Edward Reekers - The Liberty Project - VINYL LP

On 21 August 2026, Divine Art is thrilled to the world premiere recording of Piedra de sol (Sunstone), acclaimed composer Joby Talbot's stunning choral setting of Mexican poet Octavio Paz's epic masterpiece, performed by GRAMMY Award-winning choir Conspirare and Artistic Director Craig Hella Johnson. Drawing on the symbolism of the Aztec calendar stone, Octavio Paz's poem Piedra de sol (1957) is like no other. It uses techniques of modern poetry, particularly surrealist imagery, to meditate on cyclical time and the possibility of breaking it's grip through poetry and love, as explained by Adela Pineda Franco of the University of Texas at Austin in her excellent booklet article. The poem had a profound emotional impact on Joby Talbot '..the hugeness of the poet's vision; the cosmic immensity of the imagery; the febrile surrealistic intensity of a sensory journey through space and time from reality to fantasy and back again; the sudden moments of heartfelt intimacy that never fail to surprise.' The seventy-minute-long musical structure mirrors the poem's narrative journey from ecstatic vision, through deep despair, to eventual enlightenment. It features a wide range of vocal textures, extended passages of complex rhythmic interplay, exposed solo passages for a single voice, and episodes where slabs of sound reflect the poem's terrifying images. Colouring much of the music is the marimba (superbly played by Thomas Burritt), which anchors the harmonies and rhythm and contributes to the otherworldly character of the musical palette. Piedra de sol invites listeners and performers alike on a journey of infinite dimensions - a voyage whose course bends, advances, recedes, comes full circle, and arrives forever. London-born Joby Talbot is a leading composer for concert, stage, and screen. He has written widely for voice and choir, setting poetry, sacred, and historical text

History repeats itself. Haven't we heard that one before? (Which actually proves that the statement is true.) It's not only a frequently heard comment, it also happens to be the main theme of a new double album by Edward Reekers entitled 'The Liberty Project'. So what is it? A rockopera, a musical, a concept album? Yes. But we'll get to that in a minute. So what's it all about? Imagine there had been a second Big Bang. Would that have altered our evolution or even created a parallel world? And if so, what would that world look like, who would be it's inhabitants? InchI wanted to create a story within a story so I introduced Thomas and Catherine, falling in love, splitting up and finding their way back together again. With a society in turmoil around them where politicians, bankers and journalists, amongst others, comment on the situation they're confronted withInch.Reekers turned to Joost van Broek, who he had met during his Ayreon perfomances, asking him to help him get the Liberty Project on it's way. The collaboration turned out to be a magical one. And that's not the only friend he's had a little help from. Arjen Lucassen played guitars and bass guitar on one of the songs. Mark Lennon of Venice did the leadvocals for a song, Harry Sacksioni delivered a guitarsolo and former Genesis member Steve Hackett contributed a guitar part.InchThe recording process was an overwhelming experience for meInch, Reekers confesses. InchWe had Vandenberg's Koen Herfst on drums, giving it his all, Mark Bogert on guitars, Johannes Adema on basses, a string section, a mixed choir and even a childrens choir. Having composed all the music and written all the lyrics for the project it really was a dream come true for me to hear it come to life with so many great musicians and singers giving me the benefit of their wonderful talentInch.A grand total of 17 tracks is the result of these effo

With Astor Place, Edward Rogers presents a vivid, emotionally rich album that blends singer-songwriter depth with shimmering psychedelic pop. Written over five years, the songs turn memories into melody-whether it's the yearning of Inch15 Eldon Road,Inch the bohemian nostalgia of InchAstor Place,Inch or the swirling mysticism of InchMagical Drum.InchRogers teams up for the first time with renowned producer Don Fleming, whose analog-savvy studio work brings warmth, spontaneity, and a slightly trippy patina to each track. From melodic fuzz guitars to haunting keys, the album balances grounded storytelling with sonic experimentation.Pressed in limited quantities, this vinyl edition with an eye catchy cover offers a rich, analog listening experience-perfect for collectors and fans of sophisticated psych-pop with emotional depth.