The Rembrandts are Phil Solem and Danny Wilde, and Fuel 2000 is releasing their greatest hits album, CHOICE PICKS on December 27, 2005 which means I'll be working it in 2006. The album is very good pop music, and the theme from "Friends" is on it. That song is a bit different than the more lucid pieces on the rest of the album. They have a Beatles/Everly Brothers influence, one of the songs "That's Just the Way It Is, Baby" reminds me of a hit song that the Alan Parsons Project could have written. "Drowning In Your Tears" could have been a pop hit for Ian Lloyd and Stories, if you can remember their album, ABOUT US.
Phil Solem is one of my favorite, undersung guitar heroes. Back in 1980 he was in a band called Great Buildings, and though it didn't chart, I did become aware of a guitarist who seemed to understand how to put country and surf sounds together in a pop base. A lot of folks will know Danny Wilde, who has had at least three solo albums.
I haven't yet talked with the guys, but should by the time the campaign gets into swing in the new year. Please let me know if you're interested in the album.
http://www.therembrandts.com/home.html
12/19/05
Katy Moffatt's shows and an album
Katy Moffatt fits in the Americana or country category. It's fair to compare this red-headed acoustic guitar player and songwriter to Bonnie Raitt, except Katy is acoustic. She has blues, yodels, and is into history and story telling. She is a 20 plus year veteran of the industry. Attention: classic rock buffs, while working as a solo artist, she's also been a featured singer with Lynn Anderson, Hoyt Axton and Tanya Tucker, plus she's either been produced by or collaborated with Dave Alvin, Rosie Flores, and Tom Russell. She's working with Wendy Waldman on a project of historical songs.
I'm name-dropping because I want you to give her album, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL a listen. It was released in October 2005, but because it's a sweet feeling album, and Katy is booking shows, there are even more reasons to listen to it and write about it.
Here are tour dates so far:
Friday, January 6
Beachland Ballroom and Tavern
Cleveland, Ohio
Saturday, January 7
Columbus Maennerchor
Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, March 11
St. Gabriel's Church
Portland, Oregon
Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch
Santa Clarita, California
May, 2006 Europe
Sunday, June 11
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Riverbend Festival
http://www.katymoffatt.com
introduction to Sugar
Sugar is the Akron, Ohio group of "chicks who rock." They're glam/power pop/fourth generation punk/with British invasion influences. The band's leader is guitarist Rose Kuhel. The album, 11 AFTER, was produced by former Warrant songwriter Jani Lane. You can be their myspace friends at www.myspace.com/sugarband. They told me that right now they're the most viewed Ohio band on myspace. I don't know if that's true, but they're into doing shows with other MidWest myspace bands, so if you're in a MidWest band, e-mail them at their site.
One of the things I like about this group is how much the singer has captured the personality of the group's leader. To me this has happened only a couple of times in music history with AC/DC and Cheap Trick. So I really believe Sugar can end up to be a major group, they want to. Right now they're playing pubs.....
December 30 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH (a myspace party)
January 6 & 7 The Corner Pub, Circleville, OH
January 21 The Carriage House, Louisville (near Akron), OH
February 3 Top Cats in Cincinnati, OH w/Drug Store Valentine
March 18 TNT Detroit, MI
http://www.myspace.com/sugarband.
One of the things I like about this group is how much the singer has captured the personality of the group's leader. To me this has happened only a couple of times in music history with AC/DC and Cheap Trick. So I really believe Sugar can end up to be a major group, they want to. Right now they're playing pubs.....
December 30 House of Blues, Cleveland, OH (a myspace party)
January 6 & 7 The Corner Pub, Circleville, OH
January 21 The Carriage House, Louisville (near Akron), OH
February 3 Top Cats in Cincinnati, OH w/Drug Store Valentine
March 18 TNT Detroit, MI
http://www.myspace.com/sugarband.
heads up on Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer is someone you know from Emerson, Lake and Palmer, plus Asia. He'll releasing an album late spring/early summer. I'll be working his tourdates. He has a trio with guitar and bass. Also of note, his charity will support hearing-disabled children. I promise to relay more info as it becomes available.
