Being a Disc Jockey over the years, you see websites come and go. And whenever Asia has made it on our weekly playlist, there has always been one resource we have stuck to, Dave Gallant's Asiaworld.org. We first heard of Dave's Armada newsletter waaaay back when we all started using this new thing called 'email' in 1995. Dave joined us for our 14th annual Christmas Radio special. Dave discussed the new second edition of his Asia biography titled The Heat Goes On. Dave revealed some of the highlights of the book, but also informed us that John Wetton and Geoff Downes have been collaborating as of late, and may release something into the new year. This new edition of the Asia biography feature recent updates from the last pressing in 2001, and includes a family tree as well. This book marked the first for Dave Gallant, who is not only the webmaster for the Asiaworld website, but also a busy high school mathematics teacher on Prince Edward Island in Canada. For more information on Dave Gallant's The Heat Goes On and the Asiaworld website, click HERE. 

One of my all time fantasies for a supergroup was to have Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Vinnie Colaiuta on Drums, Scott McGill on Guitar, Michael Manring on Bass, and Didier Lockwood on Violins. Well, he did the next best thing. Derek never ceases to blow my mind with his lineups. On his new album titled Mythology, he features old friends Zakk Wylde, Simon Phillips, Steve Lukather, but now adds violin great Jerry Goodman, and guitar legend Allan Holdsworth. From beginning to end this is my favorite album of 2004. Wonderfully intense compositions with incredible sound production. There was no fucking around on this release. Derek joined us to talk about the thrill of playing with one of his musical idols, and the possibility that Holdsworth may become a part of Planet X down the road. Now I'm drooling. If you haven't picked this album up yet, you'd be a fool. I still get misty when I listen to tracks from Derek's Inertia, and the hairs still stand on edge at Atlantis from his first solo album. As always, Derek gets it every time. For more info on Derek, click HERE  

Boy was this one special. When I first met the gang back in 2000, I was shocked that the first thing Stan Whitaker said when I introduced myself was how he dug my father's playing. Not what I expected meeting one of the legends of American Progressive Rock. This interview was a special one because FINALLY the new long awaited disc, The Muse Awakens, has been released. Since Nearfest 2000, I have become friends with most of the members and have featured exclusive interviews with Frank Wyatt, Rick Kennell, and Stan Whitaker. Frank had joined us a few years back to talk about his solo project, and Rick gave us insight for a future Happy The Man documentary. Stan and Frank joined us for this very candid interview. You can tell these guys were very giddy about the new release, as well as the new tour. They discussed the contrast in recording this album compared to 3^rd Better Late...and the 2 official releases. The new disc is powerful, and Frank and Stan explain why. They also express their hatred for the Philadelphia Eagles as well. Ask Frank what he does when he drives by Lincoln Financial Field. All in all, this interview is another classic in the archives of the GAGLIARCHIVES. God Bless Happy The Man

One constant throughout the last 10 years of the radio program, has been our home in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens hold many mysteries both past and present. One story that has been quite popular in recent years is the report of what events transpired in the Ong's Hat section of Pemberton , NJ in the late 1970's. Ong's Hat is a town in the center of the New Jersey Pine Barrens that at one time, was a hot spot for early settlers. As time wore on, and the New Jersey economy changed, so did Ong's Hat. The town only has markers to show that at one time it existed as a thriving community. Renegade scientists from Princeton in the 1970's repopulated the remote area with a laboratory used for experiments in supposed chaos theory, and time travel. Witnesses allege the U.S. Military invaded the compound with mix results. Some say there were people arrested living an 'alternative' lifestyle...others said the military invaded the compound and found material, yet no people. Author of Ong's Hat: The Beginning, Joseph Matheny joined us to dispel the truths and fallacies of what supposedly took place. The interview was a mysterious one. When he went off the record and started revealing the truth of what REALLY happened. Just as he revealed it, a high pitch buzzing was heard, and the phone cut off. When I called the number back, it was disconnected. I analyzed the digital tape and tried to remove the noise...and just as Joe started talking about the members of the Ashram moving to parallel Universes, it went out. I later received a post card from Joseph on the other side of country, saying all was well, and that he could not talk and would be in touch at another point. Strange but true...For more information on Ong's Hat and Joseph Matheny click HERE.

