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Artist description
LORD BYGON is the secret son of Paul McCartney and Donald Fagen. He's grown up eating the '60s rock, the 70's Jazz Rock and the 80's more sophisticated Pop, and his original style is making of him an icon of the new Italian Independent musical scene. |
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Music Style
Pop, Rock, Jazz, Acid Jazz, Acoustic, R'n'b, Funk.... |
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Musical Influences
Steely Dan, Miles Davis, Marcus Miller, Beatles, Queen, Billy Joel, Corduroy, XTC, Talking Heads, Police, Little Feat, Burt Bacharach |
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Similar Artists
Beatles, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Elton John, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Sting, Joe Jackson, XTC, Burt Bacharach, the New Radicals |
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Artist History
Born in 1969, LORD BYGON has been the front man and keyboardistof many popular bands such as 46XY (1987-1991), TWILIGHT (1992-1994), LAPSUS (1995-1997), and MELA NERA (1999-2000). For his bands he wrote many huge hits, above all "Thirst", which became a war-horse for Twilight. Since the half of 80's LORD BYGON has written more than one hundred songs, and here he's presenting on the web the best of his solo works, featured on the CD's "SECRETS"(1997) - which features songs from his old compilations "Medical Mystery Tour", "Secrets" and "Skeletons" - and ZENITH"(released in July 2000), first part of a huge project called "Zenith & Nadir", a journey through the several kinds of styles he works with: from Pop to Jazz through experiments with Latin and Classic Rock. His original Pop sound, his versatility in playing a number of instruments, but above all his skill in writing intriguing melodies make of his CD's little Pop jewels written and recorded under the influence of his musical heroes, The Beatles, XTC and Steely Dan. He's actually working to his new album, "Nadir", to be released near the end of 2001, and working as a co-manager for the Indie Community called JEANS RADIO, promoting Mp3.com artists' music throughout the web......By the way:LORD BYGON is a SIAE composer, owner of all the rights on his own music. |
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Group Members
LORD BYGON : Piano, Fender Rhodes, Synth, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Bass Guitar, Percussions and Drum Programming, Vocals, Voclas and more Vocals. |
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Instruments
Piano, Keyboards, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Drums, Drum Programming, Voice. |
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Albums
ZENITH, THIRST |
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Press Reviews
*** His Munificent-ness, the prolific music-rendering Lord Bygon, does not do himself any justice, even in jest, by calling himself the secret son of Paul McCartney and Donald Fagen.
To listen to Lord Bygon's music with that description in mind paints only a part of the picture that is the product of this thirty-something act.
Lord Bygon has not just been influenced by the best pop tunes of the 60s, 70s and 80s, he has absorbed all of their nuances and put them into some kind of talent-processing machine, the results which are pleasing, reliable and easily underestimated.
Certainly indicative of Lord Bygon's musical campaign is "Joe The Killer". LB corrals jazz, rock and funk as a back drop for his unique voice, which in this tune is like David Bowie's if performing in a surreal nightclub where all standards are tweaked by immeasurable, yet distinct, Warholesque touches. Not to make "Joe"'s sound like it is anything but pure pop, but Bygon's approach, thankfully, teeters on the brink of going into the strange world of pop art with all of its regalia.
It never actually enters the arena, but the feeling that it may leaves the listener in movement. "Thirst" also stands on this stage, and Bygon is unpredictable about its melodic path, which leaves the listener, again, moving. This quality is unusual in an artist who presents his material with such distinct sounds. It's admirable, even though it may not be so conscious, that Bygon has the ability to wander.
He does just that and with a brilliant flair in "God Bless You" and "Coagulation", which are representative of his finest songs. In the former he plays with chord patterns that prove my osmosis theory of influence Bygon can whip up melodies that stand entirely on their own feet from ingredients long gone in commercial pop.
Lyrically, Bygon takes some strange approaches and, always, his jazz phrasing seems to make the lyrics work even when they are rough and uneven. He uses his voice as an instrument and appears quite aware of its limitations (though he has a fine range) and its correct place inside of a song.
In essence, I don't know anyone else who might be able to pull off the line, "love doesnt exist; this is the disease of the world".
