UPDATE: Henry McCullough co-bills with his Wings' bandmate Denny Seiwell at the Iridium, March 29

Henry McCullough will be performing at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street), New York, NY on March 29 for two shows: at 8 and 10 PM. Tickets are $30. Meals and drinks are extra. The venue phone is 212-582-2121, and the web site is http://www.theiridium.com

Denny Seiwell, who worked with Henry in Wings (for the RED ROSE SPEEDWAY), will also play a set for each show with his jazz band.

Henry is bringing in some of the most versatile area musicians, including Jim Popik and the rhythm section (Drummer: Andy Janowiak, Upright bassist Luke Kessel) of Jim's group, Ten Foot Tall.

Special Guests: The Smithereens' drummer Dennis Diken
Stratospheerius singer/electric violinist/alternative violinist to the stars Joe Deninzon
Singer/songwriter Jann Klose (also joining Jim McCarty and John Hawken at the Iridium on May 2)

Q104.3's Ken Dashow will emcee this event. Ken is the afternoon/drivetime host, and handles the station's Breakfast With the Beatles, Sunday morning from 8-10 AM. (Ken is interviewing Henry at the Fest For Beatles Fans, and will be broadcasting that on April 1).

Henry and Denny are also going to be performing at the Fest For Beatles Fans, at the NJ Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, in Secaucus, NJ. The Fest runs March 23-25. For more information, please cll 1-866-THE FEST or visit http://www.thefest.com. The two have also recorded a Beatles EP, SHABBY ROAD that features covers of "From Me To You," "Here Comes The Sun," and "Can't Buy Me Love."

Henry is due a new album, POOR MAN'S MOON this year on Silverwolf Music. His previous release, UNFINISHED BUSINESS was also on the label, and showcased Henry's roots-inspired genre that combines folk, British blues rock, and party sounds is receiving a deserved boost in North America.

Raised in the seaside resort of Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, Henry's was Managed for a time by Chas Chandler in the band Eire Apparent were one of the many bands to take part in package tours of Britain, alongside of The Move, Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Amen Corner... After an untimely exit from the band, Henry nailed down some of the finest mix of traditional and rock with his work as part of the legendary Sweeney's Men in 1968; It is said that this line-up more or less invented the concept of Folk-Rock.

He joined Joe Cocker's Grease Band. Tours and albums followed quickly, including an appearance at Woodstock and a lengthy period of work in the States. Then he joined the Grease Band, and became a member of Wings (along with Denny Seiwell, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney) with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Henry embellished the single '"My Love" with a graceful solo that is one of the all-time guitar gems and shows once and for all the expressive power of the instrument. He also made a spoken contribution to the end of the classic song "Money" on Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. Other gigs included Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills, Spooky Tooth... He plays regularly throughout Ireland and Poland, where he recorded BLUE SUNSET. Henry's "Failed Christian" was picked up by Nick Lowe, and then Henry included it on UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

**In the summer of '99 Henry was devastated when his beloved 1963 cherry red Gibson ES335 went missing from a British Midlands flight between Warsaw and Heathrow. (However, he still has his gold-top Les Paul that he played at Woodstock.)

****

Drummer/Percussionist Denny Seiwell was 5 years old when his father introduced him to the drums; he turned professional musician while barely a teenager. A stint with the Navy Jazz Band after high school led to a year's assignment in Chicago under the tutelage of the great Roy Knapp, legendary teacher to such masters as Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.

Then came New York where Denny's first job took him to the famed Half Note Jazz club playing with the Zoot Sims/Al Cohn Quintet. From there a string of studio work which established him as the Big Apple's Premiere session Drummer. Having played with the creme de la creme of the Jazz elite, Denny's Rock-n-Roll resume is also envious, beginning with an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon Wings. Denny also toured with Wings playing on many of that era's biggest hits, "My Love" and the Oscar nominated "Live and Let Die" to name a few. Other Highlights of Denny's London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra in their ground breaking version of the Rock Opera "Tommy."

Denny's Signature Drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin's posthumus FAREWELL SONG album, Billy Joel's COLD SPRING HARBOR, and McCartney's RAM, WILDLIFE and RED ROSE SPEEDWAY albums.

While playing on some of LA's most prestigious TV and Film dates, his passion for music, his human spirit, his training and abilities have earned him the reputation as one of the industry's most respected drummers.

###

Jann Klose Band Residency at the Rockwood Music Hall, Sunday, April 1, 15, 22, 29

Jann with producer David Bendeth (left) and engineer John Bender (right) at the House of Loud studios, New Jersey.

Jann Klose is having a residency at the Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street (between Houston and Stanton), in New York City on Sundays--April 1, 15, 22, and 29, at 7 PM each night. Jann and his band will be welcoming special guest performers at all shows, including Gary Lucas (of Jeff Buckley/Captain Beefheart fame), singer/actress Aisha Eustache and Ryan Ordway (whose new album was produced by the Rembrandts' Danny Wilde).  Other guests TBA. Admission is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. The venue phone is 212-477-4155, and the web site is http://www.rockwoodmusichall.com

Rockwood Artist Residencies feature their favorite artists over the course of a few weeks or a month. Jann will be including very recent material that may end up on his upcoming album, which he's working on under the attentive ears of multi-platinum award winning producer David Bendeth (Bruce Hornsby, Paramore, Papa Roach, Elvis Presley).

