Robby Steinhardt and Solar Studios announce Robby’s first and only solo recording, Not in Kansas Anymore. Release date: October 25th 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You know him as the legendary violinist, vocalist and frontman for the band KANSAS, recording 9 albums which reached gold, platinum and double platinum status, and is now making another mark on the world with his first and only solo album.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The new album, Not in Kansas Anymore is a powerful, well thought-out offering of Prog Rock magic. Timely songs with incredible arrangements and virtuoso performances. Robby\u2019s vocals and signature electric violin come through on this continuous work labeled a \u201cProg Opera\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his only interview for the project, he spoke with Bill Shafer of PBS. Steinhardt was asked what the meaning behind the title Not in Kansas Anymore was. Steinhardt responded, \u201cIt\u2019s no slight against the band, no never! My time with Kansas defined a big part of my life, of which I am very proud of. Ever since The Wizard of OZ, those words have become an American axiom for moving forward, you can never go back etc.\u201d Robby laughed, \u201cI guess it has a special meaning when it is fixed to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The album, produced by Michael Thomas Franklin, is his latest production since the highly acclaimed Jon Anderson 1000 Hands Chapter One. Franklin used a similar approach using a large cast of renown musicians to lend their talents. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Steve Morse of Deep Purple\/Dixie Dregs, Billy Cobham of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Chuck Leavell of The Rolling Stones, Liberty Devitto (Drummer on Billy Joel\u2019s hits), Jim Gentry, Pat Travers, Billy Ashbaugh (Moody Blues\/Pat Benatar), Lisa Fischer (longtime vocalist for The Rolling Stones), 1000 Hands members Michael Franklin, Tommy Calton, Tim Franklin, Jocelyn Hsu, Rayford Griffin and Benoit Lajeunesse and many others including Orchestra and Choir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The songs provide powerful lyrics, hard to forget choruses, combined with crafty playing. All this combined with Franklin\u2019s lavish and complicated arrangements makes listening to Not in Kansas Anymore a wonderful hour well spent. The stunning album artwork created by Tom Lupo of Magnificent Pictures and subliminal song quotes from the Wizard of OZ, are another added feature to this complex Prog Opera. Currently four videos are in the works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steinhardt was in a reborn state of mind in the months prior to finishing the record. He and wife Cindy were looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. He had started rehearsals and was preparing to hit the road in August when he became ill in May. Robby\u2019s musical vision, voice and violin lives on with his first and only solo album, Not in Kansas Anymore! Release was delayed due to Steinhardt\u2019s passing July 17, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not in Kansas Anymore<\/em>, Digital Download, CD and preorder LP with free Digital Download can be found at:<\/strong>www.robbysteinhardtofficial.com<\/a> or www.solarmusic.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Promo video:<\/strong>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yu5T_3aEv0g<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Robby was a big fan of local vinyl vendors. Here is where you will be able can to find LPs and CDs locally www.solarmusic.com\/distribution<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n