Brian Tarquin: Award Winning Guitarist to Release “Orlando In Heaven” in Support of Orlando's Pulse Nightclub Tragedy Featuring Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Chris Poland and Others!

Los Angeles - Multi-Emmy award winning guitarist/producer/composer Brian Tarquin presents “Orlando In Heaven”; a very special project featuring an incredible cast of musical virtuosos playing their hearts out for the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida!

Tarquin composed and produced each of these tracks and displays his own guitar prowess alongside such world-class players as guitar icon Larry Coryell (his final recordings before his passing earlier this year), vocalist Phil Naro (Talas, Julian Lennon), Grammy jazz guitarist Mike Stern, fretless bass extraordinaire Tony Franklin (Jimmy Page/Blue Murder), Chris Poland (Megadeth), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Will Ray (The Hellecasters), jazz keyboardist Bobby Baldwin & Grammy nominee Denny Jiosa. The album features exclusively released tracks inspired by victims of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Partial Proceeds donated to Catholic Charities of Central Florida. They provide case management and supportive services for victims and family members of the Pulse shooting in Orlando.

Says Brian, “Being a Floridian I was moved so much by the Orlando Pulse Shooting, in fact my family and I were in Orlando at the time of the shooting. When I found out that Catholic Charities of central Florida was helping out survivors, I immediately went into action to compose and produce an album to benefit the victims and was very fortunate to work with Larry Coryell on the release before he passed!”

“Brian is a very good guitar player, the 'Godfather of Fusion' gives him an A plus and his musicians too. The song that I played on, 'Pulse 49' is a beautiful piece of music We artists have to do everything we can to educate, enlighten and inspire the world in which we live.” - Larry Coryell

June 12th marks the one year anniversary of this tragedy, and a portion of the proceeds from this release will go to Catholic Charities who provide case management and support services for victims and family members!

“While dangerous and difficult to musically express tragedies such as the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, producer/guitarist Brian Tarquin's deft casting (guest stars include the late Larry Coryell and Mike Stern), buoyant yet reverential jazz-pop-fusion songs, and emotional guitar playing make Orlando in Heaven a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives for merely being themselves.” - Michael Molenda, Editor in Chief, Guitar Player magazine

Says Multi-Grammy Nominated Guitarist Mike Stern, “Brian is a really good cat! I really enjoyed and had fun playing on the track 'Kinda, Sorta' which is very well done. The whole project is for great cause!” Renowned vocalist Phil Naro adds, “I'm always willing to help out for a great cause without the expectation of receiving anything in return. I'm hoping for this release 'Orlando In Heaven' to touch the hearts of millions people and heal the family and friend who have lost love one's in this tragic situation.”

Multi-Emmy Award winning Brian Tarquin is an established top rate composer/guitarist. He has won 3 Emmy's for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2016, Tarquin's release “Guitars For Wounded Warriors” was nominated for Best Album by the Independent Music Awards, which showcases Tarquin's guitar prowess along side such world-class shredders as Steve Morse, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Gun n Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb (FourPlay). In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin has graced the Top Billboard Charts with such commercial releases as: “This is Acid Jazz,” “Vol. 2,” “Sweet Emotions,” and “Bossa Brava: Caliente” on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Smooth Jazz Radio. Brian has appeared on 36 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

In 2006, Tarquin opened his own boutique record label called BHP MUSIC/GUITAR TRAX, specializing in instrumental guitar music. The label releases the Guitar Master Series featuring guitar legends: Jeff Beck, BB King, Santana, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, Stanley Clarke, Billy Sheehan to name a few. The releases, which were composed, compiled and produced by Tarquin, received rave reviews from Guitar Player, Guitar World and Vintage Guitar Magazines. Tarquin also produced and engineered bassist Randy Coven’s last record, Nu School featuring Leslie West in 2010. And if that's not enough Tarquin has a radio show called “Guitar Trax” on WFIT 89.5FM on the Florida Space Coast. He hosts in depth interviews with world-renowned guitarists weekly. The show can also be heard on https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/brian-tarquins-guitar-trax/id1015196859?mt=2

“Brian Tarquin is back with a vengeance and a hunger to help the victims of the most heartless and deadliest shooting attack in America. Employing his blisteringly superb fretwork as a call to love and service, Brian once again has assembled a crack ‘seal team like' army of the finest pickers and singers to produce a sublime collection of heaviest sonic healing and hope songs you’ll ever be likely to hear.” - Hal Lindes (Dire Straits)

