Modest Midget

Photo by Thomas Heere ©  2012   "This Modest Midget might just grow to be very big". Edwin Ammerlaan, Lust For Life (Revolver). HOLLAND.   "...this is undoubtebly the start of a successful carreer for Modest Midget. Modesty is not in place here. With such a product this band can proudly hop in the touring world". Frans Steensma, Oor Magazine. HOLLAND.   "Especially notable aspects of this amazing recording include the delightful influence of klezmer, especially on the addictive “Troubles in Heaven”, plus the striking similarity of Ziblat’s voice to Paul McCartney’s on “Home Seek” and “The Last Straw”. This is one Modest Midget that can righteously blow its own horn". David Taylor, Progression Magazine. USA.   "Even though the band is composing mind blowing material, it’s also accessible and catchy... This is a brilliant band that deserves every bit of acclaim they get. The Great Prophecy of a Small Man should be essential listening for all serious music listeners". James Moore. Skope Magazine. USA.   "With only one album under their belt, the future does indeed seem bright for the lads from Amsterdam. Highly recommended." Jon Neudorf, Sea of Tranquility. USA.   “only an unnaturally strong musical GIFTEDNESS can truly account for the delightfully playful, richly varied, yet somehow surprisingly accessible music of Modest Midget.” Mark Stephens, Prog Positivity. USA.   "The Great Prophecy is masterful accomplishment that will certainly appeal to fans of bands such as the already mentioned Split Enz and other Art Rockers like them... Recommended." Jerry Lucky, USA.   "...an unusual CD... likely to be one of my picks for ten best albums of 2010 Gary Hill, Music Street Journal. USA.   "This is one of the best prog rock debuts in years... A modernised and diversified Gentle Giant will be a nice reference point, but then a GG that also has a lot of air-play potential". Misha Pankevich, Prog-Nose. HOLLAND.

Background:

  Playing recorder, piano and guitar were the first steps that Lionel (by his friends: Lonny) took as a musician. He grew up listening to Bach, Mozart, Chico Buarque, Led Zeppelin and Matti Caspi, all creating an impressively tasty background.

  He played during his military service, after which he recorded and participated in different productions.Several years later he moved to Holland where he completed a Master in composition, alongside also studying Jazz guitar and orchestral conducting.   After years of focusing on composing and arranging for different classical instances he started recording an album that ended up combining all these colours, an album that ended up being the hatching egg for Modest Midget.   The Great Prophecy of a Small Man was received with overwhelming enthusiasm, particularly among Proressive and Art Rock fans. Delicious Agony, Prog Positivity, Prog Awards and many others declared it to be one of the Top 2010 albums. Prog Awards nominated it as candidate for the best 2010 debut album.   His main partner during the production of this album was Emiel de Jong, who played most of the woodwind parts and sang along on Troubles in Heaven.Emiel and Lonny met in 2000 when a vague idea about a band were cooking in Lonny's mind. The first recording session took place in 2006. It was to become The Last Straw, the closing track of the album. In 2008, during the making of the album they made a try-out short round of concerts, where they were joined by Artis Orubs on drums and Tristan Hupe on keyboards.   The album was completed in 2009. Bass player Richard Zoer who played with Kayak in the past has joined Lonny, Tristan and Artis for an acquaintance tour around The Netherlands.   At this time Lonny is promoting his first solo album - Songs From The Drawer - and he is also writing and preparing music for the second Modest Midget album. The band has two new members who also happen to be the rhythm section of the Amsterdam Saints.