Robin Batteau's “Banned In Sparta”

Collaborative Album with Classical Greek Poets and Modern Folk Singers

On July 11, Robin Batteau is releasing “Banned in Sparta,” a new collaborative album of songs based on poems by Classical Greek poets, and recorded by friends Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Carolyn Hester, Livingston and Kate Taylor, Matt Nakoa, Robin Lane, 2-time Tony winning actor James Naughton and his gifted children Keira and Greg. Robin was inspired by an Ancient Greek History class he took when he returned to Harvard during the Pandemic to finish a degree he started in the 1960s. Robin earned the World Record of taking a 50-year break (between 1970 to 2021) to return to Harvard and finish his degree in 2022.   

“Banned In Sparta” focuses almost entirely on poets from Ancient Greece between 700 and 400 BC.  One poet, Gaius Valerius Catullus (84 – 54 BC), as smitten with the ghost of Sappho as Robin or Alcaeus, is from Rome during Julius Caesar’s reign, for whom Eric Andersen performs “Cross (of Gold),” an ode to interlaced and conflicted feelings, “Odi et Amo"— I hate and I love.

The title “Banned in Sparta” finds its name from Archilochus, the Bob Dylan of the 7^th century B.C., a warrior-poet so irreverent he was “Banned in Sparta.”  James Naughton sings the song “Archilochus Re-Deemed (I Am a Servant of the Lord God of War).” Kate Taylor performs “Telesilla’s On the Wall,” from the female poet Telesilla, who led her fellow women warriors to victory against those same renowned Spartans. 

“The Greek Lyric poets performed live, and were the stars of their day,” says Robin. “They were singer/songwriters, they played the lyre (hence "Lyric") and danced around the stage like Tom Paxton and Taylor Swift.”

Robin, who studied Ancient Greece and Integrative Biology at Harvard, found that most of what was left of the poems were fragments and myth, “So I mosaic-ed songs to reflect their expressions and intentions— who they were, and are to me.”         

A range of female poets contributed to the lyrical history of Greece including Corrina, whose “In Her Loving Arms” is sung by Carolyn Hester, and Praxilla’s “The Most Beautiful Thing in the World,” a hymn to Adonis, sung by Keira Naughton.  Sappho’s writing inspires “Terra Cotta Heart,” sung by Robin Lane.  Livingston Taylor sings “My Sappho, Sweetly Smiling” from the smitten neighbor and rival Alcaeus. 

The fun and frolicking “Shake your Hair (You Thracian Filly),” sung by Tom Paxton. Pianist and folk singer Matt Nakoa offers a Bruce Hornsby-like treatment for Simonides of Ceos’s “Theatre of Memory (Man of Gold).”    

Sharing Grammy, Emmy, Clio, and Gold Record Awards and an Oscar nomination, Robin’s recorded over a dozen albums with Pierce Arrow, David Buskin (Buskin & Batteau), and many others.  His jingles feature in long-running, award-sweeping advertising campaigns from "I'm Lovin' It" for McDonalds to “Can’t Beat It” for Coca-Cola to "The Heartbeat of America" for Chevrolet. He’s played his 1898 Scarampella violin with everyone from Yo-Yo Ma to Benny Goodman to Bruce Springsteen and has had his melodies sung by Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Judy Collins, Paul Newman, and more. His songs have supported charities and causes, including World Hunger Year, Ocean Alliance, Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign, and Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for kids. The Boston Globe defines his music with David Buskin as "Acoustic Heaven."

“Banned In Sparta” songs

“Stolen in Love”  (Gorgias)  Greg Naughton (vocals: lead, harmony, background, descants),  Mark Dann (bass, synths), Robin Batteau— (acoustic guitar (custom 7-string Sigma), Greek Chorus oohs and aahs, fingerpop and heartbeat percussion). 

“In Her Loving Arms” (Corinna)   Carolyn Hester  (lead vocals), Jennifer “Genevieve” Vitanzo (harmony vocals), Jerry Marotta (drums), Mark Dann (bass, electric 12-string guitar, synths) Robin Batteau (violin (1898 Scarampella, muted), Sigma guitar).     

“Archilochus Re-Deemed (I Am a Servant of the Lord God of War)”  (Archilochus) James Naughton (lead vocal), Jerry (drums), Neale Eckstein (acoustic guitar), Robin (harmony vocals, handclaps, drums, Sigma guitar, violins).

