Anne Leighton To Speak About Her Cats and Musicians She’s Worked with at The First Music and Cats Symposium on Thanksgiving Weekend

Leighton Selfie of Anne and Arnold (or Arnie).

Cat Lover/Public Speaker/Poet/Publicist Anne Leighton is grateful for the opportunity to deliver a speech about some of her “Successful Musicians Because of Their “Mewses” online on Thanksgiving Weekend. She will join a range of over 40 music and cat lovers including from the world of Academia to speak at Leuphana Universität Lüneburg in Germany's first ever "Music and Cats" Symposium on Nov. 28 and 29 from 11 till 7 pm Germany time, which is 5 AM till 1 PM ET.

Most of Anne’s cats and classic rock stories focus on Jethro Tull, Renaissance, Grand Funk Railroad, classic rock artists that she publicized. Anne shares how her clients found ways to help cats and other animals through their music.

Anne will be telling her stories on November 29 at 15:15 CET/9:15 AM ET.   

“My research embraces cat folklore and science. In comparing notes about my cats with musicians I work with, they’d speak passionately of the many ways they love cats. These stories are more about ways working on animal—especially cat—welfare have changed their lives.” Anne observes, “In knowing them, these artists have much in common with animals.” Anne’s cat book, “Paws for Thought: How to Understand What Your Cat is Thinking” (Rockwell Books, UK) and other writings are available for mail order at her website anneleighton.com/store.

The Music and Cats Symposium is the first ever dedicated to the intersection of music and cats, bringing together research from various fields, including music history and theory, popular music studies, human-animal studies, psychology, behavioral biology, media and cultural studies, literary studies, and artistic practice, among others.

Those interested in attending this two day free symposium of speeches about Music and Cats can register at www.eventbrite.de/e/music-and-cats-online-symposium-tickets-1595714708649?aff=oddtdtcreator

photo by Holly Van Voast

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)

 

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

  

Joe Deninzon Joins Kansas (press release issued in May by ChipsterPR)

ATLANTA, GA – May 25, 2023 - The band KANSAS is excited to announce the addition of violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon to the band. He is replacing the departing David Ragsdale.

Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the “Viper” seven-string electric violin. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, which has just released their 6th album, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock).” He can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Skolnick, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, Peter Criss from KISS, Michael Sadler, Renaissance with Annie Haslam, Kurt Elling, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer’s Grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.

Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Masters in Jazz Violin From Manhattan School of music.

KANSAS original member and drummer Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Joe Deninzon to be the newest member of KANSAS. We believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited to kick off the KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in the band’s first album said, ‘KANSAS IS A BAND’ and we remain so to this day.”

Deninzon adds, “As a lifelong fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”

Joe Deninzon’s first performance with the band will be in Pittsburgh, PA on June 2 at the Benedum Center during the premier date of the KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road.

A complete list of KANSAS 50^th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road is below. Ticket and VIP Package information can be found at KansasBand.com.

For more information on KANSAS and the Another Fork in the Road – 50^th Anniversary Tour please visit:www.kansasband.com 

“Harry Chapin,” the Song by Doctor Fish

Appearing on the Forthcoming Renaissance Records Debut, “The Last Troubadour” Produced by David Kershenbaum

Renaissance Records is releasing Doctor Fish’s single and music video “Harry Chapin (Every Monday Night)” today-- Friday, Dec. 2. This tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter helps celebrate both the 50th anniversary of Chapin’s breakout hit, “Taxi,” and his 80th birthday on Dec. 7.

The song is the first single off Doctor Fish’s album, The Last Troubadour which will be released this February 2023.  Vents Magazine listened in advance and says that it’s “One of the best albums we’ve heard in Ages.”  

Harry Chapin” is a story song about young Doctor Fish singing a weekly gig at a folk music club. Each night, Cathy the waitress badgers him to sing a Harry song. When he finally asks, “what she hears in Chapin's tunes,” Cathy responds, “you’ve got it backwards, kid. It’s what I hear in you.”

Indeed, Doctor Fish has similarities in his voice to the late activist songwriter. Like Harry, he pens story songs. Harry’s son Jason calls the song a “great tribute” to his father. Jen Chapin, Harry's daughter, and a singer-songwriter herself, will share mass media interviews with Doctor Fish in support of Harry’s birthday this December.

