New To Vinyl Release Of The Variants Series From The Japan And Porcupine Tree Keyboardist. Including Live Recordings From The Planets + Persona Concerts And New Material In 2017, Richard Barbieri released his most sonically expansive work to date. 'Planets + Persona' is his third solo album, but the first feature such a wide palentlet of instrument. ation. Vintage analogue Synthesisers combined with acoustic performances and jazz elements, including some stark and memorable improvisations from a personally hand-picked group of musicians, a release that has been well received by a dedicated and growing fan base. 'Variants.1+2' is the first 2LP to be released in a series presenting a collection of disparate pieces of music from past and current works. It features live performances with guest musicians. ans, new compositions, Improvisations and reworkings of older material including a 2009 instrumental version of the Japan B-Side "The Experience Of Swimming". As an ex-founder of the new-wave pioneers Japan, Barbieri was a leader in creating the ground-breaking synthesiser sound that defined the band and influenced the likes of The Human League, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, Talk and Talk a whole raft of artists to Following Japan, Barbieri joined Steven Wilson in the formative years of the legendary progressive outfit Porcupine Tree, playing keyboards on the band's bums, since 1993 as well as striking sollow. o albums: 'Things Buried' and 'Stranger Inside'. His ear for composing unique soundscapes and synth textures recently led to collaborations with other talented composers, such as Steve Hogarth (Marillion) Steve Jansen & Mick Karn (Japan) and Steven Wilson. Presented on 6.3 oz heavyweight vinyl in a gatefold sleeve features a new live photo print.