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MacLaren : The Big Bang
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The Big Bang features Tony MacLaren playing some of his heaviest guitar driven music to date. The Big Bang is a powerful combination of music and science that will rock your socks off.
Genre: Rock: Progressive Rock
Release Date: 1999
The Big Bang Record Label: Antigravity Records
  • Buy CD - $12.99
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Preview Song Name Time Format Price Select
Digital Domain 4:07 Album Only
Forever Yours 4:04 Album Only
The Big Bang 3:53 Album Only
When Worlds Collide 4:07 Album Only
Back In The Big City 4:05 Album Only
Guitar Safari 3:54 Album Only
Quantum Leap 4:01 Album Only
Hail Bop 3:36 Album Only
Hold On 4:07 Album Only
Spontaneous Combustion 4:35 Album Only
#3 0:05 Album Only
preview all songs

Album Notes

antigravityrecords.com
Ph:(818) 569-5496
fax(818) 880-2159

GUITAR WIZARD TONY MACLAREN MIRACULOUSLY MANIFESTS MORE MARVELOUS MAGIC MUSIC !

MacLaren uses his mastery of the guitar to punctuate his thought provoking, often romantic, yet witty wordplay, to concoct a tasty 'magic brew' of music that will 'enchant
and delight'.

His music straddles between 'a rock and a country place' and often delves down into the deep, mysterious fringes of his songcraft.

The 'Big Bang' is a powerful combination of music and science that will rock your socks off.

It's interesting to note that this c.d. was recorded and mixed to analogue tape and used no keyboards or synthesizers.

Warning: This c.d. contains material that may cause certain side effects such as: dancing, grooving, smiling and could possibly lead to 'air guitar playing'.

MacLaren is known the 'guitar wizard' for a reason, as can be evidenced by listening to his music or seeing him perform in person.
His unique style and elegant technique is truly magical and inspirational.

From lush ballads to hi octane barn burners to acappella chanteys, his song writing is full of twists and turnarounds and leads the listener on a magical musical mystery tour, deep down inside the rabbit hole.

But wait there's more! MacLaren has a few surprises that may interest you.

He actually hears and plays the music that is in your head !

He 'reads the 'live audience's' minds', extrapolates their thoughts and "sings and plays the music they are thinking about on his guitar".

Remarkably, he even read minds over the radio!

His mesmerized guitar eerily plays itself as if plucked by a 'ghostly' hand.

Sometimes he just starts to 'hover and levitate' on the stage.

He may 'spontaneously combust' into flame on stage and 'rematerialize' like the Phoenix from the ashes in front of his amazed audience.

"You don't have to buy a CD.
You can buy as many as you like."

For more information check out : antigravityrecords.com


Big Bang Song Insights.

Digital Domain:

As we all start to spend more of our precious time on the internet, we don't notice that alien's are sucking our brains out through the computer monitors and the cell phones as we speak!....... Just a thought.(Just kidding...or am I?)
A tune that streams into our online collective consciousness.
"The main frame shakes when we connect, Hard drives as we intersect"

Forever Yours:

A lovely song to play to your 'hearts desire' as you gently tuck them into the safety and cozy warmth of your bed.
"Over around the world, never touch the ground
I'm forever yours, never will come down"

The Big Bang:

Science meets rock and roll!
An unlikely subject for a rock song, the notion of space time continuum, Schrodinger's cat, black holes and hyperspace, but it still rocks!
"Beam me up phasers on stun, watch another rerun"
"Orbiting around in space, sitting on my interface"

When Worlds Collide:

As we watch the future unfold, what surprises does it hold?
A glimpse into what grand finale could be coming our way!
Just remember to listen to your mother's advice and:
"Check your makeup, comb your hair,
make sure you wear clean underwear" when worlds collide.

Back in the Big City:

This song is about living in the big city and the feeling you get when you leave for the tranquility and sanity of 'somewhere peaceful and real' only to return to the city and face the same old trials and tribulations as before.
(plus some new even crazier ones to top it off).
You kind of regret leaving the glorious place where you just came from.
"We're back in the big city, it will take you to the top
And drop you on your head without a net"

Guitar Safari:

Put on your trekking shoes and grab a drum, we're going on a guitar safari.
This funky tribal tune is a joyous musical request for all of us to go on a journey in search of the never-ending party and good times.
"So come along and join the party on guitar safari"

Quantum Leap:

Warning: This one is like gulping down a few cups of double expresso!
It could lead to a serious, overwhelming urge to play 'air guitar'.
If you don't like powerful, 'slamming the needle into the red' fusion rock, then you should forget you ever heard this song and just move right along to the next track.
Keep going, That's right.
There's nothing more to see here, just move right along.
"Hear the roar of the silence ahead
You see the grid patterns over your head"

Hail Bop:

A fun 5 speed ride in cruise control up interstate 5 with the top down!
This power trio's bouncy instrumental song, bops and soars along like a
lone shining comet, illuminating the vast darkness of space.