“Telesilla’s on the Wall”  (Telesilla) Kate Taylor (lead vocal),  Mark Dann (bass, synths),  Jerry Marrotta (drums), Robin Batteau (violin, acoustic guitar (1948 Martin 0-17, nylon-strung), background vocals, descant).

“My Sappho, Sweetly Smiling”  (Alcaeus)  Livingston Taylor (lead vocal, acoustic guitar), Mark Dann (bass, synths), Jerry Marrotta (drums), Robin Batteau (violin, Martin guitar, synths, background vocals, descant).

“Terra Cotta Heart” (Sappho)   Robin Lane (lead vocal), Mark Dann (bass, electric 12, synths), Jerry Marrotta (drums), Robin Batteau (Martin guitar, drums, percussion).

“Shake Your Hair (You Thracian Filly)” (Anacreon)   Tom Paxton (lead vocal), Eric Schwartz (piano, organ), Mark Dann (bass, synths), Neale Eckstein (acoustic guitar, drums),Robin Batteau (Sigma, drums).

“Man of Gold (Theater of Memory)” (Simonides) Matt Nakoa (lead vocal, piano, synths, bass, drums, electric guitar).

“How Can You Love Me”  (Stesichorus)   Robin Batteau (lead vocal, harmony vocals, Martin, violins, synths, drums, percussion), Yani Batteau (harmony vocal, banjo), Neale Eckstein (drums, percussion).

“The Most Beautiful Thing in the World” (Praxilla)  Keira Naughton (lead vocal), Robin Batteau (Martin Guitar).

“Cross” (Catullus)   Eric Andersen  (lead vocal),  Abby Newton (cello-1897 Scarampella), Mark Dann (bass, synths), Robin Batteau (Martin guitar), violin, percussion (inspired by Marshal Rosenberg)

A Very Slambovian Christmas - Yo Ho Ho Merry Xmas!!!

With a rootsy psychedelica that hints at Dylan, Bowie, Neil Young, The Beatles, Incredible String Band, The Waterboys, and Jethro Tull, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams ‘Very Slambovian Christmas’ show is guaranteed to 'flip your switch' and spark the holiday spirit!

Be prepared for Christmas songs with a "Slambovian twist” and rockin’ original holiday tunes for a fun ‘outside the box’ holiday show. The band will charm and disarm you from the first note - a great night out with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season!

“They take the stage by storm!” – The NY Times

“Best Band of 2022” – Chronogram Magazine, NY

“Like a snowball full of heart and unabashed beauty with songs of hope and resistant joy."
– Jambase.com

 Celebrate the holidays and have ‘A Very Slambovian Christmas’!

FRI DEC 08 7:30 PM

Chocolate Church Arts Center - Bath, ME

SAT DEC 09 8:00 PM

Infinity Hall Norfolk - Norfolk, CT

                       
FRI DEC 15 8:00 PM

The Drake - Amherst, MA

SAT DEC 16 8:00 PM

Towne Crier Cafe - Beacon, NY

 
FRI DEC 22 8:00 PM

Roy's Hall - Blairstown, NJ

SAT DEC 23 8:00 PM

Newtown Theatre - Newtown, PA

 

SAT DEC 30 8:00 PM

New Year's Eve~Eve Show

World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA

Legendary Rock Band Firefall’s New Song & Music Video, “Way Back When” Out

Classic Hit Band, Firefall Available for Interviews to support new video and upcoming album, Comet, due December 11 on Sunset Blvd. Records 

 
Firefall’s “Way Back When” music video opens with the band’s original bassist  Mark Andes comparing the turbulent 1960s with challenges people are going through nowadays. He ends his observation with the hope of “Maybe music will help us get through this storm together.” Then we hear  chiming chords, and see Firefall lead guitarist/singer/co-founder Jock Bartley singing about life and love, recalling many classic musicians of the 1960s--the Beatles, Rolling Stones, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin, the Rascals, CSN, Credence Clearwater Revival…..   Jock says, “The first verse and first chorus are set in 1965. The second verse and chorus are ‘67, and the third verse and chorus is ’69.  It’s a loving retrospective of how great the music was back then.”  
 
