“Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” By Brian Tarquin & his Heavy Friends

  

Lifting up our veterans through music is something that Brian Tarquin & his Heavy Friends will do until there are no more wars. Brian’s friends include superhero musicians that love working with him on a number of albums he’s released from hard rock to jazz over the past (20) years). “‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” (out January 19, on Downtown Music/Dashgo Distribution) honors military soldiers who defend our freedoms. I wanted a true star-studded musician tribute of soaring instrumental songs. So, I was very fortune to get such iconic players as Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford and Steve Morse to help me express our gratitude.”

A heavy and glorious fusion-prog collection, “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” is Brian and his friends (Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford (Miles Davis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Dean Brown (David Sanborn), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth), John Tropea (Billy Cobham), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) & Larry McCray (John Mayall), the late Phil Naro, and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra) latest collaborative album. “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” mission is to support the charity, Hope For The Warriors, who provide medical care, mental health counseling, professional training and education, physical conditioning and transition services for wounded, ill, and injured Marines and Navy members. https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

“Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” Special Donation Page:

https://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/Beyond-The-Warriors-Eyes

The album “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” was produced, engineered and composed entirely by Brian Tarquin. Well-connected with star musicians, he is a one-man army playing all instruments except drums where studio drummer Reggie Pryor lends his services. The album was recorded in Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios on 2” analog tape through a vintage Trident London 24 console and a host of analog outboard gear. Brian transferred the recording to either Pro Tools or Logic, finishing the recording digitally. He lastly recorded all final mixes down to an Ampex 440C ¼” 2 track analog tape.  Tape Op Interview on process: https://tapeop.com/interviews/158/brian-tarquin/

What about some of the “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” tracks? “Behind the Iron Curtain” with Chris Poland is a thundering and glorious orchestration of guitar playing. Chris loves working with Brian, “This particular project I felt was a bit more important. Here we honor our veterans for their courage and sacrifice.”

Jean Luc Ponty was inspired to play his electric violin on the album, when he heard the title track, “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes.” Steve Morse and John Tropea soloed and blended their lead guitars on a dreamy yet danceable instrumental, “Faith & Hope.”  The combination of guitar work from multi-genre-rocker Eric Johnson and fusion’s Dean Brown on “The Gates of Valhalla” is an upbeat and magical journey that takes the listener away from his or her troubles.

The album closes with a song, “These Colors Don’t Run,” which pays tribute to our soldiers. The late Phil Naro sings on this with guitar from Steve Morse, who gives “kudos to Phil for his vocal performance, and add that he loves working with Brian, who “is a great guy to work with and is very versatile at all parts of this music business.” 

The Emmy award winning guitarist/composer has radio hits in several formats as Smooth Jazz, NACC Loud Rock & CMJ’s RPM charts.  He’s had songs on major TV shows and popular movies including CSI, Seinfeld, Good Morning America, The Watcher (Keanu Reeves), Desert Heat (Van Damme), The Sender (R. Lee Ermey), and National Lampoon’s Repli-Kate (Ali Landry)…. He’s won 3 Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” for All My Children, a Global Music Award, honors from SESAC and a number of nominations from the Josie Music Awards for best guitarist, producer and album. Brian has appeared on 50 releases, has 38 million streams on Pandora, Spotify & Apple: selling over 140,000 records in his career. Brian is an award-winning published Author; below is a list of his books. 

Brian and Joe Satriani won “Best Video” for “Speed of Sound” from the recent “Brothers in Arms” album and a Global Music Gold Award for his release “Orlando In Heaven,” put together to pay tribute to the victims shot at the Pulse Nightclub in 2016.    

Brian’s weekly NPR radio show called Guitar Trax on WFIT 89.5FM (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFIT)  on the Florida Space Coast is streamed on www.wfit.org. He hosts in depth interviews with world-renowned guitarists every Monday night from 10pm-Midnight.

Track Listing

01    “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” w/ Jean Luc-Ponty

02     “The Gates of Valhalla” w/ Eric Johnson & Dean Brown

03    “Quiet Desperation” w/ Robben Ford

04    “Behind the Iron Curtain” w/ Chris Poland

05     “Faith & Hope” w/ Steve Morse & John Tropea

06     “A Soldier’s Journey” w/ Steve Kindler & Budapest Symphony Orchestra

07    “La Sierre Del Norte” w/ Carl Verheyen

08     “Common Valor” w/ Larry McCray

09     “These Colors Don’t Run” w/ Steve Morse & Phil Naro

Quotes from Artists on “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes”

Jean Luc Ponty: “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” is the song that inspired me the most to play on when Brian asked me to collaborate on his album, and I am very happy to be part of this project to help U.S. Veterans get what they need.                  

