Featuring: Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Jordan Rudess, Chuck Leavell, Chris Ingles,
David Bryan, Patrick Moraz, Brian Auger, Mark Robertson, Tony Hymas, Dizzy Reed, Steve Porcaro

Well known and well respected rock keyboardists performing classical pieces is a multi-level challenge. It is of course a challenge to the players themselves to step beyond the commercially-imposed boundaries of their careers to produce a piece which will live forever in some recorded medium. It is a challenge to a record company which is counting on the talent of the artists to appeal to buyers as well as the loyalty and enthusiasm of the music lover to buy the recording once it goes into the marketplace.

"But the challenge goes further. It goes out to the music consumer to stretch his/her own expectations of the artists as well as to step outside the comfort zone of the stylistic setting to which they have become accustomed. If you are a fan of a particular artist or artists on this CD, you will probably be hearing them in a musically unfamiliar context. If you are first and foremost a fan of classical music, you will be listening to artists who may not be familiar to you. New interpretations on familiar themes, new techniques applied to classic compositions. Everyone involved had to stretch. Stretching is good.

Keith Emerson
Best known for his work with his bands The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Keith has been at the forefront of introducing classical music into his recordings since the beginning of his career. His name is synonymous with merging divergent styles such as classical, rock, jazz, etc with scintillating results. Incredible technique, memorable compositions and innovative live performances are Keith's trademarks.

Rick Wakeman
Rick had made a name for himself as an in demand session musician even before joining Yes in the early 1970's. His work with that band influenced countless other musicians and set the standard for keyboard players in the progressive rock genre. Rick has continued to release a large body of solo work and is highly respected as a well-rounded musician.

Jordan Rudess
Jordan was originally a classically trained pianist until rock 'n' roll steered him in a different direction. He has performed with the Dixie Dregs, Dream Theater, Paul Winter, Jan Hammer and Tony Williams and is recognized worldwide as one of today's leading keyboard clinicians.

Chuck Leavell
Chuck has learned his authentic and amazing American roots style at the hands of such greats as Dr. John. Most recently he is known for his work with the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton as well as The Black Crowes and Indigo Girls. It should not be forgotten, however, that the music world first heard his name in the early 1970's as a member of The Allman Brothers Band and, later, as leader of the innovative group, Sea Level.

Chris Ingles
Chris plays keyboards and composes with the band Shadow Gallery and has appeared on their two Magna Carta releases. Originally a student of classical organ, Chris was inspired by musical parents. Chris is a formally trained musician who holds a college degree in music.

David Bryan
David Bryan has earned worldwide acclaim and fame through his masterful work as the keyboardist in Bon Jovi. He is a also an accomplished player and composer in his own right and has recently released his first solo album. Before he embarked on his career in rock and roll, David was considering career choices between medicine and classical music.

Patrick Moraz
Patrick has been a favorite among progressive rock fans for many years, having been involved in Refugee, Yes and the Moody Blues. Always an exciting performer, Patrick is known for his inspired treatment of familiar compositions as well as a novel approach to his art. He recently became the first artist to go on a tour which was set up directly through contact with his fans on the computer internet.

Brian Auger
Brian has been a respected keyboard player for many years, performing with Steampacket, Trinity and Oblivion Express in the late 60's and early 70's. His combination of rock and jazz was an innovation at that time. With the use of audio samples of his early work by dance music producers, Brian has become christened as the godfather of the acid jazz movement.

Mark Robertson
Mark is the keyboardist for Magna Carta's own Cairo. He has also been a member of the Tony MacAlpine Project. A multi-faceted individual, Mark is a classically schooled musician (San Francisco Conservatory of Music) who is also a licensed commercial pilot and skilled scuba diver.

Tony Hymas
Although Tony is best known as keyboardist in Jeff Beck's most recent band, he has recorded 3 albums with the exciting group, The Lonely Bears. He has also recorded a substantial body of work as a solo artist including such varied and artistic LP's as "Oyate" and "Flying Fortress". Tony is a serious composer of modern classical music and has a growing reputation as a keyboard innovator.

Dizzy Reed
Dizzy is best known as the keyboardist with Guns'n Roses. He started performing in rock bands when he was 10 years old and is largely self-taught. Dizzy was influenced by such rock greats as Elton John, Billy Powell (of Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Jon Lord (of Deep Purple).

Steve Porcaro
Helping to define a "sound" and proving that it was possible for quality musicianship and songwriting to exist in popular music, Steve was a founding member of the band, Toto. He is also an in-demand session player and has recorded with many great artists including Elton John, Don Henley and Barbara Streisand. Currently, Steve is heavily involved with scoring soundtracks for films and television.