3/31/12

The Left Banke: a Re-Introduction

The Left Banke have been acknowledged as forerunners of the musical style known as "Baroque Pop." This genre has found a resurgence with new artists including The Shins, The Decemberists, Regina Spektor, plus Belle and Sebastian (who in their interviews have cited the Left Banke repeatedly, as major influences on their music.)

Originally formed in New York City in 1965, the group came to prominence with the orchestral and melodic "Walk Away Renee," which featured a harpsichord and a string quartet. “Walk Away Renee” was shopped to every major label, and turned down by all except Smash, a subsidiary label of Mercury Records. It charted in 1966, reaching #5 on the Billboard charts. The follow up single, "Pretty Ballerina" was cited by Leonard Bernstein (Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and brilliant composer of many musicals including WEST SIDE STORY and CANDIDE), who played "Pretty Ballerina on piano for his CBS-TV special, INSIDE POP - THE ROCK REVOLUTION, in which he stated, "The Left Banke and 'Pretty Ballerina' are an example of what good pop music can be." 

Two albums were released: WALK AWAY RENEE/PRETTY BALLERINA and THE LEFT BANKE TOO.

Bad management and poorly-planned tours broke up the group in 1968.

Through the years, the music of The Left Banke has gained legions of new fans and a lot of newfound credibility, as evident by Oasis' front man Noel Gallagher's recent comments in the press, where he praises The Left Banke, as "the best f*****g record I've heard in my life!" A wide range of artists have covered "Renee," including the Four Tops, Tori Amos, Frankie Valli, Vonda Shepard, Billy Bragg, The Association, Linda Ronstadt, Marshall Crenshaw, Southside Johnny, Badly Drawn Boy, Bon Jovi, and Rickie Lee Jones. It's performed in the Dolly Parton/Queen Latifah movie, JOYFUL NOISE. In 2008, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked it #220 in their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song is in the movie THE BODYGUARD and on the soundtrack of ADDICTED TO LOVE. "Pretty Ballerina" appears in APOCALYPSE NOW, while Alice Cooper, John Mellencamp, and the Dickies kept the beauty and mystique in their covers of the song in their versions. The Bangles Susanna Hoffs and Matthew Sweet (as Sid 'n' Susie) and also Anne Murray covered "She May Call You Up Tonight."

Late 2009, original Left Banke singer/drummer George Cameron and original singer/guitarist/bassist Tom Finn found each other on Facebook. After Tom created the "Official Left Banke Fan Page" on Facebook, they went out in search of a lead singer, and found Mike Fornatale, a fan and veteran of many New Jersey bands.

Sundazed Records plotted the re-mixes and re-releases of PRETTY BALLERINA and THE LEFT BANKE TOO. The group sold out New York City's Drom and Joe's Pub, and have started hitting the road, first playing the Bearsville Theatre. Albany's METROLAND writes, "one element that I’m sure the band’s ‘60’s shows never had: unrestrained joy. Everybody on stage was beaming for the entire show... I wanna relive what I experienced over and over and over again." HUFFINGTON POST praises, "Each song sounded as fresh as the last time it was played onstage, and if you squinted and didn't look too clearly at the stage or register the drink prices it could have been 1968 again."

In December 2011, The Left Banke participated in the NYU Cantorum, performing "Walk Away Renee" and "Desiree" with the college's choir. The group is working on new songs, which may include contributions from original member Michael Brown. They play songs from the upcoming album live. In addition to George, Tom, Mike, the line up includes bassist Charly Cazalet, guitarist Paul Alves, keyboardist Mickey Finn (no relation), drummer/vocalist Rick Reil, and a cellist and a violinist.

The Left Banke is currently represented by TCI (Talent Consultants International, Ltd.) who is developing the group's Spring tour schedule. The web site: http://www.leftbankeband.com/ offers The Left Banke's history with performance videos, stories, and photos, and its future history including live appearances.

