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Review: US review
November 11 2014 at 15:55
London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
Review: US Review
Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks 'The Mars Tapes' Now Available!
London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
Review: US review
November 11 2014
Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia!
Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) representsEmpire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter's FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. "Sky At Night" (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of 'All God's Mornings' was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his 'With Love' album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of SkylineStudios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters' release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, " 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock."
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, "The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of 'Something's Coming.' There are various tracks on 'TheMars Tapes' that also represented a 'Work In Progress,' which were both instrumental and vocal orientated.Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!"
Review: Review
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
Review: US Review
Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks ‘The Mars Tapes’ Now Available!
RJ FROMETA on 11 November, 2014 at 21:31
Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire ‘The Mars Tapes’ (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called ‘Zok And The Radar Boys’ which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his ‘Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, “ ‘The Mars Tapes’ were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks’ ‘Signature Guitar Sound and Style,’ while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
RJ FROMETA on 11 November, 2014 at 21:31
Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire ‘The Mars Tapes’ (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.
Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called ‘Zok And The Radar Boys’ which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his ‘Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.Says Sidonie, “ ‘The Mars Tapes’ were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks’ ‘Signature Guitar Sound and Style,’ while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
Review: US Review
Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks "The Mars Tapes" Now Available
London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre- Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.
Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Jez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.
Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”
Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”
Review: US Review
British guitarist Peter Banks was one of the original members of the progressive rock bands Yes and Flash. His musicianship helped define the genre, before being replaced in Yes by Steve Howe. Following his dismissal from the band, he decided to form Flash as another outlet for his music. After only three albums, Banks moved on to other projects, one of them being Empire. The band released three albums, but this time, his band was fronted by female singer Sydney Foxx and also featured Genesis' Phil Collins on a number of songs. Empire entered Mars Studios in the summer of 1979 to record songs for the band's next album. The sessions have sat in the vault for 35 years until its recent release through Gonzo Multimedia. The new 2CD set entitled "The Mars Tapes" features songs that have been released on some of the band's earlier albums, as well as some songs that have not appeared on any Empire album. The set opens and closes with a couple of songs from the band's first album, "Mark 1." While "Out Of Our Hands" feels like a sixties psychedelic rocker, "Sky At Night" is a slow-building, gentle flight that features Phil Collins on drums. Sandwiched between these two tracks are ten epic pieces of music, including the 18-minute "Medley" and the unreleased 17-minute instrumental version "Something's Coming" from West Side Story. The band really excels during the masterful nine-minute instrumental performance of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bar And Grill," while "Dancing Man" shows disco's influence in rock music. The short instrumentals "The Fall Of The Empire" and "When The Banks Overflow" sound like music pieces of a bigger project that never happened. The album was released in October. To find out more about "The Mars Tapes," please visit gonzomultimedia.com.Review: US Review
Peter Banks Empire, "The Mars Tapes" (Gonzo Multimedia): After Yes and Flash, guitarist Banks, who passed away in 2013, recorded this material during 1979 at Mars Studios in Los Angeles, only to have them go unreleased until now.
Review: US Review
the Mars Tapes helps fill a notable gap in the recorded career of Yes’ lost founding guitarist, as Gonzo Multimedia collects a fascinating two-disc set of odds and ends from Peter Banks’ late 1970s-era collaborations in Empire.
By 1979, as Banks gathered with Sidonie Jordan (his future wife, she was going by the stage name Sydney Foxx) Paul Delph, Brad Stephenson and Mark Murdock, Empire had already released two albums that had failed to find distribution in the U.S. Mark III, alas, would suffer the same fate as 1973’s Mark I and 1974’s Mark II, disappearing into undeserved obscurity. Well, at least until the late-1990s, when a belated reissue campaign revealed their long-withheld delights.
Photo credit: Peter Banks Estate/George Mizer
The Mars Tapes both amplify the successes of Mark III — as we find Peter Banks and Co. collaborating during six months of studio rehearsals, recorded direct form the control desk at Mars Studios — even as they dig further back into the band’s heady beginnings. A fascinating bonus track finds Banks performing with Phil Collins on a track called “Sky at Night.” They’d been working in a loose amalgam called Zok and the Radar Boys before Collins settled into a more regular extracurricular schedule with Brand X during his downtime with Genesis. (Murdock, more recently, produced Cymbalic Encounters with members of Brand X.)
