The album highlights include The smash hit “Hysteria,” a reimagined cover of a Muse classic plus 12-minute prog epic titled “Soul Food” which features many special guests also “Dream Diary Cadenza,” a solo electric violin extravaganza lifted from Joe’s electric violin concerto.
“Guilty of Innocence” features special appearances by Alex Skolnick (Testament), Rave Tesar (Renaissance) and Randy McStine (The Fringe).
GUILTY OF INNOCENCE features members: French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore, praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.”
Track Listing 1. Behind The Curtain 03:34 2. Take Your Medicine 04:09 3. Guilty Of Innocence 03:15 4. Face 05:45 5. Hysteria 04:13 6. Affluenza 03:07 7. Parallel Reality 03:10 8. Game Of Chicken 05:03 9. Dream Diary Cadenza 04:06 10.Soul Food 12:46
What the critics have said. “Stratospheerius does not play what you want; it plays things you didn’t know you wanted.” – Dan Roth, Progression
“combines solid songwriting and tradition with extraordinary electric violin work and the sounds of the future.” – Angel Romero, Progressive Rock Central
“Think a bit of Zappa, the Dixie Dregs or Blues Traveler, with the violin being the focal point. Violinist & singer Joe Deninzon’s talents are flat out phenomenal, and the progressive rock tapestry he weaves around himself is carried out to perfection by his amazing band.” – Mark Waterbury, Music Morsels
“Memorable hooks, gravity-defying instrumental prowess, and a kitchen sink move toward rock If Bela Fleck and Frank Zappa had a love child in outer space, they might grow up to sound like these guys do.” – David Budin, CoolCleveland.com
Album cover designed by Joe's son Max and sister Claire.
Melodic Revolution Records is proud to announce that they have signed New York-based Prog outfit Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius for the group’s upcoming release, “GUILTY OF INNOCENCE.”
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius will release their fifth CD “Guilty of Innocence” through Melodic Revolution Records early Fall 2017. The new 10-track album will be available worldwide in both Physical and Digital formats. “Guilty of Innocence” features special appearances by Alex Skolnick (Testament), Rave Tesar (Renaissance) and Randy McStine (The Fringe).
“Guilty of Innocence” highlights include a reimagined cover of Muse’s “Hysteria,” a 12-minute prog epic titled “Soul Food” which features many of the guests mentioned above, plus “Dream Diary Cadenza,” a solo electric violin extravaganza lifted from Joe’s electric violin concerto.
The band is led by founding member, electric violinist & vocalist Joe Deninzon. Joe has been called the “Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin.”
GUILTY OF INNOCENCE features members: French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore, praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.”
Statement from Joe Deninzon We are honored to be part of Melodic Revolution Records, and feel it will be a strong partnership. We would love to expand our audience worldwide, especially in the prog community. We love Nick's commitment to and enthusiasm about the artists on his label.”
Statement from Nick Katona President MRR “I’m a long time fan of the band and look forward to this journey of making music and magic through our collaboration.”
Melodic Revolution Records is more than just another independent record label: we are a family of individuals and musicians that work hard together like a well oiled machine, bringing the music listener, music that inspires, and makes us think, while cultivating memories - music that will stand the test of time. It is through this family atmosphere that new collaborations have evolved to create a rich blend of dynamic new music. “Music Is Our Voice” says Nick Katona.
About Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius A renowned violinist, Joe has recorded/performed with Ritchie Blackmore, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Peter Criss, Jazz at Lincoln Center, NYC Ballet (electric violin soloist), Phoebe Snow, Les Paul, Renaissance, and Mark Wood to name a few. He is an active teacher/clinician and published his book, “Plugging In: A Guide to Gear and Technique for the 21st Century String Player” through Mel Bay in 2012. He also recently world-premiered his “Dream Diary: Concerto for Seven-String Electric Violin and Orchestra” with the Muncie Symphony in 2015.
Stratospheerius has showcased their “frenzied melange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world at colleges, festivals, and clubs. They have opened for artists including Alex Skolnick, Martin Barre, Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, Mike Stern, and John Scofield. The band was a winner of the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition the Musicians Atlas Independent Music Awards. They have been featured in Progression, Relix, Downbeat, and Jazziz, among other publications.