THE LEFT BANKE ON TOUR

April 29: BB KING BLUES CLUB, New York, NY
May 5: PARILLA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, Rockville, MD
May 6: RAMS HEAD ON STAGE, Annapolis, MD

http://www.leftbankeband.com/

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Release New Album, THE NEXT WORLD through Digital Nations/D-Zone Entertainment, May 24

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius' new album, THE NEXT WORLD is being released on May 24 through Steve Vai's Digital Nations and Joe's imprint D-Zone Entertainment. The band's acclaimed sound is a melodic mixture of progressive hard rock with jam band, funk, jazz, and Gypsy influences. The unique merging of these sounds can be heard on the album's fiery "Gods," the energetic power clash in "The Missing Link" and the glorious intro, "Release." The album's wide ranging instrumentals are the superfast "Road Rage" and the soulful "Ballad for Ding Bang," and the post-apocolyptic "Fleshbot." Joe & his band bend genres in the electronic/ska-inspired "Tech Support," the country rock ballad "Climbing," and the bluesy "The House Always Wins."

THE NEXT WORLD is chockful of dynamic musicianship, and creative energies of bandmates--leader Joe Deninzon on electric violin and lead vocals, French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore (praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops."

The album is dedicated to the memory of Bob Bowen, the bassist in both Stratospheerius and the Joe Deninzon Trio. Bob was killed in a bicycle accident in Manhattan in 2010. Bob's bass playing can be heard on "The House Always Wins." He was also a talented visual artist and drew the cover artwork for the album.

Stratospheerius has played at colleges, festivals, and clubs throughout the US. The New York-based group has opened for Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, The Slip, Ekoostik Hookah, and John Scofield. The group was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, won the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and was named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards.

Joe Deninzon is the music world's expert on alternative violin techniques and has been called the "Jimi Hendrix of the electric Violin." His song "Scarlett's Waltz" is in the soundtrack of the Will Ferrell-produced movie, VIRGINITY HIT. This year Mel Bay books published his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." A musician who transcends many genres, he has recorded and performed with a variety of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Matthis, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, Jane Monheit, and Robert Bonfiglio among others.

Joe has appeared in Lincoln Center's Meet the Artist program, as a soloist with the New York City Ballet, has performed on MTV and at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and has played for former President Clinton. His music has been featured on CMT, VH1, ABC, Comedy Central, the Travel Channel, History Channel, Food Network, and National Geographic. An active clinician, Joe has taught at Mark O'Connor's renowned String Camp and Mark Wood's Rock Orchestra Camp.

http://www.joedeninzon.com
http://www.stratospheerius.com
http://www.facebook.com/stratospheerius
http://www.reverbnation.com/stratospheerius

3/17/12

UPDATE: Henry McCullough co-bills with his Wings' bandmate Denny Seiwell at the Iridium, March 29

Henry McCullough will be performing at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street), New York, NY on March 29 for two shows: at 8 and 10 PM. Tickets are $30. Meals and drinks are extra. The venue phone is 212-582-2121, and the web site is http://www.theiridium.com

Denny Seiwell, who worked with Henry in Wings (for the RED ROSE SPEEDWAY), will also play a set for each show with his jazz band.

Henry is bringing in some of the most versatile area musicians, including Jim Popik and the rhythm section (Drummer: Andy Janowiak, Upright bassist Luke Kessel) of Jim's group, Ten Foot Tall.

Special Guests: The Smithereens' drummer Dennis Diken
Stratospheerius singer/electric violinist/alternative violinist to the stars Joe Deninzon
Singer/songwriter Jann Klose (also joining Jim McCarty and John Hawken at the Iridium on May 2)

Q104.3's Ken Dashow will emcee this event. Ken is the afternoon/drivetime host, and handles the station's Breakfast With the Beatles, Sunday morning from 8-10 AM. (Ken is interviewing Henry at the Fest For Beatles Fans, and will be broadcasting that on April 1).

Henry and Denny are also going to be performing at the Fest For Beatles Fans, at the NJ Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, in Secaucus, NJ. The Fest runs March 23-25. For more information, please cll 1-866-THE FEST or visit http://www.thefest.com. The two have also recorded a Beatles EP, SHABBY ROAD that features covers of "From Me To You," "Here Comes The Sun," and "Can't Buy Me Love."