Jann says, "The Rockwood has been a haven in New York City to my band and me. Both Rockwood Stage 1 and 2 have presented my shows. This venue is THE place in New York City for a singer-songwriter. I've seen folks from James Maddock to Elliott Murphy (who I've opened for) at the Rockwood.  I've discovered up-and-coming artists here including Mieka Pauley and Amber Rubarth. One of Norah Jones' other projects has been on the bill with me here. I'm very thankful to the Rockwood has given me an opportunity to have this residency." 

Jann is also opening for The Yardbirds/Renaissance co-founder Jim McCarty & the Strawbs John Hawken at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway, in New York City, for two shows on May 2.  The three performed together this past October in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada.

Jann's recent releases Reverie (2008) and Sacrifice EP (2010) continue to build attention. His songs have been heard on the GRAMMY-nominated Healthy Food For Thought (2010) compilation, and in film and TV, including Warner Bros. Dead Broke featuring Paul Sorvino and MTV Cribs. 

He has opened for/performed with a wide range of artists including, Brett Dennen, Rusted Root, Vonda Shepard, Rosanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Renaissance and Annie Haslam, Suzanne Vega, and the legendary Les Paul. On his recent tour in England Jann presented a Masterclass on DIY Touring and Collaboration at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts in the Paul McCartney Auditorium.

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya and South-Africa he first came to the U.S. as an exchange student, now living in NYC. As an actor/singer he performed in Broadway tours of Jekyll & Hyde, The Who's Tommy and the European tour of Jesus Chris Superstar. 

Henry McCullough co-bills with his Wings' bandmate Denny Seiwell at the Iridium, March 29

http://www.henrymccullough.com Video for "FAILED CHRISTIAN. FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Henry-McCullough/217928884902166

Henry McCullough will be performing at the Iridium, 1650 Broadway (at 51st Street), New York, NY on March 29 for two shows: at 8 and 10 PM. Tickets are $30. Meals and drinks are extra. The venue phone is 212-582-2121, and the web site is http://www.theiridium.com

Denny Seiwell, who worked with Henry in Wings (for the RED ROSE SPEEDWAY), will also play a set for each show with his jazz band.

Henry is bringing in some of the most versatile area musicians, including Jim Popik and the rhythm section (Drummer: Andy Janowiak, Upright bassist Luke Kessel) of Jim's group,Ten Foot Tall. Stratospheerius singer/electric violinist Joe Deninzon and GRAMMY-winning featured children's artist Miss Amy Otey will be sitting in. Other guests TBA.

Henry is due a new album, POOR MAN'S MOON this year on Silverwolf Music. His previous release, UNFINISHED BUSINESS was also on the label, and showcased Henry's roots-inspired genre that combines folk, British blues rock, and party sounds is receiving a deserved boost in North America.

Raised in the seaside resort of Portstewart, in Northern Ireland, Henry's was Managed for a time by Chas Chandler in the band Eire Apparent were one of the many bands to take part in package tours of Britain, alongside of The Move, Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Amen Corner... After an untimely exit from the band, Henry nailed down some of the finest mix of traditional and rock with his work as part of the legendary Sweeney's Men in 1968; It is said that this line-up more or less invented the concept of Folk-Rock.

He joined Joe Cocker's Grease Band. Tours and albums followed quickly, including an appearance at Woodstock and a lengthy period of work in the States. Then he joined the Grease Band, and became a member of Wings (along with Denny Seiwell, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney) with ex-Beatle Paul McCartney. Henry embellished the single '"My Love" with a graceful solo that is one of the all-time guitar gems and shows once and for all the expressive power of the instrument. He also made a spoken contribution to the end of the classic song "Money" on Pink Floyd's DARK SIDE OF THE MOON. Other gigs included Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Ronnie Lane, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Eric Burdon, Viola Wills, Spooky Tooth... He plays regularly throughout Ireland and Poland, where he recorded BLUE SUNSET. Henry's "Failed Christian" was picked up by Nick Lowe, and then Henry included it on UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

**In the summer of '99 Henry was devastated when his beloved 1963 cherry red Gibson ES335 went missing from a British Midlands flight between Warsaw and Heathrow. (However, he still has his gold-top Les Paul that he played at Woodstock.)

****

Drummer/Percussionist Denny Seiwell was 5 years old when his father introduced him to the drums; he turned professional musician while barely a teenager. A stint with the Navy Jazz Band after high school led to a year's assignment in Chicago under the tutelage of the great Roy Knapp, legendary teacher to such masters as Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson.

Then came New York where Denny's first job took him to the famed Half Note Jazz club playing with the Zoot Sims/Al Cohn Quintet. From there a string of studio work which established him as the Big Apple's Premiere session Drummer. Having played with the creme de la creme of the Jazz elite, Denny's Rock-n-Roll resume is also envious, beginning with an invitation from Paul McCartney to move to London and become a founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon Wings. Denny also toured with Wings playing on many of that era's biggest hits, "My Love" and the Oscar nominated "Live and Let Die" to name a few. Other Highlights of Denny's London years included work with Joe Cocker, Donovan, and The Who with the London Symphony Orchestra in their ground breaking version of the Rock Opera "Tommy."

Denny's Signature Drumming can be heard on records by Art Garfunkel, James Brown, Astrud Gilberto, Deniece Williams, Janis Joplin's posthumus FAREWELL SONG album, Billy Joel's COLD SPRING HARBOR, and McCartney's RAM, WILDLIFE and RED ROSE SPEEDWAY albums.

While playing on some of LA's most prestigious TV and Film dates, his passion for music, his human spirit, his training and abilities have earned him the reputation as one of the industry's most respected drummers.

###

The Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson Demands Rush Limbaugh Stop Using His Music

The Fabulous Thunderbirds' lead singer Kim Wilson has officially demanded that Rush Limbaugh cease and desist broadcast of any music written, recorded or published by Kim and his band in any context related to or concerning any radio or television broadcast of, by or about Rush Limbaugh.

