12/30/16

A HOMAGE TO ALPHONSE MOUZON from Patrick Moraz

It is with extreme sadness that I have heard about the passing of Alphonse Mouton! had the great privilege and honor to work with him during the recording of my first solo album “i”, (a.k.a. “The Story of i”).

Alphonse Mouzon, a fantastic musician in all respects, was already at the time, one of the most extraordinary drummers in the world and he will always remain “TIMELESS & FOREVER” at the top of that rare summit!

Patrick Moraz 12-26-2016

10/26/16

World Peace - Spoken Word Album, ACTION MOVES PEOPLE UNITED with UNESCO-USFUCA

ACTION MOVES PEOPLE UNITED features over 300 international artists from over 30 countries featuring Alan White, Martin Barre, Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Patrick Moraz, Jann Klose, Annie Haslam, Janis Ian, Colin Andrews, Dan Ackroyd, Julian Lennon, Kathy Sledge, Wouter Kellerman and Ricky Kej, Lillias White and many other artists!

Also on the album are artists I currently work with: Phoebe Legere, Laura Sullivan, Amy Otey, Jody Quine. I helped with a hook for a poem that Martin Barre reads on the album.

ACTION MOVES PEOPLE UNITED, a World Peace Project with the UNESCO - USFUCA, is produced by Grammy® Winner Kevin Mackie, award winning producer Krista Wallhagen, and Guinness World Record® holder musician and award winning filmmaker Rupam Sarmah. Through media initiatives, in collaboration with artists, authors, and organizations from all around the world, AMPU’s mission of establishing a peaceful planet and a healthy biosphere will be an ongoing commitment. “One of the goals for the project is to pair up artists who live in opposing countries for collaborations that go beyond politics, religion and borders,” says Krista.

The team has produced a musical spoken word album that will exchange ideas, stories, and information focused on bringing about World Peace through individual responsibility, Education, and helping each other. Kevin says, “We endeavor to raise awareness of environmental and humanitarian crisis and find actionable solutions.”

“Our individual actions can make a big difference, but our collective actions can move the World, Inspire Change,” says Rupam.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) strives to promote peace and security among nations through education, science, and culture.

Dan Aykroyd says, “I pray for the moment of mass consciousness when we all wake up and bring peace into our own hearts and souls. It’s a challenge and it’s going to take every one of us to make it happen.” The double CD album with 45 tracks of Musical Spoken Word and Songs will be officially released on Sept 21, 2016. The album is available for digital download in iTunes, Amazon, and other stores worldwide.

Please visit the site for details: www.ActionMovesPeopleUnited.org!.

Media Contact:
Kevin Mackie,
 AMPU *AT* UNESCOUSA *DOT* org 215-432-4510

Superstorm Sandy Survivors Still Needing To Get Their Homes Fixed

Gary Lucas & Jann Klose’s Music Video "Mary Magdalene" Supports Island Park Fire Department Gary Lucas, Jann Klose and Dan Beck, who co-wrote the story song and created the music video, “Mary Magdalene” about Superstorm Sandy’s effect on shoreline towns, are stunned to discover that Island Park, NY-- the village and residents are still struggling to get the town back together FOUR years after the storm (October 29, 2012).

*Village Hall is still located in a TRAILER across from the Fire department.

*The Long Beach hospital is still closed. People from both Island Park and Long Beach have to drive to Oceanside—one town over and a 10 minute drive from Island Park.  The hospital is two towns and a 15 minute drive from Long Beach.   

*Houses are still being raised. This is an expensive procedure to fix the foundations of houses, and get rid of all sewage; it's generally about $50,000. Savings, earnings and FEMA Grants are what residents use to raise their houses.

The Island Park Volunteer Fire Department and community members say, "We want to get the message out that we're having a rough time getting Island Park back to normal."  

The music video “Mary Magdalene," by Gary Lucas & Jann Klose, was filmed throughout Island Park, and shows footage of condemned homes, the firehouse and a favorite pub The Local Ale House.     

In addition to cinematography in Island Park, the video uses footage of Breezy Point supplied by Getty Images Editorial Footage/Getty Images.

That Music Mag calls the song “Mary Magdalene,”hauntingly beautiful.”  MOJO’s Mike Barnes writes of the album that has "Mary Magdalene," “Stylistically STEREOPTICON marries a roots blues approach with echoes of acoustic Zeppelin and flashes of refined pop songwriting craft.”  

Gary and Jann both worked on the movie GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY (Tribeca Films/Focus World/Universal). Jann is the singing voice of Tim Buckley, while Gary consulted and played guitar. Tony Award winner Frank Wood plays Gary in the film.  Both have won multiple awards, have worked with a variety of artists, record and tour around the world. More info at www.GaryLucas.com and at www.JannKlose.com.  

Their co-writer Dan Beck, who lives in the South Shore of Long Island, has written with legendary rockers Dion DiMucci and the Rascals' Felix Cavaliere.  

We encourage donations to the Island Park Volunteer Fire Department, 440 Long Beach Rd, Island Park, NY 11558.

                                                                                       ####

  Background articles

1010 WINS: newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/29/song-brings-attention-to-people-still-struggling-2-years-after-superstorm-sandy/

Shelli Sonstein, Q104.3: www.q1043.com/media/play/26475454/

www.DanBeckWrites.com
www.LucasKlose.com

8/23/16

John Hall's Memoirs: STILL THE ONE: MY ROCK'n"ROLL JOURNAL FROM CONGRESS AND BACK

John Hall's memoir, STILL THE ONE: MY ROCK'N'ROLL JOURNEY FROM CONGRESS AND BACK is available in hardcover and Kindle.

