LABEL NEWS

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JSS (JEFF SCOTT SOTO)
Legendary hard rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) will embark on a European tour starting on April 1 in support of the release on his brand new album "Beautiful Mess" released this week in Europe on Frontiers Records. His schedule is shaping up as follows:

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Mar. 14 - 5th Annual Rock & Pop Masters at Weston Regional Park - Weston, Florida
Apr. 01 - Headbangers Ballroom - Hamburg, Hamburg
Apr. 03 - De Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
Apr. 04 - Werkstadt - Witten, Germany
Apr. 05 - Biebob - Vosselaar, Belgium
Apr. 07 - Rock Garage - Munich, Germany
Apr. 09 - Diesel Club - Budapest, Romania
Apr. 11 - Blue Box - Sofia, Bulgaria
Apr. 14 - Urban - Perugia, Italy
Apr. 15 - Sottotetto Sound Club - Bologna, Italy
Apr. 16 - IL Peocio - Trofarello/Torino, Italy
Apr. 18 - Heineken Sala Arena - Madrid, Spain
Apr. 19 - [to be announced] - Barcelona, Spain
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Jeff Scott Soto's touring line-up includes:
Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals
Jorge Salan - Lead Guitar
Fernando Mainer (TAKO) - Bass
Edu Cominato (TEMPESTT) - Drums
BJ (TEMPESTT) - Guitar
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Jorge Salan is the young-blood hotshot from Madrid, Spain whom Jeff met through his many tours through Spain. Jeff even contributed vocals on one track for Jorge's 2007 solo album, "Chronicles Of An Evolution", which is where Jeff first discovered this fresh new talent. Brought along on bass from Jorge's solo band is Fernando Mainer, who has played with a popular Spanish band TAKO along with many others from his native land.
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New drummer, Edu Cominato, hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Edu has toured as Jeff's drummer throughout Brazil as well as with his own band, TEMPESTT, where they shared stages throughout Europe on a Jeff Scott Soto-introduced/guest tour for TEMPESTT back in 2008. A fifth member - a man simply named BJ, also from the band TEMPESTT - will serve as second guitarist/keyboardist for the new band.
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In other news, JSS will shoot a new, full headline show for DVD in Madrid on April 18, with Jorge's solo band as support for the show. Jorge, too, will be shooting a live DVD in which Jeff will guest on the number "No Salvation", which he sang on "Chronicles.". This will be Jeff's first full live show to be released on DVD as the only other live DVD from the Gods show in 2002 was a limited setlist. The new show will consist primarily of Jeff Scott Soto solo material with the blend of expected numbers from Soto's past.
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Jeff says, "I am having a blast creating the new setlist as now I have four solo albums under my belt and familiar material for days to have fun with live. But I won't forget the numbers that make everyone stand up and shout!"
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KIP WINGER
Multi-platinum recording artist, producer and songwriter Kip Winger was recently presented with an honorary plaque and a historic United States of America flag by The Government of the United States. Winger was recognized for his musical composition "Blue Suede Shoes" honoring the service and sacrifice of the United States armed forces and their families.
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In a surprise presentation ceremony during the taping of "Legends & Lyrics", General Harold Cross honored and praised Kip for his work on "Winger IV".