One of my favorite Bassists of all time has been Jeff Berlin. Jeff returned with a wonderful new release in 2004 titled Lumpy Jazz. Jeff is a Bass legend. He has a resume that spans decades. He has played with musicians such as Bill Bruford, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Yes, Larry Coryell, David Liebman, Allan Holdsworth, and too many others to name. Jeff joined us to discuss the new recording which features Danny Gottlieb, Richard Drexler, and a cameo from 'Toots' Thielemans. We talked about the construction of the new compositions, direction, and the mysterious bass sound that he went for on the new record.  Jeff also discussed his recent tours on the other side of the Atlantic and his Players School Of Music based in his home of Clearwater, Florida. What I most admired about Jeff in this interview was his honesty on how he felt about the current music scene, and how the business can be. He talked about stagnation, and how quality is a lot better than quantity. One thing that I related to with Jeff was how he simply calls it the way he sees it. I admired that. Prior to the interview, I wondered how it would go. It was one of my favorites if not my favorite of the year. Jeff even had the courtesy of playing bass on the phone for our interview. Jeff is a great father who finds life a lot simpler now. But if and when he gets to touring. His ass will be in our studio. For more information on Jeff Berlin, click HERE. For interest in the Players School Of Music, click HERE.

Clearly one of the Space Rock Gods, is Nik Turner. With the help of Violinist Cyndee Lee Rule, Nik joined us just prior to his show in October in Philadelphia. Nik teams up with another fantastic Space Rock band in Spaceseed. No stranger to each other were these acts. They backed Nik in the 1990's, and after 8 years of silence, they pulled together in what could be one of the biggest Space Rock tours of 2004. Nik discussed his ties with the band, and a bit of his own past. Nik talked some of the other musical roads he has traveled in the last 20 years. Of course Nik talked about his time with Hawkwind and the sadness that things couldn't be ironed out between the members to consider a TRUE reunion tour of one of the greatest Space Rock bands of all time. Nik also reflected on the new Spaceseed album titled Future Cities Of The Past: Part I. Nik goes above and beyond again with his amazing psychedelic soaked vocals and his legendary Sax playing. Nik talked about the tour with the band, and the response from fans and reviewers abroad. Nik is far from done as well, Nik has some future recording ideas in the can, and will return to the area again, and join us in the studio. For more information on Nik Turner and Spaceseed, click HERE. 

This one was a doozy. First of all, it marked the first time since Christmas of 1999 that anyone from Marillion had been on the show! From 1994 to 1999, we had the band in several incarnations at least 8 different times! Steve Hogarth was an absolute joy as usual. Steve has a great storytelling warmth in his interviews. Well, H had a story this time. Marillion made headlines, well kinda, when they just happen to be on the same flight that Singer/Songwriter Cat Stevens was on that had to be re-routed to the state of Maine due to a possible terrorist threat. Steve explained in play by play fashion of the events that transpired that crazy trip. Steve reflects on what the band says is their best release to date in the new, powerful disc, Marbles. Marbles, as Steve explains, more or less is about losing your mind in some ways. Steve talks about how this album was a bit moodier than the previous recordings. He also discussed the start of the tour at that time which kicked off in Mexico, and how the fans felt about the relatively unheard material from the new disc. Although Steve seemed a bit bummed that the album didn't come out in time for the tour, it is by far one of our most requested albums of 2004. Later that week, Steve and the gang played an amazing show in a nearly sold out Theater Of Living Arts in Olde City, Philadelphia. The set list was a bit different from other cities, and was said by many in the internet community to be the best. They kicked off the show with Marbles, and moved into tracks from the Brave album. It was a great time as usual, as was our interview. The new disc comes as a regular CD, then as a double CD, and a special edition CD with all of the donaters/fans names amidst the center of the CD book. For more information on Marillion, click HERE. 

No drummer blew my mind more at the recent Nearfest's than drummer Dave Kerman. Dave appeared with Thinking Plague in 2000 and was timeless as expected. Dave just doesn't play drums, he has a percussive talent unlike anyone I have seen. Dave joined us to talk about not only the 5uu's, Blast, Motor Totemist Guild, Present, U Totem, and Thinking Plague, but his new involvement of the United States division of the avant garde British label Recommended Records. Dave discussed the new releases and his involvement in both the new and old projects released on this special record label. Dave talked about his time recording and getting citizenship in Israel, and how life has a complete contrast compared to living in Colorado. Dave is one of the good guys of the business that expresses true interest in different music. Dave also reflected on his roots, and how he picked up the drums by playing on one of the Grateful Dead's kits as a kid....a memory he never forgets, and some things he does to pass the time which isn't much! Dave is a percussion pioneer that is clearly distinctive, no matter what project he is playing with, whether it be his band, or other collaborative works. For more information on Dave Kerman, click HERE.

