BARBAZZA, ANNIE & MAX REPETTI - MOONCHILD (2018-THE MUSIC & POETRY OF GREG LAKE)

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Released on Manticore Records in a Very Limited Card Cover, this is a moving and deep journey into the music and poetry of the late great Greg Lake!

Following the early 2018 release of the Greg Lake ‘Live In Piacenza’ album comes an album that Greg Lake and Max Marchini had been planning for some time before Greg sadly passed away on the 7th of December 2016 after a “long and stubborn” battle with cancer.

"Amongst the many projects Greg Lake and I planned for Manticore was the re-arranging of his favourite songs in a black and white, contemporary way. A sort of back to the bone, vocals and guitar setting – just as simple as that! I remember Greg became an advocate of the new “less is more” concept and he often reminded us that ‘simplicity is the ultimate sophistication’. As we went further into the project, we soon discovered that an acoustic guitar could be fine for some tunes, but not suitable for others; so Greg decided we should go for piano and vocals and asked me to look for a talented piano player. I knew Max Repetti who I considered to be the perfect pianist for Greg.
Apart from the fact that he had the entire ELP songbook in his repertoire, he is a very able musician.
The audition lasted just a few minutes in a countryside restaurant on an upright piano that had seen better days and was slightly out of tune. Repetti dared to propose a medley of: ‘Stones Of Years’ (from ‘Tarkus’) and ‘Take A Pebble’. Greg was so delighted that he immediately asked Max to arrange for him a list of tunes he intended to put on the album that we were calling: ‘Moonchild’, after one of our favourite early songs.
Sadly, in early 2014 Greg called me with the very worst news. Shortly after that, he decided to ask his young friend and talented singer and musician Annie Barbazza to take his place and carry on his legacy with this album.
He patiently trained Annie using all the available technology to keep him up to date with our progress, while continuing to work with Max Repetti and myself on the arrangements and production. We all spoke on Skype several times a week to ensure this project matched his standard of perfectionism and musical integrity.
When Greg was awarded with an honorary degree for lyrics and music composition by Conservatorio Nicolini in January 2016, he was already too ill to attend the ceremony in person.
I decided to surprise him by having Annie and Max perform his music on his behalf in front of the dignitaries. Greg was attending via Skype and you may listen to his encouraging comments on Greg Lake’s Official Channel on Youtube. He was so happy with the results that he pushed even harder for Annie to improve her skills as a singer. Annie Barbazza and Max Repetti performed ‘Moonchild’ again at a sold out concert for Greg’s last birthday on November 10th 2016. As Greg wanted, we will keep the flame alive by playing his music. So this is for you, Grande Gregorio wherever you are. May your music resound forever in our hearts." Max Marchini, 2018

"Max Marchini, Annie and Max recorded such a wonderful and touching tribute to the music I have made during my lifetime. Max’s arrangements are absolutely superb! What a magical touch he has and Annie’s vocals are at the same time beautiful, brave and heartfelt. It is a very moving experience for me to hear them perform these songs so passionately." Greg Lake, 2016.

‘Moonchild’ is also available as a Coloured 180gm Vinyl LP – Stock # 2079674

‘Moonchild’ was released on 4th May 2018.

Also available on Italy’s MANTICORE label by GREG LAKE …
LIVE IN PIACENZA (2LP-Limited Edition Black Vinyl / Gold Foil Gatefold Sleeve) 2LP – Stock # 2030496
LIVE IN PIACENZA (Limited Edition Deluxe Box with Clear 2LP set, Book & DVD) BX17 – Stock # 2030495
LIVE IN PIACENZA (CD-Limited Numbered Gate-Fold Card Sleeve) CD – Stock # 2021876

ANNIE BARBAZZA & MAX REPETTI: MOONCHILD CD Track List:

01. In The Court Of The Crimson King – 21st Century Schizoid Man
02. Trilogy - The Endless Enigma - Part II
03. Moonchild
04. Stones Of Years - Take A Pebble
05. C’est La Vie
06. Battlefield {including Epitaph}
07. Karn Evil 9 – 1st Impression - Part 2
08. Memories Of An Officer And A Gentleman
09. In The Wake Of Poseidon
10. Lucky Man
11. Sage / Great Gates Of Kiev