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LANA LANE

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Lana Lane picture
Lana Lane biography
Born in Concord, California, USA in ???

Lana Lane has rightly been dubbed The Queen of Symphonic Rock, but her music indicates a wider range of influences including progressive Metal, (Neo-) Progressive Rock, melodic Hard Rock, and even Pop Rock, sometimes with a light touch of Folk, Jazz, or Electronica. Lana's powerful yet gorgeous voice often drives the music, but the instrumental aspects are equally important elements of the band's sound.

The story of Lana Lane goes back to the late 1980's when Lana moved to Los Angeles where she met her husband Erik NORLANDER. This eventually gave rise to Lana Lane - the band. But before this, Norlander had Lana contributing backing vocals to his own Symphonic Prog band, ROCKET SCIENTISTS. In Lana Lane, Norlander is not only the keyboard player, but also the producer, as well as writing much of the band?s material. All Lana Lane albums are released by Think Tank Media, a production company owned by Norlander and Lane themselves.

The first release under the Lana Lane name came in 1995 with Love Is An Illusion. This album, as well as the next one, 1996's Curious Goods, made a significant impact in Japan, but it was not until with their third album, 1998's Garden Of The Moon, that they also found a potent European audience. They began touring Japan in 1998 and Europe in 2001 to support Secrets Of Astrology. Live releases followed. At the time of writing, nine original, full-length studio albums have been released, plus several special albums containing only ballads or only covers, plus several live albums, EP's, and compilations. Lana Lane has recorded cover versions of songs originally performed by Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Rainbow, Uriah Heep, Kansas, Marillion, and many more.

In addition to her own illustrious output, Lana has also contributed vocals to albums by other artists including Ayreon, Ambeon, Gary Hughes, and Roswell Six.

Biography by SouthSideoftheSky

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LANA LANE discography


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LANA LANE top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.78 | 17 ratings
Love Is an Illusion
1995
3.10 | 11 ratings
Curious Goods
1996
3.79 | 19 ratings
Garden of the Moon
1998
3.97 | 20 ratings
Queen of the Ocean
1999
3.52 | 23 ratings
Secrets of Astrology
2000
2.76 | 20 ratings
Project Shangri-La
2002
2.71 | 10 ratings
Winter Sessions
2003
3.89 | 24 ratings
Lady Macbeth
2005
3.59 | 20 ratings
Red Planet Boulevard
2007
3.55 | 20 ratings
El Dorado Hotel
2012
3.63 | 18 ratings
Neptune Blue
2022

LANA LANE Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

4.05 | 3 ratings
Live in Japan
1998
3.12 | 7 ratings
Return to Japan
2004

LANA LANE Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

3.00 | 1 ratings
Storybook - Tales from Europe and Japan
2004
3.81 | 6 ratings
10th Anniversary Concert (DVD)
2005

LANA LANE Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

2.14 | 3 ratings
Ballad Collection, Volume 1
1998
3.00 | 1 ratings
Best of Lana Lane 1995-1999
1999
3.96 | 4 ratings
Ballad Collection Special Edition
2000
3.05 | 3 ratings
Ballad Collection II
2000
3.15 | 9 ratings
Covers Collection
2003
3.04 | 11 ratings
Gemini
2006
2.05 | 3 ratings
Best of Lana Lane 2000-2008
2008

LANA LANE Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

2.00 | 3 ratings
Echoes from the Garden (EP)
1998
2.00 | 3 ratings
Echoes from the Ocean (EP)
1999
3.05 | 2 ratings
European Tour 2001 Souvenir CD (with Erik Norlander)
2001
2.14 | 3 ratings
European Tour 2003 Souvenir CD (with Erik Norlander)
2003

LANA LANE Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 El Dorado Hotel by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2012
3.55 | 20 ratings

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El Dorado Hotel
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Idaho

4 stars "El Dorado Hotel" starts on a strong note, with "A Dream Full of Fire," a dynamic prog-light track with gorgeous vocals and AOR tendencies. From there, the album sounds much like if Ann Wilson replaced John Wetton as a member of Asia. Given Erik Norlander's side project with Asia featuring John Payne, that comparison shouldn't be much of a surprise. I don't view that comparison as a bad thing--I really like this music.

Erik Norlander and Lana Lane do most of the songwriting. The songs aren't terribly complex, but there are glimpses of various prog sub-genres. They're at times atmospheric, at times hard, and always enjoyable.