Produced by Jock’s son Jamey, the “Way Back When” video shows memories of screaming fans, war and hate, Woodstock, and photos of 45 RPM singles and artists, interspersing with a band performance.  Watch the video at 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_WfrgogTXM
 
Jock and his bandmates: bassist Mark Andes, multi-instrumentalist David Muse (sax, flute, keys), drummer Sandy Ficca, and singer/guitar player Gary Jones are heralding their latest album, COMET on Sunset Blvd. Records--out December 11, 2020.  Since the release of their last new album, 1994’s MESSENGER, Firefall has kept up a hectic touring schedule of 80 plus dates a year, appearing at Performing Arts Centers, festivals, fairs and casinos.  Since 2012, with original members Muse and Andes returning to the Firefall family, the band has been writing and recording as time permitted around tour dates.

 
Over the last ten years their 70’s chart-topping singles “You Are The Woman,” “Just Remember I Love You,” “Strange Way,” and others, have continued to delight perennial fans as well as a younger audience captured by the popularity of the Yacht Rock genre.  The goal with COMET, was to recreate the elan of the original records in a contemporary format.

 
COMET was recorded in Colorado and Nashville, in conjunction with appearances in those markets.  COMET was a group effort and allowed every member to shine.  Highlights include Jock’s “There She Is,” a positive love song, “Before I Met You,” and “New Mexico” reminiscent of the group’s 1976 FM radio hit “Mexico,” a fan favorite.  Firefall’s newest member Gary Jones wrote “Never Be The Same” about his mother passing away. “Hardest Chain” was co-penned by Sandy Ficca and Colorado songwriter Tony Rosario. The band recorded Spirit’s “Nature’s Way,” an environmental anthem song about the end of the hippie movement; Mark Andes (originally in Spirit) sings lead with the Eagles’ Timothy B. Schmit singing along and the Doobie Brothers’ John McFee playing guitars.   

Nashville’s Gary Burr wrote “Younger.” “Ghost Town” is a Tony Joe White original from the 1970s. The late Virginia rocker Robbin Thompson (a member of Bruce Springsteen’s first band and a longtime friend of Firefall) wrote, “A Real Fine Day.” 
 
The cover of the new album is Comet NEOWISE, which lit up the Oregon coastline’s nighttime sky in July 2020. That image is reminiscent of the striking artwork on the band’s 1976 debut album, Firefall, which Jock helped design!

Firefall formed in Boulder, Colorado in 1974. After their first album, the group toured with Fleetwood Mac, Doobie Brothers, The Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Loggins and Messina, Chicago, Cheap Trick, Marshall Tucker, and many others.

 

"Just A Story From America--A Memoir" by Elliott Murphy

Elliott's Memoir is Available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2WSBB4W

Elliott Murphy, legendary rock troubadour and a true pioneer of independent recording artists has finally published his long-awaited memoir, JUST A STORY FROM AMERICA. This rock and roll storyteller, who has been cited by artists as inspirational as Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and the late Lou Reed, and whose career now spans nearly five decades, was promoted by Columbia Records in 1977 with a full-page ad in Rolling Stone reading, “He could write a book, but he chose rock and roll instead.” The truth is that he has been doing both for years and in the process achieving international success and acclaim. Finally, his amazing story is told.

In 1973 posters were plastered all over New York City’s subway system proclaiming, “Elliott Murphy is going to be a monster,” when his critically-praised debut album, AQUASHOW, was first released. Perhaps his major label career didn’t take off as predicted, but his unique journey did include him becoming a rock star monster, before ultimately finding redemption in Paris, France with a thriving career, loving family and a trove of rock ‘n roll anecdotes and wisdom to fill this unforgettable and highly readable memoir.

In his honest, gripping and often humorous telling, Elliott describes a childhood of show biz affluence, the tragic loss of a famous father, a European sojourn where he encountered Federico Fellini and a love for the old world, and perhaps most provocatively, his journey through the mine-fields of rock stardom in which he fittingly calls true success in the music business as best measured in terms of survival. From the glam world of 1970’s Manhattan and fabled LA recording studios and on to what was left of swinging London before finally finding his home, love and a faithful public in Europe, Elliott Murphy’s memoir is a valuable addition to a growing essential cultural genre that now includes Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, Patti Smith’s Just Kids and Bob Dylan’s Chronicles.

