The History of Renaissance w/ Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty

 

Symphonic Rock Pioneers Annie Haslam and Jim McCarty will present the History of Renaissance on November 21st and 22nd at the Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, Illinois (St. Louis), on November 28^th at the Newton Theatre, NJ, and on November 29^th at the Lansdowne Theatre, PA, in Lansdowne, PA.

Annie and Jim will share an intimate discussion and visual presentation of the band’s extraordinary history followed by a Renaissance performance featuring, for the first time, members of both eras of the band performing their classic songs together.

selfie from Annie

Renaissance had their farewell tour last October 2024 and did not expect to perform live again.  Annie, who’s been at the forefront of the group’s story for 50 years, recently was approached by an Edwardsville/St Louis promoter to return to the Wildey Theatre for a ‘one woman” show! After much deliberation, the idea grew into something bigger when Annie contacted Jim McCarty to be a part of the show and--then—return to the full Renaissance lineup, the band he—initially—co-founded.

A stupendous evening of Symphonic Rock at its finest! "All Renaissance and McCarty fans are invited to experience our coming full circle," Annie says enthusiastically, “that was destined to happen one day!"  

Rising from the ashes of the Yardbirds, Jim McCarty and long-time musical partner Keith Relf envisioned a Renaissance as fusing folk and classical influences with the bluesy rock they'd been playing and giving birth to a new musical direction. When Annie Haslam joined the band in 1971 to sing with her ethereal 5-octave voice, the group became more popular, especially with the progressive rock scene. After Jim left, the line up continued notably with Annie, this combined the poetic emotional words of Betty Thatcher and the timeless musical masterpieces that were created by Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp and Terry Sullivan. 

Renaissance was reborn in 2009 with Annie and Michael Dunford at the helm, along with keyboard player/musical director Rave Tesar, and a new generation of musicians.

Renaissance has toured throughout the world and has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Chorale Society. Renaissance had a top ten hit in the UK with their song “Northern Lights” that still demands airplay to this day.

Annie is “looking forward to singing 'Face of Yesterday' from Jim's band Illusion, which I last performed on a tour of Germany in the early ‘70s. Such a gorgeous song! I’m also excited to be performing with Jim,” who is equally thrilled, stating, “I’ll be talking with Annie about how the band formed and got that sound. Also very pleased to be singing some of my own songs.”

Renaissance is Annie Haslam (lead vocals), Jim McCarty (acoustic guitar and lead vocals), Rave Tesar (keyboards), Mark Lambert (guitars, vocals), Geoffrey Langley (keyboards, vocals), John Galgano (bass, vocals), and Frank Pagano (drums, percussion, vocals).

Left to Right: Frank, Rave, Geoffrey, Mark, and John. Photo by Brian Bortnik 

Row 2: Annie

Jim McCarty and Annie Haslam will be presenting the History of Renaissance Fall 2025 in Conversation and in Concert. Friday, Nov. 21 The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, IL (St. Louis) www.cityofedwardsville.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=672 Saturday, Nov. 22 The Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville, IL (St. Louis) www.cityofedwardsville.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=673 Friday, Nov. 28 The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ https://skypac.org/the-history-of-renaissance/ November 29 Lansdowne Theatre, Lansdowne, NJ http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/81373625/the-history-of-renaissance-featuring-annie-haslam-and-jim-mccarty-lansdowne-lansdowne-theate

Symphonic Rock Pioneers Renaissance Featuring Annie Haslam Will Perform Their ‘In Gratitude’ Farewell Tour Fall 2024!

Renaissance, the legendary symphonic rock band featuring Annie Haslam, will be back in the US playing select dates from October 17th through October 31st. This will mark 54 years since the formation of the band and its 16th consecutive year of touring since its reactivation in 2009.

Renaissance leader and vocalist Annie Haslam remarked that “We are very proud but sad to announce our ‘In Gratitude’ Farewell Tour. Where did the time go? Looking back over the years, I believe we have made history in the worlds of Progressive and Symphonic Rock.”

