TRILLION III : Ray Of Light
This is a very special post; one of our favorite bands of all time, classic Pomp / AORsters TRILLION, and their reunion during the past decade as TRILLION III to write and record brand new material.
After signing with a major label in 1978 the band released two acclaimed albums, the first self-titled with Fergie Frederiksen (RIP) on vocals, being produced by Gary Lyons (Foreigner), and the second, ‘Clear Approach’ (with talented Thom Griffin) produced by John Boylan (Boston).
How on Earth they come to an end after that fantastic 2nd album is beyond me.
For ‘Clear Approach’ the band recruited excellent vocalist Thom Griffin who after the band’s broke-up disappeared from the mainstream music business only working as session singer (providing background vocals for Dennis DeYoung, Steve Walsh, Jimi Jamison, Night Ranger, etc) and as songwriter…
Until 2005 when he was called to lay down his unmistakable golden throat on the ‘Ambition’ album / project, conducted by Tommy Denander.
Earlier the past decade Trillion founder members Frank Barbalace (guitar) and Bill Wilkins (drums) called Griffin again for a new incarnation of the band: Trillion III, and started working on new material with the help of famed master session-man CJ Vanston (Steve Lukather, Jeff Beck) to provide keyboards and began recording.
Added to Trillion III as well is bassist Dave LaRue from the Dixie Dregs, while original Trillion keyboardist Patrick Leonard has also played on one track (“Golden Sun Beyond”) which has made the project much more special.
Songs like “Golden Sun Beyond” and “In My Blood” both retain that characteristic magic of classic Trillion with the right AOR-prog dash throwing in. “Ray Of Light” and “She Hates Sunday” have a different, more updated commercial Melodic Rock feel – like the Ambition project or Mecca – excellent as well.
Then “Innocence” brings a wonderful mid-tempo AOR melody like only masters from the ’80s are able to craft… and Trillion are
We’ve been waiting many decades for something new from Trillion, and I just can’t believe it finally happened. ‘Trillion III’ is a true gift for fans of quality music. Thom Griffin’s terrific pipes are intact, and the whole band is in top form.
These talented musicians are back with superb material that evolved within the recording studio retaining the originality of Trillion’s sound and style with an updated approach and execution.
All I can say is WOW! … Not only the group has been resurrected, they have re-capured timeless elements from many great bands from the genre, with the unique touch of the class musicians they are.
Amazing comeback – seems Trillion III is on hold for the moment, but who knows…
Highly Recommended stuff
01 – Ray Of Light
02 – Golden Sun Beyond
03 – She Hates Sunday
04 – In My Blood
Thom Griffin – Lead Vocals
Frank Barbalace – Guitars, Vocals
Bill Wilkins – Drums
CJ Vanston – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Patrick Leonard – Keyboards on ‘Golden Sun Beyond’
Dave La Rue – Bass
www.trillion-music.us
