ProgRock Records has checked in with the following update:

THE WINTER TREE (formerly MAGUS) is a band formed by composer/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Laitres(a.k.a. Andrew Robinson) with vocalist/guitarist Mark Bond and his wife Deb Bond on keyboards. In late 2010 Andrew decided to rename the band The Winter Tree, after the song

of the same title by one of Andrew's favorite bands, RENAISSANCE. Andrew, along with new bandmates, released their self-titled CD in mid-2011 with ProgRock Records.

The Winter Tree is a synthesis of many different musical styles and genres: rock, folk, electronic, ambient, and world music among others. These elements combine to create a fascinating and cohesive work that should satisfy the prog rock enthusiast as well as a diverse listening public.

The band had this to say: "The members of The Winter Tree are delighted to be on the same record label with Michael Sadler, Jim Gilmour, It Bites and Steve Walsh! Back in the 80's, I met Mr. Sadler at a bar after a mind blowing SAGA gig and he bought me a beer and encouraged me to 'never give up.' Thank you Michael and thank you Shawn".

ProgRock Records president Shawn Gordon comments: "This is one of those happy accidents, I ran across the band quite by random and really loved what I heard, so I tracked down a web site, emailed the contact info on there and Andrew got right back to me, we had a deal two days later. That’s how I like to work."

The Winter Tree is the first release from the band and is available for immediate ordering at a $2 discount till early June 2011 and will be shipped in mid-June, audio samples, information and ordering can be found at this location.

The original Magus releases are now available digitally at Mindawn here.