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Zen Carnival - Bardo

In 1994 the American band EOS was formed, envisioning a combination of "unique arrangements, strong melodic and chord structures, and improvisation in one cohesive style". The four-piece was renamed SOL in 1997 and then ZEN CARNIVAL a year later. The band's musical flavor had evolved rapidly, and the addition of keyboard player Mike James finally completed a cycle in this outfit's musical history. By this point, the songs from the album Inheritance were written and arranged. Although the band was gaining recognition and writing lots of material, changes in musical style came quickly. After the release of the album Inheritance in 1999, Jeff Park and Ken Pfeifer took some time off to pursue other musical projects. Despite the loss, Bill Denison, Chris Geihe and James continued to work tremendously, exploring more of the jazz elements and free improv in their compositions. 

The band worked with vocalist Jonathan Brody on some of this new material. In 2001, Pfeifer rejoined James and Denison and the three members started recording a new album, exploring the common areas of interest in their unique musical friendship. Carl Puglisi joined ZEN CARNIVAL in 2002, playing drums and percussion for the new album Bardo, which was released in 2006.

Significant for this album is the variety of colors including Symphonic, Canterbury, Neoprog and Avant elements with much thoroughness and perfectionism. You should also check out the band's podcasts.

Studio Album, released in 2006

Songs / Tracks Listing 
1. Solar Circles (4:35)
2. In This World (5:58)
3. Blindness (7:34)
4. Coax (5:36)
5. Half Awake (4:28)
6. Shadows Speak (5:27)
7. The Gate (2:12)
8. Pins And Needles (10:26)
9. Beneath White (6:04)
10. Zeitgeist (4:43)
11. Evening Of Our Days (7:56)
12. Coda (2:16)


Line-up / Musicians 
- Ken Pfeifer / vocals, keyboards
- Bill Denison / stringed instruments, keyboards, vocals, flute
- Mike James / piano, keyboards
- Carl Puglisi / drums, percussion

Additional musicians:
- Bridget Murphy / background vocals