01 Jan 2020

Progressive Rock News – Picasso’s Dream – Central Ohio’s Premier Progressive Rock group launches new Single ‘Notion’

Picasso's Dream - Notion

Columbus Ohio – Central Ohio’s Premier Progressive Rock group releases new single featuring vocalist J.D. Freeman.

Picasso’s Dream has released their new single Notion, their first vocal song featuring guest artist J.D. Freeman from the well known act Blend. 

Notion also welcomes on lead guitar fellow friend Jay Ott. Jay Ott and Anthony S. Anselmo were both involved in the highly successful and award winning Blue August Progressive Rock band. 

Progressive Rock – Now with Vocals!

“Jay had a song he had written years ago with a specific keyboard part. I loved it the moment I heard it, very Rush like. We just had to make this song a reality!” says Keyboardist and Anthony S. Anselmo.

A song of this magnitude required a magnificent voice, so the band tapped local vocalist JD Freeman from the Columbus Indie-band Blend to help. Anselmo had been working with Blend adding some keys to  their upcoming album.

“J.D.’s golden voice was perfect for helping to bring the lyrics to life,” says Jay Ott. “He really studied the song and the day he came in he knocked it out of the park.”

Also included on the track are Picasso’s Dream regulars Max Bigalow on Bass and Vincent Simon on Drums. The song was recorded and produced by the legendary Paris Hollins at Blue Moon Recording Studios in Central Ohio.

For more information check out www.PicassosDream.com or the band’s bandcamp page PicassosDream.BandCamp.com to download the single. The single will available also on all streaming platforms as well (iTunes, Amazon, Spotify etc…)

13 Jun 2019

Progressive Rock News – Picasso’s Dream – Central Ohio’s Premier Progressive Rock group launches their new single ‘Unstoppable Force’.

Picasso's Dream - Unstoppable Force - Progressive Rock Single

(Columbus OH) – Picasso’s Dream – Central Ohio’s Premier Progressive Rock group launches their new single for Unstoppable Force. Unstoppable Force features both newcomer Chris Bianchi on Guitar and Tony Kertis on Sax.

Unstoppable Force is the first in the upcoming second featured album from Picasso’s Dream currently wrapping up production. The album features Vincent Simon on Drums, Max Bigalow on Bass and founded member Anthony S. Anselmo on keyboards.

Full Progressive Rock Steam Ahead!

Produced and recorded at Blue Moon Studios in Central Ohio, Picasso’s Dream second album will feature an array of new instrumental tracks as well as vocals from various members and guests.

“We basically set out what we wanted to accomplish in the first album,” says keyboardist Anthony S. Anselmo. “We discovered a lot of our talented members could sing so we had to start incorporating this into our music as well.”

“The new album features the increased complexity of the group as a whole.” says bassist Max Bigalow. “It was an ultimate pleasure making it and a joy to work with the incredible Paris Hollins at Blue Moon Studios.”

It’s been four years since Picasso’s Dream’s debut album that became a central Ohio staple for Hypnotic Progressive Rock. With the upcoming album the team hopes to continue their legacy to the midwest area.

“As we usually say ‘The Sky’s the Limit'” says Anselmo.

More Information is available at the band’s website.
www.PicassosDream.com

14 Jul 2018

Local Rock Band News – Blue August Central Ohio’s Award Winning Local Band Releases New Single ‘BETRAYED’

Local Rock - Betrayed from Blue August

Columbus Ohio – PRESS RELEASE – Blue August the Award Winning Local Rock Band from Columbus Ohio has released their latest single Betrayed. This is their first new release since 2016’s Blue August II EP.

Betrayed featured the newly expanded Blue August lineup. Veteran Anthony S. Anselmo returns to provide keyboards and Executive Producing support. Newcomers Cook provides Guitar, Robert Conaway provides additional Piano/backing vocals and Spencer Manual (from Still First in Space fame) performs Lead Guitar. The result is a hard hitting rock masterpiece of epic proportions.

Local Rock from Columbus Ohio!