Hold On:

This song seems to resonate with people who are in love.
This song could be sung as a serenade to win your true love's heart.
A testament to the power of romance and true love, this is a reassuring song of hope for soulmates who 'hold on' against insurmountable odds.
"Hold on, the hearts we share entwine as one
Beating to a higher drum, dancing in the light of our love"

Spontaneous Combustion:

A wee bit of his scottish roots come a peeking out from under his kilt in this wild, raucous, over the top, testosterone fueled, barn burning foot stomper!
There won't be a dry seat in the house!
"So come along and show your teeth and wipe that puss off your face
We have spontaneous combustion and we burn off into space"




The Musical Magic of MacLaren

Introducing Tony MacLaren, the gifted and spirited performer who morphs "Magic and Music" to create his unique expression of spellbinding entertainment.

Music: Tony begin playing guitar and singing at the tender age of 6 and soon would be performing professionally for concerts, clubs, movies, radio, television and studios thoughout the US and Canada.

* In the 90's he recorded and toured with the Rippington's touring band "Bamboo Forest" playing to sold-out theaters and headlining concerts around the planet.
{Epcot Center / Disney World / Maui Music Fest. / Bali Jazz
All Star Jazz cruise to Mexico w/ Dave Coz/ Las Vegas City of Lights Music Fest / Riverside Jazz/ S.F. Jazz}

* He has been "wowing" audiences around the West Coast for the past few years with his musical wizardry.
{The Tony MacLaren Band headlined a concert in L.A with an audience of 25,000.}

* His musical influences range from commercial to eclectic and all points in between.

* MacLaren was recently honored with a prestigious award from the city of Los Angeles, thanking him for "bringing joy to the people of L.A."

Composer/ Lyricist/ Producer/ Arranger

* Produced, arranged and composed music and lyrics for "The Big Bang" on Antigravity Records.

* Produced, arranged and composed music and lyrics for "Tall Tales And Short Stories" on Antigravity Records.

* Composer and guitarist for the Bamboo Forest CD "Watersign" on Telarc Records.

* ( MacLaren penned the international jazz radio hit "Dolphin Ride" on Watersign)

* Composer and guitarist for Bamboo Forest "Live in Bali" on Telarc Records.

* Producer, arranger and composer/ lyricist for "Runaway Train" to be released on Antigravity Records.

* Co-Producer, arranger, composer/ lyricist for
"Hocus Pocus 1 & 2" on Antigravity Records.

* Scored soundtrack for the underwater documentary film "Scuba - The First Time".

* Composer of music and lyrics for Alert the Media, Bizarre Guitar and Confusion (soon to be released)

* MacLaren has received multiple songwriter awards from A.S.C.A.P. and is endorsed by many music co.'s

Instruments:
Electric, Acoustic 6 and 12 string, Classical Guitars and assorted Special F.X.

* Secondary instruments include Bass Guitar, Synthesizers, Percussion, Banjo, Dobro and Mandolin.

* As a highlight to his incendiary guitar wizardry, MacLaren weaves ambient soundscapes, using magical state of the art technology and his imagination.

Vocals: Lead Vocalist / Frontman and Multi-harmony arranger with 3 octaves.

Lyricist: Writer of poignant, romantic wordplay with a subtle infusion of humor and wicked wit.

Studio:
Session guitarist and vocalist for records, c.d.'s, radio, film and television.

* Composer, multiple guitars, lead and harmony vocals on "The Big Bang", "Tall Tales And Short Stories",
"Hocus Pocus 1&2", "Watersign" and Bamboo Forest "Live in Bali".

* MacLaren has recorded with many award winning, world class musicians such as:
* Ernie Watts * Greg Bissonette * Kim Stone * Kirk Covington * Brian Bromberg * Dave Carpenter
* Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy {Yellowjackets rhythm section} * Steve Reid * M.B. Gordy * Jeff Kashwa
* Rick Braun * Earth Wind & Fire Horns * Kazu Matsui * Paul Taylor * Abraham Laborial * Efraham Toro

Mystery Entertainer:
Also known as "The Architect of Astonishment", MacLaren is an expert sleight of hand artist, a master mentalist, an effect consultant, and inventor and performer of grand illusionary principals.

