“Folsom Prison Blues” by the String Revolution & Tommy Emmanuel Wins Grammy

 

photo by Maarten de Boer

The String Revolution’s Janet Robin thanked the Recording Academy for their support in winning the Grammy for Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A cappella) of their collaboration of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” with guitar superstar Tommy Emmanuel. The award show broadcast online at live.Grammy.com.
 
In the group’s acceptance speech, Ms. Robin stated she respected and admired all the nominated artists, and gave a special shout out to young guitarists, especially females, “You guys rock.  Don’t let them say you’re good for a girl. You’re good for a guitarist!”

The band posted on their social media, “We are honored and humbled!!!Thank you to the Recording Academy for listening to our track..and it was an honor to be amongst the other nominees. This is a win for all us hardworking musicians!” 

Produced by John Carter Cash, at Cash Cabin, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the instrumental “Folsom Prison Blues” is distributed by Universal Music Group, and available on all streaming media. The String Revolution was able to use Cash's 1930's Martin Acoustic Guitar as well as Cash's band member, Luther Perkin's guitar - a 1954 Fender Esquire, used on the original Cash "Folsom" recording. The song was mixed by Matthew Hyde and Mastered by Grammy® Winner, Emerson Mancini.  

Said John Carter Cash, “This is not my Daddy’s Folsom Prison Blues. My excitement over this unique instrumental arrangement has been unsurpassed in my life up to this point. I am honored to be a part of this wondrous historic recording!”

https://youtu.be/cWvZAmT7Skk

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

www.thestringrevolution.com
www.tommyemmanuel.com 

ISRC: USZXT2300103

©2023 CIA/Universal Music Group UPC:00044003297067
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Refestramus’ “Intourist” New Album May 4 on Melodic Revolution Records

 

Copyright © Michele V. Wagner Photography, Inc.

Art Rock Wizard Derek Ferguson Dealing with Depth of Light and Darkness   Coming May 4 is “Intourist,” the third album from Refestramus and the album’s new music video “Smiling.”  The video premiere is set for 12 PM CT/10 AM PT  (Friday night/Saturday morning) on May 4 at https://youtu.be/WYJ_I0f236c   Pre-Sale link for the album is officially up at Pre-order the New Album Intour​í​st (lsnto.me). “I’m the writer, I play drums, I pay for everything,” states Derek Ferguson, the Wizard who leads the progressive rock studio ensemble known as Refestramus.  Named after a word his mother made up to mean “rearrange,” Derek and his producer – Colouratura’s Ian Beabout – liked it because it wasn’t a legitimate word, “A web search will only turn up our band!,” which means the latest search for “Refestramus” will show their new album, Intourist (Melodic Revolution Records)! As the bearer of this music, Derek’s powers are rooted in inspiration through his writing and finding musicians. He discovered many on the Internet gig site, Fiverr.com: Induction lead singer Craig Cairns, Brazilian keyboardist maestro Rogelio Desouza, and rock vocalists NIDA, Denisse Ferrara, and Vedrana Lina.      Derek writes from the depth of emotion. The album’s first video, “Smiling," he says, “delves into the complexity of concealing one's sadness to maintain others' happiness, offering a poignant reflection on the masks we wear in society.” Refestramus was born May  2020 as Derek’s home studio project during the COVID pandemic. Having been in a variety of progressive rock bands in his native Chicago and an avid listener of Ian Beabout’s Internet radio program “Prog Rock Deep Cuts,” he reached out to Ian to mix and master the recordings. Ian, who plays flute and sings on some tracks on Intourist, introduced Derek to Colouratura bandmates Derek Pavlic and Nathan James, Saxophonist Mitch Lawrence and Wisconsin multi-instrumentalist Jerry King, who plays bass on Intourist. Adding prog multi-instrumentalist Dave Newhouse, who contributed accordion, helped Derek Ferguson guide the album to completion. Favorite songs on Intourist include “The Red Apple” based on Maxim Gorkiy's story about a gypsy horse thief and themes of rejection and longing. “Asunción” is a heartfelt tribute to the city of Asunción, “You know how bands used to say ‘we’re big in Japan’? We’re big in Paraguay - they even play us on their national radio station there from time to time!” “Side Hustle” is a Jethro Tull inspired song. "‘Mr. Darwin’ offers a lighthearted take on human survival and natural selection.” The album’s title track is a 3-part epic that combines themes of resilience with the supernatural realms on earth including “zombie love” in the third part of the track, “Intourist.”    In addition to acoustic versions of “Asunción” and “The Red Apple,” the physical CD features a cover of Spirit’s “Mr. Skin.” Spirit is one of Derek’s favorite bands, and he points out, “the songwriter here also has the last name Ferguson” Refestramus’ debut album, Decoupage, was released in December of 2021. Expose’s Peter Thelen, who has reviewed thousands of Progressive Rock albums over the years, declared it a “Solid opening move.” In 2022, Refestramus  released the EP, From the Sublime to the Ridiculous, which featured possibly the “Prog-iest” track on the album “The Devil Returns” - drawing inspiration heavily from Bulgakov’s famous novel “The Master and Margarita.”         Bandcamp: https://refestramus.bandcamp.com   Copyright © Michele V. Wagner Photography, Inc.

