PRESTO BALLET BIO
An immense supporter of the early works of
Yes, Kansas, and Genesis (among others), Metal Church guitarist
Kurdt Vanderhoof sought to create a project that reflected his
predilection of that era and he has undoubtedly achieved that
objective with Presto Ballet. Evoking a classic 70's feel, their
songs herald a return to a time when music was at its most colorful
and influential. With tasteful guitar parts, crunching Hammond
organ and rich vocals, the band faithfully follows the path blazed
by their heros so many years before.
Describing the band's studio approach,
Vanderhoof says, "We record in a somewhat 'old school' manner,
which means analog synthesizers, real Hammond organ and real Mellotron
sounds. For me, the seventies was the most interesting time, with
the most skilled bands, the best songs and the best ideas. I've
never understood why nobody has gone back to that kind of music
again".
For the recording of Invisible Places,
Kurdt recruited a new lineup that has brought new levels of stability
and musical focus to the band.
Vocalist Ronny Munroe was already familiar
with Presto, having worked with Kurdt on several Metal Church albums.
Presto Ballet affords him the opportunity to showcase the exceptional
power and range of his voice, and he did a remarkable job in the
studio.
Kurdt discovered Kerry Shacklett's amazing
keyboard skills from YouTube videos that Kerry had posted, and immediately
contacted him about Presto. It quickly became apparent in the studio
that not only was Kerry an outstanding musician, he was also a gifted
composer and arranger.
Bassist Bobby Ferkovich first gained
notoriety around Seattle's hard rock scene as a member of local
favories Heir Apparent, and has subsequently been featured on releases
by rockers Powertrain and shred guitar great John Jaunese.
Drums on Invisible Places were handled
by Henry Ellwood, a long-time friend of Vanderhoof and the band.
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