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The flag has historic significance as it was the last United States of America flag to fly over Forward Operating Base, Kalsu, located in Iskandaria, Iraq, 20 miles south of Baghdad. Before it was turned over to the Iraqis, FOB Kalsu was the U.S. Army soldier's broadband Internet services facility in Iraq as well as a base to stop enemy activity in the Sunni Triangle."Winger IV"'s concept and emphasis was on our military and what it was like to be solider, form a soldiers perspective, leaving politics at the door. Kip had a vision to support the American troops that are standing ground in Iraq and elsewhere. "I had been doing solo shows at military bases and in speaking with many of the soldiers, their stories touched me," explains Kip. "It was amazing to hear how far-reaching our music was and how many soldiers have been moved by it. I was truly humbled by the stories."
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The album artwork was handled by Ethan Van Sciver who wanted to put in his part for our military. Sciver is a renowned DC Comics book artist and penciler who has contributed (among others) to Cyberfrog, new X-Men, The Flash: Iron Heights and Impulse. The "Guardian Of Freedom" album art depicts our military's finest protecting with guardian angels that are representative of our prayers we send.
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Kip is currently promoting his latest solo CD, "From The Moon To The Sun" released on Frontiers in May '08. He recently completed his first orchestral piece for ballet choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, director of Morphoses Ballet Co., that will be used for San Francisco Ballet. The musical world premier of "Ghosts" will be with the Tucson Symphony on November 14 and 15. Kip and Reb Beach have also just begun writing material for a new WINGER release.
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JORN
JORN's latest DVD "Live In America" released on Frontiers Records on January 23rd in Europe reached n.1 in the DVD national sales charts in Norway In the week number 7.Congratulations to everyone involved !
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WORK OF ART
WORK OF ART are busy in the process of writing new songs destined for inclusion in the band's second album. "To be honest, we never really thought past our first record", says guitarist and main composer Robert Sall "We were just happy to get the chance to record "Artwork" and then go back to do whatever we're doing outside the band. But thanks to the fantastic response our first album has received, it would be a shame NOT to do a second one. In other words, if we did the first album for ourselves, this second one surely will be for YOU, the fans! We have just started working on it and we're aiming for an early 2010 release. Hopefully we'll start recording in April. Musically, I understand that we have both traditional AOR fans and Westcoast music fans so we'll try to have songs that will please both!"
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ECLIPSE
ECLIPSE will make a special live appearance in Italy on Sunday April 26th in Bologna at the Sottotetto Sound Club Bologna (http://www.sottotetto.org/). The Swedish Melodic Hard Rock band will appear in the VI HARDSOUND.COM HEAVY BIRTHDAY - HARD ROCK DAY together with SHAKRA, POLUTION, EDGE OF FOREVER and BLACK ROSES.
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MELODIC ROCK FANZINE
Frontiers Records is proud to present the new issue of MELODIC ROCK FANZINE. The 30th release of our successful magazine is available for free all over the world through record shops, mailorders and every fine dealer carrying the Frontiers Records releases.
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This new issue includes reviews and interviews of JSS, Place Vendome, Tall Stories, Balance, Places Of Power, Vision Divine, Bad Habit, Doro, Cryonic Temple, Theocracy, Elektradrive ... and more!
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Electronic version of the magazine is available on the Frontiers official site and here.