JUST A STORY FROM AMERICA takes the reader on an insightful journey into the daunting world of the music business from the unique perspective of an internationally acclaimed artist you may never have heard of, even while songs such as Last of the Rock Stars, Drive all Night, and A Touch of Kindness travelled on radio-airwaves all around the world for decades. A moving and not often heard story told from the perspective of an artist who has gone from celebrity to anonymity and back again and lived to tell the tale.  

Elliott Murphy has released over 35 albums of original music since his debut album AQUASHOW (1973) and continues to perform concerts in Europe, Japan, Canada and the USA. He stars in the upcoming feature film, BROKEN POET based upon his 1980’s short story which includes a rare cameo appearance by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa. The award winning 2016 documentary, THE SECOND ACT OF ELLIOTT MURPHY was selected for the prestigious Stony Brook Film Festival and his journalism has appeared in Rolling Stone (U.S.), Vanity Fair (France), and other international publications. He is the author of three novels, two poetry books, and numerous short-story collections.

In 2015 Elliott Murphy was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and in 2018, Billy Joel inducted Elliott into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, stating, “His songs are honest and literate and pure, and those songs have attracted audiences far beyond his country. I’ve long envied his bravery and integrity, and I’ve always admired his lyric skill.”

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams Tour the UK July

Please share downloadable flyer of the Slambovians UK Tour-July 4-15

New York City based band The Slambovian Circus of Dreams are touring the UK in the first 2 weeks of July 2019.

Starting off as the almost heavy metal Ancestors in the '90s the band have taken all that is good in folk, country and americana with a twist of Pink Floyd flavouring. 

The Slambovians have melded their own unique sound that is at once familiar yet almost impossible to pigeon hole. The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have such an eclectic live stage presence that once seen, always hooked. Rubbing regular shoulders with some of the icons of American music the band have got some serious endorsees. 

Garth Hudson of The Band is a committed Slambovian disciple and fan describing frontman Joziah Longo as “An awesome songwriter”. Writers have quoted lyrical similarities to both Bob Dylan and John Prine. A close listen to their many albums and well attended live shows would bear out that comparison.

Well known as a touring band throughout the North Eastern States, the popularity of The Slambovian Circus of Dreams have earned them a virtual residency at many of the larger folk festivals. 

Gary Lucas, outstanding guitarist with Jeff Buckley and early member of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band is quoted saying "It was an honor and a privilege to play with the great psychedelic band The Slambovian Circus of Dreams". Had the stars aligned, Gary Lucas would have toured with the band given half a chance. Maybe next tour?

Dave Pegg, renowned bassist and long time member of Fairport Convention, co-curator of Cropredy Festival met up with Slambovian UK management, Jonti Willis recently and said we could quote him widely, “Love the band and the music (of The Slambovian Circus of Dreams)” – Dave Pegg Fairport Convention. He’s also going to endorse a recommendation for a Cropredy Festival 2020 appearance too.

The New York Times says…. “They Take The Stage By Storm” And so they do!

UK Shows

Thursday, July 4th Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue  Bradford 

Friday, July 5th, The Greystones  Sheffield 

Saturday, July 6th    Linton Music Festival Ross-on-Wye 

Sunday, July 7th The Eyes Have It Festival  Duffield  

Tuesday, July 9th   The Platform   Morecambe

Thursday, July 11th  The Stables  Milton Keynes 

Friday, July 12th  The Fox and Firkin   Lewisham 

Saturday, July 13th  Platform Festival   Pocklington 

Sunday, July 14th  Blue Funk Rhythm & Blues Club  Poynton

Monday, July 15th   Cubley Hall   Penistone  

Elliott Murphy’s Back in the USA for More Acts November 7-24

(Long Island Rock Troubadour Returns to the States for An Incredible November)

Elliott Murphy, singer-songwriter and long-time Paris resident, returns to the East Coast this November for an autumn season of touring, events and filming. 

Elliott will be inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on November 8 at a gala ceremony to be held at the Space in Westbury… Long Island, of course. Former inductees of the LIMHOF include Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and Lou Reed.

Originally from Garden City, Long Island, Elliott Murphy rose to national prominence with the release of his debut 1973 album Aquashow, when critics declared him, along with Bruce Springsteen, John Prine and Loudon Wainwright III, the new Bob Dylan, even though the original was still only in his mid-thirties. When asked if he considered the “New Dylan” tag to be a curse, Murphy often reminds interviewers that, “… all of us singer-songwriters, who were pushed into that estimable club, seem to be still working. So more than a curse it’s a guarantee of life-time employment!”  