Joe Satriani and Brian Tarquin backstage after Joe’s show with Steve Vai at the Hard Rock, Orlando on March 22.

Joe is going to record a new song with Brian this year for a Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends’ EP he’s producing. And Steve Vai wrote to Brian about “Speed of Sound,” the track which Joe played with Brian on his “Brothers in Arms” album released in 2023. Steve praised, “I really like the track (Speed of Sound) you and Joe Satriani did together. It rocks hard, and for such a great cause.”

Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends’ current release, “‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes’” is now Number One on Roots Music Radio’s Fusion Charts and Number Five in Relix/Jamband radio. 

“‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes’ is a glorious fusion-prog collection that will thrill guitar geeks as well as reach far beyond that group to serious music fans of every stripe.  Well done, sir!,” writes Gonzo Okanagan’s John Kereiff.

“Nowhere to Go But Gone” New Music Video by The Kings

(Animated and Fun Production in Time for Spring Break)

Today The Kings’ new music video, “Nowhere to Go But Gone” is officially out in support of spring break (March 11-April 8).  Watch the video with the message, “There is no trip like a road trip.”

Lead singer/bassist Dave Diamond says, “There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom driving in your old set of wheels with a couple of your best buds on spring break. Maybe somewhere out there you’ll meet the one of your dreams that feels exactly like you do, maybe not. But things always have a happy ending. That’s what spring break is about.  Partyitis all the way.”

“Nowhere to Go But Gone” picks up where their recent production, “Always Off the Deep End” left off with bandmates Diamond, keyboardist Sonny Keyes, drummer Todd Reynolds, and guitarist Mister Zero in animated settings relevant to the songs’ stories.

In the case of “Nowhere to Go But Gone,” the band’s taking an electrifying road trip throughout North America in a van. We see humorous connection with sites including the Pacific Coast Highway, Vancouver and even Mount Rushmore but with the band members instead of Presidents!  Plus the video features live performances of the band. Peter Grecco handles the creative production of the video animation and editing.  Visit grecco.ca.

Written by Diamond and Zero, “Nowhere to Go " is, according to Zero, “about a road trip as a way to take a break from a relationship that is getting stale.” It appears on the band’s new album, "The Longest Story Ever Told."

Rave and Roll’s Miss Sparker loves Diamond’s “purposely unique voice. There’s no question that you’re listening to a Kings track when David revs up his vocal cords. It’s kind of like being at a monster truck show and turning up the volume to eleven. This is especially the case on the tracks that really rock out, such as on ‘Nowhere to Go But Gone.’”

"The Longest Story Ever Told" is The Kings’ 7th studio album with ten tracks, that feature support from iconic music industry veterans handling the mixing console, including Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple), Terry Brown (RUSH). Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine) handles the mix on “Nowhere to Go But Gone.” 

Originally known as Whistleking, The Kings formed in Vancouver, British Columbia and Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In 1980, after signing with Elektra Records, The Kings released the Bob Ezrin produced, platinum selling album "The Kings Are Here." The single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” caught on all over North America, with huge airplay in every major market. It stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for nearly six months, prompting an incendiary appearance on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Now certified gold, “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” was recently inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received other accolades including the SOCAN Classic Award. The amazing video for it has over 5,700,000 views. 

Now, in 2024, The Kings, with their history of hits, over 2000 North American shows, and a devoted fan base, remain a hungry band with something to prove. "The Longest Story Ever Told" reaffirms their status as a rock band with songwriting depth. Writes Miss Sparker, “None of the lyrics are throwaway–the songs are well-written, relate to the crazy world-at-large, and draw the listener in by their relevance. If I’ve roused your interest, read up more on The Kings at their website, and definitely consider adding their music to your play list."

