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Plays: 9649
Views: 8953 |
Members: Gary Bray [egtr-"Ship Of Pride"] Denis Gignac [egtr-"Home Again" & "Have You Heard"]  Cary Clouser [Vocals/Flute/Piano&Keyboards/gtr]  Clayton Kelly [Bass - "Don't Know!" - "Ship Of Pride" - "Have You Heard" - "Home Again"]
Official Site: www.oracletheband.net iSound Site: www.isound.com/cary_clouser
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With high expectations, and remarkable musicianship, Cary is a composer, writer and performer of the highest grade. He has also graduated from Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Toronto, where he has enhanced his technical skills.
Having played music fo |
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Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 Progessive Ears Review - by "Windhawk" / Oslo, Norway Member: Windhawk (Profile) (All Album Reviews by Windhawk)
Date: 9/30/2008
Format: CD (Album)
Based in Canada, multi-instrumentalist Cary Clouser may be known by some as a member of Jethro Tull tribute band Oracle; that got some press coverage when they won "The Niagara Music Award for Best Tribute Band 2008". Clouser has decided to try out a solo career as well these days, and Finger Paintings is his debut album.
With a background from a Tull tribute band, you might expect Clouser's solo output to be pretty similar to this fine British band too, especially as he in Oracle handles vocals and flutes (in addition to guitars and keyboards). But apart from one composition, "Don't Know", you won't find much material on this CD reminding strongly, or even remotely, the style of music Jethro Tull have explored over the years.
Indeed, the driving and dominating instrument in these tunes is the piano. It's been quite a while since I last encountered a prog rock album so heavily dominated by this fine instrument. Guitars, mostly dampened and often acoustic, add nuances and textures to the melodies; and well-planned symphonic textures are applied by keyboards in most tunes. The vocals are even more central in most tunes; clear and melodic they really add to the songs - except for the instrumentals of course.
As style goes, this comes across as a mix of mellow AOR and Kansas in my ears, with a few touches that reminds me more of Yes. My knowledge is somewhat limited to 70's rock though, so other (read: older) listeners may find other artists that have influenced this fine artist. No matter the influences, the end result is entertaining music with a certain pop sensibility to it.
For piano aficionados, the instrumental “Dark” in both of it's expressions should be quite intriguing; and for those who think the tune Precious in it's length of just over 9 minutes is a bit long; it has been divided into three separate tracks on the CD. For the curious and the ones who want to know a bit more about the artist, there's an long interview with Cary Clouser at the very end of this CD, lasting for a bit over 30 minutes.
This is an album that should appeal to people enjoying 70's tinged rock of the more mellow kind; and in particular those who enjoy symphonic tendencies with their rock. It's not an album that will never top the Billboard charts, but it is a fine release by a talented artist exploring a niche of music not too many others are active in these days.
My rating: 69/100
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| Date |
Location |
Venue |
| Feb.15.2008 |
Port Colborne, Ontario, |
Reeb House |
| Mar.25.2008 |
Niagara Falls,Ontario, |
Niagara Music Awards |
| May.17.2008 |
Niagara Falls, Ontario, |
Blue Lagoon |
| May.24.2008 |
Port Colborne, Ontario, On |
Reeb House |
| May.25.2008 |
Welland, Ontario, |
Club Richelieu |
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 | Finger PaintingsNot Rated Released: 2008 Mp3 Price: $7.99
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Click on one of the albums below for more info.
|  | Finger PaintingsNot Rated Released: 2008 Mp3 Price: $7.99
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| Song |
Play |
Get Ringtone |
Price |
| Into Thy Hands |  |  | $.99 | | Ship Of Pride |  |  | $.99 | Important: you should turn off any pop-up blockers as the mp3 player is a pop-up window and may not load! |
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| Cary Clouser @ Reeb House on 05.24.08 | | Venue: | Reeb House | | Date: | 05.24.08 | | Time: | 9:30 pm | | Location: | Port Colborne, Ontario, On [CA] | | Price: | | | Description: | Hwy #3. 1/2 hour from Buffalo N.Y |
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With high expectations, and remarkable musicianship, Cary is a composer, writer and performer of the highest grade. He has also graduated from Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Toronto, where he has enhanced his technical skills.
