Wednesday 1 August 2012

THESE ARE EXCITING TIMES FOR JON ANDERSON AND HIS FANS

There is an awful lot of interesting Jon Anderson news at the moment, and those of us who have been Andersonfans for yonks are like pigs in clover. There are new recordings, gigs and all sorts of stuff. We have already covered most of this stuff on Gonzo Daily, but it does no harm to reiterate it..

Are you sitting in front of the television or computer, tuned in to Olympic progress in women’s basketball, beach volleyball, archery, swimming, badminton, boxing, and fencing? A special treat is in store! Jon Anderson, the original vocalist from “Yes,” has just shared his special tribute to the 2012 Olympics. The singer/songwriter released his lyrical composition, entitled “Race to the End.” The accompanying YouTube video (see inset) features some of the most inspirational and memorable visual moments of Olympic pageantry and competition across the summer sports.

Anderson’s dynamic, yet comforting, vocals are undergirded by the instantly recognizable strains of the Vangelis classic, “Chariots of Fire.” It’s likely to become a top download in the coming days.

If you’re vacationing in London in time for the Olympics, plan to stay a few more days, because Anderson will also be performing a special concert at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on Wednesday, August 8. This will be the first time he has performed in the United Kingdom in two years. Anderson toured the UK in 2010 with friend and former bandmate, Rick Wakeman.

Said Anderson, ““The concert in London is with the Slovakian Chamber Orchestra with the help of my good friend, composer Peter Machajdik, plus a semi-acoustic group I performed with a couple of years ago in Bratislava.” Jon also shared “'Concert for Earth and Peace' – the show will be around one hour long, with classic YES songs, and Vangelis songs, plus 'Earth and Peace', a new song written with the music of Austin Haynes, and some surprises.” Tickets are available here.

Another special performer that evening will be Miro Zbirka from Slovakia, who is internationally recognized as a singer/songwriter for more than 40 years. The best of classic rock music will be performed, accompanied by the symphonic orchestra Cappella Istropolitana, under the baton of the celebrated conductor, Adrian Kokos.

If you’ve not had the chance to hear Anderson in concert lately, be assured that he sounds better than ever. Chicago Music Examiner, Ashley Perez, said, “It was clear the audience was having a good time as they sang along with Anderson, cheered him on, danced at their tables, and gave him a standing ovation during the end of the show and the encore – the place was filled with excitement, happiness and lots of love!”

Anderson is not one to rest on his laurels and remains one of the most active, creative forces in rock today. His “Open” digital download project has been well received, as well as his CD, “Survival and Other Stories,” from Gonzo MultiMedia.

Recorded in France and California just this month, in “Race to the End,” Anderson’s voice is uniquely complimented by Christophe Lebled’s keyboards and soundscapes. In this dynamic age of digital music and instant access, the single is available today on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Jon is due to head to South America for a Fall 2012 tour. To reach out and find the latest on Anderson, check out his web site or find him on Facebook. When asked what else he is doing musically, Anderson said, “Music is constantly happening all around me. I'm busy working on 'Ever', a follow up to 'Open', part two of my journey into the longer form music I love to create.”

Anderson is also completing the sequel to his signature first solo album, “Olias of Sunhillow,” entitled, “Zamran.” He admits, “Zamran is slowly finding me, or I'm slowly finding Zamran (Son of Olias); sometimes good things take time, I'm told.” True, but good things come to those who wait.

Check out the Original Post

Check out Jon Anderson's Gonzo Artist Page

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