Kim Wilson's demand was issued on Tuesday, March 6 to Clear Channel Communications, Premiere Networks and Broadcasting and Rush Limbaugh directly.

Over the years Rush has played the Thunderbirds' "Tuff Enuff" and other tunes which Kim has been aware of, "The Constitution gives us the right of free speech," but when Rush recently called a Georgetown University student Sandra Fluke a "slut," it was the straw that broke the camel's back. "I don't want people to think that I'm affiliated in any way, shape or form with him. The message he promotes is something I'm totally against."

"I was mortified by his attack on this young woman. Why is he using my music? I've been very open about my politics, which includes equal rights for men and women.

"What kind of example is Rush setting for the youth of America? He's a proven drug addict and is now in his fourth marriage… both things his listeners rail against and yet these people still listen to him. Rush Limbaugh is a promoter of ignorance. He's a clown… all he does is stir up the rabble that exists in this country. I don't think he's an idiot--he makes 50 million dollars a year. The things he says are not only disrespectful, chauvenistic, and racist--it's about everything that--in my mind--is wrong."

Kim also emphasizes that Rush offered factual misinformation when he called the young Sandra Fluke "a slut." "It wasn't funding as part of a health bill that she wanted, but for her own insurance--that's private industry.” And for Rush to hypothesize that we're paying for her to have sex is also wrong if there's a baby involved. Kim says, “It's both men and women that have sex when a baby is made."

The multiple GRAMMY nominee, who tours year 'round, leading the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the pure blues group Kim Wilson's Blues All-Stars, is releasing an album through Severn Records later this year. He has recently performed and recorded with Eric Clapton, Raphael Saadiq, Kid Rock, and Mark Knopfler. Kim says, "I don't want my music to support his message. There is no amount of money this guy could pay me to be a part of his cruel rhetoric; I just don’t want any part of it."

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull receives NatureLife Environmental Award 2012

NatureLife president C.-P. Hutter: Ian Anderson is not only a pioneer in new varieties of music, but also a positive role model for ecology.

Stuttgart, Germany. The environmental foundation NatureLife-International (NLI) in Ludwigsburg near Stuttgart announced that Ian Anderson, founder and leader of the legendary rock band Jethro Tull and successful solo artist, receives the NatureLife Environmental Award 2012.

“Ian Anderson has not only made music history by introducing classical elements and the transverse flute into rock music, thus creating a whole new variety of rock music, but has also been committed to biological variety over decades with a lot of personal engagement," says Claus-Peter Hutter, president of NatureLife-International.

With the award, NatureLife-International recognizes Ian Anderson’s ongoing contribution to the protection of endangered species, the fight for threatened areas, and the renaturation of habitats. “Ian Anderson, who became world famous with songs such as ‘Locomotive Breath’ and ‘Bungle in the Jungle’ and albums like ‘Aqualung’ or ‘Thick as a Brick’, sends true signals for the conservation of natural resources, often without any publicity," Hutter points out.

Ian Anderson was one of the first patrons for the campaign to rescue the St Lucia Game Reserve in South Africa, which had been threatened by mining projects and is now protected as World Heritage. Furthermore, he planted more than 35,000 oak and ash trees in Scotland and saved woodlands by purchasing them.

Ian Anderson also provides financial support for different research and conservation projects, helping endangered wild cats both in wilderness and in zoos. “Ian Anderson is an important role model for the commitment for sustainability because he supports ecological, cultural and social initiatives”, says NatureLife-International.

Last year, the award, which is not combined with any financial award, was given to actor and film maker Hannes Jaenicke. This year, the award will be handed over to Anderson in May. For his 44th anniversary on stage and 40th anniversary of the legendary album ‘Thick as a Brick," Ian Anderson and his band are going on tour in 2012.

NatureLife-International, foundation for the environment, education and sustainability, stands up for broad environmental education and practical nature protection as well as international communication and collaboration for nature. One focal point are projects for climate protection, combining poverty reduction, reforestation of damaged forests, and the protection of endangered plant and animal species in the tropics and subtropics.

www.naturelife-international.org

German release at: http://www.naturelife-international.org/umweltpreis_2012.aspx

PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist by Joe Deninzon

LINK FOR PLUGGING IN, by Joe Deninzon: http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=22035SET

Renowned violinist/performer/composer and pedagogue Joe Deninzon has just released his first educational book, “PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century violinist” for Mel Bay Publications. The goal of this book is to remove the “unknown factor” that so many trained string players fear when entering the world of improvisation and amplification. Joe uses his many years of experience as a freelancing electric and acoustic violinist in New York to relay the unique combination of skills a young string player has to have beyond traditional conservatory training in order to survive in today’s music world. The first section has chapters addressing how to shop for an electric violin, amplifiers, and working with effects. The second part focuses on improvisation techniques in blues, funk, and rock, string arranging, working with DJs, and modern techniques like chopping. The book is accompanied by a CD and a DVD, which features Joe demonstrating all of the techniques while accompanied by his band, Stratospheerius. With over 70 musical examples, “PLUGGING IN" is a comprehensive look at both the technical and musical aspect of modern, alternative string playing.

