 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
|
November 11, 1996 To Whom It May Concern, The peace of the Lord be with you this new day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing in response after listening to an absolutely phenomenal album by Ajalon, Light at the End of the Tunnel. I work for Christ Jesus as a presenter for United Christian Broadcasters Europe in Stoke-On-Trent and heard the album there. Is it possible to find out more about the band? Such as how many albums these guys have done, how I can contact them personally to encourage them. (I am aware that many artists do not get feed back which is a real shame.), and any other artists you have under your belt in the same vein as Ajalon. As much information will be very much appreciated indeed. You will be pleased to know that as the presenter of new releases also, I am to feature these guy’s music on the programme. (Thursday evenings at 8:30pm.) No doubt these guys will go far....! Also that they will receive extensive airplay, God-Willing, on U.C.B. Cross Rhythms (aimed at youth), possibly even the Saturday night rock show with Chris Rabone. Many thanks for taking time to read this letter. May the Lord bless & keep you as you seek ever more to walk in the Light as He is in the Light. Holding fast to His Holy Word which is Truth. Your fellow servant in Christ Jesus,
Alex Figgis
Someone mentioned Ajalon. Let me weigh in for a moment about this band, which has been a great find for me. Ajalon is a three-piece Christian progressive rock band that hails from the Washington state area. Members are Randy George on guitar and keyboards, Wil Henderson on bass and lead vocals, and Dan Lile on drums and percussion. Their sole album, “The Light at the End of the Tunnel,” is an excellent mix of symphonic progressive rock heavy on keyboards and great guitar playing. The album is available on Rick Wakeman’s Christian indie label, Hope Records. Since I know everyone on this list has the sort of taste in music that leads them beyond the commercial realms of ordinary songs, I believe that you would do very well to consider a purchase of this album. Songs such as “The Illusion of Permanence” have literally brought tears to my eyes. The final track, “The Long Road Home,” is an 18-minute suite about one man’s conversion to Christ. I don’t usually buy albums without having heard the music, but I took a chance on this one a few months ago and did not regret it. I loaned the album to a friend and had a hard time getting it back. I finally bought him a copy of his own! If you’re a fan of Genesis, Marillion, Fourth Estate or, of course, Iona’s progressive playing, please check this one out. (And no, I don’t work for Ajalon — I just like to plug music that goes beyond the cookie-cutter chaff I hear on the radio!) God bless! Anthony D. Cross - Rhythms Magazine Feb - Mar ‘97
Ajalon Ajalon are a 3 piece Seattle band who break the mould that has constrained so many Christian artists in the past. ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel; is their first album and is released on Rick Wakeman’s Hope label (the first non-RW product on hope to boot). Take AOR, add a liberal pinch of progressive (good quality European) and finally add a touch of a classic wordsmith/songwriter (Randy Stonehill or Larry Norman) and you might be getting close to the mix which makes Ajalon so good. Well written and well performed songs with lyrics so sharp that they almost hurt. All I can really say about the album is that it is the best Christian album that I have heard in years. It’s so good I had to convince my wife that it was a Christian album and not an album by a major secular band. Okay there are a few sounds that don’t sit to well in the mix such as the “organ” in the otherwise stunning “to Fly With You”, which incidentally is the only track that comes in under five minutes in length (and then only by a second). There is also a crowded feel to the sound of some of the songs, which is probably a result of to little money and time whilst recording. Let’s be realistic, it’s not perfect but I can’t remember when I last heard a debut album of this cadre. If you appreciate good rock, Ajalon will not disappoint you. 9 out of 10 Tim Cockram
Expose’ Magazine issue #12 Spring ‘97
Ajalon The first CD for this Christian progressive band (stop cringing) is part of Rick Wakeman’s venture on his new Hope label located on the Isle of Man. These residents of uptown Lynnwood, WA, are a trio: primarily guitar, bass and drums, which could obviously point to Rush as a basic influence but sounds more like Arena with less heavy-handed keyboards and a few standard ideas. Lead guitarist Randy George is both controlled and blistering at the appropriate moments while vocalist Wil henderson has masculine Hogarth tenor voice that works well in contrast. Songs which stand out: ‘A Thief in the Night’ is a piece straight out of traditional neo-prog, if a little lightwieght on the bass end. ‘Girl on a Swing’ is a pleasant acoustic piece bemoaning a woman’s search for salvation. The hour-long disc is a crisp piece of engineering work that has good separation between instruments and a clear high end. Christian themes are evident in the lyrics, which compare favorably to that of rockers Kings X, but aren’t to preachy or blatant except in a few places such as ‘To Fly With You’ (which has a few snippets of trademark Yes sandwiched around straight folkish Gospel). ‘Tunnel’ has more prog with less scripture, which seems to be the trend in the spiritual rock market. The epic piece ‘The Long Road Home’ (18:19) would be the most impressive work on the album (showcasing Marillion-type arranging skills) if not for some out of place narration. However, don’t be shy about Ajalon’s freshman product if you want to check out a good disc - it does superseed most religious overtones and stands on it’s own progressive merit. JM
