Morgan Ågren releases debut solo LP 'Batterie Deluxe'

Legendary drummer Morgan Ågren has released his debut solo LP record, “Batterie Deluxe.”

Legendary drummer Morgan Ågren has released his debut solo LP record, “Batterie Deluxe.” The full-length record comprises 14 original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 50 minutes. It has been published as an independent release outside the control and influence of the corporate music industry, bearing a copyright at outlets such as Amazon.com which reads, “2014 Morgan Records not the cars.” An eclectic and intriguing kaleidoscope of sonic textures, “Batterie Deluxe” by Morgan Ågren is one of those records the music world has been waiting to hear for years.

Swedish-born Ågren’s “Batterie Deluxe” combines traditional instrumentation with digital effects and studio production for a perfectly balanced sound that is exceptionally rare to find. His blend of music styles on the record includes elements of modern acid jazz, psychedelia, electronica, alternative rock, heavy metal, traditional music from Indian and Mediterranean cultures, and yet more.

While these contrasts may seem impossible to reconcile, Ågren’s first solo album dovetails these styles in a way that must be heard to be believed. What is more, each track is equally fascinating and evocative, each bringing a refreshingly new sound and tone to follow the last. As Ågren’s own description of the record aptly reads, “’Batterie Deluxe’ is not at all a typical ‘drummer’s release.’”

In addition to the considerable skills of Ågren himself, “Batterie Deluxe” also features guest appearances by Devin Townsend and Fredrik Thordendal of Meshuggah, violinist Neyveli Radhakrishna, keyboardist Mats Öberg, and still more.

Morgan Ågren is the subject and focus of US filmmaker Carl King’s 2014 documentary, “Morgan Ågren’s Conundrum: A Percussive Misadventure.” Ågren has been played drums since the age of four and has won Grammy Awards on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. He has performed, worked, or been professionally associated with such names as Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Denny Walley (Captain Beefheart, Tom Waits) and a host of others.

Frank Zappa said of Ågren’s drumming, “He played unbelievably, just unbelievably.”

Steve Vai later echoed Zappa’s enthusiasm: “I am stunned, these guys have an extraordinary amount of talent.”

Bill Bruford of Yes and King Crimson said Ågren was possessed of “Remarkable technical expertise and playing skills.”

Gavin Harrison, also of King Crimson, said, “Morgan is quite simply one of the most interesting and exciting drummers I’ve ever heard. Rhythmically advanced and musical too. A rare combination of modern and classic.”

Nothing more can describe this one-of-a-kind wonder of an album without actually listening to it.

“Batterie Deluxe” by Morgan Ågren is available online worldwide. Audiophiles everywhere should get in early. Very, very early.

-S. McCauley

Lead Press Release Writer

www.MondoTunes.com

“Batterie Deluxe” by Morgan Ågren –

http://www.amazon.com/Batterie-Deluxe-Morgan-%C3%85gren/dp/B00TZTZADY/

“Morgan Ågren’s Conundrum: A Percussive Misadventure” movie trailer –

http://vimeo.com/ondemand/morgan