In the early days of the Art Rock Movement, Jeff Cannata formed the prog rock band, Jasper Wrath along with Michael Soldan, Robert Giannotti and Phil Stone. Signed to MGM Records, their first LP, recorded at Phil Ramone’s Studio (A&R) New York receives rave reviews. After extensive auditions, looking for the right ” voice”, James Christian (House Of Lords) is added to the lineup, along with keyboard prodigy Jeff Batter and guitar virtuoso, Scott Zito .
Equipped with full light show and effects, the band toured the Northeast to packed houses until 1976. Because of commercial and non-commercial musical differences, that year, the group disbands.
1983
The next few years, Cannata as drummer / percussionist , begins to explore the valuable writing tools of guitar and keyboards. After composing a dozen or so pieces, along with writing partner Michael Soldan, Cannata assumes vocal duties for new project and is signed to Portrait/CBS Records………Arc Angel is born.
The LP is a monster hit in Europe.
1988
After being contacted from a record executive at (Carrere/CBS) Paris, Cannata is offered a deal he couldn’t refuse. A recording budget to build a complete 24 analog studio at home, and to write and produce new material until completed. A video for the track “FortuneTeller was also shot and directed by Scott Calvert (Pink Floyd) The album was ” Images Of Forever”………Rated “top 10 best melodic/prog rock album” (Kerrang Magazine 4 star.)
1993
Receives call from label pres. Mark Ashton, (Now and Then Records UK) to record new CD. Contracts signed .”Watching The World ” is recorded and released worldwide.
1997
After numerous requests from former fans…… ” What ever happened to Jasper Wrath.”Cannata, prompted by associate John DuBuque, compiles a 26 song double CD of the bands early studio, live and demo recordings. The limited pressings were quickly sold out………..
2002
” Tamorok “…….. The new CD from Cannata, with flavours of World Music, Progressive and AOR Melodic Rock. Fourteen new and Classic tracks
2006.
Cannata…”Mysterium Magnum”
The new studio recording
13 new tracks
Featuring: Spirit of the Four Winds, Beyond the Sun, 4;17, King Of The Mountain and more.
2009
Cannata releases
” My Back Pages “A diverse collection of 60’s and 70’s psychedelic, folk rock and progressive music Recreated with today’s technology and yesterday’s visionary spirit………Turn it up !
2013
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of Connecticut based producer, multi-instrumentist and songwriter Jeff Cannata for the release of a new ARC ANGEL album .
Cannata was a founding member and driving force behind the New Haven-based progressive rock band Jasper Wrath in the 70’s (an outfit who also featured James Christian for some time, who later went on to join House of Lords). After the band’s demise he later formed a new project called Arc Angel with former Jasper Wrath bandmate Michael Soldan. The group signed a record deal with CBS Records and released a superb self-titled debut in 1983 for the Portrait label imprint (home also for Aldo Nova, Orion The Hunter, Heart and many more legendary acts).
He has later on released a number of solo albums. Particularly “Images of Forever” (released in 1988) and “Watching The World” (1993) have received a great critical acclaim, especially in Europe and are generally considered as some of the finest slices of hi-tech AOR Music of their time. Cannata has recently independently released two more albums Tamorok and Mysterium Magnum (in 2006) before deciding to resurrect the original Arc Angel monicker and return with a more concise and melodic rock based new album for Frontiers Records.