, is right up there with, if not beyond many of the best of them.” Steven Reid at the Sea of Tranquility

8/10 Stars from Martin Howell in the November issue of POWERPLAY

4/5 Stars “Producer/guitarist Tony Lowe’s project with Big Country and session ace Mark Brzezicki has yielded an eclectic album packed full of progressive rock and fusion.” – November Issue of Rhythm Magazine

“It’s top quality prog no matter where you drop the needle, but early doors it’s “Through The Dream”, “Searching The Banks For A Memory” and “Almost Seen” that get me moist. An essential album for prog fans.” Zeitgeist and The Rocker

“Esp -’Invisible Din’-listened to it in its entirety. It just about blew my mind! Beautiful arrangements, magical production and so emotional and dramatic – enrapturing, captivating, a masterpiece! Absolutely fantastic. Made me well-up in places. That sax, lead guitar, violin – powerfully emotive. The drumming is just phenomenal.”

LAUNCH REVIEWS

Thank you to Andy Rawll for a wonderful review of the launch gig in the January edition of ‘Record Collector’…”Lowe cleverly combines sumptuous orchestration with incisive guitar and keyboards, compelling lyrics and soaring vocals. The critical fifth element is the intricate, precise rhythms of Mark Brzezicki…A triumph of style and substance” Record Collector January 2017

“From the outset it was obvious that the band were a really tight-knit outfit, playing densely layered lines of largely instrumental prog of the highest order with three lead instruments available at any one time over a solid, busy rhythm section. The keyboard patches were accurate reproductions of 70s analogue sounds but all the instruments were distinct and the whole sound well-balanced in the low-ceiling venue. It was possible to detect influences as varied as early Genesis, post-Gabriel Genesis, UK, and even a little Pawn Hearts-era Van der Graaf Generator…” Gareth’s Prog Blog

“The performance is absolutely exemplary, without the slightest imperfection expert hands move in unison as guided by the inspired direction of Lowe; Moreover with such a cocktail of artists decades of experience the result could only be flawless. The debut of the ESP has all it takes to become a must for all lovers of progressive rock.” from OPEN by Claudia Porceddu – English Translation

ORDER

‘Invisible Din’ is a unique symphonic, progressive rock concept album and a collaboration with musicians from King Crimson, Van der Graaf Generator, Big Country – Procol Harum, GTR, Lifesigns, and Landmarq, amongst others. Set for an 11th November 2016 release, the music can be compared to Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, Roger Waters, The Alan Parson’s Project and Brand X. The album launch will take place on the same night at 229 The Venue (2) in London.

‘Invisible Din’ is written and produced by Tony Lowe who recently co-produced the ‘Starless Starlight‘ album by David Cross & Robert Fripp and ‘Cold Reading‘ by Bram Stoker. Tony Lowe and Mark Brzezicki are at the forefront of the album project and a core band which will be playing live events with special guests from the world of Prog.

Contributors on the album are; Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki (Big Country, Procol Harum), David Cross (King Crimson), David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator), Phil Spalding (Steve Hackett, Mike Oldfield), Steve Gee (Landmarq), John Young (Lifesigns), Pat Orchard, Alison Fleming (Tony Lowe), John Beagley and electric harp from Yumi Hara (Daevid Allen, Hugh Hopper).

UPDATE: Invisible Din – Tony Lowe & Mark Brzezicki with full band (TBA) will be performing their top-reviewed debut album ‘ESP – Invisible Din’ and launching a new album in 2018.

This promises to be a ground-breaking album and live band with an emphasis on great musicianship.

‘A Prog Rock Tour de Force’.

For all Press Enquiries contact – Roland Hyams – roland@workhardpr.com / 020 8677 8466 / 07768 156392
www.workhardpr.com – Download – PRESS RELEASE

MUSICIANS ON THE ALBUM

Tony Lowe
Guitar/Vocals: Tony has worked with many artists as a guitarist including Simon Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Julian Lennon, Pet Shop Boys and Julien Clerc. As a producer has worked with David Cross, Toyah, John Foxx, Simon Townshend, Chris Gray, Bram Stoker, ’David Cross and Robert Fripp’ and many more.

Mark Brzezicki
Drums: Widely known as being the drummer in Big Country although his list of live and studio credits is endless, including Phil Collins, Sting, Procol Harum, The Cult and Midge Ure.

David Cross
Electric Violin: David was violinist in King Crimson and famously played on ‘Larks Tongues in Aspic’ album and ‘Starless and Bible Black’ as well as touring extensively with the band which included Bill Buford and John Wetton. Now involved in many different recording projects including the David Cross Band. David and Tony worked together when they produced the ‘Cross and Fripp’ album ’Starless Starlight’ together in 2015, although their collaborations go way back.

