ASTRALPHASIA - プログレ日記(Prog Blog)

ジョン・ウェットンとジェフリー・ダウンズによるプロジェクト
「 ＩＣＯＮ 」の新作（３作目）のプレスリリースです。





Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Wetton/Downes iCon new original studio album “3” on March 13th 2009.

Since the start of their new artistic union in 2002, John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes have produced several superb releases. During 2004 when they finally sat again around the same piano upon which they had written the 80’s anthems, they emerged with the first album of their renewed partnership christened “iCon”: an outstanding musical creation that met with the unanimous fan and critical acclaim.

John and Geoff therefore decided to pursue this collaboration, giving birth to another outstanding album “Rubicon” in 2006, which followed one EP, one acoustic album/DVD and one live album recorded during a series of successful European dates from October 2005 to spring 2006.

John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes’ songwriting formed much of the fabric of 2008’s successful Asia original lineup reunion release: “Phoenix” an excellent record which gathered great chart success all over the world.

While Asia is on a temporary hiatus (the band will be back in 2009 for more dates), fans have demanded more from Wetton and Downes; the two enjoy each other’s company and love writing together. They were happy to oblige, so the duo took advantage of a short break from international touring in 2008 to write and record their third iCon studio album. The cover art is based on the OM symbol, a universal syllable, not specific to one religion meaning “everything” as a reflection the diverse nature of the album’s musical offering.

On the record, the pure power of Geoff Downes’ keyboards and John Wetton’s jaw-dropping voice and stellar bass playing are enhanced by the performances of the compelling guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson and former ELO cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound has helped frame all three iCon studio releases. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style.

Renowned new age harpist Andreas Vollenweider also appears as special guest, adding his unique sound to the album, playing on “Raven’” and “Anna’s Kiss’”, while acclaimed vocalist Anne-Marie Helder (Karnataka, Mostly Autumn) appears as special guest on vocals on several songs.

The band will present the new songs with a small Japan and European tour:

February 7 Japan, Fukuoka (2 shows)
February 9 Japan, Osaka (2 shows)
February 11 Japan, Tokyo (2 shows)
February 12 Japan, Tokyo (2 shows)
February 19, Zoetermeer, Boerderij, Holland
February 21, London, Mary’s LeBow Church, England


The London show will be particularly special as it will be held in the St. Mary’s LeBow Church and will be recorded in its entirety for a future Live CD/DVD release. It has been already sold out to enthusiastic fans, prompting management to release a few extra tickets initially reserved for press.
These tickets are available at www.ticketweb.co.uk. Search for “iCon”, “John Wetton” “Geoff Downes” or “Wetton-Downes’ iCon.

＜収録曲＞
Twice The Man I Was
Destiny
Green Lights and Blue Skies
Raven
Sex, Power and Money
Anna’s Kiss
Under The Sky
Don’t Go Out Tonight
Never Thought I’d See You Again
Peace In Our Time


一聴した感じでは前作「ルビコン」の延長線上にある感じで、
メロディアスなウェットン節は健在ですね。
Destinyは「I Will Remember You」んも変奏曲（？）風で
オール・フォー・オリジナル・メンバーズ・オブ・エイジアとの
差別化がますます難しくなってきている印象です。