One of the few bands in the World who plays anything they feel. Go from Space age electronic ambient chords to 1970s fusion style jamming all in one song. Progressive Guitarist, Scott McGill (Proclaimed "The Thinking Man's Yngwie Malmsteen" by celebrated fusion author/critic Bill Milkowski) joined forces with drummer, Ritchie DeCarlo and Kjell Benner on Bass in November of 2005. Shortly after recording their debut album FREAK ZOID, Dave Kloss performed some Chapman Stick overdubs and has been performing with the band ever since.... Check out the music and videos on MySpace and see why words can not explain their music!

 

 

The eclectic tastes which fire the imaginations of Advent have led its members to seek inspiration in sources ranging from music of the English and Italian Renaissance to church motets, from sea chanteys to film scores, and such progressive bands as Gentle Giant and Genesis. The group attempts to combine a contemporary sound with an extensive variety of influences solidly rooted in western musical sources, whether they be folk, classical-romantic, or popular. The group's material features lyrics ranging from the reflective to the mysterious, complemented by a descriptive "cinematic" musical style that, while not always danceable, recalls the drama and fire of music which has always called the listener to listen.

Formed in 1989, Advent began as a collaboration between Alan Benjamin and Henry Ptak, with Henry's brother Mark joining soon after. Leveraging diverse-yet-harmonious backgrounds and a common desire to create music that would, first and foremost, satisfy the members' own progressive and somewhat eclectic musical desires, the band went on to release its critically acclaimed (self-titled) debut CD on Mellow Records, and also contributed several pieces to both Gentle Giant and Procol Harum tribute-album projects. Joined in 2005 by versatile drummer Drew Siciliano, the group finished recording its long-awaited follow-up album, Cantus Firmus, shortly thereafter.

Following the successful (independent) release of this new album in 2006—and a series of rave reviews (including, most recently, a feature in the March 2007 issue of Guitar Player magazine)—the band immediately shifted emphasis toward optimizing live performance of its repertoire. To this end, Advent was very fortunate in recruiting two talented musicians to complete its full, six-piece lineup: guitarist Greg Katona and bassist Benjamin Rose. In addition to providing the necessary instrumentation to address the group's dense (symphonic) arrangements in a live setting, the enhanced tonal palette has enabled the expansion of several pieces to include new layers of intricacy, texture, and counterpoint.

Advent is looking most forward to bringing the group's unique brand of symphonic prog to the New Jersey Proghouse—which is warmly regarded by the band as its home base. Additionally, the ensemble intends to return to the studio (as a six-piece) in the near future, in preparation for a third studio release.

 

 

 

Anton Roolaart's extroverted enthusiasm and passion for life seems ever expanding and well in tune with the musical genre he has embraced, Progressive Rock. In April of 2007, Anton will release his debut album "Dreamer", completely written, arranged, and produced by himself. Recorded mostly in his home studio, "Dreamer" boasts the participation of some of New Jesey's most prominent musicians including, Rave Tesar (Keyboards - Renaissance, Anni Haslam), Rich Berends (Drums- Mastermind), and Vinnie Puryear (bass).

Anton came to the US from the Netherlands with his family when he was young. Growing up, Anton was exposed to classical music which his father played on the record player at home. Eventually, Anton started taking classical guitar lessons at age 13 before exploring this instrument on his own. Anton's life long love affair with music took firm grip in his early adolescence when the music from Yes, Genesis, Beatles, and Bowie and others illuminated a path that he readily started down. In his late teens, Anton also began writing his own songs and performing in various clubs and cafes in the Charlotte, NC area. Anton's college studies included electrical and multi-track sound engineering. These studies went hand in hand with the maturating of his musical skills.

Upon completing his studies at the University Anton spent a year traveling and living in Europe. Upon returning Anton decided to live close to New York City, the world's largest cultural melting pot. It wasn't long before Anton was playing in cover bands, introducing some of his own compositions into the repertoire. Over time, his endeavors in the realms of computer technology evolved and matured as well, very much in step with the very fast technological advancements that have been introduced in recent years. He never could resist investing in new technological "gadgetry" that had the potential to enhance his ability to create music and as a result his studio grew in capability and professionalism.

Anton has invested countless hours developing his sound engineering skills not only as an alchemist, but also as an arranger. Driven by the need to immediately capture parts for his music, Anton found it necessary to expand his instrumental musical skills and for several years engaged in instruction in Jazz guitar, Piano and Drums. The fruits of these efforts are demonstrated in his debut album "Dreamer".

Anton, has passionately followed the evolution of Proggressive Rock, not only as a consumer but also as an avid concert goer. This knowledge along with his strong computer skills moved Anton into creating ProgRockRadio.com, today one of the most prominent Proggressive Rock Internet Radio stations. Anton has also contributed as vocalist for JESDAT (based in Spain) on their debut album "City Lights" and is also working with them on their follow-on project.

Anton Roolaart's music is a testimonial of his outgoing character and passion for human progress and life in general. His music represents a testimonial of life experiences and ideas which he laboriously captures not only with musical statements but also with lyrical content. He continues to grow both musically and technically and has started work on his next album. He continues his quest to promote proggressive rock and performs regularly in the New Jersey area. Given the maturity level and the wonderful debut release "Dreamer"; I am looking forward to seeing where Anton's journey will lead to next.

(written by Vito Vitale)