The Kindle version is now on sale on the Amazon.com Kindle store for $4.99. The direct link is: https://www.amazon.com/Still-One-RocknRoll-Journey-Congress-ebook/dp/B01K8AA0E2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1471017275&sr=1-1&keywords=john+hall

The book is also available for mail order, as a personalized autographed book, right now via email and phone from Oblong Books & Music. Here is the link: http://www.oblongbooks.com/still-one-paperback-signed-john-hall. The phone number is 845-876-0500.

John Hall is doing an in-store at Oblong Books, in Rhinebeck, on the 22nd of September at 6 pm. This is the store's website,http://www.oblongbooks.com.

More in-stores to be announced to local media and on John’s Facebook page at 'www.facebook.com/JohnHall.memoir/?fref=ts

Best known as the founder of the band Orleans, with hits including “Still The One,” and “Dance With Me,” John co-wrote Janis Joplin’s “Half Moon,” Steve Wariner's #1 country hit "You Can Dream of Me," and also “Power,” which became the theme of the NO NUKES concerts in the 1970s. John has collaborated in the studio or on the stage with Little Feat, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, Chet Atkins, Carly Simon… 

His environmental concerns led him into community activism, which got him on the road into politics, first serving in the Ulster County, New York legislature, then as trustee and president of the Saugerties school board.  Hall won a seat in Congress in 2006, and returned to music in 2011 with Orleans.  

John is looking forward to taking the book on the road where he’ll tell stories, play songs, sign books, and talk with fans and anyone interested in crossing from a "normal" career to politics.  

John’s optimism comes through in stories from his life in the musical and political worlds in STILL THE ONE: A ROCK’n’ROLL JOURNEY TO CONGRESS AND BACK.    

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www.facebook.com/JohnHall.memoir
www.johnhallmusic.com

8/3/16

KING LLAMA’S Record Release Show!  Friday, Aug 12th.

King Llama’s New Album Release Party for RETURN TO OX At CIA - California Institute of Abnormalarts

Join King Llama for the release of their new album, RETURN TO OX at CIA- California Institute of Abnormalarts on August 12, starting at 9:30 PM.
CIA is at 11334 Burbank Blvd., in North Hollywood.
This is an 18 and over show.
Doors open at 7:30 PM.
Admission is $5.
The venue phone is 818-221-8065
The website is www.facebook.com/pages/California-Institute-of-Abnormalarts/565387203575837.
The first 20 people there will receive either a free CD + digital download, OR a T-shirt of their choice, OR a poster. Plus, there will be a limited, although substantial amount of food there for early arrivals.

King Llama’s new album, RETURN TO OX (on the TTrain Music label is a journey of instrumental compositions with stunningly-weaved elements of rock, jazz, funk, fusion, and hip-hop. With melodic sensibilities and ear-catching chops, favorite compositions include the precisely spry “Sensei,” the explosive bass-driven “Cap’n Mustard Hair,” the rebellious and emotive changes in “Smoking in Ergenzingen” and the introspective jazz journey “Blobo.”

Based in Los Angeles, the progressive rock trio, King Llama features guitarist Ryan Tanner Bailey, drummer Luis Briones, and bass/baritone guitarist Nico Staub. Ryan, Luis and Nico are all originally self taught, and then they all had extensive training (both privately, and at professional institutions), most recently at Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, and in Nico's case, CAEMSA in Buenos Aires. King Llama’s vibe, being quite original itself, seems to bring out moments reminiscent of King Crimson, Phish, Yes, and Rush.

RETURN TO OX was produced by King Llama and GRAMMY-winning producer/engineer Dave Schiffman (Mars Volta, System of a Down, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, nine inch nails…)

Also performing are area favorites Sketch Orchestra at 8 PM and Sea Monkey See at 8:45 PM.

Return to Ox available now on:
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/return-to-ox/id1131311850
Spotify https://play.spotify.com/album/1MocDPHQjZko7GAHXwl4UV?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open
kingllama.bandcamp.com

#end#

www.KingLlama.com
www.instagram.com/kingllamamusic
twitter.com/KingllamaMusic
www.facebook.com/KingllamaMusic
soundcloud.com/king-llama

DeAngela Napier: Visual Storyteller Profiled in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY Online

Artist Explains How she Uses Photos and Moving Pictures in Creating Music Videos for Gary Lucas & Jann Klose, plus other Artists, Entrepreneurs, and—of course—Organizations!

Dr. Mike Friedman’s BRICK BY BRICK July 19th column in PSYCHOLOGY TODAY features a look at the creator of Gary Lucas & Jann Klose’s latest music video, NOBODY’S TALKING from their album STEREOPTICON.

Dr. Friedman says, ”I think DeAngela Napier’s approach to visual storytelling gives us a window into how we can develop open-minded approach to our lives."

DeAngela Napier is the digital strategist and visual storyteller who is responsible for STEREOPTICON’s music videos (“Secret Wings” and “Fair Weather”). She explores how carefully selected imagery conveys a powerful message above and beyond music videos. Gary Lucas and Jann Klose’s first two videos offer an insider’s view of New York City while NOBODY’S TALKING’s visuals are comprised of stock footage, selected and edited by DeAngela to convey the tongue-in-cheek lyrical message about everybody talking on their cellphones while they’re surrounded by real people in the real world.