The upcoming shows will include stunning arrangements of “Ocean Gypsy,” “Northern Lights,” “Forever Changing,” “Mother Russia,” “Carpet of the Sun,” “Ashes are Burning” and other favorite classics. Ms. Haslam will be joined on stage by long-time musical associate Rave Tesar on piano, along with Mark Lambert on guitars/vocals, Geoffrey Langley on keyboards/vocals, Frank Pagano on drums, percussion/vocals, and John Galgano on bass.

Annie Haslam noted that “Performing with Renaissance since 1971 has been my whole life. I still love singing these unique, surreal, dramatic and romantic songs and pairing up with some of the finest orchestras in the world. All of this was born from the music of Michael Dunford, John Tout, Terry Sullivan and Jon Camp combined with the emotional and poetic words of Betty Thatcher. Our music has filled the hearts and minds of many thousands of fans around the world. It started for me, with a dream from my childhood that ended in this miracle called Renaissance! Rave Tesar, is an extraordinary man and musician I have worked with in my solo band since 1989 and with Renaissance since 2009. He has also been a very big help in keeping the band 'alive'! Some very talented musicians have stepped into our band, and their devotion and hard work have added to the band’s touring longevity and personality.”

Renaissance is a band with a rich history unique unto themselves as progressive rock pioneers who rose from the ashes of the seminal UK rock band, The Yardbirds. Acclaimed for their unique blending of progressive rock with classical and symphonic influences, the band's career has spanned fifty plus years spearheaded by the 5-octave voice of Annie Haslam and the masterful songwriting skills of Michael Dunford, John Tout, Jon Camp and Terry Sullivan. They are widely considered to be the band that most successfully and routinely utilized the sound of a full orchestra in their recordings.  

The band has toured throughout the world and has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Chorale Society. Renaissance had a top ten hit in the UK with their song “Northern Lights” that still demands airplay to this day.

Renaissance: In Gratitude Farewell Tour Dates 2024

Thursday October 17, 2024 – The Town Hall, New York, NY 

Friday October 18, 2024 – Lewis A. Swyer Theatre at the Egg, Albany, NY 

Saturday October 19, 2024 – The Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

Sunday October 20, 2024 – City Winery Boston, Boston,  MA 

Wednesday October 23, 2024 – The Theater at Innovation Square, Rochester, NY 

Thursday October 24, 2024 – Center for the Arts of Homer, Homer, NY 

Friday October 25, 2024 – The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ 

Saturday October 26, 2024 – Lansdowne Theater, Lansdowne, PA 

Tuesday October 29 & 30, 2024 - Edwardsville, IL, Wildey Theatre, Edwardsville IL (St. Louis, MO)

 

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius' New Single "Impostor"

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ new single, IMPOSTOR, is out and available for the fans on all digital music platforms—stores and streaming media through Melodic Revolution Records. The group premiered the song at ProgStock Festival this October.

IMPOSTOR is also the first song recorded for the band’s upcoming album.

Produced and written by Joe Deninzon, the 8-minute prog recording IMPOSTOR features virtuosity from Joe’s violin, and his bandmates –bassist Paul Ranieri, drummer Jason Gianni, and guitarist Michelangelo Quirinale.  It was engineered by Joe's longtime engineer Rave Tesar, mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser, with special guests Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band) & Randy McStine (The Fringe, Stu Hamm, Robben Ford).

The song addresses the Impostor Syndrome, as it applies to all the wrong people having too much confidence and those who need more having not enough. Lyrics about power, celebrity, success, and self-doubt. 

Joe says IMPOSTOR is based on conversations he’s had with many other friends that are actively working in the music world.  “A few years ago, a friend. who is a very successful musician and writer, confessed that she often feels like an impostor, like sooner or later everyone will figure out that she’s actually a fraud. I realized that I had felt this way many times in my life. After some research, I learned that this is called “impostor syndrome” and is common among many people around the world.”