Along with his virtuoso French guitarist Olivier Durand, Elliott Murphy will be performing shows in New York and New Jersey in November along with a highly coveted performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage in Washington DC.

As well as having released over 35 albums in a career spanning 45 years, Elliott Murphy is a prolific writer of fiction with two novels and numerous collections of short stories published in Europe. One of his earlier stories is currently being made into the film Broken Poet and will feature Elliott Murphy in his first major acting role. Cast members include the legendary Marisa Berenson, Academy Award nominee Michael O’Keefe, and acclaimed French actress Joana Preiss. A Spring 2019 release is projected for Broken Poet by award-winning Spanish Director Emilio Barrachina. Elliott’s most recent album, PRODIGAL SON, (Murphyland Records) garnered 4 stars in French Rolling Stone. 

In 2015 Elliott Murphy was awarded the Chevalier des arts et des lettres medal by the French minister of Culture. 

ELLIOTT MURPHY U.S. TOURDATES

November 8 Long Island Music Hall of Fame, Westbury, NY  

November 9 My Father's Place, Roslyn, NY  

November 11 Ray's House Concert, Staten Island  

November 13 World Café, Philadelphia, PA  
  November 15 The Turning Point, Piermont, NY 

November 16 The Sail Loft, Port Jefferson, NY  

November 17 Rockwood 3 ***5PM Show***  

November 23 Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY  

November 24 Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Wash DC  

For further information on show dates please visit:  www.elliottmurphy.com

The Second Act of Elliott Murphy Trailer w/ Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Willie Nile: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdQudLfTpNY

Rolling Stone listed two of Elliott’s albums in their list of 10 Singer-Songwriter Albums Rolling Stone Loved in the 1970s You’ve Never Heard: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/10-singer-songwriter-albums-rolling-stone-loved-in-the-1970s-youve-never-heard-77702/elliott-murphy-lost-generation-165711/

The Yardbirds’ New Guitarist: Godfrey Townsend

Look for US Fall Tour with A Who’s Who of Great Musicians

GODFREY TOWNSEND is the new guitarist for the Yardbirds. A favorite in the Classic Rock World, Godfrey has played with a range of greats from John Entwistle to Jack Bruce. 

In fact Eric Clapton’s guitar technician, Lee Dickson commented to John Entwistle, “Hey John, come listen to this guy...he’s got Clapton down better than Clapton!” Entwistle replied, “You twit!...that’s MY guitar player!” 

Godfrey Townsend joins a lineup with innovative and legendary musicians— notably, of course the Yardbirds’ leader/drummer/singer/co-founder Jim McCarty, bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Billy Idol, Derringer, Joan Jett), singer/harpist/percussionist Myke Scavone (Ram Jam, The Doughboys), and  lead singer/guitarist John Idan (who is on their 2003 CD “Birdland” album which features guest appearances from both Steve Vai and Slash). 

Godfrey’s plays guitar, keyboards, sings, and is the music director of countless live performers, most notably his own “Clapton is God-frey” show and the Happy Together tour.

A favorite in New York City’s Max’s Kansas City and the China Club scenes, Godfrey’s been the guy that got famous rockers on stage to jam with the bands.  After a stint in Las Vegas working with Mitch Ryder, Spencer Davis, and Joey Molland of Badfinger, he was recruited by John Entwistle of The Who, with whom he performed a half dozen tours, a studio album, and a live album. Godfrey went on to play with Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Jack Bruce, Mark Farner, Christopher Cross, Flo and Eddie, and Dave Mason.  

Since the Yardbirds’ birth from 1963 to 1968, and then its 2003 reformation, the group has been known for its incredible guitarists. In addition to Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, plus rhythm guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja have contributed to the band’s history.

Jim McCarty continues to lead this innovative British rock band that provides the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. The drummer/singer/songwriter is responsible for its haunting sound.

 The Yardbirds are exclusively represented TCI (Talent Consultants International) for booking concerts. Stay tuned for an announcement soon of U.S. Tour dates for this November. 

Goldmine Magazine stated, “the band’s hallmark of top-notch musicianship remains. There are no passengers in this band.” 

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