LABEL NEWS

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Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the European release of GREAT WHITE brand new studio album "Rising" on March 13th 2009.

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Since reuniting in January 2007 to perform at a benefit concert, GREAT WHITE has moved forward releasing their comeback album "Back to the Rhythm" to commemorate their 25th anniversary. Hailed by critics and fans as a return to the heydays of the band, GREAT WHITE performed live on a world tour that ended in early 2008, after a successful string of 14 dates all over Europe.

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Long time members Jack Russell (vocals), Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) with new bassist Scott Snyder (ex RAMOS) have spent the last few months in the studio writing and recording new songs. "I think had we done this record back in the day it would hold up to anything we've ever done and also fit perfectly" says guitar player Mark Kendall "When we make music with Jack singing and me playing guitar along with Michael Lardie, it's going to sound like Great White no matter what era".
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"The new album for me was extension of the affection we have for playing music together" says Michael Lardie, "I believe the songs are a bit more introspective true to life experience for us, not all the songs were written as we went into the studio, so I feel there is a freshness to the tracks as a result".

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According to singer Jack Russell, "The band is in great shape and everyone is excited about the new year. We can't wait to tour and play some of the new music live. Our new bass player Scott is a great guy who can really play. The stuff he wrote to our new music is awesome!"

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Just like the previous album, "Rising", was mixed, produced, and engineered by Michael Lardie. The new cd rocks from start to finish and shows the band's maturity in writing amazing Rock anthems, killer Blues numbers, melodic mid-tempos and heartfelt ballads.

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"Rising" tracklisting includes:

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Situation; All Or Nothin'; I Don't Mind; Shine; Loveless; Is It Enough; Last Chance; Danger Zone; Down On The Level; Only You Can Do; My Sanctuary; Let's Spend the Night Together (European bonus track).

OUT MARCH 13, 2009

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GREAT WHITE

"Rising"

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Release Date: 13/03/2009

Catalog Number: FR CD 407

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Track Listing:
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01 Situation 5:00
02 All Or Nothin' 5:19
03 I Don't Mind 5:19
04 Shine 5:54
05 Loveless 5:39
06 Is It Enough 4:14
07 Last Chance 4:11
08 Danger Zone 4:37
09 Down On The Level 4:03
10 Only You Can Do 5:02
11 My Sanctuary 5:36
12 Let's Spend The Night Together 3:48

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Jack Russell: lead & background vocals

Mark Kendall: guitar & background vocals

Audie Desbrow: drums

Michael Lardie: guitar, keyboards, harmonica, sitar & background vocals

Scott Snyder: bass & background vocals

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Produced, engineered & mixed by Michael Lardie

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Since reuniting in January 2007 to perform a benefit concert, Great White has moved forward with the successful release in the summer of the same year of their return album “Back to the Rhythm”, a record which was hailed by critics and fans as a return to the heydays of the band.

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After a world tour that celebrated the first 25 years of Great White and that brought them for 14 concerts to Europe, bass player Sean McNabb opted out and was replaced by Scott Snyder (ex Ramos, Accomplice). The band (which of course includes long-time members by Jack Russell, Michael Lardie, Audie Desbrow and Mark Kendall) went back to the studio and produced the brand new album “Rising”, once again a tribute to the Great White root sound with Rock, Blues and strong melodic elements.

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The Southern California blues Hard Rock band first took a bite out of the rock scene in 1984 and since then has achieved worldwide success, encompassing sales of over six million records. They received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and earned a double platinum certification for the album “…Twice Shy”. The soulful, blues-based signature sound that turned songs like "Face The Day", "Rock Me" and "Save Your Love" into international hits, can also be found on the new songs which are currently being mixed by the band’s keyboard player Michael Lardie.

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The late 80's were boom years for the band, marked by non-stop touring with some of the biggest bands of the era and playing also in Europe and Japan. Great White recorded two more albums for Capitol — “Hooked”, which was certified gold and “Psycho City”. Although Capitol issued a Best Of compilation in 1993, Great White had already departed the label to begin work on their next studio release, “Sail Away”, released on Zoo Records in 1994 supporting it with relentless touring. Their next release, “Let It Rock” in 1996. Great White then released on Portrait Records/Sony “Can’t Get There from Here” was released in 1999 and was the last album before the reunion of 2007.

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STREET LEGAL

"Bite The Bullet"
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Release Date: 13/03/2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 408
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Track Listing:
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01 Loading Up 4:10
02 Somebody Up There Likes Me 3:57
03 Unconditional Love 4:07
04 Warriors Of Genghis Khan 2:45
05 Shadow In My Heart 5:15
06 Bite The Bullet 3:46
07 Starship Trooper 5:14
08 Trapped 4:45
09 The Battle Of Kringen 5:03
10 Maniac 4:21
11 Silent Tear 6:10
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Bjorn Boge – vocals, bass
Oysten Boge – drums
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with
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Tore Osby, Rolf Bjorseth – guitars
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The singer and bass player of STREET LEGAL, Bjørn Boge, was a member of the Norwegian AOR band DaVinci in the late 80s , enjoying several #1 hit singles in his home country. Tired of endless arguments over both business and musical direction, he decided it was time to build something from scratch. Together with drummer Bjørn Olav Lauvdal (BOL), Bjorn Boge created STREET LEGAL, sharing the same musical vision: energy and melody - balls with brains - Motorhead meets the Eagles ! Heavily influenced by classic Hard Rock acts such as Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, UFO/MSG, OZZY and Van Halen, with no sign of “alternative” musical directions, STREET LEGAL wanted to create something unique: a truly classy vintage Hard Rock band! Could this be done? Yes indeed.