Joe Deninzon has been called “The Jimi Hendrix of the violin,” the group have showcased their “frenzied mélange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world. Their latest album, GUILTY OF INNOCENCE hit number 4 on the Relix/Jamband radio charts, 72 on the European Indy charts. Fresh off the main stage at ProgStock, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius is a favorite of music festivals and colleges.  Their music has received over 3 million plays online, and the band’s opened for John5, Gary Hoey, Martin Barre, The Levin Brothers (Tony and Pete), Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, and John Scofield… Stratospheerius was a winner of the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition, and was named “Best Jam Band” in the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards.

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

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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.

Annie Haslam Re-Releases Her Classic, “Live Studio Concert Philadelphia 1997” - Autographed DVD

The band supporting Annie on LIVE STUDIO CONCERT 

PHILADELPHIA 1997:keyboardist Rave Tesar, singer/guitarist/

keyboardist Davd Biglin and drummer Joe Goldberger.

Renaissance frontwoman/solo singer/artist Annie Haslam has just released her classic performance video on DVD of a Live Studio Concert she did in Philadelphia in 1997 for the Prism TV Network.   

Annie’s new DVD has just been released on her own label, White Dove Records, and is available to ship exclusively worldwide.

Annie created her own digital store, which has most of her back catalog including two Christmas albums, IT SNOWS IN HEAVEN TOO and SNOWBALL.  Find digital releases also of her albums: BLESSING IN DISGUISE, UNDER BRAZILIAN SKIES, ONE ENCHANTED EVENING, THE DAWN OF ANANDA, and WOMAN TRANSCENDING at: musicstore.anniehaslam.com.  These albums are also available on iTunes, Amazon, Beats Music, Deezer, Google Play, Rdio, Spotify, and YouTube Music Key.

The LIVE STUDIO CONCERT in PHILADELPHIA 1997 was recorded and produced at Philadelphia’s Sonic Studios in standard definition in original 4:3 aspect ratio and Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. It features three Renaissance songs: “Carpet of The Sun,” “The Young Prince and Princess,” and “Captive Heart.”

The DVD features Annie's songwriting skills in collaboration with Tony Visconti on “What He Seeks” and “Pool of Tears,” Rave Tesar on “Sleepless Mother,” and David Biglin on “Summon the Angels” and “Seashell Eyes.” Tony produced her 1994 BLESSING IN DISGUISE CD. 

In addition to an audio and video crew, Annie filmed some of the experience with her own video camera, (“The Haslam-Cam”)   Band members were keyboardist Rave Tesar, singer/guitarist/keyboardist Davd Biglin and drummer Joe Goldberger.  She remembers, “They played flawlessly and sounded more like 6 than 3 musicians.  It was exhilarating; each song had the audience singing along." 

Ordering the standard DVD (NTSC all-region and plays on modern PAL DVD players) for $19.99 includes an autograph from Annie, plus an immediate digital download of the audio tracks.  The package includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads in MP3 and FLAC formats.
 
Annie Haslam is an English progressive rock vocalist, songwriter, and painter residing in Pennsylvania, USA. She is best known as the lead singer of the classical rock band Renaissance since 1971, and for her long and diverse solo singing career.  On December 20, Annie, again, headlines her holiday concert In the Spirit of the Holidays at the Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA (www.st94.com).  In April 2015 Renaissance will be touring the UK and Europe.

The longtime Captain of her own ship (including re-forming Renaissance with Michael Dunford in 2009 (before his passing in 2012), touring, writing, establishing a career as a visual artist, and working with animals), Ms. Haslam owns most of her solo catalog. “I would rather control my life’s work,” she states.  In owning my music, I can always keep my products available, and stay in touch with my fans.”

