The Yardbirds On Tour This March

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Yardbirds will be touring this March.

March 14: The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA

March 16: Ram's Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD

March 21: Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA

March 22: Boulton Center for the Arts, Bay Shore, NY

March 26 & 27: Flower Power Cruise

The Yardbirds’ co-founder Jim McCarty continues to lead this ground-breaking British Invasion Rock band that provides the crucial link between the Blues, British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. This drummer, singer, songwriter, and producer is said to be one of the driving forces responsible for the band's haunting sound.

Since the birth of the band from 1963 to 1968, to its 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists who have contributed to the band's history including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page all ranked in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (#35, #5, and #3 respectively). 

Originally a Blues-based band noted for their signature "rave-up" instrumental jams covering Blues classics like Howlin Wolf’s “Smokestack Lighting” and  Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man,” the Yardbirds later broadened their range into Pop, pioneered Psychedelic Rock, early Hard Rock / Heavy Metal, and contributed to many electric guitar innovations marking those musical genres.  The band had a string of hits in the mid-1960s including "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," "Shapes of Things," and "Over Under Sideways Down." 

Celebrating his 30^th year as a Yardbird, Lead Singer John Idan has lent his distinct vocals to the sound of the band since their reformation, showcased on the classic 2003 “Birdland” album with guest appearances from Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, and Brian May. Rounding out the current line-up of top musicians is lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend (John Entwistle, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Christopher Cross, Dave Mason and Musical Director of the Turtles' Happy Together Tour), bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Dave Edmonds and Joan Jett), percussionist, harmonica and background vocals Myke Scavone (the Doughboys, Ram Jam). The current band has recently completed work on an upcoming live album, “Mind the Gap,” soon to be released.

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

Here's a downloadable flier to share

JIM McCARTY: ‘Breath of the Wind’ Exclusive Download Single from The Yardbirds Drummer & Singer-Songwriter

Now Available on All Streaming Media

The release of his single was inspired by Jim’s recent book, "She Walks in Beauty," written with esteemed Rock journalist, Dave Thompson. “My last book, ‘Nobody Told Me’, was the story of the best days of my life, and a musical career that took me from a holiday camp in the English west country to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland” Jim explained. “This book, on the other hand, begins on the very worst day of my life, June 7, 2020— with the death of my wife Elisabeth. Lizzie.”

Thus, the song ‘Breath of the Wind’ inevitably picks up the theme of his book and reflects on the spiritual connection Jim still feels with Lizzie, driven by his life-long fascination in the paranormal and especially “the shadows that are just out of sight and the certainty that there is an enduring connection between the living and the dead” and reflected on at length in his book.

Not included on his recent Demon Music Group reissue of his album ‘Walking In The Wild Land’, ‘Breath of the Wind’’ was originally recorded with his friend Kennet in France (where Jim has lived for many years), as Jim explained: “It was just acoustic guitar and vocals. I sent it to Hugh Syme, the designer & musician famous for his Rush album covers) and after maybe a year he came back with the arrangement, that consists of nylon string guitar, violin, Armenian duduk, bamboo flute, synth and strings. Also, a boys choir arrangement. I’ve no idea which instruments are “real”, but I love working with Hugh – who also did the arrangement for ‘Changing Times’ on ‘Walking in the Wild Land.’”

“Breath of the Wind” perhaps shines a more intimate light than many might expect from the man responsible for helping write so many iconic songs in The Yardbirds’ catalogue, but it is a poignant love letter - honest and thoughtful as the man himself has always been.

There is real beauty to be found in “Breath of the Wind”

                      (With Thanks to Hugh Syme and Dave Thompson)       

Lyrics

Here she comes on the breath of the wind

She’s sending me a different sound

Riding along on the butterfly wing

She’s telling me she’s still around

 

The more I really can perceive

The more she’s there the more she shares

And now I really do believe

She’s free of cares, she’s everywhere

 

Here she comes on the breath of the wind

She’s calling me to make a leap

Riding along on the butterfly wing

I need to wake up from my sleep

C 2023  Music and Lyrics by Jim McCarty, PRS

  

Pioneering British Blues-Rock Band, The Yardbirds, October 2019

October 10 in Rockville, MD and October 13 in Riverhead, NY

The Yardbirds, the band that spearheaded the British Blues Boom of the 1960s, the band that brought the world Eric Clapton in 1963, Jeff Beck in 1965 and Jimmy Page in 1966 (who played in the band with Beck for four months), the band that continues to inspire artists worldwide, will perform two dates in October starting October 10 in Rockville, MD.

The current  lineup includes critically-acclaimed original drummer/composer Jim McCarty, lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist John Idan, whose tenure with the band began in 1992, bassist Kenny Aaronson, who’s lent his considerable talents to Billy Idol, Joan Jett and Hall and Oates over the years, lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend, an amazing player who has performed with numerous rock luminaries including John Entwistle and Jack Bruce and Myke Scavone, ( who is also lead singer in The Doughboys) on harp, percussion and backing vocals.

Known as much for their strict allegiance to the blues as for their international chart-topping hit “For Your Love,” The Yardbirds have never lost their drive and jet-propelled beat, due mainly to Mr. McCarty. Their “Train Kept A’ Rollin’” inspired Aerosmith to tackle the same song. Their early forays into heavy rock inspired Page to form his own band, originally named The New Yardbirds, but ultimately named Led Zeppelin.

