Ryo Okumoto, longtime keyboardist of progressive rock band Spock’s Beard, recently released his new solo album, The Myth Of The Mosttrophus, via InsideOutMusic. The six-song prog extravaganza features Okumoto’s signature style accompanied by the talents of a who’s who of progressive rock.
The Mosttrophus myth will come to life for just two shows, in Los Angeles, California at Champion Site and Sound on November 5-6.
With this album, Ryo both paid homage to his work with them and went above and beyond by exploring new themes and sounds. The hand-picked line-up for the event consists of Beard-mate Alan Morse, ProgJect members Pete Griffin and Jonathan Mover, guitar legends Marc Bonilla and Joey Trevola, Michael Whiteman coming from the UK to sing the songs, which he co-wrote, plus additional keyboards/vocals by Kevin Krohn and vocals by Keiko Okumoto.
They will perform The Myth Of The Mostrophus in its entirety, tracks from previous solo albums by Ryo Coming Through and Makin’ Rock, plus some other wonderful musical surprises.
Get tickets here.
The album features guest appearances by a number of incredible musicians, including current and former members of Spock’s Beard:
Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock’s Beard) – Drums and vocals
Al Morse (Spock’s Beard) – Guitar
Dave Meros (Spock’s Beard) – Bass
Ted Leonard (Spock’s Beard. Transatlantic) – Vocals
Jimmy Keegan (Spock’s Beard) – Vocals
Steve Hackett (Genesis) – Guitar
Michael Sadler (Saga, ProgJect) – Vocals
Mike Keneally (Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, ProgJect) – Guitar
Jonathan Mover (Joe Satriani, ProgJect) – Drums
Marc Bonila (Keith Emerson/Kevin Gilbert) – Guitar
Doug Wimbish (Living Color) – Bass
Randy McStine (McStine & Minnemann, Porcupine Tree) – Guitars & Vocals
Lyle Workman (Todd Rundgren) – Guitar
Michael Whiteman (I Am the Manic Whale) – Guitars and vocals
Twenty years after Ryo Okumoto’s last solo album Coming Home (2002), work on the new album began in November 2000, when Okumoto contacted I Am The Manic Whale vocalist/bassist Michael Whiteman, following a performance by this group during a live event that Okumoto had participated in. An exchange of demos resulted in the writing of the album’s first tracks. Okumoto then contacted bandmates Spock’s Beard (Nick D’Virgilio, Alan Morse, Dave Meros, Ted Leonard and Jimmy Keegan) to join in and the album began to take shape before completing with other guest stars through his new Okumoto group, ProgJect. including Michael Sadler, Jonathan Mover and Mike Keneally. With the additions of Steve Hackett, Marc Bonila, Doug Wimbish, Randy McStine and Lyle Workman, the star-studded lineup was complete. The result is a prog rock tour de force from one of the most entertaining and influential artists of the modern prog era.
Engineered and mixed by Rich Mouser, the album can be ordered here.
Track list:
“Mirror Mirror”
“Turning”
“The watchmaker (time on his side)”
“Maximum speed”
“Chrysalis”
“The Myth of the Mosttrophus”
“Chrysalis” lyric video:
Video “Chrysalis”:
“The Watchmaker” lyric video:
(Photo – Alex Solca)