Bygon does it with zest and feeling. All in all Lord Bygon delivers love-oriented songs, but there, too, Bygon has transcended his influences and made up for any lack of poetry with tight productions and mastery of his own vocal style. And all of this is, I hope, just the beginning, for Bygon hasn't yet busted out of the format he has created for himself. All great artists bust out and it will be interesting to hear His Munificent-ness when he expands his horizons.
- Frank Cotolo
*** Light, saucy, bouncy and smooth, these are but of a few words that could sum up the traditional jazz piece from the Italian maestro of smooth Lord Bygon.
"Your Groove" is well defined and structured in soul/jazz groove, which was the most popular of the Jazz styles in the 60's. Unlike bebop from which the sub-genre developed, groove places its emphasis on the rhythm. Every layer every tone exists to support the groove.
From the hooky little piano melody to the ride on the hi-hat "Your Groove" follows the formula of the genre to the letter. Horns, voice, percussion, piano and even a squeezebox combine to build the groove in this toe taper.
Conjuring up visions of smoky clubs and Las Vegas lounges this piece will transport the listener back in time, to a place where the music was eclectic yet cerebral. Scotch and cigars were common and relaxed tempos prevailed.
Of particular note is the use of the multi-layered scat by the vocalist at the 3:15 mark. Exhibiting a broad vocal range, which Lord Bygon moves through in a smooth and relaxed manner to end the song.
An enjoyable and nostalgic listen "Your Groove" is a worthy download, whether a seasoned Jazz aficionado or a neophyte, you are sure to enjoy this one. With a rhythm that is tight and infectious, you are sure to be tapping your toes as you listen.
- Bobby Bensley *
*** "ZENITH (....)an interesting work for this artist
who plays every single instruments on his
recordings....Don't miss it!" (Mp3ITALY,
July 2000) *
*** "Il godibilissimo Pop-Funk di Lord Bygon
ci sorprende ancora una volta col brano
"Mp3!", che sembra preso di peso da un
album degli Steely Dan ma poi digerito
attraverso una sana influenza Pop che
mitiga certe bislacche costruzioni del
cantautore bolognese...forse questi
suoi demo possono apparire grezzi,
ma la stoffa c'è, la musica è musica vera
(una volta tanto) e l'obiettivo di Lord Bygon
sarà presto raggiunto: la sua carriera di
compositore ha solo bisogno di un pubblico...
difficilmente il solo web saprà darglielo,
ma quel che è certo è che se Lord Bygon
non sfonda, allora vuol dire che non esiste
giustizi a questo mondo".(Luciano Pellizzari,
"Musica2001", Ottobre 2000 !) *** "Too much
talent for just one man" (Jeanne Barkemejer
De Wit) *** Imagine you had the chance to
listen to Donald Fagen's secret home
recordings... That's what I envision
when I listen to Lord Bygon's tunes.
They have have the same jazzy
imagination and creativity, melded
with pop sensibility and structure,
that made Fagen's work so great.
Like Fagen or perhaps Elvis Costello,
Lord B has a distinctive, unmistakeable
voice. He has stated elsewhere that he
considers himself first and foremost a
songwriter, and I think that is really
where his strength is. I really admire
his keyboard work and songwriting
prowess - some big name smooth
jazz artist is going to get smart/lucky
one of these days and record a Lord B
composition and have a hit!" (C M) *** Lord Bygon has written some great catchy pop music. Each song is well thought out and well delivered. I have been aware of his music for several months since meeting at 'Jeans Radio'.
'Mp3!' was the first song to catch my attention.
A clever tribute to the music format that
brings us all together as artists on the web,
and that allows us as 'independent artists'
the world over to share our product without
the need for a record deal.. With nice
references to Sting, the Beatles and other
musical influences. His voice is a warm
baritone with a good vocal range.
Sometimes singing in his native Italian.
The style is cool lounge with many pop
sensibilities and an acute understanding
of 'songwriting'. He plays numerous
instruments and is prolific in his output
with several CDs available.
We are currently talking about
collaborating on a new song which
I look forward to with interest." JEZA
*** "[TAKE IT OVER is] a smart,catchy piece composed of lush, jazzy chords, neatly arranged vocals, and thematic material driving home the importance of being in control of your life . . .'This time . . .I'm going to do it..' emphazising the need for self-discipline...timely . . . The vocals are sincere,and the instrumentation is nicely underplayed.