Unfortunately, Empire wouldn’t return Peter Banks, who died in March 2013 at 65 of heart failure, to the same lofty places that he’d seen with Yes, or even his subsequent group Flash. The fault, as we hear on this remarkable set, lies not in the things he tried, but in something beyond Banks’ control. Whether it was ill timed, poorly promoted or just bad luck, we’ll never know. But his work in Empire, all of it, richly deserved to be heard. Luckily, we have that chance now.
- See more at: https://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/11/29/peter-banks-empire-the-mars-tapes/#sthash.jAsaPtLl.dpuReview: Peter Banks review
https://www.keysandchords.com/cd-review-blog/peter-banks-empire-the-mars-tapesPETER BANKS EMPIRE: THE MARS TAPES
12/17/2014
Last month, appeared on the label Gonzo Multimedia another gem of unpublished material. Eighteen months after the death of former Yes guitarist Peter Banks super decreases the double CD The Mars Tapes' down on your eardrum.
The recordings date back to 1979. The Mars Studios in LA and have a Peter Banks with female Sidonie Jordan (Sydney Foxx) belong in the group Empire, seeking new paths in the progressive rock landscape.
Far from his previous groups Yes or Flash, but with such a recognizable sound. Not for nothing called the "Architect of Progressive Rock.
The recordings are of acceptable quality (as always with Gonzo) but come from the original master tapes and are not digitally remastered. Here and there some minimal noise gives the charm of that period.
In 'Do you want me' impresses Peter (à la Yes) with his sleight guitar work while Sidonie with her bright (soul-) vocals creates a successful symbiosis of two musical styles from the 70s. In 'Dancing Man' you're on a typical vocal disco song that was instrumental enriched.
Disc 2 turns completely instrumental: Peter Banks and brilliant Paul Delph on keyboards immerse yourself in prog similar to King Crimson, Yes, Wakeman around that period.
To top comet you will also find a wonderful bonus track: 'Sky at Night. Phil Collins, yeah that, on drums and backing vocals, acoustic Peter Banks and his wife Sidonie as a nightingale. Shivers of pure pleasure afflict your senses from the first chords! Just for this ingenious number (heritage!) Walk to the record store or order it directly from Gonzo Multimedia.
Marino Serdons (3½)
Review: US Review
the Mars Tapes helps fill a notable gap in the recorded career of Yes’ lost founding guitarist, as Gonzo Multimedia collects a fascinating two-disc set of odds and ends from Peter Banks’ late 1970s-era collaborations in Empire.
By 1979, as Banks gathered with Sidonie Jordan (his future wife, she was going by the stage name Sydney Foxx) Paul Delph, Brad Stephenson and Mark Murdock, Empire had already released two albums that had failed to find distribution in the U.S. Mark III, alas, would suffer the same fate as 1973’s Mark I and 1974’s Mark II, disappearing into undeserved obscurity. Well, at least until the late-1990s, when a belated reissue campaign revealed their long-withheld delights.
Photo credit: Peter Banks Estate/George Mizer
The Mars Tapes both amplify the successes of Mark III — as we find Peter Banks and Co. collaborating during six months of studio rehearsals, recorded direct form the control desk at Mars Studios — even as they dig further back into the band’s heady beginnings. A fascinating bonus track finds Banks performing with Phil Collins on a track called “Sky at Night.” They’d been working in a loose amalgam called Zok and the Radar Boys before Collins settled into a more regular extracurricular schedule with Brand X during his downtime with Genesis. (Murdock, more recently, produced Cymbalic Encounters with members of Brand X.)
Unfortunately, Empire wouldn’t return Peter Banks, who died in March 2013 at 65 of heart failure, to the same lofty places that he’d seen with Yes, or even his subsequent group Flash. The fault, as we hear on this remarkable set, lies not in the things he tried, but in something beyond Banks’ control. Whether it was ill timed, poorly promoted or just bad luck, we’ll never know. But his work in Empire, all of it, richly deserved to be heard. Luckily, we have that chance now.
- See more at: https://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/11/29/peter-banks-empire-the-mars-tapes/#sthash.jAsaPtLl.dpufReview: EMPIRE: The Mars Tapes US review
Recorded at the Guitarist’s Mars Studio in 1979, The Mars Tapes is a collective post-Flash recordings that exposed that even that late in the game, as far as the golden era of art rock was concerned, The Architect of Progressive Rock never lost sight of the vision he possessed, as you can hear his trademark guitar technique and echoes of early Yes and how the foundation for prog rock guitar playing was laid down. The prevalent tape hiss and the age/condition of the tapes have cut out any crispness, so the sound is often rough, third multi-generation cassette, but that doesn’t mean that the electricity within the performance hasn’t been captured.