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The band’s debut CD “Thunderdome” was a long one in the making but when guitar player Ken Ingwersen finally joined the band things started to move real fast. On the 21st of May 1999 STREET LEGAL also played their first official gig at Rockefeller, Norway’s biggest rock club - as support act for W.A.S.P. In front of 1100 fans they completely outplayed W.A.S.P. with the press writing: - «Iron Maiden threatened Kiss in 1980, Clawfinger showed muscle before Anthrax in 1990, Skunk Anansie blew away Therapy? in 1995. In 1999 Street Legal outplayed W.A.S.P.» - Stig Myhre (Nettpuls). "Street Legal should be the next Norwegian act to make a remarkable impact on an international level” - Jan Dahle (Scream).

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Frontiers released “Thunderdome” in Europe on March 6th 2000, gathering excellent responses from fans and critics. Especially renowned for their outstanding live shows, Street Legal also appeared at the Sweden Rock Festival in June and at The Gods Festival in the UK in November 2000. Their music was often compared to Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake and Blue Murder a sound deeply rooted in the late 70’s, but clearly present in our day and age. After a long period of hibernation and lineup changes, Street Legal are now back with a brand new album.

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The band is now formed by main man Bjorn Boge on bass and vocals and his brother Oystein on drums, with Tore Ostby (ex ARK, Conception) and Rolf Bjorseth on guitars. “Bite the bullet” is a true piece of Classic Rock” says singer and bassist Bjorn Boge. “Groovy. Bluesy. Very melodic. And lots of cool guitar stuff ! More “organic” than “Thunderdome” soundwise, but with lots of energy and passion. The boys are back in town!” “Bite The Bullet” was produced by Bjorn Boge and mixed and mastered by Tommy Newton (Helloween, Victory, UFO).

WETTON / DOWNES - ICON

"3"

Release Date: 13/03/2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 406
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01 Twice The Man I Was 4:42
02 Destiny 5:22
03 Green Lights And Blue Skies 4:25
04 Raven 3:57
05 My Life Is In Your Hands 6:21
06 Sex, Power and Money 4:28
07 Anna's Kiss 4:30
08 Under The Sky 4:54
09 Don't Go Out Tonight 4:05
10 Never Thought I'd See You 5:04
11 Peace In Our Time 5:39
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John Wetton– vocals, bass
Geoff Downes – keyboards
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with
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Dave Kilminster - guitar
Hugh McDowell - cello
Pete Riley – drums
Special guests:
Andreas Wollenweider – harp
Anne-Marie Helder – female voice

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John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes cut their musical teeth on English church music as young boys, each was gifted with an ear for a good tune, be it ABBA or the Beach Boys. Their musical careers developed soon with John playing and singing with KING CRIMSON and UK, while Geoff got enormous exposure with the BUGGLES’ massive hit “Video Killed The Radio Star” in 1979, later on joining the latest incarnation of YES for the release of “Drama”. Like a "bolt from the blue", lightning struck in 1981 when they came together in Asia, a band that epitomized the MTV friendly power rock explosion in the 80’s. Asia’s eponymous release was the best selling album in the world in 1982, number 1 in the USA for 9 weeks, turning gold and platinum on every continent. The second and third Asia albums were also big sellers worldwide and enjoyed several hit singles. Unfortunately, messers Wetton and Downes went their separate ways in 1985 and since then Asia has been through several incarnations. Still – during the years - there was a consistent demand that Geoff and John should recreate the exceptional foundation upon which the Asia pyramid had been formed.