Band Members Joe Deninzon : Electric Violin, Lead Vocals & Mandolin Aurelien Budynek : Guitar & Backup Vocals Jamie Bishop : Bass & Backup Vocals Lucianna Padmore : Drums
What the critics have said : “Stratospheerius does not play what you want; it plays things you didn’t know you wanted.” - Dan Roth, Progression “a whirling dervish of vibrant creativity. He is one of those folks who seem to have a limitless supply of intriguing ideas. Deninzon is the embodiment of a true progressive artist…” - Eric Harabadian, Downbeat
“combines solid songwriting and tradition with extraordinary electric violin work and the sounds of the future.” - Angel Romero, Progressive Rock Central
“Joe Deninzon brings the process of bringing the violin into the 21st century by making the music and technology of the contemporary electric guitarist available to the curious and willing violinist. - Mimi Rabson, Strings Magazine
“Think a bit of Zappa, the Dixie Dregs or Blues Traveler, with the violin being the focal point. Violinist & singer Joe Deninzon’s talents are flat out phenomenal, and the progressive rock tapestry he weaves around himself is carried out to perfection by his amazing band.” - Mark Waterbury, Music Morsels
“Deninzon shows how he has earned the nickname the Jimi Hendrix of violin as he tears threw a distortion heavy solo that points more in the direction of Guns N Roses Slash than Yo Yo Ma.”
- Justin Scro, Cashbox Magazine
“Memorable hooks, gravity-defying instrumental prowess and a kitchen sink move toward rock If Bela Fleck and Frank Zappa had a love child in outer space, they might grow up to sound like these guys do.”
Director and Videographer Bill Hamilton Brings His Unique Vision to the
First Single From The Next World, Stratospheerius’ Fifth and Most Eclectic
Album-To-Date
Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius have a new music video, ONE FOOT IN THE NEXT WORLD. RIVEVIDEO will be promoting it. Says RiveVideo owner John Warden, "I really feel this song has all of the rock elements for their hardcore fans, but it also definitely has a Pop sensibility that we want to expose. I even made the target list ‘wider’ to accommodate the sound of the video and to push the envelope for the video of 'One Foot In The Next World.'"
Joe Deninzon and long time video collaborator Bill Hamilton created the video concept based on the band's song "One Foot in the Next World," which attacks politicians and preachers who’s philosophies and policies are not based on reality.
Director Bill Hamilton filmed the band -- Joe Deninzon on electric violin and lead vocals, Aurelien Budynek on guitar and vocals, Jamie Bishop on bass and drummer Lucianna Padmore – in front of an abandoned blast furnace at Bethlehem Steelstax and in Hamilton’s own studio (http://www.beelmedia.com) in Hoboken, NJ. By combining the Steelstax footage with images of a fire dancer (Bulgarian gymnastics star Silviya Taseva) and shots of Deninzon singing the song underwater, Hamilton created a clip that implies the endless struggle between fire and water, heaven and hell, creation and destruction, reality and fantasy.
Musically, “One Foot in the Next World” starts as a straight up rocker, slips into a raga-like interlude for guitar and violin, then features an improvised section that calls to mind the explorations of the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Deninzon’s violin work is the thread that holds the tapestry together.
Stratospheerius songs, written by singer/bandleader/electric violinist Joe Deninzon, blend rock, funk, jazz, classical, fusion, singer-songwriter, metal and Eastern European gypsy influences. It’s a mix that makes the music of Stratospheerius hard to pin down. “I hate to use labels,” Joe says. “If we had to use just one, I would call us a progressive rock band, although there are elements of be-bop, ska, pop, bluegrass and everything else in our sound.”
Joe, who has been called “the Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin,” was born in Russia and raised in Cleveland, in a home full of classically trained musicians. He grew up playing classical violin and rock guitar, but hearing Jean-Luc Ponty inspired him to merge his interests. He began blending jazz, classical and rock into his own unique expression. He started playing a six-string Jensen electric violin in 1995, slowly developing his vision for Stratospheerius over the course of five outstanding albums: 1998’s Electric/Blue, credited solely to Deninzon; The Adventures of Stratospheerius (2002); the live set Live Wires (2004); Headspace (2007) and their latest outing The Next World (2012), which debuted on the Relix Jam Band Chart at #10, staying on the charts for the next two months.
“The Next World is moving in a slightly more mainstream direction,” Deninzon explains. “There is more emphasis on the lyrics and songwriting, a bit more rock and a lot of political commentary.” The band launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the video, the post-apocalyptic vision of “One Foot in the Next World.”
The Next World also features the fiery “Gods,” the energetic power clash of “The Missing Link” and the glorious “Release.” The album's instrumentals include the whiplash-inducing “Road Rage,” the soulful “Ballad for Ding Bang,” and “Fleshbot.” Stratospheerius does more genre bending on the electronic/ska of “Tech Support,” the country rock ballad “Climbing” and the bluesy “The House Always Wins.”
