Joe Deninzon Joins Kansas (press release issued in May by ChipsterPR)

ATLANTA, GA – May 25, 2023 - The band KANSAS is excited to announce the addition of violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon to the band. He is replacing the departing David Ragsdale.

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the “Viper” seven-string electric violin. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, which has just released their 6th album, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock).” He can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Skolnick, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, Peter Criss from KISS, Michael Sadler, Renaissance with Annie Haslam, Kurt Elling, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer’s Grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.

Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Masters in Jazz Violin From Manhattan School of music.

KANSAS original member and drummer Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Joe Deninzon to be the newest member of KANSAS. We believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited to kick off the KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in the band’s first album said, ‘KANSAS IS A BAND’ and we remain so to this day.”

Deninzon adds, “As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”

Joe Deninzon’s first performance with the band will be in Pittsburgh, PA on June 2 at the Benedum Center during the premier date of the KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road.

A complete list of KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road is below. Ticket and VIP Package information can be found at KansasBand.com.

For more information on KANSAS and the Another Fork in the Road – 50^th Anniversary Tour please visit:www.kansasband.com 

Chick Corea’s “Spain,” Live by Joe Deninzon, Rachel Flowers, Alex Skolnick

 

 A live version of Chick Corea’s “Spain” featuring Joe Deninzon, Rachel Flowers, and Testament’s Alex Skolnick is now on all streaming media. “Spain” is one of 16 live songs that will be on the upcoming Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius “Behind the Curtain: Live at ProgStock” box set out November 18.  (There will be a streaming digital release of just the live music on October 28.)

 

The performance will be on video on Friday, October 14 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT/ 3 AM Amsterdam time on YouTube at https://youtu.be/t6JPN4FELKc.

 

The performances on the live release took place in 2019 and 2021. “Spain” was taken from the ’21 performance. Joe says it was a spontaneous decision to play “Spain” with his friends, “One of the perks of being a jazz musician is that you can walk into a room anywhere in the world, jump on stage with people you’ve never met who may or may not speak your language, and weave together a spontaneous concert based on a shared musical language.”

 

On October 2nd, 2021, when the late great John Goodsall from Brand X fell ill, Stratospheerius was asked last minute to headline ProgStock, the biggest prog rock festival in the Northeastern U.S. Preceding Stratospheerius’ set was the amazing multi-instrumentalist Rachel Flowers, who recently contributed her talents to the band’s single, “Storm Surge.” Later that night bassist Percy Jones had a set, which included guitarist Alex Skolnick, a former member of Stratospheerius. Joe says, “We decided to play Chick Corea’s ‘Spain,’ a song we all knew well.”  Without any rehearsal, and Alex and Rachel meeting each other for the first time on stage, they created magic.

 

Led by electric violinist/vocalist Joe Deninzon, who has been called “The Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin,”Stratospheerius have showcased their “frenzied mélange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world. Band members are: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals (Bruce Springsteen, Renaissance, The Who, Ritchie Blackmore, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar (Thrilldriver), and Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Circuline, Rock This Town).

 

Their last album, Guilty of Innocence hit number 4 on the Relix/Jamband radio charts, 72 on the European Indy charts. Their music has received over 3 million plays online, and the band has opened for John5, Martin Barre, Gary Hoey, The Levin Brothers (Tony and Pete), Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, Mark Wood, and John Scofield. Stratospheerius was a winner of the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition, and the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards.

 

 

  

Prog Rock & Classical Musicians Collaborate on New Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Single “Storm Surge”

 Saga’s Michael Sadler,

Fernando Perdomo, Rachel Flowers, Ruti Celli, and Yulia Ziskel

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ new music video, “Storm Surge” is out on YouTube. On October 28 the song will be on all streaming media and as a music video on YouTube. The song features a combination of musical guests from different generations of prog rock and classical music. Legendary Saga frontman Michael Sadler sings lead on the song which deals with the anxiety many people feel these days. Fernando Perdomo (Jacob Dylan & The Echo in the Canyon Band, The Dave Kerzner Band) plays acoustic and electric guitar. Multi-instrumentalist prodigy Rachel Flowers plays both piano and flute on the song. Classical players include cellist Ruti Celli and the New York Philharmonic’s Yulia Ziskel (also Joe’s wife).

