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

###

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.

Emily Hurd's two area shows: CD release on Jan. 20, at SPACE w/ Raul Midon on Jan. 27

Chicago-based Emily Hurd will be performing and throwing a CD Release Show for her album, LONG LOST GHOSTS at Strobe Studios, 2631 W. Division Street, in Chicago, on January 20th at 8:00 pm. This show will be video taped and recorded. Admission is $10. Seating is limited, and people must RSVP to attend via e-mail at contact@emilyhurd.com. You can also call 773.486.1459 for more information. The web site is http://stroberecording.com/.

On January 27, Emily opens for Raul Midon, at Evanston Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., in Evanston, IL. Showtime is 8 PM, and the venue phone is 847-492-8860. The web site is http://evanstonspace.com/

LONG LOST GHOSTS is Emily's latest album, featuring her signature voice and folk-pop songs that tell stories of old-fashioned love and its bittersweet triumph. Highlights include the irresistible blues-tinged hit, "Irreparably Yours" and the palpable nostalgia of the cross-country driving tune "Long Lost Ghosts." Emily's fervent crooning uplifts in "My Favorite Part," "Silent Conversations," and "I Won't Tell a Soul." Emily's music echoes the uptempo balladry and intelligent anthems often linked to kindred troubadours Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle.”

Emily wrote LONG LOST GHOST's songs on her ukulele and recorded them on the vintage grand piano at Chicago's King Size Sound Labs. The record features an all-star line-up of Chicago musicians: John Abbey (Robbie Fulks, Amy Speace), Darren Garvey (Cameron McGill and What Army, Miles Nielsen), Sue Demel (Sons of the Never Wrong, Come Sunday), and Maria McCullough (SleepyLou, Jonas Friddle).

Over the course of her eight full-length studio albums, Emily has shared the stage and/or opened for Irma Thomas, Bettye Lavette, Roger McGuinn, and Ozomatli. Her music is featured on the popular CBS crime drama NCIS. She appears on the prestigious Old Town School of Folk Music "Songbook" collection (released by Bloodshot Records). She is a winner/finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, NPR's NewSong Contest, and The International Songwriting Competition.

Touring across the heartland, the wild west, and east coast parts of America, Emily has been meeting new fans at every show she plays, from coffeehouses and schools, to TV and radio shows and festivals, including events that fans have organized, most notably an annual “Emilyfest” in rural North Carolina (the next one is scheduled for October 13, 2012).

EMILY HURD ON TOUR

JAN. 20: CD RELEASE PARTY, STROBE STUDIOS, CHICAGO, IL
JAN. 27: W/ RAUL MIDON, SPACE, EVANSVTON, IL
MARCH 7: THE ARK, ANN ARBOR, MI
MARCH 11: BUTTONWOOD TREE, MIDDLETON, CT
MARCH 12: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK, NY
SEPT. 10: BEAN RUNNER CAFE, PEEKSKILLE, NY
SEPT. 11: THE ROSENDALE CAFE, ROSENDALE, NY
OCT. 13: EMILYFEST, ADVANCE, NC

THE SMITHEREENS WINTER TOUR 2012

Band Available For Interviews In Advance of Shows, Which Feature Special Guest Keyboardist Andy Burton!


The Smithereens are kicking off the new year with something special for their fans. From January 13-21, The Smithereens Winter Tour 2012 will feature special guest Andy Burton on keyboards! Singer/guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Severo "The Thrilla" Jornacion are excited to share the stage with Andy, who's played with Ian Hunter, Robert Plant and Southside Johnny (to name just a few). It's the first time The Smithereens have had a keyboard player in the band, and they're going to take advantage of their expanded sound by digging deep into their catalog for some rarely heard tracks to complement their fan-pleasing set that features 30 years of hits and songs from their critically acclaimed current album "SMITHEREENS 2011."

The new album, "2011" reunited the Smithereens with producer Don Dixon (R.E.M.) who helmed the group's first two albums, the power-pop masterpiece ESPECIALLY FOR YOU and GREEN THOUGHTS. USA TODAY's BRIAN MANSFIELD wrote, "From start to finish, '2011' is classic Smithereens: Marshall-amped post-mod power-pop."  Little Steven's Underground Garage channel on Sirius XM dubbed the single "Sorry" "as the coolest song on the planet."  FRESH AIR & NPR commentator Ken Tucker, said, "'2011' is hypnotic...everything in Smithereens world is like a film noir shot in psychedelic colors.  A great Rock 'n' Roll band!"  And the Chicago Sun Times declared, "The Smithereens haven't aged a day."

The Smithereens first performed in March 1980 in Hillside, N.J. Over the next five years, the group played both in the States and overseas, and released the EPs: GIRLS ABOUT TOWN (1980) and BEAUTY AND SADNESS (1983), and did a stint as Otis Blackwell's backup band.  Pat sent a cassette of the band’s material to Enigma Records, which was distributed by Capitol/EMI. The executive, who signed them, was a fan of the band's when he was in college radio. The Smithereens finally had a record deal.  ESPECIALLY FOR YOU was released in July 1986.  GREEN THOUGHTS, 11 followed, all netting top 40 hits.  It's said that Nirvana's Kurt Cobain listened to the Smithereens as he wrote 'NEVERMIND."

