Jupiter Coyote meets Pink Floyd, Rush, and a whole bunch of other stuff!

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The Raptor Trail

The Raptor Trail has been slowly and quietly plotting its course over the last 25 years. Founding members John Meyer and Matthew Mayes had been kicking around the idea of recording something together for decades. Finally in 2014, the planets aligned and the idea actually transcended into a studio recording project which later came to be called The Raptor Trail. The Raptor Trail was actually the first song that Meyer and Mayes wrote together for the project, and it snowballed from there, with “Gravity x Ten” following, and then ten more songs over the course of the next year.
Considering the musical backgrounds of Meyer and Mayes, one might not think the styles would mesh. Meyer coming from a harder edged, heavier guitar style; highlighted by the fact that he tunes his guitar to a “D” tuning (and no – not a normal D tuning), and Mayes coming from more of a progressive bluegrass, jamrock background; highlighted by an instrument called a Guijo ( Half Strat, Half Banjo, tuned in open G). But in reality, quite the opposite occurred. Not only did the styles mesh, but their melodic interplay and vast, yet different, musical
influences pushed one another out of their respective comfort zones. The result was the creation of some extremely prolific, diverse, and conviction-fused progressive rock music ever heard (if you had to put a tag on it).
Before the project could be completed however, there was needed one addition. Gene Bass, long time musical companion with Meyer and Mayes, was brought on to play all drums and percussion. Gene and John grew up together in Macon, Ga., playing in a number of bands together starting back in 1980. Adding to this storied history is the fact that Mayes and Bass played together for 12 years in pioneer Jamrock band Jupiter Coyote. Adding yet more history to the story is the fact that Meyer and Mayes were roommates back in those days and Meyer was actually the first sound man in that band. Meyer is also the person that came up with the name Jupiter Coyote.
So the evolving path that has lead to The Raptor Trail has taken many turns and twists over the years. But, it has somehow reunited a great and long lasting friendship between three individuals who share a unique musical chemistry and history. The music has largely been recorded in each member’s home studio. Then, simply passing the files back and forth over the internet and ultimately back to Meyer who has been the mastermind behind the production and
mixing.
The self titled album will be released in digital format May 19th through Red Eye World Wide distribution. Physical CDs will be available through CD Baby June 1st, and the audio CDs will feature alternate mixes as well as a bonus track.
Walk upon The Raptor Trail...

the raptor trail