All the guest musicians, plus Joe’s bandmates—guitarist Michelangelo Quirinale, bassist Paul Ranieri, and drummer Jason Gianni—play in the music video, which has a “pandemic”music video vibe. Joe organized and edited the production.

“Storm Surge” is a writing collaboration between Joe Deninzon, Jason Gianni, and Michael Sadler. Inspired by “The Storm,” a short piano piece by 19th century German composer Friederich Burgmüller, that Joe kept hearing his 10-year old song Max practicing, Joe sketched out a slowed down version of a rock power ballad, and played around with structure and chords. Joe continued to woodshed the arrangement, recording a string arrangement, and his drummer sharing part of a song he’d been working on. Michael and each of the instrumentalists elevated the song.

Joe’s always wanted to use outside singers in his music. He and his bandmates have been longtime fans of the 1980s Canadian band “Saga,” known for their hits “Wind Him Up” and “On The Loose.” When Joe played the Progstock afterparty in 2018, Michael loved their set, and has continued to rave about the band. “He ended up contributing a jaw-dropping vocal performance, enhancing the melody, and adding Queen-esque harmonies.”

Electric violinist/vocalist Joe has been called The Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin. Stratospheerius has showcased their “frenzied melange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world. The New York-based group has opened for Martin Barre, Alex Skolnick, John 5 & The Creatures, Gary Hoey, Mike Stern, Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, and John Scofield, among many others. The group’s influences include Yes, Spock’s Beard, Muse, Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and King Crimson. Stratospheerius 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. Their last album on Melodic Revolution Records, Guilty of Innocence, has been widely acclaimed by critics and fans.  

Joe says that with all the problems the world is dealing with, “are creating a future of uncertainty. There’s a storm that’s raging inside of us right now.”

Watch the Storm Surge video 

Credits

Music and Lyrics by Friederich Burgmüller, Joe Deninzon, Michael Sadler, Jason Gianni

Engineered by Rave Tesar

Mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser

Produced by Joe Deninzon

Joe Deninzon-electric and acoustic violin, acoustic guitar, vocals

Michael Sadler-lead vocals

Jason Gianni-drums

Paul Ranieri-bass

Michelangelo Quirinale-guitars

Fernando Perdomo-guitars

Ruti Celli-cello

Yulia Ziskel-violin

Rachel Flowers-flute and piano

©2020 All Rights reserved.

Released by Melodic Revolution Records

 

lyrics

Storm Surge

By Joe Deninzon, Friederich Burgmüller, Michael Sadler, and Jason Gianni

 

Tangled emotions

waves pound the oceans

wild winds fill my slumber

darkness pulls me under

 

Caught in a storm surge

shackled and submerged 

restless dreams they haunt me

drowning in this mad sea

 

The storm raging inside me

I reach for you but I can’t breath

mouth wide open I can’t scream

my life flashing by me

 

The storm raging inside me

tidal waves that surround me

every night it’s the same dream

drowning in this mad sea 

 

C 2020 by Joe Deninzon (Fiddlefunk Music), Michael Sadler, Jason Gianni

  

 

Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius' ProgRock Album 'Guilty Of Innocence' will be released on Vinyl format on 4th October via Melodic Revolution Records.

Meet Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius

'Guilty Of Innocence', the electric-violin-driven progressive rock album for Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius, found some surprise support from the European Indie Charts this past Summer and was a breakthrough album in North America, hitting # 4 on the Relix/Jamband radio charts. Released on leading U.S.-based progressive label, Melodic Revolution Records, 'Guilty Of Innocence' is now being released on vinyl on 4th October.

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius' single and video for 'Behind The Curtain' is out now on Melodic Revolution Records.

Here's the video!