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Their paths crossed again for the first time since 1990, when they graced the same stage together during 2002’s John Wetton fan convention in Philadelphia. Geoff consequently contributed to the writing and playing on Wetton’s 2003 solo album, “Rock of Faith” and it became clear that the two had some unfinished business.

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During 2004 they finally entered the studio with ideas and energy, sat round the same piano upon which they had written the 1980s anthems, and emerged with the first album of their renewed partnership christened “iCon”. The album was easily their best artistic product for many years and immediately became very popular among the fans. John and Geoff have therefore decided to pursue this collaboration, giving birth to another album “Rubicon”, which followed a very busy year made up of one EP, one acoustic album/DVD and one live album recorded during a series of successful European dates from October 2005 to spring 2006.

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A reunion of the original Asia line up occurred in a September 2006 USA tour, and Asia has toured the world in 2007 and 2008. Fans and critics alike have embraced the music of John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes, whose songwriting formed much of the fabric of 2008’s successful Asia original lineup reunion release, “Phoenix”. The two took advantage of a short break from international touring to write and record their third studio album. The cover art is based on the OM symbol, a universal icon, not specific to one religion, and means “everything,” reflecting the diverse nature of the album’s material. On this new record, the pure power of Geoff Downes’ keyboards and John Wetton’s jaw-dropping voice and stellar bass playing are enhanced by compelling guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson. Former ELO Cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound has helped frame all three iCon studio releases, is once again involved. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, considered one of the “best drummers in the world”, whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style. Renowned new age harpist Andreas Vollenweider added his unique sound to the third iCon album playing on “Raven’” and “Anna’s Kiss’” while acclaimed vocalist Anne-Marie Helder (Karnataka, Mostly Autumn) appears as special guest on vocals.

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John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes are pleased to be able to respond to fan and critical demand by returning to the studio to create this new album and then to share it live with these outstanding players.

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LABEL NEWS

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Frontiers Records is particularly pleased to announce the come back release from STREET LEGAL "Bite The Bullet" due for release in Europe on March 13th 2009.

STREET LEGAL name came to prominence for the first time during the year 2000 when the band's debut "Thunderdome" was released with strong critical acclaim in Europe on Frontiers Records. The band did already build a a solid reputation with some great live shows in their home country Norway, particularly their first show in May 99 as support of W.A.S.P. gathered such comments as: - «Iron Maiden threatened Kiss in 1980, Clawfinger showed muscle before Anthrax in 1990, Skunk Anansie blew away Therapy? in 1995. In 1999 Street Legal outplayed W.A.S.P.» - Stig Myhre (Nettpuls). "Street Legal should be the next Norwegian act to make a remarkable impact on an international level" - Jan Dahle (Scream). After the release of "Thuderdome", STREET LEGAL performed some killer shows at the Sweden Rock Festival and at the Gods Festival in the UK.

Soundwise, these Norwegian rockers have been often compared to THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE and BLUE MURDER. "Classic rock with a strong blues foundation, still very harmony driven", comments bass player and singer Bjorn Boge, when asked to describe the sound of the band to the uninitiated. "A lot of influences from the past: Westcoast Music, Metal, Hard Rock from the late 70´s. Always with focus on the song. Lyrics are also important. Chuck Frazier, my buddy in the lyric department is the major force behind this".

After a long hiatus and some line-up changes, STREET LEGAL are now back to Rock with a superb new album that takes from where the previous has left. Bjorn explains: "This record marks the introduction of my brother Oystein as the drummer in the band and also brings a more straightforward rock'n roll approach than "Thunderdome". For the time being we decided to stick with just the two of us. We know a lot of great guitar players, so the live lineup will be as strong as ever". With Bjorn and his brother Oysten on drums, featured on the album there are Tore Ostby (ex ARK, Conception) and Rolf Bjorseth playing guitars.

