New Releases: June 2009

Saga is revamped and, to use a Crimso term, "highly thrakked" on their new release, The Human Condition. You can hear 4 tracks in their entirety on the Official Saga site. Great stuff! Whether you're a veteran Saga fan or just like intelligent, melodic rock, you'll love The Human Condition. As some of you know, this is Saga's first album to feature the new lead singer, Rob Moratti. While his vocals are significantly different from Mike Sadler's, I think Saga made a great choice for a new front man. They certainly could have done worse. For instance, I don't know what Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford (of Genesis) were thinking when they chose Ray Wilson. While not a bad vocalist overall, he wasn't a great fit for Genesis. Hence, their disbanding shortly after the Calling All Stations tour. Anyway, in short, Saga is back --and with renewed energy!






Once down to just 2 official band members with the 2002 release of Cry, Simple Minds came back with a vengeance with Black And White 050505. As the title implies, the album was released in 2005. This album marked the return of Mel Gaynor (drums) and the addition of the best basist they've had since Derek Forbes . . . Eddy Duffy. Now, Simple Minds is back again with some strong material and the June 2009 release of Graffiti Soul. This album features the same lineup as Black and White 050505. Thus, the band still has a solid rhythm section and Andy Gillespie adding keyboard atmospheres. Currently, Graffity Soul is only available as an import. However, they are planning a US release on the Decca label in the fall. I've been a Simple Minds fan since their 1985 release, Once Upon A Time. Since then, I've bought nearly their entire catalog and collected quite a few (read 3 CDs worth of mp3 audio) "rarities". That said, I think the latest 2 Simple Minds albums have their strongest material since Good News From the Next World (released in 1995).

The new voice of Saga: Rob Moratti

Funnily enough, Saga found their new vocalist just 2 days after my first Saga post. No wonder no-one signed the petition! It would have been a very cool way for Saga to get some much needed publicity though. It's truly unfortunate that Saga is nearly unknown in the U.S. --at least to 99.9% of people under 35. If Rush is the king of Canadian prog rock bands, Saga is certainly a prince!


So, just who is Rob Moratti anyway? At the moment, there's relatively little reliable information on the internet except the Final Frontier page on myspace.com, the news on the official Saga site, and the interview (linked above) on the AOR Dream Zones site. Assuming the birth date on the latter site is correct, Rob is nearly a year younger than me! It seems that he released 2 albums under his name and 4 albums with Final Frontier. Though his voice is noticeably different from Michael Sadler's, I do see great potential for him as the new Saga lead vocalist. I am looking forward to hearing his unique contributions to Saga's music; both new and old.

Related Articles: Saga is seeking new vocalist, New Releases - June 2009

Saga is seeking a new vocalist!

I am sure that many of you are saying "Saga who?" That's one of the many reasons I am taking this opportunity to promote this great band!

In brief, Saga is a Canadian progressive rock band that formed in 1977. They have over 20 albums to their name. Their most popular songs include: On The Loose, Wind Him Up, Careful Where You Step, You're Not Alone, and Humble Stance. Their most adventurous effort was Generation 13. This was a concept album released in 1995. Their last album with original vocalist, Michael Sadler, was 10,000 Days which was released in 2007.

Brief musician profiles:

Michael Sadler: Former vocalist and occasional keyboard player. Michael's vocals are among the best in the rock genre.

Ian Crichton: Guitarist. Ian is an amazing guitarist. I'd say in the top 5% among rock guitarists. He's definitely on the level with guitarists like Alex Lifeson, Eddie Van Halen, and Adrian Belew. Ian often performs duets with Jim Gilmour. He has also done some blistering hot solos.

Jim Crichton: Bass and occasional keyboards. While Jim might not be a phenomenal bassist, he does play an important role in the band and does an excellent job holding up the low end.

Jim Gilmour: Keyboards, occasional lead/backing vocals, occasional clarinet. Jim Gilmour is probably one of the most innovative keyboard players in the rock genre. He might not quite have the technical prowess of Keith Emerson, but he's every bit as good as Tony Banks, Eddie Jobson, and Steve Winwood. He creates great atmospheres and performs amazing solos and duets. Jim's lead vocals in some of Saga's ballads are impeccable.

Steve Negus: Former drummer (1977-2003). Steve was a great drummer. Perhaps not on the level as Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, or Carl Palmer. However, he could easily be compared to Chester Thompson, Mel Gaynor, or Chris Slade. He can change tempos and alternate rhythms without missing a beat. One listen to Steve's drumming during Help Me Out or Framed and you'll know he's a great drummer!

Saga's first 5 albums Saga (self titled), Images at Twilight, Silent Knight, Worlds Apart, and Heads or Tales, are considered the classics by many fans. All of these are solid albums and worth exploring if you don't already own them. If 5 albums is too much of an investment, I suggest starting with Saga's live albums: In Transit and Detours.

This brings us to the current dilemma. Michael Sadler officially left the band to be with his family on December 31, 2007. Thus, Saga is seeking a new singer. According to their site, they are going to hold auditions in Toronto. I have a better idea!

Let's petition Saga and CBS to do:


Please sign the petition by leaving comments to this post!

NOTE: Vocalist found!