For the most part, jam sessions, the intricacy, and the ability to compose ditties that have hooks keep the listener on their toes which makes you wish that this would have grown into a finer master quality release. Through Tunes such as “Out of Our Hands,” “Off With The King’s Head” and the flamenco flavored “Sky at Night” (feat. Phil Collins on Drums), Banks’ steadfast mastery to dance around the arrangements and syncopated rhythmic intensity is exposed with strident fervor; plus the pre-new wave keyboards of the late 70’s give it that lurking AOR flavor for it’s day in the pre-pop era of prog that would be come to be known as ‘neo.’ Another snapshot in time, yet the even with the shitty sound quality and all, you have to admit that Banks was never one to stop bolstering creativity.
Review: PETER BANKS: The Mars Tapes US/UK review
Classic Rock Radio (Dot EU)06 Jan 2015
CRR (Dot EU) - New Classic Rock Releases
Spotlight: Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes (2014)
Spotlight: Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes (2014)
Imagine my panic when, on the day I set aside to write about Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes, that it's revealed that the second disc of the two disc set is...MISSING! Lucky for me I knew where it was. In an automobile that I rented and gave back to its rightful owner the day before. Listened to both discs driving up and back to San Antonio during the recently passed Christmas holidays. When returning the vehicle I made double sure to look and make sure I didn't forget anything, neglecting to check the fancy CD player we used the entire four hundred mile round trip. Would have sucked if the CD was lost / thrown away.
A couple days after returning the vehicle, a happy ending took place as I was reunited with the disc at the Enterprise Car Rental place in Katy, Texas. Nice people over there. In the meantime while missing the second disc, I played the first disc a few more times. Worked out fine really. Oh wait...I caught a nasty ass cold, and after that had three back teeth removed in my lower jaw (receiving stitches in my mouth). The pain once the novocaine wore off...Holy Shit! I promise myself that I'd NEVER do that EVER again. It hurt so much. The first few days after was pretty unbearable 24/7. Then everyday after that, a tad less painful than the day before. In total, about five or six weeks of agony! And all through this I'm playing mostly this new Peter Banks archival two CD project. Now having survived, I can say it helped me through by rearranging my focus. Shifted my attention onto something else. Along with some hot tea and honey, Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes became a cool distraction from everything I was physically having to deal with. Onward through the fog.
I would be remiss if I neglected to mention that I once worked with Peter Banks, trying to help him promote an autobiography he penned with the help of William (Billy and not William regarding authorship recognition first name) James; titled 'Beyond And Before...The Formative Years of Yes.' This is back at the turn of the century. Sometime after publication, I lost touch. Enjoyed the contact I had with Peter. With him in the United Kingdom and myself in the United States, the phone and fax machine was our main source of communication. Peter was always nice to me, at least until one of my good friends royally screwed up involving getting his wife and himself free admittance into a Alice Cooper show, and then hanging out after the show together. The whole thing planned ahead of time. Very professional actually. Never happened. My friend got so involved with what he was doing that he totally forgot about Peter and his wife, leaving them hanging at the door. My part was being a go-between, and setting everything up. I drew up an itinerary, that my musician friend totally ignored, being caught up in all the excitement. Wasn't on purpose at all. Was seriously disappointed with the outcome. Again, nothing I directly did. Frankly, I'd be super pissed as well with the traveling that was required, and be it all for nothing. So there went my contact with Peter. Still, I remained a loyal listener. Up to the end h stayed active, and his playing was still top-notch. Broke my heart hearing the news of Peter's passing (2013).
Imagine my delight when towards the end of 2014, here comes along some unreleased Empire music. Of course I'm interested. Could my review be bias? A distinct possibility, so much so that I'd say YES myself. Be it as it may, I decided the BEST thing to do would be if I went down another path. Therefore, instead of a straightforward review, the following are my impressions, listening to what I believe is one of the best archival projects to come down the pike in a while. From a band led by a man labeled the architect of Progressive Rock. Empire's music emcompassed many styles even containing a hint of what was popular on the charts via record company / companies request. Remember disco? A tune called 'Dancing Man' comes to mind that Empire did. Rehearsed to play live as well, as a part of a Empire medley. Included in The Mars Tapes (disc one) for your listening pleasure.
