Brian
O’Connell, known for his kinetic and innovative bass playing with Uncle Sammy,
Gordon Stone, Gary Backstrom, Rev Tor, Tom Constanten, as well as many others,
has released an album version of the songs from his political/psychologically
themed Rock Opera, Over The Line. A longtime resident of Boston, MA, Brian has
recently relocated to Philadelphia, PA.
The
Over The Line album is available for free listening and downloads here: http://www.brianvincentoconnell.com/music.cfm
Over The Line
was performed to rave reviews in February and June 2012 in Boston, MA in a
multimedia show featuring a 9-piece band, giant puppet actors, plus theatrical
narration and dialog.
A
compilation video of the Over The Line show can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6kGDwIHPo0
The story of
Over The Line follows the main character Sleepy Doormat, who one day has his
social belief system confronted by an activist. The resulting conversation
sends him into a psychological tailspin. He ends up falling asleep that night
in front of the TV and is confronted by ancient Goddesses in a dream journey to
the center of the self.
The album was
recorded in a unique fashion by using the multi-track recordings of a live
performance of Over The Line and then editing and overdubbing on to of them in
the studio.
O’Connell says,
“This is the culmination of several years of writing and scheming. I have
wanted to incorporate my interests in social justice activism and Jungian
psychology into an engaging prog-rock spectacle for some time. The performances
have been very well received and I’m excited to share these songs in an album
format.”
Review
highlights of the Over The Line live show from The Noise Magazine, July/August
2012 edition:
"...the
music is quite rousing and satisfying - very intelligent, multi-dynamic
prog-rock mixed with pop-folk - with tremendous musicians and singers adding
brilliant coloration...the interactive puppets turn this story into a deeper
fairy tale of contemplation and celebration. As they wander through the
audience, we all become part of the dream. It's a very ambitious project that
almost achieves a transcendent quality."