"PLUGGING IN: Extended Techniques For the 21st Century Violinist" is available in music gear and sheet music shops, and on the Mel Bay web site, at http://www.melbay.com. "PLUGGING IN" is 168 pages, and costs $32.99 / : £23.99 / €31.99

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions combining jazz and rock with Gypsy influences. A musician who transcends many genres, he has worked with Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, and Les Paul among many others. He has also performed as a solo electric violinist in the piece “Red Angels” with the New York City Ballet and has played for President Clinton. Joe is the lead singer and electric violinist for the band Stratospheerius (www.stratospheerius.com), who will be releasing a new album, THE NEXT LIFE this May with Steve Vai's Digital Nations/D-Zone Entertainment. Stratospheerius have released five CD’s to international acclaim, and were named “Best Jam Band” in the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards. Joe can be heard on over a hundred CDs and jingles as a violinist and string arranger. A 12-time BMI Jazz Composer’s grant recipient and a winner of the John Lennon and Billboard Songwriting Contests, his original music has been used on CMT, MTV VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel, the History Channel, the independent film “What’s Up Scarlet,” and the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced film “Virginity Hit”. He also is a member of the Sweet Plantain String Quartet (www.sweetplantain.com), which combines classical, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin styles.

An active clinician, Joe has taught at Mark O'Connor’s String Camp and Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp, International Association of Jazz Educators, the American String Teachers Association Conference, Berklee College of Music, and The New School University. He is also the co-founder of the Grand Canyon School of Rock and has performed numerous times at the Grand Canyon Music Festival with harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio. Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz and Classical Violin from Indiana University and a Master’s from Manhattan School of Music. His teachers have included Josef Gingold, Henryk Kowalski, Nelli Shkolnikova, and David Baker. Joe currently lives in Dumont, New Jersey with his wife Yulia, a violinist the New York Philharmonic, and their son Max.

####

"As at home in the world of Grappelli and O’Conner as he is in the world of Steve Vai and Jimi Hendrix, Joe Deninzon may very well be our next national violin treasure!!" -Jedd Beaudoin (www.seaoftranquility.org)

PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist

Are you a violinist who is curious about “going electric,” but have no idea where to begin? This book will walk you through the process of choosing an electric violin, shopping for an amplifier, and using effects pedals. The book also covers improvisation in the genres of blues, rock, and funk. Chopping and other rhythmic techniques for bowed string instruments are explored, as well as playing in a band, rock string arranging and working with DJs. "PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist" will open new worlds of creativity for you as a string player and help you find your own voice in the brave new world!

The Youtube Commercial For Joe Deninzon's PLUGGING IN: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist!

Award-Winning Urban Folk Jazz Artist KJ Denhert Celebrates 15 Years w/ Her Band, March 16

Jen Chapin to Join in Show with a Set and as Host

Urban folk jazz singer/guitarist/songwriter KJ Denhert is celebrating her 15 years fronting her band KJ Denhert & the New York Unit, at the Tribecca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, in New York on March 16, at 8 PM. Tickets are $15, and available in advance at 212-220-1460.

KJ's band features: KJ on vocals and guitars, bassist Mamadou Ba, drummer Ray Levier, keyboardist Adam Klipple, and saxophonist Aaron Heick.

Special guests include Jen Chapin who will emcee and open the show. KJ and Jen have been friends since 1997 when many members of the NY Unit came from Jen's band. Guitarist Adam Falcon who collaborated with KJ on her Independent Music Award nominated CD, The Songwriter's Notebook, will perform tunes from their CD as well as Tomas Doncker, also a songwriter and guitarist who joined KJ in the recording of her latest EP Destiny.

Known for her weekly shows at New York City's Smoke and thirteen years in residence at the 55 Bar, KJ grew up in New York City, in the 1960s. She started learning to play guitar at age 10, listening to Sergio Mendes and John Hartford. "As I advanced, books by James Taylor and Joni Mitchell were my first official self-study as a guitarist."

As a young woman in the '80s she played guitar and sang with an all-female band called, Fireî touring throughout North America and Europe. She also spent time in Cleveland, founding and fronting the group, Cyclone Sisters. Upon moving back to NY City in 1997, she formed the NY Unit. KJ will have copies of her upcoming Destiny EP at her 15th Anniversary. Produced by KJ and engineered by Hal Winer at BiCoastal Studios in Ossining, NY, songs on the EP include "Destiny," "Try To Fly," "Do You Love." There's a new version of an audience favorite "Beautiful," and a folk as well as a pop/rock mix of "I Don't Think So."

KJ's most recent release, Album No.9 spawned a number of minor hits, including a yearnful interpretation of the Beatles "Help" that was as a rally for humanity in light of many tragedies most recently in Haiti, Louisiana, and Japan. Other classics on the album are "Alfie," "Pennies From Heaven," "The Shadow of Your Smile," and "Smoke on the Water." KJ's original songs: "Choose Your Weapon" (which won the 2010 Independent Music Award for "Sing Out for Social Action"), "Let It Go," and her first song in French, "Chanson Baz Bar" have become fan favorites.

This July, KJ will be performing at Italy's Umbria Jazz Festival. She's an an eight-time artist in residence at Umbria Jazz Festival. She's played at many prestigious events including The Rochester International Jazz Festival, River to River in New York City, the San Jose Jazz Festival, and Clearwater Festival in Croton, NY.

KJ is the founder of recording label, Mother Cyclone Records. She was named a winner of the Kerrville New Folk Song contest in June, 2006 for "Private Angel" and won the Mountain Stage New Song contest later that summer for her composition, "Little Mary." The Album, Another Year Gone By, Live won the 2006 Independent Music Award for Best Live Performance.

Jenda Derringer's "Cigarette."

I'm working this song to TV, Film Media.


Note: Rick Derringer plays electric guitar on this desperate and moody piece.

