Newbie Me

Hi folks.. First of all : This is a great site!... definately the best prog forum I've seen.

Now I will introduce myself.

My name is Chris Flynn and I the lead singer from the band "Art in America".. We released an  LP in 1983 produced by Eddy Offord (Yes, ELP) arrangement help from Steve Morse and T Lavitz played keys on that first record.. Sony/BMG re-released the the record for CD in 1996.. It is still around. We also have new music coming in 2006 with all the original members and keyboardist name G. Galloway.  Our band toured , and also opened for acts on tour such as : Bruford, Roxy Music, King Crimson, U2, Captain Beefheart, etc..

Anyway,  I am a big lover of prog ever since Court of the Crimson King and the first time a saw YES in Detroit...  A friend turned me on to Watchers of the Skies  back in the 70s  , and I've been hooked on Genesis and Gabriel ever since.

I have a very extensive LP collection of prog , fusion, classical and classic rock.  My favorite band of all time would still have to be Genesis, followed closely by Yes.. Beatles 4 and  Pink Floyd would probably be 5th.  New prog I love is:  Porcupine Tree and Ozric Tentacles.  Other newer bands I dig are Radiohead, THe Mars Volta, Spocks Beard (Octane and of course of of the earlier CDs) , Eisley  ( not prog but a great melodic band, with tons of un-tapped talent)....

Thanks all.. I'll be seeing you on these here boards.

 Great stuff! Welcome.

Hi Chris and welcome,

 

I started a thread recently asking what happened to Eddie O after his days in 70's with Yes/ELP.

What was he like to work with? Do you know what he's been doing since early 80's?

Hi Nutter.. Back again. Eddy still produces. He produced 2 records for the band 311 .I'm not sure what else.  It was great to work with him.  He is the opposite of a tyrant, and mainly just works on laying down the tracks.  He likes to record the band together all at once.   At then you scratch everything but the drums and re-build. He is very english and shy... by english I mean reserved.  He is a fast thinker and does not like to dilly dally on any given part... get it, and move on.

There were some Yes storys  and for Eddy's  privacy I don't think I'll repeat them.. Let's just say that at that time Eddy and YES were not speaking.

 Our record was recorded in an old Atlanta movie theatre that he bought.. he took out the first 10 rows and that is where he put his board,most of his outboard effects and his analog 24 track.  (it was the same 24 track that he used when touring with YES... the same 24 track that recorded Tales of Topographic Oceans).  Guitar and Bass amps were placed all the way up in the room that the movie projector used to be in.. A room with no acoustic foam... but wood floors...  very "live" sounding room.. lots of echo...  You can really hear the sound of that projection room all over our record..

The management team we had at that time, was having difficulties getting the money or they were withholding it.. I don't know which,  and they were not getting it down to Eddy...  Let's just say that led to some delays... And I don't fault Eddy for it. Not sure if I can fault the management team either... It was just one of those things, and I am in the dark as to who was to blame.

I look very fondly upon working with Eddy, and if we could get the money together, we would record with him again in a heartbeat.

Eddy and his wife Valma did come to see an Art in America show at the Dragonfly in Los Angeles. They seemed to really enjoy it. Our parting words were of course, lets do it again. One can only dream..

Since those days, Art in America's music has matured and indeed is a bit proggier. If you feel like  it,  click on the Myspace link below and listen to the song "Targets." That is a sample of our newer material , as is the song " Shadows in the Corner".  dark stuff..

I'll post more about Eddy after I get together with the boys this weekend and try to remember some things.  See ya.




Edited by Chris Flynn

Thanks Nutter. I plan on spending time here. This appears to be the best of all the prog forums.