http://www.carlpalmer.com
upcoming Tower of Power dates
December 30th
Robinson Rancheria Casino
Nice, CA
December 31st
Radisson Hotel Ballroom
Sacramento, CA
2006 dates
January 6th
Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
Kauai, HI
January 8th
Blaisdell Arena
Honolulu, HI
January 9th
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Kahului, HI
January 13th - 15th
Orleans Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
January 19th
Chumash Casino
Santa Ynez, CA
January 20th
Canyon Club
Agoura Hills, CA
January 21st
The Vault
Long Beach, CA
January 22nd
Fox Theatre
Redwood City, CA
January 24th
Casino Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ
February - 2006 Tour of New Zealand
March 24th
Mohegan Sun Casino, Wolf Den
Uncasville, CT
March 26th
Union County Arts Center
Rahway, NJ
Also appearing: Average White Band
March 30th & 31st
B.B. King's Blues Club
New York, NY
April 2nd
The Ridgefield Playhouse
Ridgefield, CT
April 4th
The Town Ballroom
(formerly The Sphere)
Buffalo, NY
April 5th
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH
April 6th
The Harv/Mountaineer Race Track
Chester, WV
April 7th & 8th
Keswick Theater
Glenside, PA
April 9th
Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Hampton Beach, NH
April 12th - 15th
Scullers Jazz Club
Boston, MA
http://www.bumpcity.com
Robinson Rancheria Casino
Nice, CA
December 31st
Radisson Hotel Ballroom
Sacramento, CA
2006 dates
January 6th
Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
Kauai, HI
January 8th
Blaisdell Arena
Honolulu, HI
January 9th
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Kahului, HI
January 13th - 15th
Orleans Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, NV
January 19th
Chumash Casino
Santa Ynez, CA
January 20th
Canyon Club
Agoura Hills, CA
January 21st
The Vault
Long Beach, CA
January 22nd
Fox Theatre
Redwood City, CA
January 24th
Casino Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ
February - 2006 Tour of New Zealand
March 24th
Mohegan Sun Casino, Wolf Den
Uncasville, CT
March 26th
Union County Arts Center
Rahway, NJ
Also appearing: Average White Band
March 30th & 31st
B.B. King's Blues Club
New York, NY
April 2nd
The Ridgefield Playhouse
Ridgefield, CT
April 4th
The Town Ballroom
(formerly The Sphere)
Buffalo, NY
April 5th
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH
April 6th
The Harv/Mountaineer Race Track
Chester, WV
April 7th & 8th
Keswick Theater
Glenside, PA
April 9th
Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Hampton Beach, NH
April 12th - 15th
Scullers Jazz Club
Boston, MA
http://www.bumpcity.com
update on TEN YEARS AFTER!!!
Ten Years After are Chick Churchill, Joe Gooch, Ric Lee, and Leo Lyons. I am working their album NOW through 2006, because the band will be touring the States around March or April. I know there will be some Mid-Atlantic and New England dates. Do let me know if you think they should come to your town and where they should play.
http://www.tenyearsafternow.com
Grand Funk Railroad tourdates
Monterey Booking is just starting to pen in 2006 dates for Grand Funk Railroad (Don Brewer, Mel Schacher, Max Carl, Bruce Kulick and Tim Cashion).
January 21 Executive Inn Showroom Owensboro, Kentucky
January 27 Soaring Eagle Casino Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
March 25 Lake of the Torches Casino Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
June 3 Six Flags Frontier City Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com
Jann Klose news
Jann Klose is getting significant airplay for his song "It's Not the Way" from BLACK BOX in Indonesia! The song is on the Alfa Records compilation, Prambors Radio Hits 3."
If you're a fan of the earlier episodes of LAW & ORDER, his "Black Box" is being played in the closing credits for the February 2006 Warner Bros. DVD release of the Paul Sorvino, Jill Hennessy movie, DEAD BROKE. The film also includes music by David Byrne and Mahalia Jackson.
He's looking for shows in and around Germany and throughout Europe for late January/early February. These will be one man band shows, Jann and his guitar. Let me know if you're interested in booking him.