Henry is due a new album, POOR MAN'S MOON this year on Silverwolf Music. His previous release, UNFINISHED BUSINESS was also on the label, and showcased Henry's roots-inspired genre that combines folk, British blues rock, and party sounds is receiving a deserved boost in North America.

Raised in the seaside resort of Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, Henry's was Managed for a time by Chas Chandler in the band Eire Apparent were one of the many bands to take part in package tours of Britain, alongside of The Move, Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Amen Corner... After an untimely exit from the band, Henry nailed down some of the finest mix of traditional and rock with his work as part of the legendary Sweeney's Men in 1968; It is said that this line-up more or less invented the concept of Folk-Rock.

He joined Joe Cocker's Grease Band. Tours and albums followed quickly, including an appearance at Woodstock and a lengthy period of work in the States. Then he joined the Grease Band, and became a member of Wings (along with Denny Seiwell, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney) with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Henry embellished the single '"My Love" with a graceful solo that is one of the all-time guitar gems and shows once and for all the expressive power of the instrument. He also made a spoken contribution to the end of the classic song "Money" on Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. Other gigs included Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills, Spooky Tooth... He plays regularly throughout Ireland and Poland, where he recorded BLUE SUNSET. Henry's "Failed Christian" was picked up by Nick Lowe, and then Henry included it on UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

**In the summer of '99 Henry was devastated when his beloved 1963 cherry red Gibson ES335 went missing from a British Midlands flight between Warsaw and Heathrow. (However, he still has his gold-top Les Paul that he played at Woodstock.)

****

Drummer/Percussionist Denny Seiwell was 5 years old when his father introduced him to the drums; he turned professional musician while barely a teenager. A stint with the Navy Jazz Band after high school led to a year's assignment in Chicago under the tutelage of the great Roy Knapp, legendary teacher to such masters as Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.

Then came New York where Denny's first job took him to the famed Half Note Jazz club playing with the Zoot Sims/Al Cohn Quintet. From there a string of studio work which established him as the Big Apple's Premiere session Drummer. Having played with the creme de la creme of the Jazz elite, Denny's Rock-n-Roll resume is also envious, beginning with an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon Wings. Denny also toured with Wings playing on many of that era's biggest hits, "My Love" and the Oscar nominated "Live and Let Die" to name a few. Other Highlights of Denny's London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra in their ground breaking version of the Rock Opera "Tommy."

Denny's Signature Drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin's posthumus FAREWELL SONG album, Billy Joel's COLD SPRING HARBOR, and McCartney's RAM, WILDLIFE and RED ROSE SPEEDWAY albums.

While playing on some of LA's most prestigious TV and Film dates, his passion for music, his human spirit, his training and abilities have earned him the reputation as one of the industry's most respected drummers.

###

3/14/12

Jann Klose Band Residency at the Rockwood Music Hall, Sunday, April 1, 15, 22, 29

Jann with producer David Bendeth (left) and engineer John Bender (right) at the House of Loud studios, New Jersey.
Jann Klose is having a residency at the Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton), in New York City on Sundays--April 1, 15, 22, and 29, at 7 PM each night. Jann and his band will be welcoming special guest performers at all shows, including Gary Lucas (of Jeff Buckley/Captain Beefheart fame), singer/actress Aisha Eustache and Ryan Ordway (whose new album was produced by the Rembrandts' Danny Wilde).  Other guests TBA. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. The venue phone is 212-477-4155, and the web site is http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com

Rockwood Artist Residencies feature their favorite artists over the course of a few weeks or a month. Jann will be including very recent material that may end up on his upcoming album, which he's working on under the attentive ears of multi-platinum award winning producer David Bendeth (Bruce Hornsby, Paramore, Papa Roach, Elvis Presley).