This is tastful pop with intelligence and style..
A hybrid with focus." PATTI STERLING
*** "THE SAME OLD THINGS is a great groovy song: vocal melodies are amazing, the bass is very funky and the guitar solos sound great. Lord Bygon is cool rock with a pop feel..."
Ale from SoundFreek.com *** "THIRST: Musically reminiscent of Neil Young, except keyboards. Vocals remind me of Ian Anderson, but a bit shaky: maybe Lord Bygon should avoid upper range, Rock'n'Roll baritones are rare but should be treasured. Nice song and nice harmonies."
FriekBabe from Cambridge, Massachusetts
*** "I love the vocal harmonies in this song!!! I can hear the Steely Dan influence.(I'm a huge fan as well) The piano is very percussive and syncopated and back the vocals nicely. The lyrics are clever... after years of discovering yourself and new experiences, you expect to be changed but you still like the same old things! Your music is very tasteful and always makes me feel that I am on vacation. I will listen to more..."
Dolly Rappaport
*** "Hmmm... How can I best describe this music? Lounge. Definitely lounge. Think crushed red velvet and keyboards. I can see the Steely Dan resemblance but the songs were not as catchy and the vocals were a bit off. I hope he keeps at it though- it was an interesting change. I think possibly this artist might fit better in the jazz genre."
Dona - Publicist from Shade The Band
*** "Yes, very Steely Dan-esque, but with a twist. This has got more to it. I love the bass work, very nice. Keyboards are very tasty. The guitar is just as nice. And the vocals are soothing, emotive, and work so well with the music. I like the lyrics most of all. Finding the happiness in being you and knowing you is so important. Who cares if you want the same old things!"
Dene Marie Jomei *** "Lord Bygon writes some of the best pop that I have heard in a while. A very embracing style of melodic pop that reminds me in varying degrees of XTC and Joe Jackson.... But more than anything, it reminds me of former JAM founder Peter Weller's pet project, "The Style Council". Great keyboard work abounds here. Give yourself a treat and check it out. You owe it to yourself. ...What, you're still here? Get going and listen!!!"
Bobby Shiflett *** "(Mp3! is) another song about MP3, written (according to Lord Bygon) as a tribute to the people who invented the MP3 file format. The lead vocals are hard to make out (it would have been better if the "fuzz effect" had been dropped after the first verse), but it's a good song nonetheless."
Bob Greenwade *** "(The Same Old Things:) Another great composition from singer songwriter Lord Bygon. Love the groove and lyrics this song delivers, it's always a blessing to see all these artists utilize their God given talent. That's what it's all about sharing the gift. Beautiful work!!! Thank you Lord for the journey..........."
Keahi *** "Lord Bygon's piece "Same Old Thing" has a nice samba/basa feel, I am a big fan of Brazilian music and he has captured the feel I have heard in many songs from that region. Good lyrics, solid melody, instrumentation and vocal are well mixed. Good one Lord Bygon."
Johnny Gnote *** "(The Same Old Things:) Smooth music from Lord Bygon: excellent chord progressions slide along like they are really simple - nice guitar and bass work too - all fitting around that unique song-writing style that is Lord Bygon."
Susan Raven *** "I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the gem of talent contained within Lord Bygons' work today. His singing and writing is extremely passionate, his voice and the chord progressions and orchestrations within his music remind me of Spandau Ballet, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Tears from Fears (I love their music). Lord Bygon is a strong, distinctive vocalist, and his work carries an individualistic stamp of style that places him in an elite category.... I'd love to see him perform live, I bet he is also a great frontman, because his individual strength is really evident from listening to the music, I'll BET he is also a great performer."
Sally Cooper *** (about THE SAME OLD THINGS) "This is smooth and silky. I love the quiet intensity of the vocals and the clean, borderline-jazz sound of this song. Very nice work!
Lise from Indie *** |
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Additional Info
"THIRST - Special Edition" is for sale on AMPCAST and the Single CD's are for sale on ARTISTLAUNCH |
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Location
BOLOGNA, BO - Italy |
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