The Yardbirds, electrifying, eclectic and way ahead of their time, melded heavy rock, wild jams, the blues, and an improvisatory feel, and continue to influence generations of bands and artists. Go to a Yardbirds show and you'll find crowds filled with 20-somethings to baby boomers all thrilling to this band's legendary power.  Watching The Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock’n’roll history.

In addition, Jim McCarty will be the special guest of Renaissance’s 50^th Anniversary performance at the Keswick in Glenside, PA, on the 12th of October. McCarty co-founded the group, and—initially—hired Annie Haslam as the group evolved into an all new lineup.

The Yardbirds 2019 Tour Schedule:

October 10 – Robert E. Parilla PAC – Rockville, MD http://mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/reppac/yardbirds/

October 13 – Suffolk Theater – Riverhead, NY http://www.suffolktheater.com/event/066ee961676dd8f912704bd1b0047e78

http://www.theyardbirds.com/ 

Pioneering British Blues-Rock Band, The Yardbirds, Set for 2019 U.S. Tour

The Yardbirds, the band that spearheaded the British Blues Boom of the 1960s, the band that brought the world Eric Clapton in 1963, Jeff Beck in 1965 and Jimmy Page in 1966 (who played in the band with Beck for four months), the band that continues to inspire artists worldwide, will tour the East Coast starting March 14 in Old Saybrook, Connecticutt.

The current  lineup includes critically-acclaimed original drummer/composer Jim McCarty, lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist John Idan, whose tenure with the band began in 1992, bassist Kenny Aaronson, who’s lent his considerable talents to Billy Idol, Joan Jett, and Hall and Oates over the years, lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend, an amazing player who has performed with numerous rock luminaries including John Entwistle and Jack Bruce, and Myke Scavone, (who is also lead singer in The Doughboys) on harp, percussion and backing vocals.

Known as much for their strict allegiance to the blues as for their international chart-topping hit “For Your Love,” The Yardbirds have never lost their drive and jet-propelled beat, due mainly to Mr. McCarty. Their “Train Kept A’ Rollin’” inspired Aerosmith to tackle the same song. Their early forays into heavy rock inspired Page to form his own band, originally named The New Yardbirds, but ultimately named Led Zeppelin.

The Yardbirds, electrifying, eclectic and way ahead of their time, melded heavy rock, wild jams, the blues, and an improvisatory feel, and continue to influence generations of bands and artists. Go to a Yardbirds show and you'll find crowds filled with 20-somethings to baby boomers all thrilling to this band's legendary power.  Watching The Yardbirds in action is experiencing rock’n’roll history.

The Yardbirds 2019 Tour Schedule:

March 14 – Old Saybrook, CT – Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center

March 15 – Plymouth, NH – Flying Monkey

March 16 – Albany, NY – The Egg:  Sawyer Theatre

March 18 – New York, NY – City Winery

March 20 – Boston, MA – City Winery

March 21 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse

March 22 – Buffalo, NY – Tralf Music Hall

March 23 – Warren, PA – Struthers Library Theatre

March 24 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House

March 28 – Phoenixville, PA – Colonial Theatre

March 29 – Washington, D.C. – City Winery

March 30 – Richmond, VA – Tin Pan

April 2-5 – Time Life Flower Power Cruise

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.” 

theyardbirds.com

yardbirds.us

https://www.facebook.com/BlueswailingYardbirds/

Jann Klose Has Four Nominations in 13th Annual Independent Music Awards

Pop Singer-songwriter up for eclectic categories in performance and design

Pop Singer-songwriter Jann Klose has received four nominations in the 13th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMA).  Some of the other nominees are Willie Nile, George Benson, Vienna Teng, Suzzy Roche and daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Martha Redbone, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus!

Also nominated are three artists Jann's opened for or shared the stage with: the late Pete Seeger, Antigone Rising, and Melissa Ferrick.

Jann's nominations are for: Cover Song, Website, Swag, and Album: Spoken Word with Music Accompaniment. 

The Cover Song, for which Jann is nominated, is an a-cappella version of Tim Buckley's "Song To The Siren" off his new album, MOSAIC. "I fell in love with the song when I worked on the movie, GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY." Jann sings Tim's parts in the feature film, and soon after its release met Larry Beckett, who co-wrote the song and many others with Tim.  Now Jann and Larry are writing together.

In the Album: Spoken Word with Music Accompaniment category, Jann sings "Humble Wish," on the compilation ACTION MOVES PEOPLE.  The song was written by Krista Wallhagen and Kevin Mackie.  Backing Jann are musicians from the band Renaissance (bassist Dave Keys, drummer Frank Pagano, and keyboardist Rave Tesar), plus guitarists Kevin Mackie and Tim Gleeson.  Jann opened for Renaissance's 40th Anniversary tour in 2009.  He has also performed shows with both the group's long time singer Annie Haslam and co-founder Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds). 

Jann is the only musical nominee, in this year's contest, up for two design categories: Website and Swag.  In the spirit of true independence, he's always created his own promo materials. "My swag is my T-shirt design which includes the lyric 'If you don't know love, you don't know life' from MOSAIC's first song, "Make It Better."  