Bjorn concludes: "It's been a long and bumpy ride the last nine years for Street Legal. Since Thunderdome we went through heaven and hell: tourbus accident, personal disasters, depressions, divorces. The only problem we didn't have was drugs! "Bite the bullet" was so hard to make, that we sometimes felt it was better to quit and call it a day. But we didn't. And today I am very proud of what came out of this process. Street Legal will kick serious ass again. Looking forward to see you on the road!"

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Final tracklisting of "Bite the Bullet" includes: Loading Up; Somebody Up There Likes Me; Unconditional Love; Warriors of Gengis Khan; Shadow In My Heart; Bite The Bullet; Starship Trooper; Trapped; The Battle of Kringen; Maniac; Silent Tear.

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Weblinks:

www.myspace.com/streetlegalnorway

http://www.frontiers.it/

www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

LABEL NEWS 2009/02

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Wetton / Downes iCon

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Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Wetton/Downes iCon new original studio album "3" on March 13th 2009. Since the start of their new artistic union in 2002, John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes have produced several superb releases. During 2004 when they finally sat again around the same piano upon which they had written the 80's anthems, they emerged with the first album of their renewed partnership christened "iCon": an outstanding musical creation that met with the unanimous fan and critical acclaim.

John and Geoff therefore decided to pursue this collaboration, giving birth to another outstanding album "Rubicon" in 2006, which followed one EP, one acoustic album/DVD and one live album recorded during a series of successful European dates from October 2005 to spring 2006.

John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes' songwriting formed much of the fabric of 2008's successful Asia original lineup reunion release: "Phoenix" an excellent record which gathered great chart success all over the world.

While Asia is on a temporary hiatus (the band will be back in 2009 for more dates), fans have demanded more from Wetton and Downes; the two enjoy each other's company and love writing together. They were happy to oblige, so the duo took advantage of a short break from international touring in 2008 to write and record their third iCon studio album. The cover art is based on the OM symbol, a universal syllable, not specific to one religion meaning "everything" as a reflection the diverse nature of the album's musical offering.

On the record, the pure power of Geoff Downes' keyboards and John Wetton's jaw-dropping voice and stellar bass playing are enhanced by the performances of the compelling guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson and former ELO cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound has helped frame all three iCon studio releases. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style.

Renowned new age harpist Andreas Vollenweider also appears as special guest, adding his unique sound to the album, playing on "Raven'" and "Anna's Kiss'", while acclaimed vocalist Anne-Marie Helder (Karnataka, Mostly Autumn) appears as special guest on vocals on several songs.

The band will present the new songs with a small Japan and European tour:
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February 7 Japan, Fukuoka (2 shows)

February 9 Japan, Osaka (2 shows)
February 11 Japan, Tokyo (2 shows)
February 12 Japan, Tokyo (2 shows)
February 19, Zoetermeer, Boerderij, Holland
February 21, London, Mary's LeBow Church, England
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The London show will be particularly special as it will be held in the St. Mary's LeBow Church and will be recorded in its entirety for a future Live CD/DVD release. It has been already sold out to enthusiastic fans, prompting management to release a few extra tickets initially reserved for press. These tickets are available at http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/. Search for "iCon", "John Wetton" "Geoff Downes" or "Wetton-Downes' iCon.

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The new album tracklisting will include the following songs:
Twice The Man I Was / Destiny / Green Lights and Blue Skies / Raven / Sex, Power and Money / Anna's Kiss / Under The Sky / Don't Go Out Tonight / Never Thought I'd See You Again / Peace In Our Time.

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Weblinks:

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http://www.johnwetton.com/

http://www.geoffreydownes.com/
www.myspace.com/wettondownesicon
http://www.frontiers.it/
www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords

Advertising Feb. '09

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