Having played music for the last 25 years, Cary has gathered a wide range of musical traditions. Being in bands such as Visions of Eight, Soundbox,and to this day "Oracle" he has become experienced with playing rock, progressive rock, jazz and even country. Although able to perform such a diversified repertoire, he finds more grace in the progressive rock technique. From Mozart to the Beatles and Jethro Tull, Cary performs his music using a modernized sound, an approach which he feels is necessary to capture the interests of today’s society, while still celebrating the works of the great song writers.
Natural and unique, Cary is a true showman, musician and artist, painting a brilliant picture with every song that he performs. Cary’s desires are to write, play and record perfect music for the enjoyment of others. Together with Oracle, witness his talent, combined with driving ambition and sheer determination, to blend passionate, thought provoking music with high energy.
The Question Is not "Will Cary achieve his Goals, but when"
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| Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 Progessive Ears Review - by "Windhawk" / Oslo, Norway Member: Windhawk (Profile) (All Album Reviews by Windhawk)
Date: 9/30/2008
Format: CD (Album)
Based in Canada, multi-instrumentalist Cary Clouser may be known by some as a member of Jethro Tull tribute band Oracle; that got some press coverage when they won "The Niagara Music Award for Best Tribute Band 2008". Clouser has decided to try out a solo career as well these days, and Finger Paintings is his debut album.
With a background from a Tull tribute band, you might expect Clouser's solo output to be pretty similar to this fine British band too, especially as he in Oracle handles vocals and flutes (in addition to guitars and keyboards). But apart from one composition, "Don't Know", you won't find much material on this CD reminding strongly, or even remotely, the style of music Jethro Tull have explored over the years.
Indeed, the driving and dominating instrument in these tunes is the piano. It's been quite a while since I last encountered a prog rock album so heavily dominated by this fine instrument. Guitars, mostly dampened and often acoustic, add nuances and textures to the melodies; and well-planned symphonic textures are applied by keyboards in most tunes. The vocals are even more central in most tunes; clear and melodic they really add to the songs - except for the instrumentals of course.
As style goes, this comes across as a mix of mellow AOR and Kansas in my ears, with a few touches that reminds me more of Yes. My knowledge is somewhat limited to 70's rock though, so other (read: older) listeners may find other artists that have influenced this fine artist. No matter the influences, the end result is entertaining music with a certain pop sensibility to it.
For piano aficionados, the instrumental “Dark” in both of it's expressions should be quite intriguing; and for those who think the tune Precious in it's length of just over 9 minutes is a bit long; it has been divided into three separate tracks on the CD. For the curious and the ones who want to know a bit more about the artist, there's an long interview with Cary Clouser at the very end of this CD, lasting for a bit over 30 minutes.
This is an album that should appeal to people enjoying 70's tinged rock of the more mellow kind; and in particular those who enjoy symphonic tendencies with their rock. It's not an album that will never top the Billboard charts, but it is a fine release by a talented artist exploring a niche of music not too many others are active in these days.
My rating: 69/100
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 12:14 PM |
| Monday, September 29th, 2008 Finger Paintings Review By: Windhawk from Norway Windhawk
Sep 29 2008
Above average
CD
[Rating17866276] Promising debut by this Canadian artist.
Normally this guy play in a Jethro Tull tribute band; and one might expect this to carry over to a solo production, but apart from the quite Tull-influenced tune "Don't Know!", complete with flute solo, this isn't the case here.
Instead we're treated to a piano-dominated workout mixing influences from bands like Kansas and Yes with 70's AOR, with symphonic-tinged keyboards adding textures and acoustic; and sometimes electric; guitars adding subtle detail to the melodies. The piano is the driving instrument though, everything is based around that instrument.
Clouser has a good voice, and he's a fair songwriter as well. Nothing that sets the world on fire here, but if uplifting proggish AOR sounds like a good thing to you, this CD should be on your list of albums that should be checked out.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 7:52 AM |
| Sunday, September 28th, 2008 14 Hour Technicolour Dream - V-Band 20 Sep 08 Saturday
***14 HOUR TECHNICOLOUR DREAM: THE VIRTUAL BAND (aka ’the V-Band’)
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Music
***14 HOUR TECHNICOLOUR DREAM: THE VIRTUAL BAND (aka 'the V-Band') is a Syn-sponsored, ongoing project headed up by myself as executive producer.