I have recently purchased your excellent album. I have been looking for a (for lack of a better word, progressive)Christian group for a while. I have been listening to Christian music since the late 70's and have really only found a handfull of artists that I want to listen to musically. Most CCM is bouncy little pop riffs or country influenced. The message is good but all the songs sound the same. I have had this CD for 3 weeks and have listened to it at least once every day. At first I could hear different progressive groups influence (esp. Marillion in Long Road home), but it really stands on its own. I think Illusion of Permanence and Long Road Home are are the standouts but every song is really good. I listen to quite a bit of music, some Christian, some secular and I have to rank this album up in the top few of 97 and quite probably the best Christian album I have heard. I just wanted to give you some encouragement and say thanks for putting out such a great album.
Keep the faith, January 25, 1998 I listened to your CD with great excitment. Wow, you are an awesome guitar player!!! You should be touring with Yes instead of Billy Sherwood. Simply marvelous! I also enjoyed Dan's playing as well. Favorite tracks were: Spiritual Fire & The Long Road Home.
Thanks again. December 18, 1997 I got the CD late last week. I've listened to it twice, the first time with my 3 kids romping around the house, the second with a more critical ear and following the lyrics. I find myself liking each track more and more each time I hear it.Great instrumental work from all of you! More importantly, the lyrics and music ministered to me. Great CD! Any more material in the works? Greg K
January 14, 1998 I got the cd! Right about the 1st of the year and it is great! It is good to hear exceptional music anytime. They never play the good stuff on the radio. Please let us know if you do any more albums or do any touring on the east coast.
Thanks,
Hi-I love your new cd! Thank you for the testimony and the great music. Scott T
You guys are my favorite Christian band without a doubt!
February 5, 1998 Today the priority mail you sent with the cd and the info from AJALON came to my office here in Panama safe and faster than I thought. The cd sounds just great. I like the music and lyrics on the tracks. They are different and pure fresh spiritual concepts. Congratulations!! Next wednesday on "UNDER MERCURY'S INFLUENCE" radio show in STEREO PANAMA 106.7 FM ROCK, the AJALON cd will be traveling the panamenian airwaves and also this coming sunday on "COSMIC MEDALLION" (my radio show). As soon as we get the audience opinion, I'll sure let you know.
From Panama, Republic of Panama........
February 13, 1998 This is me, KUTO V reporting from Panama, city Panama, the heart of the americas the blasting impact of the AJALON cd over the panamenian air waves. Last week, "UNDER THE THE INFLUENCE OF MERCURY", our wednesday nights radio show for progressive rock, AJALON was announced as a North-American revelation in the progressive rock scene. All the info you sent was transalated to spanish and the cd was played in full!!!!!!!! Phone calls from near the border with Costa Rica and Colombia and of course, local calls, broke the silence and peace in to the radio booth but I was so happy playing my roll as a DJ that I can say I enjoyed this time.......I really did. I want to tell you that this coming sunday on the "COSMIC MEDALLION" radio program, AJALON will be presented too in demand of the audience. Congratulations to you and the rest of the band.
From Panama, Republic of Panama........
February 25, 1998 Hi My name is Ed T. I ordered a your "Light at the End of the Tunnel" cd a couple of months ago and I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed it. I can hear a Genesis influence in there but more importantly I hear a lot of originality which is definately a welcome thing nowadays! Here in New York City all the bands sound the same and most of them can't play their instruments very well. I liked the first song "Illusion of Permanance" a lot. I liked the main theme in the song because of the way you used the 5th harmony in the keyboard intro as well as when you started doing it later on in the song with the guitar. I also liked "Light at the end of the Tunnel" I hope to hear more music from you guys soon. Hopefully Hope Records can iron out their problems in 98. By the way how is that going with them? Will you be doing your next cd with them? Well whoever you do the next cd with I'll be sure to buy it! I wish you guys all the luck in the world and don't lose heart! Don't believe all the hype about how hard it is to break into the recording industry just keep believing in your music & why your doing it. God woudn't have taken you this far only to let you run into a brick wall! You guys got what it takes to make it!