Jann says, "The Rockwood has been a haven in New York City to my band and me. Both Rockwood Stage 1 and 2 have presented my shows. This venue is THE place in New York City for a singer-songwriter. I've seen folks from James Maddock to Elliott Murphy (who I've opened for) at the Rockwood.  I've discovered up-and-coming artists here including Mieka Pauley and Amber Rubarth. One of Norah Jones' other projects has been on the bill with me here. I'm very thankful to the Rockwood has given me an opportunity to have this residency." 

Jann is also opening for The Yardbirds/Renaissance co-founder Jim McCarty & the Strawbs John Hawken at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway, in New York City, for two shows on May 2.  The three performed together this past October in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada.

Jann's recent releases Reverie (2008) and Sacrifice EP (2010) continue to build attention. His songs have been heard on the GRAMMY-nominated Healthy Food For Thought (2010) compilation, and in film and TV, including Warner Bros. Dead Broke featuring Paul Sorvino and MTV Cribs. 

He has opened for/performed with a wide range of artists including, Brett Dennen, Rusted Root, Vonda Shepard, Rosanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Renaissance and Annie Haslam, Suzanne Vega, and the legendary Les Paul. On his recent tour in England Jann presented a Masterclass on DIY Touring and Collaboration at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in the Paul McCartney Auditorium.

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya and South-Africa he first came to the U.S. as an exchange student, now living in NYC. As an actor/singer he performed in Broadway tours of Jekyll & Hyde, The Who's Tommy and the European tour of Jesus Chris Superstar. 

3/9/12

Henry McCullough co-bills with his Wings' bandmate Denny Seiwell at the Iridium, March 29

http://www.henrymccullough.com Video for "FAILED CHRISTIAN. FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Henry-McCullough/217928884902166

Henry McCullough will be performing at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street), New York, NY on March 29 for two shows: at 8 and 10 PM. Tickets are $30. Meals and drinks are extra. The venue phone is 212-582-2121, and the web site is http://www.theiridium.com

Denny Seiwell, who worked with Henry in Wings (for the RED ROSE SPEEDWAY), will also play a set for each show with his jazz band.

Henry is bringing in some of the most versatile area musicians, including Jim Popik and the rhythm section (Drummer: Andy Janowiak, Upright bassist Luke Kessel) of Jim's group,Ten Foot Tall. Stratospheerius singer/electric violinist Joe Deninzon and GRAMMY-winning featured children's artist Miss Amy Otey will be sitting in. Other guests TBA.

Henry is due a new album, POOR MAN'S MOON this year on Silverwolf Music. His previous release, UNFINISHED BUSINESS was also on the label, and showcased Henry's roots-inspired genre that combines folk, British blues rock, and party sounds is receiving a deserved boost in North America.

Raised in the seaside resort of Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, Henry's was Managed for a time by Chas Chandler in the band Eire Apparent were one of the many bands to take part in package tours of Britain, alongside of The Move, Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Amen Corner... After an untimely exit from the band, Henry nailed down some of the finest mix of traditional and rock with his work as part of the legendary Sweeney's Men in 1968; It is said that this line-up more or less invented the concept of Folk-Rock.

He joined Joe Cocker's Grease Band. Tours and albums followed quickly, including an appearance at Woodstock and a lengthy period of work in the States. Then he joined the Grease Band, and became a member of Wings (along with Denny Seiwell, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney) with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Henry embellished the single '"My Love" with a graceful solo that is one of the all-time guitar gems and shows once and for all the expressive power of the instrument. He also made a spoken contribution to the end of the classic song "Money" on Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. Other gigs included Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills, Spooky Tooth... He plays regularly throughout Ireland and Poland, where he recorded BLUE SUNSET. Henry's "Failed Christian" was picked up by Nick Lowe, and then Henry included it on UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

**In the summer of '99 Henry was devastated when his beloved 1963 cherry red Gibson ES335 went missing from a British Midlands flight between Warsaw and Heathrow. (However, he still has his gold-top Les Paul that he played at Woodstock.)

****

Drummer/Percussionist Denny Seiwell was 5 years old when his father introduced him to the drums; he turned professional musician while barely a teenager. A stint with the Navy Jazz Band after high school led to a year's assignment in Chicago under the tutelage of the great Roy Knapp, legendary teacher to such masters as Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.

