Emmy Award Winning Guitarist Brian Tarquin's “Vegas Blue” In Memory of Las Vegas Tragedy

Featuring guest artists Steve Morse, Trey Gunn, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Phil Naro, Hal Lindes, Tony Carey and others!

Las Vegas, Nevada, Mandalay Bay Hotel, October 1st, 2017. This was the site of a tragic and, all too familiar, occurrence involving a deadly mass shooting at the hands of a deranged gunman. What began that evening as a peaceful and celebratory country music concert ended in bullet-riddled chaos and carnage for countless patrons and innocent by-standers. This latest recording project by multi-Emmy winning guitarist/producer/engineer Brian Tarquin and company is dedicated to helping the families and survivors of this horrific mass shooting. And, in doing so, may also shine the spotlight on the need for sensible, responsible and humane gun laws and safety.

Says Brian, “This release is dedicated to the victims of the tragic events that occurred at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas October 1, 2017. All of our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families. Through this music we have tried to creatively express our deepest feelings.”

If music is, indeed, a supreme healer then one needs look no further than this visionary endeavor. And, as with many of Tarquin’s previous charitable compilations, the material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.

Says Brian, “Time after time we watch senseless acts of gun violence in the news media creating a sense of indifference in our consciousness. We musicians have come together to bring emotion and awareness through our performances.”

Multi Emmy Award winning Brian Tarquin is an established top rate composer/guitarist. 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.” Three years in a row (2016-2019) Tarquin received “Best Album Of The Year” nominations from the Independent Music Awards for his releases “Guitars For Wounded Warriors,” “Orlando in Heaven” and “Guitars for Veterans.” On which, Tarquin shows his guitar prowess along side such world-class shredders as: Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb (FourPlay). In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin has graced the Top Billboard Charts with such commercial releases as: “This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2,” “Sweet Emotions,” and “Bossa Brava: Caliente” on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Smooth Jazz Radio R&R and Gavin charts. Brian has appeared on 38 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

 

Produced & engineered by Brian Tarquin

Recorded at Jungle Room Studios, Florida 2018-2019 entirely thru an analog Trident mixing console on a 24 track Ampex 1200 tape machine and a Otari Radar, mixed down to a Ampex 440c 1/4” tape machine.

Mastered by David Glasser & Geoff Gray at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO

Tracks:

1. Distant Light featuring Steve Morse & Hal Lindes

2. Lights of Las Vegas featuring Phil Naro & Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal

3. Demonic featuring Trey Gunn

4. Tomorrow's Another Day featuring Phil Naro

5. Vegas Blue

6. Evil In Men's Hearts featuring Tony Carey

7. Forgiveness featuring Phil Naro

8. Know Me featuring Phil Naro

9. Hallowed Ground featuring Trey Gunn

10. Run For Cover featuring Phil Naro, Randy Coven & The Flyin’ Ryan Bros

11. Distant Light (vocal) featuring Phil Naro, Steve Morse & Hal Lindes

 

Here's what the press has said about “Vegas Blue”:

“The material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.” - Eric Harabadian, Progression Magazine

“Tarquin writes with soul and fire and plays with passion and precision. Once again, he has enlisted a first-rate squad of guests performers, including Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and Bumblefoot (GN'R), who help bring these rich, vivid recordings to life.”- Mark Nardone, Music Connection

“…every note, phrase, tone color, and impact of pick and/or finger on string will send shivers down your spine.” - Guitar Player Magazine

 “…his passion for purity is more than evident – in both the music he makes and the way it’s recorded.” - Professional Sound Magazine

 

To order:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/                       

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/

 

For more information:

BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records, LLC

www.gtrtrax.com

www.jungleroomstudios.com

www.briantarquin.com

https://guitartrax.bandcamp.

Girl With a Hawk's Linda Viens on The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview ...

I loved interviewing Linda Viens, who's contributed much to Boston's rock scene. We talk about her music career, how things have changed through the years, stoicism.... She offers a Wiccan ritual for the Winter Solstice coming on December 21.

Holiday songs 2025

Tom Ciurczak "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag" male vocals, similar timbre as Bruce Springsteen with horns, it's about Santa getting a new bag. The first few notes sound like James Brown's "Papa," but the song swings into theatrical rock. It mentions the children all over the world, way up in the sky.

"I Ruined Christmas This Year" 2025  Refestramus featuring Alina Golosova  slow pop rock with emo and goth undertones, vocals like Billie Eilish and Lana Delray, she wanted to do a good job on Christmas but "I ruined Christmas this year."