Hal Lindes (Dire Straits)  Brian Tarquin’s superb latest offering is brimming with fresh, funky, killer grooves and majestic soaring guitar melodies featuring French virtuoso violinist Jean Luc Ponty, shredding it up on “Beyond The Warrior Eyes.”

 Chris Poland (Megadeth): It's always my pleasure to play on anything Brian brings my way, but this particular project I felt was a bit more important. Here we honor our veterans for their courage and sacrifice.

Steve Morse (Deep Purple): Brian is a great guy to work with and is very versatile at all parts of this music business. Kudos to Phil Naro, coming up with another great vocal part for “These Colors Don't Run”!                                                                

Carl Verheyen (Supertramp): Collaborating on “La Sierra del Norte” with Brian was a joy. The challenge was to play as melodic as possible in 6/8 time with a completely different tone than the melody.  

Dean Brown (David Sanborn): Brian has put together a stellar group of guitarists and provided wonderful vehicles for creative improvisation. I'm thrilled to be a part of the project and this worthy cause.                                                                    

Note: Tarquin is pronounced  -- “Tar – quin”     

linktr.ee/guitartrax
www.bhpmusic.com

Brian Tarquin
Multi Emmy Award Winning Composer/Guitarist

Press Links:
Vintage Guitar Magazine just did a spread on Brian in the April edition.
https://www.vintageguitar.com/56401/brian-tarquin-3/

Music Connection
https://www.musicconnection.com/industry-profile-brian-tarquin-shredding-for-u-s-vets-and-victims/

Big Blend Magazine
https://issuu.com/bigblendmagazines/docs/_2big_weekly_blend_magazine_vol._1_issue_18_no

Books By Brian Tarquin

Survival Guide for Music Composers (Hal Leonard) - 2018 USA Best Book Winner Award 

Guitar Encyclopedia (Allworth Press) - 2014 USA Best Book Winner Award 

Guitar Amplifier Encyclopedia (Allworth Press) - 2017 USA Best Book Finalist Award 

Stomp on This: The Guitar Pedal Effects Guidebook (Cengage) - 2015 USA Best Book Finalist Award 

Insider’s Guide to Home Recording (Allworth Press) - 2015 USA Best Book Finalist Award 

Insider’s Guide to Music Licensing (Allworth Press) - 2014 USA Best Book Finalist Award 

Recording Techniques of the Guitar Masters (Cengage) interviews with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson.

Brian Tarquin and fellow composers Terry Walker and Jerry Pilato won Emmys for their work in General Hospital in 2002, 2003, 2005  

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Thinking of Bad Jaki and Good Jacquie

New poem inspired by KISS rocking Madison Square Garden and all the big promo; they deserved the whole KISS-up of the Empire State Building.

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Thinking of Bad Jaki and Good Jacquie: Bad Jaki and I painted basements In Summer of ‘75 She taught me to sing “Rock and roll all night And party everyday” While I did most of the...

You Hold My Soul - Nicole Bacher

I love when my Toastmasters' friends listen to my artists' music. At the meeting, our club President mentioned this song as one of his favorites. Therefore, this is one of the songs I'm plugging this month and in January.  

“Peace A Dream” a New Single & Music Video from Robeone

(Note: “Robeone” pronounced “Row-B-One”) 

“Peace A Dream” is the first single and music video from the 8^th and upcoming solo record from Robert Schindler (Robeone). Robert is signed to Transglobal Records (The Orchard/Sony). 

Robeone’s goal with his composition, “Peace A Dream” is to bring peace of mind in these troubling times. The Video and music are meant to carry you away to a peaceful place even just for a few minutes.”

Paul Miritello praises “Peace A Dream” on YouTube, “What a wonderful piece of music, puts me in a tranquil mood but with a bit of excitement thrown in for good measure!! The landscape images and music meld together perfectly like a beautiful little song book, fantastic work indeed Robert!!!”