Then came New York where Denny's first job took him to the famed Half Note Jazz club playing with the Zoot Sims/Al Cohn Quintet. From there a string of studio work which established him as the Big Apple's Premiere session Drummer. Having played with the creme de la creme of the Jazz elite, Denny's Rock-n-Roll resume is also envious, beginning with an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon Wings. Denny also toured with Wings playing on many of that era's biggest hits, "My Love" and the Oscar nominated "Live and Let Die" to name a few. Other Highlights of Denny's London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra in their ground breaking version of the Rock Opera "Tommy."

Denny's Signature Drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin's posthumus FAREWELL SONG album, Billy Joel's COLD SPRING HARBOR, and McCartney's RAM, WILDLIFE and RED ROSE SPEEDWAY albums.

While playing on some of LA's most prestigious TV and Film dates, his passion for music, his human spirit, his training and abilities have earned him the reputation as one of the industry's most respected drummers.

###

3/7/12

The Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson Demands Rush Limbaugh Stop Using His Music

The Fabulous Thunderbirds' lead singer Kim Wilson has officially demanded that Rush Limbaugh cease and desist broadcast of any music written, recorded or published by Kim and his band in any context related to or concerning any radio or television broadcast of, by or about Rush Limbaugh.

Kim Wilson's demand was issued on Tuesday, March 6 to Clear Channel Communications, Premiere Networks and Broadcasting and Rush Limbaugh directly.

Over the years Rush has played the Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enuff" and other tunes which Kim has been aware of, "The Constitution gives us the right of free speech," but when Rush recently called a Georgetown University student Sandra Fluke a "slut," it was the straw that broke the camel's back. "I don't want people to think that I'm affiliated in any way, shape or form with him. The message he promotes is something I'm totally against."

"I was mortified by his attack on this young woman. Why is he using my music? I've been very open about my politics, which includes equal rights for men and women.

"What kind of example is Rush setting for the youth of America? He's a proven drug addict and is now in his fourth marriage… both things his listeners rail against and yet these people still listen to him. Rush Limbaugh is a promoter of ignorance. He's a clown… all he does is stir up the rabble that exists in this country. I don't think he's an idiot--he makes 50 million dollars a year. The things he says are not only disrespectful, chauvenistic, and racist--it's about everything that--in my mind--is wrong."

Kim also emphasizes that Rush offered factual misinformation when he called the young Sandra Fluke "a slut." "It wasn't funding as part of a health bill that she wanted, but for her own insurance--that's private industry.” And for Rush to hypothesize that we're paying for her to have sex is also wrong if there's a baby involved. Kim says, “It's both men and women that have sex when a baby is made."

The multiple GRAMMY nominee, who tours year 'round, leading the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the pure blues group Kim Wilson's Blues All-Stars, is releasing an album through Severn Records later this year. He has recently performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Raphael Saadiq, Kid Rock, and Mark Knopfler. Kim says, "I don't want my music to support his message. There is no amount of money this guy could pay me to be a part of his cruel rhetoric; I just don’t want any part of it."

3/3/12

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull receives NatureLife Environmental Award 2012

NatureLife president C.-P. Hutter: Ian Anderson is not only a pioneer in new varieties of music, but also a positive role model for ecology.

Stuttgart, Germany. The environmental foundation NatureLife-International (NLI) in Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart announced that Ian Anderson, founder and leader of the legendary rock band Jethro Tull and successful solo artist, receives the NatureLife Environmental Award 2012.

“Ian Anderson has not only made music history by introducing classical elements and the transverse flute into rock music, thus creating a whole new variety of rock music, but has also been committed to biological variety over decades with a lot of personal engagement," says Claus-Peter Hutter, president of NatureLife-International.

With the award, NatureLife-International recognizes Ian Anderson’s ongoing contribution to the protection of endangered species, the fight for threatened areas, and the renaturation of habitats. “Ian Anderson, who became world famous with songs such as ‘Locomotive Breath’ and ‘Bungle in the Jungle’ and albums like ‘Aqualung’ or ‘Thick as a Brick’, sends true signals for the conservation of natural resources, often without any publicity," Hutter points out.

