FEAR OF FLYING

just purchased your latest CD, More Attempts At Perfection, after seeing the band play before The Musical Box show at Proctors in Schenectady. M.A.A.P. hasn't left the CD player in my car since I received it from CDBaby. Really great stuff! ...Looking forward to seeing you again... Cheers!
- A.K.Hayes

Prior to last night (7/8/05), I didn't have a fear of flying, but I did have an extreme apprehension of arriving at a concert too early. Especially when the headliner was a popular, internationally-acclaimed rock group, and the "set-up band," was, well...I didn't even know their name! Asia was to hit the Double D's stage in Morristown, NJ at 10 P.M., so my friend and I decided to meet there at 9:30. Fortunately for us, the opening act waited for our arrival before beginning their set! I learned the name of the group, Fear of Flying, and subconsciously asked myself, "Did Erica Jong start a rock band? And if so, I guess that means she's still alive!" Then I saw these four confident male performers with their instruments, and my subconscious began a long hybernation.
I don't know if I'm different from most rock fans, but I usually have to listen to a song or musician quite a few times before deciding if I like the music. So I was put in a unique and strange position, when I knew I liked Fear of Flying after listening to a minute of their strong opening song. This doesn't happen to me...or at least it hadn't, prior to Friday night. The group began with a long instrumental intro that had a full, powerful sound. Closing my eyes, I would have thought I was listening to a well-established, highly-talented rock/progressive rock band with a worldwide following of millions of fans. However, with my eyes open, I saw four unfamiliar figures playing confidently on stage, to little fanfare during the song. After several minutes, the lead singer (I didn't even know if they had one!), added his voice to the beautiful blending of sound. His first few notes were less than strong; it turned out that he had a cold and probably should not have sung at all, but he didn't want to miss this great opportunity to open for the legendary band. I think bass guitarist/lead singer, Tearle Ashby, got caught up in the excitement, because his voice quickly discovered a rejuvenation of energy and quality. And his guitar work, combined with that of Carm Grasso, created a terrific wealth of sound, which was accentuated by the versatility of highly skilled keyboard player, Mark Occhiogrosso, and the energetic gusto and talent of drummer, Tom Occhiogrosso. (Mark and Tom must have met at an international Occhiogrosso conference!) At the conclusion of the lengthy initial song, the band received a very favorable response from the sparse, but growing and attentive crowd. The audience reaction increased in intensity with each number that followed. I think there was a sense in the air that this was a special moment for the musicians and the first-time listeners of their unique sound. Fear of Flying played quite a few songs from their two, soon-to-be three, cd's. One selection was dedicated to the fans of prog rock. Being a progressive rock fan myself (especially, Renaissance and Genesis from the 70's and Porcupine Tree, Marillion and Spock's Beard into the new millenium), I think that all of their songs fit into that musical category. They all have a complex blend of melodies and instrumentation, and a mature sophistication. During their set, the band graciously thanked Asia on at least a couple of occasions for the opportunity to play with them. However, early on in their performance, it became apparent to everyone present that the members of Fear of Flying were right where they belonged! They completed their set with their wonderful namesake, "Fear of Flying." Well...Tearle, Mark, Carm and Tom better get over their fear of air transportation quickly, because, judging by their performance Friday night, they should see a considerable amount of long distance travel in the near future. By the way, Asia was spectacular, which makes their decision to include Fear of Flying on the bill that much more revealing.
Guys, thank you for a wonderful musical experience. I look forward to many more in the years to come.


- Buddy Macy

"Hi!! I was one of the Site Volunteers @ Saratoga First Nite for your venue & You guys were awesome! I am really glad that I was able to be a part of the event. The amounts of people that were lined up to see you guys was phenominal! We had the 'FULL' sign up on the door for every performance. THANK you for coming out to play for us."

- George Slagle

"A New York four piece band," that "pulls plenty of punches, with excellent songs and some clever hooks!"

- New Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Rock

Published on: 3 Nov 2005
I got a four track sampler of More Attempts At Perfection. The tracks included are "shoreline", "a toast to me", "all the kings" and "windows". All four tracks are well written, performed and I consider them to be catchy tunes with a heavy edge. Perhaps the more commercial tracks from bands like Saga and Rush could be considered good references.
I cannot judge of the other eight tracks, but if they are of the same quality, this would make "More Attempts At Perfection" an enjoyable album. Go to the band's website to listen to some music samples and decide for yourself.
- Proggnosis Magazine

"I saw your show at the Bayou in Glennville. I was thoroughly impressed. Being a musician myself, I really appreciated the skill level that you guys displayed. The guitar playing was the best I've seen in a very long time at a live performance. The drummer and the bassist were in sync which made for a very tight, clean sound that was complemented nicely by the keyboards. Catchy riffs that lingered in my head the whole way home. It was worth the drive from East Greenbush. See you at your next gig."

- Derek Gray

Now an expanded edition of Fear of Flying is back in action, celebrating the release of its great new CD, “More Attempts at Perfection,” at Northern Lights in Clifton Park,” with “King’s X.”
- Greg Hames

“Fear of Flying opened the show with an hour long set,” that “was tight and polished,”… with; “talented chops.”

- Alan Wechsler

“I really enjoyed the show, and to be honest you guys were the first opening act I’ve seen in I don’t know how long that I’ve actually enjoyed. So thanks for an enjoyable set of music, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys again.

- Chis Lawless

“A band up here called Fear of Flying.. opened for ASIA earlier this month

and they blew me away. All the members of

ASIA came out from the green room and stood in the crowd when they first

heard the band, and stayed for most of the opening act.”

- Eric Wagner (Tony Levin NY show promoter)