Recently Robert performed at the ProgStock music festival to support The Bob Moog Foundation. Robert’s last video, “Hollow,” from his most recent album, “Dream Suite,” won first Prog UK Magazine’s Video of The Week.

Robert’s also been busy as a member of Red32 on Melodic Revolution Records and Tony Romero’s Vortex Zen, plus Joe Mac’s American Garage.  (MRR Records). As a keyboardist, Robert’s played live with artists and bands including States, Mayson, Blue Angel, Ruth Copeland, Ronnie Spector, Rhett Tyler.  His studio work has included working with Johnny Nash, Star Cruiser, Rian Adkinson.  Robert wrote and composed “The Fiery Narrows-Following The Path of John Charles Fremont,” which received “The Filmmaker’s Choice Award” in Wyoming Short Film contest. (View it at youtube.com/watch?v=-Ap5vZikS6s ).   

Kwanzaa’s Pure Light” Holiday Music With Educational Purpose

“Kwanzaa’s Pure Light is simply beautiful. A joyous celebration for all.”

-Debra Ann Byrd, Founder & Producing Artistic Director, Harlem Shakespeare Festival  

“Kwanzaa’s Pure Light,” a new song for Kwanzaa (December 26, 2023-January 1, 2024) is available now on all major digital platforms, starting August 25, 2023. With original music by Gail C. Bluestone and lyrics from her sister, Eileen Bluestone Sherman, “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light,” features performances of multi-award winning artists in a range of genres: Afrobeat, Gospel, Jazz, Spoken Word, and Classical Choral Music.

“Gail and I come from the world of musical theater, where every genre of music is embraced. We love surprising the audience,” smiles Eileen, whose past work was honored with the Emmy Award. “For ‘Kwanzaa’s Pure Light,’ it was like cooking up a delectable musical gumbo that purposely defies labels.”  

Also serving as music producer, Sherman pulled together a creative team that features the exquisite gospel vocals of Yocontalie Jackson, whose live performances have commanded “standing room only” audiences throughout the US and Europe. Percussionist extraordinaire Keith “Wildchild” Middleton shares the spotlight; he’s perfected his own artistry as a featured performer, touring the world in the theatrical phenomenon STOMP. Jazz pro Alex Otey, who has contributed to a number of Grammy-honored recordings, co-arranged “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light” with Jackson and Middleton, weaving their distinct musical signatures with this unique instrumental arrangement. In tune with the season, he plays flugelhorn on this recording. 

Joining the performance team are Italy’s renown Jazz pianist, Jacopo Mazza, and the versatile bassist and leader of the new “fusion” band, Satyrdagg, Mowgli Giannitti. The Jennifer Tibbetts Singers, a New York based youth choir, under the direction of the award-winning educator and chorus director, Jennifer Tibbetts, wrap the performance together with group harmony.

Upon hearing the song, directors from the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligous Understanding Education Program noted, “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light’ is a joyful, informative resource for schools that will help ensure that students of all backgrounds feel included during the holiday season.” Sherman explains, “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light’ was written specifically for kids’ choirs to perform at their holiday concerts. Our song is for every child, everywhere, every holiday season.”

 “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light,” is a welcome addition to the airwaves and playlists around the globe over the winter holidays. For those who celebrate Kwanzaa it’s the perfect way to celebrate any holiday festivity. For those learning about Kwanzaa for the first time, the song is an informative teaching tool. A purposeful gift.

“Kwanzaa’s Pure Light,” also is featured on the new children’s album, Arise Together - Children of the World (OLF Global Foundation), produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, Kevin Mackie, and award-winning film producer, Rupam Sarmah. The Arise Together album promotes awareness for “Ability in Disability, Inclusion, and Diversity” and features youth choirs from Ukraine, Uganda, India, Mexico, Cuba, Mexico, the U.K. and the United States.  

“Kwanzaa’s Pure Light”  www.ebsoriginals.com/kpl-stream

Kwanzaa’s Pure Light
 
LEAD: Matunda Ya Kwanzaa,
First fruits in Swahili,
Inspired the name – Kwanzaa
Come celebrate
With stories and songs
Poems and dance
All to the Rhythm of African Drums
For Seven Nights
 
Rejoice
 
Reflect
 
Recall, Dr. Maulana Karenga
Who founded Kwanzaa on these Seven Principles.   