To purchase on CD: https://www.amazon.com/Orlando-Heaven-Brian-Tarquin-Company/dp/B06Y1MWBJ8
To purchase on iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/album/orlando-in-heaven/id1238515260?app=itunes&at=1000lt9k

  1. Orlando in Heaven Feat. Phil Naro & Hal Lindes
  2. Madame Shanghai Feat. Bobby Baldwin
  3. Pulse 49 Feat. Larry Coryell & Phil Naro
  4. Hustle & Hassle Feat. Chris Poland
  5. Metropolis Feat. Larry Coryell
  6. Kinda Sorta Feat. Mike Stern & Denny Jiosa
  7. La Noche Feat. Will Ray
  8. She Used to Be a Lady Feat. Bobby Baldwin
  9. Tropical Trail Feat. Tony Franklin
  10. Jacob's Ladder Feat. Hal Lindes
  11. Orlando in Heaven (Instrumental) Feat. Hal Lindes


Brian Tarquin
BHP Music/Guitar Trax Records
Emmy Award Winning Music
Independent Music Awards "Best Album Nomination"
Website: www.gtrtrax.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-tarquin-a811168a
You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/bhpmusic
iTunes Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/brian-tarquins-guitar-trax/id1015196859?mt=2
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrianTarquinheavyfriends
Twitter: @GuitarTrax65

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

http://www.gtrtrax.com

Larry Coryell: Dead at 73 - passed away in his sleep RIP

Tracey Coryell

Friends - hating to have to share this.

"I never thought goodnight meant goodbye"
Larry my love, I miss you, I'm heartbroken- you never came home. You're spirit is with me now- you must be that sense of calm that fills me just when I'm about fall to pieces completely. Genius man, this isn't over. See you next time around..,Key of D
Love eternal,
Tracey

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, February 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEGENDARY GUITARIST LARRY CORYELL PASSES AWAY
IN NEW YORK CITY

NEW YORK – Legendary guitarist Larry Coryell died on Sunday, February 19 in New York City. Coryell, 73, passed away in his sleep at his hotel from natural causes. He’d performed his last two shows on Friday and Saturday, February 17 and 18, at the Iridium in New York City.

As one of the pioneers of jazz-rock -- perhaps the pioneer in the ears of some (he’s known to many as the Godfather of Fusion) -- Larry Coryell deserves a special place in the history books. He brought what amounted to a nearly alien sensibility to jazz electric guitar playing in the 1960s, a hard-edged, cutting tone, phrasing and note-bending that owed as much to blues, rock and even country as it did to earlier, smoother bop influences.

Yet as a true eclectic, armed with a brilliant technique, he was comfortable in almost every style, covering almost every base from the most decibel-heavy, distortion-laden electric work to the most delicate, soothing, intricate lines on acoustic guitar.

Born in Galveston, Texas on April 2, 1943 Coryell grew up in the Seattle, Washington area where his mother introduced him to the piano at the age of 4. He switched to guitar and played rock music while in his teens. He didn't consider himself good enough to pursue a music career and studied journalism at The University of Washington while simultaneously taking private guitar lessons.

By 1965 he had relocated to New York City and began taking classical guitar lessons which would figure prominently in the later stages of his career. Although citing Chet Atkins and Chuck Berry as early influences he also took cues from jazzmen such as John Coltrane and Wes Montgomery. He was also inspired by the popular music of the day by The Beatles, The Byrds and Bob Dylan and worked diligently to meld both rock and jazz stylings into his technique. This was reflected on his debut recording performance on drummer Chico Hamilton's album The Dealer where he sounded like Chuck Berry at times with his almost distorted "fat" tone.

In 1966 he formed a psychedelic band called The Free Spirits on which he also sang vocals, played the sitar and did most of the composing. Although conceptually the band's music conformed to the psychedelic formula with titles like "Bad News Cat" and" I'm Gonna Be Free" it foreshadowed jazz-rock fusion with more complex soloing by Coryell and sax/flute player Jim Pepper.
However, it wasn't until three years later after apprenticing on albums by vibraphonist Gary Burton and flutist Herbie Mann and gigging with the likes of Jack Bruce and others that Coryell established his multifarious musical voice, releasing two solo albums (Lady Coryell and Coryell) which mixed jazz, classical and rock ingredients.

