British bass guitarist and composer John Greaves, best known as a
member of Henry Cow and his collaborative albums with Peter Blegvad is
releasing a new album titled “Life Size” on Manticore Records on
November 30, 2018. John was also a member of National Health and Soft
Heap, and has recorded several solo albums, including “Accident” (1982),
“Parrot Fashions” (1984), “The Caretaker” (2001) and “Greaves Verlaine”
(2008).
Says Manticore Records president Max
Marchini, “When Greg Lake wanted me to be the artistic director of the
renaissance of Manticore he was very precise: 'I don’t want Manticore to
be nostalgic but respectful and helpful of any great talent, old or
new. We don't want to be a progressive only label but open to any kind
of music for progressive it is not a genre but an intention'.
It's
a great honor to be able to continue his quality control and tradition
of perfectionism and creativity. And I am lucky enough to have trusting
friends who help me and to share with projects: Regina Lake, Alberto
Callegari at the amazing Elfo Recording Studios and Manticore artist
Annie Barbazza. Our aim is to live up to Greg Lake's vision and
production skills with new albums that can match his demanding
standards.
“I have been lucky enough to work
with one of the most respected and talented British composers,
Welsh-born John Greaves who is a true living legend in alternative
music.”
John Greaves led the European
avant-garde as a founder member of Henry Cow with Fred Frith and Lindsay
Cooper, then his bass was the driving force in bands like National
Health and Love Of Life Orchestra. He played with Brian Eno, Robert
Wyatt, Mike Oldfield, Michael Nyman, Penguin Café Orchestra, Carla Bley
and Michael Mantler just to mention a few.
In
recent years he has produced albums for the French classical label
Harmonia Mundi for Radio France of composition upon words of Paul
Verlaine and for Dark Companion a precious critically acclaimed live
album called “Piacenza”. He appears on the new Sony relate of Gabrie
Fauré songs “Ici-bas”. His songwriting partnership with Slapp Happy's
Peter Blegvad gave birth to gems like “Bad Alchemy”, “How Beautiful You
Are “ and “The Song”.
On his new album
“Life Size”he shares the vocals with a remarkable cast. Three fabulous,
uniquely different female voices: Valérie Gabail, Annie Barbazza, Himiko
Paganotti and Greaves himself sing a collection of songs in French,
English and Italian, moving from pure pop thru Debussy-esque Apollinaire
to sensual spoken-word; there's even a song by Robert Wyatt, an old
friend from way back when. The line-up of musicians is equally stellar:
Olivier Mellano and Jakko Jakksyk (from King Crimson) on guitars,
Vincent Courtois on cello, Zeena Parkins on harp, Matthieu Rabaté on
drums.
“Life Size” features new
compositions and the revisiting of old ones into a new, breathtaking
contemporary and classical style, featuring some of the most acclaimed
international musicians. Treat yourself to a very special musical
journey.
Says Max, “'Life Size' is an album
of stunning beauty and inner grace and sure will be a classic for the
future, and intended to be the logical sequel to the critically
acclaimed 'Songs', which, by the way, has been remastered at our Elfo
Studios to state of the art sound quality and re-issued by Dark
Companion Records.”
‘Life Size” was
recorded and mastered to exemplary sound standards in audiophile premium
colored vinyl and golden high-end CDs. This first pressing will be of
1,000 CD and 500 vinyl only.
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