Miss Amy on GRAMMY-Winning Children's Album

Congratulations from multiple GRAMMY nominee Miss Amy, who is part of the team that appears on the GRAMMY-winning Children's Album, ALL ABOUT BULLIES... BIG AND SMALL.

Miss Amy is a multi-nominated Grammy winning featured artist today. Her FITNESS ROCK & ROLL CD was nominated for Best Children's Album in the 54th Grammy awards, while she is also a contributing featured artist on the Grammy winning ALL ABOUT BULLIES... BIG AND SMALL CD. Miss Amy was a featured artist on HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT that was nominated in the 53rd GRAMMY awards last year in the category of Best Spoken Word Album for Children.

Produced by Philadelphia's Steve Pullara, James Cravero, Pat Robinson, Kevin Mackie, and Gloria Domina, ALL ABOUT BULLIES BIG AND SMALL features spoken word and music from a number of notable artists including: Little Steven, Eric Bazillian (of the Hooters), and May Pang. Everyone who contributed to the album is a volunteer. All profits from the proceeds of the album will be donated to Pacer Center's Kids Against Bullying (www.PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org).

Miss Amy recorded a 'rappish-musical' arrangement by her producer, Alex Otey, of a poem written by Eric Ode called "Keep Your Chin Up" on ALL ABOUT BULLIES. As she commented, "Being on two Grammy nominated projects this year is a thrill, but the fact that one of them won the Grammy is just fabulous! ALL ABOUT BULLIES is dedicated to raising awareness about bullying and helping kids cope with this important issue. It's all part of building a better world and fits directly with my mission of improving the lives of children!"

In addition to coming to Los Angeles to walk the red carpet this year, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band came to bring her message of fitness to motivate kids to discover their athletic identities. Miss Amy's band performed at the L.A. Air Force Base the day before GRAMMY day. They, then, walked the carpet and attended the GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center with her peers and other music professionals.

Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band will perform at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC for Family Day on March 3rd. More events and music at www.MissAmyKids.com.

This video tells the story of how Miss Amy became Miss Amy. It's about how she created the mother-child bond with her own son, who was born premature.

New York City Advisory: Let's Work Together!

JOE DENINZON & STRATOSPHEERIUS, EMILY HURD, KJ DENHERT, HENRY MCCULLOUGH, JANN KLOSE, JIM MCCARTY

Want to give you a heads up on my artists' activities in New York City over the next few months. Let me know what looks interesting to you, and I'll connect you with my artists!

JOE DENINZON & STRATOSPHEERIUS
Jam band/progressive/fusion rockers Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius will be playing at Shrine in Harlem, February 17. The band is getting ready for a new album, THE NEXT WORLD with Steve Vai's Digital Nations. Look for a release in May, with the record release party on May 24 at Shrine. Joe has an electric violin method book, PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist." Joe is the leading authority on electric violin, and has played with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Mathis, the late Les Paul, Ritchie Blackmore, President Clinton...
http://www.joedeninzon.com

EMILY HURD
Singer-songwriter from Chicago, whose new album, LONG LOST GHOSTS is getting serious grass roots support out of the box. Suite 101 Andy Howells has named it "the first essential album to own of 2012," and Paul Zollo (senior editor of AMERICAN SONGWRITER) writes on his Blue Railroad site, "A masterpiece...this is an album to fall into and swim in forever..." Emily is at the Rockwood Music Hall on March 12 and doing a gig at Gizzis on the 15th. Her new album is getting some good grass roots support.
http://www.emilyhurd.com

KJ DENHERT
WFUV's John Platt calls KJ, "Fearless." This multi-IMA winner's music is defined as urban folk and jazz. KJ is having a big 15th anniversary celebration of performing as a solo artist on March 16 at Tribecca Performing Arts Center. There is going to be a new EP, DESTINY. I have KJ's most recent album, ALBUM NO. 9 if you'd like to have it.
http://www.kjdenhert.com

HENRY MCCULLOUGH
Also at the Iridium, but on March 29 is Henry McCullough and Denny Siewell (both were in Wings during the "My Love" era). Henry's music is blues/country I lived it rock, and I have ZIPFILES and a burn disc of his upcoming CD, POOR MAN'S MOON, right after he plays the Fest For Beatles Beatles Fans in Secaucus, NJ(March 23-25, http://www.thefest.com). Joe Deninzon is sitting in on electric violin. Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken, Jann Klose, and the GRAMMY-nominated children's artist Miss Amy might also be joining them. Henry's played in Wings, the Grease bnd, Joe Cocker, and has performed with Roy Harper, Marianne Faithfull, Leon Russell, Donovan, Frankie Miller, Hinkley's Heros....
http://www.henrymccullough.com
http://www.thefest.com

JANN KLOSE
This chamber pop singer/songwriter is in the studio with David Bendeth and writing. After his UK tour, he'll be doing a residency at the Rockwood April 1, 15, 22, 29 at 7 PM . On May 2, he opens for and shares the stage with Renaissance/Yardbirds' co-founder Jim McCarty and Strawbs/Renaissance/Nashville Teens keyboardist John Hawken and friends at the Iridium on May 2. One of my favorite quotes from the REVERIE campaign came from MassLive's Kevin O'Hare,  “The first thing that’s totally unmistakable about Jann Klose is that voice – which is just light years beyond that of the typical singer/songwriter … a sound that is classy, distinctive and often irresistible.”
http://www.jannklose.com

JIM MCCARTY
Jim, who is just wrapping up a tour with The Yardbirds, is also a singer-songwriter. His album, SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME is--coincidentally--akin to Jann's. I introduced them to each other, and they hit it off. Jim and John Hawken (who I worked with when he was in the Strawbs, but is also an original member of Renaissance) headline at the Iridium on May 2 with Jann opening. We're also working on setting up dates in Germany and back in Canada this September.
http://www.jimmccarty.co.uk

JETHRO TULL'S IAN ANDERSON TO RELEASE "THICK AS A BRICK 2"

Anderson Announces 40th Anniversary Sequel to the
Hugely Successful, Groundbreaking 1972 Album


London, England - February 1, 2012 - Following the recent announcement of a 19-date tour to commemorate the 40th anniversary of 'Thick As A Brick,' on April 2nd (April 3rd in North America) Ian Anderson will release a sequel to the original album.

