Biography
And
Then
There Were Two.....
Novus Rex
is:
J.R.
Fernandez:
Keyboards(synthesizers, piano,
programming), Roland V drums, electric
guitars, acoustic guitars and vocals.
A.I.
Fernandez: Electric guitars,
six and twelve string acoustic guitars,
bass and vocals.
Novus Rex
is
a band/project formed by the
father/son duo J.R. and A.I.
Fernandez. Keyboard-driven with
emphasis on synthesizers and Hammond
B3, the music is rooted in
progressive rock, with elements of
jazz fusion and symphonic
electronica. Some of the project's
main influences are: Keith Emerson,
EL&P, Rush, Genesis, Yes, Chick
Corea, Josef Zawinul, Keith Jarrett,
Lyle Mays, Al Dimeola, Vangelis,
Mike Oldfield, Larry Fast, Alan
Parsons Project, Pink Floyd, Gentle
Giant, Jan Hammer and Spock's Beard.
Fernandez was raised in the New York
City metropolitan area during the
1970s. The City's thriving arts scene
during the 1970s allowed him to
develop a strong appreciation for
music and the arts. He showed an early
interest in the piano and organ and
began taking private music lessons
while attending elementary school.
While pursuing an Electrical
Engineering degree he studied music
composition and upon graduation
studied classical guitar with private
instructors. Formal education in
electronics engineering and computer
science facilitated the transition
toward the recording studio where he
uses current Digital Audio
Workstation(DAW) technology to
compose, record and produce all of his
music.
When
describing the music for the project's
first CD, Plowshares Into
Swords, Fernandez had this to say:
"I've listened to many types of music
throughout my lifetime but at the end
of the day the albums that stand out
and stick with me for years are those
that tell a story. Those albums don't
necessarily have to contain lyrics to
tell a story, sometimes it's just the
way the music flows from one track to
another or the way that each track
complements the others. Those elements
are very important to me and I try to
incorporate them into my compositions
and production style."
"...Plowshares Into Swords is a concept
album that was primarily inspired by
three sources: Bible prophecy, history
and current events. The Hebrew
scriptures, in particular the books of
the prophets Daniel, Isaiah and Joel,
offer insight into the modern world
unlike any historical document. The
prophecies describe the unfolding of
events leading up to what's described
as a "fear-inspiring" day and a time
when "people will be in severe
pains"(Joel chapter 2). It's difficult
to deny that we are living in such
days."
The
CD features the late Anthony Davis on
vocals on the first track, Look It's Coming!(he also
wrote the lyrics for the song).
Although Davis appears for brief
moments on the recording, Fernandez
had this to say about his friend:
"Anthony had a lot of experience as a
professional touring musician, both as
a drummer and vocalist, and his
'second set of ears' was always very
helpful. He was a very positive and
constant source of encouragement
during the recording process and his
friendship and kindness will always be
with me."
"Look Inside the World Today....See
Things In a Different Way"
-Anthony Davis
01-27-2010