LEAD: Umoja
CHOIR (Response): Unity  
LEAD: Kujichagulia  
Full Choir Response: Self Determination
LEAD: Ujima
CHOIR (Response): Collective Work
                                  And Responsibility
LEAD: Ujamaa
CHOIR (Response): Cooperative Economics
LEAD: Nia
CHOIR (Response): Purpose  
LEAD:: Kuumba
CHOIR (Response): Creativity
LEAD: Imani
CHOIR (Response): Faith……..
 
LEAD:  Candles aglow burn steady and slow
             Sparkling in Red, Black, and Green
             Flickering lights for seven bright nights
             A colorful holiday scene
 
CHOIR: Come and Celebrate
LEAD: Seven Principles to heed
 seven values we need
Cooperation, Creativity     
CHOIR: Seven Principles
LEAD: Celebrate Community, Purpose, Faith, and Unity
Self-Determination, Responsibility
CHOIR: Seven Principles 
 
LEAD: Kwanzaa’s pure light reminds us each night 
            Hold dear to our African past
 
CHOIR: Come and Celebrate
 
LEAD: Come and rejoice, sing out in full voice
            We gather together at last.
 
CHOIR: Come and Celebrate
 
LEAD: Seven Principles to heed,
Seven values we need
Cooperation, Creativity
CHOIR: Seven Principles
LEAD: Celebrate Community, Purpose, Faith and Unity
Self-Determination, Responsibility
CHOIR: Seven Principles
 
 LEAD:  Celebrate harvest
 Lead &Choir: While little ones dance
 LEAD:  Babies are fast asleep.
CHOIR: Come and Celebrate   
LEAD:  Elders tell more
              Of what came before                    
              Our culture has roots that run deep.
CHOIR: Come and Celebrate

LEAD: Umoja………………percussion responds
LEAD: Kujichagulia………..percussion responds
LEAD: Ujima……………….percussion responds
LEAD: Ujamaa……………...percussion responds
LEAD: Nia…………………..percussion responds
LEAD: Kuumba……………..percussion responds
LEAD: Imani………………..percussion responds
 
(Instrumental interlude)
 
CHOIR:  (with LEAD ad-lib above)
Kwanzaa’s pure light reminds us each night 
Hold dear to our African past. 
Come and rejoice, sing out in full voice
We gather together at last.
 Ah  Ah  Ah  Ah 
 
LEAD: Let’s Celebrate  . 
CHOIR: Ah
LEAD:  Let’s Celebrate 
LEAD: Come and Celebrate Kwanzaa with me. Celebrate Kwanzaa with me.
CHOIR: Come and Cel- Celebrate Kwanzaa
 
LEAD: Come and Celebrate Kwanzaa with me. Celebrate Kwanzaa with me.
CHOIR: Come and Cel- Celebrate Kwanzaa
 
LEAD: Come and Celebrate Kwanzaa with me. Celebrate Kwanzaa with me.
CHOIR: Come and Cel- Celebrate Kwanzaa.
 
LEAD: Come and Celebrate Kwanzaa with me. Celebrate Kwanzaa with me.
CHOIR: Come and Cel-Celebrate KWANZAA!
 
© 2023 Gail Bluestone, Eileen Bluestone Sherman,
All Rights Reserved

 
CREDITS
Lyrics by Eileen Bluestone Sherman/ Music by Gail C. Bluestone
Vocal Arrangement by Alex Otey & Yocontalie Jackson
Percussion Arrangement by Keith Middleton
Instrumental Arrangement by Alex Otey
Lead Vocalist: Yocontalie Jackson with The Jennifer Tibbetts Singers
Youth Choir Director: Jennifer Tibbetts
Youth Choir Members: Chianne Warthen, Juliet Rand, Lily Wasoski, Sahana Nagula, Scarlett Phillips, Ty’lah Singleton, Zoe Schuldenfrei
Percussion: Keith Middleton and Yocontalie Jackson
Piano: Jacopo Mazza
Flugelhorn: Alex Otey
Bass: Mowgli Ginannitti
Engineers: Benjamin Arrindell & Jack Schlandt Recorded at Old Mill Road Recording in East Arlington, Vermont
Old Mill Road Recording Interns Summer 2023 Benjamin Strait, Tucker Beaudoin
Recording Engineer: Sean Swinney, Recorded at Sean Swinney Recording in New York City
Website Designer: Craig Light
Photographer/ Videographer: Lívia Sá
Produced by Eileen Bluestone Sherman
Recording Label: EBS Originals
https://www.ebsoriginals.com/kwanzaas-pure-light 

“Folsom Prison Blues” by The Grammy® Nominated Band, The String Revolution & Tommy Emmanuel

The String Revolution and Tommy Emmanuel’s fans are cheering them on, because their instrumental arrangement of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” is nominated for a Grammy® Award for best arrangement (instrumental or acapella).