“My work consist of producing content and collaborating with organizations and entrepreneurs on marketing and media strategies. These strategies often include visual storytelling to convey meaning that resonate longer with the listener/viewer.” Her collaborations include producing projects, creating imagery with photography/video and editing digital assets for multi-media projects. In NOBODY’S TALKING, she combines her personal love of music and background in production to craft an entertaining peak at mobile obsession in 2016. View NOBODY’S TALKING at www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr9TDnt65Ag.

Her visuals are worth a million words! For more information on her company’s services visit www.thenapiernetwork.com.   

www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brick-brick/201607/thinking-visually-deangela-napier

Dr. Michael Friedman, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who has been studying how psychological processes impact us as individuals and as a society for over 20 years. In addition to co-authoring a number of academic papers, he’s shared insight on CNN, NPR, Fox News, Wall Street Journal Radio, and in his Psychology Today column, BRICK BY BRICK… Currently he’s working with Vegan Publishers on a book about vegan musicians.  

Sloth from BEACHSLOTH writes of “Nobody’s Talking,” “Without talking, without communication, life could become so boring, unaware of all the potential people a person could meet on any given day…Tasteful and elegant to its very core, Gary Lucas & Jann Klose create a timeless piece of chamber pop”   

PREMIER GUITAR is currently streaming STEREOPTICON, coinciding with an intensive article by Ted Drozdowski: Gary Lucas: Sincerely Strange.  Read this study of Gary Lucas’ guitar history including how working on Captain Beefheart’s song “Flavor Bud Living” stretched the limits of Gary’s fingerpicking technique, which he uses so deftly on STEREOPTICON. www.premierguitar.com/articles/24209-gary-lucas-sincerely-strange.  

Both Gary & Jann’s talents are noted in the 4 star review in MOJO, “Klose has a fabulous wide-ranging voice with an individual style, while Lucas’s luminous chord work and mesmeric fingerpicking is a joy throughout.”

Friends in Long Island should be aware of an upcoming TV appearance from Gary & Jann on WLNY’s LIVE IT UP w/ Donna Drake.  

Gary received a Grammy nomination for co-writing “Spider Web” with Joan Osborne from her triple platinum album, RELISH. He co-wrote Jeff Buckley’s signature songs “Grace” and “Mojo Pin” from the singer’s double platinum album, GRACE. ROLLING STONE says Gary is “One of the best and most original guitarists in America…a modern guitar miracle.” Some of his collaborations with Jeff are now on Showtime’s ROADIES by Cameron Crowe, and their song “Grace” recently on YOU AND I, which charted on BILLBOARD at 57. Current releases: FLEISCHEREI: MUSIC FROM MAX FLEISCHER CARTOONS and PEARLY CLOUDS. Gary & Nona Hendryx will release THE WORLD OF CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, whom Gary worked with very closely.  

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya, South Africa and the United States, Jann Klose is writing with Ann Hampton Callaway, Renaissance’s Annie Haslam, and The Yardbirds’ Jim McCarty. He appears in the award-winning Australian feature documentary A VENUE FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (BrinkVision, USA). Most recently Jann scored the music for the award-winning short film THE BEAUTY OF DISASTER. His most recent album, MOSAIC won three 2014 Independent Music Awards and charted for several months on the AMA and Roots Rock charts. Jann will tour Germany, South Africa, and North America this year.

Gary and Jann both worked on the movie GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY (Tribeca Film/Focus/Universal). Jann is the singing voice of Tim Buckley, while Gary consulted and played guitar. Tony Award winner Frank Wood plays Gary in the film.

####  

 Read Dr. Michael Friedman’s interview with DeAngela Napier at www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brick-brick/201607/thinking-visually-deangela-napier

www.LucasKlose.com
www.GaryLucas.com
www.JannKlose.com
 

Watch NOBODY’S TALKING at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr9TDnt65Ag
 Stream STEREOPTICON at www.premierguitar.com/articles/24209-gary-lucas-sincerely-strange.

DeAngela Napier websites: www.thenapiernetwork.com
Professional Photography:  www.deangelanapier.com
Street Photography Blog:www.urbanblink.com
Music Blog: www.goodmusicperiod.com

6/22/16

Introducing: King Llama, Progressive Rock/Fusion Trio with New Album, RETURN TO OX on July 15

Los Angeles-based progressive rock/fusion trio King Llama is releasing its new album, RETURN TO OX on July 15 on the TTrain Music label. RETURN TO OX is a journey of instrumental compositions with stunningly-weaved elements of rock, jazz, funk, fusion, and hip-hop. With melodic sensibilities and ear-catching chops, favorite compositions include the precisely spry “Sensei,” the explosive bass-driven “Cap’n Mustard Hair,” the rebellious and emotive changes in “Smoking in Ergenzingen” and the introspective jazz journey “Blobo.”

RETURN TO OX is the combination of three instruments—bass, drums, guitars. King Llama’s music commands attention with its melodies, rhythms, and a big fat sound of gritty distorted bass tones mixed with classic wah wah guitar leads. There are complicated drum fills, odd meter and poly-rhythmic beats, coupled with dynamic changes of differing moods and styles. The overall sound is highly stimulating to the progressive and open-minded listener.

