Prog Stalwarts K2 working on new album forUmbrello

Distribution Agreement Covers Both Digital And Physical Content
 
October 10th, 2008, New York - Critically acclaimed progressive rock act K2 has signed a major distribution deal with Umbrello Music Entertainment. The agreement covers both digital downloads and physical CD distribution worldwide. Included in the deal are the album Book of the Dead, a DVD and their upcoming disc, (working title: Black Garden). This deal is just the latest in a series for Umbrello (a label that is quickly becoming both a progressive rock establishment and a leader in digital and video technologies).
 
K2 was formed by Ken Jaquess in 2001. Beginning with guitar lessons at age 11, and switching to bass at 13, Jaquess found a desire early on to play unconventional music, far from the path of commercial, radio pop. That desire led him to perform with Newcross (Rain of Thought), Dresden and Atlantis before ultimately creating K2 (K Squared).
 
Book of the Dead was originally released in April of 2005 and received worldwide acclaim, even being heralded as a top 10 release by many critics. Jaquess was joined by drummer Doug Sanborn along with Spock's Beard keyboardist Ryo Okumoto, vocalist Shaun Guerin, violinist Yvette Devereaux, guitarist John Miner and guitarist Allan Holdsworth. Holdsworth, who was once named by Eddie Van Halen as the best guitarist in the world, is well known for his work in the progressive rock supergroup UK, but has also made a name for himself in fusion. He is a true musicians' musician.
 
In response to live gig requests, Jaquess assembled a new line-up to hit the road. Sanborn, Okumoto and Jaquess teamed up with Atlantis guitarist Karl Johnson and vocalist Josh Gleason of The Waiting Room. In January 2006, K2 performed their first gig in Hollywood. The entire Book of the Dead album was performed, along with a few surprises and was filmed live in widescreen. The DVD includes a bonus live video performance from their summer 2006 tour, as well as behind the scenes footage of rehearsals and a photo gallery. This long awaited item will finally see the light of day!
 
Jaquess is currently working on the new K2 album, which will also be released through Umbrello in early 2009. This deal will allow worldwide distribution of long anticipated material from this vital progressive rock outfit.
 
About Umbrello Music Entertainment
UME is an independent producer and distributor of high-quality content for diverse digital entertainment platforms worldwide. With production studios in London, Philadelphia and New York, UME's library of premium short form programming content is extensive with unending content development. UME offers their clients a competitive advantage with unique, attention-grabbing content that gives their viewers more choices. As a video partner, UME works with clients to assess their content needs and develop effective quality programming for maximum impact to their target markets.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New York | London

UMBRELLO MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT PAIRS WITH AMAZON.COM
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT IN PLACE

November 4, 2008, New York – Umbrello Music Entertainment has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Amazon.com to deliver digital content through the online retailer's video-on-demand service. Through this arrangement, consumers will have the opportunity to either rent video programming or to purchase it outright as a video download or hard copy DVD.

Umbrello's director describes Amazon.com as "the perfect strategic partner to deliver the company's unique video content." This portal mirrors the launch of Umbrello's own IPTV station, Umbrello.tv (http://umbrello.tv), and the short-form video content it is developing for distribution on the latest internet and video-enabled portable devices. "This collaboration marks another important step in advancing our digital initiatives and is a great fit within our overall digital distribution strategy," states Nardelli. "Our goal is to provide access to our content through the widest possible selection of quality platforms and devices."

The Amazon.com programs have launched with the 'Mod Prog' series, concentrating on content that overviews the emerging progressive music scene of the 21st Century. First up is the 'Live in Hollywood' debut of Los Angeles sensation K2; the making of the new Syn album 'Big Sky'; the 14 Hour Technicolour V-band documentary; and NEARfest concert performances from Prog Mods Wobbler, Frogg Café, The Muffins, Matthew Parmenter, and many others. The 'Mod Prog' series is being developed in partnership with Philidelphia-based film makers Mobius New Media.

Looking ahead, Umbrello's content will span across genres from music and sports documentaries to American film classics and art house productions. "This isn't the mainstream monoculture so expect to see a wide range of quality content."

K2 'Live in Hollywood' is now available on Amazon.com (for more information see the link at the very bottom of this page)

Ken Jaquess, a multi-instrumentalist for the neo-progressive outfit Atlantis, founded K2 in 2001 and includes guitar legend Allan Holdsworth (UK, Level 42), keyboardist Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard),Karl Johnson and drummer Doug Sanborn. Their debut CD Book of the Dead, a concept album based on the Egyptian Book of the Dead and written by Mr. Jaquess in the old prog tradition, was released in April 2005 to worldwide acclaim and heralded as a top 10 release by many critics. On January 13, 2006, K2 performed Book of the Dead in their first gig in Hollywood before a packed house.

About Umbrello Music Entertainment

UME is an independent producer and distributor of high-quality content for diverse digital entertainment platforms worldwide.
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http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Gleason-Jaquess-Johnson-Keyboards/dp/B001JP65HM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1225937816&sr=8-2