5/29/08

Strawbs tour States in June

 The Strawbs will be touring, again, this June in the group’s classic 1974 lineup.   

What originally endeared this progressive rock band to fans was their unique musical evolution out of 1960s English Folk music. The band has enjoyed commercial success over the years with a talented array of British musicians.   First starting in 1967 as the Strawberry Hill Boys, a bluegrass and folk trio, the Strawbs became stars of the British progressive rock and folk scene at the same time—gracefully using the traditions of electric and acoustic music for their unique sound.

The group’s reputation in the U.S. and Canada firmed up with the release of the A&M Records albums 'Hero & Heroine' and 'Ghosts. Still led by founder David Cousins, the same band that recorded those historic albums will be performing here-- Dave Lambert on lead guitar/vocals, John Hawken on keyboards, Chas Cronk on bass/vocals, and drummer Rod Coombes.

These gifted musicians have each traveled through a special musical journey; Cousins is widely considered to be one of Britain's top songwriters- he played guitar for both Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell on their first UK TV shows; Lambert's work with the band Fire is noteworthy; Hawken enjoyed success with The Nashville Teens and Renaissance; Cronk has worked with Rick Wakeman (a former Strawbs member before joining Yes) and for five years toured with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett; Coombes was part of Steelers Wheel.

In 1974, The Strawbs album HERO AND HEROINE spent 17 weeks on the Billboard album charts, also selling well in Canada. The band's follow-up, GHOSTS also spent several months on the Billboard album charts. The Strawbs have a huge catalog of great songs to draw upon and they continue to release new material and win over new fans.  

June 10      New York, NY   B.B. King's Blues Club     
June 11    Sellersville, PA   Sellersville Theater 1894     
June 12      Annapolis, MD   Rams Head On Stage     
June 13      Kent, OH   Kent Stage     
June 14      Columbus, OH   The Thirsty Ear     
June 15    Ann Arbor, MI   The Ark     
June 17     Chicago, IL   Abbey Pub     
June 18      Milwaukee, WI   Shank Hall     
June 20     Syracuse, NY   Red House     
June 21     Pawling, NY   Towne Crier CafĂ©

http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com.strawbsmusic

Joe Deninzon News

 Joe Deninzon is rockin', funkin', and jazzin’ with Stratospheerius, and then he’s classicalin’, rockin’ and experimentin’ with the Metro Strings.  Metro Strings is a group made up of violinist Mazz Swift-Carnlet (Brazz Tree)and cellist David Cotay (Sweet Plantain String Quartet and Sound Liberation).  The repertoire includes covers of hit songs and combines vocals with rock, hip hop, jazz, funk, and electronic music.  There are some covers at http://www.myspace.com/metrostrings .   

The group is made its world debut at St. Anne’s Church in Hoboken, on May 18.

Joe was interviewed online with guitarist Daryl Dobson for Solar guitars, and you can hear the chat online at http://solarguitars.com/joedeninzon/index.html /

Stratospheerius drummer Lucianna Padmore received a great review in the March issue of MODERN DRUMMER, "On the opening track of Headspace, the sophisticated, high-energy Stratospheerius unleashes a funky, infectious vibe that draws the listener in and never lets go. The deep grooves and serious fusion chops of drummer Lucianna Padmore push Joe Deninzon's powerful violin-driven compositions with authority. This would be an exciting band to see live."

Joe’s band Stratospheerius continues to tour in support of his album, HEADSPACE.  In fact there is a fascinating acoustic performance Stratospheerius’ hit “Old Ghost” on youtube.com at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yUw-SR94qw

Upcoming shows:

 
June 19: Muddy River Smokehouse, Portsmouth, NH
June 20:  Freedomfest, in Maine   (http://www.mainevocals.net)
July 12:  Great South Bay Music Festival, Patchogue, New York
(opening for Mickey Hart)
July 25:  St. Anne’s Feast, Hoboken, NJ (opening act: Danny Aiello's jazz band)
September 5:  Levitt Pavilion, Pasadena
September 13:  Jam on the Lake, Williamstown, NJ
October 3:  Harvest Fest, Maine

http://www.stratospheerius.com
http://www.joedeninzon.com
http://www.myspace.com/metrostrings
http://www.myspace.com/lucianap

Grand Funk Railroad dates

              
 Grand Funk Railroad is original members: drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, plus singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion.