The V-Band's first offerring will be "Reasons & Rituals" (Nardelli) featuring Steve Nardelli, Brett Kull, Kevin Still, Kelly Child, Cary Clouser, Steve Nicholas and Steve Sikes-Nova. "R&R" was recorded both virtual and live in Philadelphia at Brett Kull's MM3 Studios on September 13, 2008.
The track itself, photos, videod interviews, and a video of a live performance will be released prior to the release of The Syn's new CD 'Big Sky' as part of the new 'Mod Prog' series offerred by Umbrello Music Entertainment, LLC, London/New York.
Stay tuned to The Syn's official blog (are you signed up?) and watch for bulletins/press releases both for breaking news and more detailed information!***
:)Steve S-N
"Stay mod...and stay tuned!!!"
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 11:20 AM |
| Friday, September 19th, 2008 V-Band Session Man, Sept 13 was a great time in Philly.
Steve Nardelli of "The Syn" was very easy going with the whole project, pretty amazing for a man of he's caliber.
Steve Sikes-Nova from "Newgrass, Prog & More Radio" well, what can I say. A tower of power.
Brett Kull of the band "Echolyn" is a great host and engineer.
Kelly and Steve played very nicely on the track as well.
Last but not lest Gina for all her help in recording and picture taking with cameras and video cameras.
Can't wait for the next session.
Cary.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 3:19 PM |
| Monday, September 1st, 2008 Clinton N.Y Music & Art Fest 2008 I want to give a 1000 thanks to Nick & Jen from Melodic Revolution Records for having us at the festival. We had a great time. We'll see you next year.
Cary & Oracle.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 6:41 AM |
| Friday, August 22nd, 2008 Recording Session Saturday, September 13th is the date "set in stone" according to Steve N. who I talked with last evening. We begin recording at Brett Kull's studio in Philadelphia around Noon and go as long a necessary to make it right. If needed, Sunday is on the table as well.
Please email me off list at ssikesno at yahoo.com to give me a final confirmation if you plan to attend in person or you are going to send in your lead part via email/YouSendIt.
Oh - a new member of the V-Band who will be with us live in Philadelphia is the electric flautist, keyboardist, guitarist, vocalist, and soon-to-be mandolinist (I want to be a mandolinist!!!), my friend Cary Clouser from St. Ann's, Canada. He rocks! Listen to cuts from his excellent solo CD 'Finger Paintings' at:
http://www.isound.com/cary_clouser
and his award-winning Jethro Tull cover band (currently in transition to an originals band) Oracle:
http://www.myspace.com/oracletheband
Cary will be adding electric flute and harmony vocals to "Reasons & Rituals."
Very best,
:)Steve S-N
Executive Producer
14 Hour Technicolour Dream: The Virtual Band
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 6:10 AM |
| Sunday, August 10th, 2008 C.D Review - Newgrass,Prog & More Sunday, August 10, 2008
Newly Discovered 2008 ‘Prog Music of Note’: Cary Clouser
Current mood: animated
Category: Music
In my opinion, the frontman for the fine Canadian prog rock band Oracle, Cary Clouser, is a composer, writer and performer of significant talent. Both an excellent lead singer and an electric flute player in the mold of Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Cary has onstage and offstage chops (recording & production) having graduated from the Trebas Institute of Recording Arts in Toronto.
In his self-produced first solo CD, "Finger Paintings", Clouser showcases both his musicianship and significant songwriting talents. From the symphonic intro "Into Thy Hands" to the warm, personal epic "Precious", this is a rare CD indeed.
It is unusual to find all three elements of such consistent quality in a prog CD – vocals (IMO the place where many otherwise very good prog efforts fall short), songwriting, and musicianship; I rate this CD very highly in all three areas. Clouser's choice of backing musicians is a good one as well (Denis Gignac, Gary Bray, and Clayton Kelly) and they contribute the overall polished and professional sound of this effort.