King Llama’s members—guitarist Ryan Tanner Bailey, drummer Luis Briones, and bass/baritone guitarist Nico Staub—are all fairly young; their influences come from a range of prog/fusion/eclectic stylings from the history of adventurous music. King Llama’s vibe, being quite original itself, seems to bring out moments reminiscent of King Crimson, Phish, Yes, and Rush.

Ryan, Luis and Nico are all originally self taught, and then they all had extensive training (both privately, and at professional institutions), most recently at Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, and in Nico's case, CAEMSA in Buenos Aires.

RETURN TO OX has a very live feel to it, as the band prides itself on its stage performance, and wanted to capture that on tape. "

Produced by King Llama and GRAMMY-winning producer/engineer Dave Schiffman (Mars Volta, System of a Down, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, nine inch nails…), the album showcases both musicianship and true ensemble spirit. It’s a fun listen for progressive rock and fusion fans.

Left to Right: Luis, Ryan and Nico

www.KingLlama.com
www.instagram.com/kingllamamusic
twitter.com/KingllamaMusic
www.facebook.com/KingllamaMusic

5/1/16

Highland School Orchestras to Perform with Electric Violinist, Joe Deninzon, May 4, in Medina, OH

  

Highland Middle School and Highland High School Orchestras will present two concerts on Wednesday, May 4 in the Highland High School Auditorium, featuring electric violinist and recording artist Joe Deninzon. The HMS Orchestra concert begins at 6:30 p.m.; and the HHS Orchestra concert begins at 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The program will include original songs by Deninzon, as well as some of his arrangements of popular songs from composers including Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon/Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Kurt Cobain and Muse’s Matthew Bellamy.    

Deninzon, the music world's expert on alternative violin techniques, will also lead a two-day workshop with Highland orchestra students, focusing on rock stylings and improvisation. A musician who transcends many genres, Deninzon has recorded and performed with a variety of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, Johnny Mathis, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, Jane Monheit, Robert Bonfiglio and President Bill Clinton. An active clinician, he has taught at Mark O’Connor’s renowned String Camp and Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp. He leads the band Stratospheerius, which was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. Additionally, he was awarded the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards. He is also a member of the classical hip hop Latin jazz string quartet, Sweet Plantain.  

The Highland Orchestras are under the direction of Mrs. Rachel Gamin who holds both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University and studied violin performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Under her leadership, the Highland Orchestra Program has grown from 41 students in 2009 to over 300 presently. The concert and workshops are made possible through the generous support of The Highland Foundation.

highlandschools.org

 

www.pawproject.org

IAN ANDERSON IN SUPPORT OF VETERINARIAN-SUPPORTED NEW YORK STATE DECLAW BAN

Ian Anderson, known throughout the world of rock music as the flutist and voice behind the legendary rock band, Jethro Tull, has joined the fight to end cat declawing in New York State. Anderson has always appreciated cats, and devotes time to the study and conservation of 26 species of small wildcats of the world.

On the declawing of cats, Anderson observes, “We humans have 10 fingernails. Pulling nails was (and still is) a popular form of torture. If a cat is four-paw declawed,” Anderson says, “that is 18 claws compared to 10 human nails – 1.8 times the pain.” The sight of a declawed cat in “acute discomfort, unable to walk properly, scratch itself, hunt, or play is not pretty.”

Anderson continues, “If you can afford a cat, you can afford a scratching post. Sprays and other humane scratching deterrents are also available.” Anderson warns, “Declawing? Don’t even think about it – don’t you dare.”

Declawing is common only in Canada and the United States. It is estimated that 25% of American cats (around 22,000,000 cats) have been declawed. Declawing is the amputation of each of the cat’s toes at the first knuckle. Declawing is illegal or considered unethical in much of the rest of the world. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK, where Anderson lives, considers declaw surgery an “unnecessary mutilation.”

The Paw Project, an international nonprofit dedicated to ending the inhumane practice of declawing, had been working with New York Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal to end declawing in New York. Rosenthal has authored and championed many laws in New York to protect animals from abuse. Rosenthal and the Paw Project, along with The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and over 130 licensed New York state veterinarians, are working to pass A.1297/S.5084 ( https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/a1297 ), the anti-declaw bill, which would be the first state-wide ban on declawing. In California, declawing is prohibited in eight cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. California has also outlawed the declawing of wild and exotic cats statewide.

Assemblywoman Rosenthal says, “Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull gave us music that a generation lived by. It's amazing and gratifying to see Anderson working to protect the lives of cats by helping to ban declawing in New York State. As an animal lover and defender, he understands that anyone who would declaw a cat must be 'thick as a brick.'"

Dr. Susan Whittred, Co-Director of Paw Project-NY, worked with Anderson in the ‘70s and ‘80s at Chrysalis Records, years before she fulfilled her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Whittred says “the artists and the record company all got along so well back then – now I think it is because underneath it all, we were all true animal lovers. I couldn’t be happier that Ian is lending his voice to this important cause. He recognizes that cats come with claws and they have a right to keep them.”

4/17/16

Strawbs - Hero and Heroine Tour 2016

www.strawbsweb.co.uk

Strawbs: frontman/guitarist David Cousins, guitarist/singer Dave Lambert, bassist Chas Cronk, drummer Tony Fernandez AND new member—keyboardist Dave Bainbridge.

Downloadable Flyer for Strawbs tour dates May 2016

In June 2015, ROLLING STONE named the Strawbs’ HERO AND HEROINE one of the 50 Greatest Prog albums of all time. Insightful writer Ryan Reed noted HERO AND HEROINE, as the bands “heaviest, most symphonic album,” and cited leader Dave Cousins’ “ambitious prose” as some of the album’s power.