Joe is also busy promoting his first book, PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist (Mel Bay Books, May 2012) http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22035SET He gives frequent workshops on electric violin technique. While leading Stratospheerius since 2001, he has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Les Paul, Phoebe Snow, Ritchie Blackmore, and Aretha Franklin. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger, including the NIKE commercial that was repeatedly broadcast during the London Olympics in 2012.
Stratospheerius' Leader Joe Deninzon available for interviews in support of album
Powderfinger Promotions, who is promoting Stratospheerius' new album, THE NEXT WORLD to AAA Radio, Jam Band and College Radio, is getting adds out-of-the-box from many stations, including heavy rotation on WNSU-Ft. Lauderdale and KPFK-Los Angeles, and other indicators KUMD-Duluth, WERS-Boston, WAER-Syracuse.
Powderfinger Promotions, helmed by David Avery, has worked a number of charting campaigns including releases from: Medeski Martin & Wood, Esperanza Spalding, Gov't Mule (w/ Ben Harper), String Cheese Incident, Victor Wooten... David says Powderfinger's slogan is "nurture the urge," and he was compelled to work with Stratospheerius' album THE NEXT WORLD because of its variety, "It's a great pleasure to be promoting a group as talented and exciting as Stratospheerius. I see great things for them and am thrilled to be part of the team that's bringing their music to the public."
The album is being worked to college, AAA, and jam band radio. Plug songs to jam band radio from the album are: the glorious RELEASE, the genre bending--electronic/ska-inspired TECH SUPPORT, and, the whiplash-inducing ROAD RAGE. Other songs receiving attention from radio programmers are: "The Prism," "One Foot In The Next World," "The House Always Wins," "Climbing," and "The Missing Link.
Stratospheerius' new album THE NEXT WORLD is on Steve Vai's Digital Nations and Joe's imprint D-Zone Entertainment. Generally Steve signs metal/hard rock acts, but in addition to the great singing/songwriting on this album, Joe shreds on electric violin. Stratospheerius generally shares bills or opens for bands from fusion, jam, progressive, rock, and hard rock.
Stratospheerius just calls itself a "Rock group," with a musical range combines jam, fusion, rock, progressive, virtuoso, singer-songwriter, jazz and metal. The group was a winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, won the Online People's Choice Awards in the Cornucopia Festival, and was named "Best Jam Band" in Musician's Atlas Independent Music Awards. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER praises Stratospheerius for its "funky electric violins, driving guitar rhythms, and fevered drumming layered in an explosive fashion."
Critics continue to weigh in on the album, Progressive Ears' Angel Romero says THE NEXT WORLD is “A leading contender for the best rock album of 2012… Joe Deninzon’s dazzling violin solos, creative loops and effects are clearly spectacular and demonstrate that he is one of the most talented instrumentalists in the current rock scene.” MUSIC STREET JOURNAL's G.W. Hill writes, “You just can’t go wrong with this outfit. Nor can you assume what you are going to hear when they release a new disc. While the fusion elements of previous releases are still present, this one has more pure rock in it, too. Frankly, this might be the best Stratospheerius disc yet!”BLOGCRITICS writes, "If Jeff Beck had been a fiddlemaster with a streak of humor." Binghamton's PRESS & SUN BULLETIN calls the group "innovative."
Stratospheerius members are: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/mandolin/vocals, French guitarist Aurelien Budynek (Cindy Blackman, Vernon Reid), bassist Jamie Bishop (The Syn, Francis Dunnery), and drummer Lucianna Padmore (praised by Modern Drummer Magazine for her “Deep grooves and serious fusion chops.” The group's leader Joe Deninzon has written the book on Electric Violin--literally; Mel Bay books has released his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." Often called "The Jimi Hendrix of the Electric Violin," his innovative performances on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions blend rock, funk, jazz, classical, and Eastern European Gypsy influences. While leading Stratospheerius since 2001, Joe has worked with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Les Paul, Aretha Franklin, Ritchie Blackmore, and President Clinton. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger, and receently on the soundtrack of the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced movie, VIRGINITY HIT.
There will be a new Stratospheerius album at some point in 2010 or 2011, and definitely Stratospheerius gigs including a late night show on February 10 at Phat Baby in New York City.
But Joe Deninzon, Stratospheerius' lead singer/electric violinist has some other fascinating activities coming to fruition this year. He is writing a violin book for Mel Bay, teaching at Mark O'Connor's string camp in New York City this summer, and releasing a jazz trio album.
The Mel Bay electric violin book focuses on improvisation techniques in rock, jazz, blues, and funk, and will also have chapters devoted to amplification for strings, effects, and electric violins. Joe Deninzon has become the music world's “go to” guy for sessions, improvisation technique, and the one everyone asks for info on effects, so this book will be a “God”-sent for colleagues and fans. (He recently also played in Bruce Springsteen's back up group at Madison Square Garden for “New York City Serenade.”)