In late 1969 he recorded Spaces, the album for which he is most noted. It was a guitar blow-out which also included John McLaughlin who was also sitting on the fence between rock and jazz at the time and the cogitative result formed what many aficionados consider to be the embryo from which the fusion jazz movement of the 1970s emerged. It contained insane tempos and fiery guitar exchanges which were often beyond category not to mention some innovating acoustic bass work by Miroslav Vitous and power drumming by Billy Cobham, both of whom were to make contributions to jazz-rock throughout the 70s.

His career as a significant guitar force in the era of late 60s and early 70s music continued to take flight in a time when guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana and many other iconic names also blossomed. His varied musical expression took him on a diverse journey, and though he did not receive the level of commercial fame some of his guitarist contemporaries enjoyed, he was still able to make his timeless mark in music through his highly acclaimed solo work (he released well over 60 solo albums), his performances with powerhouse fusion band The Eleventh House and numerous collaborations with a host of jazz greats including of Miles Davis, Gary Burton, Alphonse Mouzon, Ron Carter, Chet Baker and many other noteworthy artists of all styles.

Larry still toured the world right up until his passing and had planned an extensive 2017 summer tour with a reformed The Eleventh House.
His most recent releases are Barefoot Man: Sanpaku, released on October 14, 2016 on Cleopatra Records and an upcoming Eleventh House release, entitled Seven Secrets, which will be released on the Savoy Jazz label on June 2.

His final original works included operas based on Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace, Anna Karenina and James Joyce's Ulysses.

He is survived by his wife, Tracey, his daughter Annie, his sons Murali and Julian, and his daughter Allegra, as well as six grandchildren.

A memorial service is being planned Friday February 24th at the S.G.I-USA Buddhist center at 7 east 15th St. at 7 p.m.

###

CONTACT:

John Lappen
Lappen Enterprises
Office: 702 405-7700
Cell: 818 203-2681
john@lappenenterprises.com

Birelli Lagrene & Al Di Meola & Larry Coryell -"Super Guitar Trio"





Al Di Meola
ist and innovator , but also a real friend, a wonderful human being that I loved! It was Larry that was my hero as a young teenager!
My big brother and dear friend Michael Buyukas who recently passed last year was the one who drove me to Larry's farmhouse in New Hope PA
for those couple of precious lessons when I was 16 and also gave Chick a few years later a reel to reel of me playing live! Larry was a great guy! Good to the bone! Kind hearted and encouraging! He was proud of me instead of jealous! I adored his command of music knowledge and languages!
Beyond it all there remains a hole in my heart over Larry's departure! May he always be remembered in an adoring light and with that Rest In Peace! Al

Larry Coryell: Jazz Guitar Icon To Release New Studio Album “Barefoot Man: Sanpaku”

Jazz Guitar Icon Larry Coryell To Release New Studio Album “Barefoot Man: Sanpaku”

http://www.larrycoryell.net/

Los Angeles - Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, Jazz guitar icon Larry Coryell, one of the most respected and celebrated guitarists of his generation, offers a brand new album of seven original compositions titled “Barefoot Man: Sanpaku”!

Says Larry, “I was inspired by John Lappen's suggestion that I do a recording similar to one that I did in the 70's that had a lot of energy. Using that as a template I carved out several compositions that I felt would be appropriate. The result was better than I expected; I had a great rhythm section in John Lee and Lee Pierson, and the soloists from Florida, Lynne Arriale and Dan Jordan, played on a world class level. Michael Franklin's production was hands off except for a few relevant suggestions that really helped round out the project.”

In addition to Coryell's signature guitar playing, this album features the talents of award-winning pianist Lynne Arriale, longtime Coryell collaborator John Lee on bass, Dan Jordan on saxophone and flute, and drummer Lee Pierson!

