John Lodge, legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist of The Moody Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, has announced that he will be releasing his version of the iconic album, Days Of Future Passed, entitled Days Of Future Passed - My Sojourn, to accompany his upcoming tour of the same name.
The album is to be released on CD as special fan club only release, and will be available at the upcoming shows starting July 18, and through John’s website for pre-orders, with shipping on August 7.
The album was recorded over the last year, and has grown from John’s current live show as he, and his 10,000 Light Years Band, lovingly recreate this classic album. The album also features a special recording by the late Graeme Edge and performances by Jon Davison of YES. It is being released as part of John’s celebration of the album ‘that changed his life’, and with the hope that it will continue to introduce fans to the original iconic recording. The album’s orchestration is by John’s long-term collaborator, and great friend, Alan Hewitt.
“November 2023 will be the 56th anniversary of 'Days Of Future Passed’. It’s incredible to look back on this album that changed my life, and that still has so much impact today on so many, and I felt that it deserved celebrating, and so I began rehearsals in 2021/2022 to bring this celebration to life on stage. What was important to me was to make this concert another milestone in the history of ‘Days Of Future Passed’, and so I asked Graeme if he would record his poetry, ‘Morning Glory’ and ‘Late Lament’, to include in my concert. Graeme gave me his blessing and said, ‘John, Keep the Moody Blues music alive’. We had a fantastic time putting the show together, with Alan, Duffy, Billy and Jason, and Jon Davison, giving me so much support and helping bring my vision to life. After the final rehearsals for the concert, I realised I should capture this new moment in time, although a reflection of the past, forever, by going into the studio and recording the album, ‘Days Of Future Passed - My Sojourn’. I am hoping that this will bring a new generation of listeners to the album, that they then may rediscover the original recording, and the beautiful vocals of Mike Pinder, Justin Hayward, Ray Thomas and myself. I dedicate this album to Graeme, Justin, Mike and Ray, to Tony Clarke, and to all the fans that are with me on this sojourn, no matter when you joined…” - John Lodge, July 2023
The CD in digipak will be available starting July 18 at John’s first show in Rockford, IL, and a vinyl album is due to follow in the fall. The album will also be available to stream and download from July 14. The cover features a poignant photograph of John and his wife, Kirsten, taken by his daughter-in-law, Inga Wilson - for John, this was an image that perfectly encapsulated the idea of past and future and what this album means to him.
The original album, released in 1967, came about when Decca were exploring stereo and full frequency sound and wanted the band to put the melodies of Dvorak’s New World Symphony to lyrics to make a ‘sampler’ album. The band decided to follow their own path, and the rest is history… but in a reflection of this, John wanted to also explore how modern fidelity will impact the album today. He is therefore also working on a Dolby Atmos version that will be available for streaming later this year.
Joining John on the album is his 10,000 Light Years Band, comprised of long-term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards, plus Orchestration) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) from the Moody Blues touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello). Jon Davison of YES will also be joining him for his special renditions of “Nights In White Satin” and “Tuesday Afternoon” plus the magical voice of Graeme Edge will be seen and heard via a special video and recording.
The tour kicks off on July 18 at the Coronado PAC in Rockford, IL, and then continues through the Mid-West and onto the West of the USA. The show will also feature a first half set of Moody Blues’ classics, including all of John’s hits, “Ride My See-Saw”, “I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)”, “Isn’t Life Strange”, to name just a few of these classic and time-enduring hits.
For tickets and VIP packages - which include a great seat and exclusive merchandise - head here.
Tour dates:
July
18 - Rockford, Illinois at Coronado PAC
19 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Pabst Theater
21 - Detroit, Michigan at Royal Oak Music Theatre
23 - Denver, Colorado at Paramount Theatre
25 - Phoenix, Arizona at Celebrity Theatre
27 - Tucson, Arizona at Fox Theater
28 - Las Vegas, Nevada at Smith Center
29 - Thousand Oaks, California at Kavli Theatre
31 - Edwardsville, IL at Widley Theatre
August
1 - Edwardsville, IL at Widley Theatre
(Photo - Brian Aris)