The LA-ist was truly on point when it wrote that Jann “can be accurately described as the man chosen to carry on the legacy of great musicians like Tim Buckley and Paul McCartney.” Soon after MOSAIC entered the Roots Radio charts above Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow and Wilco at #22, the album ended up on first round ballots for the 2014 GRAMMY® Awards for Album of the Year and Pop Vocal Album.

Jann hopes that you will vote for him in all categories and would like for you to please tell your friends, "Thank you!" To vote you will need to register at www.independentmusicawards.com

These are the links to vote.  Just click the translucent stars to the right of Jann's entries:

1) COVER SONG: TIM BUCKLEY'S SONG TO THE SIREN:

http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/13th/Song/Cover

2)  SWAG (Merchandise):

http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/13th/Design/Swag

3) MUSIC WEBSITE:

http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/13th/Design/Music-Website

4)  ALBUM: VARIOUS ARTISTS: SPOKEN WORD WITH MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT

ACTION MOVES PEOPLE: 

http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/13th/Album/Spoken-Word

Nearly 400 Self-Released & Independent Label Artists are nominated in the IMAs.  The Music Resource Group (MRG) that runs the IMAs stated receiving thousands of entries from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Greenland and Europe.

Jann is asking his fans to vote in the Vox Populi (fan voice) competition before the July deadline when those winners will be announced.

Judges will also be voting for results to be announced in May.  The judges are made up of artists and music industry people, including Raul Midon, Heart's Ann & Nancy Wilson, Suzanne Vega, Sharon Jones, G. Love, and the Smithereens' Dennis Diken. All judges are listed at  http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/judges/13th-annual-ima-judges/

The Independent Music Awards honor exceptional independent artists traditionally ignored by mainstream media and big box retailers. For the past 13 years, artists and labels from around the world have found new fans and prominence through The IMAs. Produced by Music Resource Group, publisher of the popular industry networking database The Musician's AtlasOnline, The IMAs uses its unrivaled access to performance, promotion & distribution opportunities to connect Winners and Nominees to new audiences and revenue opportunities.

Winners of The 13th IMAs will receive active promotions, distribution and performance opportunities that will place them in front of nearly 1 billion music fans. Artists, managers and labels credit The IMAs with increasing recognition among music fans and industry gatekeepers.

Born in Germany, raised in Kenya, South Africa, and Hamburg, Jann came to the States as an exchange student in Cleveland. He performed in touring productions of Broadway shows (JEKYLL & HYDE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR) and portrayed The­­­­­ Pinball Wizard in THE WHO’S TOMMY before he started his band. Jann’s music is heard on the GRAMMY-nominated HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT, on MTV CRIBS, the movie “Dead Broke” (Warner Bros.) featuring Paul Sorvino. He maintains a steady touring schedule of about 75-100 shows a year in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

JANN KLOSE ON THE ROAD

April 27, 2014 - New York, NY: THE LAST WALTZ LIVE at Highline Ballroom
May 31, 2014 - Park Ridge, NJ: Acoustic Cafe Concert Series w/ Toby Walker
June 6, 2014 - Youngstown, OH: Private Event
June 7,  2014 - Bloomington, IN: TBA
June 21, 2014 - Baiting Hollow, NY: Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard
July 2, 2014 - Woodbridge Township, NJ: Woodbridge Wednesdays at Parker Press Park
July 9, 2014 - Bronx, NY: TBA
July 12, 2014 - New York City, NY: Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2
July 17, 2014 - Amagansett, NY: The Stephen Talkhouse
August 9, 2014 - Berlin, Germany: The Castle Pub
August 15, 2014 - Braunschweig, Germany: Unplugged Bistro
August 16, 2014 - Hamburg, Germany: Prinzenbar
August 23, 2014 - Kiel, Germany: Prinz Willy Strandfest Open Air
September 19, 2014 - Newton, NJ: Newton Theatre w/ Paula Cole
January 30, 2015 - Tehachapi, CA: Fiddler's Crossing

www.jannklose.com

www.independentmusicawards.com/ima

Jann Klose

Jann is currently in the studio working on a new album with multi-platinum award winning producer David Bendeth (Bruce Hornsby, Elvis Presley, Breaking Benjamin, Paramore). There's a teaser on soundcloud.com of one of the new songs, called "Falling Tears," on which Jann plays electric guitar.
Jann Klose - Falling Tears by jannklose

Jann is now the proud owner of a curvaceous Epiphone Casino! It's been a very busy fall for him, playing shows in California, Canada (w/ The Yardbirds' Jim McCarty) and the Midwest. There are some new live performances up on his YouTube page from an interview with Martin Guitars earlier this year. Jann and his band will be performing at Rockwood Music Hall's Stage 2 on Saturday, Dec 10th from 7-9 PM before he heads to his native Germany to play Hamburg on Dec 23rd. 

http://soundcloud.com/jannklose/falling-tears
http://youtube.com/jannklose
http://www.jannklose.com

LITTLE STEVEN WELCOMES THE YARDBIRDS

Left to Right: Yardbirds singer: Andy Mitchell, bassist David Smale, guitarist Ben King, rhythm guitar Chris Dreja, Little Steven, and Yardbirds' drummer Jim McCarty

Little Steven will always rave about the Yardbirds, singing the group's praises from the rafters and to the world. Generally he plays the band in heavy rotation on his Sirius XM channel, Little Steven's Underground Garage. On Wednesday, September 7, he was declaring the band's place in music history when he emceed the Yardbirds at BB King Blues Club and Grill, in New York City. In fact Steven's "rave up" of the band was caught on youtube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu8TtILThUw&feature=share

GUITAR WORLD editor Brad Tolinski was also in attendance at the show, and he immediately reviewed the show on his blog, stating, it was "one of the best gigs I've seen this year."