David Jackson
Saxophones/Flutes: David played Saxophones and Flutes through various electronic devices for many years in Van der Graaf Generator. He has also played with Peter Gabriel and Keith Tippet amongst many others which includes 18 Italian bands since 1970! David Jackson’s inspiration originally came from childhood experiences of popular music, jazz, rock and folk. He is also an extraordinary interactive performance artist and the creator of Tonewall.David worked with Tony and David Cross on the ‘Starless Night’ concert at the Bedford in 2015.

Phil Spalding
Bass: Mostly known for his work as a bass player with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Elton John, Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Mike Oldfield and Seal.

Steve Gee
Bass: Along with his current band, Landmarq. Steve has also played with John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, UK, Roxy Music) and Pete Banks, the original guitarist from Yes, amongst many others.

John Beagley
Vocals/Keyboards: John has released several self-produced albums as a solo artist and has collaborated with various musicians, including Simon Collins, (Sound of Contact), Jeremy Cubert and Tom Kraus of Prog band Iluvator.

John Young
John was classically trained at Liverpool Cathedral on the keyboard and voice and has played with many famous artists over the years, including, Greenslade, Asia, John Wetton, Fish, Paul Rodgers, Bonnie Tyler and many more. John has also written music for various TV productions. A consummate player and performer currently with the band Lifesigns.

Alison Fleming
Vocals: Alison’s work is lit by her vivid imagination. Her intuitive, heartfelt, often dramatic lyrics can be candid yet ambiguous making them a perfect match for Tony’s evocative and imaginative music. As heard on many of their collaborations her clearwater, ethereal voice lifts this material to new heights of beauty.

Yumi Hara
Electric Harp: Recently took up harp for ‘Half the Sky; music of Lindsay Cooper’ project. Yumi has collaborated with many musicians as a pianist and vocalist including ‘The Artaud Beats’, ‘Jump for Joy!’, ‘you me & us’ (with Daevid Allen and Chris Cutler) and an album with Hugh Hopper.

Pat Orchard
Acoustic Guitar: Pat has written and recorded several albums of his own material and has toured extensively. He has also supported Annie Lennox, Johnny Cash, Emerson Lake and Palmer and Richard Thompson.

Many thanks to the photographers: David Jackson by Luca Fiaccavento; Steve Gee by Paul Blue; Yumi Hara by Kunimitsu Tsuburai; Alison Fleming by Madeleine Thour; Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki, David Cross, John Beagley by Cheryl Stringall

Follow ESP on Twitter – @ESPInvisibleDin or on Facebook – @ESP.InvisibleDin

Tony Lowe : Mark Brzezicki’s ESP with Special Guests – Live Launch & Reviews – 2016

Posted on September 5, 2016 by string

Launch Reviews

Thank you to Andy Rawll for a wonderful review of the launch gig in the January edition of ‘Record Collector’. “Lowe cleverly combines sumptuous orchestration with incisive guitar and keyboards, compelling lyrics and soaring vocals. The critical fifth element is the intricate, precise rhythms of Mark Brzezicki…A triumph of style and substance” Record Collector January 2017

“I’ve got a feeling that symphonic progressive rock has a new standard-bearer. I’ll certainly seek out future ESP shows in London and the South East – long may they continue. Thank you, Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki and your amazing collaborators for an evening of wonderful music. ESP: All symphonic progressive rock fans should buy Invisible Din and make every effort to go to see them on tour.” Gareth’s Prog Blog

“The performance is absolutely exemplary, without the slightest imperfection expert hands move in unison as guided by the inspired direction of Lowe; Moreover with such a cocktail of artists decades of experience the result could only be flawless. The debut of the ESP has all it takes to become a must for all lovers of progressive rock.” from Open by Claudia Porceddu – English Translation

PRESS RELEASE

MUSICIANS ON THE ALBUM

Phil Spalding
Bass: Mostly known for his work as a bass player with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Elton John, Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Mike Oldfield and Seal.

NOVEMBER 2016 LAUNCH

Poster Download

Join us at 229 THE VENUE (2), London – 11 November 2016 for

Tony Lowe & Mark Brzezicki’s ESP – ‘Invisible Din’ – Album Launch

*Tickets: £12 Advance – £15 Door at:

229 The Venue (+£1.50 booking fee) or Ents24 (+ £1.20 booking fee)

Tony Lowe & Mark Brzezicki’s ESP is a collaboration with musicians from King Crimson, Van der Graaf Generator, Procol Harum, GTR, Landmarq and more. The new band, formed by Producer/Guitarist Tony Lowe and Drummer Mark Brzezicki, is showcasing the debut album ‘Invisible Din’ and will include performances from most of the musical contributors. The immensely talented Mickey Simmonds on keyboards has joined the ESP project on keyboards, and will be appearing at the album launch. Mickey has previously worked with Mike Oldfield, Fish, Camel and many others.