The Australian-born superstar guitarist posted on his social media this past Friday, “So honored to get a Grammy® nomination with The String Revolution!!”

The String Revolution’s Janet Robin, Markus Illko, and Rober Luis are thrilled as well. Janet says, “the true reward lies in the opportunity to share music with all of you. Music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring us together…. Thank you to fellow Grammy members for supporting our band The String Revolution, and for being a part of this incredible adventure.”

Grammy® winning producer (and Johnny Cash’s son) John Carter Cash heard The String Revolution’s demo and loved it.  He helped the band work on the arrangement with a special guest-- Grammy® nominated guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel. Then John produced it at Cash Cabin, in Hendersonville, TN, which was captured on video. Mixing was done by Grammy® winner Matthew Hyde and mastering by Grammy® winner Emerson Mancini in Los Angeles, CA.

Composed of three virtuoso guitarists, the Grammy® nominated band is renowned for electrifying performances, blending different genres and styles to create a unique and captivating sound.

The band includes former Randy Rhoads student Janet Robin (“Top 50 Acoustic Guitarist bonus list” by Guitar Player Magazine, 2017, Precious Metal, Lindsey Buckingham, Meredith Brooks, Air Supply….), award winning Austrian nylon-string guitarist Markus Illko (composer: ORF-Austria TV, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Tyler Perry’s “A Madea Christmas” and “Single Moms Club”) and Cuban multi-credited guitarist Rober Luis (Daymé Arocena, Colin Hay, Jackson Browne.)

They released their first EP “Stringborn” in 2016 to rave reviews and jam-packed shows, and their 2019 CD, “Red Drops,” The String Revolution’s cover version of “Billie Jean” reached the Top 10 Spotify LA Instrumental Charts and their songs on Spotify have reached over 4 million plays. They have been selling out several Los Angeles notable clubs such as Hotel Cafe, Boulevard Music, The Mint, and many music festivals as they continue to tour nationally and soon, internationally. In 2019, the band was invited to perform at The Grammy® Museum in The Clive Davis Theater for their prestigious American Express sponsored concert series.

In 2022, they teamed up with longtime Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens to record a unique acoustic version of the Ozzy Osbourne & Randy Rhoads classic, “Crazy Train.,” including a special animated video. The result garnered complimentary press and more excitement over the band, which led to music industry icon, Miles Copeland and his biz partner John Bevilacqua became their managers. That got The String Revolution signed with Jerry Ross’s Harmony Agency and the band has risen to touring to perform in PACs and state fairs.

With memorable songs, unique arrangements, and exceptional musicianship, the Grammy® nominated band, The String Revolution is no doubt a new force in the world of music and guitar performance. 

Folsom Prison Blues
Written by: Johnny Cash
Arranged by:
The String Revolution, Tommy Emmanuel & John Carter Cash
Produced by: John Carter Cash.
Additional Musicians:
MB Gordy: Percussion
Double Bass: Byron House

Engineered by: Trey Call
Engineer Assistant: Joseph Cash
Recorded at Cash Cabin, Hendersonville, Tennessee

Mixed by: Matthew Hyde, London, UK
Mastered by: Emerson Mancini, Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Single Cover Art: Chris Eselgroth
Photos/Videos: Brooke Noyce

 

“Speed of Sound” Wins Music Video of the Year!

Featuring Joe Satriani & Brian Tarquin

 On Oct. 22, the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville hosted a revered music award ceremony for the independent music industry, the 9th annual Josie Music Awards (JMAs).  