Tour dates scheduled:
May 14           San Bernardino Co. Fair-Grdstd          San Bernardino Co. Fair                             
June 7              Chingawassa Days Festival              Marion, Kansas                             
June 14           Green Valley Ranch Showroom            Henderson, Nevada
June 17            San Diego Co. Fair                                 Del Mar, California  
June 27-28     Fallsview Casino Resort                     Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
July 3           Red Rhythm & Boom Celebration                                          
                  Mason Montgomery Rd/Corwin Pk        Mason, Ohio  
July 4    Texas Motorplex                                  Ennis, Texas  
July 5         Paragon Casino Mari Center                  Marksville, Louisiana  
July 12       Common Ground Music Festival      
Adado Riverfront Park                            Lansing, Michigan   
July 19        Muskegon Bike Time Rally                   KS Productions, Inc.                               
                  Heritage Park                                Muskegon, Michigan

July 25          Halfway Jam                                       Royalton, Minnesota                       
July 26-27    Busch Gardens Williamsburg            Williamsburg, Virginia  
July 31           California Mid-State Fair                    Paso Robles, California
August 2        Hilton's Grand Th./A.C. Hilton           Atlantic City, New Jersey   
August 9          Indian Ranch                                     Webster, Massachusetts  
August 16         Summer Days                                   Idaho Falls, Idaho  
August 23        Ft. Wayne Parks & Rec                      Ft. Wayne, Indiana  
August 29        California Expo & State Fair            Sacramento, California  
September 6           Army Concert Tour Series         Ft. Benning, Georgia                     

http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com

Jethro Tull Celebrates 40th Anniversary!



The 40th Anniversary of Jethro Tull is upon us this year--2008.  The group, which is made up of frontman/flutist/guitarist Ian Anderson, guitarist Martin Barre, drummer Doane Perry, keyboardist John O'Hara, and bassist David Goodier is in the midst of a variety of tourdates that include Europe, the UK, the Middle East and North America.....

Anderson says the group will choose its set list, "to a large extent from the first few albums but with a some representative songs from the '80s and the '90s, too. Songs and tunes which defined the early Jethro Tull from blues band to eclectic, pre-prog inventiveness."

But he says that this year he plans "to visit a few less places than last year. I already have some time set aside for studio work and lazing about in the garden."

The 90 shows between April and December, with which will include eleven in the United States, will be updated on the band's web site, www.jethrotull.com.

While there are no new recordings available in 2008, there are a few historical releases scheduled over the next months, including a live DVD collection of perfomances in Germany, a newly produced DVD documentary and history of Jethro Tull, which Anderson says will feature the contributions of most past band members, friends and associates as well as live performances from a multitude of sources over the years.  Contributions include reference information from many fans and liner notes from the group's original basssist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond. The artwork features a painting by Jeffrey depicting Blackpool, the town where Anderson, Hammond, drummer Barriemore Barlow and keyboard-player John Evan, formed a band in 1964.

On June 10, Capitol/EMI Records is re-releasing the group's first album, THIS WAS as a 2-CD and digital release of a remastered and expanded Collectors' Edition of the Tull's 1968 debut album, This Was. This release presents, for the first time on CD, the album’s original mono mix as well as a new stereo mix of the album. Also featured are nine related 1968 recordings for John Peel’s BBC Radio program, Top Gear, plus four rare 1968 UK singles: Sunshine Day, Song For John Gee, Love Story and A Christmas Song. The commemorative package includes 35 tracks in all, as well as package notes and anecdotes from Jethro Tull’s members.

On May 20, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Jethro Tull’s Jack In The Green:  Live In Germany, an enticing DVD compendium of in-concert rarities [running time:  96 minutes] spanning the years 1970 to 1993.  

Jethro Tull have carved out a musical niche all their own with a career that has spanned over three decades. Selling over sixty million albums including Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Stand Up; albums which have offered up Classic Rock radio staples Locomotive Breath and Aqualung. The band has played over 2500 concerts around the world and helped define a unique blend of acoustic and electric music that draws influences from the world's music, including Asian, Jazz, Classical and Folk.

