The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

Intelligent Music Project V “Life Motion” Featuring Members of Rainbow, Toto, Asia and River Hounds

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/09/2020


In these interesting times, when life puts a forced pause on us, most of all we need to lift our spirits, to feel alive. “Life Motion” is the fifth studio album of “Intelligent Music Project.” And this time in the band led by Milen Vrabevski, MD (author and producer) there are big world names - the drummer and co-producer of the release Simon Phillips, as well as the vocalists John Payne (ex-Asia) and Richard Grisman (River Hounds). Ronnie Romero, a singer who became famous for joining Rainbow in 2015, made his debut in it. And when we add respected Bulgarian musicians to this stellar team, it becomes quite clear that high class is being pursued at IMP.

“Epidemic, crisis, contagion.” Not a day goes by without hearing these words for more than a month. Indeed, the current situation is a test for everyone, but it also brings some positives - such as the opportunity to spend more time on (rediscovering) art.

Milen Vrabevski, MD says: “I would like my children to grow up with the ideas I share in my albums, and instead of teaching them lectures about those ideas, I use the language of music, which is very universal and easy to understand.”

Legendary drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, Protocol, Mike Oldfield, The Who) gave two solos for the songs “Reflecting” and “Rising” on “Life Motion,” with music co-producers Dr. Vrabevski, Simon Phillips and Ivo Stefanov.

Intelligent Music Project IV “Sorcery Inside” is another entirely Bulgarian music project of the creator of “Intelligent Music Project” - Milen Vrabevski, MD. It includes legendary musicians such as Simon Phillips (Toto), Carl Sentans (Nazareth), Richard Grisman (River Hounds), John Payne (ex-Asia) and Joseph Williams (Toto), who have left their incomparable handwriting on the 12 compositions by Milen Vrabevski, MD.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



Simon Phillips participated in the recordings not only on drums, but also as a music co-producer, together with Milen and Ivo Stefanov. The recordings were made in the fall of 2018 at Brotheryn Studios, California, by Simon Phillips and Ernest Tibbs (drums and percussion), Jesse Siebenberg (guitars, vocals) and Dave Palmer (pianos).

“Indeed, the cast of the Intelligent Music Project resembles an ensemble of the elder statesmen of rock, featuring a collection of decorated artists like Toto drummer Simon Phillips and Asia lead vocalist John Payne. The evident talent of each individual member of the band shines through at various points during the album Throughout it all, the production stands out for its silky smoothness, stitching together each aspect of the band’s throwback sound with commendable dexterity. 'Sorcery Inside' clearly attempts to be a modern-day alternative rock album, at times trading the traditional electrical-guitar driven sound for more experimental substitutes.” - The Stanford Daily

The European tour of Intelligent Music Project and Milen Vrabevski, MD with the participation of Simon Phillips (Toto), Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) and Richard Grisman (River Hounds) started on February 21 from Bulgaria. The first concert of the tour was held in Varna, followed by Plovdiv and Sofia, and the tickets completely sold out. As part of Dr. Milen Vrabevski's Intelligent Music Project, Phillips, Romero and Grisman presented their latest albums, “Sorcery Inside,” as well as the album “Life Motion.” The star trio were joined by some of the best Bulgarian musicians in the person of Stoyan Yankulov - Stundzhi, Biser Ivanov, Bobi Kosatkata, Ivo Stefanov, Ivaylo Zvezdomirov, Slavin Slavchev, Lina Nikol, Samuel Eftimov.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Under the Carousel" by Josh Herman

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Under the Carousel," the latest video from North Jersey singer-songwriter Josh Herman.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 06/11/2026




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from June 10-16, 2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Junky Eyes" by Greg Amici





 
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




 

MORE NEWS

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of the 2026 Happy Together Tour at Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on June 5th. The show featured The Cowsills, The Vogues, Ron Dante, The Fortunes, Gary Puckett, Jason Scheff, The Troggs, and The Association.


The North Jersey Blues Society presents "Blues & Brews" featuring BBD Rhythm & Blues Band on June 21st




Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th




Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th




Jersey Arts Podcast: Bring on the Bacon! The Princeton Festival Features The Bacon Brothers






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


MPAC Announces Free Summer Concert Lineup for 2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center's Arts in the Community free summer concert schedule for 2026 has been announced. MPAC will present six free concerts between June and August. The lineup includes the return of three of their most popular events – Bollywood Dance Party, Country Line Dancing and Salsa at Sunset, as well as singer-songwriters, and more.


Sergio Mendes' Wife, Gracinha Leporace, Brings His 'Best Band Ever' to New Jersey




Marc Ribler & Friends to perform Paul McCartney birthday tribute "When I'm 84" at Axelrod PAC




Outlaw Country Comes to the Jersey Pines at Albert Music Hall on Saturday






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates