In his 31-year career, Tony MacAlpine has redefined instrumental hard rock, jazz-fusion and heavy metal for generations of progressive-minded music fanatics. Whether as a solo artist, or with the progressive supergroup PSMS (with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian); the ahead-of-its-time metal fusion band Planet X (with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati); the Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group CAB; or in the band of another guitar hero Steve Vai, MacAlpine has continued to evolve and set the bar exceedingly high. On September 1, Tony will release his new album Death of Roses (SunDog Records) – his first album since his battle with cancer. The album will be available digitally through major online retailers like iTunes, also available on CD, download, and a special 24-bit WAV edition directly from Tony’s website at www.tonymacalpine.com
The 7-track album is the first in a projected 2-part release. Death of Roses continues Tony’s ongoing evolution with hook-laden melodies, breathtaking solos, complex rhythms and crushing 7 and 8-string guitar riffs, complemented by his own equally exceptional keyboards. This is built atop a formidable rhythmic foundation laid down by Hungarian drum sensation Gergő Borlai (Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, Hiram Bullock), and returning bassist Pete Griffin (Generation Axe, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, Zappa Plays Zappa) who also played on Tony’s previous album Concrete Gardens. Says Tony of the band: “Pete is one of my favorite bass players and his contribution to Death of Roses is as rock-solid as it is intricate. Through Pete’s recommendation, I was thrilled to discover Gergo’s playing. He blew me away with his work on the album. He’s unquestionably innovative, and I look forward to getting even deeper with these guys on tour.” “With Death of Roses I focused on composition and layering,” says MacAlpine. “When I was sick and in treatment, I found myself unable to play, and the chemo gave me tremors in my hands and arms. The seeds of this record were planted during my recovery when I started building the compositions in my head. Fortunately, with healing and practice my faculties returned with a vengeance, and I set about recording this album, and its forthcoming companion.” During his illness in late 2015, his fellow musicians banded together for “A Benefit for Tony MacAlpine” at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, featuring performances from Steve Vai, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Derek Sherinian, John 5, Zakk Wylde, Paul Gilbert, Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello, Richie Kotzen, and hosted by Eddie Trunk. The show also combined with an auction featuring items donated from a who’s who of rock royalty.
“The outpouring of support I received from my fellow musicians and crew, fans, endorsements, and the music community at large was overwhelming, and it moved me greatly. It served as a huge inspiration for me to get back in the saddle. This album is possible because of their help, and I dedicate it to them.” Death of Roses was mixed by LA-based Brazilian producer and engineer Adair Daufembach, and mastered by Seva David Ball. “Adair and Seva both did great work on my last album Concrete Gardens, and they’ve outdone themselves again on Death of Roses.” As with any true artist, Tony remains driven by the desire to discover new ways to express himself through the music. “I’ve been releasing music for the last three decades, and in light of my recovery from recent health issues, I feel re-energized. I have so much more to say as a musician, and I hope you’ll join me for the ride.” Death of Roses Tracklisting:
1. Chrome Castles 3:37
2. Electric Illusionist 3:36
3. Synthetic Serenity 4:57
4. Death of Roses 4:08
5. Axiomatic Jewels 4:17
6. Entropy 4:10
7. Shundor Prithibi 5:20
Total Time: 30.05
Tony will be touring North America in September/October with Gergo Borlai on drums, Pete Griffin on bass, and Nas Abdalla on guitar. Innovative Venezuelan 14 & 16-string guitarist Felix Martin will be supporting on all dates. VIP Ticket upgrades available at http:// www.tonymacalpine.com/tours
Sep 01: San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
Sep 06: Denver, CO – Be On Key Psychedelic Ripple
Sep 08: Kansas City, MO – Prohibition Hall
Sep 09: Omaha, NE – Wired Pub & Grill
Sep 10: Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar and Hall
Sep 11: Des Moines, IA – Lefty’s Live Music
Sep 13: Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
Sep 14: Chicago, IL – Reggies
Sep 15: Detroit, MI – Token Lounge
Sep 16: Niagara Falls, NY – Hard Rock Cafe
Sep 17: Toronto, ON – The Garrison
Sep 18: Montreal, QC – Cafe Campus
Sep 19: Quebec City, QC – Le Cercle
Sep 21: Boston, MA – Sonia
Sep 22: New York City, NY – DROM
Sep 23: Philadelphia, PA – Voltage Lounge
Sep 25: Raleigh, NC – The Pour House
Sep 26: Charlotte, NC – The Rabbit Hole
Sep 27: Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
Sep 28: Memphis, TN – RockHouse Live
Sep 30: McKinney, TX – The Guitar Sanctuary
Oct 01: Houston, TX – Acadia Bar & Grill
Oct 02: San Antonio, TX – Jack’s Bar and Live Music Venue
Oct 04: Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
Oct 05: Mesa, AZ – Club Red
Oct 06: Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp’d
Oct 18: Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go
Oct 19: San Francisco, CA – Slims
Oct 21: Seattle, WA – El Corazon
Virtuoso Tony MacAlpine’s new record, ‘Death Of Roses” will be available through Tony MacAlpine’s website http://tonymacalpine.spinshop.com/