"The Secret" by Alan Parsons Chosen by IMC's Kim Reilly

Alan Parsons' longtime hobby has been performing magic. And his new LP released this year showcases his own passion for the craft, hence the title “The Secret.” The album will see a return to the pop rock sound with symphonic and progressive rock interludes which the Alan Parsons Project was known for.

Let's talk production. No doubt it's TOP NOTCH (as always with AP)! The diversity of the tracks are again is no surprise – intimate to roaring, solo to orchestral – blends of each, all there with the AP signature sound at his best.

While the entire LP reflects AP and captures every bit of his genius, some favorites for me are "As Lights Fall", "One Note Symphony" and "Sometimes". Parsons pulled some amazingly strong talent as always to contribute – Lou Gramm, P.J. Olsson, Steve Hackett and so on...

Special Guests and Artists:
Lead vocals: Jason Mraz, Lou Gramm, Alan Parsons, Todd Cooper, P. J. Olsson, Jordan Huffman, Jared Mahone, Mark Mikel

Additional vocals: Alan Parsons, Todd Cooper, Dan Tracey, Jordan Huffman, P. J. Olsson, Carl–Magnus "C-M" Carlsson, Andy Ellis, Doug Powell

Narration: Alan Parsons
Guitars: Steve Hackett, Jeff Kollman, Dan Tracey, Tony Rosacci, Ian Bairnson, Alan Parsons

Synth, keyboards: Andy Ellis, Tom Brooks, Dan Tracey, Alan Parsons 
Piano: Pat Caddick, Angelo Pizzaro, Tom Brooks
Bass: Nathan East, Guy Erez, Jeff Peterson
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta, Danny Thompson, Carl Sorensen 
Saxophone: Todd Cooper

Orchestra: The CMG Music Recording Orchestra of Hollywood Orchestral arrangements: Tom Brooks, Dan Tracey, Milton Olsson Orchestra conductors: Tom Brooks, Alan Parsons
Cello: Michael Fitzpatrick

Percussion: Alan Parsons, Todd Cooper 
Ukulele: Jake Shimabukuro
Trombones: Oscar Utterström 
Trumpets: Vinnie Ciesielski
Recording engineers: Noah Bruskin, Alan Parsons, Grant Goddard 
Mixing engineers: Alan Parsons, Noah Bruskin
Assistant engineers: Jeff Fitzpatrick
Additional engineering: Tre Nagella, Dave Albro, Andy Ellis Mastering engineer: Dave Donnelly
Producer: Alan Parsons

On "The Secret", you'll not find any trending or copying of what is popular of late, this project is simply original and pure Alan Parsons.

Kim Reilly
IMC Correspondent
Boca Raton FL USA