ALL YARDBIRDS NORTH AMERICAN DATES

Sept. 1: Summer Music Series, Springfield, MA
Sept. 2: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Sept. 3: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
Sept. 4: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonerry, NH
Sept. 5 Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Sept. 7 BB Kings, New York, NY
Sept. 8: Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Sept. 9: NYCB THEATRE at WESTBURY, Westbury, NY
Sept. 10: Parilla Center, Rockville, MD
Sept. 11: Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
Sept. 15: New Showroom, Hawaiian Brians, Honolulu, HI
Sept. 16: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui, HI
Sept. 17: Horoka Peoples Theatre, Big Island, HI
Sept. 21 Key Club, Hollywood, CA
Sept. 22: Coachhouse, Santa Ana, CA
Sept. 23: Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA  
Sept. 24: El Rey Theatre, Chico, CA
 
 

CHAMBER POP SUMMIT: JIM MCCARTY, JANN KLOSE AND JOHN HAWKEN PERFORM AT HUGH'S ROOM, OCT. 5

Jim McCarty headlining at Hugh's Room w/ bassist George Koller and guitarist Jean-Michel Kajdan.
photo by Jon Richard, © 2011

Panoramic of Jann Klose performing Yardbirds songs at Hugh's Room, Toronto, the 2nd date of the Canadian tour 2011. L TO R: John Hawken, Ron Korb, Jim McCarty, Jann Klose, Larry Crowe, George Koller, Jean-Michel Kajdan. (October 5th, 2011).
(C) 2011 Jade Yeh


John Hawken, Jim McCarty, Chris Dreja, and Jann Klose at BB King Blues Club, New York, NY, Sept. 7

Jim McCarty, Jann Klose, and John Hawken will be performing at Hugh's Room,2261 Dundas Street, W., in Toronto, on October 5 at 8:30 PM. Admission is $20 in advance and $22.50 at the door. The web site is http://www.hughsroom.com, and the phone number is 416-531-6604.

Jim McCarty and Jann Klose, and their bands create unique styles of "chamber pop." This style uses interesting musical instruments, classical and other genre influences (blues, jazz, multi-cultural, folk, theatre) to create beautiful melodies with international overtones. Their works, which have unintended parallels, have been critically acclaimed.

The Yardbirds’ Jim McCarty's history is phenomenal, having been partially responsible for discovering Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and reuniting with Page in a 1980s group called Box of Frogs. He's been making music every decade, with emphasis on creation. He and the other original Yardbirds members have been inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jim founded Renaissance with Yardbirds' mate, the late Keith Relf in the late 1960s. This band was a classical rock band that was fronted for the first album by Keith's sister Jane. After Jane left, Jim and Keith auditioned Annie Haslam, who fronted the line-up of Renaissance that became popular in the States.

Jim McCarty's current album SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME features Toronto flautist Ron Korb, pianist Donald Quan, guitarist Ray Hickey and bassist George Koller. Much of it was recorded in Quan's studio, Q Music, “There seemed to be a good group of session players available, very much like in London in the ‘60s and thanks to Ron, I soon had a good team together: Ron, Donald, Ray, and George.”

Joining Jim’s band for this show is John Hawken. John was in Renaissance and Illusion with Jim (2001), and most recently in the Strawbs. He has also played with The Nashville Teens, Spooky Tooth, Vinegar Joe (with Robert Palmer), Third World War, and Renaissance Illusion.

Renaissance's Annie Haslam was one of the music business people who discovered Jann Klose, and collaborated with him and John Tout (from Annie's Renaissance lineup) in the fall of 2008. Jann then opened for Renaissance's 40th Anniversary comeback tour, Fall 2009. He has opened for the Strawbs a few times, and has shared the stage and/or opened for Pete Seeger, the late Les Paul, Rusted Root, Shawn Phillips, Marty Stuart, Roger McGuinn, Rosanne Cash, Marshall Crenshaw, Vonda Shepard, Elliott Murphy.

Genya Ravan, who recently featured Jann's "Waiting For the Wave" on her Sirius XM show "Goldie's Garage" on Little Steven's Underground Garage channel says, "Gee, if I had a label I would sign Jann immediately, this is a hit song.  I am going to play it, even though its not garage, too damn beautiful to pass on." Jann music is on the GRAMMY-nominated album, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT, his music's been featured on MTV's CRIBS and Paul Sorvino's movie, DEAD BROKE (Warner Bros.) His most recent recordings are REVERIE (2008) and SACRIFICE EP (2010). and he's releasing a new album in 2012.

Jann Klose & Jim McCarty, photo by Steven Triolo

GET THE LED OUT TO FEATURE HENRY SMITH, YARDBIRDS AND LED ZEPPELIN LONG TIME ASSOCIATE & ROAD MANAGER

...And now a word from GET THE LED OUT, who is sponsoring the September Yardbirds' tour in the United States! The contact for the GET THE LED OUT radio show is Denny Somach (610-446-7100, denny@dennysomach.com. The web site is http://www.ledzeponline.com. Note that I'm your contact for The Yardbirds, Denny's your man for the radio show!

