Starcastle

@ Wiki

Final line-up
Al Lewis - Lead vocals
Gary Strater - Bass
Herb Schildt - Keyboards
Matt Stewart - Guitar
Bruce Botts - Guitar
Jeff Koehnke - Drums

Former members
Terry Luttrel - Vocals (Ex-REO Speedwagon)
George Harp - Vocals
Ralph Goldheim - Vocals and keyboards
Steve Hagler - Guitar
Mark McGee - Guitar
Steve Tassler - Drums
Scott McKenzie - Drums

Starcastle is a progressive rock band from St. Louis, Missouri and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The band began life in 1969 as "St. James". Heavily influenced by the British progressive rock movement of the time, the band began writing material that would eventually appear on the first album. They also began a rigorous schedule of support gigs at clubs throughout the Midwest, honing their stage show and working in original material with covers. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed. Five years and a few name and line-up changes later, Starcastle was born. With tight musicianship, glorious vocal harmonies and a fleet-fingered bassist named Gary Strater, they were on their way.

Albums
Work began on the band's first self-titled LP and it was released in early 1976. The response to the music of Starcastle was positive and despite some detractors' accusations that they sounded like a Yes clone, the album received heavy FM airplay throughout the US & Canada. The group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec with producer Roy Thomas Baker.

Although Roy was well known for his success with Queen, the band was not sure if it was a good fit or not. The atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, but the final product, “Fountains of Light” turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities, with Journey and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates. “Fountains of Light” garnered the band critical acclaim, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart, the album sold respectably.

Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record their third offering, “Citadel” with Baker once again handling production. The band was under pressure at this time by their record label for a more commercial rock sound, but Starcastle kept to its progressive rock roots. After more touring, the cracks in the band were starting to show. "Real to Reel" was an album the band felt should have never been released, because of its pop-like sound and disappointment with fans. Most of the more ‘progressive’ demos done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing. The album was released and fell flat. During the subsequent tour, keyboardist Herb Schildt decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion – computers, and Terry, who had his eyes on producing, left after the group’s final date of the tour with Aerosmith. This, coupled with disappointing sales figures, prompted CBS to drop Starcastle from its roster.

Subsequent Regroupings
Undeterred, Starcastle regrouped and in 1979, the band began touring again, this time with Steve Hagler assuming lead vocal duties, without a record contract. While this line-up worked for a while, Matt remembered a vocalist he had met and became friends with a few years earlier: Ralph Goldhiem. Ralph had toured the Midwest with another CBS/Epic group called Timberline. While the Timberline sound was more similar to The Eagles and Poco, it gave Ralph a taste of what he wanted to do. He moved to Los Angeles temporally joining up with former Trapeze / Deep Purple vocalist Glen Hughes in rehearsals for a possible album which never materialized. It was during this time Matt called Ralph about joining Starcastle as keyboardist and vocalist. After touring and working with Jeff Glixman (producer - Kansas)on a new record deal, the band packed up and moved to Atlanta in hopes of revitalizing the sound. In 1980, and after some minor label interest, guitarist Steve Hagler and drummer Steve Tassler both left the group and Steve Tassler went on to become a doctor (General Practitioner). Shortly thereafter, guitarist Matt Stewart left. Disillusioned, remaining member Gary Strater returned to Champaign to regroup.

In 1982, Gary moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where he began to reinvent his own musical direction. Ultimately, this led to Gary forming a new and more modern version of Starcastle with Bruce Botts (guitar/vocals), George Harp (lead vocals) and Scott McKenzie (drums/vocals). Much new material was written and performed during this time drawing critical praise and interest from Bill Graham. Bruce Botts left the group in 1985 and moved back to the Midwest. He was replaced by Mark McGee (Vicious Rumors) This line up carried on until 1987.

