WETTON / DOWNES
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of WETTON / DOWNES ICON new live album "Never In A Million Years" on October 20th 2006.
In 2005 the two musicians, founding members of the supergroup ASIA, reunited after a 12 years hiatus and created a magnificent new album "Icon" as a fruit of their rejuvenated partnership. The two musicians performed a tour in the spring 2006 and recorded a few shows which are now released on this live album which serves as an introduction to their forthcoming studio album "Rubicon" scheduled for release on November 10th 2006.
"During the tour, we played many of the songs that we had written for ASIA in the 1980s, and lots that we hadn't" says Wetton, "New music with old. Familiar brushes on a new canvas. Maybe that's what was needed - a change of perspective for this project. New colours. Some of our materials just needed to be dusted off and exposed to the light - others required a gently flattering facelift".
Joining the two on the live recordings are John Mitchell (guitars) and Steve Christey (drums).
Geoffrey Downes adds: "Of particular interest on this album: our first ever recording of "We Move As One" which we wrote for Abba's Agnetha Fältkstog. Also, an extended version of "Open Your Eyes" with a seriously sparkling solo by John M. Those of you who were there will remember Lol's magical lights which added suspense and dynamism to the long climactic coda. "The Smile has Left Your Eyes" was recorded at a Roland Virtual Icon show in Germany. You may notice that Hugh McDowell's cello is there - even though he wasn't!".
In the meanwhile the recording of the brand new studio album is almost finished. The central theme of the album is the concept of "Crossing the Rubicon". Reports from the studio suggest that John's voice has NEVER sounded better and that the compositions are as strong as anything from Wetton and Downes. This promises to be a sensational follow up to Icon which shall see the light of day in on November 10th 2006. More news will be unleashed as soon as available.
Tracklisting of "Never In A Million Years" includes the following songs:
Pane Bruno; The Heat Goes On; Only Time Will Tell; Voice Of America; I Lay Down; Days Like These; Bolero; Meet Me At Midnight; Never In A Million Years; We Move As One; Paradox / Let Me Go; Don't Cry; Open Your Eyes; The Smile Has Left Your Eyes