Bang Tower is a progressive music alliance that features Percy Jones (legendary bassist), who is most well-known for his work with Brand X. This band also featured Genesis legend Phil Collins. Along with Jones, the power-prog trio also includes Grammy winning guitarist/engineer/producer Neil Citron. Walter Garces, who is also a member of the ’60s psychedelic wonders “The Electric Prunes”, completes the trio with his skilled drumming. The album, “Casting Shadows”, was recorded by Neil Citron (who also mixed, mastered, and engineered the music) and Jon Pomplin. It was released by Declassified Records September 28, 2010. Percy’s distinctive fretless bass sound is echoed by Walter’s percussive instruments and harmonic cannons, creating an unmistakable, dreamy, otherworldly feel throughout the album. Neil’s guitar playing is a unique combination of beautiful chordal interludes and amazing melodic passages with some seriously insane soloing. One word can best describe the key ingredient in this “trio” of masters’ music: rapport. Although Jones, Garces, and Citron are each virtuosos individually, it is clear that they are enjoying creating this music together. Walter Garces says, “The idea was to make music that we liked and have fun doing it.” Percy Jones adds, “It’s an ensemble effort musically.” Although Neil had more control over the actual recordings and I had more input on the first tracks, it was about the same. Walter was involved from the very beginning. Bang Tower is: PERCY JONES – FRETLESS BASSS Fretless electric bassesist Percy Jones is widely regarded as one of the best bass players in the world. He has carved his niche in progressive rock and jazz fusion through his longstanding association with Brand X and Tunnels. Born in Wales, Jones started his career as a prominent bassist with the Liverpool Scene and the Scaffold in England. He is also a founder of BRAND X. This pioneering jazz-rock fusion band, which he plays alongside Robin Lumley, Phil Collins, and John Goodsall of Genesis, is his second album. There are two solo albums and several compact discs he has released. Percy has collaborated with many other musicians, including Suzanne Vega and Bill Frisell. Percy has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan both as a solo artist and as a member of various bands. Percy endorses Ibanez bass guitars, Euphonic audio amplifiers, Eventide effects, and DR strings. NEIL CITRON – GUITARS You may be familiar with the many musical projects Neil Citron has been involved in, having seen “That Thing You Do” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, as well as the recordings of the Yardbirds’ rock-guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 2002 for his engineering of “No Substitutions Live in Osaka” by Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather. In 2002, Citron also released “Absolute,” (Favored Nations), a solo album of instrumental guitar music. He is currently working on a second album. Citron has contributed more than 50 songs to Chrysalis Publishing, and Citron is continuing his prolific composition career. Citron is a guitarist and has been a part of many recordings featuring artists from around the globe. Citron played both acoustic guitars and electric guitars on these recordings, along with providing background vocals as needed. Citron is a dedicated individual who will do anything for the cause. He holds a sixth degree black belt in many Korean martial arts, including tae kwon do, hakido, and sib pal Gi (Korean Kung Fu), as well as a third degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, where he studied with actor Chuck Norris. WALTER GARCES – PERCUSSION Walter Garces, a native New York drummer, moved to Los Angeles in mid-80’s where he met Neil Citron, guitarist. The meeting would result in a friendship that would last many years, as well as a bond through music and Martial arts. Over the years, they would collaborate on numerous projects, including 2 Neil solo records, “That Thing You Do” film project with Tom Hanks, as well as many other bands and sessions for artists. Walter was also a drummer and percussionist for the Electric Prunes’ recent release, “Feedback.” Walter continues to tour and perform live with the Prunes. He has worked with many other great artists and bands, including The Blues Image and Pete Taylor (Quatermass/The Pirates), Ronnie Drayton and Ronnie Drayton (Patti Labelle), Neil Turbin and Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot), Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder), among others. Walter has a large number of students who are interested in drumming. His extensive course of study covers Latin, jazz and rock, 4-way coordination and left-hand development exercises. He also develops his hand skills and independence on the drum set. Walter is a talented musician and has also been able to control his time by running marathons and obtaining a blackbelt in Go-Ju-Ryu. Walter is proud to endorse Premier Drums, Regal Tip Drumsticks, and Paiste Cymbals. Percy Jones says, “I’m happy with it.” It wasn’t an easy album to finish, but I’m glad it’s in there. “It’s an interesting mix, it covers quite a lot musically. How does Bang Tower compare to other bands he’s worked with? It’s hard to tell how it differs from other prog/fusion albums. Projects have their own minds to some extent. I simply follow the flow and let it take its course. It’s distinctive, I think. But ultimately it’s up the Punters to decide. It’s too close for me. Walter Garces is very excited about the Bang Tower debut CD. Garces plans to perform live with ‘Casting Shadows,’ but he is also recording with the Electric Prunes. Walter recalls that Jay Dean, an old friend and guitarist of the Prunes, contacted Walter to arrange sessions for their 2006 album ‘Feedback.’ I liked their music and their people. I also respect their history. I was asked to perform live by them and we have been working together ever since. Recently, we recorded tracks for a new album. One song features Billy Corgan. This CD is also extremely well-received by Neil Citron. It’s instrumental but not all-rock like my solo CDs, and it’s not fusion as you would expect with Percy in the band. Although I have never been in a Fusion band, I have performed with Lana Lane, a Prog act. Her 14 CDs were a great experience. Numerous high-profile music companies have endorsed Neil. WAVES, a well-respected and highly regarded professional DAW plug in manufacturer, hosted a “Webinar” with Neil this June. Grammy-winning guitarist and engineer, Neil covered WAVES’ GTR3 product. He was extensively consulted. Jon and Neil used GTR3 in different phases of the Bang Tower release, from preproduction to completion. SLS Speaker Company is my latest endorsement. They are, in my opinion, the best monitors I have ever used. I was also in Montana to assist Larry DiMarzio’s Acoustic guitar Pickup System. These products are great and I trust the items I use. They are great products and I would recommend them to anyone, regardless of whether they were sponsored by companies. Jon Pomplin, President and CEO of Declassified Records, was enthusiastic about Bang Tower. Their work is so unique and dynamic, it’s hard to describe. It was a great honor to collaborate with such talented musicians. Casting Shadows is a unique instrumental music with timeless appeal. It has such depth and subtlety that each listen evolves and improves. It wasn’t always easy, and there were many obstacles that we had to overcome. However, there is nothing that’s truly worthwhile and lasts forever. from http://www.cdbaby.com
