Artist description The Zen Carnival vision is that of a musical amoeboid science project on a very long voyage, surfing the mediawaves looking for cool musical forms to gobble up and call their own. Their very original music is collectively written by the members as a group and distilled by constant experimentation and variation. Strong instrumental voices from the keys, guitar, and bass balance thoughtful lyrics and clever, happening melodies... So what does Zen Carnival sound like anyway? Atmospheric. Lyrical. Majestic. Heavy. Electric Music. All rolled up into one cool musical tortilla. ZC's material captures the mystical atmosphere found in the wonderful music of Genesis, Yes, Rush, and Pink Floyd, but with a modern sound that incorporates elements of grunge, techno, avant-garde, and 20th century classical music.

Music Style melodic progressive rock

Musical Influences neoclassical, fusion, celtic, progressive rock

Similar Artists Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Banco, PFM, Radiohead, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Experimental Electric Music

Artist History It all began in 1994 when Bill Denison (guitar) and Chris Geihe (drums) formed a band called Eos, along with Derek Fetler and Jim Collins. This band started strong, only to disband after one year. Then, in 1996, Chris then recruited Jeff Park (bass), Dave McNally (keyboards) and Bill Denison to form the instrumental basis for a new band, called Sol. They envisioned a group that would combine unique arrangements, strong melodic and chord structures, and improvisation in one cohesive style. Vocalist Ken Pfeifer completed the lineup, only to see McNally part company. Pfeifer drew on his keyboard background to fill that post while remaining in the essential frontman position. The band's musical flavor had evolved rapidly, and the addition of keyboard player Mike James at the top of 1998 finally completed a cycle in Sol's musical history. By this point, the songs from the album, Inheritance, were written and arranged. The band, due to trade mark legal ails, then changed their name to Zen Carnival. The tracks for "Inheritance" were finished in May 1999, mastered in June, and the album was released in late July, 1999. "Inheritance" contains five songs spanning over 45 minutes of music. Innovative and expressively lyrical, this album takes the listener on a multi-colored sonic journey which will bring a new sound to the music world. We hope you like it!!!

Group Members Ken Pfeifer- vocals, keygoards Bill Denison- guitars, backing vocals Jeff Park- electric bass guitar Mike James- keyboards Chris Geihe- acoustic drum kit

Instruments voice, acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass guitar, acoustic and electric keyboards, acoustic drums

Albums Inheritance

Press Reviews Zen Carnival: Inheritance (CD, 46:400); independent release. Zen Carnival is a Boston based-unit that delivers melodic progressive rock with a touch of recent Marillion influence. Soaring guitar with ever-changing keys, as well as singer Ken Pfeifer’s Hogarth-like (but darker) delivery, establishes that neo-prog aura on first impression. Fortunately, they have their own ideas and manage to produce one melodically rippling passage after another with tasty dynamic changes-they seem to flow effortlessly from one section to another. The band members are extremely in sync with one another, with an unhurried rhythmic sensibility that works under the material. High points: The neat dynamic changes into the string section of "Big Sky." And the water effects, keyboard orchestrations and melodically tasty guitar leads/tone changes from Bill Denison on he beautiful "Water’s Edge." Also of note: the heavy organ and synth samples on "The Meek," from the engaging four-part "Inheritance" suite that closes the album. Eminently listenable, and it grows on you on each time you hear it. You’re bound to find a few rides to your liking at (Zen’s) Carnival. -Bruce Alger, Progression Magazine Summer/Fall 1999 Previous ZC gigs include engagements at the Middle East and TT the Bear’s Clubs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Their high energy live show has caught the attention of local progressive and modern rock fans as well as has garnered positive review in international publication: "One word: Wow!...Those of you in the Boston are who did not attend this fine premier outing last night at the Middle East, shame on you. You missed a ½ hour of unique progressive rock with a bit of a modern rock twist...There was just a hell of a lot to like..."-Progression Magazine.

Location Belmont, MA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).