Discography
Carpet Crawlers
Keep It Dark
The story of the band, Genesis, has taken almost three decades to unfold. From the earliest, struggling days in England to their commercial breakthrough mid-period (post- Peter Gabriel) to their pop and dance hits of their later years, Genesis have always created a stir. Yet, it is the first half of this band's career that most of their fans care about. Genesis created something new stylistically and musically. It wasn't until the late1970's that most of the world would pay attention. Genesis music from that period is revered because of its complexity and musicality. It sounded unusual and intricate compared to other music of that time but it had such great melodies and compelling rhythms that even the most left-field songs became favorites of the musically aware.
1995 marks 20 years since Peter Gabriel left the band. Today, we have a new generation of musicians who have cut their musical teeth on early Genesis. Magna Carta felt that bringing together the older music and the newer musicians would make a great package for fans of this important band. Many of the artists included on "Supper's Ready..." are cult artists with devoted followings. These are all artists who currently travel the same musical terrain that Genesis explored so long ago. The fan base for Genesis is unique in composition. The fans know that there is no possibility that their beloved band will re-form to create the music that is remembered so fondly. Yet, a collection of music such as "Supper's Ready..." can give the fans "new" music of another type to digest...reinterpretations by credible artists. Arguments can go on for years about Peter versus Phil, etc., etc.. The bottom line is that the songs are timeless and deserve to be heard again. So, wash your hands and faces..."Supper's Ready".
Who Are the Performers?
Robert Berry and Hush
"Watcher Of The Skies" - Robert Berry has been making high quality music for many years. His associations with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer in "3", Steve Howe and Geoff Downes in "GTR" are among his most well known projects. His solo album "Pilgrimage To A Point" is well respected among progressive rock fans. Yet, his first serious effort to make his mark in the music business came in the early 1980's with the band, Hush. Robert Berry reunites Hush for their strong reinterpretation of "Watcher". Robert felt that the lyrics contained in the song were ahead of their time when they were written and, yet, are extremely meaningful today.
Over The Garden Wall
"Firth Of Fifth" - Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Over The Garden Wall has been paying tribute to Genesis for well over a decade in clubs and concert halls in their homeland as well as the United States. Having developed a strong and loyal following, OGW took another major step when it united with Marc Leveille, lead vocalist from "The Musical Box" (another great Canadian Genesis tribute act). Known as the most credible of all Genesis tribute bands, Over The Garden Wall does an amazing recreation of one of early Genesis most demanding pieces.
David Hentschel with Jay Tausig
"Undertow" - David Hentschel has produced and/or engineered seven of Genesis' most successful albums (the last being "Duke") as well as Genesis members solo albums. On "Undertow" Hentschel plays keyboards and is joined by New Yorker Jay Tausig on vocals.
Annie Haslam
"Ripples" - Annie Haslam is best known as the lead vocalist for English art rock group, "Renaissance". With her five octave vocal range and great ability to interpret lyrics, Annie seemed to be a perfect choice to handle one of Genesis' most delicate pieces.
Kevin Gilbert
"Back In N.Y.C." - The late Kevin Gilbert made a name for himself with his associations with Toy Matinee and Sheryl Crow's Tuesday Night Music Club as well as a solo artist. But his secret passion was Genesis as those who witnessed his amazing recreation of "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" at 1994's Prog Fest in Los Angeles will attest. Here Kevin joined with guitarist Mike Keneally (Ex-Frank Zappa) to infuse new life into one of early Genesis' most striking musical portraits. Magna Carta is honored to have been associated with a great talent like Kevin Gilbert.
Richard Sinclair
"For Absent Friends" - Hatfield and The North and Caravan are two of Richard Sinclair's most noteworthy past projects. Having set the tone for the so-called Canterbury sound of the progressive rock movement, Richard Sinclair is clearly a uniquely talented artist. "For Absent Friends" done by Sinclair seems to extract a forgotten about melody from the original version and brings it to the forefront of the performance. With taste and restraint, Richard Sinclair's unmistakable voice give great humanity to a great song.
Magellan
"Mama" - Magellan is recognized as being one of the first artists of the new wave of Progressive Music Revival. By taking one of Genesis' more commercial hits and treating it in a compelling manner musically, Magellan has made a bold move. Always a band that is not afraid of being out of step with fashion, Magellan oozes credibility with every musical step they take. Look for a third album from this band in 1996.
Enchant
"Man Of Our Times" - Enchant has proven themselves to be another in a short list of excellent contemporary interpreters of the new progressive rock. With elements of many stylistic influences, Enchant handles this Mike Rutherford composition with taste and the ability to infuse a new energy into it.
Pete Bardens "Mirage"
"Many Too Many" - Pete Bardens has created an excellent reputation for himself with his keyboard work as a member of Caravan and Camel as well as his highly regarded solo albums. "Many Too Many" is sung by vocalist/drummer Nick D'Virgilio who gives the song the emotional quality that was Tony Banks' goal when it was originally written.
Shadow Gallery
"Entangled" - Although Shadow Gallery is most often associated stylistically with bands like Queensryche and Dream Theater, they have the ability to cover a lot of territory musically. Their version of "Entangled" is beautifully restrained and delicate. Mike Baker's lead vocal practically floats above the primarily acoustic track. The band's latest album, "Carved In Stone", shows a complete musical picture of this Pennsylvania-based band's wide range of abilities.
Cairo
"Squonk" - Cairo is best known for its fiery keyboard and vocally-based prog rock as evidenced in the band's debut album, "Cairo". Here the band takes on one of Genesis' best known compositions and remains true to the original recording. Currently working on material for its next release, Cairo will look to expand its musical boundaries.
Crack The Sky
"I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)" - Crack The Sky is regarded as one of the great undiscovered art rock bands of the late 1970's and early 80's. Having been huge in a few U.S. markets, the band never managed the huge commercial breakthrough that was so long predicted for it. Lead vocalist John Palumbo has long been recognized as a major talent and John was intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to "Supper's Ready...". His contemporary take on the song is very unique. This recording also marks the debut of a new generation of Palumbo-rockers as John's son, Ian, plays guitar and does backing vocals.
John Goodsall with Michael Zentner
"Carpet Crawlers" - John Goodsall has long been recognized as an outstanding guitar talent especially through his long association with Brand X. Here Goodsall combines his artistry with an all star group of session players (Jeff Berlin, Tommy Mars, Tos Panos) as well as newcomer Michael Zentner on lead vocals. Zentner has recently released his own solo album which features his violin as well as his unique vocal style.
World Trade
"Keep It Dark" - World Trade features lead vocalist Billy Sherwood doing a playful interpretation of one of Genesis' more commercial tracks. Sherwood is best known for his work with the band, Yes. Having appeared on stage and in the studio as well as contributing to the songwriting of that classic prog group's latest albums, Sherwood has made a reputation for himself through the huge Yes fan base as a talent of large proportions.
Back to Order Page