As live performers, Jethro Tull are unparalleled. Famous for instrumental virtuosity and theatrical flair, Jethro Tull live is an event that welcomes longtime fans and new converts alike.

http://www.jethrotull.com

JAY AND THE AMERICANS TOURDATES

 Jay and the Americans are:  Jay Reincke, Marty Sanders, Howie Kane and Sandy Yaguda.  The group has a lot of tourdates over the next several months, including a Concerts At Sea Oldies Cruise in the Caribbean from January 17 through the 24, 2009.  I would love to see this event covered in some of the travel magazines.  If you’re inspired, please drop me a note and I’ll hook you up with the booking person for this cruise.

Meantime, here are the group’s scheduled dates, so far, between now and the end of the year:

May 14        Lilac Festival                    Rochester, NY
May 24             The Cannery Casino & Hotel               Las Vegas, NV
June 21          Autism Speaks - A Benefit Concert    Bronxville, NY
For tickets - www.FrainaPalooza.com
June 25             Forest Park                    Woodhaven NY
June 26            Stearns Square                    Springfield, MA
June 27            Boulton Center For The Performing Arts
Bay Shore, NY
June 28          Rams Head On Stage              Annapolis, MD
July 13             Richard Nader's Rock & Roll        Saugerties, NY
July 18           Lake Zurich Alpine Fest            Lake Zurich, IL
July 19 & 20      Milwaukee Summerfest Fairgrounds
Milwaukee, WI
July 26         BB King Blues Club                New York, NY
July 27         Jack Devito Memorial Park            Yorktown, NY
July 29,         Erie County Fair                Hamburg, NY
August 1         Kentucky Fair Expo Center        Louisville, KY
August 2        Northbrook Days Festival            Northbrook, IL
August 9        Vocal Group Hall Of Fame            Sharon, PA
August 13       Town Center                    Bensenville, IL
For tickets - www.bensenville.il.us/DocumentView.asp?DID=254
August 14     Summer Concert Series            Massillon, OH
September 13     Queens College                Flushing, NY
October 23    McPhillips St. Station Casino        Winnipeg, MB, Canada
October 24    Dakota Dunes Casino            Saskatoon, SK, Canada
October 25    Deerfoot Inn & Casino            Calgary, AB, Canada
October 26    Century Casino Showroom        Edmonton, AB, Canada
November 1    La Renaissance Banquet House        East Windsor, CT
December 6    Paramount Theatre                Middletown, NY
December 7    Kirby Center                    Wilkes Barre, PA
December 13    State Theatre                    Easton, PA
December 14    Symphony Hall                    Springfield, MA
NEW YEAR’S EVE:  Cerritos Center                Cerritos, CA
 
 http://www.jayandtheamericans.net

BRUCE KULICK'S KKB

PLEASE NOTE: CONTACT: Michael Edwards 
Michael’s e-mail is:  mikeenc@nc.rr.com
 

BRUCE KULICK’S KKB
(Vintage ‘70s recording has modern appeal, and is now available)

Before Bruce Kulick became a fixture on the speed dial of legendary rockers like KISS (who proudly called him their lead
guitarist for 12 years), Meat Loaf (Kulick was a member of Meat's Bat Out Of Hell touring troupe), or Grand Funk Railroad
(with whom he has toured the country for most of the last decade)…Before he became one of the most sought after
guest musicians in the world…Before he garnered praise from press the world over as a Rock And Roll Fantasy Camp counselor to be both respected and feared…

Before all of that, Bruce Kulick was a fan of great rock music...
Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Yes, The Who...you name it, Kulick knew it.

"I always tell people, when they ask me how to get better at their instrument, that the best way to do that is find other
players in your neighborhood," says Kulick. "To that end, after I'd been playing a while, I found a guy who lived in the
next building over from me, in the Jackson Heights area of Queens, New York. His name was Mike Katz, and he was a
bass player who loved all of the same bands I did. We started jamming, and, because we already spoke the same
language musically, it was just magical. We found a drummer named Guy Bois who rounded out the picture, and we
formed a group that we envisioned as a cross between Cream and Yes."

