“The Sicilian Defence” was the title of the album that originally inspired the album. I changed it to “Sicilian Defense” to make it a tribute rather than a rip-off. The opening guitar bit was inspired by the openings from “Roundabout” (Yes) and “La Sagrada Familia” (The Alan Parsons Project). It was a contrast to the opening moments of the previous album. From there, I open it wide with a fanfare. I like fanfares. A number of concepts went into the music itself. I wanted to incorporate evocations of music from the places and times in the history of chess. What bits I came up with worked their way in. I wanted different segments, from an alternate title for the track, “Metamorphosis,” after the Escher drawing that inspired the album cover. The idea of “Defense” ran its way into the song at some point, and I guess the factory-like percussion of the middle section fits that. Keep in mind, things like instrument solos would be added. This is just a demo.

Sicilian Defense

huntedwalrus.wordpress.com
You can go to my blog to get the backstory for this track. It's intended as an instrumental, albeit one with lengthy guitar solos, which cannot and should not be written. It's the fifth track for the album "Korchnoi's Maneuvre" by Alias Orion. When giving feedback, remember it's a demo.

From Mars To Caïssa

The sixth track from the album "Korchnoi's Maneuvre" by Alias Orion. It includes demo vocals, but not lyrics in the track itself. But, if you want to sing along karaoke-style, the lyrics are available on my blog (huntedwalrus.wordpress.com), as is a behind-the-scenes look at how the song came to be.

Behind Your Eyes

The centerpiece work and title track for its album, by Alias Orion. Combining a vibrant rhythm section with deep, rumbling brass, it'll put hairs on your chest, vim in your vigor, and strut in your step. The story behind the song, as well as its lyrics, are available on the following blog: huntedwalrus.wordpress.com
No vocals or solos, as this is a demo, sorry.

Korchnoi's Maneuvre

The eighth track from the Alias Orion album "Korchnoi's Maneuvre." A Scots-Irish-influenced track, it combines the old world with the new, the orchestra with the rock band. Instrumental, but a demo, so please take the audio quality with a grain of salt. The backstory of the track can be found at: huntedwalrus.wordpress.com.

A Fool's Mate

The ninth track of the Alias Orion album "Korchnoi's Maneuvre." A little tango, a bit rock, smooth but with attitude, just like a hot date. It's just a demo, and the vocals are unrecorded, but you can find the lyrics and backstory here: huntedwalrus.wordpress.com

The Music

Title inspired by the first computer to beat a human at chess; music inspired by Alan Parsons Project instrumentals. It's a demo, so go easy on me. Track 10 of 12 for the album "Korchnoi's Maneuvre."

Deep Blue

One of the smoother tunes, and the demo that will probably sound the least like the final product if/when the album is made. Lyrics available at huntedwalrus.wordpress.com
Still no vocals included yet, sorry.

Out Of My Hands

The album closer for "Korchnoi's Maneuvre" by Alias Orion. The MIDI demo for the music of the track. Lyrics and backstory of the song available at huntedwalrus.wordpress.com
Vocals are not included in the track, but the plan is to eventually replace these instrumental demos with vocal-included ones.

Off The Grid

The title is in the original French, but most people recognize it as "O Holy Night." This is my arrangement of it, based on the four-part harmony that I found in an old songbook and was credited to the original composer, Adolphe Adam. The arrangement was with my church's Christmas concert in mind. It's a popular concert, and I hope you like this offering as well.

Cantique De Noel

When the tag says, "Latin," I mean the lyrics. I wrote it with a four-part harmony of the original Latin Gregorian cant lyrics. It's  all public domain, except that the arrangement and the horn parts are mine. Gaude!

Veni Veni

I try my best not to easily fit into categories. Every album has its theme, even an arc as in a story. Musically, it's frankly all over the place and even a tad experimental at times.

Alias Orion

Popular tracks