‘Invisible Din’ is Written and Produced by Tony Lowe, who recently co-produced the ‘Starless Starlight‘ album by David Cross & Robert Fripp.

Set for an 11th November 2016 release, ‘Invisible Din’ can be compared to Genesis, King Crimson, Yes, Roger Waters, The Alan Parson’s Project and Brand X.

The ESP – project has an open door collaboration policy, the performer line-up may vary for shows and subsequent albums. Additional musicians may be added to both the album and/or band. Many thanks to the photographers: David Jackson by Luca Fiaccavento; Steve Gee by Paul Blue; Yumi Hara by Kunimitsu Tsuburai; Alison Fleming by Madeleine Thour; Tony Lowe, Mark Brzezicki, David Cross, John Beagley by Cheryl Stringall

Lowe’s & Brzezicki’s ESP – Prog Project Updates

Posted on February 25, 2016 by string

Stay tuned for new 2017 live gig and tour updates!

The core band is back in studio working on new material – meanwhile new reviews keep coming in!

‘Invisible Din’ album & launch reviews and purchasing information.

February 2016
We’ve been in the studio working on Tony Lowe’s ESP project; a unique symphonic progressive rock concept album touching upon the musical realms of Brand X, Alan Parsons, King Crimson with colours of Genesis and Yes…. Parts are in from the remarkable; Mark Brzezicki (Big Country, Procol Harum), David Cross (King Crimson), David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator), John Young (Lifesigns), Pat Orchard, Alison Fleming & John Beagley – and we look forward to adding bass from Steve Gee (Landmarq), Phil Spalding (Steve Hackett, Mike Oldfield) and electric harp from Yumi Hara (Daevid Allen, Hugh Hopper).

The session this week with Mark Brzezicki and his new custom Pearl drum kit left us all inspired and energized. Mark is a world class, liquid drummer with a great prog groove. As one onlooker put it, we were all enchanted.

14/04/16 – It’s Bass Player week at the ESP sessions. Steve Gee from Landmarq came in yesterday and completely smashed it on two sections and will return to do much more in the coming weeks. Another low frequency transformation takes place when Phil Spalding comes in on Friday to rattle our bones with his own take on the opening and closing sections. There will be titles… eventually…

Listening to the fantastic musicianship and creativity of all participants is a joy, each part distinctively adding to the whole of this major composition. We are aiming for a late autumn 2016 release, accompanied by a launch gig.

To keep updated sign up for our bi-annual newsletter for previews, pre-orders, event and merchandise discounts or come on by and like the ESP Facebook page.

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Simon Townshend, Tony Lowe, Phil Spalding & Mark Brzezicki at The Half Moon, Putney

Posted on February 2, 2016 by string

We had a brilliant night watching Simon Townshend, Tony Lowe, Phil Spalding and Mark Brzezicki at The Half Moon in Putney on Friday 29^th January, 2016. What a great line-up in support of Independent Venue Week and the launch of Simon’s label, STIR Records.

Simon’s crew had a couple of photographers present, so I was able to stand and watch the show (and sing along). I did get some photos at the sound check which can be viewed here and on Tony Lowe’s Facebook, but had a wonderful time listening to the music and watching – the gig was intense, they scorched the venue!

There is often a feeling of ‘family’ at Simon’s gigs with the band, not only because family is present but also due to fans who are, for the most part, pleasant, excited and dedicated. Had a great time meeting a number of people, made some new friends and got to see others I hadn’t connected with in years. I was able to meet online Facebook friends and put names to familiar faces. All in all, a great night for everyone!

Have a look at Alan Barne’s photos, Charlie Chan’s blog and photos, and Simon’s take on the night. Many thanks to Jody Linscott for allowing us to use her photos as well (black & white photo at top & photo below) – String

Updates: Lowe & Brzezicki’s ESP & Chris Gray News

Posted on December 7, 2015 by string

This year we asked two of our artists with 2015-2016 releases to supply updates.

Tony Lowe Update:

ESP (symphonic prog) – The magic is building… coming in 2016.

ESP is a concept album featuring some incredible Musicians from the world of Prog and Rock. Written and Produced by Tony Lowe, it begins as an album and with Tony and Mark Brzezicki at the core, it will also be a live band, going on the road later next year TBC. This promises to be a ground-breaking album and live band with an emphasis on great musicianship.

Initially I worked in isolation on this music. The first six months were spent looking at ideas, recording basic versions… discarding a lot of it before re working some of the original ideas and melodies won’t see the light of day as they were replaced by much stronger, more evocative pieces. As usual with these kind of works, the music seems to know what it wants but it takes time for my human brain to realise what that is. Of course the beauty of trusting to instinct is that when it works it can be very powerful. The concept is one of a Man who’s searching his dreams and subconscious mind for another glimpse of the ‘one’ that he saw once… he was sure she was real and becomes taunted by the search to re-connect. Only when he goes into another state can he feel her there still. Was she an Angel? A long lost soulmate? Was she there for him only? Was he going mad??