Imagine if you will, a professional established progressive rock musician trying to jump start a band to his liking, when music not of his kind, is ruling the airwaves. The promotional norm at the time by newer and younger rockers was to simply talk shit about established bands. One example was labeling the chart toppers "Dinosaurs". This said with intent to kill interest in them, while at the same time boasting their own popularity. The musical tide was sure changing, and unfortunately just never in the direction Peter or Empire needed it to go.
Fact is Peter Banks Empire was a band that had three major attempts at becoming a commercial musical act, and failed at doing so, ALL three times. In their defense, years after the band broke up and went their separate ways, music they created did see the light of day. Three CD's labeled Empire...featuring Peter Banks, Mark I, Mark II, and Mark III. One Way Records in the 1990's put these out. Yours truly being the BIG Peter Banks fan, of course purchased all three at the time of their release. Out of print and collectors items nowadays. Note, knowing I would write something about the newest P.B's Empire release (The Mars Tapes), I reacquainted myself with these recordings recently. The third CD of demos / studio recordings, Mark III, compliments this recent release very well. Same musician roster. Here's the band practicing what would have been a pretty cool set list if they even got a chance to perform anywhere in front of a paid crowd. And they would have had that, had Mark I been released properly, and money spent promoting the song, 'Out Of Our Hands' been made a single. Could have been a hit, or at least got respected airplay. Its success would have launched the band towards popularity, and that is what makes money and keeps things afloat. As humans mature, sometime during the process most of us learn, and it's usually always the hard way, that hopes and dreams cost money. Adds up quickly. As does time in a professional recording studio.
Empire had a six year history with major occurrences happening between projects. This was Peter's group. He devoted his all to this. The time frame was 1974 to 1980. When the financially bad times hit, he slept on peoples couches while playing salesman, trying to get the band it's BIG break. From his own personal accounts, Peter's attitude came off as 'all or nothing'. Unlike other rock bands he participated in like Yes or Flash, Empire as a whole had no one to answer to but Peter. With authority came responsibility. At times the money was there, and at others it wasn't. Unfortunately in the business world in which music, like it or not, is a BIG player, deals fall through. Peter's actions dictated the man certainly tried, doing all he could to make Empire not only the band he wanted, but a success as well. A hard working / well rehearsed musical group that made chart topping albums, and went out on tour. A band that actually played live gigs in front of paying crowds. None of that ever happened for Empire. I conclude what a major shame that was, because the material when presented in the right environment was there. I base this on the three (Mark I, II, and III) now Out of Print (OOP) Empire factory pressed from the now defunct One Way Records CDs that I have. All these years later since their release is further testimony to conclusion, with the double CD; Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes.
Let's talk content. The two CD's that make up Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes amount to around ninety minutes of unreleased music from what would be the third major, and I guess final line-up of the group. Rehearsal tapes recorded at Mars Studios in Los Angeles, California. Music that represents not only the three past failed studio recordings, but Peter as its star as well. And rightly so for this was Peter's vision. He was the music guy, and his once wife and Empire's lead singer, Sydney Foxx (nowadays Sidonie Jordan) doing the lyrics. Long instrumental parts in songs are credited by Peter as music created when their singer was not around. The results are wonderful. I can see Sidonie maybe stepping aside while the band did its thing. Kind of like James LaBrie does when performing with Dream Theater. And while on the subject, maybe not what the record companies were looking for at the time, but am glad Empire was a band with a strong voiced female singer. Has seen success since those days, as did the bands drummer, Mark Murdock. He's rocking Tokyo, Japan with a group called Machine Messiah in which material like that found on this CD, could be heard / seen in concert. Mark also is very involved with a very cool progressive / jazz-rock band called Cymbalic Encounters. Their sophomore studio release will be out here shortly. Includes Percy Jones and John Goodsall from a band Phil Collins was in at one time called; Brand X. As for the others involved with Empire, we are talking a few decades ago; R.I.P.
Did I just speak his name? One of the best drummers in prog-rock history, Mr. Phil Collins is included in Empire's history, being a session man in the bands beginning days. Friends of Peter's, it was another band he was in called Genesis that kept him from perhaps being Empire's full time drummer. As a admitted fan of Empire, be it what ever line-up, featuring Peter Banks, I just think it's so cool he contributes. Makes for an excellent footnote. A man behind the drum kit that I would have loved to have at least once witnessed in person, seeing him play live. With everything else I witnessed over the decades it's hard to believe I missed something like that. A lifelong friend with Empire's final drummer, Mark Murdock also. Phil rocks! Good singer / showman also. Oh...on The Mars Tapes, Phil appears on disc two. On a song called 'Sky At Night'. A beautifully layered prog-rock song if there ever was one. Sydney / Sidonie's vocals shine here, and I dig the tabla playing (by Sam Gobal). Another one with hit potential, and I bet would have been cool to see them do in concert. Give the prog rock band Renaissance a run for their money.