 

"I Ruined Christmas" (2024)   Contemporary art-rock band, female fronted-vocals like Miley Cyrus, bells, "I ruined Christmas this year...It's like I told you before, 'it won't happen again, my dear."  This is a list of things she's done to reindeer, family members, and the eggnog! 

 Rachael Sage Hanukkah in the Village

Dan Berggren "Never Take Love for Granted" 

 Cindy Hughlett & Stephen Mellilo  "Away in a Manger" Kate Bush tones with an orchestra behind her.

Michael Cleveland on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

My interview with the Grammy-winning and nominated Michael Cleveland is live on YouTube.  We talk about how he fell in love and committed to playing fiddle, his collaborators most notably Jason Carter for the new album "Carter Cleveland," and his love for the Southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky part of our country. Michael does sessions and is open with how he's done right with his vision impairment.  

Red32's Steve Bonino on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

I had a great time talking with songwriter Steve Bonino on what makes him tick and the new RED32 album "Cryogenic Dreams" on my Interview Show. https://youtu.be/_TXYFF6KHNc?si=e9Sa35cmyW45QYBf via @YouTube

New Vinyl from Tom Ciurczak, RED32, and Bruce Wojick and the Struggle

 

Vinyl Advisory

Three of my artists are celebrating releases of their albums on vinyl. They’re available to send the vinyl for media people that will cover them and/or play them on their radio shows, podcasts, and TV. They’re doing interviews. A 

 

Tom Ciurczak “YORICK”

Americana and Contemporary Classic Rocker Tom Ciurczak’s “YORICK” is made of180 G, translucent turquoise vinyl. 

Ciurczak studied songwriting, in part, from Americana artist Steve Earle at his Camp Copperhead, is also inspired by classic rock, Warren Zevon, Bruce Springsteen, the Who, Eagles, progressive rockers such as Gentle Giant.  

Listen to and watch the album’s title cut “Yorick” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5dcdI1Z18 . Also, listen to “The Watcher,” which is about alien left behind on Earth.

Wrinkly Rockers Club nominated Ciurczak’s “The Watcher” as one of their 6 Sunday tracks of the week and wrote “a melodic blend of powerful storytelling, energetic rhythms and heartland Rock and Roll”

Order Tom’s music at tomciurczak.com/album/3419593/yorick  

https://tomciurczak.com

Bruce Wojick and the Struggle “The Hard Way”  

Bruce says, "’The Hard Way’ is the culmination of every lesson learned on stage, in the studio, and on the road, and made by musicians who've lived it. Each song was written on the same acoustic guitar my mom bought me as a kid which might tell you everything you need to know.  So, we keep writing, plowing through, and still in the Struggle.  

Finding airplay on Buffalo and British radio, listen to his interview with Jeff Collins at 29 minutes into the broadcast at https://hardrockhellradio.com/2025/11/21/the-rock-jukebox-with-jeff-collins-56/

Order “The Hard Way” at  www.segnorecords.com/bruce-wojick-the-struggle-vinyl

BruceWojick.com

 

RED32

RED32’s “Cryogenic Dreams” is out now on Red Vinyl. The group is the collaboration of  Steve Bonino (lyrics, bass, vocals), Tony Romero (Synth, spoken word), Robeone (keyboards, synthesizers), and the late Eric Confer (guitars). Jimmy Keegan guests on drums throughout “Cryogenic Dreams.”

Anna Carlini praises, “on what is more than just a follow up to the debut album—as it’s an exploration of how to creatively write and record music.”   

Listen to my interview with the group’s main lyricist Steve Bonino at https://youtu.be/_TXYFF6KHNc?si=yGKajTNaqM6sYfyW

 

Order “Cryogenic Dreams” at thebandwagonusa.com/collections/red32/products/red32-cryogenic-dreams-red-lp-new-release

stevebonino.com

houseofprog.com/tony-romero/

robeone.com

Bronx Toastmasters Club Adds Second Location for Hybrid Meetings on 2nd Wednesday of Every Month

 

Damn Tall Buildings on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

Brooklyn's Damn Tall Buildings on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show. They write, tour, sing, teach, and are part of the Crown Heights Community. These Americana/country rockers are playing Drom, NYC on Thursday, Nov. 6. Other dates this year:

Nov 7 Fri Groton Hill Music Center, Groton, MA

Nov 14 Fri Grand Theatre, Frankfort, KY

Nov 15 Sat Jasper Arts Center, Jasper, IN

Nov 21 Fri Come On In House Concerts, Fort Collins, CO

Nov 22 Sat Chautauqua Community House, Boulder, CO 

Nov 23 Sun Swallow Hill Music, Denver, CO

Refestramus return with the dance single "Zombie Love 2025"