No project has been more popular merging into the new century than Sweden's The Flower Kings. Roine Stolt joined us in mid August to talk about the new release titled Adam & Eve. Roine explains that this album was produced slightly different than previous albums. On this record, Roine explains how more tracks came together originally written on the acoustic than a normal jam session. Roine was also quick to point out this album was not by any stretch a concept album on the Biblical characters as referenced in the title. Roine talks about his influences, touring with the Flower Kings, sub projects, and future projects. To find out more about this powerful release from one of today's bands holding the torch firmly, visit their website by clicking HERE.

Keyboardist/Composer Nick Magnus joined us to discuss his third solo album titled Hexameron. This wonderful new disc is a new change for Nick, he features vocals on this, along with appearances by Steve Hackett, John Hackett, Geoff Whitehorn, Pete Hicks, Tony Patterson, Siobahn McCarthy, Debi Doss and many others..Nick also talks about Autumn, his previous solo albums, including his rare debut. Hexameron is a great new release, and a must get for fans of symphonic rock. Nick's new CD can be found at Camino records by clicking HERE.

One of my personal favorite releases of 2004 is the new project from my good friend Chris Hoard and his project Riptyde. Chris joined us to talk about the new release Sonic Undertow. This release features they many different shades of Hoard's compositions. A new entry to our program, Riptyde was received well by our audience and prompted a call in to our program in the Summer of 2004. This disc features guitar great Allan Holdsworth and HipHop disc jockey 4Zone. After speaking with Chris I could connect immediately that we had the same music tastes. Chris reflected on the inspiration on each track and how they were produced. Chris is an artist that must be explored if you have not heard his music. Sonic Undertow was my summer soundtrack to 2004. This also marked the first time we ever featured a HipHop track titled 'Time To Move On' which features Chris, DJ 4Zone, and Allan Holdsworth. The disc is a roller coast of atmospheres that never runs dry with imagination. Chris is also part of Alternity Records that has been releasing material such as Allan Holdsworth's Then! Live, and other forthcoming material that can be seen at Alternity Records by clicking HERE. 

Those who are loyal listeners to our program, know that Bon Lozaga and Hansford Rowe have been mainstays. It is always a pleasure to have these guys on our program because when you know an artist as well as these guys, you always know it's going to be a great time no matter what the interview topics may be. Gongzilla was back in full form for a new "Nothing To Declare" tour, featuring Sam Aliano on Drums, Benoit Moerlen on Vibes, Hansford Rowe on Bass, and Bon Lozaga on Guitar. With a week until their opening night at North By Northwest in Philadelphia, PA, the gang stopped in to discuss the new album released in latter 2003 titled East Village Sessions. This interview also marked the first time Benoit visited our program, and he loved it! I have never seen a man roll cigarettes as fast and with skill as he did. I can only imagine what it must be like to see him play live. Sam Aliano, from Australia, was also a first timer, and is a new valuable live asset to the current Gongzilla lineup. Bon also discussed his new compilation CD titled Bon : Two Plus Two. This interview meant a lot to us, for this was the first time we used our new interview studio with the Z's new equipment. Gongzilla have promised us a live performance in the up and coming months in our new studio! Stay tuned...to pick up Gongzilla releases, click HERE.  

Clearly one of the best releases of 2004, is the powerful new release from British band IQ titled Dark Matter. This new recording takes IQ into a new direction. With a darker, more aggressive approach, this new release has lifted the antennas of many progressive rock fans and magazine reviewers. The buzz has been big. So big that IQ will be performing at NEARfest 2005!  Martin Orford was our guest the first Saturday in July, and was delighted to give insight on the recording, writing, and their use of current technology for Dark Matter. Martin also discussed his favorite moments, and the contrast between this and the last studio recording, The Seventh House. This disc also marks the first release on the InsideOut Music America label for IQ. Dark Matter held our the top spot in our most requested for 3 straight weeks in July and still remains in our 2 month top 10. To find out more about IQ, click HERE.  

Huxflux Nettermalm of the  Swedish band Paatos, checked in with us in late June to breakdown the seductive new release titled Kallocain. Huxflux gave us a play by play on how the new album was arranged and produced, and the story of how Paatos came to be. Nettermalm also discussed the band's release party which was held on May 26th, at the Lydmar Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden. The interview was a spirited one, and a happy time for Huxflux and his wife, vocalist of Paatos, Petronella. The couple has just celebrated with the addition of their new baby! Which means late hours for Huxflux! (Late on Saturdays to listen to the program :) ) Petronella's father has a guest appearance in the beginning of the track Gasoline. The new CD is hard to classify as progressive rock...more like post rock. Very song oriented with a mystical feel and the constant presence of the Mellotron. Paatos is a  powerful band with an illuminating vocalist, and compositions that are cool enough to be it's own thing.  This new album redefines Paatos. Kallocain is a must get. If you liked Timeloss...you will love this. Perfect for the ladies also!  For more information about Paatos, click HERE.