Gary eventually moved back to Champaign. In 1997 Gary Strater and Bruce Botts rekindled their association and, operating from the Midwest, began work on a new recording. Eventually members from all incarnations of the band came together to work on this project. In 2001, Gary formed Sunsinger Records and released an archive CD, “Chronos I”, with demos and unreleased tracks. He followed that up in 2002 with a solo release, "Eleven To The Fourth Twice", an experimental album based purely on fractals and computer equations. Ex-drummer Steve Tassler would also release a solo album that same year on Sunsinger entitled "Alive Beyond Recognition."

In April 2004, a benefit show was arranged for Gary Strater, as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003. Ultimately, Gary was joined onstage by all the original members for a four song performance. This would be Gary's final performance with Starcastle, and he would succumb later that year at the age of 51. During his chemotherapy treatment Gary and the other members continued to work on the new record. Gary finished his parts only weeks before passing away. The album, Song of Times, was finished in late 2006 and due for release on the Prog Rock Records label on March 15, 2007. =>>>>>>>>>>>

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@ starcastlemusic.com
St. James
The Starcastle story begins in 1969 at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Students Steve Hagler (guitar), Mike Castlehorn (Drums) and Paul Tassler (bass guitar) formed St. James performing cover tunes of the day in local bars, and student mixers. Herb Schildt joined later filling out the bands sound. The unforeseen death of Mike Castlehorn in a Car accident, left the drum spot open to Steve Tassler, Paul’s brother, who at the time was playing off and on in another band. Paul had become more interested in the business side of things, and left his bass playing position to manage the group. Gary Strater who had sat in with St. James on a number of occasions, as well as owning a Van to haul gear became the band’s bass player.

Mad John Fever
With the lineup in place, new band name and Paul at the helm, Mad John Fever were set to do something more than just become a cover band. Highly influenced by the British Progressive rock of the time, Mad John Fever began writing material that would eventually appear on the 1st album. The group began a rigorous schedule of gigs including dates with Styx, Mike Bloomfield, Blue Oyster Cult, Stories, and Captain Beyond as well as clubs throughout the Midwest. The group had begun to hone its stage show, working in original material with Allman Brothers, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash, and Jethro Tull covers. Despite relative success, and the release of a (now rare) single, something more was needed.

Terry Luttrell was already well know in Champaign as the vocalist for REO Speedwagon and appeared on that groups first self-titled LP. After leaving REO, Terry performed in another local band called Sea Daddy with guitarist Matt Stewart. Terry’s soft tenor and previous experience in the "Biz" was just what the band needed. Matt had already gained a reputation in the area by sneaking into clubs at a young age and jamming with whomever he could. His style of playing proved to be complimentary to Hagler’s and a new version of Mad John Fever set to work.

Pegasus
In 1974, the group felt the band name just did not fit the music, or the image they wanted to present. "Pegasus" was chosen, and a couple club dates as well as an opening act slot with the Strawbs in St. Louis took place under this moniker, but it wasn’t to be. After an excellent review of the Strawbs gig in a St. Louis music paper, another Illinois band calling themselves Pegasus threatened legal action to stop using the name as they had the copyright. Not wanting problems, the band decided to find another name. A number of possible names were put in a hat (literally), and the word "Starcastle" was drawn. With Mad John Fever, and Pegasus behind them, Starcastle pushed forward and the Record Industry started to take notice.

Starcastle
Starcastle continued to work hard over the next year. Recording and touring extensively with The Guess Who, Elvin Bishop, Montrose, Sha Na Na, Roxy Music and working the club circuit. Greater exposure was generated through several Midwest radio stations including disc jockey Asher Benrubi- "The Mighty Atom Smasher" in Indianapolis who plugged the band, and gave the early demos substantial air play. Mercury and CBS were both paying attention, but the deal was sealed when then CBS A&R Rep Steve Popvitch saw the band play at a club in Edwardsville. Work began on the bands first LP in Pekin, Illinois and was released in early 1976.