 

About “Zombie Love” "Zombie Love” is a darkly playful dance-pop anthem that fuses infectious beats with a story straight out of a midnight movie. Beneath its pulsing rhythm and catchy hook lies a tale of eternal attraction — a love that just won’t die. The song contrasts night and day, life and afterlife, all wrapped in a seductive groove. With lines like “Keep biting me baby, you’re driving me crazy” and “We gotta fight for our zombie love,” it turns the classic monster romance into a club-ready celebration of undying devotion. Driven by synths, a steady four-on-the-floor pulse, and a cinematic chorus, “Zombie Love” invites listeners to dance their hearts out in the dark — where passion, humor, and a little horror collide. Words & Music by Derek Ferguson All Instruments by Derek Ferguson Vocals by Alina Golosova Produced by Ian Beabout

Anne Leighton To Speak About Her Cats and Musicians She’s Worked with at The First Music and Cats Symposium on Thanksgiving Weekend

Leighton Selfie of Anne and Arnold (or Arnie).

Cat Lover/Public Speaker/Poet/Publicist Anne Leighton is grateful for the opportunity to deliver a speech about some of her “Successful Musicians Because of Their “Mewses” online on Thanksgiving Weekend. She will join a range of over 40 music and cat lovers including from the world of Academia to speak at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg in Germany's first ever "Music and Cats" Symposium on Nov. 28 and 29 from 11 till 7 pm Germany time, which is 5 AM till 1 PM ET.

Most of Anne’s cats and classic rock stories focus on Jethro Tull, Renaissance, Grand Funk Railroad, classic rock artists that she publicized. Anne shares how her clients found ways to help cats and other animals through their music.

Anne will be telling her stories on November 29 at 15:15 CET/9:15 AM ET.   

“My research embraces cat folklore and science. In comparing notes about my cats with musicians I work with, they’d speak passionately of the many ways they love cats. These stories are more about ways working on animal—especially cat—welfare have changed their lives.” Anne observes, “In knowing them, these artists have much in common with animals.” Anne’s cat book, “Paws for Thought: How to Understand What Your Cat is Thinking” (Rockwell Books, UK) and other writings are available for mail order at her website anneleighton.com/store.

The Music and Cats Symposium is the first ever dedicated to the intersection of music and cats, bringing together research from various fields, including music history and theory, popular music studies, human-animal studies, psychology, behavioral biology, media and cultural studies, literary studies, and artistic practice, among others.

Those interested in attending this two day free symposium of speeches about Music and Cats can register at www.eventbrite.de/e/music-and-cats-online-symposium-tickets-1595714708649?aff=oddtdtcreator

photo by Holly Van Voast

Mark Andes w/ guest interviewer Tom Ciurczak on The Anne Leighton Inclus...

After Technical Difficulties, I'm reposting Tom Ciurczak's and my interview with Mark Andes. https://youtu.be/-X0rCFxYgKk?si=29xze4pS9ggwySeS

Renaissance's Annie Haslam on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

Renaissance's Annie Haslam on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show.  I’m excited to have spoken with Annie Haslam, who has co-created “The History of Renaissance” tour with the band’s co-founder Jim McCarty, who you know from the Yardbirds.  Annie’s also going to be at ProgStock this weekend. This interview has no boundaries--we talk about many of her passions. It’s a pleasure, also, to work with her these days.

Lisa Wright on the Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show

Lisa Wright is a marketing person that wrote to Hit Parader about writing an article on Cheap Trick. I wrote back and explained what we were looking for. My response meant the world to her, and we recently connected. We have a lot in common. I was on her interview show and now she's on mine!

Elliott Murphy’s “Night Surfing” Music Video

 

Filmed along the Beach and City of Le Havre, France

Elliott Murphy’s stunning video “Night Surfing” from his current “Infinity” album (2025), is now available on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/UpCeqz00zHE?si=SXhHhbhnCy4z_T7D     Directed by acclaimed French cinematographer Matthieu Hiebel (Résistance), this evocative black and white video was filmed entirely in and around the French port of “Le Havre.” Elliott calls the city of Le Havre “The Liverpool of France” due to its historical role introducing American rock‘n’roll, blues and jazz to the French public, as sailors would often disembark with records bought in the USA.   Le Havre is also the hometown of Elliott’s long-time musical partner and virtuoso guitarist Olivier Durand, a relationship that began twenty-nine years ago and continues to this day. With Olivier by his side Elliott has performed thousands of shows all over Europe and the USA and recorded dozens of albums.   “Let’s go down to the beach – where everything is slightly out of reach.” Catch a spiritual wave and go “Night Surfing” with Elliott Murphy.   “Infinity,” the 52nd album by internationally acclaimed American rock singer-songwriter (and long-time Paris resident) Elliott Murphy, contains nine musically eclectic songs with the kind of provocative lyrics long associated with Elliott since his ground-breaking debut album “Aquashow” (1973). “Night Surfing” and the album “Infinity” were produced by Gaspard Murphy, son of Elliott and a gold record winning producer in the French pop music world, at Murmure Studio in Paris with Olivier along with Murphy stalwarts Melissa Cox (violin) and Alan Fatras (cajon and percussion).

