[2019-10-04] Flying Colors "Third Degree" (Music Theories)

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

Description
In chemistry, when certain galvanizing elements come together, they become quite explosive. In music, when certain galvanizing artists come together, they become Flying Colors. In fact, whenever the five gentlemen who encompass Flying Colors - guitarist Steve Morse, drummer Mike Portnoy, keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, bassist Dave LaRue, and powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson are able to conjoin their collective talents, the result is a sweet sonic bouillabaisse that reflects where their inherent mastery of melody intersects with top-shelf progressive musicianship. Flying Colors soar to even loftier heights with Third Degree, their third studio album in a decade that's set for release on October 4, 2019 via Music Theories Recordings.

Produced by longtime band associate Rich Mouser, Third Degree builds upon the genre-bending momentum of 2012's self-titled Flying Colors and the aural template ascension of 2014's Second Nature. "There's a lot of ear candy sprinkled throughout every song," observes Mike Portnoy, "and each one takes you on a little journey. As albums go, Third Degree is a complete piece that I don't think ever overstays its welcome. I think it's an enjoyable ride from start to finish." Third Degree continues to build upon the deep-rooted musical connection the members of Flying Colors established on their first two boundary-stretching albums. "There's a real special chemistry between the five of us," Portnoy confirms. "We keep getting better and better as we get more comfortable and more familiar with each other, and the music itself keeps getting more and more mature." Adds Steve Morse, "This one, dare I say it, explores new ground for the band. We just do what makes us smile and sounds good, instead of wondering how critics or program directors will like it. It makes for the best music!" "Our mission statement when we came together is still the same now," Portnoy affirms. "It's the same five guys with extremely different musical personalities and backgrounds coming together into a giant melting pot where it all comes out on the other end with music that's accessible, melodic, deep, and colorful. That's always been the goal of this band, and so far, I think we're three for three."

Tracklist
1. The Loss Inside
2. More
3. Cadence
4. Guardian
5. Last Train Home
6. Geronimo
7. You Are Not Alone
8. Love Letter
9. Crawl

[Deluxe Edition Bonus CD2]
1. Waiting For The Sun (Bonus Track)
2. Geronimo (Alternate Version)
3. Crawl (Alternate Version)
4. Love Letter (Alternate Version)
5. You Are Not Alone (Alternate Version)
6. Last Train Home (Alternate Version)

Standard Edition
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBQWPZ/?tag=imwan-20

Limited Deluxe Edition
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBQWQB/?tag=imwan-20

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

FLYING COLORS Feat. MIKE PORTNOY, STEVE MORSE, NEAL MORSE: Third Album On The Way

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/flying ... on-the-way

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

Charlie wrote:

Quote:

FLYING COLORS Feat. MIKE PORTNOY, STEVE MORSE, NEAL MORSE: Third Album On The Way

In 2017, the group performed a surprise set aboard the prog-themed Cruise To The Edge as part of Portnoy's 50th birthday performance. Later that year, the band self-released a "raw" version of their first record, "True Colors", which included unmastered versions of the album's material as originally recorded by Grammy Award-winning mixing engineer Michael Brauer (COLDPLAY, John Mayer).

FLYING COLORS is:

Casey McPherson - vocals
Dave LaRue - bass
Steve Morse - guitar
Neal Morse - keyboards
Mike Portnoy - drums

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/flying ... on-the-way

So cool, I was there and it was something else to see all that talent on a stage. Looking forward to the new album! :thumbsup:

David Baker · 31 Oct 2006

Thanks for the great news, Charlie! This will be an instant purchase for me. Interesting timing for the announcement, given this week’s release of the new Alpha Rev album, “Cas.e Sessions - Volume 1.” On my first listen to that, there were a few tracks that I thought sounded more like stripped-down Flying Colors tracks than Alpha Rev songs. But Casey is such a great vocalist that I’m in for everything released by both bands. Would be great if FC would do a more extensive tour of the States than in the past; Alpha Rev is excellent live, and I’d love to see FC, too, if given an opportunity.

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

Update: I've added some pre-order details to the opening post.

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

Here's Music Theories' promo piece for the 2CD Limited Deluxe Box Set (click to see the full size):

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

And here's the first single, "More":

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

"You Are Not Alone":

David Baker · 31 Oct 2006

Wow. Casey's vocals on "You Are Not Alone" are just amazing. This will more be one of my top songs of 2019. Thank you for sharing the video, Charlie!

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

"Love Letter":

David Baker · 31 Oct 2006

Another great track; this is shaping up to be one phenomenal collection. Count me in for the 2CD Limited Deluxe Box.

David Baker · 31 Oct 2006

Was not expecting to hear FC channelling the Beach Boys!

Charlie · **Joined:** 23 Dec 2014 **Posts:** 14199

The newest promo video is for "The Loss Inside":

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

Steve Morse/ Neal Morse/ me/ Dave Larue/ Mike Portnoy/ Casey McPherson

Hanging with Flying Colors tonight in NYC.

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

David Baker · 31 Oct 2006

JohnG wrote:

Hanging with Flying Colors tonight in NYC.

Alright, John, I'm jealous. The new album is absolutely fantastic, and the tour — which I'm sure is equally impressive — is coming nowhere close to me.

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

Of course Steve Morse complimented my t-shirt!

Yes they were damn good last night, always amazing that guys that don’t play with each other very much can sound so tight together but they are all pros.

They threw in a new song not done in LA “Love Letter” that has a poppy Beatles sound including the psychedelic accompanying video.

And may I say that Casey McPherson has one of the best voices in rock, totally under rated, sounds like a Chris Cornell at times.

My favorite new tune? “Crawl”.

I bought the new deluxe CD at their merch booth.

The opening act was their buddy Randy McStine who is an up and coming artist.

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

Still enjoying the new album, the band played Chicago the other night and now won’t do shows till the new year over in Europe.

Rick A · 23 Jul 2006

Really enjoying this record. Excellent packaging as well, for my girlfriend to pick it up and start examining it proves the point.

JohnG · 03 Aug 2006

Don't miss this months PROG magazine with an article on the new Flying Colors album that's out now and I see Hawkwind too!

[2019-10-04] Flying Colors "Third Degree" (Music Theories)

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