Progression Magazine writes “Joe Deninzon has made a career...wielding his violin like a guitar. In that way he has pioneered a new standard for rock violin, much the same way Ian Anderson did for Flute.”

Joe befriended legendary Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick in New York City, 1999, when Joe was a teacher at the New School where Alex was studying jazz.  Alex was a guitarist for Stratospheerius for 3 years and 2 albums. Alex says Joe “is amazing on violin and a great musician!” and guests on the 'Guilty Of Innocence’s epic track 'Soul Food'. Along with Alex, Renaissance’s keyboardist Rave Tesar, and Randy McStine (Vinnie Moore, Stu Hamm) contribute their chops to 'Soul Food'. Joe is concertmaster on the new Renaissance Live 'Symphonic Journey' CD/DVD, Annie Haslam spotlighted him as “a talented violin player” in press for their first tour together.

In his book 'Discovering Rock Violin', UK’s leading cinematic electric violinist Chris Haigh lists one of Joe’s recorded solo on Stevie Wonder’s 'Contusion' on his 'Live Wires' album among the Top 20 greatest rock violin solos of all time.

'Behind The Curtain' is the band’s radio track and video. Joe says "it’s about the rise and downfall of celebrity and the dark soul of our society. We have a primal fascination with chastising someone while we ourselves often lead double lives, hiding all kinds of skeletons in our closets while pretending we are faultless. We cathartically project our own demons onto public figures and relish watching someone go down in flames".

Its video features actor Max McGuire ('Star Crossed Lovers') playing various tormented and wretched people going through their own personal hell, and Stratospheerius members (Joe (electric violin/vocals), Jamie Bishop (bass), Aurelien Budynek (guitar) and drummer Lucianna Padmore wearing neon-colored masks. The band represents the demons who continue to hover around and haunt this man, with a nod to the Droogs from Clockwork Orange. It was co-produced by renowned MTV producer David P. Levin, Filner at Alpha Wave Studios in East Hanover, NJ, and edited by David Milone and David P. Levin.

Stratospheerius have showcased their "frenzied melange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world recently playing such festivals as Progtoberfest, Progstock, Great South Bay, Chattanooga RiverFest, Harvest Celebration. The group co-founded the traveling SonicVoyageFest with Circuline and Shadow Eden. They have opened for artists including John5, Alex Skolnick, Tony Levin, Gary Hoey, Martin Barre, Tim Reynolds Mickey Hart, Mike Stern, and John Scofield. Critics have called Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius "Pure Magic."(Act/One Magazine).

Joe is called the “Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin.”  

Fans can pre-order the vinyl (and order the digital & CD) of 'Guilty of Innocence' c/o Melodic Revolution Records: https://joedeninzonstratospheerius.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/joedeninzon

https://twitter.com/joedeninzon?lang=en-gb

https://joedeninzon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/stratospheerius/?fref=tag

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ new album, GUILTY OF INNOCENCE Out Now on Melodic Revolution Records

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ new album, GUILTY OF INNOCENCE (Melodic Revolution Records) is now in stores, both online and in the real world. 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Innocence-Joe-Deninzon-Stratospheerius/dp/B074HXF6FJ/ref=sr_1_cc_5?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1506544568&sr=1-5-catcorr&keywords=Joe+Deninzon

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/guilty-of-innocence/id1266400538

Along with the album’s release, Deninzon is touring actively this fall with Stratospheerius, as well as his Latin jazz String Quartet Sweet Plantain (who also will be part of classic rock group Renaissance’s concerts for the recording of their upcoming Symphonic Album. Joe is soloing on electric violin for the performances, as well). 

Joe & Stratospheerius are rocking PROGTOBERFEST, in Chicago, on Saturday night October 22. They are having record release shows in favorite towns in the Midwest and the New York area, including the PROG HOUSE (Roxy & Duke’s in Dunellen, NJ) and on three SonicVoyage Fest dates this fall. See tour dates below.