Track List:
1. Sanpaku
2. Back To Russia
3. If Miles Were Here
4. Improv On 97
5. Penultimate
6. Manteca
7. Blue Your Mind

Release date October 14, 2016 – Purple Pyramid Records

Buy the CD: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K1ZTM84/?tag=imwan-20
Buy the digital version: https://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Man-Sanpaku-Larry-Coryell/dp/B01M13PRVD/


Catch Larry Coryell LIVE
Delray Beach, FL - Oct 14
Middletown, NY - Oct 22
Birdland Jazz Club (Germany) - Oct 28
Cork Jazz Festival (Ireland) - Oct 30
Deidesheim (Germany) - Oct 31
Ra Ra Room (London) - Nov 1
JJ Smyth’s (Ireland) - Nov 3
Jazz Showcase (Chicago) - Nov 17-20
The Birdcage (Australia) - Dec 13

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Larry Coryell: announces New 3CD Box Of Live Recordings!

Jazz Guitar Icon Larry Coryell Shows His Multifaceted Talents On A New 3CD Box Of Live Recordings!

"Los Angeles, CA - One of the most respected and celebrated jazz fusion guitarists of his generation, Larry Coryell presents a brand new triple disc box set of unreleased live performances. Titled Aurora Coryellis, this captivating collection highlights Coryell’s prodigious talents in a multitude of settings, from a full band performance in 1972 at the Jazz Wokshop in Boston to a solo acoustic show in 1976 at Clark University (Worchester, MA) plus a more recent appearance in 2002 at the San Jose Jazz Fest with his talented trio featuring award winning drummer Paul Wertico and bassist Jeff Chambers! Each of these performances come on separate CDs in their own sleeves housed in a deluxe box with a lavish, full color booklet featuring extensive liner notes based on a new interview with Mr. Coryell himself. The box will be released July 24 from Purple Pyramid Records.

Reflecting on this collection, Coryell states, “I have fond memories of the high integrity of the students in Worcester, MA; it was always a special place. Of course, The Jazz Workshop Boston was kind of a ‘home base’ from where we developed our music in the ‘70s, when we were trying to create something that respected the basics of jazz but was still a new form of music. Club manager, Freddie Taylor, was our number one booster as we ventured into uncharted territory. And what can I say about beautiful San Jose! A great city with great people and an absolutely beautiful outdoor park in the center of town. Playing with Jeff Chambers and Paul Wertico was an exhilarating journey into the essence of jazz!”

Born in Texas, Larry Coryell began his ascent to the upper echelons of jazz virtuosos in the mid ‘60s when he joined the quintet of famed drummer Chico Hamilton in New York. That gig led to several other stints as a sideman for Gary Burton, Herbie Mann, and Randy Brecker among others. In 1968, he released his debut album Lady Coryell at the young age of 25, which then lead to subsequent solo album and the formation of his own group The Eleventh House. Through these releases, Coryell earned international acclaim for his daring compositions and interpretations as well as his inspired improvisations. He continues to perform shows and release new albums regularly. For those unfamiliar with this living legend, Aurora Coryellis is the perfect place to start!

DISC 1: Jazz Workshop, Boston, MA - September 13, 1972
1. Offering
2. Ruminations
3. Hen-Hopper
4. Scotland Part One
5. Offering (Reprise)

DISC 2: Clark University (Little Center) Worcester, MA - June 23, 1976
1. Julie La Belle
2. Juju
3. Rodrigo Reflections
4. Eyes of Love
5. Improvisations on Sarabande
6. The Restful Mind
7. Gratitude
8. Bouquet
9. Rene’s Theme
10. Ain’t It Is
11. St. Gallen
12. Spain

DISC 3: San Jose Jazz Festival, San Jose, CA - August 11, 2002
1. Trinkle Tinkle
2. In A Sentimental Mood
3. Bumpin’ On Sunset
4. Manha de Carnaval (Theme to Black Orpheus)
5. Spaces Revisited Part One
6. Spaces Revisited Part Two
7. The Dragon Gate (Excerpt)

Pre-order the CD version: http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Coryellis-Larry-Coryell/dp/B00YOA7N48

Larry Coryell: Heavy Feel ***** release date announced

Larry Coryell returns for his third release on Wide Hive Records in an awesome fashion with one of his greatest albums. "Heavy Feel," which, like many great jazz records, was recorded in one day and the tracks are imbued with the improvisational genius for which Mr. Coryell is known. Aptly titled 'Heavy Feel', the band's sound and daunting guitar play Larry brings are undeniable.

