Nuclear Bird was inspired by the 70\u2019s band, Atomic Rooster which was led by extraordinary keyboardist Vincent Crane who is also known for his signature organ work on The Crazy World of Arthur Brown\u2019s \u201cFIRE.\u201d Tyrannical Megalomaniac was Vincent Crane\u2019s nickname.
Drummer\/songwriter, Mark Murdock was influenced by Atomic Rooster and other early 70\u2019s progressive-psychedelic bands from England, recently composed a batch of original songs with the intent of capturing Atomic Rooster\u2019s spirit musically, but also telling an interpretation of the band\u2019s story.
Mark invited Atomic Rooster drummer, Ric Parnell to the recordings. \u201cRic gave the music that authentic Atomic Rooster feel with his exceptional drumming on five of the eight songs. Thrilled to have him on board,\u201d says Mark. Ric shared some of those interesting stories of the band which were incorporated into the lyrics. Also, lyricist\/music reviewer, Dmitry M. Epstein contributed on a few of the songs.
\u201cThere was also an attempt to invite other former Atomic Rooster cast onboard; Peter French, Steve Bolten, Carl Palmer, Arthur Brown and Preston Heyman to participate but unfortunately could not participate for various reasons – scheduling, conflict of interest and lack of studio access, to name a few. \u201cPerhaps I\u2019ll try knocking on their door on the next Nuclear Bird works,\u2019\u2019 laughs Mark.
Vocalist Tim Pepper not only captured a flowing vocal on the songs but did the concept cover art of a Quetzalcothus (dinosaur bird) playing a Hammond organ with a nuclear power plant burning in the background. Thus, the title Nuclear Bird, not to be confused with Brand X\u2019s \u201cNuclear Burn.\u201d Speaking of which, former guitarist John Goodsall played on two of Mark\u2019s Cymbalic Encounters works.
Additional musicians who contributed to the tracks are guitarist, Ken Hall who played with Mark in Phoenix, Arizona from the 70\u2019s who captured an authentic 70\u2019s era guitar and Broadway drummer, Jon Berger who guested on drums for two songs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nuclear Bird \u201cTyrannical Megalomaniac\u201d Track List:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Music and Lyrics by Mark Murdock
*Lyrics on songs 6 & 8 by Dmitry M. Epstein<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark Murdock – organ and drums
Ric Parnell – drums and percussion on songs 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8
Tim Pepper – vocal
Ken Hall – guitar
Jon Berger – drums on songs 6 & 8 *Ric Parnell- percussion on song 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All compositions by Mark Murdock
Produced by Mark Murdock
Mixed and Mastered by Mark Murdock
Recorded at Off-Shore Studios, Tokyo and various remote locations
Artwork by Tim Pepper<\/p>\n\n\n\n