A fellow musician,
December 22, 1998 I've given your CD a listen and I have to say it is good. The vocals seem to arrive somewhere between Trevor Rabin and the guy from Pink Floyd. The CD has a great Christian message coming out of every song. The musicianship is well done too! I have enjoyed the first listen and look forward to many more! Thank you for getting it out to me so quickly.
Thanks,
February 19,1999
Hi !!! GREAT ALBUM !!! GREETINGS FROM MEXICO... Enrique R.
March 18, 1999 Just a word to say thanks for the wonderful Ajalon music. I sincerely hope that Rick Wakeman and Hope decide to publish another CD of your music. I would also love to hear an album of your acoustic compositions. My prayers are with you that BOTH CD's will see production. Once again, thanks for beautiful and inspiring music. God Bless! Skip
July 30, 1999 Without going into song by song detail, your recording is one of my favorites! I used to listen to your Ajalon disc every day after receiving it back in April. What an inspirational listening experience! I recommended you to many people, but am not sure who actually heeded my advice enough to actually buy your CD. If you ever create a better song than "The Illusion of Permanence", I'll be amazed! Orson Welles had to live with making a masterpiece on his first attempt at directing, so you are in good company... :-) Keep the faith, Daniel W
Ajalon sounds like a cross between Trick of the Tail era Genesis, Alan Parsons Project (Eye in the Sky), and maybe Saga, with
bold Christian lyrics. Its good stuff. I really like the song Thief in the Night, and play it on my radio show all the time.
Here’s a bit of an off the wall track selection when talking Wakeman music. I was listening to Ajalon today and think it’s a great piece of music. I know it’s not Rick but it does have Wakeman ties. The writing and musicianship are wonderful on this cd. I strongly recommend it. It is a Christian CD but the music doesn’t follow that vein. The lyrics do follow the Christain message but are not over bearing, if you know what I mean. Try it, you’ll like it. Tom Ajalon is a great group. I like to think of them as prog with pop tendencies. The album didn’t leave my CD player for a month when I got it a couple years ago. I still listen to it pretty often, especially in the van with the wife and kids. I can get this playing and no one complains. Listened to it several times over Christmas driving from TX to FL and back. Really love the album. The last song is a 15 minute epic about a mans realization that he doesn’t really have control of his life and must turn to the Lord for direction. It always reminds me of a minature Misplaced Childhood by Marillion. Probably just the spoken part that does it, but it’s a great song. I have listened to this CD more times than I can count. Actually almost all the songs are great, with a couple that rank all the way down to good. Really strong opening and closing though. If you don’t own this GET IT NOW! You have NO excuse! Dennis H Ajalon CD.... wow... I KNEW it would be good; and was I ever right! It is excellent. And I truly mean that, 100%, I’m not just blowing smoke up yer kilt. My favorites so far are ‘Illusion of Permanance’, ‘Spiritual Fire’, ‘Light at the end of...’, and of course, ‘Long Road Home’. ‘Girl on a Swing’ is such a beautiful melody and reminds me a lot of Marillion. I hear some of Pink Floyd in Long Road Home; that sultry sort of slow-burn sound with Gilmour’s searing guitar work over the top. Both of these comparisons are meant in a positive way, merely as an explanatory note. I’m not suggesting that you were trying to sound like either band. The song writing all the way around is very strong. Always very thoughtful. The guitar work is excellent; always very tight control over every note, with the sense of being able to reach in and pull out much more when needed. The lead lines are very lyrical and imaginative. I really like Wil’s vocals. He has a unique way of phrasing and his tone is always pure. Lyrics are always the most difficult thing for me to deal with. I can sit down and gush out some artsy sounding collection of words with little trouble, but to actually communicate something meaningful and valuable, that is a true gift. I personally most like lyrics that are a bit obscure and have an air of mystery about them, but i also like an intelligent, to-the-point message that is not too simplistic or generalized. I think you do a fine job of bridging the gap between these two points. Enough depth to keep the listener’s interest, yet sraightforward enough to convey the message. That is a difficult balance to strike. Thanks a million for the CD. I really, really appreciate it. Scott D Ajalon - Light at the End of the Tunnel. My girlfriend found this for me a few months ago, and it has some really great musical moments. The first two tracks don't do much for me, but "To Fly With You" is an excellent, infectious, bouncy acoustic number with lots of great vocal harmonies, and "The Long Road Home" I guess