Winner

Music Video of the Year (Male)

Speed of Sound featuring Joe Satriani & Brian Tarquin

Director 3Dave

The song is featured on “Brothers In Arms” featuring such iconic musicians as Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore (UFO), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Alex De Rosso (Dokken), Travis Stever (Coheed & Cambria), Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint), Johannes Weik (Son of a Bach), Gerald Gradwohl (Tangerine Dream), Chris Haskett (Henry Rollins Band), The Budapest Orchestra. The Album topped the metal radio charts peaking #7 on the NACC Loud Rock charts and #11 on the Metal Contraband charts. Brian Tarquin, a one-man army, composed, produced and performed all guitar melodies, solos, bass, rhythm guitars and used session drummer Reggie Pryor. The album features exclusive songs inspired by those military soldiers who have fought for their country. 

The Josie Music Awards

The JMAs are the largest independent music award show in the world, and they are privately owned by mother-daughter duo Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino. The two started the awards show in 2015 after seeing a need for independent music artists, songwriters and business professionals to come together to celebrate their work and accomplishments.

Winners List: https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/10/24/josie-music-awards-2023-see-the-full-list-of-winners-in-nashville/71304116007/

Brian Tarquin
For the past 30 years multi-Emmy award winning composer/guitarist Brian Tarquin’s music has been heard by tens of millions on a plethora of television and film scores such as: CSI, Ellen, Extra, TMZ, 60 Minutes, Sex and the City, 20/20, SNL, Godzilla, Seinfeld, Cheers, Charmed, Good Morning America, The Watcher (Keanu Reeves), Desert Heat (Van Damme), The Sender (R. Lee Ermey), and National Lampoon’s Repli-Kate (Ali Landry) to name a few. He has won 3 Emmy's for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2019 Tarquin received a Global Music Gold Award for his release Orlando In Heaven for “Best Album” featuring guitar legend Larry Coryell.

A Very Slambovian Christmas - Yo Ho Ho Merry Xmas!!!

With a rootsy psychedelica that hints at Dylan, Bowie, Neil Young, The Beatles, Incredible String Band, The Waterboys, and Jethro Tull, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams ‘Very Slambovian Christmas’ show is guaranteed to 'flip your switch' and spark the holiday spirit!

Be prepared for Christmas songs with a "Slambovian twist” and rockin’ original holiday tunes for a fun ‘outside the box’ holiday show. The band will charm and disarm you from the first note - a great night out with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season!

“They take the stage by storm!” – The NY Times

“Best Band of 2022” – Chronogram Magazine, NY

“Like a snowball full of heart and unabashed beauty with songs of hope and resistant joy."
– Jambase.com

 Celebrate the holidays and have ‘A Very Slambovian Christmas’!

FRI DEC 08 7:30 PM

Chocolate Church Arts Center - Bath, ME

SAT DEC 09 8:00 PM

Infinity Hall Norfolk - Norfolk, CT

                       
FRI DEC 15 8:00 PM

The Drake - Amherst, MA

SAT DEC 16 8:00 PM

Towne Crier Cafe - Beacon, NY

 
FRI DEC 22 8:00 PM

Roy's Hall - Blairstown, NJ

SAT DEC 23 8:00 PM

Newtown Theatre - Newtown, PA

 

SAT DEC 30 8:00 PM

New Year's Eve~Eve Show

World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA

Elliott Murphy “This Christmas I Want Less”

Following an annual tradition, internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Elliott Murphy's latest holiday season single “This Christmas I Want Less” (produced by Gaspard Murphy) is on all streaming platforms.

This year marks 50 years of a spectacular career that began with the release of Elliott Murphy’s debut album “Aquashow” (Polydor 1973) - rated 4 ½ stars on the prestigious All Music Guide. Over 40 albums have followed along with nearly 3000 concerts in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Awards: 

- 2012 La Medaille de la Ville de Paris by the Mayor of Paris

- 2015 Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture

- 2018 inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame by Billy Joel

- 2019 La Grande Bellezza lifetime achievement award in Zurich.

 

THIS CHRISTMAS I WANT LESS

Words & Music by Elliott Murphy © 2023

Hey Santa – here’s my Christmas list … [Verse 1]

I want a fair amount of money

And my pockets full of hope

A heart full of desire

And a brain that can somehow cope

With insanity and cruelty

This world is such a mess

 

[Chorus] I'm telling you what I want

He’s telling you what he wants

I'm telling you what I want

This Christmas I want less

 

[Verse 2] Well no more clothes or sneakers

Or high-tech gadgetry

No cool designer shades

Waiting underneath my tree

I got enough of more

It’s all good but it’s not best

 

[Chorus] I'm telling you what I want

He’s telling you what he wants

I'm telling you what I want

This Christmas I want less

 

[Bridge] ‘Cause I’m clearly at an age

Where I can really say I’ve had enough

Give it a rest on Christmas Day

Well maybe there’s a few things you could do for me…

 

[Verse 3] Sure I’ll take some optimism.

