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.” 

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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

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 On Tour in May

The Yardbirds


The Yardbirds will be playing east coast and Ohio dates this May. A true institution, in the brief period from 1963 to 1968, The Yardbirds made an indelible mark on the music and culture of the time, and then on future generations.

To the casual music fan, The Yardbirds are best known as the band that honed the skills of future “guitar gods” Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page; and for their slew of chart hits, including “For Your Love,” “Heart Full of Soul,” "Shapes of Things," “I'm A Man,” and “Over Under Sideways Down.” However, led by core members and songwriters Jim McCarty (drums), Chris Dreja (rhythm guitar/bass) and the late Keith Relf (vocals/harmonica), the band's experimental explorations also provided the crucial link between British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzz tone, feedback and distortion. Even their 1968 break-up set the stage for Rock 'n' Roll's future…leading Jimmy Page to form the New Yardbirds, later re-christened Led Zeppelin.

Reuniting decades later, McCarty and Dreja with a new generations of talented players including the raw talents of young lead guitarist Ben King, bassist Dave Smale, and vocalist/harmonica player Andy Mitchell, the group has been steadily touring and making new music.

The Yardbirds' 2003 CD, BIRDLAND on Steve Vai's Favored Nations label featured guest appearances from Vai, and friends Brian May, Joe Satriani, and Slash.

In 2007 Favored Nations released the YARDBIRDS: LIVE AT BB KINGS, again showing the power of the band, and its legacy of great songs.

This season, The Yardbirds return to the States under the leadership purposeful and insightful Dreja and McCarty and the future music superstars: King, Smale and Mitchell.

May 21 Parilla Center Rockville, MD
May 22 Chesapeake Blues Fest Annapolis, MD
May 23 Tangiers Akron, OH
May 25 Sellersville Theatre Sellersville, PA
May 26 BB Kings New York, NY
May 27 Boulton Center Bay Shore, NY
May 28 Showcase Live Foxborough, MA
May 30 Remember The Music/Heroes Virginia Beach, VA

http://www.theyardbirds.com