Superstar producer David Kershenbaum (Joan Baez, Tracy Chapman, Tori Amos, Joe Jackson) produced The Last Troubadour. The album features bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Carole King), drummer Denny Fongheiser (Heart, Counting Crows, Shawn Colvin), and top studio musicians from around the world.

Doctor Fish is a real doctor, with a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan who created a thriving program of study for students of popular music at CATAWBA College, in Salisbury, North Carolina. Now living in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle of NC, Doctor Fish is pursuing his interrupted dream as a storytelling folk-rock singer-songwriter.

Doctor Fish grew up playing saxophone in Tucson, Arizona, and pursued jazz through college at Western Michigan University. As a saxophonist, he backed legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Cher. Somewhere along the way, the doctor picked up a guitar and began writing and singing songs.

Chick Corea’s “Spain,” Live by Joe Deninzon, Rachel Flowers, Alex Skolnick

 

 A live version of Chick Corea’s “Spain” featuring Joe Deninzon, Rachel Flowers, and Testament’s Alex Skolnick is now on all streaming media. “Spain” is one of 16 live songs that will be on the upcoming Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius “Behind the Curtain: Live at ProgStock” box set out November 18.  (There will be a streaming digital release of just the live music on October 28.)

 

The performance will be on video on Friday, October 14 at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT/ 3 AM Amsterdam time on YouTube at https://youtu.be/t6JPN4FELKc.

 

The performances on the live release took place in 2019 and 2021. “Spain” was taken from the ’21 performance. Joe says it was a spontaneous decision to play “Spain” with his friends, “One of the perks of being a jazz musician is that you can walk into a room anywhere in the world, jump on stage with people you’ve never met who may or may not speak your language, and weave together a spontaneous concert based on a shared musical language.”

 

On October 2nd, 2021, when the late great John Goodsall from Brand X fell ill, Stratospheerius was asked last minute to headline ProgStock, the biggest prog rock festival in the Northeastern U.S. Preceding Stratospheerius’ set was the amazing multi-instrumentalist Rachel Flowers, who recently contributed her talents to the band’s single, “Storm Surge.” Later that night bassist Percy Jones had a set, which included guitarist Alex Skolnick, a former member of Stratospheerius. Joe says, “We decided to play Chick Corea’s ‘Spain,’ a song we all knew well.”  Without any rehearsal, and Alex and Rachel meeting each other for the first time on stage, they created magic.

 

Led by electric violinist/vocalist Joe Deninzon, who has been called “The Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin,”Stratospheerius have showcased their “frenzied mélange of progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world. Band members are: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals (Bruce Springsteen, Renaissance, The Who, Ritchie Blackmore, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar (Thrilldriver), and Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Circuline, Rock This Town).

 

Their last album, Guilty of Innocence hit number 4 on the Relix/Jamband radio charts, 72 on the European Indy charts. Their music has received over 3 million plays online, and the band has opened for John5, Martin Barre, Gary Hoey, The Levin Brothers (Tony and Pete), Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, Mark Wood, and John Scofield. Stratospheerius was a winner of the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition, and the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards.

 

 

  

The Greatest Lives January 31 on Social Media, New Album March 20

"Great Chorus"

-Terry Ellis, Founder The Chrysalis Orchestra, co-founder Chrysalis Records

The Greatest Lives is the new single from Joe Deninzon & Anne Leighton's "The Greatest Lives - Songwriters' EP."  Both veterans, the two knew they had a special song, and asked one of their favorite singers, South Africa’s Thembeka Mnguni to record it.

Though known for his prowess as a violinist, fronting Stratospheerius and playing in orchestras for acts including Game of Thrones, 50Cent, The Who, Bruce Springsteen, and Renaissance, Joe produces, plays guitar, and bass on it. Other musicians are Carmine Appice (Cactus, Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart) on drums and Jeremy Beck on keyboards (piano and Hammond B3); hence the hashtag #BeckDeninzonAppice. A working creative writer and publicist, Anne got the idea in 1984 after Muhammad Ali announced his diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease. She wrote “What does he want us to know,” and put it in her song idea box that she started as a teenager.

THEMBEKA MNGUNI
(pronounced—Tem-Bekka mm-Guuu-ni )

Thembeka loved THE GREATEST LIVES’ message about having strong character. “It's important to always remember that I'm nothing without my supporters ‘cause they drive me by just looking up to me. Though it's a heavy load but it comes with the job. That's why I speak so openly about my son, life, past abuse and my current....    