In 1972, Ian Anderson wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album 'Thick As A Brick.' The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock - aged fifty in 2012 - be doing today? What might have befallen him? The anniversary “part two” album will examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life through alter-ego characters with song-section identities illustrating the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.

Ian Anderson says of the album, “As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional 'what-if' moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?” Adding, “And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....”

To coincide with this groundbreaking release, for the first time since 1972, Anderson and fellow musicians John O'Hara (keyboards), David Goodier (bass), Florian Opahle (guitar) and Scott Hammond (drums) - as well as some guest performers - will take to the road to perform the album in its entirety and, it can now exclusively be revealed that, in addition, there will be a second part to the show where Anderson and the band will also perform the sequel.

Thick As A Brick 2 ('TAAB2') tracklist [CD, digital]
1. From A Pebble Thrown
2. Pebbles Instrumental
3. Might-have-beens
4. Upper Sixth Loan Shark
5. Banker Bets, Banker Wins
6. Swing It Far
7. Adrift And Dumfounded
8. Old School Song
9. Wootton Bassett Town
10. Power And Spirit
11. Give Till It Hurts
12. Cosy Corner
13. Shunt And Shuffle
14. A Change Of Horses
15. Confessional
16. Kismet In Suburbia
17. What-ifs, Maybes And Might-have-beens

'Thick As A Brick 2' will be released as a standard jewel case CD and digital download, and in a Special Edition 2-disc package with DVD featuring 5.1 stereo mixes, 24-bit stereo mix, video of the making of the album, interviews with the musicians and Ian Anderson reading the lyrics in various locations.

After 44 years of leading Tull to 54 countries worldwide and over 60 million albums sold, Ian Anderson celebrates a true progressive rock classic with old and new fans across the UK for a whole three weeks. Anderson is known as the flute and voice of the legendary Jethro Tull, formed in the North of England in 1968 from the amalgamation of blues-based John Evan Band and McGregor's Engine. Since their first performance at London's famous Marquee Club in 1968, the band has released 30 studio and live albums and earned a prominent place in rock history.

The official Jethro Tull website:
www.jethrotull.com
and please visit: stcleve.com
* * *
U.S. Media Contacts

Jennifer Ballantyne - EMI Music North America
(323) 871-5494 / jennifer.ballantyne@emicap.com

Anne Leighton - Leighton Media
(718) 881-8183 / LeightonMedia@aol.com

Confirmed tour dates at http://www.jethrotull.com



TAAB2
Whatever Happened To Gerald Bostock?
by Ian Anderson

In 1972, I wrote and recorded the Jethro Tull Progressive Rock classic album Thick As A Brick. The lyrics were credited at the time to the fictitious child character, Gerald Bostock, whose parents supposedly lied about his age. The record instantly became a number one Billboard Chart album and enjoyed considerable success in many countries of the world.

We then, somewhat dutifully, took the quaintly theatrical show on the road in the UK, USA and a few other countries. Since 1972, the album has never been performed in its entirety although a few minutes of the material have been a regular repertoire staple in both Tull and Ian Anderson solo shows over the years.

Now, scheduled for performance again in 2012, I will take the original album and this follow-up recording, TAAB2, to a theatre near you.

So, forty years on, what would Gerald Bostock - aged fifty in 2012 - be doing today? What might have befallen him?

The theme of this anniversary “part two” album is to examine the possible different paths that the precocious young schoolboy, Gerald Bostock, might have taken later in life and to create alter-ego characters whose song-section identities illustrate the hugely varied potential twists and turns of fate and opportunity. Not just for Gerald but to echo how our own lives develop, change direction and ultimately conclude through chance encounters and interventions, however tiny and insignificant they might seem at the time.

In the development of the piece, the divergences of life's infinitely forked roads finally give way to an almost gravitational pull which results in convergence to, perhaps, a pre-ordained, karma-like conclusion.

As we baby-boomers look back on our own lives, we must often feel an occasional “what-if” moment. Might we, like Gerald, have become instead preacher, soldier, down-and-out, shopkeeper or finance tycoon?

And those of more tender years - the social media and internet generation - may choose to ponder well the myriad of chance possibilities ahead of them at every turn.....

Odd chap, life.....

If someone had suggested that I might release a Prog concept album in the year 2012, I would have thought him seriously, dangerously even, off his trolley. But that is precisely what happened. A few years ago, Mike Andrews and Royston Eldridge, two ex-Chrysalis Records gents pressed me to consider a follow-up to Thick As A Brick. I gave it some dutiful deliberation - for a couple of minutes - and politely declined. Nice idea, nice chaps but, after reflection, no-oooooo.