could be considered the first true epic of the Christian prog genre. Full of great twists and turns and lots of key and tempo changes, superb guitar work, long ethereal stretches of pensive guitar/synth lines. Personally I'd like to hear more tricky rhythms like the one on "Thief in the Night," but this album is still, for the most part, full of really attention-grabbing material. Given the nature of the album, one would expect the lyrics to be the central focus, but they really aren't... the message doesn't detract from the music, and vice versa... they struck a really nice balance between the two. I think Asia fans would love this; that's what a lot of this album reminds me of, for better or worse. (Even the singer, IMO, sounds like a cross between John Wetton and Trevor Rabin, if that's possible!) I sense a heavy Genesis influence too (Hackett era), with the combination of aggressive drumming and emotion-laden, majestic guitar and synth lines. The gentle rhythm guitar lines on "Light at the End of the Tunnel" especially remind me of Hackett's work on "Supper's Ready," and the synth solo about 14 minutes into "Long Road" reminds me of vintage Banks. Not that these guys aren't original; I think they have a fresh exciting sound that exhibits a lot of their musical influences but still could be a little bit more adventurous musically and a little less pop-oriented. Let's hope we hear more from them in the future! Music Street Journal Review This album is a progressive rock work of considerable merit, whose lyrical content consists of competent and well written Christian themes. The musicianship on this album is quite inspired and competent, and the album also features some strong vocals. Many influences seem to poke their heads out on this one, most notably, Genesis, Yes and Marillion. This is certainly one of those albums that improves with repeated listening. On Rick Wakeman`s Hope Records, the lineup on the album is Wil Henderson, Randy George and Dan Lile, backed by several other musicians. Track by Track Review The Illusion of Permanence: Starting in an almost fusion sort of mode, this piece features a considerably quirky arrangement in places, while still being quite accessible. The track really has a Genesis sort of feel to it. The tone to the guitar on this track is quite interesting. Spiritual Fire: The intro to this piece seems to call to mind Jon Anderson from the Song of Seven/Animation period. This track contains some interesting rhythmic patterns, and exceptionally strong vocals, and actually seems to be a bit reminiscent of Supertramp in places. Girl On A Swing: This piece is a nice picked guitar sort of ballad, quite pretty and well done, and features a tasteful saxophone solo. A Thief in the Night: The intro here is a very quirky and powerful progressive rock section, which drops into a verse which is perhaps a bit reminiscent of some of the better work of Asia. This is really a well arranged and potent track and features a couple guitar based instrumental breaks that are very strong. To Fly With You: This track is a solid piece, although a bit more in a pop sort of mode than a progressive mode. However, there are several instrumental breaks here which heavily call to mind Going For the One/Tormato/Drama era Yes. Commonwealth: This is another strong number, and features some almost funky bass work in the first verse, and some solidly progressive stylings in sections of the song. The arrangement here certainly has moments of greatness. Light At the End of the Tunnel: Beginning in acoustic guitar based stylings, which contains some chord changes a bit reminiscent of Triumph, this is a powerful and emotional piece. The latter sections of this piece contains some more decidedly progressive sort of song writing. The Long Road Home: I. So It`s Come to This: This section of the piece begins in a definite old Genesis type of mode. That sort of texture continues on as the song progresses, although the stylings certainly do contain original influences as well. Once this section drops into the main song structure, it takes on a moody and dramatic sort of feel. II. Famous Last Words: Here the piece is solidly a ballad, although alternating between a latter day Fish era Marillion and some definite Genesis modes, still maintaining a solid sense of it`s own identity. III. Brush With Life: As the song progresses into the next section, it continues more in the spoken word sort of Marillion mode, calling to mind the Misplaced Childhood era rather nicely. IV. Free At Last: Carrying on, this section of the song continues with the Marillion sort of mode, while incorporating Drama era Yes based stylings. The keyboard solo here has a nice 70`s AOR prog sort of feel, somewhat in the vein of Styx. V. The Long Road Home: This closing section begins in a pretty and emotional jazz influenced mode. After a solid balladic verse, the piece jumps into some nicely moving progressive stylings, again calling to mind old Genesis. This piece serves as a solid conclusion to the album.