You can hear Cary Clouser's music in full fidelity at:
http://www.isound.com/cary_clouser
My Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Steve Sikes-Nova
"the virginiaprograsser"
'Newgrass, Prog & More!' Web Radio & Interviews
2,000+ Progressive & Eclectic Listeners Worldwide
since 2003
http://www.myspace.com/virginiaprograsser
http://www.live365.com/stations/virginiaprograsser
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 7:57 PM |
| Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 CD Review - Prog.FM Welcome to PROG.FM.com
Progressive Rock Internet Radio
20 July 2008
I have begun adding more music.
So far, I've added some excellent new music by Cary Clouser, Ice, Vutdevuk, Albion and Moth Vellum.
Cary is the multitalented songwriter, singer and multi-instrumental frontman for Canadian progrock tribute band, Oracle. Cary kindly sent in his solo demo called Finger Paintings.
Vutdevuk is the prog rock pen name of Brady Arnold who is also an accomplished songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He provided several tracks from his discography.
Ice and Albion are neo-progressive bands from the Netherlands and Poland, respectively. Ice is squarely in the Marillion/Fish camp and Albion is a female-fronted ensemble that will easily appeal to fans of Karnateka and Magenta.
Also thanks to Moth Vellum for sending their new debut self-titled CD. This album could have easily been recorded in the mid-70's but it's amazingly crisp and well-produced. Even the album artwork screams "prog!" Recommended for fans of symphonic Yes, Genesis and Starcastle.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 1:59 PM |
| Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 CD Review - 70's English Progressive Rock "70's English Progressive Rock"
A unique radio station on Live365.com, 70's English Progessive Rock attempts to re-create the sound 70's college radio with album cuts instead of hits, great progressive music from around the world and even some new music; but always with a focus on the progressive/folk rock coming from the British Isles in the 70's.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Music for May
What a weekend. The radio station hard drive was failing and bringing down the station was my only choice. While it was down though I was able to get a couple of things done. The long awaited updates to the play list happened and more important, I was able to get a backup system in place for the next time. I also updated some of the older files to a higher format. Hopefully some of the songs will sound a bit better. So, lacking sleep and wishing the weekend had just started, here is the music I added to the station this weekend:
We start with some new music from Quidam and Cary Clouser...
Quidam - Alone Together (2007)
Like Porcupine Tree, Quidam bridges that gap between pop and progressive so nicely that if you are a prog only kinda listener, you hardly feel guilty. You'll find some beautiful melodies and pretty (okay, handsome) vocals throughout, but you are never far from a searing guitar solo. The sound has a strong 70's vibe but with a very modern feel. This is one of my favoriteprog releases in some time.
Cary Clouser - Finger Paintings (2008)
Cary is an indie prog artist with loads of talent. This CD is very much a one man effort with a little help here and there from a couple of bass and guitar players. But you won't know that by listening. There is a full produced sound here with an emphasis on piano based pop/prog. There is some fine soloing and nice vocals. Someone to keep an eye on.
Listen to 70's English Progressive on Live 365.com
http://www.live365.com/stations/infomas
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 1:58 PM |
| Monday, May 5th, 2008 Samples-(Presto-Deus Ex Machina Just a few songs that we are working on, comments always welcome on all the music we play.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 12:47 AM |
| Saturday, April 19th, 2008 Song For Grandma I'm so glad I found this raw recording. I thought it had been lost forever. I wrote this song for my grandmother's funeral. I could not find a copy of it anywhere. I was cleaning out some old tapes one day and there it was. God Speed Gram's.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 11:03 PM |
| Monday, April 14th, 2008 91.7 WMUH-FM Allentown, Pa A 1000 thanks to (Bill Fox)@ WMUH-FM 91.7 Allentown, PA for playing my music. Your the man Bill.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 4:35 PM |
| Friday, March 28th, 2008 Niagara Music Awards Well, we won at the "Niagara Music Awards" on Tuesday night for best tribute act (Jethro Tull) in the Niagara region. Very nice looking award. Go to pic's if you care to see the award.
A 1000 thanks to all who helped to put this event together.
Cary.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 11:21 AM |
| Saturday, March 22nd, 2008 Have You Heard?
Have you heard the word that’s goin’ around?
About a girl who pulled into town,
She drives a car that’s so out of style,
But in the end she makes it all worth while.