Denny Somach Productions (DSP) today announced that it would feature an exclusive interview with Led Zeppelin and Yardbirds' associate Henry Smith. Excerpts will be featured on Carol Miller's Get the Led Out radio show during the week of August 22, 2011. Currently back with the reformed Yardbirds, Smith will be overseeing their fall tour, which commences in September.

Carol Miller's Get the Led Out will also serve as the national tour sponsor and help to get the word out when
the legendary Yardbirds begin playing concerts mostly in the Northeast, West Coast and Hawaii. GTLO affiliated stations will be able to tie in with shows and include VIP seats, unique merchandise giveaways and a meet and greet. The tour includes two New York City area dates at BB Kings on September 7 and the NYCB Theatre at Westbury, on September 9.

The current Yardbirds include founding members and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Jim McCarty and Chris Dreja. The two were responsible for many of the classic Yarbirds hits including, Shapes of Things, Over Under Sideways Down, Happenings Ten Years Time Ago, Heart Full Of Soul, and For Your Love. Rounding out the band is Andy Mitchell, lead vocals, harmonica; Ben King, lead guitar; and David Smale, bass guitar.

Smith was a concert promoter in the New England area in the late '60s, and used to put a band called the Chain Reaction on as opening act. That band included one of his best friends, Steven Tallarico. One of those concerts was with the Yardbirds, which is how he first met Jimmy Page. In the early seventies he left his job with Led Zeppelin to work for a new band that his friend Steven Tallarico was launching. Tallarico also changed his name to Steven Tyler and the band was called Aerosmith.

“Henry's stories are unique and for the most part unheard,” said producer Denny Somach, “and he is one
of the best behind the scenes guests we have ever had on the radio program.” According to Smith, “my role with Zeppelin was, I was hired by Jimmy to be a roadie. I didn't have anything to do with the business affairs, and I didn't have anything to do with booking. I was involved in my job and I was involved in the fun.”

Carol Miller's Get the Led Out is a programming package of long and short-form features hosted by New York Radio legend Carol Miller. Affiliates are provided a one-hour weekly program and five weekly short features that can double as podcasts, all of which examine the career of the band that is generally acknowledged as the greatest hard rock band of all time, Led Zeppelin.

The program is about to celebrate its second anniversary and airs on over 100 radio stations including WAXQ in New York and KLOS in Los Angeles.

Carol Miller is one of the longest-running New York radio personalities, from years at WPLJ and WNEW and currently Clear Channel's WAXQ-FM. She began her career as a rock jock at WMMR, Philadelphia. She has hosted numerous nationally and internationally distributed radio specials and TV like Entertainment Tonight, VH-1 and is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is an acknowledged expert on Led Zeppelin, and has interviewed the surviving members numerous times over the years.

The program is distributed by United Stations Radio Network. It is produced by Denny Somach Productions. Andy Denemark serves as executive producer for USRN.

Denny Somach Productions maintains one of the largest archives of classic rock content and has
a long history of creating some of the most memorable programs in rock radio. DSP produced feature programming for NBC's The Source, NBC Radio Entertainment, ABC Radio, CBS, MTV and the highly acclaimed award winning Beatles program, Ticket to Ride. Most recently Denny Somach founded the Classic Rock Society of America.

United Stations Radio Networks, Inc., is the nation's leading independently owned and operated radio network. The company currently distributes and produces dozens of format specific programs and services to nearly 4500 rated radio stations across the country including Adult Contemporary, Album Rock, County, Contemporary Hit, Oldies, Country, Smooth Jazz, Urban and Talk. Carol Miller's Get the Led Out joins USRN's other rock programming which includes Nights with Alice Cooper, The House of Hair with Dee Snider, Racing Rocks with Riki Rachtman among others. The New York-based company was founded in 1994 by radio pioneers Dick Clark and Nick Verbitsky.

THE YARDBIRDS ON TOUR

Sept. 1: Summer Music Series, Springfield, MA
Sept. 2: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Sept. 3: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
Sept. 4: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonerry, NH
Sept. 5 Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Sept. 7 BB Kings, New York, NY
Sept. 8: Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Sept. 9: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, NY
Sept. 10: Parilla Center, Rockville, MD
Sept. 11: Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
Sept. 15: New Showroom, Hawaiian Brians, Honolulu, HI
Sept. 16: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui, HI
Sept. 17: Honoka Peoples Theatre, Big Island, HI
Sept. 21 Key Club, Hollywood, CA
Sept. 22: Coachhouse, Santa Ana, CA
Sept. 23: Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA

http://yardbirds.us/
http://www.theyardbirds.com

Jann Klose in the Studio

The WGN-TV Superstation Video of Jann
 

Jann Klose has been receiving even more acclaim for his work. Genya Ravan, who recently featured Jann's "Waiting For the Wave" on her Sirius XM show "Goldie's Garage" on Little Steven's Underground Garage channel says, "Gee, if I had a label I would sign Jann immediately, this is a hit song.  I am going to play it, even though its not garage, too damn beautiful to pass on."

