Photo: Contributed

I recently had the privilege to interview American singer Larry King, whom lent his vocal talents to the Michael Thompson Band’s latest release “Future Past”.  Now, Larry is a serious Singer/Songwriter and creates some very poignant lyrics and music.  His new album, “On The Way To Everything” is actually his second through his own group ‘Soleil Moon’. 

    Below is some of our conversation…

Bruce Atkinson: I understand that you have worked with many Artists throughout your career, including Michael Thompson. Is “Soleil Moon” the vehicle that you can fully express your Artistic views?

Larry King: 100%! Soleil Moon was designed to be the vehicle for me to put out the material that I held close to

my heart. I do a lot of writing for others and every once in a while I write a song that I want to keep to myself.

This project allows me to spread my wings and step out of the box. The collaborations that I’ve been able to put

together  to create this record have made the process a little left of center. It was a pleasure to not adhere to the

typical  pop formula.

BA: “On The Way To Everything” is a very interesting title, do I detect a certain theme here?

LK: I look at each song on this record as its own vignette. The stories that are being told take you on a

life’s journey individually and it’s quite a roller coaster ride through the record. The main theme being that no

matter what happens in life, you always have the ability to start over. Each path that an individual chooses to follow

will provide him with new challenges, victories and disappointments. It’s what we choose to do with these

adventures that create our individual character so no matter where you in life or what you have done in your

past, at any point in time you can choose to be on your way to everything.

BA: You have Michael himself on this record, plus others…such as Dave Hiltebrand…is this the ultimate

group line-up?

LK: As a producer, certain musicians shine in certain places and the musical landscape that I’ve been able to

create based on the themes of each song I feel have been best displayed by this particular group of musicians.

I’ve enjoyed working with them all and they’ve made me a better musician in the process.

BA: I also understand that you produced this record, was this a daunting task, or were you able

to keep an objective point of view?

LK: This was definitely not a daunting task. Being at the helm of any project gives you the freedom to paint the

picture 100 different ways. I collaborated a lot on this record because I felt that I needed to broaden my own

musical horizons.

BA: If you were to compare the North American scene to the European scene, what are some of the

major differences?

LK: This is a difficult question for me to answer because I’m new to the European scene. Although Soleil Moon

was exposed in 2000 with the international release of Worlds Apart, our main focus has been North America.

We are thrilled to be able to release the new Soleil Moon record through Frontiers and hope that by this time next

year I’ll be able to give you a much more in depth

Photo: Contributed

This is a very special project. The Michael Thompson Band’s lead vocalist; Larry King has paired with keyboardist John Blasucci to give us thirteen very thoughtful, provocative rivers of word and music. John Blasucci himself, is also the keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung of Styx fame. The both of these Artists have created passionate music in “Soleil Moon”. “On The Way To Everything” is simply an all encompassing musical expression from warning us of our mistaken paths to the compassion of human love and respect.  Embracing musical expressions from the world over and firmly setting them in to a broad Rock base... this album is always fresh! Larry’s vocal abilities are second to none, at times even angelic! His version of “Blackbird” brings new life to the song... and his Rock sense is so precise that he creates a “razors’ edge” to many of the music contained herein. Enlisting a variety of musical friends, including Michael Thompson himself, ‘Soleil Moon’ is a lasting and living testament of astonishing musical talents! “Worlds Apart”, the actual debut of “Soleil Moon”, (from 1999), is also present here. Taking on the form of two bonus tracks...Just another testament of how much Talent these maestros have!         Bruce Atkinson (88/100)

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

Doc Willoughby’s:  Devon Coyote:  December 31^st   

 97^th Street Pub:    Wheelhouse:  Dec. 28^th & 29^th   Zamboni Brothers:  January 4^th & 5^th (2013)    Radio LifeLine:  January 11^th & 12^th    Floyd Vedan Band:  January 18^th & 19^th

The Blue Gator:   The Young Uns’:  Dec. 21^st   Zamboni Brothers:  Dec. 22^nd   Random Act:  Dec. 28^th & 29^th    Deb Stone Band:  December 31^st  

The Pheasant & Quail:   The Merkins:  Dec. 21^st & 22^nd

Photo: Contributed

Notable Concerts:    

       - RANN BERRY and the ONE HIT WONDERS-

With Special Guests:  DIAMOND JONES and his “Trip Down The Vegas Strip” 

 Plus:  THE 9 PIECE R & B All STAR BAND PERFORMING THE MUSIC OF MOTOWN 

    December 31^st:  Coast Capri

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Heart:    March 9^th 2013   

…if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  fbainternational@telus.net  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....