Track 1 Ghost Note
Track 2 River Crossing
Track 3 Way It Was, The
Track 4 Polished
Track 5 Heavy Feel
Track 6 Sharing Air
Track 7 Jailbreak
Track 8 Foot Path To Oasis

http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/product.php?productid=26237

Steve Morse,Larry Coryell,Steve Hillage, Steve Stevens: featured on The Fusion Syndicate

Jazz-Fusion and Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release 'The Fusion Syndicate'

Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!

October 11, 2012- Los Angeles, CA - One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instrumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I've always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world's most renowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I'm honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” - Billy Sherwood, producer

Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

"Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete." - Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it's a big influence on the direction I took.” - Steve Morse

The Fusion Syndicate is available from Purple Pyramid Records and can pre-ordered at:
http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/review-the-fusion-syndicate-2/

Dennis Haklar: 'Lizard's Tale' Featuring Music Legends Jon Anderson and Larry Coryell Now Available!

Guitarist Dennis Haklar's 'Lizard's Tale' Featuring Music Legends Jon Anderson and Larry Coryell Now Available!

1. Lizard's Tale (feat. Larry Coryell, Mark Egan & Thierry Arpino) 5:07

2. Low-Lee-Tah (feat. Larry Coryell, K.S.Resmi, Mark Egan & Thierry Arpino) 4:52

3. Leap of Faith (feat. Thierry Arpino, Stefanie Haklar, Jon Anderson & Mark Egan) 4:57

4. Prelude to Dawn (feat. Jon Anderson, Larry Coryell, Mark Egan, Thierry Arpino & Stefanie Haklar) 5:14

5. Dawn of an Era (feat. Jon Anderson, Larry Coryell, Mark Egan & Thierry Arpino) 5:46

6. A Message 2:24

7. Swift Messenger (feat. Mark Egan, Thierry Arpino & Larry Coryell) 3:53

8. Angels in Bahia (feat. Larry Coryell & N.Scott Robinson) 4:48

9. Crossing Over (feat. Jon Anderson, Larry Coryell, Mark Egan, Thierry Arpino & Stefanie Haklar) 6:53

10. Jaywalkin' (feat. Larry Coryell) 5:00

11. Naima (feat. Larry Coryell, Mark Egan & Thierry Arpino) 6:51

http://dennishaklar.com/

Central, NJ - The music community is buzzing with excitement about the debut CD release by guitarist Dennis Haklar titled 'Lizard's Tale', featuring guest performances by music legends Jon Anderson (YES) and Larry Coryell. Also featuring Mark Egan on bass (known for his work with Pat Metheny) and Thierry Arpino (known for his work with Jean-luc Ponty) on drums, 'Lizard's Tale' is an enchanting, dynamic jazz-inspired album filled with emotional virtuosic performances.

"Dennis Haklar asked me to sing on his very inspired album earlier this year, we had already been working on a large scale project dealing with Ancient Asian music, so it was such fun to hear what he was creating. I said I would enjoy singing ideas as they came to me, and to join vocally with such great musicians. It has been a pleasure for me to sing on this album, I hope that people will find time to relax and enjoy." - Jon Anderson

Hailing from Amboy, New Jersey, Haklar studied jazz guitar at an early age. At Rutgers University he became interested in Electronic music and worked with a modular Arp 2600 synthesizer with many osc modules, sequencing, as well as several reel-to-reel tape machines, creating sounds in unorthodox ways. After college he joined the Improvising Structures Ensemble, which was an avant garde outfit that performed the music of John Cage, Terry Riley, as well as original compositions. Dennis entered one of his pieces into a young composers competition and won a student membership to IRCAM in France. This culminated in a master class with Pierre Boulez at Carnegie Hall; an evening he conducted and premiered his masterpiece "Explosante Fixe". Haklar confesses "I was never the same after that divine experience!"

And how did Dennis Haklar secure such music icons as Jon Anderson and Larry Coryell to perform on his debut album? Dennis explains, "A few years ago I began to collaborate over the internet with Jon Anderson on a large-scale work. Charka Music, very involved. I had also sent him some music I had written. He sang on several pieces and we continue to collaborate. When I was working on composing the music to 'Lizard's Tale', I had sent Jon four compositions we had just recorded in the studio – 'Leap Of Faith', 'Prelude To Dawn', 'Dawn Of An Era' and 'Crossing Over'. He quickly responded with the perfect vocal tracks and really helped convey the meaning of the songs. I love working with Jon!" As far as connecting with guitar legend Larry Coryell, says Dennis, "I had known Larry Coryell for several years studying jazz improvisation and composition with him. I had presented some songs to him that I was preparing for this project and asked if he would be interested in playing on the recording session and producing it. He agreed and we got to work straight away. We had composed the title track in one sitting. As the project developed we had agreed that the best rhythm section for this would be bassist Mark Egan and drummer Thierry Arpino."