And do join Jann at his myspace.com site, www.myspace.com/jannklose
http://www.jannklose.com
If you're a fan of the earlier episodes of LAW & ORDER, his "Black Box" is being played in the closing credits for the February 2006 Warner Bros. DVD release of the Paul Sorvino, Jill Hennessy movie, DEAD BROKE. The film also includes music by David Byrne and Mahalia Jackson.
He's looking for shows in and around Germany and throughout Europe for late January/early February. These will be one man band shows, Jann and his guitar. Let me know if you're interested in booking him.
And do join Jann at his myspace.com site, www.myspace.com/jannklose
http://www.jannklose.com
12/18/05
Joe Deninzon news
Wild violinist Joe Deninzon has lots of stuff in the works for 2006.
Upcoming shows of his band Stratospheerius include:
January 14th, The Conduit
Trenton, NJ
opening for reggae sensation, "Crucial"
January 19th,
Kenny's Castaways, New York, NY
February 24,
Mellow Mushroom, Wilmington, NC
Joe's playing the NAMM Festival, solo, in Anaheim on January 21 at the John Lennon Imagine Songwriting Contest table. Joe is one of the top three finalists in the jazz songwriting competition for the song "Sun Goes Down" which he wrote with John LaBarbera. "Sun Goes Down" is also the theme song of an upcoming film, WHAT'S UP SCARLET?
Joe and bandmates--Luciana Padmore (drums), Bob Bowen (bass), and Mack Price (guitar) are working on their next CD, their third studio effort and their fourth album. Joe says, "The disc will have no keyboards, a harder, guitar-driven record with more vocal songs." Stratospheerius are playing songs from the album at their shows.
Also, Greg Russo (author of the Jethro Tull book, FLYING COLORS) put together a few studio projects. One is the Tornadoes' NOW AND THEN, and the other is Greg's music in an album called NEONFIRE, and Joe is on the disc, along with Candy Zappa (Frank's sister) and Napoleon Murphy Brock (Zappa's mid-'70s vocalist). Three guys from the well-known Zappa tribute band Project/Object play guitar and drums. Greg played keyboards and his brother Jeff played bass. Joe Deninzon plays acoustic and electric violin on the track "Change In The Weather," which is sung by Napoleon Murphy Brock.
If you want to write about the albums, contact Greg at (973) 403-1633 or GRusso2787@aol.com.
HEYOKA magazine did a profile on Joe for their current DJANGO REINHARDT issue, and it can be read at http://www.heyokamagazine.com/HEYOKA-2-Joe-Deninzon.htm
http://www.joedeninzon.com.
Upcoming shows of his band Stratospheerius include:
January 14th, The Conduit
Trenton, NJ
opening for reggae sensation, "Crucial"
January 19th,
Kenny's Castaways, New York, NY
February 24,
Mellow Mushroom, Wilmington, NC
Joe's playing the NAMM Festival, solo, in Anaheim on January 21 at the John Lennon Imagine Songwriting Contest table. Joe is one of the top three finalists in the jazz songwriting competition for the song "Sun Goes Down" which he wrote with John LaBarbera. "Sun Goes Down" is also the theme song of an upcoming film, WHAT'S UP SCARLET?
Joe and bandmates--Luciana Padmore (drums), Bob Bowen (bass), and Mack Price (guitar) are working on their next CD, their third studio effort and their fourth album. Joe says, "The disc will have no keyboards, a harder, guitar-driven record with more vocal songs." Stratospheerius are playing songs from the album at their shows.
Also, Greg Russo (author of the Jethro Tull book, FLYING COLORS) put together a few studio projects. One is the Tornadoes' NOW AND THEN, and the other is Greg's music in an album called NEONFIRE, and Joe is on the disc, along with Candy Zappa (Frank's sister) and Napoleon Murphy Brock (Zappa's mid-'70s vocalist). Three guys from the well-known Zappa tribute band Project/Object play guitar and drums. Greg played keyboards and his brother Jeff played bass. Joe Deninzon plays acoustic and electric violin on the track "Change In The Weather," which is sung by Napoleon Murphy Brock.
If you want to write about the albums, contact Greg at (973) 403-1633 or GRusso2787@aol.com.