NIGHT SURFING (Elliott Murphy)   Let’s go down to the beach Everything is slightly out of reach We’ll be riding high tonight Underneath that sad starry light   And there ain’t nothing you can do anyhow There ain’t nothing you can do   Bring your sleeping bag along While you listen to my song You’ll find it so satisfying You just won’t think about dying   And there ain’t nothing you can do anyhow There ain’t nothing you can do   Let’s go swimming in the rain Even if you don’t feel the same I don’t feel anything at all Bouncing like a bouncing beach ball   And there ain’t nothing you can do anyhow There ain’t nothing you can do   Night surfing my life is flying by Night surfing my life is flying by Night surfing my life is flying by Night surfing under moonlit skies   Something’s pushing me along A power that’s very very strong It’s a force I can’t describe Just a ride on a good vibe And there ain’t nothing you can do anyhow There ain’t nothing you can do   C 2025 Elliott Murphy/Murphyland SACEM/BMI ######

Mark Andes w/ guest interviewer Tom Ciurczak on The Anne Leighton Inclus...

Mark Andes w/ guest interviewer Tom Ciurczak on The Anne Leighton Inclusion Interview Show.

Tom Ciurczak does most of the heavy lifting in this interview with Mark Andes, who I met when working with Firefall during the Pandemic. I was thrilled when Tom mentioned Spirit and JoJo Gunne as favorites, and said, “I’ll hook you up with Mark.  Thanks, Mark, for a good time...

The History of Renaissance w/ Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty

 

Symphonic Rock Pioneers Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty will present the History of Renaissance on November 21st and 22nd at the Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, Illinois (St. Louis), on November 28^th at the Newton Theatre, NJ, and on November 29^th at the Lansdowne Theatre, PA, in Lansdowne, PA.

Annie and Jim will share an intimate discussion and visual presentation of the band’s extraordinary history followed by a Renaissance performance featuring, for the first time, members of both eras of the band performing their classic songs together.

selfie from Annie

Renaissance had their farewell tour last October 2024 and did not expect to perform live again.  Annie, who’s been at the forefront of the group’s story for 50 years, recently was approached by an Edwardsville/St Louis promoter to return to the Wildey Theatre for a ‘one woman” show! After much deliberation, the idea grew into something bigger when Annie contacted Jim McCarty to be a part of the show and--then—return to the full Renaissance lineup, the band he—initially—co-founded.

A stupendous evening of Symphonic Rock at its finest! "All Renaissance and McCarty fans are invited to experience our coming full circle," Annie says enthusiastically, “that was destined to happen one day!"  

Rising from the ashes of the Yardbirds, Jim McCarty and long-time musical partner Keith Relf envisioned a Renaissance as fusing folk and classical influences with the bluesy rock they'd been playing and giving birth to a new musical direction. When Annie Haslam joined the band in 1971 to sing with her ethereal 5-octave voice, the group became more popular, especially with the progressive rock scene. After Jim left, the line up continued notably with Annie, this combined the poetic emotional words of Betty Thatcher and the timeless musical masterpieces that were created by Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp and Terry Sullivan. 

Renaissance was reborn in 2009 with Annie and Michael Dunford at the helm, along with keyboard player/musical director Rave Tesar, and a new generation of musicians.

Renaissance has toured throughout the world and has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Chorale Society. Renaissance had a top ten hit in the UK with their song “Northern Lights” that still demands airplay to this day.

Annie is “looking forward to singing 'Face of Yesterday' from Jim's band Illusion, which I last performed on a tour of Germany in the early ‘70s. Such a gorgeous song! I’m also excited to be performing with Jim,” who is equally thrilled, stating, “I’ll be talking with Annie about how the band formed and got that sound. Also very pleased to be singing some of my own songs.”

Renaissance is Annie Haslam (lead vocals), Jim McCarty (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Rave Tesar (keyboards), Mark Lambert (guitars, vocals), Geoffrey Langley (keyboards, vocals), John Galgano (bass, vocals), and Frank Pagano (drums, percussion, vocals).