Inspired by this new intention, ROSFest invited the Strawbs to headline its Festival on Friday, May 6 (the fest runs May 6-8), and the band’s booked a tour around it. North America has an amazing relationship with Strawbs, as the group has sold more records in the USA and Canada than anywhere. In the USA the band had seven consecutive albums in the Billboard Top 200.

Dave Cousins, founder member, has been described by All Music Guide as: “the most talented Dylan influenced songwriter to come out of England.” He recently released his long awaited, and critically acclaimed, autobiography Exorcising Ghosts: Strawbs and Other Lives. It was listed by ALLMUSICGUIDE writer Richie Unterberger in his “Top 10 of 2014 rock books.”

Strawbs are often mentioned in the same breath as progressive rock bands like Yes, King Crimson, and The Moody Blues. It is well-documented that Rick Wakeman left Strawbs for Yes. Rick was followed by Blue Weaver - who left Strawbs to join the Bee Gees, John Hawken – from the original Renaissance, Don Airey - now with Deep Purple, Adam Wakeman, and Oliver Wakeman, who, like his father, left Strawbs to join Yes!

Strawbs emerged out of the British Folk Movement of the mid-1960s, starting life as the Strawberry Hill Boys playing bluegrass. They moved into the mainstream in 1967 by making the first Strawbs album, All Our Own Work, with Sandy Denny, a full year before she recorded her first album with Fairport Convention. The album attracted the attention of A&M Records in Hollywood who signed Strawbs as the first British band on the label.

Strawbs albums Hero & Heroine, Bursting At The Seams, Ghosts, and Grave New World define the music. The current Strawbs line-up comprises Dave Cousins, lead guitarist Dave Lambert, bass player Chas Cronk, and drummer Tony Fernandez, who has been in the Strawbs for the last 10 years and was first in the band in the 1970s (and Rick Wakeman’s drummer for 35 years). They are joined by keyboard virtuoso Dave Bainbridge of Iona, a band whose mystical blend of rock, folk, Celtic and ambient music has endeared them to audiences across Europe and North America for the last 25 years.

STRAWBS 2016 U.S TOUR DATES

May 5 Towne Crier, Beacon NY
May 6 ROSfest, Gettysburg PA
May 7 Sellersville Theater, Sellersville PA (afternoon and evening shows)
May 10 BB King’s, New York City, NY
May 11 Strand Centre for Arts, Lakewood NJ
May 12 Mohegan Sun/Wolf Den, Uncasville CT
May 13 YMCA Boulton Centre, Bay Shore NY
May 14 St Ann’s Hall, Wilmington DE
May 15 Ukranian Cultural Center, Whippany NJ
May 17 Rams Head, Annapolis MD
May18 AMP by Strathmore, N. Bethesda MD
May 20 Arcade Theater, St Charles IL
May 22 Turner Hall, Milwaukee MN
May 24 Music Box Supper Club, Cleveland OH
May 25 Lovin Cup, Rochester NY
May 26 Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton MA

Strawbs shows receive rave reviews:

“Like a Ray Davies steeped in Arthurian folklore and rustic reverie, David Cousins’ visionary talents are to the fore conjuring up a mythical canvas of Albion awakening.” —Uncut – September 2008

“Tell me what you see in me revealed it to be a virtual blueprint for the harmonies and arrangements of the entire Styx catalogue. Oh how she changed, similarly, sounded like a vocal model for latter day bands like Fleet Foxes.” —Schenectady Times Union – September 2010

“The songwriting was phenomenal, and the way the trio embellished sublime melodies with supreme harmonies and incredible instrumentation made their performance unforgettable. In fact, I repeatedly thought “music just isn’t this good anymore”.” — Philadelphia Examiner – September 2011

“Dave Cousins shows himself as a brilliant and original songwriter….”—Classic Rock – September 2012

“From beginning to end, this veteran group put to shame bands a third their age with the majesty of their arrangements, the craftsmanship of their tunes and lyrics, which remain as socially relevant as they were decades ago. The band’s vocal harmonies at this stage of their career are tighter and soar higher than anything Crosby, Stills and Nash ever did.” — New York Music Daily – September 2012

“Spellbinding guitar interplay, with countless alternative tunings to create the drone effect so evident in The Strawbs’ music, was the hallmark of an evening which provided far more than a dose of nostalgia. Whether you lean towards the folk or the prog it matters little . . . plugged in or not, the Strawbs are the juiciest, tastiest fruit you’re ever likely to hear.” — Swindon Echo – October 2014

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3/28/16

Gary Lucas & Jann Klose’s New Music Video FAIR WEATHER & 4 STARS in MOJO

Guitarist & Singer Available For Interviews On What MOJO Magazine Calls Their “Peculiar Potent Chemistry”

Urban Americana duo Gary Lucas & Jann Klose are celebrating the great weather with their new music video, “Fair Weather.”

Meteorologist Dan Skof, who sometimes raps as MC Cumulus on his weather forecasts on  Northwest Arkansas’ NBC affiliate KNWA, says he "digs" the song, “Love the chorus when the harmony kicks in! Nice play on words too. it really isn't about the weather, but a "fair weathered friend!" I love the feel of the video too, feels very much like New York (obviously since it was shot in New York).”