Ken Golden, President of Laser's Edge Records, has co hosted some classic programs with us in previous years. Including Progmetal Night from February of 2000, Progmetal Night II: Night Of The Gods in November of 2000, and Fusion Night from October of 2001. This time Ken brought the music from the Far East as part of Night Of The Dragon. We covered music from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Probably the most  responded of this program, was the extended set of San Bao, the only progressive rock to be known of from Mainland China. This program became a quick favorite to our listeners at Aural Moon. This program was featured in replays all throughout the Summer of 2004. The program has generated so much response, that another one is in the works as we speak. This classic program will go down as clearly our fan's favorite of 2004. To find out more about this powerful program, click HERE.  

Billy Greer of Kansas joined us in early June to talk about his new release on the InsideOut Music label titled The Seventh Key The Raging Fire. The new disc features the collaborative work of  Billy Greer and Mike Slamer, his ex cohort in Streets. Billy tells us how this new disc involved a lot of traveling as Billy traveled back and forth from Florida to California to make sure this sophomore release aimed to please. Billy tells us about his favorite tracks, what he's listening to at home...and what the fans around the world are saying about The Raging Fire. The new disc also features a video track shot in Los Angeles. Billy describes the new Seventh Key as the best disc his former band Streets never recorded. Billy also let us know that the first Seventh Key CD, which was only sold in Europe and Japan, is now available in the United States on the InsideOut Music label. For more information on Billy Greer, click HERE!

One of my personal favorite Dutch fusion albums of all time, was the band Scope and their 2 releases on the Atlantic records label. These albums to me, were truly the cornerstones of my love for Fusion.  I started researching on the whereabouts of the members and their current activities. I ran into many dead ends down the road, but within 2 weeks I was able to hunt down Keyboardist/Bassist Rik Elings. When we finally discussed doing an interview, Rik was excited and surprised that anyone actually knew of these recordings in United States, let alone someone playing them on the radio. Rik discussed the roots of the project, and the locations of the members. Rik is still involved with music in teaching, while the others are still involved at some degree in music. Rik still sees some of his cohorts and informed us that sadly Keyboardist for the second album, Rob Franken, passed away many years ago. Scope sadly dissolved after the second recording, and did perform many live dates just prior to the breakup. Rik enjoyed being on our program and still composes to this day. Rik also promised some live treats to be aired of the Scope days in the up and coming weeks. Stay tuned as we feature highlights of this interview.

Chris Squire joined us briefly to talk about the Yes tour, and the work on both his project Conspiracy with Billy Sherwood, how they met and collaborate on their projects, and the latest Yes related releases. Chris seemed to have a difficult time using a quality cell phone...one of the tougher ones of 2004...for more info on Yes click HERE

Every few years or so, you get a shot an interview that you may never get. This was that interview. Tony Banks, Keyboardist of my favorite bands of all time, Genesis. Tony  joined us for a chat on the latest release of his new Classical solo album titled Seven: A Suite For Orchestra. Tony elaborated on how he composed, arranged, and recorded this beautiful new disc. Tony talks about the difficulty of producing a record like this as well. He truly wanted the music to reflect what was in his mind at the time of writing. The final product is timeless in our eyes. Tony did touch a bit on Genesis and the possibilities of a reunion and was also clear to point out, if it happens, it happens. Tony also talked about the upcoming SACD remasters of Genesis The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway. I personally dedicate this interview to the 13 year old version of myself, who sat for endless hours listening to every note of each and every Genesis album. To find out more information about Tony Banks and Genesis, click HERE.

Throughout the years, in studio performances have been a favorite. Especially if they hail from the Philadelphia area. One band that visited through the years was Echolyn and all of it's off shoots. Well to say they were humorously comical visits is an understatement. But in 2004, we had a special visit from front man Ray Weston as he joined us to talk about his debut solo release titled This Is My Halo. Ray's new album is produced along with some help from the Echolyn gang. The new album is extremely intimate with some flashes of auditory emotion sang from a tortured heart. Ray opens his soul on this release touching on many different facets of his life experiences. Don't expect Echolyn on the disc, and Ray was also clear to point that out as well. Ray performed some tracks in our studios acoustically from the new album, including an acoustic from Echolyn Suffocating The Bloom. Ray was an absolute joy to have on the program, and a special thanks to Jack Webster who digitally videoed the performance. We promise to get some that on our site in the up and coming months. For more information on Ray's new disc, click HERE.