Give me King Size XXL

And my apocalyptic visions

Santa can you drop them off in hell

Oh surprise me ol’ Saint Nick

With your smile I would be blessed

 

[Chorus] I'm telling you what I want

He’s telling you what he wants.

I'm telling you what I want

This Christmas I want less

I'm telling you what I want

He’s telling you what he wants

I'm telling you what I want

This Christmas I want less

 

C 2023 Elliott Murphy, All Rights Reserved

Elliott Murphy Murphyland / SACEM 

“Hello World,” New Song from Tabi Haly, Speaks up for Inclusion for Those w/ Disabilities

Tabi Haly sings, “Hello World, We are here, We are strong, And we are more than what we probably let on” as a representative of the disability community. The 39-year-old singer-songwriter/software engineer, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, has released a single with a gorgeous-sounding acoustic and lyrically uplifting message to the world. The song now out on all streaming media supports the annual December 3 International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) on all streaming media.  

Streaming hub & link to music video: https://www.tabinyc.com/hello-world.

There are two new versions of Tabi’s song “Hello World.” Her version was recorded at the state of the art, James Dolan Recording Studio at New York University. Other New York City favorites that recorded there include hitmakers Lady Gaga and A Great Big World.

One of Tabi’s favorite lyrics is “dreams are brought to life by diversity.”  She writes a lot of disability advocacy songs, but “Hello World” stands out for many reasons, “Life is constantly about introducing yourself to new people, and re-introducing yourself to people you already know in certain ways.”  “Hello World” is Tabi’s wish for people to understand disabled people, “don't judge, but do have dialog. This song is an opportunity to be more open than ever before about diversity.”

The “Hello World” music video, featured on Chase’s YouTube page was recorded at Smash Studios in Midtown. This shows Tabi leading 6 musicians, who are also JP Morgan Chase employees, in the studio. Tabi says, “This is a Chase employee group version of the song; We’d never met, but everyone practiced beforehand, and showed great teamwork as we created a new version of the song for our company.” Directed by Chase video editor Seth Gomez, the video’s message shows JP Morgan Chase wants to be the employer of choice for people with disabilities.”

One of Tabi’s favorite lyrics is “dreams are brought to life by diversity.”  She writes a lot of disability advocacy songs, but “Hello World” stands out for many reasons, “Life is constantly about introducing yourself to new people, and re-introducing yourself to people you already know in certain ways.”  “Hello World” is Tabi’s wish for people to understand disabled people, “don't judge, but do have dialog. This song is an opportunity to be more open than ever before about diversity.”

“Hello World” is also the name of the first Application program that every software engineer learns. Tabi explains why the name is used, “We learn new technology all the time to keep up with its rapid evolution. Therefore, every time we learn something new, it’s ‘Hello World’!”  

Tabi’s a Filipino American, born and raised in Houston, TX.  At age 3, her guitarist/pianist father introduced her to music. Since then, she sang to keep her lungs healthy. She moved to New York State area at age 17, and started writing songs. Tabi moved to New York City when she turned 18, and attended Pace University. After graduating Summa Cum Laude, Tabi began work as a coder, later advancing to her job as a software engineer at JP Morgan Chase.  

She is a professional recording artist with two studio albums: 2022’s “Stance,” 2019’s "I Wrote Life," 2023’s “High Notes” dance remix EP, and a number of singles—notably “Waiting in the Wings,” which Tabi wrote, recorded and released about disability activist Judy Heumann a few weeks before she passed away in Feb 2023. 

Tabi is a member of the Recording Academy.   

As a songwriter Tabi uses a mouse and track pad and music software to compose (the disease is progressive, so while she could write in college, she can no longer even put on eyeliner), and she sings into a microphone. Once she is happy with her demo, she presents it to one of the musicians she works with to create the instrumentation. They collaborate on the structure until the song is ready.

Singing isn’t Haly’s only way of dealing with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She sees occupational and physical therapists regularly. She works through daily range-of-motion exercises and employs home health aides who help her 24 hours a day. At night she sleeps with a ventilator. It’s a physical and mental ordeal. But music keeps her going.