Uncle G Rating: Using the one to five star rating system with one star pretty much meaning, "pass", to five stars meaning it's cool to spend your hard earned cash on, I rate Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes - 5 Stars! From the concept, which would include an awesome representation via the artwork that accompanies this release, by Paul at Studio 3 (as listed in the CD's credits). Makes for slick looking promo ads as well. A GREAT idea using an obvious Sci-Fi twist based on the name of the studio. Nice work! Progressive rock and Outer Space do go together nicely.
Speaking of Mars, a couple instrumentals found on the second disc of The Mars Tapes by Peter Banks Empire, captures the spirit of the project. The first being a tune called 'Ascending To The Planet Mars'. Songwriting credits go to Peter and the whole band. And also containing the same spirit is a song called 'The Fall Of The Empire', which gets my attention every time played. Always trying to be honest, I LIKE the second disc of Peter Banks Empire - The Mars Tapes more than the first. Different listeners, different reactions. Remember, I'm more into the actual music itself. It's Peter's guitar playing that holds my focus. All other players being outstanding, and having to be so to keep up with Peter in the first place.
Note: Please understand what an archival project is before paying all that money for postage. You know, should one be buying the physical CD itself. Available for official download also. The recordings themselves reflect recording devices and techniques reflective of the time the music was recorded. Just pointing out the obvious. Saying that, sounds very well being blasted out of a powerful home stereo system. Comparable or better to that of the One Way Record releases. On the negative side, a couple songs could have had better endings, and not sound so like they abruptly stop. Maybe could have faded out sooner? Maybe due to glitches in the source tapes themselves? A wild guess really. I once was involved with a Billion Dollar Babies three disc CD archival project called, Complete Battle Axe (2002). Learned many valuable lessons helping Michael Bruce with that one. Another story for another day. Back to the way a couple songs ended, it's really the only bad thing I got to say about the whole project. Having worked on an archival project before, was taking a above novice educational guess as to why.
Before this turns into a two parter, I sign out forever a fan of Peter Banks music. His sound will outlive us all. The possibility of a human being on the planet Mars listening to music Peter was involved with, or better yet, this very recording, will increase as time goes by. In the vast far reaches of outer space...may the vibes proceed the jive. Isn't that Seventies sounding?
Review: US Review
 Title - ‘The Mars Tapes’ (Gonzo Multimedia)Artist - Peter Banks Empire Prog fans everywhere, and I truly meaneverywhere, most likely all have their gleeful, sweaty lil’ hands on this incredible 2CD release. For not only is this two discs of recordings from the man best known for his work with Yes and Flash, but each and every one of the 12 tracks are rare ones, at that. Originally recorded back in Los Angeles in 1979 at the Mars Studios, the Peter Banks Empire had actually been encamped there for over six months. Rehearsing, tinkering, showcasing their music, much of which has still to this day been unheard - until today - what you get here now is the actual rare soundboard recordings. The late Peter Banks (2013) co-founded the Peter Banks Empire in the early 70’s alongside Sidone Jordan, a woman whose powerful, stand alone vocals could have you entranced within seconds. Indeed, Banks might well have been the lead name behind the project, but Jordan not only co-wrote much of the tracks the band released, but she stood alongside Banks the whole time. Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, and who has recorded with en masse of other record labels throughout her incredible career, brings a depth to this wondrous double album that wouldn’t exist without her. Tracks like the three-part ‘Medley,’ ‘Do What You Want,’ ‘The Fall Of the Empire,’ and especially the opening track, ‘Out Of Our Hands’ showcase Jordan and bring each and every track to 3D life. Featuring a whole host of tracks recorded live at the Mars Studios back in the summer of 1979, The Mars Tapes even includes a few tracks that never even appeared on any Empire albums Peter Banks put out. Called the ‘Architect of Progressive Rock,” the Peter Banks Empire incorporated numerous themes of the time period in which the band existed whilst playing songs from the early Empire catalog. And yes, if you’ll pardon the pun, we even get a Yes version of ‘Something’s Coming’ (West Side Story)’ from Leonard Bernstein. Banks’ arrangement is simply divine, but it’s the bonus track on the second disc, the final track on the double album, that really embodies what this release is all about. Featuring the irrepressible drumming qualities of Genesis legend, Phil Collins, ’Sky At Night’ is, quite possibly, a track like no other. Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk |
