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TONY SPADA
Biography
Tony Spada is best known for being the creative force and one
of the founding members of the American prog rock group HOLDING PATTERN. Tony
Spada is a masterful guitarist, balancing advanced technique with a diversity
of styles, from solo classical guitar to power trio rock, into intricately textured
ensemble pieces. Holding Pattern's first album was released in 1981, an instrumental
powerhouse that combined the best of Happy The Man, Yes and Steve Hackett and
a healthy dose of American jazz rock fusion like Return to Forever and Dixie
Dregs to name a few. In summary a jem from the early 80's that all fans of 70's
progressive rock will surely love.
Holding Pattern's first attempt at adding vocals came with
the song "Mercenary", sung by Tony himself, was released as a single
and video in 1983. The video received airplay on MTV and USA Networks "Night
Flight" program. 1986's release of "Radio Safe" was an attempt
at a more commercial course, but eventually it resulted in a band with split
ambitions. Things began to change for the better when Tony was approached by
California label Art Sublime who expressed interest in re-releasing the bands
first album in a retrospective CD. The album was released with no less than
10 bonus tracks in 1991. Most of the bonus tracks on "Majestic" were
from the original instrumental incarnation of Holding Pattern. Several are live
performances and video soundtracks. Also included were two new Spada songs -
"Majestic" and "Iraqiroll", which were written exclusively
for this album. They were a sign of the new direction he was starting to take.
Holding Pattern had changed to the point where he felt it necessary
to do a solo album to return to the music he really wanted to do. "Balance
Of Power" was released by Art Sublime in late 1993. Spada's first solo
album was instrumental except for one song. It is an unrepentant progressive
rock album, it's nine songs span a huge diversity of styles from solo pieces
to grand symphonic rock.
Throughout the rest of the 90's Tony Spada would be performing
solo shows and concertizing with Steve Morse, Rick Wakeman, Kansas and Steve
Howe to name a few. Over the years he has built a loyal following of fans around
the globe. Tony's new album "THE HUMAN ELEMENT" has already created
a buzz in the prog community. The album features a new streamlined line-up comprised
of Tony Spada guitars, ace session man Rob, the drummer, Gottfried on drums
and the multi-talented Tony Castellano on seven string bass / keyboards. Although
basically a power trio, "The Human Element" stretches out in many
directions, from classical guitar music to heavy prog fusion, Celtic and old
style symphonic prog. On the horizon is a supporting tour and a Holding Pattern
reunion album already in preproduction.
"Tony Spada has come up with an extremely strong solo disc that might
just be the guitar album of the year." Expose
TONY SPADA - The Human Element
"Tony Spada has come up with an extremely strong solo
disc that might just be the guitar album of the year. Some of you might be familiar
with his 1980's progressive band, Holding Pattern, or his prior solo album,
"Balance of Power", recorded in 1993. This time around Spada teams
up with talented bassist Tony Castellano (who also adds keyboards to many of
the 11 tracks) and drummer Rob Gottfried for a smoking set. Spada draws inspiration
from Steve Morse, and the album's only non-original is a cover of Morse's tune,
"Sleaze Factor". There are also echoes of Steve Hackett and Steve
Howe in places, but Spada's melodic sense differentiates his playing from his
influences. The return of Tony Spada is a very welcome event, and it serves
to whet our appetites for the upcoming new disc and tour from the re-formed
Holding Pattern." EXPOSÉ MAGAZINE / David Ashcraft
"This is a very enjoyable album which will appeal to all
fans of prog and especially guitar-led enthusiasts." HAIRLESS HEART HERALD
/ Jem Jedrzejewski
"Tony Spada is best known for being the creative force
and one of the founding members of the American progressive rock group Holding
Pattern. Now he is back, with a new fantastic album, and a heavily orchestrated
work, including sophisticated musical arrangements, with an incredible guitar
sound. The Human Element contains of eleven tracks of pure delight. In my opinion,
a brilliant and indispensable work that come highly recommended." PROGRESSIVE
ROCK BR / Carlos Vaz
"...and not to mention the sensitive and melodic "Mile
High" (which gives me goose bumps) and "Destination home", which
in a pleasant way reminds me of one of my favourite guitarists, STEVE VAI. I
most warmly recommend this ear pleasing album to friends of crafty guitar music."
ROCK AND METAL HEAVEN / Sonny1968
DISTRIBUTED BY:
info@progressrec.com
www.progressrec.com
Contact:
e-mail: tonyspada@usadatanet.net
official web site: www.holdingpatternusa.com
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