The response to the music of Starcastle was overwhelming. Receiving heavy FM air play throughout the US & Canada the group began an even more intensive touring schedule including some of the biggest shows of their careers. Central Park in New York City with Gentle Giant, Playing to over 100,000 people over two days in Los Angeles and San Diego on the Jethro Tull tour and many others. The first album sold well, and Epic sent the band to Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec with Roy Thomas Baker. Roy was well known for his success with Queen, although the band were not quite sure if it was a good fit or not, as Roy did not understand Starcastle’s vocals and other aspects of the sound. While the atmosphere and surroundings of Le Studio were idyllic, the final product, while considered the band’s best -"Fountains of Light" turned out to be something other than what the band envisioned. More touring followed this time including a number of headlining shows in small halls and universities with Journey, and Foreigner supporting Starcastle on some dates. "Fountains of Light" was critically acclaimed, and while the single "Diamond Song (Deep is the Light)" failed to chart-the album sold respectably, but once again the label wanted more from Starcastle and the times were changing.

After the huge successes of Peter Frampton’s "Comes Alive" album and Boston’s self titled debut, as well as the rise of Punk rock and Disco- radio formats were moving away from progressive rock. No longer were programmers interested in eight minute songs, or concepts, they wanted short concise songs, that would fit on the radio and sell. Despite issues with Roy Baker’s style, the label sent Starcastle to England to record "Citadel" with Baker once again handling production. The pressure was on, but Starcastle kept to it’s progressive rock roots. Minor air play was generated with "Can’t Think Twice" and "Could this be Love", but not enough to push the sales CBS wanted. More touring followed, but cracks in the band were starting to show.

"Real to Reel" was an album the band felt should have never been released, despite it containing a couple of Starcastle’s best songs "Song for Alaya" and "When the Sun Shines at Midnight". Some of the more "progressive" demo’s done for the record were rejected by CBS, and the band had stopped believing in what they were doing. The LP was released, and fell flat. During the tour supporting the LP, Herb decided it was time to leave to pursue his passion- Computers, and Terry who had his eyes on producing, both left Starcastle after the groups final date of the tour with Aerosmith in Cincinnati, Ohio. The bands wish was to continue using another vocalist, but disappointing sales and the fact Terry had left, CBS promptly dropped Starcastle from it’s roster. In turn the management company Artistic Visions let the band go- leaving Paul Tassler again to handle Starcastle’s business.

Undeterred, Starcastle carried on. They regrouped in Champaign and in early 1979 the band began touring again this time with Steve Hagler on lead vocals and without a record contract. While this line-up worked for a while, Matt remembered a vocalist he had met and became friends with a few years earlier- Ralph Goldhiem. Ralph had toured the Midwest with another CBS/Epic group called Timberline. While the Timberline sound was more similar to The Eagles and Poco, it gave Ralph a taste of what he wanted to do. He moved to Los Angeles temporally joining up with former Trapeze / Deep Purple vocalist Glen Hughes in rehearsals for a possible album which never materialized. It was during this time Matt called Ralph about joining Starcastle as vocalist.

With Ralph on board in July of 1979 the new Starcastle took shape. The material became more hard edged, while still retaining the trademark Starcastle sound. Needing a change of surroundings Starcastle moved from Champaign to Atlanta, Georgia. A spec deal was signed with producer Jeff Glixman in Atlanta who was at that time best known for his work with Kansas. Through working with Glixman on the first demo, a management deal was signed with former Queen manager-Jack Nelson. Nelson was more of a "hands off" manager, but did bring both Arista and A&M’s John Kolander to the table for a possible deal. Nothing happened, but the band still held out hope that something would come along for the better. The band contemplated a name change at one point-even played a gig as "The Pack" at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom, but it was still Starcastle, and it was Starcastle they came to hear. In 1980 both Steve Hagler and Steve Tassler left the group. Tassler’s replacement on drums was Mauro Magellan. Rehearsals took place with Magellan, but he left a short time later to join The Georgia Satellites -a band who’s multi-selling debut album would be produced by Jeff Glixman. Matt Stewart left for California and would later join Head East as guitarist in the mid-80’s. Gary & Ralph continued to write together, but eventually Gary returned to Champaign, disillusioned and looking for a fresh start.