After months of rehearsal in the Bois family basement, the band (which, although called "KKB" today never really had
an official name) entered New York's Sudden Rush recording studio in September of 1974 armed with a handful of
songs. As with many young, upstart bands, things didn't progress from there as the three members had hoped, and
eventually Kulick, Katz, and Bois went their separate ways. The reel-to-reel tape of those sessions sat gathering dust,
until a garage sale find in 2006 (a TEAC reel-to-reel player in great condition, and a steal at $35.00) lead to its rediscovery...

"I put that tape on, and I was blown away," says Kulick with a smile today. "It was like a time capsule, but at the same
time, there was such passion and fury in the music. It was funny, too, how I recognized so many elements in that tape
from almost 35 years ago that are still in my guitar playing today."

As enjoyable as it was for Bruce to journey down memory lane, it was playing the tape for friends and other musicians
that led him to consider releasing it to the public at large. "Everyone I played it for said the same thing, which is that I
needed to put this stuff out. Mike and I talked about it, and he was all for it as well, so I began the process of getting
this old tape transferred into a digital format."

While there was a bit of repair work and mastering done by Bruce and producer/engineer Jeremy Rubolino to the tape to get it up to digital standards, no overdubs or new music were recorded. The "KKB" sessions
appear on the CD exactly as they were recorded.


"Oddly enough, even though this was recorded in 1974, it's right in line with some of the more 'analog' music that's come out in the last few years...bands like Wolfmother and the White Stripes who go for that vintage sound and feel," marvels Kulick. "But, beyond all of that, I just felt, after talking to everyone who heard it, that this music still had relevance,and it stands on its own."

KKB - 1974 is available on Compact Disc directly from Bruce Kulick in a strictly limited hand-signed and numbered edition.


  http://www.kulick.net
 

CARMINE APPICE'S SLAMM "BEATS UP" NASCAR

Contact:  Anne Leighton
718-881-8183
Leightonmedia@aol.com
http://www.slammusa.com

CARMINE APPICE'S SLAMM “BEATS UP” NASCAR
SLAMM featured on ESPN/NASCAR video beats on multi million dollar race car, and plays the NASCAR garage.


Carmine Appice's new theatrical drum show SLAMM just completed filming of an action-packed promotional video, featuring the SLAMM cast 'playing' the NASCAR garage.  The video is being shown on ESPN2 before, and during NASCAR races throughout the 2008 racing season.  Appice was selected to compose a high energy, percussive NASCAR theme song, featuring such 'instruments' as air wrenches, hand grinders, wrenches and tool boxes.  The rowdy SLAMM cast then played to the theme song in the NASCAR garage, which included giving a good beating to the hood of a multi million dollar race car. “I'm glad they didn't make us pay for it” joked Appice.  The NASCAR/SLAMM video is seen by over 3 million viewers every week.

Appice's SLAMM is a dynamic, explosive, physical rock drum show.  Described as “Stomp on steroids,” Appice and four young drummers rule the stage and make rock music playing buckets, sticks, oil cans, drain pipes, even ironing boards, as well as drums. The cast of five vibrant, young guys and girls have been relentlessly coached and rehearsed by the cool, rock star veteran, creating a flawless, electrifying theatrical show.  Cast members include Zoilo Ruiz, Marcus Joseph, Veronica Bellino, Artie Dillon and Matty Alger.  SLAMM is Appice's current project, and the main focus of his considerable energy and creativity.  In existence only a few months, SLAMM has played in front of large theater and arena sized audiences, and received a wildly enthusiastic responses. “I bring everything I know to SLAMM, 30-plus years of showmanship, originality and skill, it's all in there. Everything I learned in my career about entertainment, I put into SLAMM. It's a wild ride.”

Legendary rock drummer Carmine Appice has played with such acts as Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Beck Bogert Appice and Ozzy Osbourne. He is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock.  He is the recipient of numerous awards including dozens of gold and platinum selling records. Carmine co-wrote such monster selling hits as “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Young Turks.” He has broken new ground in every aspect of his career; as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming.


UPCOMING LIVE CONCERTS FROM SLAMM usa!

 June 28  2:00 PM School of Rock Festival Philadelphia, PA,  
July 30 Camp Romaca, Hinsdale, MA (Springfield Area)
 September 19  8:00 PM Sellersville Theater Sellersville, PA, PA
 September 20  Boulton Center Bay Shore, NY, NY  (two shows)
 November 22 Sky City Casino, Acoma NM

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