She’s got the devil’s gleam in her eyes,
She’ll show you magic and tell you sweet lies,
She’ll steal your money, then she’ll laugh in your face,
And leave you feelin’ like a total disgrace
Have you heard the word that’s goin’ around?
About a man who pulled out of town.
Drives his car along the miracle mile,
searching for the girl with the demon smile
He’s got the devil’s gleam in his eye,
He wants to give her his little surprise.
Holds a gun between her eyes,
Pulls the trigger just to sadly realize.
Have you heard the word that’s goin’ around?
Two were found dead on the outskirts of town.
Reason why we can only surmise,
Here is a lesson that I hope we realize.
If the devil gleams in your eyes,
Forget the magic and the smell of sweet lies.
Someday soon we all will see,
It’s nothing more than just a fantasy.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 5:17 AM |
| Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 Don't Know!
I don’t know why we live so ass backwards,
Hiding our fears with the tears that we cry.
People stand divided ready to fight,
With a push of a button, it could end overnight.
Disillusioned eyes may see, through the red tape and fantasies
Painted by misery, in hopes to see liberty.
Many times, I’d sit and watch the TV,
With politics and religion showing ways to be free,
I don’t see the truth in words that they say,
With all of this bloodshed in the countries they save.
Disillusioned eyes may see, through the red tape and fantasies
Painted by misery, in hopes to see liberty.
Then a day will come when we will see,
That its love we need to breed.
No more war, no more greedy thieves that will bring us to our knees.
Disillusioned eyes may see, through the red tape and fantasies
Painted by misery, in hopes to see liberty.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 10:49 PM |
| Monday, March 10th, 2008 Ship Of Pride
Part 1
The age of reason has come to pass,
We’re seeing it through the hour glass of time.
Should we really care what’s meant to be,
Or is it just a shadow of a memory in mind.
Part 2
Armed with the sun, being one,
That’s where the silent wind carries me away.
We could offer ourselves our love,
Freedom is balancing on the wings of reason.
Countless fantasies travelers explain,
Setting their sites for homeward bound.
Dancing, within the spirit, of the age,
And if that sacred, age could match, the inner flame,
Then we could sail, like faithful ships, through love’s blockade.
Regardless to fear that feels,
The challenge of being one.
The darkest night, with passing light, is lost in flight, a majestic sight.
To only know, where to go, to choose a sound, universal bound.
Celestial friends, have always been, here with us,
From dawn to dusk.
I’ve looked through the mirror of time and seen,
An ocean of faces laying waste at my feet.
I must have died and been born again,
To see such a sight from my ship of pride,
Ship of pride,
Ship of pride,
My ship of pride.
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 10:01 AM |
| Monday, March 10th, 2008 Precious
Part 1-Bright Morning Sun
These are the memories that I want to save like a photograph to view,
Never in my life, have I ever seen something as pure as you.
Nice to watch the sunrise, peace on earth renewed,
And when you make me smile, I feel like I’m brand new.
It’s you, Harmony
Yes, it’s you, Harmony.
The moment when you looked at me, I fell in love with you,
Like the flight of a gentle dove, I knew that we were two.
As the years may pass us by, I live my life for you.
These words I say in truth, a promise meant for you.
It’s you, Harmony
Yes, it’s you, Harmony.
So wake up little sunshine, the day is here for you,
So much to do, so much to learn, in every single way,
And when the day is over’ I’ll be waiting here for you.
Part 2-Life Lessons
Waving Goodbye, now don’t you cry, you’re on your way to school,
Growin’ so fast, how the time passed, now learn the golden rule,
About the world that we live in, it’s a beautiful place to see,
The people and spaces, and the differences in between.
Livin’, lovin’, huggin’ and kissin’, this is how it’s meant to be.
There’s too much war and hatred, it’s all the children seem to see.
Part 3-Home Again
Glad your’re back home again, how was your day?
Did you make you make friends? What games did you play?
Now you’re home again, oh yeah, I missed you.
This is the way of life, simple and free,
Someday you’ll be a wife and raise a family,
But for now just be my little girl.
Home again,
Good to have you home again.
Home again,
Glad to have you home again….
Posted By Cary Clouser @ 10:01 AM |
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