"This was a great session - it was a real 'Jersey-New York' thing complete with bedbugs in the hotel down the street from the studio, which was either too hot or too cold - plus there was all kinds of equipment and mechanical problems. Nothing went smoothly - hence it was a great record, sometimes it's like that. Dennis's European-inspired work ethic also paid off - especially for his compositions and arrangements. One twelve-string part he wrote for me was not easy to play, and he was makin' me sweat - but I got it after he showed me the correct fingering. Mark Egan and Thierry Arpino were superb - we've been playing together for some years now, and they are a tight team. I was blown away by the beautiful contribution made by the great Jon Anderson - I've always been a fan, and he certainly has evolved to a special place in the vocal spectrum. And so in tune!! It was a crazy session - and a good one - that's why I nicknamed this date as 'Denny and the Mad Hungarians'." - Larry Coryell

The concept behind 'Lizard's Tale' is awareness. The lizard represents friendship, and is quick to escape from harms way. The lizard can survive for long periods of time in harsh environments. The pieces on 'Lizards Tale' evoke the ability to look inward for peace and harmony with the universe, to flow with it. "Leap Of Faith" is about courage to face the unknown and leap without fear. "Dawn Of An Era" is about the realization that this is not the same world as your fathers and we must adapt to survive, like the lizard. As the lizard runs across the desert, he looks to the heavens and dreams of crossing over. We journey with the lizard.

In closing, Dennis has this message to impart to his listeners: "Look inward to find that place of peace. Move towards the realization that we all come from a place of love. There are always conflicts surrounding. Unrest is an ever-changing world. Let go of bad energy and amp the good. My wish is that people hearing the music will become a part of it, and allow it to become part of them."

To purchase Dennis Haklar – 'Lizard's Tale' CD: http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/product.php?productid=25585&cat=0&page=1
CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennishaklar

For more information http://dennishaklar.com/

Larry Coryell: live at the Iridium

Larry Coryell/ Lenny White /Victor Bailey at the Iridium

Larry Coryell,Roman Miroshnichenko

Larry Coryell&Roman Miroshnichenko guitar duo compilation

Larry Coryell, Roman Miroshnichenko: Languedoc

Larry Coryell and Roman Miroshnichenko plays "Languedoc" by Gary Volnov

Larry Coryell,Roman Miroshnichenko: live tour videos

Larry Coryell and Roman Miroshnichenko. River Crossing


Larry Coryell and Roman Miroshnichenko. Mahna De Carnaval

Larry Coryell: at the Iridium

Larry Coryell/ Lenny White /Victor Bailey at the Iridium

News: this is fusion guitar

Various Artists: This is Fusion Guitar

Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, Greg Howe, Chris Poland, Steve Morse, Scott Henderson, Frank Gambale, TJ Helmerich, Jimmy Herring, Larry Coryell, Dave Ficuzynski, Bill Connors.

Over the last ten years Tone Center has become the leader of the jazz/fusion guitar genre and is known for it's recordings of players who possess the highest quality of musicianship. This significant compilation of the Best Of Tone Center is a proud moment for Tone Center and its faithful followers.

TRACK LISTING

1.Beck's Bolero - (featuring Eric Johnson)
2.Oye Como Va - (featuring Mike Stern)
3.Extraction - (featuring Greg Howe)
4.Funhouse - (featuring Chris Poland)
5.Freeway Jam - (featuring Steve Morse)
6.Dr. Hee - (featuring Scott Henderson)
7.All In Your Head - (featuring Frank Gambale)
8.Colliding Chimps - (featuring TJ Helmerich)
9.Pickled Hearing - (featuring Jimmy Herring)
10.Plankton - (featuring Larry Coryell)
11.D'funk'd - (featuring Dave Ficuzynski)
12.Terrabill Blues - (featuring Bill Connors)