Thembeka is signed to South Africa’s Universal Music, and on the verge of releasing her first album. A finalist on The Voice South Africa and a Mommy, Thembeka's greatest cause is as a spokesperson for Austism.  She is also a brand ambassador for MUD Designer Makeup SA and for Body Confidence International. 

The Greatest Lives

I won’t look down on those
that look up to me
we all wanna shine bright
but sometimes there’s reason to fight

It’s always the season
to fight for equality
Some may hate what we achieve
but we got reason to believe

CHORUS: The Greatest lives for the greatest lives
there’s light and there’s fight in your inner child
The Greatest lives for the greatest lives
To face all our fears and to Never Say Die

Character matters
and strong action make us masters
Ali says Protect them
so they won’t be suffering.

Sometimes we feel alone
Because others just don’t know
Raise up your fist
and find our courage to resist

CHORUS: The Greatest lives for the greatest lives
There’s light and there is fight in our inner child!
The Greatest lives for the greatest lives
To face all our fears and to never say die

BRIDGE: And even though you feel like screaming
at all the hatred in this world
It’s so surreal you must be dreaming
It’s time to let your love unfurl

© 2019 Joe Deninzon (FiddleFunk Music) and Anne Leighton (Sheer Publishing)
All Rights Reserved.

Published by Sheer Music Publishing (Leighton) and Fiddlefunk Music (Deninzon)
Contact: Sheer Publishing: info@sheer.co.za, + 27 11 438-7000
JDeninzo@gmail.com and Anne@AnneLeighton.com

THE GREATEST LIVES
Lead Vocals, background harmonies: Thembeka Mnguni
Jeremy Beck: piano and Hammond B3
Drums: Carmine Appice
Producer, background vocals, additional percussion, guitars, bass, keyboards, co-writer: Joe Deninzon
Assistant Producer, co-writer: Anne Leighton
Durban Producer/Engineer Dale Wardell
Durban assistant: Sequoia Duncan
Drum engineer: Jz Barrell Mix: Alex Salzman, Mastering: Fred Kevorkian, Art Work: Arie Monroe               

Studios: the Deninzoo-Dumont, NJ ; Randyland-Manhasset, NY; AudioSuite-Durban, SA

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/ 

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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Behind The Curtain, song about transparency by Joe Deninzon

Election week, and news of our nation and world leaders, plus those JFK conspiracy theories at Watercoolers, Messengers, and Beauty Parlors all over.

This is Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ BEHIND THE CURTAIN, which deals with transparency! 
Electric violin-fueled progressive hard rock! A song that talks about the masks we all wear in public. Questioning public figures, corporations, politicians. Conspiracies. Similar tempo to Black Sabbath’s PARANOID. The song uses lots of “Oz” keywords: “Pay No Attention to the Man Behind The Curtain.” “Click your heels 3 times.” Similar tempo to Black Sabbath’s PARANOID. 

Joe does sessions, string arrangements, co-writes; he wrote the electric violin technique book, PLUGGIN’ IN for Mel Bay books. Recently he’s performed live with Renaissance, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Criss, and the Muncie Symphony Orchestra…

http://melodicrevolutionrecords.com/album/guilty-of-innocence

  

BEHIND THE CURTAIN 

by Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius

Running on inertia
Propped up fake euphoria
Paper thin disguises
Human skin behind them
We suppress the demons
Feel the hunger grumbling
Show your poker face and dodge the lightning 

Nothing is certain
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain 

Wear the mask so righteous 

Quick to judge the careless 

Those who free the monster 

Living in glass houses 

Stare at our reflection
Cracking through the mirror
Feel them breathing down your neck they’re coming nearer 

Dig the dirt in
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain 

Click your heels three times and wish for the courage 

To fight tornadoes that smash you to pieces
Free yourself up and they’ll chain you forever

Welcome to the circus
It’s your biggest nightmare 

Wear the scarlet letter 

Scrutinized forever
All the doors are bolted
You can’t find your way home 

Everybody knows your name You feel so alone 

Put your mask on
And tuck your shirt in
Pay no attention to the
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain 

© 2017  By Joe Deninzon, All Rights Reserved 

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/