“Betrayed was one of many new ideas that (Stephen) Jones and I came up with and it immediately sent chills down our spines!” says lead singer Stephen Davy. 

Produced at Blue Moon Studios in central Columbus, Betrayed featured the band’s new expanded sound. The single is mastered by Grammy Award Winning Paris Hollins who provided the sonic sound the band was looking for.

“We were throughly thrilled with the production quality at Blue Moon,” says Bassist and singer Stephen Jones. “Blue August @ Blue Moon! It’s a win win!”

“We’re extremely excited about the future,” continued Stephen Davy. “Because we have a great extended family now that we feel will take us to the next level.”

The new single can be downloaded at BlueAugust.Bandcamp.com

Blue August recently performed at the Madison County Fair to a crowd of thousands. More information of the band can be found at www.BlueAugustBand.com

01 Jun 2018

Progressive Rock News – Picasso’s Dream Announces Brand New Single with New Lineup.

Progressive Rock - Picasso's Dream - Bates Motel

Columbus Ohio – PRESS RELEASE – Progressive Rock News – Picasso’s Dream Announces Brand New Single with New Lineup.

Picasso’s Dream Central Ohio’s Premier Hypnotic Progressive Rock launches their new single ‘Bates Motel’ coming this May 28th.

Picasso’s Dream is the brain child of Cleveland to Columbus native Anthony S. Anselmo. At 35, Anthony decided to fulfill his life long dream to start a band. Anthony was inspired to shape the band by combining visual imagery that specifically tied into instrumental Progressive Rock. After a long extensive effort Anthony met Nyack New York native/Nashville inspired classic rocker Chase VanderMaas who shared the same passion of Progressive Rock. Chase invited Brian Randolph (Drummer/Singer from Calling Caine) and Carl Perry (Bassist from Calling Caine) to jam. Very shortly afterwards Picasso’s Dream was founded.

Progressive Rock Progressing Forward

In the spring of 2017, Picasso’s Dream was reformed as version 2.0 adding former live Bassist Max Bigelow, and Drummer extraordinaire Vincent Simon. Special guest star Tony Kertis also to joins on the wailing Saxophone. 

Bates Motel is the first official release of the reformed band. Inspired by the 1960 movie Psycho, Bates Motel tells the story of the disturbed Norman Bates from inside his head and the series of actions that take place in the movie.

“The song started back when Carl and Brian were in the band,” says Keyboardist and Co-Producer Anthony S. Anselmo. “And it was lingering for a year until we brought it back into the spotlight with the reformation of the band. I’m extremely happy to finally see it brought to its full potential.”

“This song is really a personal journey for me. I’m pulling on numerous guitar influences interwoven together to create a hard-hitting rock tapestry. Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, etc… all the of my guitar influences are in this song.” says Guitarist Chase VanderMaas.

You can download the single from the band’s BandCamp site at picassosdream.bandcamp.com. Release to digital stores and streaming services forthcoming.

For more information on Picasso’s Dream check out their website at PicassosDream.com

Look for Picasso’s Dream to be touring the Midwest all summer in 2018!

08 Oct 2017

Concrete Ocean – New Single from No Rest

Chase VanderMaas, and Anthony S Anselmo recently contributed to Cam Stark’s Concrete ocean. You can download a copy at the No Rest Bandcamp Site.

“About two years ago I met a very nice gentlemen by the name of Cam Stark. He and I bonding with our frustrations of trying to create music in the Columbus scene. He sent me a demo of a song he was working, written by Brandon Roper and I instantly fell in love with it. Soon after numerous other people gravitated to this song and before you know it we had a full fledged recording. Please to present this treasure after many months. Featuring the impeccable Chase VanderMaas on Lead and always on time Harald Kay… Concrete Ocean.”

http://norest1.bandcamp.com

17 Sep 2017

The Anselmo Project – ‘A Child’s Dream’ Single Now Available

A-Childs-Dream - Progressive Rock Single

Happy to Announce the release of my latest single ‘A Child’s Dream.’ This song is part of the upcoming album I’m working on based on a book from Daniel Noland! Inspired a bit from listening to both Pink Floyd and Dynatron it’s a musical journey into the fantasy of the mind!

https://theanselmoproject.bandcamp.com/album/a-childs-dream-single

NOTE: BUY the single within the first week and proceeds go towards Hurricane Harvey and Irma relief!
SHARE then and get a liner credit on my next album!

