Mandoki Soulmates, the progressive rock and jazz fusion act formed by musician and producer László ‘Leslie’ Mándok back in 1993 will be out celebrating their 30th anniversary this September with a tour of Germany. Ahead of that comes new single ‘Devil’s Encyclopedia’, taken from a new album due on 2024.
As with previous releases where guest musicians such as members of Jethro Tull and Toto, and solo artists as varied as Nick Kershaw, Jack Bruce and Eric Burdon have been involved, so too with this latest release.
Joining bandleader Mándok on this new rock soundscape is Jethro Tull frontman/flutist Ian Anderson, multi-instrumentalists Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp), and Richard Bona (Pat Metheny Group), former Rainbow keyboard player Tony Carey, and legendary fusion guitarist Mike Stern (Blood, Sweat & Tears, Miles Davis).
“When I see the division and radicalisation accumulating today especially through a feeding frenzy on endless crises with social media, I feel that my art must work toward a generationally just world,” reflected Mandoki on the inspiration for this new work, “I want to say to the grandchildren of Woodstock: Courage is calling for people like us,” quoting lyrics from‘Devil’s Encyclopedia’.
Continuing his rumination, Mandoki pointed to the accompanying music video, that “addresses humanity’s eternal questions, crying out against totalitarianism and brutality. These days, wounded hearts are calling and the dogs of war are howling, presenting those of us who want to live peacefully in a free world with a dilemma.” As the lyrics also declare, “When words fail, music speaks”.
You can check out the video for Devil’s Encyclopedia here at RAMzine.