HEYOKA magazine did a profile on Joe for their current DJANGO REINHARDT issue, and it can be read at http://www.heyokamagazine.com/HEYOKA-2-Joe-Deninzon.htm
http://www.joedeninzon.com.
Robin Renee's tourdates, writing work.
My mantra-pop artist, Robin Renee and I have articles in the 2006 issue of SONGWRITERS MARKET. My piece focuses on instrumentalists--Steve Horowitz (SUPERSIZE ME), John Corigliano (THE RED VIOLIN), Carl Strommen (arranger and composer extraordinaire) and my artist Joe Deninzon.
Robin is super-psyched 'cause her piece focuses on Richie Havens, one of the artists she's been compared to through the years.
I met Robin from the editor, Ian Bessler, at SONGWRITERS MARKET, because we both take spiritual approaches to our art. Robin is into yoga, Krishna, and has shows that are perfect for yoga schools and other gigs are perfect for the crowds who like Richie Havens.
January 13th, 2006
*Kirtan-o-Rama!
The Yoga Studio Mt. Laurel, NJ
January 14th
*Kirtan-o-Rama!
411 1/2 Orange Rd.
Montclair NJ 07042
January 17th 11:30am-1pm FREE
*solo acoustic
Red Lion Café
Rutgers Student Center New Brunswick, NJ
Friday, January 20th
*music & poetry
Franklin Villagers Theater
Voives of Reason, Franklin, NJ
w/ Hank Kalet, Patrick Mystery, Steve Bates
Saturday, February 25th
Albion College
Albion, MI
Friday, March 3rd 9pm
*solo acoustic
The Pink Lizard, Harrisburg, PA
Saturday, March 4th
Exciting the Writer! writing workshop 1-4pm $50
*Kirtan-o-Rama! 7-9:30pm $10
Sama Center, Goshen Professional Center
West Chester, PA
Robin is super-psyched 'cause her piece focuses on Richie Havens, one of the artists she's been compared to through the years.
I met Robin from the editor, Ian Bessler, at SONGWRITERS MARKET, because we both take spiritual approaches to our art. Robin is into yoga, Krishna, and has shows that are perfect for yoga schools and other gigs are perfect for the crowds who like Richie Havens.
January 13th, 2006
*Kirtan-o-Rama!
The Yoga Studio Mt. Laurel, NJ
January 14th
*Kirtan-o-Rama!
411 1/2 Orange Rd.
Montclair NJ 07042
January 17th 11:30am-1pm FREE
*solo acoustic
Red Lion Café
Rutgers Student Center New Brunswick, NJ
Friday, January 20th
*music & poetry
Franklin Villagers Theater
Voives of Reason, Franklin, NJ
w/ Hank Kalet, Patrick Mystery, Steve Bates
Saturday, February 25th
Albion College
Albion, MI
Friday, March 3rd 9pm
*solo acoustic
The Pink Lizard, Harrisburg, PA
Saturday, March 4th
Exciting the Writer! writing workshop 1-4pm $50
*Kirtan-o-Rama! 7-9:30pm $10
Sama Center, Goshen Professional Center
West Chester, PA
Jethro Tull: Aqualung, Jonathan Noyce & Doane Perry notes
Jethro Tull are working on dates in Asia and Europe the first half of 2006. Here in the States, I've got a few goals with the band. One is that the new version of AQUALUNG will finally be available in the States in record stores for everyone in late February, so let me know if you're interested.
This album was recorded at XM Radio in November 2004, and given away to fans at Tull concerts this past fall as part of the price of the ticket. That price, then, went to help homeless hurricane Katrina victims via the Red Cross.
In the upcoming campaign for the album, Ian Anderson wants folks to know that AQUALUNG has quite a bit of electric and acoustic range. It's more than just that rock-edged song, "Aqualung."
I also want the media to take note of Tull's rhythm section. Drummer Doane Perry is celebrating his 21st year in the group, and originally joined the band after working with Pat Benatar. He still does sessions, and for this past tour, he did a lion's share of the interviews, and reporters really enjoyed chatting with him. He's very well-read, loves to write, and is a very kind person.