Gary organized later versions of the band in California through the '80s, and work has been ongoing on a new Starcastle record, "Song of Times". Through a series of adventures, and with the dedicated work of a group that includes vocalist Al Lewis, formerly of Alaska, Starcastle guitarist Bruce Botts, Gary, Matt, Herb, Steve Tassler, Pogo Studio's Mark Rubel and various friends and associates, the new Starcastle album "Song of Times" will soon be released. "Song of Times" features appearances by all of the original Starcastle members, and new Starcastle music. =>>>>>>>>>>>

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Progressive rock legends Starcastle release new CD on ProgRock Records. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (PRWEB) March 16, 2007 -- Progressive Rock is alive and well and living at California-based label ProgRock Records with the release of the new Starcastle CD Song Of Times . It's the band's first new release in over two decades making this an even more historic event! Formed in Champaign, IL in the late 1960s. Starcastle released four critically acclaimed albums between 1976 and 1978 on CBS/Epic Records which sold over a million units combined. The band toured extensively into the 1980s, appearing with such artists as Aerosmith, Jethro Tull, Roxy Music, Ted Nugent, Rush, Kansas, ELO, Peter Frampton, Santana, Boston, and Todd Rundgren, amongst many others. Now signed to ProgRock Records , who's name says it all about the label's roster of tremendous 'progressive' talent, the band prepares to take to the skies with their new release! Starcastle's new CD Song Of Times, which dons stunning artwork by Ed Unitsky, is quite possibly their best work yet! "What an honor and thrill it is to be able to put out this album", proudly claims ProgRock President Shawn Gordon . "I loved these guys when they hit the scene, never in my life did I think I'd get to work with them, especially with such an amazing album!" The CD includes contributions from original members Gary Strater, Terry Luttrell, Steve Tassler, Herb Schildt, Matt Stewart and Steve Hagler, as well as new faces Al Lewis, Bruce Botts, John O'Hara, Neal Robinson, Mark Mcgee, Jeff Koehnke and Scott McKensie. "Starcastle is thrilled to join with ProgRock Records in the release of our new work" says the band. "We see this record as bridging our past and future, and are happy to be aligned with ProgRock, who represent so many fine and vital artists in this continually unfolding genre." With original and new band members joined together, Starcastle are anticipating another run of mega-success. Songs like "Babylon " are sure to put a smile on any radio program director's face, with its catchy melody, commercial song structure and stunning vocalizations by new band member Al Lewis. Through a series of adventures and the passing in 2004 of bassist and driving light Gary Strater, a dedicated group of friends, musicians and associates have persevered to complete and release Song Of Times. In support of Starcastle's new masterwork, the band will be headlining a one-off gig on April 27, 2007 at the Rites Of Spring Festival in Phoenixville, PA. In an interesting twist, after so many years of comparisons with rock superstars Yes, Rick Wakeman's son Oliver, who also has a release on ProgRock Records entitled Mothers Ruin, will accompany Starcastle on keyboards for this live event! Amongst the hoopla surrounding the new Starcastle CD comes more adventurous releases from ProgRock Records, such as the solo album from Henning Pauly entitled Babysteps. The CD includes guest appearances by Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, as well as Jody Ashworth of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and both Michael Sadler and Jim Gilmour of Canadian muli-platinum selling, hard rock legends Saga. ProgRock Records has previously released solo albums from Michael Sadler Clear and Jim Gilmour Great Escape. Paul Henning has also released two other albums with ProgRock Records under the guise Frameshift. The first CD Unweaving The Rainbow also features James Labrie, whilst the second release An Absence Of Empathy boasts performances by ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach. ProgRock Records is proud to announce the historic release of the third Planet P Project CD called 1931, featuring original Rainbow keyboardist Tony Carey. The first two Planet P Project albums contained several radio and video hits including "Why Me" and "Power Tools". Tony Carey has over 30 albums to his credit, and as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. "I'm delighted to have found a new platform to deliver my admittedly esoteric stuff," boasts Carey, "and I'm excited to be working with Shawn and ProgRock Records!" For more information on the new Starcastle CD and other ProgRock Records releases, check out the official website: www.progrockrecords.com =>>>>>>>>>>> ============ blogprock ============