AOR-style rock with some prog influences. It's not something I'd listen to when I'm in the mood for complexity, but despite that it's very enjoyable, and deserving of 4 stars.

 Project Shangri-La by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2002
2.76 | 20 ratings

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Project Shangri-La
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Idaho

3 stars More AOR-style than prog. A bit like a laid-back album from Styx or Journey. There are some prog elements, to be sure, especially in some of the instrumental sections--some bridges, plus Redemption Part 1 and Part 2. Immediate comparison that comes to mind is Heart--partly because of the style of music, partly because Lana Lane's voice sounds a lot like Ann Wilson's. Lana Lane and Erik Norlander did most of the songwriting, with other band members also contributing.

The highlight of the album is The Beast Within You, which is more dynamic and progressive than the rest of the album. My version of the album has a bonus track, John Wetton's I Believe in You. The liner notes say that John Wetton wrote this song for this album; two years later he released his own version on his Rock of Faith album. The last three tracks-- a weak Italian language cover, a fun proggy instrumental written by Norlander, and the Wetton bonus track--seem a bit disjointed from the rest of the album. The Italian song should have been left off, as it really feels out of place.

Overall, a nice listen. If you're new to Lana Lane, start with one of her higher-rated albums instead. Still, recommended for fans of Lana Lane and this style of light prog/AOR-style music.

 Neptune Blue by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.63 | 18 ratings

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Neptune Blue
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by kev rowland
Special Collaborator Honorary Reviewer

4 stars Back in 1998 I suffered a serious motorbike accident, and in all honesty should have been killed. During the time I was recuperating at home I received a parcel from Erik Norlander and my memories of that period are always interlinked with the live Rocket Scientists video (where Lana guested) which was constantly on my TV while I was attempting to work, and Lana's album 'Live In Japan' which was basically her and Rocket Scientists as her backing band. Since then, I have followed her career with interest, and when I saw she was releasing her first album in ten years I was incredibly excited to hear it. Even before I put in on the player I was intrigued as the artwork takes us all the way back to her second album, 1996's 'Curious Goods'. When looking at those involved, it was obvious this was deliberate as it while her husband Erik (keyboards) will always be involved with her work, there is also Mark McCrite (guitar, bass, backing vocals) and Don Schiff (N/S Stick) who were there with her more than 25 years ago. They have now been joined by drummer Greg Ellis, guitarist Jeff Kollman while John Payne (Asia) helps on backing vocals (not really a surprise given that he and Erik are in Dukes of the Orient together).

I have always felt that Lana is one of the strongest singers in the prog scene, and here she is provided with material which really lets her express herself with long-held notes, and music behind her which is sometimes, simple, at other times complex, but always middle of the road AOR influenced prog. The best song is opener "Remember Me", where Erik kicks it off with some traditional organ before it turns into a belter. By the time we got to the chorus I was in heaven as there are strong hints here of "Operation Roswell" which will probably always be my favourite of hers. The album does calm it down somewhat after that which is a real shame, as if they had all belted like this then we would have an absolute classic on our hands. As it is, this is still an incredibly powerful release, showing that although she has been away for ten years, she has never lost her drive. With three Rocket Scientists by her side, she yet again shows why she has such a great reputation. For anyone who has not heard any of her other material this is a great starting point, and one I have really enjoyed playing. Let's hope that it is not ten years until the next one!

 Neptune Blue by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2022
3.63 | 18 ratings

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Neptune Blue
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Heart of the Matter

3 stars Neptune Blue was produced by Lana Lane's husband and long-time musical partner Erik Norlander, the keyboards player for Rocket Scientists, and for this album too. Besides, we have Jeff Kollman on electric guitar (Alan Parsons Live Project), Mark McCrite on acoustic & rhythm guitars, bass & backing vocals, and Don Schiff on Stick (both members of the Rocket Scientists too), Greg Ellis on drums (who played with Rocket Scientists in their album Oblivion Days) and John Payne, of Asia fame, on backing vocals only. Norlander was also a member of Asia feat. John Payne, with whom he played in their 2014 album Recollections - A Tribute to British Prog.