Left to Right: Frank, Rave, Geoffrey, Mark, and John. Photo by Brian Bortnik 

Row 2: Annie

Jim McCarty and Annie Haslam will be presenting the History of Renaissance Fall 2025 in Conversation and in Concert. Friday, Nov. 21 The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, IL (St. Louis) www.cityofedwardsville.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=672 Saturday, Nov. 22 The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, IL (St. Louis) www.cityofedwardsville.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=673 Friday, Nov. 28 The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ https://skypac.org/the-history-of-renaissance/ November 29 Lansdowne Theatre, Lansdowne, NJ http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/81373625/the-history-of-renaissance-featuring-annie-haslam-and-jim-mccarty-lansdowne-lansdowne-theate

ProgStock 2025 - October 9-12, 2025 International Progressive Rock Festival The Williams Center, Rutherford, NJ

Featuring Steve Hogarth of Marillion, IO Earth,  Pattern-Seeking Animals, Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins, Derek Shulman, Armando Gallo, Kevin J. Anderson  and Many Others!   The American Northeast’s Only International Progressive Rock Festival, takes the stage October 9-12, 2025, at the Williams Center, 15 Sylvan Street, in Rutherford, NJ. There are a variety of tickets available, including VIP Passes. Visit The Direct Ticket link at ProgStock.simpletix.com/   Experience ProgStock, The American Northeast’s Only International Progressive Rock Festival, now in its 9th incredible year at the Williams Center in Rutherford, New Jersey. From October 9th through October 12th, your favorite progressive rock artists, up close and truly personal. Stunning performances and unique collaborations…far beyond a typical festival or meet-and-greet, ProgStock is a deep, rich, and fully immersive musical community with a convention atmosphere.   Pattern-Seeking Animals   This year, you’ll experience headliners IO Earth and the Orchestra of Sound & Emotion, Pattern-Seeking Animals, and Marillion’s Steve Hogarth, in his first-ever US solo appearance as h Natural. There will also be special, once-in-a-lifetime performances by Melanie Mau & Martin Schnella, We Came From Space, Rachel Flowers, Points North, Funhouse Mirrors, Peter Jones of Camel and Tiger Moth Tales, Discipline, Flaming Row, Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear, Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins with Rick Musallam, Bryan Beller and Joe Travers, Kate Hinote Trio, The Cyberiam, and for the first time as SERENGAZER…Saga’s Michael Sadler with his son, Seren, and Jimmy Keegan, Matt Dorsey and Paul Bielatowicz.   Derek Shulman, Gentle Giant frontman and successful record industry executive, will discuss his new career-spanning book, “Giant Steps,” with synthesizer pioneer, Larry Fast (Synergy). Famed rock-n-roll journalist and photographer, Armando Gallo, will fascinate you with incredible stories and showcase his renowned work. World-famous science fiction author, Kevin J. Anderson, co-author of books from the Dune saga and of the Clockwork Angels series with Neil Peart of Rush, will exhibit his most recent works, up close and personal. EMEAPP, a collector and preserver of historically significant rock-n-roll gear, will demonstrate some amazing music technology. Annie Haslam of Renaissance, Michael Bennett of ProgDay, and Victoria Flowers will share their fine art. World-renowned pumpkin sculptor, Deane Arnold and his team will dazzle you with their art and even teach you to sculpt. PLUS…Spontaneous performances by Robeone and other visiting musicians, new album listening parties, and many more once-in-a-lifetime experiences await you in the Plaza every day at ProgStock.   Thursday, October 9 starts off the party with a separately ticketed prefestival show featuring the Rush tribute band, Fred Barchetta, with an opening set by Robeone (Robert Schindler) and followed by Last Call Live, a pro-am showcase of progressive musicality, featuring ProgStock attendees and some members of our mainstage lineup. Passes to ProgStock are going fast and are still on sale now at ProgStock.com. Don’t miss seeing these rare performance artists, October 9th through 12th at the Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ.! Rachel Flowers Quotes:  “It was just incredible, in every way! wow…Wow…WOW! What a thrill to be there and see those incredible bands. I almost do not have sufficient words to describe how fantastic the entire experience was.”  — RH, 5-Year Patron of ProgStock   “I have been working in this field of music for over fifty years as a recording artist, producer and advancing the technologies necessary to this style of music. ProgStock Festival has given me the opportunity to interact with my fan base and for me to work with and encourage the next generations of artists.”  – Larry Fast, Synergy Electronic Music, Inc. Derek Shulman   Official website: https://www.progstock.com Direct Ticket Link: ProgStock.simpletix.com/   Livestreaming Ticket Link: Stageit.com/ProgStock