The 'Rings Project | 10 Songs | 2004
Release Date: March 2004 - Akashic Record No.011
Artwork by the late Buddy Miller - Nashville, Tennessee
Songs from this CD are featured on most Cable TV Music Subscription Services.
The music of Alan Horvath and the story of the Lord of the Rings have been synonymous in some circles for more than 3 decades. Alan's first songs about the trilogy were penned in 1972, but it wasn't until 1979 that Alan (then known as Alan Post) pursued the idea of an entire album of songs based on the story.
In 1980, Fantasy Films took a strong interest in Horvath's work, as did the Tolkien Foundation in England. Common Ground Music Group in Nashville, TN signed Horvath to an exclusive recording and publishing contract that year ... an album project was recorded ... a 45 r.p.m. record was released and received moderate airplay and regional notoriety, especially in the Northeastern US.
In 1981, producer Scott Turner took Horvath's nine-song project with him on a trip to visit with David Bowie at his castle in France. They listened to the project together, and Bowie expressed a strong interest in collaborating with Horvath; holding onto the tapes for future reference.
"It sure would mean a lot to work with a talent like David Bowie! But, you know ... just knowing that he took a definite interest in my work, is merit enough to do me proud."
~Alan
In early 2001, New Line Cinema (producers of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 releases of The Lord of the Rings movie) reviewed Alan's material and contacted him with great enthusiasm. Meetings were conducted ... contracts were discussed ... but, eventually, the reality presented by Howard Shore for the movie itself, prevailed: in effect, no "songs" were being employed; Howard Shore was creating an opera.
In 2004, Horvath signed a licensing contract with Radio City Entertainment in New York City for his song The Ballad of Tom Bombadil to be featured in the acclaimed documentary film Ringers: Lord of the Fans.
"When I heard Alan's Lord of the Rings Project, I thought 'This is something very special!' He's a great writer." David Bowie
"Alan's lyrical emphasis is well placed, and sets his work off from many other (equally commendable) Tolkien-inspired albums that have appeared over the last few years. Thumbs up!" Chris Seeman | Tolkien-Movies.com
"I have heard just about every musical 'rendition' of LOTR that's out there, and after hearing The Ballad of Tom Bombadil and The Ring Goes South, I realize that Alan's is not only one of the most original, but one of the best!"
David T. Getsfrid
"Alan Horvath's new acoustic rock concept album The Rings Project features some unforgettable, wrenching moments, especially with The Grey Havens." Amy H. Sturgis | PopThought.com
"A Must-Have for Every Tolkien Fan -- Each song is a winner. With original lyrics and music, Alan draws his listeners into Tolkien's World of Middle-earth. From upbeat and fun songs like "At the Sign of the Prancing Pony" to the powerful "Fighting Uruk-hai" to the mournful "Departure of Boromir" to the heartbreaking "Frodo's Song" this CD creatively and masterfully covers the whole Lord of the Rings story. Every Tolkien fan should have this CD, as well as those who just like a good song from an imaginative and gifted artist."
Bob James
Players:
Alan Horvath: Vocals, 1968 Gibson Hummingbird Guitar, Teardrop & Baritone Dulcimers, Diatonic Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, Octave Mandolin, Harmonicas, and Percussion: Grover/Trophy 14 & 18-inch Bodhrans, BOSS DR-770 Rhythm Composer.
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