Rocking Horse Music Club to Crossover

Rocking Horse Music Club is a progressive rock band and studio collective based in New Hampshire, USA. The group is led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Coombes and operates out of Rocking Horse Studio, a professional recording facility. Their music combines elements of Crossover Prog and Symphonic Prog, often featuring concept albums and collaborative projects.

The band’s discography includes the double concept album Circus of Wire Dolls (2022), which features contributions from musicians including Tim Bowness, David Cross (King Crimson), Kenwood Dennard (Brand X), Chris Difford (Squeeze), John Hackett, Noel McCalla (Mike Rutherford/Manfred Mann), and Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett). Their earlier release, Which Way the Wind Blows (2019), reimagines the solo music of Anthony Phillips, the founding guitarist of Genesis, and includes guest appearances from Steve Hackett, John Hackett, Noel McCalla, and Nick Magnus.

I'll try to find a better photo for you.  KC

Band Name: Rocking Horse Music Club
Country: USA
Genre Proposal: Crossover Prog with Symphonic Prog influences

Why Rocking Horse Music Club Should Be Included on Prog Archives

Rocking Horse Music Club (RHMC) is an accomplished progressive rock band and studio collective from New Hampshire, USA, led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Brian Coombes. Their music blends elements of Crossover Prog and Symphonic Prog, creating a sound that is intricate yet highly accessible, with a focus on narrative-driven concept albums and lush, layered instrumentation.

Their standout release, Circus of Wire Dolls (2022), has been widely celebrated as a modern progressive rock masterpiece. This double-album concept work tells a compelling story through richly textured compositions, blending progressive structures, orchestral arrangements, and melodic accessibility. The album has been described as ambitious, emotive, and a testament to the vitality of the progressive rock genre.

In addition to their original works, RHMC is renowned for their tribute projects, including Which Way the Wind Blows (2019), a reimagining of Anthony Phillips' music, which features notable guest appearances from some of progressive rock's most respected musicians.

Notable Collaborations with Progressive Rock Icons

Rocking Horse Music Club has worked with numerous renowned musicians from the progressive rock scene, further cementing their credibility within the genre. These include:

• Steve Hackett (Genesis) – Featured on Which Way the Wind Blows.
• John Hackett (flute, Genesis collaborations) – Contributed to Which Way the Wind Blows.
• Anthony Phillips (founding member of Genesis) – RHMC reimagined his solo work on Which Way the Wind Blows.
• Noel McCalla (vocals, Mike Rutherford’s Smallcreep’s Day) – Contributed to Which Way the Wind Blows.
• Nick Magnus (keyboardist, Steve Hackett band) – Participated in RHMC's tribute work.
• Kate St. John (Dream Academy, session musician for Van der Graaf Generator and more) – Contributed woodwind arrangements.
• Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, The Opium Cartel) – A respected name in modern prog, collaborated on various projects.

Their work with these iconic musicians and their ability to attract such talent demonstrate their influence and respect within the progressive rock community.

Relevant Links

Official Website:
https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/

Streaming Platforms:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3C5XpGMxzMkAVlwpnbCPyD
• Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rocking-horse-music-club/1444562637
• Bandcamp: https://rockinghorsemusicclub.bandcamp.com/

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockingHorseMusicClub
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockinghorsemusicclub/

Awards and Recognition:

• Prog Radio Album of the Year (2022)
  https://www.progradio.com/bestprogalbums2022

Discography

1. Circus of Wire Dolls (2022)

   • A double-album concept work, praised for its intricate storytelling and lush arrangements.

2. Which Way the Wind Blows: The Music of Anthony Phillips (2019)

   • A collaborative tribute album featuring reinterpretations of Anthony Phillips’ solo work, with a star-studded guest lineup.

3. Other studio and collaborative projects recorded at the Rocking Horse Studio.

4. Working on their next album, due out in 2025.

Summary

Rocking Horse Music Club represents the spirit of modern progressive rock by balancing complexity, narrative depth, and melodic accessibility. Their critical acclaim, collaboration with prog legends, and contributions to the community make them an essential addition to Prog Archives.