Ian Anderson was one of the first patrons for the campaign to rescue the St Lucia Game Reserve in South Africa, which had been threatened by mining projects and is now protected as World Heritage. Furthermore, he planted more than 35,000 oak and ash trees in Scotland and saved woodlands by purchasing them.

Ian Anderson also provides financial support for different research and conservation projects, helping endangered wild cats both in wilderness and in zoos. “Ian Anderson is an important role model for the commitment for sustainability because he supports ecological, cultural and social initiatives”, says NatureLife-International.

Last year, the award, which is not combined with any financial award, was given to actor and film maker Hannes Jaenicke. This year, the award will be handed over to Anderson in May. For his 44th anniversary on stage and 40th anniversary of the legendary album ‘Thick as a Brick," Ian Anderson and his band are going on tour in 2012.

NatureLife-International, foundation for the environment, education and sustainability, stands up for broad environmental education and practical nature protection as well as international communication and collaboration for nature. One focal point are projects for climate protection, combining poverty reduction, reforestation of damaged forests, and the protection of endangered plant and animal species in the tropics and subtropics.

www.naturelife-international.org

German release at: http://www.naturelife-international.org/umweltpreis_2012.aspx

3/1/12

PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist by Joe Deninzon

LINK FOR PLUGGING IN, by Joe Deninzon: http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22035SET

Renowned violinist/performer/composer and pedagogue Joe Deninzon has just released his first educational book, “PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century violinist” for Mel Bay Publications. The goal of this book is to remove the “unknown factor” that so many trained string players fear when entering the world of improvisation and amplification. Joe uses his many years of experience as a freelancing electric and acoustic violinist in New York to relay the unique combination of skills a young string player has to have beyond traditional conservatory training in order to survive in today’s music world. The first section has chapters addressing how to shop for an electric violin, amplifiers, and working with effects. The second part focuses on improvisation techniques in blues, funk, and rock, string arranging, working with DJs, and modern techniques like chopping. The book is accompanied by a CD and a DVD, which features Joe demonstrating all of the techniques while accompanied by his band, Stratospheerius. With over 70 musical examples, “PLUGGING IN" is a comprehensive look at both the technical and musical aspect of modern, alternative string playing.

"PLUGGING IN: Extended Techniques For the 21st Century Violinist" is available in music gear and sheet music shops, and on the Mel Bay web site, at http://www.melbay.com. "PLUGGING IN" is 168 pages, and costs $32.99 / : £23.99 / €31.99

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions combining jazz and rock with Gypsy influences. A musician who transcends many genres, he has worked with Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, and Les Paul among many others. He has also performed as a solo electric violinist in the piece “Red Angels” with the New York City Ballet and has played for President Clinton. Joe is the lead singer and electric violinist for the band Stratospheerius (www.stratospheerius.com), who will be releasing a new album, THE NEXT LIFE this May with Steve Vai's Digital Nations/D-Zone Entertainment. Stratospheerius have released five CD’s to international acclaim, and were named “Best Jam Band” in the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards. Joe can be heard on over a hundred CDs and jingles as a violinist and string arranger. A 12-time BMI Jazz Composer’s grant recipient and a winner of the John Lennon and Billboard Songwriting Contests, his original music has been used on CMT, MTV VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the independent film “What’s Up Scarlet,” and the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced film “Virginity Hit”. He also is a member of the Sweet Plantain String Quartet (www.sweetplantain.com), which combines classical, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin styles.

An active clinician, Joe has taught at Mark O'Connor’s String Camp and Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp, International Association of Jazz Educators, the American String Teachers Association Conference, Berklee College of Music, and The New School University. He is also the co-founder of the Grand Canyon School of Rock and has performed numerous times at the Grand Canyon Music Festival with harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio. Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz and Classical Violin from Indiana University and a Master’s from Manhattan School of Music. His teachers have included Josef Gingold, Henryk Kowalski, Nelli Shkolnikova, and David Baker. Joe currently lives in Dumont, New Jersey with his wife Yulia, a violinist the New York Philharmonic, and their son Max.