Then, in 2010, a re-aquaintance with seventies Prog Rock vocalist-turned-record exec Derek Shulman - yes, he of Gentle Giant fame - restarted the old refrain. Yes, but.... no, but, and finally - OK, I'll give it some more dutiful deliberation (four and a half minutes, this time) eventually produced, in February of 2011, the synopsis of the idea. Derek's enthusiasm and gauntlet-challenge plus two weeks of dedicated, fast and furious music and lyric writing combined to produce a flurry of material. And - blow me down with a Dodo's tail-feather - the whole thing was completed ready for scoring and arranging by the beginning of March. There were a couple of pieces prepared earlier which were bent into new shape and fitted into the scheme of things, so they too were popped into the bubbling saucepan.

It was a little daunting to consider the impact - or perhaps lack of - which this release might have on old and new fans alike but I eventually decided that I would embark on this for my own benefit and enjoyment rather than trying to please anyone else at all. To find the balance of interesting musicality and more accessible content too was not the main issue. The conceptual and heavily lyrical nature of the beast, however, might be out of place in the attention span-deficit world which we seem to occupy these days. But, having toured in 2010 and 2011 in Italy, Latin America, Australia and other countries where passions run high, I decided that maybe the world - or our little corners of it - was, in fact, ready for a bit of more substantial and weightier fare.

The era of professional media Prog-bashing seems to have given way to a more appreciative appraisal of the genre and newer bands such as Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Spock's Beard have possibly prompted a new and younger audience to re-examine the seventies originators' seminal albums too.

So, it's not such a cold and lonely place after all. The elements of Folk, Classical and Jazz Music are still to be found in today's more Rock-oriented Progressive Rock. You will certainly find them subtly present in TAAB2 but along with a rather more acoustic feel than many of our peers, past and present. Not the only flute in town but......

Actually, I played much more acoustic guitar than usual on this record having written most of the music on that instrument. But there are still sections conceived on the flute and sometimes - quite often, in fact - the lyric writing preceded all the melodies and harmonic structures. Starting with lyrics and then thinking of the music is not normally the way I work but it was here. A title, a few words or a verse or two and then the acoustic guitar was immediately to hand to conjure up a full song section out of the growing lyrics. Having a plan was important. Stories to tell made it all easier. The imagination-filled process of thinking how things might have turned out for the young and older Gerald kept me fascinated. Maybe you will be too. And maybe not.

Ah, well - you can always go and watch The X Factor and the Eurovision Song Contest.

--Ian Anderson January 2012

JANN KLOSE RETURNS TO THE UK THIS MARCH FOR HIS FOURTH TOUR

Acclaimed singer-songwriter playing Liverpool, Cambridge, Bilston, Swindon--more shows to be announced.

Jann Klose is returning to the UK this March to perform and lead some master classes on songwriting and DIY touring. He'll be talking about DIY Touring and collaboration at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, and then leading a master class for students at the Highworth Warneford School in Wiltshire. Confirmed dates are in Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Cambridge and Wiltshire.

Photo of Jann at the Cavern Club, IPO Festival

Jann is currently in the studio working on a new album with multi-platinum award winning producer David Bendeth (Paramore, Papa Roach, Bruce Hornsby, Elvis Presley). His recent releases Reverie (2008) and Sacrifice EP (2010) continue to build attention. His songs have been heard on the GRAMMY-nominated Healthy Food For Thought (2010) compilation, and in film and TV, including Warner Bros. Dead Broke featuring Paul Sorvino and MTV Cribs.

He has opened for/performed with a wide range of artists including, Brett Dennen, Rusted Root, Vonda Shepard, Rosanne Cash, Roger McGuinn, Renaissance and Annie Haslam, Jim (The Yardbirds) McCarty and the legendary Les Paul.

Born in Germany and raised in Kenya and South-Africa he first came to the U.S. as an exchange student, now living in NYC. As an actor/singer he performed in Broadway tours of Jekyll & Hyde, The Who's Tommy and the European tour of Jesus Chris Superstar.

The Washington Post writes, "Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come."


JANN KLOSE UK DATES:

March 2, 2012: MASTER CLASS, LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, Liverpool, UK
March 2: 2012: THE CAVERN CLUB, Liverpool, UK
March 3, 2012: CB2 Cambridge, UK
March 4, 2012: ROBIN 2 W/ TIR NA NOG, Bilston, Wolverhampton, UK
March 7, 2012: SONGWRITING CLASS & PERFORMANCE, HIGHWORTH WARNEFORD SCHOOL, Swindon, Wiltshire, UK

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Joe Deninzon’s California Jaunt, January 19-21 (Shows and Appearances at NAMM, Hoosiermosa, and Salvadors Jazz Suite)

photo by Steve Shultz

Singer/Songwriter/Electric Violinist Joe Deninzon will be making a variety of appearances this coming week as he visits Southern California.

On Thursday and Friday, Joe will be mingling at NAMM, and making appearances at both the Mel Bay and Mark Wood’s Viper Electric Violin Booths. Joe has written the book on Electric Violin--literally; Mel Bay books is premiering his "PLUGGING IN: A Guide To Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist" at NAMM.

On Saturday, Joe has two performances. He joins fellow alumni from Indiana University for Hoosiermosa, at the Lighthouse Café, 30 Pier Ave, in Hermosa Beach for an afternoon of music from a range of artists including DJ Matty Mac, Everyday Avenues, Voomz, Johnzo West, Barley Legal, Jeremy Buck & the Bang, Rich Hardesty featuring Moe Z, and Jim Post. In addition to sitting in with some of these artists, Joe’s set will be at 4 PM.

Saturday night, at 9 PM, Joe will perform at Salvadors Jazz Suite, 3013 Gilroy Street, in Los Angeles. Performing at 8 PM is Byron Nemeth with set of ambient fusion guitar, featuring the new Mooresound "1013" Amplifier. Admission is $10. The web site is http://salvadorsjazzsuite.com .

