Power of Melody PLACES OF POWER is a brand new monicker featuring some familiar faces in the Melodic Rock scene: Philip Bardowell (MAGDALEN, UNRULY CHILD) and Bruce Turgon (FOREIGNER; LOU G R A M M BAND, WARRIOR, STEVE STEVENS). “Now Is The Hour” is the band’s debut album and the result is a jewel, a total must for all Foreigner, Shadow King and Lou Gramm fans... Hi Philip! It's a real thrill to be able to ask you a few questions about your terrific new album. How do you feel the record has turned out? Philip Bardowell: I'm very proud of the outcome. It surpassed my expectations and I think I'll actually listen to this one! There's obviously been a huge amount of care and attention given to the song writing and recording of the material. Can you tell us how you went about collaborating on the songs and how you worked together in the studio? PB: Bruce (Turgon) and I had a goal: we didn't want any album "fillers" on the record and wanted every song to be the best it could be. Bruce emailed me instrumental tracks that were very good and filled with great melodic ideas. I, in turn, wrote lyrics and melodies to the tracks. Many of the melodies were inspired by the melodies inherent in the tracks Bruce sent. It was a great collaborative effort on the songs. We only worked together in the studio 2 days to finish vocals. Other than that, this was all done over the internet and by phone! I think initially you got together thanks to a suggestion from the people at Frontiers. Could you tell us the story behind that? PB: Serafino suggested that Bruce and I do an album together and put us in touch. 06 Melodic Rock Fanzine
Once we connected, we found that we got along very well and were open to the idea. Once we started, we realized that we (and Serafino!) were right. It was a very enjoyable, creative process. There's not a duff song on the disc but I think “Wildest Dreams”, “Places of Power”, ”Hard to Love You” and “Path of Least Resistance” are new classics in the AOR-genre. Which tracks resonate most with you and why? PB: Once again, this was our goal, so thanks for the kind words. I truly like all of these songs. “Hard To Love You” was one of the first songs to be done. I would say out of the 4 you mentions, I love the power in “Places Of Power” and the melodic pop sense of “Wildest Dreams”. Do you see this as a one off project or do you envisage work together in the future? PB: We'll see! I would welcome the opportunity if it were there. Are there any chances of seeing you take this album on the road? PB: Once again, we'll have to see how the album is received. I'd welcome the idea. The pair of you have worked with some big names in Rock, in the past. Do you still keep in touch? PB: With some. With a wife and three kids, I don't really talk to anybody much anymore! However, I have fond memories
of all my collaborations and each one led me to where I am today. What are your hopes professionally this year for yourselves and this album? PB: To keep making good music and follow God's will for my life. There are many exciting things ahead. I look forward to seeing how "Places Of Power" is received. (by Duncan Jamieson)
“Now Is The Hour” the new album by Places Of Power: review page 11