Designed and invented the House of Astonishment theme park and the world's first vanishing roller coaster.

* MacLaren has been invited to perform for many of Hollywood's elite such as:
Clint Eastwood
Pierce Brosnan
Cher
Herbie Hancock
Magic Johnson
Chick Corea
Billy Bob Thornton
Bruce Springsteen
Burt Reynolds
B.B. King
Jon Lovitz
Eric Idle
Ed McMahon
Joe Don Baker
David Carradine
Chris Squire
Karen Black
Martin Mull
Wayne Shorter
Ziggy Marley
Donald Trump

Special Appearances:
M.T.V.
General Hospital
Children's Miracle Network
Disneyland
Epcot Center
Ch. 7 Eyewitness News
Namm Show
Pleasure Island
Make a wish foundation
Disney World
Santa Monica Pier
Universal Citiwalk
Calgary Stampede
Queen Mary
U.C.L.A.
U.S.C.
C.N. Tower
Union Station
Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises
Hollywood Entertainment Museum
L.A Valley College
Maui Jazz Fest
Vegas City of Lights Music Fest
Balboa Park
Roosevelt Hotel
The Strand
The Roxy


"Tony McLaren's New CD has More Chops Than the Local Carneceria"
CD Review by Jimi Yamagishi
Music Reporter

Back when I was a kid, McLaren meant fast, powerful, legendary sports cars. Tony MacLaren spells his name a little differently, but the attitude is the same: fast, powerful GUITAR tones. The perfect soundtrack for a sporting drive up Mulholland, or a quick jaunt on PCH.

"Digital Domain," "Big Bang," "Back in the Big City" and "Quantum Leap" all qualify for full-throttle 5-speed fun, but "Spontaneous Combustion" could almost be a tribute to "Freeway Jam" (from the ORIGINAL Beck) and has the same classic vibe and rich soaring tone. The steady, solid drive of "Hail Bop" feels like a wind-in-your-hair-kick-it-into-cruise-control ride up I-5.

But Tony's no one trick pony.
The funky groove and guitar-induced animal sounds of "Guitar Safari" are a showcase of MacLaren's broad palette of texture and color with his instrument.
"Forever Yours" and "When Worlds Collide" provide a light pop touch to this collection, while "Hold On" is reminiscent of the great 70's progressive rock ballads, with a contemporary touch.

Of special interest (and incidentally very clearly stated on the liner notes) is the fact that no keyboards or synthesizers were used on this project.
The wide range of sounds come from Tony's mastery of the instrument and his use of effects.
From the bright voice of his acoustic guitar work to the overdriven power of full-tilt electric guitar, his sonic vocabulary speaks from a place of understanding both the language and heart of the guitar itself.

Overall, "Big Bang" is a very well-produced disc, featuring some of the best session players in L.A. contributing to Maclaren's vision.

Songs that are primarily a vehicle to deliver great instrumental work are not for everyone.

Nevertheless, being one of the thousands of six-string slingers in this city alone, you can be sure "Big Bang" will be in my CD player for a long time as I try to capture some of his magic for myself!
In this town overflowing with guitar players, Tony MacLaren's "Big Bang" is a fine collection with more chops than the local carneceria.

Pick one up at antigravityrecords.com or cdbaby.com



CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR MACLAREN'S BIG BANG.

Vocalist guitar wizard, Tony MacLaren debuts his new solo C.D.The Big Bang, featuring award winning rock and jazz musicians, playing what he refers to as "rough pop".

