MP3 Ian Rushton & Friends - The Cybase Project

A collection of original contempoarary adult pop/rock songs from "downunder" in New Zealand. Helped by a cast of international "virtual" band members, reflecting shades of Elton John through to Pink Floyd.

15 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Classic Rock, EASY LISTENING: Soft Rock



Details:
Ian Rushton, known more typically for his "Antipodean Clayderman" piano style instrumentals started The Cybase Project in 2003. The primary goal of the project was to create an album of original contemporary adult rock songs, written by Ian Rushton and other fellow Kiwi's, with "guest" appearances from "band members" from around the world. Collaboration between the international contributors takes place over the internet, exchanging ideas and tracks via email and other WEB based services. All tracks are produced and mixed in Auckland, New Zealand by Ian Rushton.

The lead vocals are dominated by German singer Wolfgang Menzel, offering both powerful and sentimental vocal arrangements he maintains a strong emotional content, steering it between high and gentle, major and minor and wavering maniacally to great effect. Other vocalists include the very capable Lenny "Lee" Ackley of New York, contrasting with the sweet and gentle voice of Nina Yu from China on "Across The Miles".

There's something for everyone here; from sentimental ballads "Stranded In Your Heart" and the vocal duet "Let Her Go", through to theatric rock such as "Sanctuary" and the Floyd-esque sounds of "Take Me Away". The sometimes complex and very tasteful arrangements largely feature of course Rushton's distinctive piano style, accompanied by the presence of several guitarists, such as Scott Kent, Bob Melanson, Steve Fogal and Rushton himself. His familiarity and confidence is revealed in the obvious attention to detail, the ease with which musical complexity becomes effortless, both in the playing and the listening, and the clever cloaking of a what is essentially a rock album in melodic elegance.

The Cybase Project convinces you to play the whole album over and over again despite it's very generous duration of 70 minutes.

"Band" members include:
Ian Rushton (New Zealand)
Wolfgang Menzel (Germany)
Brad Egan (Canada)
Scott Kent (USA)
Lenny Ackley (USA)
Peter Forster (New Zealand)

Guest spots:
Steve Fogal (USA)
Peter Yttergren (Sweden)
Bob Melanson (Canada)
Nina Yu (China)
Kathy Casey (New Zealand)
Jaime Vokes (New Zealand)

Lyrical & co-write contributions:
Virginia Parslow
Rhys Jones
Rongo Maihi
Peter Forster