Review: French review translated
PETER BANKS: THE MARS TAPES (2014)
ALBUM - MULTIMEDIA GONZO - ROCK
GROUPS CLOSE:
- TRACKS: 01. Out Of Our Hands, 02. Medley (foundation, Destiny, Far Away) 03.Somewhere Over The Rainbow Bar And Grill, 04. What Do You Want, 05. Dancing Man,06. Where Yes Means No, 07. Off With The King's Head, 08. Something's Coming, 09.The Fall Of The Empire, 10. When The Banks Overflow, 11. Ascending To The Planet Mars, 12. Sky At Night (feat. Phil Collins ) EDUCATION: Brad Stephenson (bass), Mark Murdock (Drums), Paul Delph (keyboards), Peter Banks (Guitars), Sidonie Jordan (Vocals) TAG: 70's , Experimental , Fusion , Instrumental , Psychedelic , Guitar-Hero ,female Chant
Written by Mr.Blue on 01/12/2015
Gonzo Multimedia likes to please the fans by digging up old tapes lost and forgotten by all. The wheel of fortune has stopped this time on ... Peter Banks! In 1979 with her friend Sidonie Jordan, former guitarist for Yes, insatiable musician multiplying artistic projects based project Empire with whom he released three albums (the "Mark I, II and III"). Shared with many artists including Phil Collins himself (he holds the rhythm on this 'Sky At Night') the group yet barely interested label to distribute its music and leave for lack of (too) quickly forgotten. This double album, which includes many unreleased tracks mostly during the sessions of "Mark III" allows to finally rehabilitate this much anecdotal project. It includes course titles very close musically universeEmpire but also other more original and offset and a handful of relatives of the first instrumental Yes . 'Off With The King's Head' launches on this double album rails Jazz / Rock / Funk Fusion as an instrumentalWeather Report or Mahavishnu Orchestra could offer at the time, that blessed the explosion of musical boundaries and the wildest and unbridled experimentation between intense jam, Dance Music singing feminine and assumed complexity. And to better drive the point, is not less than 17 minutes of music between joyful bonhomie and false simplicity, which from the second range. Leaving the spotlight to guitar melodies, 'Something's Coming' feels the model full nose. The sound is sometimes rough, transitions look slightly awkward and tired but all bands do not have less charm. The second album 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow "and" What Do You Want', significantly more energetic will be classified in the same category. In a genre more concise and radio, sadly aptly named 'The Fall Of The Empire' sees Paul Delph experiment on his electric keyboard sounds the all-new space before an almost Carnival title and again a little disjointed. Still at the more oriented tracks "song", the few songs sung by the warm Sidonie Jordan have an irresistible charm. Hot rock of the 'Out Of Our Hands' trimmed swaying passages, disco 'Dancing Man' or 'Sky At Night' on which Banks out the acoustic guitar in the style of a Steve Hackett and cheek Gypsy also deserve some attention.Experimentation and inspiration are the key words to describe these bands not always completed content. Too short 'Ascending To The Planet Mars' and its spatial and epic guitar would such deserved to be developed over more than two minutes as plans are rich and exciting at the same time. If you accept the slight sound approximations and effect model of all times, you are guaranteed to have a great time with the late Peter Banks, another artist who died Gonzo seeks to rehabilitate with deep respect. The company is honest and passionate enough to be welcomed.
Review: UK Review
PETER BANKS EMPIREThe Mars Tapes
Gonzo
Former Yes / Flash guitarist Peter Banks died in March 2013 at 65 of heart failure, but his collaboration with Empire is often overlooked when people look back at his career. This album, “The Mars Tapes” was recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angeles during 1979, and includes some tracks that never appeared on any of the other Empire records.
Fronted by the future Mrs Banks, one Sydney Foxx, her gritty voice pointed Empire towards a mix of blues and prog, which in places is actually very good. But even during the odd leaden moment, you can never drag Mr Banks away from his progressive guitar sound, which is very much a saving grace.
As with most “lost” albums, not everything should have been resurrected, but the music, which was recorded during six months of studio rehearsals, direct from the control desk has enough juice to satisfy fans of Mr Banks. Cruelly, though, for Genesis fans they’ve thrown in a song which sees Banks performing with Phil Collins on a track called ‘Sky At Night’, from their time as Zok and the Radar Boys before Collins decided to concentrate on his Brand X sideline. A wicked, but profitable lure, albeit one that leads into some interesting music.