Lana is the owner of a strong good voice remaining intact over the passing years, Erik comes with some neat symphonic organ passages, like the intro of the opener, the compositions are OK, so, the real question is: is there some element here preventing this album from sounding absolutely like Asia-like AOR? And the answer is no, there are the usual guitar breaks & solos coming over in their expected place & order, the more or less pyrotechnical drums fills, and a band as tight as this kind of music requires. That's not bad, whenever you are the kind of person who feels comfortable with music featuring a certain rocking edge, but no complexity beyond well-known time signatures & conventional harmony.

The more distinctive moments of the album are probably to be found in the track 4 Come Lift Me Up, with its refreshing acoustic strumming setting the mood and pace on a different vibe, and the closer, which brings out the most of a sensible balladist that Lana has to offer, and features a great guitar solo over choral background towards the end.

 10th Anniversary Concert (DVD) by LANE, LANA album cover DVD/Video, 2005
3.81 | 6 ratings

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10th Anniversary Concert (DVD)
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

4 stars After the relatively disappointment of the Storyteller DVD, Lane and Erick Norlander seemed to realise their mistake and quickly release a "proper" live DVD in the following year, the 10th Anniversary Concert. This time they provided a real good multi-camera view and songs from the same show (or, at least, from shows from the same tour, unlike the previous Storyteller). The result is everything one fan waited for a long time: the sensation of "being there", watching the whole performance of the same band members. This time they also got the right musicians too and avoided the big confusion that had to be fixed on studio for various takes on Storyteller. Now, besides her husband and keyboardist extraordinaire Erick Norlander, she has a new rhythm section of Pain Of Salvation bassist Christopher Gildenlow and drummer Ernst Van Ee. Lead guitarist Neil Citron unfortunately is not around, but Peer Vershuren does a fine job anyway. Most important is the return of Mark McCrite on second guitar and harmony vocals. His voice simply blends perfectly with Lanes and does a much better job than Kelly Keeling did on the previous tour.

The only problem with the 10th anniversary Concert if the fact that they tried, as much as possible, to avoid playing the same songs they performed on Storyteller. And since that included most of their classics, the set list here suffers, even if the quality of the delivering is way better than before. Her most famous song Symphony of Angels gets a the stunning visual it deserved, but many other live favourites do not. Great stuff like Through The Rain, Night Falls, Frankenstein Unbound or Escherīs Staircase, just to name but a few, which did not get the right visual or the best performance on Storyteller, are missing. Not that the actual repertoire is bad, far from it, but I guess the title implies a compilation of sorts and most we get are album tracks and more recent material.

Still, I must say I like this DVD a lot: after all, is a whole concert, the quality of the the sound is top notch (as anything with Norlanderīs stamp on it) , Lane is a great singer and is in top form here. The band is tight and the songs, if not the ones we would love to see and hear, are very good: I specially like how Lane gives room to the musicians to shine and deliver great instrumental passages, making it sound like a band effort rather than a solo performance backed by excellent bunch. It seems that weīll have to wait some more time until we get a good live recording of a show that may include her classics together with the newer stuff. But for now this 10th Anniversary Concert will do.

Rating: somewhere between 3,5 and 4 stars, that Iīll round up to four because of itīs a great show regardless of the missing classics.

 Storybook - Tales from Europe and Japan by LANE, LANA album cover DVD/Video, 2004
3.00 | 1 ratings

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Storybook - Tales from Europe and Japan
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

— First review of this album —
3 stars Fans of Lana Lane were waiting for a live DVD for a long time. And, finally, in 2004 Storybook (subtitled Tales From Europe and Japan) came out. I was hoping for a full length show, but what we got was a compilation of live performances between 1998 and 2003. There are 20 tracks and as a bonus we have interviews with the musicians about every track: the menu has the option to listen to them before each song or to go straight to the music. As one might expect the repertoire is fantastic with live renditions of all major classics. But be aware that there are a lot of overdubs too: in fact Lane's husband and keyboardist Erik Norlander explains in the booklet that in one case, during the 2002 tour, all guitar - and visual - parts of guitarist Arjen Lucassen had to be erased and re-recorded by Peer Verschuren, due to the low quality of the former delivering during that tour. Incredibly, and much to the credit of the editors, you hardly notice that when you watch the video.

