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Rock Group Boston Returns to Music Scene - 2002-11-14


In the 1970s, the group Boston defined the guitar-driven, synthesizer-laden rock of that era. Their 1976 self-titled album sold more than 16 million copies, making it the largest-selling debut of all time. Boston is back with Corporate America, their first album of new material since 1994.

After 25 years, More Than A Feeling and other hit tunes from Boston are still heard on classic rock radio stations throughout America. Their high harmonies, twin lead guitars and keyboard enhancements present a powerful combination of rock with orchestral overtones. Riding the charts in the late-1970s, Boston faded from the music scene for nearly 10 years.

As members left and returned, there were comeback attempts in the late-1980s and in 1994, but they never matched their early success. The latest incarnation of Boston is determined to try once again.

Four years in the making, Boston's new album Corporate America combines British and American rock influences with classical and orchestral arrangements. The newest members of the band are singer Kimberly Dahme and guitarist Anthony Cosmo, the son of Fran Cosmo, Boston's lead singer.

Boston was the creative outlet for founding member and guitarist Tom Scholz, who earned two degrees in mechanical engineering and designed products for the Polaroid camera corporation. And, he's invented several devices for musicians, such as the Rockman headphone guitar amp.

For the new album, Corporate America, Tom Scholz says, "We wanted to do more than just make another Boston album. We really like current music."

So, how could a classic rock band from the 1970s make an impact with a younger audience? In an effort to bypass the corporate structure of the music industry, Tom created a mysterious, unknown group called Downer's Revenge, and released the song Corporate America on the Internet.

Once the tune caught on at college radio stations, Tom revealed the group's true identity. He says he fulfilled his objective to get Corporate America heard on college campuses. Tom comments, "Colleges are centers for both learning and open-minded thought in this country. Student idealism provides the nucleus for future positive and social change."

Corporate America is Boston's statement on the financial and environmental corruption that is found in some large corporations. Guitarist Tom Scholz says, "People who never thought about what happens at the corporate level in this country are now standing up and paying attention. The ramifications are so far-reaching that sooner or later, we'll have to get a handle on what's wrong with our system so we can begin to enjoy its benefits."

Tom says he also feels vindicated that a grassroots marketing plan for artists on small or independent labels can make an impact in a music industry controlled by large, international corporations.

The members of Boston are also committed to conservation, vegetarianism, gun control and efforts to stop child abuse. The booklet in their new CD has a list of websites for several of their favorite charities and organizations.

Boston will launch a major U.S. tour early next year.

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