STUART HAMM

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ALBERTO RIGONI Announces Tim Alexander (ex Primus) as Special Guest Drummer on Upcoming Album “Dystopia” with Stuart Hamm & Michael Manring

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 20, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Italian bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni is proud to announce that legendary drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander — best known as the iconic former drummer of Primus — has joined the upcoming album Dystopia as a special guest.

Famed for his unmistakable touch, polyrhythmic creativity and deeply characterful drum sound, Tim “Herb” Alexander brings a unique rhythmic perspective to the project. Alexander also collaborated with Michael Manring on the acclaimed 1994 album Thonk, a recording known for its experimental, forward-thinking musicianship. His contribution to Dystopiahas been nothing short of transformative: his playing and sonic identity have given the album an extraordinary new dimension.

Dystopia is currently in the mixing and mastering phase, with one track already available for streaming on Bandcamp, where listeners can also pre-order the album. The full worldwide release is planned for early 2026, and will be distributed by Melodic Revolution Records and Musea Records.

About Dystopia

Dystopia is an ambitious bass-driven progressive rock album featuring three world-renowned bassists:

—Alberto Rigoni (Italy) — bassist, composer, producer
—Michael Manring (USA) — one of the most innovative and expressive solo bassists of all time
—Stuart Hamm (USA) — bass icon known for his collaborations with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Frank Gambale, and his groundbreaking solo work

Together, the three bassists create a unique sonic tapestry: their tones and styles are distinct, complementary, and perfectly interlocking, showcasing the bass guitar at its highest expressive potential — from warm melodic passages to aggressive, distorted textures.

Drummer David Menoudakis performs on three tracks, adding groove, intensity, and prog-oriented precision. The addition of Tim “Herb” Alexander as a special guest amplifies the project’s artistic depth, expanding its rhythmic palette with his unmistakable, character-rich drumming.

Release & Availability

–First single / preview track: available now on Alberto’s Bandcamp http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
–Pre-orders: open on Bandcamp (http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com/album/dystopia), pre-order for CD and Vinyls coming soon!
–Format: Digipack CD, Vinyl, High Quality Digital download
–Full album release: early 2026 (TBA)
–Labels / distribution: Melodic Revolution Records & Musea Records

More news coming soon!

Additional announcements, previews, and behind-the-scenes updates will be revealed in the coming weeks. Dystopiacontinues to grow into one of the most unique and ambitious bass-driven progressive albums of the decade

Photos provided by featured artists.

For More information:

ALBERTO RIGONI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Rigoni
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.albertorigoni.net

MANAGEMENT:
https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement
http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

Prog Bass Titans Unite: RIGONI, MANRING & HAMM Sign to Musea Records — Secret Guest Drummer Incoming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on November 4, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

International bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni has officially signed with the legendary French label Musea Records for the release of his upcoming instrumental concept album “Dystopia”, scheduled for early 2026 (official date TBA).

The album unites three of the most respected and innovative bassists in the world — Alberto Rigoni, Michael Manring and Stuart Hamm — alongside drummer David Menoudakis, with another iconic drummer guest soon to be revealed.

Musea Records, founded in 1985, stands as one of the pillars of the global progressive rock scene, known for its uncompromising artistic vision, passion for musical innovation, and legacy of supporting genre-defining artists. Rigoni’s signing places Dystopia among the most anticipated progressive releases of the coming year.

The official album artwork — designed by Mark Barrett (Elmtree Creative) — has also been revealed, capturing the record’s mysterious, futuristic and dramatic tone.

A Bass Journey into Collapse and Rebirth

Dystopia is a cinematic instrumental odyssey exploring the rise, collapse, and rebirth of a futuristic world.

Blending progressive rock, fusion, ambient textures and experimental bass soundscapes, the album narrates emotion and dystopian atmosphere without lyrics — where texture, melody and rhythmic evolution become the language.

At its core are three unique bass voices, each shaping the sonic world with their own distinct identity:

  • Alberto Rigoni — Progressive, melodic, emotionally driven composer (Burning Black, ex-Twinspirits, Vivaldi Metal Project)
  • Michael Manring — Fretless pioneer and ambient visionary (Michael Hedges, Windham Hill Records)
  • Stuart Hamm — Fusion virtuoso and technical innovator (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Frank Gambale)

Supported by the dynamic drumming of David Menoudakis, the album develops a sound universe that is truly unique:

  • three bassists, three worlds, one futuristic sonic identity.
  • The bass is not just an instrument here — it is voice, engine and world-builder.

Alberto Rigoni stated:
“Signing with Musea for Dystopia is an honor. Musea has supported visionary progressive music for decades, and this album is one of the most ambitious and emotional works of my career. Working with Michael and Stuart has been incredible, and David’s drumming brings the whole story to life. And yes — another legendary drummer will be announced soon. I’m also thrilled to present the stunning artwork by Mark Barrett, which perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the record.”

Digital pre-order available on http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com/album/dystopia
(First single track “Dystopia” already available for download!)

Credits
–Bass and composition: Alberto Rigoni, Michael Manring, Stuart Hamm
–Drums: David Menoudakis + special guest drummer TBA
–Artwork: Mark Barrett (Elmtree Creative)
–Label: Musea Records
–Release: Early 2026 — Digipack CD + Vinyl + Digital

Photos provided by featured artists.

For More information:

ALBERTO RIGONI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Rigoni
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.albertorigoni.net

MANAGEMENT:
https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement
http://www.splitscreenproduction.com

ALBERTO RIGONI & MICHAEL MANRING Announce Legendary Bassist STUART HAMM as Third Bassist on Upcoming Album “Dystopia”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on October 23, 2025
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

Celebrated Italian bassist, composer, and producer ALBERTO RIGONI, together with world-renowned virtuoso MICHAEL MANRING, proudly announce the addition of STUART HAMM to their upcoming instrumental progressive rock/ambient album Dystopia. With Hamm joining the lineup alongside drummer David Menoudakis, the project’s powerful ensemble is now almost complete. A famous drummer will be announced soon as special guest!!!

A pioneer of modern electric bass, Stuart Hamm has redefined the boundaries of the instrument through his visionary solo albums and collaborations with icons such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Frank Gambale. His signature blend of technical brilliance, melodic sensibility, and fearless experimentation adds a new dimension to Dystopia, enriching its sonic architecture with depth and intensity.

“When Alberto and Michael invited me to be part of Dystopia, I immediately felt the creative spark,” says Stuart Hamm. “The concept of three distinct bass voices blending and contrasting within the same musical vision is incredibly exciting. Each of us brings our own tone, feel, and emotion — it’s like a dialogue between different worlds of bass.”

The interplay among Rigoni, Manring, and Hamm highlights their unique sonic personalities — from ambient and melodic passages to aggressive and experimental textures. The album promises an immersive listening experience that showcases the expressive range of the instrument like never before.

The full album Dystopia is scheduled for release in the early months of next year.

Fans can already pre-order the digital edition via Bandcamp at:
👉 http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com

A Digipack CD edition will be produced, and limited vinyl versions are also being considered. Rigoni is currently in discussions with several international record labels for the release of this new album.

Are you ready to face a new prog experience?

Photos provided by featured artists.

More on MICHAEL MANRING: https://www.instagram.com/michael_manring and https://www.facebook.com/michaelmanring

More information at:
ALBERTO RIGONI: http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Rigoni |
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreenproduction.com