Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Burst into Top Ten Jamband/Relix Radio Charts

Beloved ProgRock Band Keeps “Climbing,” Hitting The Number 8 Slot

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock)” box set (Melodic Revolution Records (Amplified Distribution) ­ has broken the top ten at Number 8 on the Jam Band/ Relix Radio Charts. During the summer, in July the group was also in the top ten, and began to sink to 29.  But then the students came back, and liked what they heard in the band’s music.

Radio promoter David Avery at Powderfinger Promo says the value of the placement is career-empowering for musician-oriented rock bands, “The high-profile monthly radio chart published by Relix and Jambands.com is the chart of record for music that falls under the Jamband music category. With regular releases coming out by Gov't Mule, Phish, Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brother, et al, it is also a very competitive chart that bookers, managers, and record labels keep a close eye on.”

Part of the reconnection came about through music people’s awareness of Joe joining classic prog rock band Kansas this past May, and all the work and promotion Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and his record label Melodic Revolution/Amplified  Distribution has done through the years, including playing festivals, and the group working in education.  Joe’s authored the violin instruction book, “Pluggin’ In” and has taught in schools and music camps all over the world.   

The media is playing a role, too. “Behind The Curtain (Live at ProgStock)” received major support:

Prog UK: “two spirited sets packed with hooks and chops, and delivered with decidedly American zeal.”

ProgArchives: "this collection is just stunning" 

Powerplay:  “…all top talent musicians, who show exactly what they can do but always in service of the song. And these songs deserve all the servicing they can get.”

Goldmine: “The band, is outstanding — drummer Jason Gianni, guitarist Michelangelo Quirinale, and bassist Paul Ranieri are all strong players, and are collectively a very tight and well-rehearsed unit. And with the way Deninzon swoops, chops, and coaxes all manner of noises out of his violin, he certainly lives up to the “Jimi Hendrix of violin” label he’s gotten from the press.” 

Strings:  “I noticed the audience seems to be very attentive, unlike what you hear in live recordings of other rock ’n’ roll shows. 

The group will be releasing a to-be-announced music video soon.   

The boxset (2 CDs/DVD/Blu-Ray) “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock)” is three years in the making; the collection is made up of Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ 2019 and 2021 live performances at the ultimate Northeast progressive rock festival, ProgStock.   

Joe is the new violinist with legendary rockers Kansas, now on tour celebrating their 50th anniversary. He has played violin for the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50Cent, Sheryl Crow, and as the concertmaster for Renaissance. The other Stratospheerius bandmembers have a great heritage, as well: Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar (Thrilldriver), and Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Riot Act).    

Introducing: King Llama, Progressive Rock/Fusion Trio with New Album, RETURN TO OX on July 15

Los Angeles-based progressive rock/fusion trio King Llama is releasing its new album, RETURN TO OX on July 15 on the TTrain Music label. RETURN TO OX is a journey of instrumental compositions with stunningly-weaved elements of rock, jazz, funk, fusion, and hip-hop. With melodic sensibilities and ear-catching chops, favorite compositions include the precisely spry “Sensei,” the explosive bass-driven “Cap’n Mustard Hair,” the rebellious and emotive changes in “Smoking in Ergenzingen” and the introspective jazz journey “Blobo.”

RETURN TO OX is the combination of three instruments—bass, drums, guitars. King Llama’s music commands attention with its melodies, rhythms, and a big fat sound of gritty distorted bass tones mixed with classic wah wah guitar leads. There are complicated drum fills, odd meter and poly-rhythmic beats, coupled with dynamic changes of differing moods and styles. The overall sound is highly stimulating to the progressive and open-minded listener.

King Llama’s members—guitarist Ryan Tanner Bailey, drummer Luis Briones, and bass/baritone guitarist Nico Staub—are all fairly young; their influences come from a range of prog/fusion/eclectic stylings from the history of adventurous music. King Llama’s vibe, being quite original itself, seems to bring out moments reminiscent of King Crimson, Phish, Yes, and Rush.

Ryan, Luis and Nico are all originally self taught, and then they all had extensive training (both privately, and at professional institutions), most recently at Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, and in Nico's case, CAEMSA in Buenos Aires.

RETURN TO OX has a very live feel to it, as the band prides itself on its stage performance, and wanted to capture that on tape. "

Produced by King Llama and GRAMMY-winning producer/engineer Dave Schiffman (Mars Volta, System of a Down, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, nine inch nails…), the album showcases both musicianship and true ensemble spirit. It’s a fun listen for progressive rock and fusion fans.

Left to Right: Luis, Ryan and Nico

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