Presto Ballet featuring ex-members of Metal Church

http://www.myspace.com/prestoballet
Anyone familiar with these guys?

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Presto Ballet is a progressive rock band founded by Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. Their sound is highly reminiscent of 70's prog rock, as the band was founded chiefly as a tribute to classic progressive bands such as Yes and Kansas. Their debut album Peace Among the Ruins was released in 2005 to general praise and considerable press. Critics consistently commented on the album's warm and organic sound, a feeling created through the use of analog recorders and vintage instruments, played with great skill and precision. The band used no drum machines, digital recorders or sequencers in the studio.

I just read a press release that former Metal Church singer Ronnie Munroe joined the group and they have a 3rd album coming out. Sounds kinda cool. I'm not a huge prog fan (70's or otherwise), but I enjoy it if it's done right. So what say you? Do these guys serve it up right or what?

WOW. WOW. WOW. I never knew they made prog like this anymore. WOW. THIS IS AMAZING.

I think I traded my copy of that to SAHB. Too prog for my tastes.

I was surprised to read that they are prepping the release of a 3rd album. How did this band project slip under the radar for so long?

From what I remember, Peace Among The Ruins sounds a lot like early Kansas.

Jesusandmetal23 wrote:

WOW. WOW. WOW. I never knew they made prog like this anymore. WOW. THIS IS AMAZING.

You don't listen to much prog then.

Prog is one of my favorite genres. I dont listen to much prog metal though.

The original singer was a better fit for this band.

I had both and they were a decent first listen but the music was very bland.

I have both of those albums and they are pretty cool.

I had the first one and though decent enough I would lose interest about halfway through. I can't see Ronny doing vocals for this, he doesn't have the voice for prog imo.

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I can't see Ronny doing vocals for this, he doesn't have the voice for prog imo.

+1

They were originally called Vanderhoof, and released 2 albums as such. I have both albums, but not the Presto Ballet stuff. I even saw Vanderhoof open for Savatage back in the day

kmorg wrote:

They were originally called Vanderhoof, and released 2 albums as such. I have both albums, but not the Presto Ballet stuff. I even saw Vanderhoof open for Savatage back in the day

I have the first s/t Vanderhoof record and it is very good. I don't have the second one...

Troublezone wrote:

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I can't see Ronny doing vocals for this, he doesn't have the voice for prog imo.

+1

You got your wish...

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Former METAL CHURCH/LILLIAN AXE singer Ronny Munroe has announced his departure from PRESTO BALLET, the progressive rock band led by ex-METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. Ronny states, "My continued involvement with the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA has made it impossible to leave me with enough time to fully dedicate myself to such a great band as PRESTO BALLET. I'm wishing Kurdt Vanderhoof and the rest of the guys continued success, and I thank Kurdt for allowing me the chance to share in, and be a part of, his vision."

PRESTO BALLET recently announced the addition of drummer Larry Crowe to the group's ranks.

Ronny definitely has the voice for this. The newest album proves it.

It's also good he left Presto Ballet though. He got the position in TSO in October and its keeping him real busy! Really proud of him!

Question for all y'all.

I recently picked up the s/t Vanderhoof album. I'm digging it. Is this much different from the Presto Ballet stuff?

MetalGuy71 wrote:

Question for all y'all.

I recently picked up the s/t Vanderhoof album. I'm digging it. Is this much different from the Presto Ballet stuff?

Pretty different. PB is more of a Kansas/Styx/Rush kind of affair as opposed to Vanderbilt's gritty rock. However, the follow up Blur in Time goes for a more classic rock vibe that comes closer to PB.

Both of those albums are damn fantastic.

I dunno. The Vanderhoof has allot of prog rock qualities to it. Some songs have a Kansas vibe, while others have that Deep Purple Hammond organ sound (not to mention the cover of DP's 'Burn'). It's miles away from anything Metal Church related, that's for sure.

I suppose I should let this album sink in a little before I go all-in for some Presto Ballet. Although they'll be on my want-list now.

Oh, absolutely, Vanderhoof is progged up in parts. Falling to Earth is my favorite track, and it's got a sweet Floyd/Heep ambience about it. Angel Now is like an ELO/Styx shrine with the organ and moog. PB kind of shifts from classic rock to classic prog, if that makes sense. Lots of Yes and Genesis. The grit found in the s/t tracks such as Out Alive and 40 Days is ditched. Hard to explain. I'm sure you'd enjoy it (the last album gets pretty heavy with some metallic bits).

Apart from his duties in Metal Church, Kurdt has found time to put out another Presto Ballet album...


01. Out Of Mind (It's Outta Sight) [6:29]
02. Earthbound [3:57]
03. Tip Of The Hat [ 5:47]
04. I Just Drive [ 6:22]
05. Hard Times For Dreamers [ 7:30]
06. I Am Wire [10:09]
07. The Man With The Plastic Face [7:00] (bonus track on CD version)
08. Brand New Minute [4:57] (bonus track on the download card that comes with vinyl edition)

PRESTO BALLET is:

Kurdt Vanderhoof - Guitar
Chuck Campbell - Vocals
Kerry Shacklett - Keyboards
Bobby Ferkovich - Bass
Charlie Lorme - Drums

Keeping with the Kansas sound I see. Not bad, might check out more.

Not bad...this is the first time I've ever listened to Presto Ballet.

PB's discography, while not entirely memorable, can make for a fun journey. Kurdt can write some really solid prog rock. Definitely worth checking out.

I only have one PB album (Peace Among the Ruins) and I enjoy it well enough but I don't know that I need to add much more to my collection.