The “Fair Weather” video was created by DeAngela Napier, who has produced and directed other Gary & Jann videos. The video combines footage of the musicians’ hometown with favorite photos of them in concert. Watch “Fair Weather” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDe9xLk-q3g.

“Fair Weather” appears on Gary & Jann’s album, STEREOPTICON (Cosmic Trigger/The Orchard). MOJO gives STEREOPTICON 4 STARS and states, “There is a peculiar potent chemistry at work here…Stylistically STEREOPTICON marries a roots blues approach with echoes of acoustic Zeppelin and flashes of refined pop songwriting craft.”


Gary Lucas & Jann Klose are traveling musicians based in New York City. Gary just came back from Mexico, and Jann from California. In a few weeks, on Monday April 18, Jann will perform in Nashville at the Nashville Film Festival’s “Will Gray Blueprint” after-party for Will’s film, BROKE, sponsored by The Listening Room Cafe. Gary will be in Chicago at City Winery’s Downtown Sedar.  

Gary & Jann reconvene later in the month to perform at the CDO (Chief Digital Officers) Conference at the Reuters Building in Times Square, New York City on April 27. On April 30, the two head out to the Hamptons to help kick off new summer concerts happening this year at the Stephen Talkhouse.

Gary received a Grammy nomination for co-writing “Spider Web” with Joan Osborne from her triple platinum album, RELISH. He co-wrote Jeff Buckley’s signature songs “Grace” and “Mojo Pin” from the singer’s double platinum album, GRACE. ROLLING STONE says Gary is “One of the best and most original guitarists in America…a modern guitar miracle.” He just received the Premio Ciampi Lifetime Achievement Award in Italy, named for one of Italy’s most famous songwriters. In 2014, Gary received the Ambassador’s Award for Cultural Diplomacy from the U.S. Consul General in Milan Ambassador Philip T. Reeker. His long-awaited GARY LUCAS’ FLEISCHEREI: MUSIC FROM MAX FLEISCHER CARTOONS will be released on Cuneiform in February 2016. He is currently collaborating with Steve Kilbey (The Church), and Chris Shinn (new lead singer of Live), and was (Fall 2015) Music Director of “State of Grace,” a multi-artist Australian tour that paid tribute to Tim and Jeff Buckley.

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya, South Africa and the United States, Jann Klose is currently collaborating with Ann Hampton Callaway, Renaissance’s Annie Haslam, Hall & Oates’ John Oates and The Yardbirds’ Jim McCarty. ) He appears in the award-winning Australian feature documentary A VENUE FOR THE END OF THE WORLD just released on BrinkVision, USA.  In 2015 Jann and his music appeared in the short film THE BEAUTY OF DISASTER (Glimmer Girl, USA). His most recent album, MOSAIC won three 2014 Independent Music Awards and charted for several months on the AMA and Roots Rock charts.


Gary and Jann both worked on the movie GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY (Tribeca Film/Focus/Universal). Jann is the singing voice of Tim Buckley, while Gary consulted and played guitar. Tony Award winner Frank Wood plays Gary in the film. 



 www.LucasKlose.com www.LucasKlose.com
“Fair Weather" Music Video

3/26/16

Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull) Returns to the States for More North American Tour Dates

www.MartinBarre.com
Twitter.com/TullGuitarist

Martin Barre is returning to North America to perform more shows this April. Look for concerts in New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. More dates this fall in September and October. Some of them are confirmed below.

For the past five years Martin has toured the world with his own band to play the "classic" music from the Jethro Tull catalogue, and also many new tracks written by Martin from his albums AWAY WITH WORDS and ORDER OF PLAY, plus his latest album, BACK TO STEEL. BACK TO STEEL will be released in North America later this year on 71st Street Music.

For 43 years Martin Barre was the renowned guitarist of Jethro Tull, and his role in the band cannot be overestimated. Bruce Eder wrote on allmusic.com, “His playing has provided much of the energy that allows the band to soar on record and in concert.”

His unique sound and style contributed enormously to their success, which includes several chart topping albums, eleven gold and five platinum albums, a Grammy Award for CREST OF A KNAVE in 1988, and album sales exceeding 60 million units. Tull continues to be played worldwide, representing an important part of classic rock history.

Martin’s band features lead singer/guitarist Dan Crisp, drummer George Lindsay, bass player Alan Thomson. All members are committed to giving the Tull fans and a broader audience the chance to hear tracks not performed for many years with a few surprises along the way, as well as classic covers of a variety of folks, this past fall were songs by Porcupine Tree and Warren Haynes.

Blogcritics’ Jon Sobel caught the Martin Barre Band vibe in the intimate Rockwood Music Hall, and called them a “‘bar band’ in the best possible sense: The musicians were approachable and communicative, and looked and sounded like they were having a blast. Other moments felt like a badass progressive rock concert.“

Emily Clark of Plymouth, MA’s Wicked Local was stunned by Martin’s presence, “He can do all intricate fingering, lace melody on top of melody and play lightning fast. But what he does that sets him apart is his on-the-spot arrangement of songs, his crafting of melodies that are truly beautiful and not just a case of show-off athletics and his understanding of when to shut up and when to roar…His love affair is with this song, not himself.”


