London, UK. (Top40 Charts/ Frontiers Records) - Wetton-Downes' iCon announces the worldwide release of their third studio album on Frontiers Records and an additional show at Zoetemeer, Holland, on February 19. The release of this third album continues the established relationship of Frontiers Records with the duo since 2005, when John Wetton and Geoff Downes began their iCon project. The label has a long standing reputation for professionalism, enthusiasm and support of Classic Rock. It continues a relationship with Wetton and Downes in both their iCon project and in their work with the reunion of the original members of Asia. The best selling Asia 2008 studio album
Phoenix was released on Frontiers.
Fans and critics alike have embraced the music of John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes, whose songwriting formed much of the fabric of 2008's successful Asia reunion release, Phoenix. A short tour will precede the 1Q 09 release of the album, and there will be a special DVD recording before a limited audience at the historic St. Mary-le-Bow Church in London on February 21st. The immediate enthusiasm shown by fans for that show has allowed management to release a few extra tickets (originally meant for press) to fans. They can be obtained at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Preceding the DVD recording, the band will visit Japan for a series of shows in major cities leading up to a date in Holland just prior to the recording of the DVD in London - the Zoetemeer show on February 19 will be a preview of the set list.
The pure power of Geoff Downes' keyboards and John Wetton's jaw-dropping voice and stellar bass playing are enhanced by compelling guitar virtuoso Dave Kilminster, fresh from successful tours with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, and former ELO Cellist Hugh McDowell, whose unique sound has helped frame all three iCon studio releases. Rounding out the band is Pete Riley, considered one of the "best drummers in the world", whose work with Keith Emerson, Kilminster and extensive live and session work shows an extraordinary breadth and depth of style.
Special Guest Appearances by Andreas Vollenweider and Anne-Marie Helder:
John and Geoff are pleased to announce that renowned new age harpist Andreas Vollenweider will add his unique sound to the third iCon album. The album and Holland / London performances will also feature acclaimed vocalist Anne-Marie Helder whose past work with Karnataka and current ventures with Panic Room, Mostly Autumn and her solo material have won her praise and a growing international audience.
Wetton and Downes are pleased to be able to respond to fan and critical demand by returning to the studio to create this new album and then to share it live with these outstanding players.
For more information on Wetton-Downes' iCon and their upcoming album and tour, please call +1.347.678.1760. All management and booking enquiries should be addressed to Mr. Martin Darvill of QEDG management at qedg at live dot co dot uk.
Wetton-Downes' iCon Discography (excludes ASIA, solo works, and other bands/collaborations) (Soon to be released: iCon 3 Studio album, 2009 and Live Recording St Mary-le-bow 2009 DVD/CD) -
iCon 2005 -
iCon Heat of the Moment EP 2005 -
Acoustic TV Broadcast DVD 2006 -
Never in a Million Years 2006 Live -
Rubicon - iCon 2 2006
Website information:
Band and member websites:
Wetton-Downes iCon: www.myspace.com/wettondownesicon
John Wetton, principal songwriter, vocals and bass: www.johnwetton.com
Geoffrey Downes: principal songwriter, keyboards www.geoffdownes.com
Dave Kilminster, guitars and vocals: www.davekilminster.com,
Anne-Marie Helder, guest vocals: www.myspace.com/annemarieheldermusic
