Some of the biggest names in rock contribute to a very special collection being released by Cleopatra Records on August 14,
"Songs Of The Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp". The record features members of
ASIA,
YES,
KING CRIMSON,
THE DOORS,
DEEP PURPLE,
XTC,
TOTO,
MR. MISTER,
DREAM THEATER,
NEKTAR,
PORCUPINE TREE,
GENTLE GIANT,
RENAISSANCE, and
RAINBOW.
SUPERTRAMP formed in 1970 in the U.K. While initially considered a progressive rock outfit, the incredible songwriting of
Roger Hodgson and
Rick Davies, coupled with
Hodgson's unmistakable voice, moved the group into the pop and rock stratosphere by the 1980s. They amazingly straddled the line between expansive prog and commercial radio with unforgettable melodies, sing-along lyrics, a wizard-like
Wurlizer, and the accent of the saxophone. They sold more than 60 million records, and hit singles from
"Crime Of The Century",
"Even In The Quietest Moments" and
"Breakfast In America" are still played on radio stations, used in advertising, and etched in minds.
The recognizable and beloved
SUPERTRAMP hit songs are reenvisioned on
"Songs Of The Century", including
"The Logical Song",
"Take The Long Way Home", and
"Goodbye Stranger", plus takes on gems like
"Rudy" and
"It's Raining Again". Producer
Billy Sherwood enthuses, "There are some cool, unique moments like
Annie Haslam singing
'Dreamer' and one of the other highlights for me is
Rick Wakeman's piano playing on
'Crime Of The Century'. And
Joe Lynn Turner singing
'Bloody Well Right' is just killer."
Richard Page offers a delightful version of
"Give A Little Bit" that exudes all the sweet charm of the original. The bonus track is a new piece from
Chris Squire and
Tony Kaye of
YES.
The studio guest list also included
John Wetton,
Tony Levin,
Robby Krieger,
Colin Moulding,
Steve Morse,
Steve Porcaro,
Roye Albrighton,
Peter Banks,
David Sancious,
Gary Green,
John Wesley,
Geoff Downes,
Jordan Rudess,
Rod Argent,
Mickey Thomas and more.
Explains
Brian Perera, President of
Cleopatra Records, "
SUPERTRAMP is pretty inactive, and there's a fan base out there that is just hungry for more
SUPERTRAMP, and nobody can give it to them".
Sherwood (the producer of the groundbreaking
PINK FLOYD tribute albums
"Back Against The Wall" and
"Return To The Dark Side Of The Moon", as well as supergroup
THE PROG COLLECTIVE) was very pleased to be asked to oversee the task of celebrating
SUPERTRAMP. He says, "
SUPERTRAMP is a great band. They've written so many hits that you can't even count them all."
The song
"Give A Little Bit" from
"Songs Of The Century: An All-Star Tribute To Supertramp" is available for streaming at
this location.