From: Terry P The building probably held about 500 people as the notice stated, but I doubt there were anywhere near that many there. Not knowing, I did not take any chances and arrived an hour and a half early with my 2 sons,8 & 12 years old, and who also listened to Yes music at home( like they had a choice). We sat right in front in the 3d row, as a small Roland digital piano was set up center stage right in front of me. Ajalon’s equipment was all set up, so I knew Rick would be doing a few piano pieces, which suited me just fine. When Rick came out, he chatted with the crowd a bit, thanked everyone at the church for the use of the building, and also reminded us that this was the farthest he’d ever traveled for a warm-up gig! 9,000 miles and 2 days. He seemed fairly relaxed, and the audience appreciated his good humor and conversation. He began with “Catherine Howard” from Six Wives, and after just listening to it in the car on the way up, I was delighted to hear it on the piano. It still amazes me how effortless he makes it all seem, and the quickness of his fingers. He performed it flawlessly, then stood up again to chat some more. He told us that Yes would be touring the U.S. starting in June, and that brought a very vocal response from the crowd. He did say that it would start on time if they could get Jon out of his teepee. Next, he played a song that he said was not available in the U.S., but I have it on C.D. in the best of Rick Wakeman collection. The song was “Gone but not Forgotten”, and for those of you who haven’t heard it, it is beautiful. He finished with his acoustical version of the Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby”. I had seen him do this song with his son Adam a couple years before with full synthesizers, and was amazed at how he converted that into a piano piece. The audience loved it, and the only bad part was he only played 3 songs. He then explained how he came to hear of Ajalon after listening to a tape they had sent to him at his home on the Isle of Man. He said he was immediately impressed, and they indeed are the first American band to sign with Rick’s new label, Hope Records. They play a progressive style of Christian Rock that was very nice to listen to, and I’m sure most Yes fans appreciated the music. My sons were very impressed, and wouldn’t leave until I bought them an Ajalon C.D.
After the show, Rick came down and signed everyone’s old Yes
records, posters, and assorted paraphernalia. By that time, the crowd
was down to about 100, and shortly after, very few people were still
there. Rick chatted with everyone, talking about old Yes tours, etc.,
and I left with a couple autographs on my Wakeman C.D’s. It was
definitely worth the 100 mile drive, as the setting was very intimate,
and the music was great. I am looking forward to the tour in June,
and hope I can sit as close at the next show.
RICK WAKEMAN AND AJALON IN ARLINGTON, WA ON JANUARY 21, 1997 ======================
From Editor Mike Tiano Between songs he demonstrated his famous wit, and told the story of how he came to discover Ajalon. With one day off between engagements a Seattle area musician named Randy George had persuaded Rick’s assistant Candy into making him dig through a pile of demo tapes to hear Randy’s band. Though Rick resisted at first he searched until he found the tape, and after numerous listenings was impressed with their musicianship to sign them to Hope Records, their first release being THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. The band took the stage with Randy on guitar, William Henderson on bass and vocals, and Dan Lile on drums. Randy had prerecorded keyboard parts and the band had a full, melodic sound. The lyrics and between song banter centered on religious themes but the music was creative and nicely arranged, and a woman (name unavailable) contributed lovely vocal harmonies on some tunes. The music was fairly original; only the opening of the closing tune seemed a bit too familiar, opening with a fast piano part and power chords which to my ears was very reminiscent of “Endless Dream”. Otherwise this piece, a near-twenty minute epic, was an exciting closer. In all the group played a tight set, and the players demonstrated they had the chops to make this music fly. All three musicians were proficient, and much of the music seemed more linear than progressive. But there were enough twists and turns to keep me interested, and I was hearing Ajalon for the first time. Afterward both Ajalon and Rick signed autographs and spoke with fans. Alan White, a Seattle area resident, was not in attendance but Rick did have lunch with him at Microsoft the following day, where Rick was given a demo of MSN’s Rifff show (it wasn’t Alan’s as his wasn’t readily available), with Rick considering doing his own in the future. (Pictures of Rick and Alan on this visit will soon be found on http://www.nfte.org/images.html.) During his Northwest stay Rick consented to a Notes conversation where he discussed the new Yes album and tour, as well as Hope Records. Watch for it. MOT |