DREAM THEATER Frontman Comments On TRUE SYMPHONIC ROCKESTRA Project

DREAM THEATER frontman James LaBrie has offered more information about his recent recording sessions in Russia for an opera-oriented project called TRUE SYMPHONIC ROCKESTRA.

Commented LaBrie: Dirk Ulrich (mastermind and producer) and I spoke almost six years ago about the possibility of doing such a project and at the time it was supposed to be three rock tenors. By the way the acronym TSR is: TRUE SYMPHONIC ROCKESTRA.

"Anyway, to really see this thing through meant first and foremost finding and deciding on the singers and three that would blend well. Secondly, a label that shared our vision and enthusiasm. The financial backing pre- and post-production would not be small change.

"Well, both obstacles continued to present one another as almost insurmountable.

"It wasn't until maybe five months ago when Dirk started to produce and record a Russian band by the name of ASPECT that he came in contact with Igor Marin — a highly respected businessman. Actually a professor of biochemistry. He created a hybrid sunflower seed that in turn produces some of the purest and richest sunflower oil in the world.

"Needless to say, he became wealthy and financially independent.

"Igor was executive producer, backing and helping to develop ASPECT.

"They — ASPECT — were with Dirk recording at MarinSound Studios. This was a band Igor believed in and was willing to back them in every way necessary.

"Igor Marin believed it was well overdue and necessary to have a state of art studio built, hence MarinSound Studios — world-class in every sense of the word.

"The studio was built in Krasnodar, Russia and is where TSR recorded. I will attest this is easily one of the finest studios I have every recorded in... absolutely incredible.

"Let's back up a bit. Upon meeting Igor Marin I realized that while being a world-renowned biochemist professor, his heart and soul was all about music. He is as big a fan of DREAM THEATER as is any other die-hard. His influences and favourite artists are very similar to mine with a few exceptions, of course.

"I know there is no chronological order here, so just bear with me.

"While Dirk was working with Igor and some of his associates, he mentioned some of his other musical interests as well as this pet project he was faithfully and patiently waiting to do once artists' and finances were confirmed.

"Once Dirk explained the concept, they asked to hear the music. Upon hearing the music, Igor was convinced and immediately said he would back it and do whatever it takes to make it a reality. One thing was for sure, he had the studio and it was are when ready.

"Right around this same time Dirk had been entertaining the possibility of the three tenors being not rock tenors but only one rock tenor with two classical tenors. Dirk knew of one classical tenor for sure who was right, Thomas Dewald. Thomas has a phenomenal voice. The other classical tenor was suggested by Igor Marin, this was Vladimir Grishko. He had sung all over the world and was presented with the accolade opera tenor of the world for 2005 by Luciano Pavarotti.

"Once again, I must state Vladimir is a vocalist with phenomenal talent.

"Vladimir contacted Luciano and Madame Caballe and asked their opinion. They both said this is an unique opportunity to unite rock and classical both musically and vocally. The line-up was complete as well as executive support. Everyone was buzzing and itching to get started. June 6th we began recording at MarinSound Studios and by June 12th we were all flying home.

"I am extremely stoked about this recording and cannot wait for everyone to finally hear it. Dirk will begin the mix at MarinSound Studios in Krasnodar, Russia June 24th. We will keep you posted and let you know when the official TSR site is up."