####

"As at home in the world of Grappelli and O’Conner as he is in the world of Steve Vai and Jimi Hendrix, Joe Deninzon may very well be our next national violin treasure!!" -Jedd Beaudoin (www.seaoftranquility.org)

PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist

Are you a violinist who is curious about “going electric,” but have no idea where to begin? This book will walk you through the process of choosing an electric violin, shopping for an amplifier, and using effects pedals. The book also covers improvisation in the genres of blues, rock, and funk. Chopping and other rhythmic techniques for bowed string instruments are explored, as well as playing in a band, rock string arranging and working with DJs. "PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist" will open new worlds of creativity for you as a string player and help you find your own voice in the brave new world!

The Youtube Commercial For Joe Deninzon's PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist!

Award-Winning Urban Folk Jazz Artist KJ Denhert Celebrates 15 Years w/ Her Band, March 16

Jen Chapin to Join in Show with a Set and as Host

Urban folk jazz singer/guitarist/songwriter KJ Denhert is celebrating her 15 years fronting her band KJ Denhert & the New York Unit, at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, in New York on March 16, at 8 PM. Tickets are $15, and available in advance at 212-220-1460.

KJ's band features: KJ on vocals and guitars, bassist Mamadou Ba, drummer Ray Levier, keyboardist Adam Klipple, and saxophonist Aaron Heick.

Special guests include Jen Chapin who will emcee and open the show. KJ and Jen have been friends since 1997 when many members of the NY Unit came from Jen's band. Guitarist Adam Falcon who collaborated with KJ on her Independent Music Award nominated CD, The Songwriter's Notebook, will perform tunes from their CD as well as Tomas Doncker, also a songwriter and guitarist who joined KJ in the recording of her latest EP Destiny.

Known for her weekly shows at New York City's Smoke and thirteen years in residence at the 55 Bar, KJ grew up in New York City, in the 1960s. She started learning to play guitar at age 10, listening to Sergio Mendes and John Hartford. "As I advanced, books by James Taylor and Joni Mitchell were my first official self-study as a guitarist."

As a young woman in the '80s she played guitar and sang with an all-female band called, Fireî touring throughout North America and Europe. She also spent time in Cleveland, founding and fronting the group, Cyclone Sisters. Upon moving back to NY City in 1997, she formed the NY Unit. KJ will have copies of her upcoming Destiny EP at her 15th Anniversary. Produced by KJ and engineered by Hal Winer at BiCoastal Studios in Ossining, NY, songs on the EP include "Destiny," "Try To Fly," "Do You Love." There's a new version of an audience favorite "Beautiful," and a folk as well as a pop/rock mix of "I Don't Think So."

KJ's most recent release, Album No.9 spawned a number of minor hits, including a yearnful interpretation of the Beatles "Help" that was as a rally for humanity in light of many tragedies most recently in Haiti, Louisiana, and Japan. Other classics on the album are "Alfie," "Pennies From Heaven," "The Shadow of Your Smile," and "Smoke on the Water." KJ's original songs: "Choose Your Weapon" (which won the 2010 Independent Music Award for "Sing Out for Social Action"), "Let It Go," and her first song in French, "Chanson Baz Bar" have become fan favorites.

This July, KJ will be performing at Italy's Umbria Jazz Festival. She's an an eight-time artist in residence at Umbria Jazz Festival. She's played at many prestigious events including The Rochester International Jazz Festival, River to River in New York City, the San Jose Jazz Festival, and Clearwater Festival in Croton, NY.

KJ is the founder of recording label, Mother Cyclone Records. She was named a winner of the Kerrville New Folk Song contest in June, 2006 for "Private Angel" and won the Mountain Stage New Song contest later that summer for her composition, "Little Mary." The Album, Another Year Gone By, Live won the 2006 Independent Music Award for Best Live Performance.