Martin Barre-Confirmed North American Tour Dates


April 10 B.B. King Blues Club, New York NY

April 11 Ram's Head, Annapolis, MD  

April 12 Tim McLoones Supper Club, Asbury Park, NJ 

April 21 Infinity Hall, Hartford CT

April 22 Mexicali Live, Teaneck NJ 
April 23 Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore PA 
April 26 Martyrs Live, Chicago

April 28 Daryl's House Club, Pawling NY 

April 29 Hanover Theatre, Worcester MA 

April 30 Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury MA 

September 7 Parker Press Park, Woodbridge NJ 
September 8 Natick Center For The Arts, Natick MA
September 9 Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River MA 

September 10 & 11 Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry NH

September 13 & 14 Lovin Cup Bistro & Brews, Rochester NY
September 15 Sportsmens Tavern, Buffalo NY

September 16 The Dock, Ithaca NY
September 30 Reggies Night Club, Chicago IL

October 1 The Warehouse, Carmel IN 

October 2 & 3 Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza, Worthington OH
October 7 Jonathan's Music Hall, Maine 

October 8 Spruce Peak Performing Arts, Vermont
October 14 River Club Music Hall, Scituate MA
October 15 The Iron Horse, Northampton, MA

October 21 Penns Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA

October 28 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI

October 29 & 30 The Dakota, Minneapolis MN

Live performances including Tull songs, intriguing covers by the Beatles and Robert Johnson

1/25/16

Renowned electric violinist Joe Deninzon Joins SEE 1 Rock Orchestra (Students From The Sycamore School System in the School’s Rock Orchestra) Live on February 19th.

LOCATION INFO:
Sycamore Junior High School
5757 Cooper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 686-1760

Sycamore High School
7400 Cornell Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
(513) 686-1770

Contact: Sycamore Community Schools: Mallory Bonbright |  bonbrightm@sycamoreschools.org.

Contact: Joe Deninzon: Anne Leighton: 718-881-8183 | anne@anneLeighton.com

Renowned electric violinist Joe Deninzon Joins SEE 1 Rock Orchestra (Students From The Sycamore School System in the School’s Rock Orchestra) Live on February 19th. (Media avails from Deninzon & the School’s Conductor David Smarelli)

SEE 1 Rock Orchestra of the Sycamore Community Schools will be presenting contemporary hits by the Weekend, One Republic, Muse, classics by Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Van Halen, and the Allman Brothers, plus some of Joe Deninzon’s original music at Sycamore High School, in  Cincinnati, OH on February 19th at 7 pm. 
Admission is $10. Tickets will be at the door.
The school’s phone number is (513) 686-1760.
  The website is sycamoreschools.org. Tickets are available on www.SBOB.org through the online store.

Other activities will take place on February 18th, including workshops with students from both Sycamore’s Junior and Senior High Schools. Workshops run 8:15 am through 11:20 am at the High School and Junior High. 

Sycamore Electric Ensemble (also known as SEE 1) is Cincinnati’s first high school rock orchestra. Formed in 2003, SEE 1 is composed of electric string instruments along with traditional "garage band" instruments. SEE 1 has collaborated with national fiddling champion Alex DePue, Mark Wood, internationally known electric violinist and Emmy-winning composer and Christian Howes, internationally known jazz and rock violinist. The concert will feature a professional light show.  

Directing The SEE 1 Rock Orchestra is founder David Smarelli, now in his 27th year as the Director of Orchestras, and a strings teacher for the Sycamore Community Schools.  His musical credits include conducting the Ohio Northern University String Ensemble and the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra (where he also served as music director).

In Cincinnati, David performs regularly with the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, and has guest conducted on several occasions. He currently is the assistant concertmaster with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. He has played violin in the Lima Symphony Orchestra, the Lima Symphony Chamber Players and—there—served as Co-Concertmaster and performed as a soloist. 

Under his direction, David’s school orchestras have received local and statewide recognition, performing at numerous Ohio Music Education events, Disney World, and in Chicago and Washington D.C. including a performance on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on acoustic and electric seven-string violin.  A musician who transcends many genres, Joe has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, and Ritchie Blackmore, and performed for President Clinton. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.  

Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, and a member of the Latin Jazz string quartet, Sweet Plantain, which tours extensively. Mel Bay books has published  his book/CD/DVD "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." In 2016, Joe debuted “Dream Diary: Concerto for Seven-String Electric Violin and Orchestra” with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, and world renown violinist Rachel Barton Pine debuted Joe’s composition “The Electric Lake of Soul” at Interlochen Music Festival.

Joe is a 14-time BMI Jazz Composer’s grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. 

He has taught rock violin at Mark O’Connor’s String Camp and teaches at Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp, and has made repeated appearances performing with harmonica legend Robert Bonfiglio at the Grand Canyon Music Festival, where Joe co-founded the Grand Canyon School of Rock in 2006, an annual program for local high school students. He also has been involved in the Native American Composers Apprenticeship Project (NACAP), which won the President's award from the National Endowment for the Arts. He continues to travel throughout the world as an on-demand clinician and performer.   

Downloadable flyer to share with friends in Cincinnati and Louisville.

1/22/16

Blackmore's Night U.S. Shows August 2016

www.blackmoresnight.com
www.facebook.com/blackmoresnightofficial
Blackmore’s Night will be touring in North America this Summer. Look for shows this August in Ridgefield, CT; Arlington, MA, Stroudsburg, PA, and in Wilmington, DE.

Blackmore's Night features legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, award winning vocalist Candice Night and their band of Minstrels:

• Bard David of Larchmont - keyboards
• Earl Grey of Chimay - bass, mandolin, rhythm guitar 
• Troubadour of Aberdeen - drums, percussion 
• Lady Christina  harmony vocals 
• Scarlet Fiddler - violin 

Blackmore's Night is an eclectic musical Renaissance Rock group.