Joining Joe’s sets at both Hoosiermosa and Salvadors Jazz Suite are Tony Pulizzi (current guitarist for AMERICAN IDOL) and drummer Stacey Lamont Sydnor (Missy Elliot, George Duke, Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder, Robbie Williams, Hillary Duff).

Joe Deninzon leads the band Stratospheerius, who will be releasing its fifth album, THE NEXT WORLD (Digital Nations / D Zone Entertainment), this spring. Stratospheerius combines jam, fusion, rock, progressive, virtuoso, singer-songwriter, jazz and metal, and describes itself as "psychojazz trip funk." Stratospheerius has played at colleges, festivals, and clubs throughout the US. The New York-based group has opened for Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, Mike Stern, and John Scofield. 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.

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, Phoebe Snow, and Ritchie Blackmore among others. He can be heard on over 100 recordings and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

Joe has appeared in Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist program, as a soloist with the New York City Ballet, has performed on MTV and at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and has played for former President Clinton. His music has been featured on CMT, VH1, ABC, Comedy Central, the Travel Channel, History Channel, Food Network, and National Geographic, and recently in the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced movie, "Virginity Hit."

GRAMMY® Nominated Artist Miss Amy Brings "Fitness Rock & Roll" To LA, February 8-11

GRAMMY®-Nominated Recording artist Miss Amy is coming to Southern California with an even higher mission than walking the Red Carpet at the 54th GRAMMY® Awards.

Miss Amy will be joined by Reality TV Star and Kids Fit Foundation representative Dan Evans.  Together they will raise awareness about the importance of exercise and nutrition.  Slated for February 8th and 9th are four enrichment concert appearances that will reach more than 800 students at Daniel Webster School (a President's Challenge Program Demonstration school) in Pasadena, and the new Extera Public Charter Schools in East LA.

Dan Evans, a former contestant on the hit show The Biggest Loser and Nashville Recording artist, will share his story of weight loss and personal triumph.  He will also perform a couple of his hit songs, including "Goin' All Out."  After losing 136 pounds, Dan now has a healthy relationship with food, and motivates and inspires others to live active lifestyles.

Miss Amy has twenty years experience in the fitness industry and is an official advocate for the President's Challenge Program.  She has five solo albums in her discography and appears in a number of other published projects, including: four compilation CDs, a bi-lingual educational DVD and three books.  Through her kid-friendly music she educates families about Health and Wellness.  One of Miss Amy's goals is to bring her Healthy Bodies Rock! program to under-served elementary schools across America.  Her program is aligned with the 21st Century Standards Core Theme of Health Literacy, and she encourages children to claim their athletic identities and build positive character traits.
 
In addition to her school appearances, Miss Amy & Her Big Kids Band will give an interactive Fitness Rock & Roll concert (reminiscent of her 2010 White House Egg Roll performance) at the LA Air Force Base for service families the morning of February 11th.    
 
Miss Amy's FITNESS ROCK & ROLL CD is nominated for Best Children's Album in the 54th GRAMMY® Awards, broadcasting on CBS-TV and online at www.grammy.com on February 12, 2012.

www.MissAmyKids.com
www.kidsfitfoundation.org
www.PresidentsChallenge.org

Ewing High School, Ewing, NJ, Receives 50k Grant For Music Programs

Here are the Ewing High School Kids Loving Their Support.
Miss Amy says, "Help the kids in your schools. Find a grant for something important to build their talents."

A donation of $50,000 was made today to the Ewing Education Foundation, earmarked for the Ewing High School Music department, made possible by the Rowe Carter Charitable Trust.

Presentation of this grant was made at Ewing High School auditorium by GRAMMY® Nominated Recording Artist Miss Amy, who played a key role in bringing together the donor and the school. “As parents, teachers, administrators and a community, we support this music program. We understand the potential that studying music can bring forth in kids. There is power in music!” Miss Amy explained in the presentation to the students and factulty. “It is our hope that this will inspire all of the other schools who did not place, to not give up, but to inspire organizations in the position to help to step-up and take action.”

School music programs need funding, but the story of how this grant emerged is an interesting one. In November a team of Ewing High School (EHS) students produced a video submission for the Glee Give-A-Note contest that awards cash prizes for the best videos. Many in the school started posting the contest entry to Facebook for visibility. The video caught the attention of Miss Amy, who reached out to the members of the Rowe Carter Charitable Trust, who were also moved by it. Miss Amy, also, called Wayne Staub, President, and Heather Kerns Latini, Executive Director of the Ewing Education Foundation, and organized a time for them all to see the music program in action, to observe the orchestra and choirs.

A representative of the Rowe Carter Charitable Trust interviewed music students about their experiences in the Ewing district elementary schools and Fisher Middle School, who explained why music is important to them.

Student responses ranged from, “music teaches about different cultures and languages” to “it teaches about history, and helps us understand other subjects like math.” Another replied, “Music is everything, a vital thread that connects humankind throughout time.”

When asked what the music department needed, the students collectively explained there is need for repair, replacement of instruments, newer tools and technology, such as sound equipment. When asked what they would spend the Glee money on if they won, the reply was that, although the need is great in the high school, it would be best spent on the feeder music programs in the elementary and middle school in the district.

On December 15th the students were disappointed to find out they did not place in the Glee contest. However, the Rowe Carter Charitable Trust has stepped up to provide a consolation prize of equal magnitude to first place. The grant is to be allocated by a committee of high school students, Mr. Olson, EHS Band Director and Mrs. Forness, EHS Choir Director.