Thank you so much to Japanese “Prog Notes” for this Honor!
“Circuline’s 1st album ‘Return’ was nominated last year for the ‘Rookie of the Year Award’. ‘Counterpoint’ is a step up from the debut & a very elaborate & well done album. Indeed, this feels like the pioneering of a new generation of American Progressive music. This album also takes the road to the land of orthodox American Symphony. The melody lines are dramatic & emotional. When listening, I can imagine visuals between dreams & reality. Circuline, both by word of mouth & in reality has achieved a real self- evolution. The best new work voted #1 this year was the album by ‘Kansas’ & I have to say that Circuline’s album is right up there too. It’s astonishing, their growth, & I’m looking forward to hear more of their musical world & wishing them all the respect in the future for a higher rank!
Thank you, John Collinge and Progression Magazine for the three-page feature on ProgStock2017! (You’ll see the photos of bassist-drummer Joel Simches, and co-lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist William “Billy” Spillane above.)
“a classy breathe of fresh air…..fascinating changeups into mini-ensemble cameos…..nothing short of exhilarating”
After a year and a half with Circuline, playing on Counterpoint, performing at RoSfest, Progtoberfest, Sonic Voyage Fest, and shows in England, guitarist Beledo has decided to focus on growing his jazz career. Beledo is a great guitarist, and we wish him the best of luck!
Performing with Circuline at ProgStock 2017 will be international guitarist Alek Darson (Fright Pig, Meridian Voice Project)!
Circuline co-leaders Darin Brannon and Andrew Colyer saw Alek perform for the first time with Fright Pig at the 2014 Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest). RoSfest is a 10-band progressive rock weekend, which is a lot to take in at one time. Alek was so awesome that he stood out among the crowd. Darin and Andrew remembered him. Later that year, in October at the 2014 New Jersey Proghouse Homecoming, Darin and Andrew saw Alek onstage again, performing a rock-jazz fusion show with Meridian Voice Project. They connected that weekend, and when Circuline needed guest guitar players for the Counterpoint album, they called Alek.
What many people don’t know about Alek is that not only is he a virtuoso guitar player, but also a highly trained recording and mixing engineer who has produced over 12 albums. Originally from Serbia, Alek went to school for audio engineering and worked for many years running his own studio, before coming to the U.S. and attending Berklee School of Music for performance and composition.
Alek contributed guitar tracks to the songs “Forbidden Planet”, “Hollow”, was the mixing engineer for the Counterpoint album, and is featured in the band’s Official Video for “Forbidden Planet” (see below). We’re excited to be performing with him at ProgStock!
Thank you to Jerry Ewing and all the staff at PROG Magazine (UK) for featuring the Counterpoint track “Summit” on their “Issue 76 One For The Vine” Covermount CD Sampler, included with their Spring 2017 Issue!
Sound of Contact / Dave Kerzner Band‘s multi-talented Matt Dorsey was the guest guitarist solo on this track. It’s been reported by many people that “Summit” is one of their favorite tracks on the album.
Janet Krier Riccobono‘s husband Rob Shannon took the band photo that was used for the band bio on the CD Covermount page, and Denise Romano Bright took the RoSfest band photo that was used for the 1/2 page promotional ad (partnered with the 2017 ProgStock Festival) for the upcoming CircuLive::Majestik double CD/DVD, out via PledgeMusic later this year!