Jann is on Spotify, and an eligible artist for the 2011 New York Music Awards, listed between Carole King and Lady Gaga.

Video-wise, he's got a dynamic :56 second performance of "Hold Me Down" on WGN-Superstation's Midday Lounge at http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/1e57ca92-c82d-41eb-9f08-9d2729e52d63/News/Music-Lounge-Jann-Klose

Tim Fort, The Kinetic King (a semi-finalist on America's Got Talent), gave Jann's "Doing Time" his trademark praise, "whoo, hoo!"  "That's great!" at http://www.youtube.com/jannklose .

Jann's working on a new album, which will be a follow-up to REVERIE, due out in 2012.

Meantime, these shows are confirmed:

September 10: STEPHEN TALKHOUSE w/ Jonathan Tiersten, Amagansett, NY
September 11: COFFEE-WORKS w/ Jonathan Tiersten, Voorhees, NJ
September 15: BB KING BLUES CLUB w/ Vonda Shepard, New York, NY
September 27: COACHHOUSE w/ Basia, San Juan Capistrano. CA
October 5: HUGHS ROOM w/ Jim McCarty, Toronto, Canada
October 26: IRON HORSE w/ Shawn Phillips, Northampton, MA
October 28: TOWN BALLROOM w/ Brett Dennen, Buffalo, NY
November 9: S.P.A.C.E. w/ Michael Kaeshammer, Evanston, IL (Chicago)
November 26: HIGHLINE BALLROOM, 40TH ANNIVERSARY, CONCERT FOR BANGLADESH, New York, NY
March 2, 2012: MASTER CLASS, LIVERPOOL INSTITUTE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, Liverpool, UK
       
http://www.jannklose.com
                                 

The Yardbirds' September 2011 tour dates

http://www.theyardbirds.com
http://www.yardbirds.us/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2207073529&ref=ts


THE YARDBIRDS TOUR THE STATES THIS SEPTEMBER
(Legendary rock/blues band available for interviews in advance of tour)

The Yardbirds will be touring the States this September, from Massachusetts to Hawaii, September 1 through the 23. Dates will be in the east and west coast, plus three days of fun, sun, tropical pleasure and rock and roll that influenced musicians from the 1960s to current day.

The Yardbirds is original members: rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty, and a new generation of musicians: singer/acoustic guitarist/harpist Andy Mitchell (since 2009), bassist David Smale (since 2009), and lead guitarist Ben King (since 2005).

The Yardbirds innovated 1960s guitar, with fuzz tone, feedback, distortion, backwards echo, improved amplification….and using a bow to play guitar. The group paved the way for the careers of Eric Clapton (1963-'65) Jeff Beck ('65-'66), and Jimmy Page (66-'68, first as bassist, then guitarist when Beck left). The group drew some repertoire from the blues acts of the day, including Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, and Bo Diddley, and the Yardbirds hits were some of the best songs of the British Invasion: “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” "Shapes of Things," “I'm A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” “Train Kept A- Rolling,” “Dazed and Confused.” “I'm A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” and “Better Man Than I.”

The Yardbirds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Soon after the induction, Jim and Chris reformed the Yardbirds, first playing at London's Marquee club, on a bill with the newly reformed Animals.

In 2003, Steve Vai's Favored Nations label released their album BIRDLAND, an album of new songs that featured guest appearances from Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and John Rzeznik. In 2005 guitarist Ben King joined the group, who recorded LIVE AT B.B. KING BLUES CLUB on July 19, 2006. That came out in 2007, included a version of “I'm a Man” that played on the Simpsons that year.

The Yardbirds has continued to tour. An institution in popular music, blues, rock and roll, the group made an indelible mark on the music and culture of both the 1960s and future generations.

CONFIRMED DATES:

Sept. 1: Summer Music Series, Springfield, MA
Sept. 2: Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
Sept. 3: Tupelo Music Hall, White River Junction, VT
Sept. 4: Tupelo Music Hall, Londonerry, NH
Sept. 5 Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Sept. 7 BB Kings, New York, NY
Sept. 8: Penn's Peak, Jim Thorpe, PA
Sept. 9: NYCB THEATRE at WESTBURY, Westbury, NY
Sept. 10: Parilla Center, Rockville, MD
Sept. 11: Rams Head, Annapolis, MD
Sept. 15: New Showroom, Hawaiian Brians, Honolulu, HI
Sept. 16: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Maui, HI
Sept. 17: Horoka Peoples Theatre, Big Island, HI
Sept. 21 Key Club, Hollywood, CA
Sept. 22: Coachhouse, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sept. 23: Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA


"I'm A Man" performed by The Yardbirds, Live at B.B. Kings, NYC. Recorded by Unsteady Freddie

THE YARDBIRDS OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON RUMORS OF ZEP FEST'S DEMISE

The Yardbirds: guitarist Chris Dreja, drummer Jim McCarty, bassist David Smale, singer Andy Mitchell, and guitarist Ben King have joined together to state, "We have heard numerous rumors that ZepFest, which is scheduled to be held at National Harbor, the weekend of May 27, 28, and 29, has been canceled. However, despite our repeated requests, the promoters have failed to confirm or deny the rumors.

"The band is ready and eager to perform under the terms of our fully-executed contract.  All that is needed for our performance to go forward is, among other things, receipt of our international flight tickets -- which we were supposed to receive on May 15, 2011. They were not received.