Released on Melodic Revolution Records, a leading progressive rock label based in the U.S., GUILTY OF INNOCENCE features 10 tracks. Most of the album’s songs fuse lyrical and sonic elements heard in Tool, Tom Morello, Jack Bruce, and Jean-Luc Ponty. "Dream Diary Cadenza” is an instrumental solo piece from Joe's "DREAM DIARY" Concerto for Orchestra and Electric Violin, which he debuted with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in 2015.  The album’s closing song is an epic 12 -minute piece which has Joe singing, “If music be the food of love, play on." The song features Testament/TSO/Metal Allegiance guitarist Alex Skolnick, Renaissance’s keyboardist Rave Tesar, and the Fringe’s Randy McStine.  

Stratospheerius' members include 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.” Lucianna wrote “Affluenza,” on the album, and Joe wrote everything else except for “Hysteria,” a reimagined, Queen-esque version of the hit by the UK band Muse.

Joe produced the album. Engineers on the album are Rave Tesar, Alex Salzman, Tom Tedesco, and Joe.  Mixed by Alex Salzman. Nic Hard, and Joe Deninzon. Mastered by Rave Tesar.

Reviews of GUILTY OF INNOCENCE have been exciting. Zachary Nathanson’s MUSIC FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM blog states, “While Joe’s vocal arrangements are brilliant, alongside his electric violin comparing to Curved Air’s Darryl Way, Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Jerry Goodman, and Frank Zappa alumni Jean-Luc Ponty, they take inspirations between Zappa, King Crimson, Yes, and Muse…Guilty of Innocence is not only great, but one of the most hectic and heart-stopping albums I’ve listened to.”

Writes Haydn Seek at SkeletonPete.com: “Deninzon and company’s virtuosity is undeniable, but their arrangements smartly favor the integrity of the song. Like the best heavy rock tunes of the past, soloing is integral to structure rather than presented for the sake of blowing. It’s progressive music that’s not afraid of a catchy chorus. Even the 12 minute closing track “Soul Food” is a well crafted multi-tempo road trip. It ventures into magnum opus territory where ’70s rockers Kansas were at home, and features guest artist guitarist Alex Skolnick.”

Warlock Asylum International News loves Joe’s cover of Muse’s “Hysteria.” “Deninzon’s perfect vocal delivery and skills as a violinist. Stratospheerius is as tight as ever and really create a strong organic melody comparable to the original. Bravo! This is music!”

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius has showcased their “frenzied melange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” at colleges, festivals, and clubs throughout the US and has opened for Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead), Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Mike Stern, Project Object, and John Scofield. The group was a winner of the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition and the Musicians Atlas Independent Music Awards, and Joe is a repeat recipient of a BMI Jazz composers award. A favorite among violinists everywhere and an active clinician, Joe is the author of the Mel Bay-published book, ”Plugging In: A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century.”

“Guilty of Innocence” track listing

1. Behind The Curtain

2. Take Your Medicine

3. Guilty of Innocence

4. Face

5. Hysteria

6. Affluenza

7. Parallel Reality

8. Game of Chicken

9.  Dream Diary Cadenza

10. Soul Food

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Tour Dates

Oct 19th Noon, 12 PM with Stratospheerius at Sweetwater. Ft. Wayne, IN 

Oct 19th eve with Stratospheerius & King Llama at New Paradigm. Elkhart, IN

Oct 20th with Stratospheerius, King Llama, White Bush Unicorn @ The Frequency. Madison, WI

Oct 21st with Stratospheerius at Progtoberfest III. Reggie's. Chicago, IL

Oct 31st Stratospheerius Halloween CD Release Party with Ad Astra and Van Davis

Nov 10th Stratospheerius CD Release Party at Cyber Cafe West. Binghamton, NY

Nov 11th, Stratospheerius Cleveland CD Release Party with EGO at Wilberts. Cleveland, OH

Dec 15th with Stratospheerius at Olives. Nyack, NY

Dec 16th Stratospheerius, Randy McStine, and Piktors Metamorphosis. 2 PM. Nj Proghouse. Roxy & Dukes. Dunellen, NJ.