Allan Reed of Pallas joined us in March to talk about their upcoming performance at Nearfest 2004. Pallas major in the new century was the release of the now classic The Cross And The Crucible. We spoke about the comparisons generally made about Neo Progressive bands, and how the music has contrasted the original concept from 25 years ago. Allan talked about the recording process on their projects and the use of computers. We also talked about the early days of Pallas and the EMI days...Allan also talked about the live tour itinerary, and the reissuing of Pallas discs with bonus materials and upcoming DVD's. To check out one of the greatest bands of Britain in the Neo genre...click HERE.

Back in 1998, my good friend and comrade Chad Hutchinson had asked my opinion on something. He said, "What do you think of me and Rob doing a 2 day festival in the Northeast in the summer, and making it the end all be all of progressive rock gatherings in the world?"  At first I was worried. It's a big risk. We learned that from trying to get things taken off here at the college...it takes a lot of painstaking work, and you won't even know till the time of the event if it will even work out, let alone technical failures. Well guess what. It's 2004, and Rob and Chad are Prog Festival Gods. Year after year  sell outs speak for themselves. And these guys do it right. They are the masters of getting the top notch classic bands, along with the ones that will make history down the road...Chad joined us for the 6th annual,(6th already?!??) Nearfest Radio Special. Chad will join us for a trek into all the worlds of music to be featured at the year's festival. This year made it a little more exciting as we featured some unheard gems from previous Nearfest's. Our staff has watched the festival move from Moravian College, to Zoellner Arts Center, 20 minutes from us in Trenton, and back to Zoellner. The sell out crowd anticipate the next as well...Chad will be joining us in February. For more information on Neafest, click HERE. 

Cuneiform records had this to say about British band Guapo: "Guapo is a British trio that plays an intense music that straddles the boundaries of progressive, noise, minimalism and avant-rock." Well that's an understatement. Matt Thompson joined us to discuss the band's first release on the Cuneiform label titled Five Suns. In this outstanding new disc, Guapo gives fans of the complicated works of middle era King Crimson and Univers Zero a run for their money. Matt told us about how the ideas bloomed for the compisitions, and his compatibility with members Daniel O'Sullivan and Dave Smith. When you talk to most artists, you want to get a feel for what 'they' listen to. Most will say ironically some pop bands or cutting edge experimental...rarely do they say what inspired them to begin with. Avant garde bands such as Magma and Univers Zero were the ticket for him, and is proud of it. Matt also discussed that the band is constantly moving forward. The title cut on this disc clocks in at 46 minutes and is hands down the explosion on this album. Kudos to the gang in Guapo and their excellent release Five Suns. For more info, click HERE.

When of the best shows I witnessed in 2004, was the twin bill show of Porcupine Tree and Opeth at the Trocadero in Philadelphia. Just prior, we had the chance to speak with Mikael Okerfeldt of Opeth. Opeth released a huge disc in 2003 titled Damnation. Produced by Steven Wilson of the Tree, this album opened new doors for the band. Mikael explained to us that even the fans of the older material dug the acoustic, atmospheric taste that Damnation and the previous put across. We also discussed the new DVD released early this year titled Lamentations. This new DVD also features concert footage as well as the documentary, which shows the making of Deliverance and Damnation. A must have for the Opeth/Swedish progressive metal fan. Mikael talked about the road life compared to being home with his new family. Mike was a great interview and despite the madness on their tour, was pleased to speak with us, and loved the Philadelphia audience. For more information on Opeth, click HERE.

I can't remember the last time we had a really good new Dutch band as a guest on our program. 2004 gave us Knight Area. But the concept of the album The Sun Also Rises was not a new one. This album was some 20 years in the making. Joop Klazinga joined us to talk about how this fantastic recording came together all from the start of a dream that Gerben Klazinga had. After a few decades, the interpretation seems brand new, and clearly one of the best releases of 2004. The engineering, the production, and dynamics of the new album are stellar. Joop explains a lot of the struggles that Gerben went through to complete the album which has become a story of his life. He also discussed that the new disc was dedicated to their late father who was not only a great friend and role model, but an inspiration as well. This new album as described will no doubt appeal to fans of Camel, Pendragon, Genesis, and IQ. For more information on Knight Area, click HERE.