"We await word from the ZepFest promoters. Only they can confirm or deny whether the rumours of ZepFest's demise are true or untrue. We have been looking forward to playing the Festival and remain ready to do son. We call upon the ZepFest promoters to set the record straight, for performers and fans alike."

###
 

HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ART OF YARDBIRDS GUITARIST CHRIS DREJA TO BE SHOWN AND SOLD AT ZEPFEST, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MAY 27, 28, 29

Valuable Historic Art of The 1960s Rock Elite by Acclaimed Musician/Acclaimed Photographer At ZepFest, 2011

Chris Dreja will be presenting and selling his art--historical photographs from London in the 1960s-- at the ZepFest, May 27, 28, and 29, at the National Harbor, on the Potomac River, at Waterfront Street and St. George Blvd., in Prince George’s County, MD. There are a variety of tickets and pricing plans available for the Fest, including one-day events and VIP get-togethers.  The full Fest is $325.00, and tickets are available at http://www.missiontix.com/events/product/10641 or http://zepfest2011.eventbrite.com/ .  For more information, please e-mail info@zepfest.com and visit the web site, http://ZepFest.com or http://ZepFest2011.com.
 
Dreja's classic historical art focuses on legendary portraits of Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, including the back portrait from Led Zeppelin 1. One photograph, featuring Jimmy, has been autographed by both Chris and Jimmy for the event. Dreja will privately sell this at the Fest, and make others available in a special section of the Festival's Merchandise Table.

Dreja has been the Yardbirds rhythm guitrist since the group formed in 1963.  He was also always a talented photographer, chronicling London and theYardbirds' experience in the 1960s.  After the group broke up in 1968, Jimmy Page offered him the position of bassist in a new band he was forming (later to become Led Zeppelin). Dreja declined in order to pursue a profession in photography.  Only occasionally did he took breaks to play in Box of Frogs in the 1980s and the Yardbirds since 1992.  in addition to being a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Chris has received acclaim and an award from the UK's Designers and Art Directors Association.
 
A sampling of Chris Dreja's photography can be seen on his web site, http://www.chrisdreja.com.

The ZepFest features over 50 bands on five stages. It’s also a completely Green festival.  ZepFest CEO and Festival Director Mark Boudreau says the Fest will include, “Descendants, disciples and influences.” There’ll be blues artists the Night Hawks and Willie Big Eyes Smith, contemporaries Vanilla Fudge, and fans Dread Zeppelin, tribute bands. The late Pinetop Perkins was scheduled to perform, and the entire ZepFest will be dedicated to him.

Other Yardbirds’ members will be on hand throughout the day to connect with fans.   The band’s tour manager, Henry “The Horse” Smith, an original Led Zeppelin roadie, will share stories.  Jim McCarty will be giving a Q&A Session. 

The Yardbirds is original members: rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty, and a new generation of musicians: singer/acoustic guitarist/harpist Andy Mitchell (since 2009), bassist David Smale (since 2009), and lead guitarist Ben King (since 2005).

The Yardbirds innovated 1960s guitar, with fuzz tone, feedback, distortion, backwards echo, improved amplification….and using a bow to play guitar.  The group paved the way for the careers of Eric Clapton (1963-’65)  Jeff Beck (’65-’66), and Jimmy Page (66-’68, first as bassist, then guitarist when Beck left).  The group drew some repertoire from the blues acts of the day, including Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, and Bo Diddley, and the Yardbirds hits were some of the best songs of the British Invasion: “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” “Shapes of Things,” “I’m A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” “Train Kept A- Rolling,”  “Dazed and Confused.” “I’m A Man,”  and “Over Under Sideways Down,” and “Better Man Than I.”

The Yardbirds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.  Soon after the induction, Jim and Chris reformed the Yardbirds, first playing at London’s Marquee club with the newly reformed Animals.

In 2003, Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label released their album BIRDLAND, an album of new songs that featured guest appearances from Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, and John Rzeznik.  In 2005 guitarist Ben King joined the group, who recorded LIVE AT B.B. KING BLUES CLUB on July 19, 2006.  That came out in 2007, included a version of “I’m a Man” that played on the Simpsons that year.

The Yardbirds has continue to tour.  An institution in popular music, blues, rock and roll, the group made an indelible mark on the music and culture of both the 1960s and future generations.



  
  

THE YARDBIRDS HEADLINE ZEPFEST, MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MAY 27, 28, 29

left to right: Ben King, Jim McCarty, David Smale, Chris Dreja, Andy Mitchell

The Yardbirds will be headlining the first annual ZepFest, playing all three nights May 27, 28, and 29—Memorial Day Weekend, at the National Harbor, on the
Potomac River, at Waterfront Street and St. George Blvd., in Prince George's County, MD.

There are a variety of tickets and pricing plans available for the Fest, including one-day events and VIP get-togethers. The full Fest is $325.00, and tickets are
available at http://www.missiontix.com/events/product/10641 or http://zepfest2011.eventbrite.com/ . For more information, please e-mail info@zepfest.com and visit the web site, http://ZepFest.com or http://ZepFest2011.com.