I asked Alison Fleming to help with some the Lyrics and we now have a strange combination of both our writing styles which are very different. Alison has also added some ‘Ethereal voices’ to the proceedings in places.

After a year of writing and recording the ‘initial drafts’, we started to add the other musicians and singers. Pat Orchard was the first off the mark with his beautiful nylon strung guitar piece which became an integral part of the final section. In September 2015, John Beagley came into the studio to add vocals on some of the sections. These have also been changed and re worked and he has really got into the vibe of the lyrics, which are a little unusual in places. John sang the parts with great emotion and energy, marking the point where the words and ideas became real for the first time.

Next in, the inimitable David Jackson adding Saxes, Flutes and various whistles and we are still in that mode but the one track we have down is amazing. David Cross, played some wonderful Violin parts taking the music to new heights. It has been great to hear the acoustic instruments slowly building against the Keyboards and Elec Guitar.

Mark Brzezicki then added live drums to the entire project. In a studio environment his drumming is something else; uplifting us all with his energy and enthusiasm for the music. We managed to get most of it done but will add more drum tracks in January.

Once the drums are down the extremely talented John Young and Steve Gee will be adding some Synth and Bass respectively and Yumi Hara will add harp before its mixed, mastered and sent out into the universe… until it’s time to play it live!!! Join our Facebook Page! -Tony

Chris Gray Update:

I feel happy with all my music happenings this year, from playing at the first ever Butefest in Scotland to supporting Tristan Mackay in the beautiful St Pancras Old Church, London and Echo & The Bunnymen in IOM. April 2015 saw the release my debut album ‘Diamonds In Your Tree’, with a track played on BBC Radio 2 by Dermot O’Leary, as well as a live appearance on the Robert Elms Show, BBC Radio London 94.9, where I had a chat with Robert and played ‘She Loves The Morning’.

Since then I have been hosting the weekly Open Mic at The Bath & Bottle ‘Jam-tini’ and pop over to Liverpool to play when poss…phew! It’s been a busy year and truly enjoyable one too! My last gig of the year was a charity concert in aid of Manx Cancer Help, ‘Shave, Rattle & Roll’. MCH encouraged the lads to show off their facial hair and help raise money for a really great cause. MCH provides practical, emotional and psychological support to people whose lives are touched by cancer. Their free and confidential services are available not just to those with a cancer diagnosis, but to carers, families and friends who may also be affected, so it was good to be a part of the night, and a great way to end the year. The sold out event was compared by MCH patrons Katie Melua and James Toseland.

Looking forward to 2016 – In between the gigs I have been putting pen to paper and have written a good solid batch of new songs, I purposely decided to take my time rather than rush as I have done in the past and I think it has made a huge difference to enjoying writing, now I walk away and revisit as and when. ‘Leave A Light On’, ‘Flames In The Fire’ and ‘The Fighter’ are standing out for me at the min and I’m very excited at the thought of a new release in 2016, keep your eyes on my Facebook page or website for more info in the new year on this.

My calendar for next year is already starting to fill up nicely, which is brilliant – a couple of festivals, UK & IOM dates confirmed and I’ll be announcing these dates as soon as I can. As always, I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing live, gigging these new songs as well as seeing old and new faces too. The support and feedback I’ve had this year has been amazing and would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who came out to watch me live, bought a copy of the album, played me on their radio show, supported me on the likes of FB – you guys have all been fab!

This winter I have started a newsletter – if you fancy a chance at winning one of two CDs before Christmas – sign up here or if you would like to read it. To keep up with my events, shows, and releases visit my website!

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Simon Townshend’s Secret Weapon Tour

Posted on March 21, 2012 by string

We’ve been busy on Simon Townshend’s Secret Weapon Tour; Tony Lowe playing lead guitar, Phil Spalding on bass, Greg Pringle on drums with guest appearances by Roger Daltrey and Mark Brzezicki and more to come. Here is a link to a couple of videos, one, ‘Make It’, shot and edited by Cheryl Stringall and ‘Electric Friend’ shot by Cheryl Stringall at the Nags Head in High Wycombe and edited by Simon. The music has been well received and a review of the tour and Simon’s new CD, ‘Looking Out Looking In’ can be found here.

It was a real pleasure to meet Roger again backstage at Ropetackle, and it’s always good to see Mark!

Simon and Co. put on a dynamic, energy charged show with an excellent set list and top of the line musicianship.

Tony Lowe, Greg Pringle, Roger Daltrey, Simon Townshend, Phil Spalding at Ropetackle, Shoreham

Simon Townshend, Phil Spalding & Tony Lowe with Mark Brzezicki at the Tropic Ruislip

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