March 1 Richard Skipper Celebrates “Rock Veterans of the NYC Club Scene!”

 with Rock Troubadour Elliott Murphy, Ernie Brooks, Kenny Margolis, Matthew Murphy

Elliott Murphy is celebrating his 75^th birthday live on stage at his annual birthday concert at Paris’ entertainment venue, New Morning.  As part of the celebration, he and some of his New York City bandmates—keyboardist/accordionist Kenny Margolis, bassist Ernie Brooks, and brother Matthew Murphy—will appear on Richard Skipper Celebrates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/4xGDbTvwnYI?feature=share on March 1, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET/9:30 PM France time/12:30 PM PT.  

Elliott Murphy

Five decades have passed since the release of Elliott’s first album Aquashow (Polydor 1973) widely considered a classic and rated 4½ stars on the prestigious All Music Guide.

Born on Long Island to a show business family (his father owned and produced the original Aquashow water spectacle on the site of the 1939 World’s Fair, Elliott began his music career with a troubadour like odyssey in Europe in 1971 including landing a bit part in Federico Fellini’s Roma. Returning to the US, he quickly secured a recording contract. Following the success of Aquashow came Lost Generation (RCA), Night Lights (RCA), Just a Story from America (Columbia), and Selling the Gold (WEA) featuring an outstanding duet, Everything I do (leads me back to you), with Bruce Springsteen. Bruce invites Elliott to perform with him while in Europe. Along with Billy Joel and Willie Nile, Bruce has appeared in the documentary, “The Second Act of Elliott Murphy” and in the movie, “Broken Poet,” along with his wife Patty Scialfa and actors Marisa Berenson, Michael O’Keefe, Françoise Viallon.    Elliott’s current releases Prodigal Son, Elliott Murphy is Alive!, Ricochet, and Wonder, were produced and mixed by his son Gaspard Murphy.

Elliott was awarded La Medaille de la Ville de Paris by the Mayor of Paris, a Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, and La Grande Bellezza lifetime achievement award in Zurich. Billy Joel inducted Elliott into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and had him join him on stage at Madison Square Garden.

Elliott celebrates his birthday, performing annual concerts at Paris’ New Morning on March 15 and 16.

Ernie Brooks
Ernie’s played with the original Modern Lovers, Love of Life Orchestra, Necessaries, David Johansen, Jean-Francois Pausvros, Arthur Russell, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Lucas, Rhys Chatham, Glenn Branca, Jerry Harrison, Chris Spedding, and—of course—Elliott!  

Ernie’s work with Elliott ran from the mid-‘70s through this century with live shows and over a dozen records.   

Today Ernie plays with Tape Hiss, with collaborators Steve Shelley, Peter Zummo, David Nagler, Pete Galub and Mustafa Ahmed.

Coming soon is Ernie’s second solo album. A limited release of Arthur Russell’s “You Can Make Me Feel Bad” performed by Tape Hiss is available on Bandcamp.

Kenny Margolis
Kenny’s professional career began in 1976 with Exuma, a Bahamian artist. In 1979, he joined Mink DeVille for three albums, including the acclaimed Le Chat Bleu. They reunited in 2005 for the live DVD at Amsterdam’s Paradiso, Live In The Lowlands. Between 1996-2006, Kenny played with alternative rock band Cracker for 9 albums.   

Kenny’s toured and played on Elliott’s Rainy Season, Last Of The Rock Stars, Soul Surfing, Strings Of The Storm, Murphy Gets Muddy, Notes From The Underground, Coming Home Again, and Never Say Never, The Best of 1995-2005…And More.

He's worked with The Smithereens, Rogue’s March, the late great Shane MacGowan, The Silos, Del Lords, Little Bob, Marshall Crenshaw, and Richard Barone for the Harry Nilsson tribute album, “For The Love Of Harry.” Kenny composed music for James Gandolfini’s The Italian Movie and contributed to soundtracks, notably The Pope of Greenwich Village.  His bands include Lucky 7 and UpSouth Twisters.    

On March 15 The 26^th year of Joe Hurley’s Irish Rock Review at Bowery Electric.

March 16: Manhattan screening of the film Heaven Stood Still…The Incarnations of Willy DeVille.   

Matthew Murphy
Matthew started his music career as Elliott Murphy’s bassist for Aquashow. They opened for the New York Dolls, Kinks, Jefferson Starship, Aerosmith, Hot Tuna. His first tour managing gig was with brother Elliott! He’s continued to work with him, starting with helping create his first indie label Courtisane Records.

Matthew’s tour managed artists including Blondie, B-52s, Talking Heads, Eurythmics, Roger Waters, Luther Vandross, Bryan Ferry, Patti Smith, Kenny G, UB40, John Hiatt, Edie Brickell, Dave Stewart, and the Blue Man Group.