Bassist Jonathan Noyce told me he's written a number of columns for the British publication, BASS GUITAR MAGAZINE and about jamming with Gary Moore and other former members of Thin Lizzy. He's goign to the studio with Gary Moore's next album, which will be leaning towards the Stax soul sound. "As a direct result of working with Gary, in August I was asked to join the former members of Thin Lizzy for a one off concert at The Point in Dublin, Ireland, to commemorate the memory and the birthday of the late bassist and lead singer Phil Lynott. The show was recorded for future DVD release. I was joined on stage by Gary Moore, who took Phil's vocal duties, drummer Bryan Downey, guitarists Scott Gorham, Bryan Robertson and Eric Bell." OKAY, SO JONATHAN PLAYED PHIL LYNOTT'S PARTS LIVE.
He also recorded a CD with a very talented young Irish singer songwriter called Leanne Harte for a future release, and someday he hopes his own solo project will see the light of day.
So, in addition to the usual Ian Anderson interviews, I want to make both Jonathan and Doane available to the media this year. Both are worth your while.
This album was recorded at XM Radio in November 2004, and given away to fans at Tull concerts this past fall as part of the price of the ticket. That price, then, went to help homeless hurricane Katrina victims via the Red Cross.
In the upcoming campaign for the album, Ian Anderson wants folks to know that AQUALUNG has quite a bit of electric and acoustic range. It's more than just that rock-edged song, "Aqualung."
I also want the media to take note of Tull's rhythm section. Drummer Doane Perry is celebrating his 21st year in the group, and originally joined the band after working with Pat Benatar. He still does sessions, and for this past tour, he did a lion's share of the interviews, and reporters really enjoyed chatting with him. He's very well-read, loves to write, and is a very kind person.
Bassist Jonathan Noyce told me he's written a number of columns for the British publication, BASS GUITAR MAGAZINE and about jamming with Gary Moore and other former members of Thin Lizzy. He's goign to the studio with Gary Moore's next album, which will be leaning towards the Stax soul sound. "As a direct result of working with Gary, in August I was asked to join the former members of Thin Lizzy for a one off concert at The Point in Dublin, Ireland, to commemorate the memory and the birthday of the late bassist and lead singer Phil Lynott. The show was recorded for future DVD release. I was joined on stage by Gary Moore, who took Phil's vocal duties, drummer Bryan Downey, guitarists Scott Gorham, Bryan Robertson and Eric Bell." OKAY, SO JONATHAN PLAYED PHIL LYNOTT'S PARTS LIVE.
He also recorded a CD with a very talented young Irish singer songwriter called Leanne Harte for a future release, and someday he hopes his own solo project will see the light of day.
So, in addition to the usual Ian Anderson interviews, I want to make both Jonathan and Doane available to the media this year. Both are worth your while.
various notes
****
Tim Morse is not one of my artists, but was a journalist of mine for several years, and he's pretty darn proud of his first album, TRANSFORMATION which is progressive rock. Bill Bruford said, "sounds great...unbelievable proficient and will find considerable favour in the Prog community." David Sancious wrote, "Transformation recalls the spirit of progressive rock when genres of music were blended fearlessly and the listener was transported to places that expanded the imagination. If you like original compositions full of energy and the unexpected, you are sure to enjoy it." So contact Tim Morse directly at Starkl9@aol.com.
****
Boca Raton News music reporter Skip Shefield rescued a green sea turtle this summer, and gave it to a turtle hospital down there. The animal is going to be big someday, and it lost sight in her left eye. Although the hospital original named the animal "Skip," they changed it to Star-Chaser, and ultimately released it to sea. If anyone wants some j-pegs of the animal, please e-mail me. Plus I can connect you with Skip Sheffield, if you're interested in interviewing him on the animal-human connection.
****
And finally, lots of good wishes to Curt Mason at KKFI (www.kkfi.org), he is currently doing Tuesday overnights there, and hopes to go full time again after he recovers from a heart attack that happened a few weeks ago. Curt just wants to be in touch with folks, and I think that might help him in his recovery. So if you're up late and can get streaming radio online, please check him out and send him a note at therockerradioshow@hotmail.com.
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