Presto Ballet

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 follows a path previously tread by rock pioneers such as Kansas, Yes, Genesis and Deep Purple. Vanderhoof describes the songs from a production point of view, "We recorded the whole album 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", says Vanderhoof. "I've never understood why nobody has gone back to that kind of music again". Accompanying Kurdt is vocalist Scott Albright (who also appeared on some of Vanderhoof's solo ventures). Having quite a remarkable voice, Albright's tone ranges anywhere between Jon Anderson, Greg Lake, Geddy Lee, and occasionally (for a modern example) James LaBrie. Perceptive of a certain vocal style being essential to the scene, Vanderhoof was wise in selecting Albright to front his outfit. Rounding out the new lineup is former Hall Aflame drummer Bill Raymond, bassist Izzy Rehaume, and keyboardist Ryan McPherson.