It seems like a joke, but given the number of prog artists who proudly display their Christianity (think Neil Morse, Kinetic Element, Supernal Endgame, Iona, to name a few), all I have to say is why not.
Though it would be disingenuous to say the Pope has made a prog rock album. He is the inspiration, even the lyricist if you will, since all the lyrics are snippets of his speeches to different communities. But the majority of the music IS progressive rock thanks to the implication of Tony Pagliuca.
Tony was the founder and keyboardist of Italian prog band Le Orme. He worked on some of the best known albums from their catalogue, including the masterpiece Felona and Sorona.
Tony was approached by producer and artistic director Don Giulio Neroni, who is no stranger to papal recordings, having recorded the speeches of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Tony was asked to add music and to work with the speeches of Pope Francis I, and what resulted is an inspiring prog album called Wake Up!
Hear one of the tracks, Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward! here:
The complete track list is:
1. Annuntio Vobis Gadium Mangum
2. Salve Regina
3. Laudato Sie…
4. Poe Que' Sufren Los Ninos
5. Non Lasciatevi Rubare La Speranza!
6. La Iglesia No Puede Ser Una Ong!
7. Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!
8. La Fa Es Entera, No Se Licua!
9. Pace! Fratelli!
10. "Per La Famiglia
11. Fazei O Que Ele Vos Disser
The album will be released on November 12th.
"It's often times great to be in a band, but sometimes, like now, it's hard."
With these words Moon Safari have confirmed they angrily split with co-founding drummer Tobias Lundgren in April.
"To claim the split was amicable would be lying. Everyone wishes this process would have been easier, more grown up and more to the point, but breakups are seldom without complications. And this one was no exception. This is sad for us in many ways. But, regardless of the last couple of months of negativity we sincerely treasure the memories of the musical journey we've taken together.
"Right now the band would just like to thank him for everything and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors, musical or otherwise."
Even though no replacement drummer has been announced, the band assures that no commitments will be cancelled. Their next confirmed gig takes place on the Cruise To The Edge in November.
On the Supernal Endgame front, the split was amicable.
Bassist and videographer Tom More has decided to step away from the band. Guitarist John Crafton has decided to move on as well, regarding this as a sensible time to step away, since Tom’s departure will require a "reboot" of the band dynamic.
John Crafton's departure has created an opportunity for guitarist and founding member Dan Pomeroy to return.
Stepping in on bass guitar is the newest face in the Supernal Endgame family, Brad Oldham.
Brad is a veteran of the Dallas/Fort Worth music scene. He is currently bassist and vocalist for the Pink Floyd tribute band, Bricks in the Wall. For nearly ten years, Brad has been one of the principal leaders and organizers of this successful, high-profile act.
Availability for live shows should resume beginning in November of this year, though performance dates can be booked now. Shows will be announced and posted as they are nailed down.
Moon Safari's latest release is Live in Mexico.
Supernal Endgame's latest is Touch the Sky, Volume II
Websites:
Moon Safari:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moon-Safari/208896934856?sk=timeline
Supernal Endgame:https://www.facebook.com/supernalendgame?fref=