Since 2009, Matthew’s been making shows run smoothly for Steve Martin & Martin Short all over the world.    

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The Yardbirds On Tour This March

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Yardbirds will be touring this March.

March 14: The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA

March 16: Ram's Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD

March 21: Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA

March 22: Boulton Center for the Arts, Bay Shore, NY

March 26 & 27: Flower Power Cruise

The Yardbirds’ co-founder Jim McCarty continues to lead this ground-breaking British Invasion Rock band that provides the crucial link between the Blues, British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. This drummer, singer, songwriter, and producer is said to be one of the driving forces responsible for the band's haunting sound.

Since the birth of the band from 1963 to 1968, to its 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists who have contributed to the band's history including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page all ranked in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (#35, #5, and #3 respectively). 

Originally a Blues-based band noted for their signature "rave-up" instrumental jams covering Blues classics like Howlin Wolf’s “Smokestack Lighting” and  Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man,” the Yardbirds later broadened their range into Pop, pioneered Psychedelic Rock, early Hard Rock / Heavy Metal, and contributed to many electric guitar innovations marking those musical genres.  The band had a string of hits in the mid-1960s including "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," "Shapes of Things," and "Over Under Sideways Down." 

Celebrating his 30^th year as a Yardbird, Lead Singer John Idan has lent his distinct vocals to the sound of the band since their reformation, showcased on the classic 2003 “Birdland” album with guest appearances from Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, and Brian May. Rounding out the current line-up of top musicians is lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend (John Entwistle, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Christopher Cross, Dave Mason and Musical Director of the Turtles' Happy Together Tour), bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Dave Edmonds and Joan Jett), percussionist, harmonica and background vocals Myke Scavone (the Doughboys, Ram Jam). The current band has recently completed work on an upcoming live album, “Mind the Gap,” soon to be released.

 “The band’s hallmark of top-notch musicianship remains. There are no passengers in this band.”                     -Goldmine Magazine

Here's a downloadable flier to share

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Bronx Poet Anne Leighton Presents First Real Worl...

On February 20, I'll be reading some of my new and classic poems at Mon Amour Coffee & Wine, 234 W 238th St, New York, NY, The venue phone is 718- 708-7804.

This get-together takes place off of Broadway, in Riverdale, and is on the 9 and 12 bus routes, and the 6 Train. Follow this link for more information and a downloadable flier you can share with friends in the area. Thanks!

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Bronx Poet Anne Leighton Presents First Real Worl...: Night Dedicated to Spoken World Artist’s Late, Great 100 Year & Two Day Old Mom   Art in the Basin Presents Working Gal Rock and Roll ...

Valentines & Love songs

You Hold My Soul Nicole Bacher  piano with female vocal and guitar solo, a classic pop ballad exploring themes of gratitude and dedication towards her partner for their journey together ... "You made me whole, let me be bold, you hold my soul”  

We Talk Without Words Christian Hoff Melissa Hoff (performers): writers: Eileen Bluestone Sherman & Gail C. Bluestone  show tune-jazz, piano building to horn band male, female duet, slow with mid to uptempo build and instrumental break. lyrics on movement, This song offers a loving description of “dancing together.” plie’, we leap from the ground to soar through the air. their movements keep them together.  

When Dreams Come True The Kings  male vocals, acoustic guitar building to full band, ballad, dreamy, wedding song, the power of new beginnings, "it's so easy loving you" Mixed by Terry Brown of Rush, Blue Rodeo fame, 

Silent Conversations  Emily Hurd   Kacey Musgraves-like purity, comforting, intimate one-on-one, gentle flow piano, soprano, organic vocal lilt silent conversation, you tell me a lot, fingertips, if ever your heart is broken.   

Carry Across Jessie Galante female vocals, Anthemic, upbeat gospel-y, "Honey, you carried a cross... I'll carry you across" soulful song about compassion and strength, any sex can sing.  https://soundcloud.com/leightonmedia/carry-across?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

You Got Me Karen Besbeck  slow electronic female singer passion, the song has possession as subtext.“You got me right where you want me, the rain of love falls down to see.  You got me right where you want me—there’s one place I’d rather be. https://soundcloud.com/karen-besbeck/you-got-me?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Yulia Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius (Instrumental)   instrumental slow to mid tempo then slow acoustic violin with a band.  Gypsy jazz fusion, like John Coltrane meets Jean Luc Ponty. “Pat Metheny on violin.” goes from moody to orgasmic and major colors.  

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?: Angel and Devil on each shoulder changing their minds sometimes we agree and disagree ambiguously unpredictably   -Jan.2024