Robert Reed, keyboardist of Welsh prog rockers Magenta, is presenting a new video for the single Mercy Of The Sea, with Francis Dunnery (once the lead voice of the English band It Bites) joining him on guitar as a special guest, alongside phenomenal vocalist Steve Balsamo (Jon Lord/Superstar/ChimpanA).
You can check out the video below.
It was preceded by the single Lilly, which features Steve Hackett, the famous former guitarist of prog rock icons Genesis.
Both singles come from the freshly reissued studio album by this excellent composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, titled “Kompendium – Beneath The Waves (The Director’s Cut)”, released on Tiger Moth Records on 4. 9. 2026. It’s a ‘director’s cut’, meaning an expanded version of the reissued album, which originally came out in 2012.
The concept of the album leans on the classic concept albums of the 70s, which were built around stories and storytelling.
On this new version of the album, Robert Reed (Magenta/Chimpan A/Cyan/Sanctuary) is joined by a star-studded cast of performers.
“Kompendium – Beneath The Waves (The Director’s Cut)” is an expanded, remixed and newly arranged version of the original album, and it also includes three new tracks. The new version of the album now runs 77 minutes. Among the guest musicians who contributed to the altered versions of the songs are Peter Jones (Camel/Tiger Moth Tales/Cyan) and Les Penning (Mike Oldfield).
Besides Robert Reed’s own contributions on bass guitar, piano and acoustic and electric guitars, Reed invited a whole host of esteemed musicians and singers from the British prog rock scene onto the album. At the heart of the record are two stunning vocal performances, from Steve Balsamo (Jon Lord/Superstar/ChimpanA) and Angharad Brinn (Sanctuary/Cyan/ChimpanA).
Drums on the album were played by Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree/Pineapple Thief), so the album’s out-of-this-world groove and beat are well taken care of.
Guitars on the album were also contributed by: Steve Hackett (former member of Genesis), Nick Barrett (Pendragon), Neil Taylor (Tears For Fears, Robbie Williams), Jakko Jackzyk (King Crimson), Francis Dunnery (It Bites), Chris Fry (Magenta), John Mitchell (Arena, Frost*, It Bites) and BJ Cole (who has worked with Elton John and David Gilmour, among others).
Chapman stick comes courtesy of Nick Beggs (Kajagoogoo, who has also worked with Steve Hackett and Steven Wilson, among others), while Mel Collins (King Crimson, former member of Camel) contributed saxophone to the album. Troy Donockley (Nightwish, Bad Shepherds) played the pipes and whistles, adding a special (Celtic) melancholic atmosphere to the album.
Also taking part on the album are The English Chamber Choir under Guy Protheroe, the London Session Orchestra under Dave Stewart (Egg, Hatfield and the North, National Health), and acclaimed opera singers Rhys Meirion and Shan Cothi.
“Kompendium – Beneath The Waves (The Director’s Cut)” is already available to order.
Tracklist for “Kompendium – Beneath The Waves (The Director’s Cut)”:
1 Exordium
2 Lost
3 Lilly
4 My soul laid bare
5 Mercy of the sea
6 Stars
7 The storm
8 Beneath the waves
9 The calling
10 Sole survivor
11 Alone
12 Il tempo è giunto
13 A moment of clarity
14 One small step
15 Reunion