Joe is honored to be the Rock teacher at Mark O'Conner's renowned String Camp this July 26-30, in New York City. Mark O'Conner is considered one of the greatest violinists and composers of our time, who transcends many genres. He's played for and performed with Yo Yo Ma, Edgar Mayer and James Taylor. Here is the link for info about the String Camp: http://markoconnor.com/index.php?page=about
JOE DENINZON TRIO-DEBUT CD AND TOUR.
Violinist Joe Deninzon and his Trio will be releasing their debut CD, Exuberance, in February of 2010 and will be touring February 10-21 in support of the new release. Tour dates include Hoboken, Youngstown, Erie, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Bloomington, abd Cincinnati.
The Joe Deninzon Trio is comprised of violinist Joe Deninzon, bassist Robert Bowen, and guitarist Stephen Benson. On tour, the group will be joined by drummer Lucianna Padmore.
The goal of the Exuberance sessions was to capture the essence of three musicians in a room, playing live with no overdubs and no “production." The group draws influences from jazz stylists including the gypsy explorations of Django Reinhardt and the hot swing of violinist Stephane Grappelli along with rock and pop standards of the past 50 years including compositions from Steely Dan, Alice in Chains, and Radiohead. It poses the question, “What if artists such as Django Reinhardt were alive today and creating their unique interpretations of music they heard on the radio?”
One of the group's original songs, “Sun Goes Down” (featuring Luba on lead vocals), has been featured in the independent film, “What's Up Scarlet?” and a recent winner in the Jazz category of the Billboard and John Lennon International Songwriting Contests.
Tour Dates
February 10 Be Vocal Hoboken NJ February 16 2010 International Competition of Indianapolis Laureate Series Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center Indianapolis, IN February 17 Bear's Place Bloomington, IN February 18 Blue Wisp Jazz Club Cincinnati, OH February 19 Nighttown Cleveland, OH February 20 The Jive Erie, PA FREE CONCERT! February 20 Therese's Great Nights Youngstown, OH
Jethro Tull's drummer, Doane Perry in Sticks'n'Skins. Sticks 'n' Skins: A Photography Book About the World of Drumming makes its debut at www.SticksnSkins.com! Discover the heartbeat of music in this 560 page coffee table book illuminating the eclectic world of drumming over the past 70 years. Fotos By Folletts photographers traveled to 53 cities in four countries and photographed over 500 drummers to be included in the pages of this captivating hardcover book.
Dedicated to the late drumming photographer Lissa Wales, Sticks 'n' Skins opens with a special tribute to her work. Well known to the drumming community, Lissa was a trail blazer in her field, specializing in capturing the heart and soul of drummers around the world. (To learn more about Lissa, please visit DrumPics.com.)
The first of its kind, Sticks 'n' Skins features never-before-seen photos and stories of legendary artists David Garibaldi (Tower of Power), Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad), Carmine Appice (SLAMM), Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Louie Bellson (Benny Goodman), Steve Gadd (Barbra Streisand), Jim Keltner (Bob Dylan), Hal Blaine (Elvis Presley), Ginger Baker (Cream), Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones), Stefanie Eulinberg (Kid Rock), Jack Bruno (Tina Turner), Danny Seraphine (Chicago), Anton Fig (Late Night with David Letterman), Nigel Olsson (Elton John), Chad Smith (The Red Hot Chili Peppers), Keith Carlock (Steely Dan), and many more. Stratospheerius' drummer Lucianna Padmore is also highlighted.
Sticks 'n' Skins not only provides visual inspiration with its stunning photos but also preserves the legacy of the diverse and unique drumming community. Sure to become a music lover's collector's item, this extraordinary book offers an opportunity for fans young and old to see a new side of the biggest names in music history.
"This book documents our drumming history, thus preserving our talents and our reasons for why we do what we do for future generations to feel. It is a compelling and moving glimpse into the drumming community" - Dom Famularo, Drumming's Global Ambassador.
“I have been privileged and blessed to have met and photographed this amazing group of musicians... the drummers,” says author Jules Follett. “I thank them all for helping me capture their talent, energy and passion visually.”
For more information or to purchase your copy today, please visit www.sticksnskins.com.
Jethro Tull's Doane Perry, Tower of Power's David Garibaldi, Grand Funk Railroad's Don Brewer, and Stratospheerius' Lucianna Padmore are featured in the upcoming coffeetable book of drummers, STICKS'N'SKINS.