In all, the group's releasd nine albums, with titles that include GOD SAVE THE SMITHEREENS, ATTACK OF THE SMITHEREENS (RARITIES), A DATE WITH THE SMITHEREENS. The Smithereens have two gold albums, have sold 6 million albums worldwide. They have appeared on every major television show including SNL, Tonight Show, Arsenio Hall, and live on National Public Radio.  Such memorable Smithereens songs as "Girl Like You," "Blood & Roses," and "Only A Memory" have become FM staples.


THE SMITHEREENS' EAST COAST DATES

Fri., Jan. 13:  Rams Head Tavern, Annapolis, MD   
Sat., Jan. 14: The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA  
Fri.,  Jan.  20: World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA
Sat., Jan. 21: BB King Blues Club, New York, NY  

KJ Denhert

KJ Denhert is celebrating her 15 years as a working urban folk jazz singer-songwriter on March 16, 2012, at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. She is in the studio with Tomas Donker, and there's a video of her in the studio at her youtube page.

There's a great quote from KJ in the video, "Life is scary now, but the joyous part is the art you get from it."

Rolling Stone.com caught KJ live in concert as she performed at the 90th Anniversary of the Local 802 (Musicians Union) benefit that Steve Earle organized for the Union. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/photos/pete-seeger-honored-at-musicians-union-benefit-20111205/kj-denhert-0204468
In addition to KJ and Steve, the show included Rosanne Cash, Paul Shaffer, Pete Seeger , Nelly McKay....

http://www.kjdenhert.com
http://www.youtube.com/kjdenhert

Miss Amy, GRAMMY Nominee and Lehigh Valley Music Award Winner

(left to right: Miss Amy, NARAS' Mark Schultz, Lehigh Valley Music Award organizer Gloria Domino).

Heads up on Amy Otey (Miss Amy), who--alongside of Lady Gaga, Kanye West, the Yellowjackets, LL Cool J., and Amy's friend Ledisi--is a multiple GRAMMY nominee this year. Her album, FITNESS ROCK & ROLL has been nominated for Best Children's Album. She also appears on another nominated album by the same crew who produced HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, the GRAMMY-nominated album I'm on (with Moby, Julian Lennon, Michael O'Keefe, Tom Chapin, Cathy Fink, and Jann Klose) from last year.

This past Sunday, Dec. 4, Amy won Best Children's performer in the Lehigh Valley Music Awards. She says, "Today Lehigh Valley, tomorrow the Grammys, and next year--all the kids of America will be more fit and rockin'!"

I don't remember what it was we said to each other the moment we met, but in the second moment, we each declared, "I love you!" to each other at the same time!  And by the end of the night, we were dueling splits on the floor together in a bar!

In addition to taking advantage of Amy's well-earned nomination, we're working on Amy's inner city schools' appearances where she performs dynamic work outs and concerts with the kids at the same time. Whether they're in the audience or on stage with her, for them Amy's shows have the same dynamic power we get from going to KISS and Garth Brooks' concerts. She's a 40-something year old Mom, with a sense of humor, inspiration, and wow!

Lonnie Hill

Occasionally a journalist turns me on to a new artist that inspires me.  Anne Raso, the celebrity editor for TEEN STAR magazines, introduced me to an American Country Music Artist  who has a "Waltz Across Texas" kind of vibe.  

Lonnie is based in Franklin, TN, near Nashville Music City U.S A, and has songs on his web site, http://www.lonniehill.net. He's been playing in Nashville and Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, Tennessee for years, and in Las Vegas, March 2005. He finds a great deal of satisfaction performing for people from all walks of life from all over the world.

I hear quite a bit from his fans in the Philippines.

Lonnie had the privilege of meeting country music star Buck Owens at his Crystal Palace Club in Bakersfield, CA. Before Buck died, the two became friends. Lonnie is involved with fundraising for Mercy Children's Clinic Hospital, a non-profit for children who don't have insurance. He has also helped raise money for the American Red Cross.

He's a lifer, and I'm looking to find allies for him, folks who really enjoy his music.   So if you're interested in helping me share his great music, let me know.

http://www.lonniehill.net
Friend Lonnie on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002929177532

The Smithereens on the road in January

I'm promoting shows for the Smithereens' January 2012 tour. Leadsinger Pat Dinizio, drummer Dennis Diken, guitarist Jim Babjak, and bassist Severo "The Thrilla" Jornacion will be available for interviews. Dates are: Rams Head (1/13), The State Theater (1/14), World Cafe Live, Philly (1/20), and BB King Blues Club (1/21).

(Our friends in Las Vegas should check out Pat's Confessions of a Rock Star, Wednesdays through Mondays at the Riviera Hotel Casio. http://www.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/confessions-of-a-rock-star/)

The Smithereens - Jim, Dennis, Pat, The Thrilla


A new video from the Smithereens' called "Sorry."

http://www.officialsmithereens.com

The Kinetic King

The Kinetic King recently broke the world's record for blowing up 6818 tongue depressors, and you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/lunatim

We've got an EPK at http://thekineticking-epk.blogspot.com/
I'm looking to get him booked at colleges for workshops and performances. If you've suggestions, please let me know.

http://www.lunatim.com
http://www.facebook.com/TheKineticKingAGT
http://www.youtube.com/lunatim