Their unique blend of Renaissance themed melodies and some medieval instrumentation is blended with the contemporary sounds of guitars, keyboards, violin and percussion. They transverse time to take you on a musical journey without the stress of today’s tech world into a musical adventure that spans centuries of musical styles.combined with the ethereal vocals and charming legends and fairytale lyrics of Candice Night- it is a fun filled concert suitable for all ages. Many of their fans come dressed in garb or Renaissance costumes to add to the festivities of the evening.

Blackmore’s Night is a true musical and spiritual collaboration between vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Candice Night and her husband, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. The two met in 1989 when Deep Purple challenged Candice’s then radio station to a charity soccer match.  In 1993 she sang on Rainbow’s DIFFICULT TO CURE tour. They co-wrote four songs for Rainbow’s STRANGER IN US ALL and in 1997 they formed Blackmore’s Night; they continue to play in castles, opera houses, old theaters and UNESCO sites around the globe.

Blackmore’s Night’s current album, ALL OUR YESTERDAYS spent 12 weeks in the top 10 of Billboards New Age Charts.

BLACKMORE’S NIGHT SUMMER 2016 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES  

Friday, August 12 – Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT
Sunday, August 14 – Regent Theatre –Arlington, MA
Friday, August 19 – Sherman Theater – Stroudsburg, PA
Sunday, August 21 РWorld Caf̩ Live: The Queen РWilmington, DE

 

1/7/16

Gary Lucas & Jann Klose's STEREOPTICON In Digital Stores Now

Guitarist Gary Lucas and singer Jann Klose’s new album, STEREOPTICON is now out on Cosmic Trigger Records/The Orchard. This is a songwriter’s album, probably most at home with fans of AAA, indie, acoustic folk-pop/“urban Americana” music.

Also active songwriters, Gary and Jann collaborated on songs over the past three years. Their friend Dan Beck, who has written with Dion DiMucci, the Iron City Houserockers, Felix Cavaliere, joined them as lyricist on 6 songs. In September 2014 and June 2015, Jann and Gary recorded 10 songs at New York City’s premiere analog studio The Maid’s Room.

STEREOPTICON can be found on all digital stores, including iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stereopticon/id1065240432 and on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018ZPIXGE.

DCRocks’ David Hintz writes about the album, "This is quite an exciting collaboration that makes a lot of sense. Lucas is more the veteran creative songsmith and Klose the younger, though well beyond rookie status, singer songwriter. They both understand the trippier original aspects to song structures with Lucas’ resume bordering on unbelievable as he has worked with Captain Beefheart, Peter Hammill, and Bryan Ferry.”

Music writer Arthur Levy posts of seeing Gary and Jann live at the Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 in New York City, “Memorable night indeed, the Gary and Jann project exceeded all expectations, and what a great little music room.”

STEREOPTICON is produced by Jann, Gary, and Dan, who call themselves “Dr. Tre.” The album was engineered by Jack McKeever (Joan As Police Woman, Anna & Kate McGarrigle) and Jason Candler (Queen Esther), who also plays soprano sax on “Nobody’s Talking” and tenor sax on "Well of Loneliness." STEREOPTICON was mastered by Ben Kesler (Robert Randolph and the Family Band).     

Gary’s co-written hits with Joan Osborne: “Spider Web,” and Jeff Buckley’s signature songs “Grace” and “Mojo Pin” from the singer’s double platinum album, GRACE. He’s worked extensively with Captain Beefheart. ROLLING STONE says Gary is, "One of the best and most original guitarists in America...a modern guitar miracle.” He just received the Premio Ciampi Lifetime Achievement Award in Italy, named for one of Italy's most famous songwriters. In 2014, Gary received the Ambassador's Award for Cultural Diplomacy from the US Consul General of Milan. His long-awaited GARY LUCAS’ FLEISCHEREI: MUSIC FROM MAX FLEISCHER CARTOONS is now available on Cuneiform Records. He is currently collaborating with Steve Kilbey (The Church), and Chris Shinn (new lead singer of Live), and was (this fall) Music Director of "State of Grace,” a multi-artist Australian tribute to Tim and Jeff Buckley.

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya, South Africa and the United States, Jann Klose is currently collaborating with Ann Hampton Callaway, Renaissance’s Annie Haslam, Hall & Oates’ John Oates and The Yardbirds’ Jim McCarty. In 2015 Jann and his music appeared in the short film THE BEAUTY OF DISASTER (Glimmer Girl, USA) and the award-winning Australian feature documentary A VENUE FOR THE END OF THE WORLD (BrinkVision, USA). His most recent album, MOSAIC won three 2014 Independent Music Awards and charted for several months on the AMA and Roots Rock charts.

Gary and Jann both worked on the movie GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY (Tribeca Film/Focus/Universal). Jann is the singing voice of Tim Buckley, while Gary consulted and played guitar. Tony Award winner Frank Wood plays Gary in the film. 

####  

SECRET WINGS music video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvNeh8ozt_I&list=PL1385B6196B218BDD

www.LucasKlose.com
www.GaryLucas.com 
www.JannKlose.com
Contact: Anne Leighton, 718-881-8183 Anne@AnneLeighton.com
Dan Beck: Dan@bighonchomedia.com