18 Oct 2016

Blue August Launches New EP

Blue August II - Local Rock Band Columbus Ohio

Local Rock Band – COLUMBUS OHIO – Pioneers Blue August Launch New EP – Blue August II

Blue August – the award winning local independent rock band is releasing their debut EP to all digital store locations on Friday Sept 30th.

Originating from Columbus Ohio, Blue August is hard hitting rock songs with amazing musicianship. The two Stephen’s, Stephen Davy and Stephen Jones trade off on vocals as they perform songs with soul and passion; rarely seen on the local scene. Jay Ott provides amazing guitar skills to help paint the artwork while Anthony S. Anselmo‘s synths provides the grounding for the tapestries. Blue August has become one of Premier Local Rock Bands in Columbus Ohio.

With such richness, combined with imaginative and thoughtful lyrics, Blue August combines a bit of the old with the new. With elements of Classic and Modern rock, Blue August‘s sound transverses through the ages of Rock history.

Continuing the emotional storytelling through music.

The new EP provides a great example of the more reflective Blue August sound. Produced by Jim Cummings of Soundstage Productions in Climax Michigan, “the new EP literally jumps out of the headphones!” says Drummer Stephen Davy.

“We feel this new EP really reflects what we are capable of doing and are extremely proud of the sound quality.” continues Davy. “Jim did an amazing job of capturing our unique sound.”

Two singles Promise and Heart like Stone have been released to the public and already received critical acclaim. Likewise a documentary of the making of the EP will be released later this year.

“We’re working on a throughly funny and entertaining documentary of the progress of coming together as a band and making the album,” says Keyboardist Anthony S. Anselmo. “I think it is a great insight to the hard work and effort that goes into a band and the dedication one has.”

The album can be found at the BandCamp site for digital download. The album will be available for purchase and download on Oct 30th from Apple Music, Amazon and Spotify.

More information about the band and upcoming performances can be reached at www.blueaugustband.com.

 

09 Jul 2016

Anselmo / VanderMaas released new ‘Concept’ album

COLUMBUS OHIO – Progressive Rock Pioneers release new album Footsteps.

Footsteps is the first studio recording since the 2015 The Sky’s the Limit from Picasso’s Dream. The dynamic duo of Chase VanderMaas and Anthony S Anselmo return to provide gripping tales in “music” and “mystery”… in true ‘concept album’ format. VanderMaas and Anselmo set out to produce something that is both unique and original.

A New Progressive Rock Crew

Joined by world-renowned Harald Kay on drums, this is the first album featuring various guest appearances from great artists around the globe. Derek Barlas provided complimentary guitars to the majority of the tracks and Francesco Mega provide an amazing acoustic guitar performance on Double Crossed. The album also featuring amazing work from Anna Vashneva, George Schiessl and Steve Dauphinais.

The album also sports amazing artwork from Cayenne Chris Conroy, world renowned announcer, voice actor and talented artist.

“What is probably the most amazing thing about this album; is that the majority of the parts were recorded around the around the world. “ says Anselmo. “Because of this, it is an example of modern day collaboration that can produce amazing results.”

“This truly is an epic collection of everything I’ve wanted to say,” quotes VanderMaas. “We really wanted to do something that was epic in the style of all our influences.”

VanderMaas also provide vocals for the first time on this album, featuring the heart thumping How Much to Drop a Bomb? and the memorizing Seasons Change.

The ten tracks on the album, which was mixed by Anselmo himself are the following…

Introduction
Hey It’s My Turn
When You Get Back Home
How Much to Drop a Bomb?
Far From Beyond Here
Seasons Change
Double Crossed
Childhood Innocence
Giant Footsteps
So Happy, So Sad

Footsteps is available now as a preview on the bandcamp site, and will be available for full distribution later in June.