The ZepFest features over 50 bands on five stages. There’ll be speakers, authors, secret shows. It’s also a completely Green festival. ZepFest CEO and Festival Director Mark Boudreau says the Fest will include, “Descendants, disciples and influences.” There’ll be blues artists the Night Hawks and Willie Big Eyes Smith, contemporaries Vanilla Fudge, and fans Dread Zeppelin, tribute bands, and guest speakers most notably Atlantic Records’ Jerry Greenberg.

The late Pinetop Perkins was scheduled to perform, and the entire ZepFest will be dedicated to him.

The Yardbirds’ band members will be on hand throughout the day to connect with fans. Guitarist Ben King will be part of the Ultimate Dream Band in which a lucky fan gets a shot at playing before the Yardbirds. The band’s tour manager, Henry “The Horse” Smith, an original Led Zeppelin roadie, will be on hand to tell stories. Jim McCarty will be giving a Q&A Session. Rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja, who became a professional photographer after the Yardbirds broke up in 1968, will be showing (and selling) photographs, including the iconic back lit shot of Jimmy Page, which will be signed by both Jimmy and Chris. A sampling of Chris’ work can be seen on his web site, http://www.chrisdreja.com.

The Yardbirds is original members: rhythm guitarist Chris Dreja and drummer Jim McCarty, and a new generation of musicians: singer/acoustic guitarist/harpist Andy Mitchell (since 2009), bassist David Smale (since 2009), and lead guitarist Ben King (since 2005).

The Yardbirds innovated 1960s guitar, with fuzz tone, feedback, distortion, backwards echo, improved amplification….and using a bow to play guitar. The group paved the way for the careers of Eric Clapton (1963-‘65) Jeff Beck (’65-‘66), and Jimmy Page (66-’68, first as bassist, then guitarist when Beck left). The group drew some repertoire from the blues acts of the day, including Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, and Bo Diddley, and the Yardbirds hits were some of the best songs of the British Invasion: “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” "Shapes of Things," “I'm A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” “Train Kept A- Rolling,” “Dazed and Confused.” “I’m A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down,” and “Better Man Than I.”

The Yardbirds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Soon after the induction, Jim and Chris reformed the Yardbirds, first playing at London’s Marquee club with the newly reformed Animals.

In 2003, Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label released their album BIRDLAND, an album of new songs that featured guest appearances from Vai, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Brian May, Steve Lukather, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, and John Rzeznik. In 2005 guitarist Ben King joined the group, who recorded LIVE AT B.B. KING BLUES CLUB on July 19, 2006. That came out in 2007, included a version of “I’m a Man” that played on the Simpsons that year.

The Yardbirds has continued to tour. An institution in popular music, blues, rock and roll, the group made an indelible mark on the music and culture of both the 1960s and future generations.



Please check out these fan videos from the Yardbirds on tour:

“For Your Love” – 7/10/09 Fillmore New York
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkdvX0EnuTk

“Shapes of Things” – 7/14/09 Ottawa Blues Fest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gPXRfqXNWE&feature=related

“Heart Full of Soul” – 7/10/09 Fillmore New York
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRHY8B7VJXM

“Dazed and Confused” – 7/6/09 Mohegan Sun Casino
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Ue36zn8c4
“Train Kept A Rollings” 5/26/2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2OhdlQ1lQI

“You’re a Better Man Than I” 5/26/2010, BB Kings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_k4b1RMUS0&feature=related

Jim McCarty's SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME

Jim McCarty, photo by Chris Dreja

Jim McCarty's SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME features instruments and a chamber pop influence courtesy of flautist Ron Korb and pianist Donald Quan, guitarist Ray Hickey and bassist George Koller, plus guest guitarists Steve Hackett and Jean-Michel Kajdan (who, in addition to his exhaustive credits, was the Yardbirds guitarist for the 2008 French tour), and pianist Lou Pomanti.

Of course a debate could be made for Jim as one of the bearers of this progressive pop style of music, in addition to co-creating the Yardbirds. This drummer/singer/songwriter also co-founded Renaissance, Illusion and Stairway-- all important orchestral rock and pop bands.

Jim started the album at home, but had limitations in his studio, so he connected with Jason Relf (younger son of the late Keith Relf, who-of course— founded Renaissance with Jim). Jason is a studio wiz and teacher, and came to Jim's home in France to install a “state-of-the art” digital system. “The great thing with the system was that there was no limit to the number of ideas I could record, so I could put every one of them down, without judgment.”

With some basic tracks together, in June 2006, Jim went to Toronto, Canada and recorded in Quan's studio, Q Music. “There seemed to be a good group of session players available, very much like in London in the ‘60s and thanks to Ron, I soon had a good team together: Ron, Donald, Ray, and George.”

“It was a magical day for me, when all of a sudden my ideas from France came to life in a new way, each of the musicians adding their particular influence.” Each time Jim toured the States with the Yardbirds, he would go to Toronto to make more tracks on SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME.

Online sources: Song Facts' Carl Wiser interviews Jim on his insights of making music through the years and his spirituality. http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/jim_mccarty_of_the_yardbirds/

Track by track analysis on MUSIC STREET JOURNAL, http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=102799

Music video created by fan of Jim's song, “The Outsider.” Lots of beautiful sites to come into your mind. Enjoy the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ5QrrfRWXQ

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drummersingersongwriter-Jim-McCarty-of-the-Yardbirds-and-Renaissance/122296587811690
http://www.jimmccarty.co.uk