Year : 2011 (MelodicRock Classics Remastered Limited Edition 2025)
Style : Melodic Rock , Progressive Rock , AOR
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 121 mb
Bio:
Progressive hard rock band formed in 1976 in Chicago, USA.For every American rock band that found increasing success on commercial radio during the second half of the '70s -- Journey, Styx, Kansas, etc. -- there were additional dozens possessing the same sonic recipe for infectious bombast but which, for some reason or other, just never made the grade, including Trillion. Inspired by the incredible success of Boston's era-defining debut album, Chicago-based musicians Pat Leonard (keyboards) and Bill Wilkins (drums) decided to condense their indulgent progressive rock tendencies into more concise nuggets of melodic rock (not quite AOR yet), qualified by an equal amount of instrumental prowess and great hooks. Initially calling themselves Whisper, the pair duly recruited Dennis "Fergie" Frederiksen (vocals), Frank Barbalace (guitar), and Ron Anaman (bass/vocals) from some of the local scene's top bands and, after securing a strong management team, scored a deal with Epic Records and immediately set to work on their eponymous first album with producer Gary Lyons, who was fresh off working on Foreigner's debut. Trillion's debut arrived in stores in 1978, but despite the band's good fortune of obtaining key supporting tour slots with Heart, Aerosmith, and cross-town rivals Styx, it shifted only a modest number of units, and already began stressing intra-band relations. First came the controversial decision to dispose of Frederiksen and replace him with one Thom Griffin for Trillion's sophomore Epic LP Clear Approach; then came the departure of bandleader Patrick Leonard, who would go onto enjoy massive success as a major songwriter and producer in the decades to come, most notably in tandem with pop superstar Madonna. The remaining musicians in Trillion continued to perform diligently but without achieving widespread success, except for original singer Frederiksen, who recorded with Toto in the mid-‘80s amid several hit songwriting co-credits for other bands (Survivor, Le Roux).
Album:
Trillion III Featuring Thom Griffin 'Ray Of Light' will be released via MelodicRock Classics May 30.MelodicRock Classics is honoured to partner with classic pomp-rockers Trillion for a physical release of their acclaimed 2011 EP 'Trillion III'.For this occasion, the release will be re-titled 'Ray Of Light' and feature brand new artwork by resident MRC graphic artist Nello Dell'Omo.The songs were written and recorded by early band members Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace, Bill Wilkins and CJ Vanston as well as additional keyboards by founding member, Patrick Leonard and bass by Dave La Rue.As a very special bonus, we are adding 5 solo tracks from singer/songwriter Thom Griffin to round out the release. The 5 singles were individually released digitally by Thom over over the last several years, haven't yet been cemented into history with a physical release.Bill Wilkins sums up the band's feelings: “I had always wanted to pick it up again and just see what might happen. After a number of years and a move back to Chicago I decided to test the waters and see if there was any interest. Thom Griffin, Frank Barbalace and I met together at a drum clinic given by Steve Smith of Journey fame. It was the first time we'd been together in the same room in years. We weren't sure if there would be anything like the chemistry we had in the past but we were excited to find out.We hope you'll feel the same energy and excitement that we felt writing and recording the five songs that the three of us have contributed to this CD as well as the wonderful songs that Thom has contributed with so many talented artists that you'll recognize. If you close your eyes you just might be able to see the crowds and that Golden Sun Beyond!”Thom Griffin added a few thoughts about his solo songs: “I just recorded and released each song as it came to me. When my “music muse” pays a visit, I try to pay attention! I still love doing this, the music has never failed me!”
Line Up:
Thom Griffin - Lead Vocals
Frank Barbalace - Guitars, Vocals
Dave La Rue - Bass
Bill Wilkins - Drums
CJ Vanston - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Patrick Leonard - Keyboards on 'Golden Sun Beyond'
Tracklist:
Trillion III:
01. Ray of Light
02. Golden Sun Beyond
03. She Hates Sunday
04. In My Blood
05. Innocence
Thom Griffin:
06. One Last Time
07. How Long
08. One Fine Day
09. Eight Get Bye
10. Stand By My Side
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