" A finely crafted, sonically satisfying listening experience. Recommended"
Bob Loblaw - Anti Gravity Records

"Introducing the amazing Tony MacLaren on electric and acoustic guitars and vocals. Tony's stage presence and playing is reminiscent of the great Pink Floyd, yet he has an accomplished pop and jazz background. A man of many incredible talents, he is a world class illusionist and sleight of hand expert, author of several books on illusions and he designs and builds his original magical F.X. props. Tony has produced a show of powerful music, combined with mysterious illusions called "Lovecraft" where he features songs from his latest release "The Big Bang" on Anti Gravity Records."
-Steve Reid-Rippingtons/Supertramp/Miles Davis

"The big bang is an intoxicating brew of rock and balladry.
Like when you put pink floyd, jeff beck, badfinger and kenny loggins in a blender with a shot of joe satriani on the side."
-Mixer magazine

"track #9 {hold on} is a smash hit!"
-Matt marshal {president of higher octave records}

"the big bang is destined to explode onto the airwaves and onto the charts with its timely refrences to science, the internet and the millenium."
-Garvin report

"the songs are great, the production is excellent and the musicianship is outstanding! That's my boy. Maclaren deserves a grammy for his superb c.d. the big bang."
-Tony's dad

"stratospheric guitar shreding. Maclaren can spank the plank with the best of them."
-Guitar picker magazine

"He sings, he plays, he levitates, he teleports... So?"
-A jaded critic

"this cd was done with no keyboards or synthisers and played by live musicians recording to analog tape...in two words...it sucks!"
-Digital keyboardist magazine

"check out maclaren floating on the back of the booklet. Now that's got to hurt."
-Guitar for the practicing chiropractor

"genius"
Albert einstein

The big bang lyrics
©1999 tony maclaren music (ascap)


Digital domain
(maclaren)©1999

We're in the digital domain
Information highway
Spin round in circular motion
Interactive emotion

We're just surfing the net,
Surfing the net,
All of the data you can get
Surfing the net,surfing the net
It's all just a cybernetic roulette

Computer generated
Cyber sex rated
The main frame shakes when we connect
Hard drives as we intersect

Chorus

Solo

Now we take the quantum leap
A journey right in through the doorway
To the digital domain

Chorus

This is not the end
This is not the beginning of the end
It is only the end of the beginning

Maclaren: vocals/guitars
Gtr fx
Kim stone: bass
Roger friend: drums


Forever Yours
(maclaren)©1999

Open up your heart
Breathe with me, breathe with me
Open up your heart
Be with me, be with me forever

Over, around the world
Never touch the the ground
I'm forever yours
Never will come down

Open up your ears
Hear with with me, hear with me
Cast away your tears
Here with me, here with me forever

Chorus

When i see your face
It's like a thousand candles
That light up the darkness of my life
When i taste your kisses
They send shivers down me
And i just want you to know
That i'm forver yours

Chorus

Maclaren: vocals/guitars
Kim stone: fretless bass
M.b. gordy: percussion


The Big Bang
(maclaren)©1999

E= mc 2, albert einstein
Had cool hair.
Moving at the speed of light,
Coming down like a meteorite.
Steven hawkin's big black hole,
Hyperspace, remote control.
Cosmic rays bombard the sky,
Tesla could electrify.

Space, the final frontier
Beam me up, phasers on stun
Watch another re-.run.

Are you ready for the big bang
Get ready for the big bang
Are you ready for the big bang
Get ready for the big bang

Galileo's dropped the ball,
Newton's law caused it to fall.
Schrodinger's cat is not dead,
Science moves full speed ahead.
Space, time, continuum,
Hear the rattle, hear the hum,
Orbiting around in space
Sitting on my interface.

Chorus

Solo

Chorus

Maclaren: vocals/guitars
Gtr fx/science
Brian bromberg: bass
M.b. gordy: drums
diana weiss:chorus b.g.vox
von claire:tambourne man



maclaren:when worlds collide
(maclaren)©1999

All the world is watching
While the world wide
Wicked web is weaved.
Filling the air, with all the thoughts that we conceive.
Cast it's spell from eye to eye,
It seems that we will go bye bye.
The question is unclear,
Where do we go from here?

When worlds collide
We stand here side by side

All the world is waiting
For the countdown 1999.
The planets will align,
As we watch the big punchline.
Check your makeup, comb your hair,
Make sure you wear clean underwear
and make your peace with god
Remember to applaud - oh

Chorus

Only true love, reaching inside
Our hearts will melt
The icy whisps of winter weather when our worlds collide

If you believe in love, it will come
If you believe in magic, it will happen

Solo

Chorus

Maclaren / vocals/guitars
Kim stone: bass
Kirk covington: drums
Von claire/maclaren: percussion


back in the big city
(maclaren)©1999

Wer'e back in the big city
It's "a" number one.
All the streets they say
Are paved with gold.
They say the sky's the limit
And to that i must agree.
My oh my, is that the way
It's got to be ?

When all is said and done,
Will it never change?
Only time will tell,
Why it's so strange.