The quality of the music is absolutely spotless, as you can expect from a Norlander production, even if the word overdub screams in several occasions. Still, the music is great most of the time. On the other hand the visual quality of the tracks varies a lot: the most recent footage, on the 2002 and 2003 torus are the best and the only ones to feature multi camera shots. They are the best ones visually, but not great for today's (or even then) standards. The early ones, which unfortunately contains the top classics, are little more than amateurish affairs. Such bombastic and symphonic epics like Symphony Of Angels deserved better visual to match its stunning musical performance here. Another ironic and odd point is the fact that the low quality video songs are the ones with the classic line up that included guitarists Neil citron and Mark McCrite. On the 2003 tour there is only one axeman, the aforementioned Verschuren, and although he is very good, you'll end up missing the trademark guitar harmonies of Citron and McCrite. The latter also proved to have a better voice to harmonise with Lane than Kelly Keeling (who toured on 2002 and 2003).

Overall all the performances are very good and leave little or nothing to their studio counterparts: the sole real deception here is Through The Rain: this powerful tune should be a live show highlight, but Lane and Keeling two part harmony is no match to the three part studio version. Besides, the guitar solo is not as good and, for some unexplained reason, Norlander's stunning Hammond solo is included on this version. A real shame. But, let's face it, this is the only real bad move.

In the end I feel that Storybook has more of a historical value, specially for the Lane and the people involved, but was not what most fans, me included, were waiting for so long. I guess they got the message, for only one year after that Lane and Norlander would release the Tenth Anniversary Concert, a full concert video with a stunning band performance that captures Lane's show in all its glory. But that's another story.

This one has good moments, but is also too uneven visually. You can enjoy it in parts. 3 stars.

 Gemini by LANE, LANA album cover Boxset/Compilation, 2006
3.04 | 11 ratings

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Gemini
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

3 stars Lana Laneīs second cover collection album is quite different from the first. While Covers Collection (2002) had several tracks that were not classics and some bands quite obscure, this time she decided to focused almost entirely on classic stuff. The only real surprise is the two Foreigner tracks included here: the hard rocking Long Way From Home and the more progressive Starrider (both from their self titled debut of 1977, the latter certainly one of their best). The remaining tracks were from more obvious choices like Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Heart. Cream and The Jefferson Airplane.

The best cuts are the Pink Moon Suite (four tracks from Dark Side Of The Moon put together with Heartīs Johnny Moon), on which they do creditable, respectful and convincing versions that work very well with Laneīs vocals. They alone may be well worth the price of the CD alone. Heartīs Dream Of The Archer is another one, where it is clear that Ann Wilsonīs vocal delivering is one of Laneīs greatest influences along with Grace Slickīs (White Rabbit is covered too). Actually the only song that didnīt really work is the Moody Blues Nights In White Satin, that somewhat turned out a bit dull and uninspired. Creamīs White Room and Sunshine Of Your Love are a bit out of place here too, but are saved by the excellent instrumental work, specially of the lead guitarist George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob). Lynch certainly is one of the highlights of Gemini, giving it a hard edge where needed.

While I canīt say that this collection is essential, it is still high above mere good. The versions were very well done and the instrumental accompaniment is absolutely gorgeous. Small surprise considering the caliber of the musicians involved. Needless to say, Laneīs vocals are also superb. Maybe, like the first, they should be a little bolder concerning the choice of material, but what to do? This is clearly an album that was done for fun and they did a fine job. Production and sound engineering were like always in the hands of Laneīs husband, Erik Norlander (who also is presenting us with some of the finest keyboards works around these days). And he produced a very organic and crystalline sound.

In the end you get the impression they,if they wish so, could have made a living being a covers band only. Yes, they are THAT good.

Rating: 3,5 stars at least. A fine album to listen to.

 El Dorado Hotel by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2012
3.55 | 20 ratings

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El Dorado Hotel
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

4 stars It took me a little time to get this album, Lana Laneīs previous CD Red Planet Boulevard showed some radical musical direction shift towards a much more AOR oriented stuff. Not that it was a bad move, but it did include some of the weakest stuff she ever recorded. And reading on the booklet that several members of John Payneīs Asia were playing on the record certainly didnīt dispel my fears she was even more deeply into that kind of music. Fortunatly, there was also the presence of her old Rocket Scientists colleages Mark McCrite, Don Schiff and Neil Citron to balance things. Besides, her husband, Erik Norlander, decided to stop playing to be John Paul Jones and concentrated in what he does best, meaning that his majestic and tasteful keyboards were on the forefront again.