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RENAISSANCE's SYMPHONY OF LIGHT Available As Classical Rock Band Plan 2014 Fall Shows

Symphony of Light's three bonus tracks include a song "Renaissance Man" dedicated to the memory of Michael Dunford, Renaissance's Late Great Songwriter and Guitarist

Renaissance have secured a distribution deal with Red River Entertainment, which now allows their new music to be heard worldwide.  The new album is called, SYMPHONY OF LIGHT and contains the songs of its 2012 release, GRANDINE IL VENTO, plus three bonus tracks: "Renaissance Man," "Immortal Beloved" and "Tonight.” 

“Symphony of Light” is the title track-about and dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.  Also featured is "Renaissance Man," written by leadsinger Annie Haslam and keyboardist Rave Tesar in honor of the late Michael Dunford.  Michael joined Renaissance in 1970; in January 1971 Annie joined the band.  They continued touring and recording until 1987. In 2009 the band reunited, spearheaded by Annie and Michael for their 40th Anniversary tour, they continued to tour and write new songs.   

SYMPHONY OF LIGHT is now regarded as a true testament to the unforgettable melodies and love that Michael Dunford infused into his work. Michael died prematurely in late 2012 after GRANDINE was completed. The album starts off with powerful lyrics by Annie Haslam in the song "Symphony of Light" followed by "Waterfall," a song written about the rainforests in Brazil.  All the songs bathe the listener in flavors from far off countries, with lush orchestral arrangements and unusual lyrical content, with guest performances from Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and John Wetton (Asia).

SYMPHONY OF LIGHT's album cover was designed and painted by Annie Haslam, who has a flourishing career as an artist known for her unique, signature style.  Annie calls herself an “Intuitive Visionary Painter,” "I channel other dimensions, planes of existence, deep into space. I can tune into people, animals, situations, places, tangible and intangible, all from a simple thought and intention."

Annie has donated paintings to animal groups that include The Farm Sanctuary and the Humane Society of the United States for their fundraising auctions.  She paints musical instruments and has painted acoustic guitars for C.F. Martin Guitars (one of her guitars hangs in their museum) and electric violins manufactured by Mark Wood. Her work was on display at The Florence Biennale in Florence, ITALY in 2005. Fans have commented that looking at Annie's paintings is like looking at her music, and she displays her work at all her concerts for the fans to enjoy.

Nicholas J. Sands, director of Sands & Company Fine Art in New York City, heralded Annie's paintings as “magical, enigmatic and wondrous for their ability to take us to a far-away place… of fluid forms that are at once alien and familiar, primordial yet recognizable, which dance in an endless array of colors that are as rich and intense as molten lava.”

Renaissance is: Annie Haslam lead vocals, Rave Tesar keyboards, David J Keyes bass guitar, Jason Hart keyboards, Frank Pagano drums, Ryche Chlanda acoustic guitars.

TRACK LISTING

The Annie Haslam-painted cover of Renaissance's SYMPHONY OF LIGHT

1. Symphony of Light

2. Waterfall

3. Grandine il Vento

4. Porcelain

5. Cry to The World (guest appearance Ian Anderson on flute)

6. Air of Drama

7. Blood Silver Like Moonlight (Annie's duet with Asia's John Wetton)

8. The Mystic and The Muse

9. Tonight

10. Immortal Beloved

11. Renaissance Man

RENAISSANCE TOUR DATES

(Stay tuned to www.renaissancetouring.com as more dates are announced.)

October 23   Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield, CT

October 24   The Concert Hall, New York NY 

October 25   Keswick Theater, Glenside, PA

October 30   The Center for Arts in Natick, Natick, MA

October 31    Hart Theatre, Albany, NY

November 1  Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH

November 2  Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA

www.renaissancetouring.com

www.facebook.com/RenaissanceTouring

www.facebook.com/AnnieHaslamArt

www.anniehaslam.com

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/symphony-of-light/id854339175

http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Light-Renaissance

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