Shows with Sweet Plantain & Renaissance at: https://joedeninzon.com/shows/

GUILTY OF INNOCENCE on Spotify: 

http://bit.ly/GuiltyOfInnocence
 

www.JoeDeninzon.com

www.Stratospheerius.com

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Press Page: http://mrrmusic.com/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius/

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius' GUILTY OF INNOCENCE Pre-Order

Pre-Order “Guilty of Innocence” Now!

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

CD Pre-Order Link
MRR Bandcamp  

Digital Pre-Order Links| iTunes | Amazon USA | Amazon UK | Amazon Japan |

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

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Sign To Melodic Revolution Records

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 21^st 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

Further Information Can Be Found At :
Official Website: www.stratospheerius.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stratospheerius/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/stratospheerius 
Melodic Revolution Records: http://mrrmusic.com/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius/ 

 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.”

- David Budin, CoolCleveland.com

Photo Opp: Phoebe Legere, Mike Keneally, Joe Deninzon at The Iridium

Electric Violinist/Singer Joe Deninzon & Singer/Songwriter/Keyboardist Phoebe Legere turned out for Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins’ two night residency at New York City’s Iridium. All three artists have a powerful mutual respect for one another.

Legere is celebrating the release and Top ten success on the Alternate Roots chart, plus Top 30 on Roots and Americana Radio of her new album, HEART OF LOVE. The Hamptons, NY will be playing host to Fourth of July with Phoebe this summer. Look for events leading up to a big party and concert on July 4 at Stephen Talkhouse. She recently signed with Jeff Miller for booking her Cajun Jamboree in PACs and Casinos. Look for an announcement for a new record deal for an all-French album, something this treasure of an artist has always wanted to do. Visit www.PhoebeLegere.com.

Deninzon is finishing up a new album. GUILTY OF INNOCENCE, with his band Stratospheerius, and special guests Rave Tesar (keyboardist, Renaissance) and Alex Skolnick (guitarist) for release this fall. Look for an announcement of him being signed to an great prog label early May. They will be playing Chicago’s ProgtoberFest this fall. Enjoy photos and stories of Joe’s work at www.joedeninzon.com/category/news/. www.joedeninzon.com/category/news/.

Mike is writing new songs with Devin Townsend. Mike will be touring in Europe this summer with a trio called the Mike Keneally Report, and touring the west coast in August with his longtime band Beer For Dolphins (who will also appear at Progtoberfest in Chicago this October). In the works is a semi-secret new band project with former members of Zappa Plays Zappa and a current member of Umphrey's McGee. Hey, Mike also appears on a song on Mastodon’s new  album "Emperor Of Sand.”  Visit his website at Keneally.com, and check out Mike’s  recent albums including Scambot 2, Sluggo!, and Wing Beat Fantastic which features songs he co-wrote with XTC’s Andy Partridge.

Bruce Kulick

In addition to Elliott and Jann at NAMM, other artists are scheduled to appear.
Grand Funk Railroad's Bruce Kulick will be hanging at NAMM on Thursday the 15th of January. His web site is http://www.kulick.net

Alex Skolnick will be there for all three days, rotating between Peavey Amps, Rockhouse Instruction, Yamaha Acoustics and Heritage Guitars. Before and after NAMM, Alex is touring the West coast between San Diego and San Francisco. Visit http://www.alexskolnick.com.

Carmine Appice will be hanging at the DDRUM and Calzone booths.

Long time friends Simon Phillips and Jeff Berlin have some special events:

On Thursday, Jan. 15 at 8 PM and 11:30 PM, Hoshino USA celebrates Simon's 30th Anniversary in the Anaheim Marriott Ballroom, as he and friends will play material from his full career: Judas Priest, MSG, Stanley Clarke, Jeff Beck, Pete Townsend, 801, and Toto. He'll also be at the Tama booth throughout the week.

Jeff Berlin will join what's called Muriel Anderson's All-Star Guitar Night on January 17 at 7:30 PM in the Hilton Anaheim Ballroom. Stu Hamm and Danny Gottlieb are also on the bill.