Artist: ERIC NORLANDER
Album: HOMMAGE SYMPHONIQUE (CD)

Release date: 2007
Media type: CD

Hommage Symphonique is an album of progressive rock covers recorded by master keyboardist Erik Norlander along with the virtuoso band of Gregg Bissonette (d), Don Schiff (b) and Mark McCrite (g) with Kelly Keeling handling all of the vocal duties. Erik also employed a small ensemble of acoustic instruments featuring Jon Pappenbrook (trumpets flugelhorn), Eric Jorgensen (trombones), Mike Alvarez (cello) and David Schiff (woodwinds). David is the brother of Don Schiff, and in addition to Don's NS/Stick work on the album, he also fills out the acoustic string ensemble with the new Bowed Guitar instrument. Erik's choice of covers reflects his own broad musical taste, performing songs originally recorded by ELP, ELO, Yes, Rick Wakeman, King Crimson, Procol Harum and Jethro Tull and Chuck Mangione. The last artist may sound the most surprising, but Erik's stirring rendition of Mangione's "Children of Sanchez" brings this jazz - fusion classic more into Erik's world of symphonic progressive rock supported by his seasoned and highly versatile band.

TRACKLIST:

1. Conquistador [4:08]
this song was originally recorded by Procol Harum

2. Sir Lancelot and the Black Knight [7:20]
this song was originally recorded by Rick Wakeman

3. Turn of the Century [7:38]
this song was originally recorded by Yes

4. Pirates [13:32]
this song was originally recorded by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

5. Clasp [4:51]
this song was originally recorded by Jethro Tull

6. King of the Universe [7:09]
this song was originally recorded by Electric Light Orchestra

7. Children of Sanchez Overture [9:24]
this song was originally recorded by Chuck Mangione

8. Starless [12:04]
this song was originally recorded by King Crimson

Total running time . . . [66:25]


LINE-UP:

Erik Norlander: keyboards
Kelly Keeling: vocals
Gregg Bissonette: drums
Don Schiff: NS/Stick, bowed guitar, contrabass

with

Mark McCrite: guitars
David Schiff : woodwinds
Mike Alvarez: celli
Jon Papenbrook: trumpets, flugelhorns
Eric Jorgensen: trombones