Back in the big city,
It'll take you to the top
And drop you on your head
Without a net.
Well it's no illusion, everyone's sincere
My oh my, is there no way out of here?
(only time will tell)

Chorus

Solo

Out of the darkness,
The fires light the sky until the dawn
Early warning, prowl the streets
Stepping on the stars in hollywood
Overloaded, i've got the feeling
That i'm not alone
Back in the big city,
Back in the big shitty.

We're back in the big city
It's a place that's full of stars,
You can see them moving
Down the boulevard.
It's like sodam and gomorrah,
Yet a little more perverse
My oh my, and it's
Getting so much worse.

Chorus
Maclaren: vocals/guitars/gtr fx
Kim stone: bass
Greg bissonette: drums


guitar safari
(maclaren)©1999

Come and join our guitar safari
Come on and join us on guitar safari
Going to party on guitar safari
Come on and party on guitar safari

Oom ba by yay
Oom ba by yay
Oom ba by yay
On guitar safari

So come along and join the party on guitar safari
So come along and join the party on
Guitar safari

Love guitar safari

Maclaren: vocals/guitars/animal gtr
Steve reid: percussion
Kim stone: bass
M.b. gordy: drums
the sonic jungle singers *


quantum leap
(maclaren)©1999

Leave all your baggage at the door
You' ll not need it here
Into the ocean of our minds must we go do journey.

Feel the rush coming up over you
The waves are crashing
You're just breaking through
Absorb the energy, all you can keep
The feelings run so deep.

You do the the quantum leap, quantum leap
You do the quantum leap,
Quantum leap

The answer to your burning quest
Rests with the powers that be
It's an illusion that we' re trapped
Inside this mystere.

Hear the roar of the silence ahead
You see the grid patterns over your head
The fungus is among us, starting to creep
When your pager starts to beep.

Chorus

Solo

Chorus

Maclaren:vocals/guitars/gtr fx
Dave carpenter: bass
Kirk covington: drums
Diana weiss:chorus b.g.vox


hale bop
(maclaren)©1999

Maclaren: guitars/percussion
Dave carpenter: bass
Kirk covington: drums


hold on
(maclaren)©1999

You are the most remarkable lady
I've encountered by far
You are my star.
You are the lover of my dreams
I have been waiting so long,
to give you my song, to give my song.

So hold on, the love will
Find a way to come,
This is only part of it,
we've only really just begun so,
Hold on, the hearts we share entwine as one,
Beating to a higher drum,
Dancing in the light of our love.

We were meant to be together
We are one of a kind,
You were so hard to find.
You are the one in a hundred million you are the one, to hear my song,
To hear my song.

Chorus

You and me were meant to be,
It can happen easily
If you'ld only take the chance.
What i'm saying is true,
That i'm crazy for you,

Chorus

Hold me and
I'll hold on to you.

Maclaren: vocals/guitars
Steve reid: percussion
M.b. gordy: drums
Bart samolis: fretless bass


spontaneous combustion
(maclaren)©1999

Now step right up and see the man who pulls upon the wires.
Ho - reel it in and pull it out
And push up way up higher.
Oh - a weaving in and out and jumping up and down the fretboard.
We put our hands together
Now and stomp upon the floor.

So come along and show your teeth
And crack a smile upon your face,
We have spontaneous combustion
And we burn off into space.

Solo

The heat is on, i'm lathered up
A swinging my shillelagh,
No- i wont give up without a fight
I haven't had my say.
So watch me now, i stand my ground awaitng fahrenheit.
A thinking about the time
When i am going to ignite.

So come along and show your teeth and wipe that puss off your face,
Oh - we have
Spontaneous combustion
Watch us burn off into space.

Maclaren: vocals/guitars/bagpipe gtr
Crazed scotsman rant
Kirk covington: drums
Dave carpenter: bass

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REVIEWS

FANTASTIC!!!!!!
author: Lynda Clark
First heard Tony when he was about 24 and playing with his dad Artie in Hinton, AB and Grande Cache, AB--thought he was great then but like a fine wine he gets better with age!!!!!! Great voice, great music and fantastic album!!!!!!
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works for me!
author: patricia soler
purchased this online, not knowing what to expect, but am very pleased with what i have listened to. Its a good cruisin' cd. i have been in and around NASA since childhood and i think the NASA folks would like the songs. cannot say that every song is for me, but 90% is great. I can recommend this to all my friends, and will get his next one very soon.
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