Dec 4 The Indie Collaborative Plays New York City's Green Room 42

 

The highly diversified and always entertaining, international music group, THE INDIE COLLABORATIVE returns to New York City on Monday night, December 4 to celebrate the holiday season in grand musical style at one of New York’s most exciting nightclubs, The Green Room 42.   A cast of award-winning artists from the Classical, Broadway, American Roots, Jazz, and Global Music worlds will take the stage to honor Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and the Winter Solstice in song and dance, beginning at 7 PM.

Co-founded in 2015 by Emmy Award^® Winning writer and producer, Eileen Sherman, and Billboard Top Ten charting American Roots singer/songwriter, Grant Maloy Smith, “THE IC” boasts a distinguished group of over 2000 independent artists, many of whom are Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and music chart toppers from around the globe. Grant and Eileen conceived the idea of an arts organization that would foster unique and exciting collaborations (crossing genres and continents) while forging lifelong friendships.  

Members of THE IC can be found any night of the year, performing in the world’s most prestigious concert halls, but every so often, Eileen and Grant curate an Indie Collaborative Concert highlighting a variety of their members. Every production is unique. Previous shows include evenings at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and just this past summer, Eileen and Grant produced a special showcase in Newcastle, England.  Each show amazes the audience by its sheer diversity and extraordinary artistry and December 4 in New York City will be no different. 

Per IC tradition, Grant Maloy Smith will serve as the emcee, with a line-up that has something for everyone!  As always, be on the lookout for terrific on-stage IC collaborations.

Honoring Diwali, is South Indian-born composer and piano prodigy, Charu Suri with outstanding Jazz guitarist, the Indian-born Noshir Mody. They will be performing Charu’s “Floating,” from her highly acclaimed album, RAGAS AND WALTZES. 

Native American Connor Chee, a multi-award winner and brilliant pianist and composer will perform an original composition honoring the Winter Solstice.

The Bluestone Sisters’ Songwriting Team (Gail/music; Eileen lyrics) will offer two songs from their holiday catalog. The jazzy and very comical “The Dreidel Song” from their Emmy Award^® winning Hanukkah musical THE ODD POTATO, will be performed by one of Broadway’s most sought-after dancers, Ryan VanDenBoom (MJ, Something Rotten!, Bandstand, Annie) with the award-winning jazz pianist, Alex Otey.

The Sisters’ second song honors the holiday of Kwanzaa. “Kwanzaa’s Pure Light” will be performed by Gospel star Yocontalie with the Jennifer Tibbetts Singers. This piece has been described as a “musical gumbo,” part Jazz, part Gospel, part Afrobeat, part Spoken Word, and all brilliantly arranged by Yocontalie (vocals), Keith Middleton (percussion), and Alex Otey (instrumental /chorus). Joining Yocontalie is Jennifer Tibbetts (Youth Choir Director and her young choir), remarkable percussionists Ricky Persaud,Jr.,  Jean Carno-Rosneberg, and Valerie Persaud, with the very adept musical theatre composer Jerome Brooks, Jr. (piano), jazz/fusion artist, Mowgli Giannitti (bass), and Alex Otey (flugelhorn).  

The gorgeous vocals of Elaine Romanelli will melt holiday hearts with her original Christmas Song, “Christmas Any Time.”

Providing the classical component of the evening is two-time GRAMMY^® winner Herschel Garfein, with world-renowned cellist, Sophie Shao. Together they will perform Mr. Garfein’s “When the Moon Was Covered,“ from his newest album, LAYERS. All About the Arts called it “intensely emotional and inspired chamber music.”

And no IC concert is complete without some music from IC co-founder Grant Maloy Smith, who will be presenting a unique Christmas medley. He’ll be joined on stage by one of New York’s favorite sax players, Thomas Hutchings (saxophone), Noshir Mody (guitar), Charu Suri (piano), Mowgli (bass), and more. 

As always, the grand finale of every IC concert will be the sing-along theme song “We’ll Stay Together,” performed by a variety of surprise IC guest stars! 

Show: THE INDIE COLLABORATIVE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Venue: The Green Room 42

Address: 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036 (inside Hotel Yotel)

Date:    Monday, December 4, 2023

Showtime:  7:00 P.M. 

Tickets Available at  https://tinyurl.com/GreenRm42