 

27 May 2016

The Anselmo Project Launches ‘A Boatload of Hypocrisy’ EP

Progressive Rock EP - The Anselmo Project - A Boatload of Hypocrisy

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Progressive Rock Founder promotes EP for those who have served.

The Anselmo Project launches new EP A Boatload of Hypocrisy.

A Progressive Rock Journey

At age 35, Anthony S. Anselmo decided to start a band. Years later he has become the premier Keyboardist Entertainer in the Central Ohio region.

A prolific Keyboardist inspired by the days of old, Anthony grew up with Progressive Rock pioneers such as Genesis, Yes, Rush and Dream Theater. Combining styles ranging from 70’s to today, Anthony has become the sound of the ‘giant synth.’

His first band Picasso’s Dream became the staple of Progressive Rock shows in the Central Ohio region. Providing hypnotic rock with amazing visuals, the Picasso’s Dream shows were an experience not seen outside big arena acts.

In 2015 Anthony released his self-titled work Uncommon Sense with the The Anselmo Project working with individuals from New Zealand to Washington State. Combining hard hitting Progressive Metal with Instrumental Progressive Rock tunes Uncommon Sense broke new ground in songwriting and experimentation.

In later 2015 Anthony joined Blue August, one of the most unique and amazing rock acts in the Columbus area. Bringing his visual style the Blue August experience it has become the ‘not to miss’ local show.

Anthony continues to be the most sought out Keyboardist in the Ohio region. A Boatload of Hypocrisy continued his musical endeavors in support of the USA military and all those who have served.

“The songs on this EP work to promote if we are going to send our boys into harm’s way, we better make sure it’s for the right reasons,” says Anselmo.

The EP features amazing vocals from David Czoschke and Picasso’s Dream Drummer Brian Randolph. The infamous Harald Kay returns on drums with fellow friends Dave Mahler, Dave Boyer, Rod Smith, Daniel Moore, Rod Z, Josh Miller, Francesco Mega, and Jonathan Shaffer helped to contribute to the EP.

A Boatload of Hypocrisy will be available on Memorial Day, May 30th 2016 on all music distribution channels such as iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

A free preview is available at the Anselmo Project Bandcamp site.

https://theanselmoproject.bandcamp.com/album/a-boatload-of-hypocrisy

28 Apr 2016

Local Rock News – Blue August Releases Debut Album!

Local Independent Band Blue August Debut Album

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Local Independent Band Blue August Launches Debut Album

“Emotional storytelling through music.”

Blue August – a local independent band is releasing their debut album to all digital download locations on Monday May 2nd.

Originating from Columbus Ohio, Blue August is hard hitting rock songs with amazing musicianship. The two Stephen’s, Stephen Davy and Stephen Jones trade off on vocals as they perform songs with such soul and passion; rarely seen on the independent scene. Jay Ott provides amazing guitar skills to help paint the artwork while Anthony S. Anselmo’s synths provides the grounding for the tapestries.

With such richness, combined with imaginative and thoughtful lyrics, Blue August combines a bit of the old and the new. With elements of Classic and Modern rock, Blue August’s sound transverses through the ages of Rock history.

Drummer Stephen Davy about the new album…”Its truly a gift when you can play music with emotion and play it with musicians who are so talented. We can write what we feel because we’re comfortable enough around each other to encourage expression. Each song starts with a groove on bass and drums and then you add Jays ability to use his guitar to enhance the emotion in the lyrics. Add onto that for many years we’ve heard the keyboards in our heads and now with Anthony we are surrounded by it, truly taking the music to the next level.”

Guitarist Jay Ott notes the important accomplishment of the first album. “The band has been working on these songs for about three years now, so they have really come into their own. We’re extremely proud of this release. I look forward to our next effort as much as I enjoyed helping create this one.”

A preview of the album can be found a Bandcamp for digital download. The album will be available for purchase and download on May 2nd from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

More information about the band and upcoming performances can be reached at www.blueaugustband.com.