Once I started to listen to the CD it was clear that the AOR tendencies are still around, of course, but with an edge and a much more inspired repertoire. In other words, those wonderful symphonic arrangements are present in force (the 11 minute In Exile being the best exemple, even if it is not exactly the best track). It seems that Lane had gathered the best of both worlds for a real strong and convincing album. It is ok that this is no Queen Of The Ocean, but still a real fine work that grows on you with every spin. There is great variety of styles and no fillers to be found here. As usual the performances are spotless: her voice is terrific but she is also a team player, giving the musicians plenty of room to contribute. The production is, as expected from anything Norlander produces, crystal clear.

It took Lana Lane five years to come up with a follow up to Red Planet Boulevard, against the usual 1 album per year during the mid 90īs to the early 2000s. But it was well worth the wait.

Rating: 4 strong stars.

 Red Planet Boulevard by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2007
3.59 | 20 ratings

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Red Planet Boulevard
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

3 stars After the powerful Lady Macbeth (2005)and another covers album (Gemini), Lana Lane and her husband have decided to change their musical course: gone were the Rocket Scientists members and several partners of before and the only remaining musicians were Dutchmen Peer Verschuren (guitars) and Ernst Van Ee (drums). According to the liner notes, Erik Norlander explains that he (and Lane?) wanted a more direct approach, a kind of Led Zeppelin sound, with only guitar, bass and drums to back up the singer, with some keyboards provided by the bass player in the vein of Zepīs John Paul Jones. So, yes, Norlander took up bass duties on all the tracks on this CD leaving his majestic keyboards more on the background. On some tracks, in fact, there are no keyboards at all.

The results? Well, it all depends with what you expect. But let me start by saying there is nothing like Led Zeppelin here at all. Sure, thereīs more hard rock on Red Planet Boulevard than on all Laneīs previous releases, sometimes bordering the metal edge but often falling into the the AOR trap (just listen to a track like Jessica). On the instrumental side thereīs little no doubt both Verschuren and Van Ee are excellent musicians and capable of delivering everything needed. In the studio at least. Norlander is competent on the bass guitar, but he is surely much more accomplished on the keys and when he does a solo (like on Capture The Sun) you only wish he could have done more of the same on other tracks.

The tracks in general are good, specially the first three: Into The Fire, The Frozen Sea and Capture The Sun (although the opener, Into The fire, sounds like a sped up version of Into The Ether, from her debut album). The Sheltering Sorrow and Save The World are also very good, maybe because, like the aforementioned three, they are more into the old symphonic rock /classic rock mold that fits so well for her voice. The others are ok, but below par. As usual,. Norlanderīs production and engineering are simply perfect.

Conclusion: an interesting experiment. You canīt blame them for not trying to avoid the easiest formulas and risking something different. Still, I really hope those beautiful layers of symphonic keys were used more. Kind of a transitional album, maybe. Good CD..Sometimes very good. But hardly essential. 3 stars.

 Lady Macbeth by LANE, LANA album cover Studio Album, 2005
3.89 | 24 ratings

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Lady Macbeth
Lana Lane Prog Related

Review by Tarcisio Moura
Prog Reviewer

4 stars After the disappointing Project Shangri-La, Lana Lane came with a CD based on William Shakespeareīs play Lady MacBeth. I still remember how surprised I was by its energy and coherence (unlike some of their previous works). She and her musicians seems to have found the right balance between the symphonic rock of her earlier stuff with the heavier tunes of later ones. With Mark McCrite back in the fold (and Neil Citron also appearing on some tracks) the band was now on the right track and this CD is definitely one of her most successful. While much of her past sound is still around, it is a different approach (the inclusion of some Celtic tones on some tracks is a novelty). And a very nice one, I should add.

So we have back Norlanderīs vintage symphonic keys along with some blistering guitar riffs and solos. There are also several calmer moments too, plus a very beautiful instrumental (The Vision, one of Norlanderīs best). As one can only expect from such gifted musician/engineer/producer, Laneīs husband and partner gives the record a crystal clear sound and balance with all the instruments and vocals appearing loud and clear and at the right moments. There are no real highlights here, except maybe for the aforementioned The Vision. Itīs the kind of album you hear from start to finish with no weak moments.

Lady MacBeth may not reach the heights of some of her best works like Queen Of The Ocean, but it is a solid and inspired album. It restore my faith in her talent and good taste. Iīm looking forward to hear her two follow ups. Rating: 4 strong stars.

Thanks to SouthSideoftheSky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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