6/29/08

General news on clients

Please, watch these videos on my site, http://www.youtube.com/anneleighton
*Slamm’s SLAMMCAR
*Gene Pitney from UK TV
* Strawbs “Grace Darling” at Kent Stage

**Jann Klose, a dynamic singer-songwriter who makes music that seems to defy categorization.  We’ve had folk, jazz, progressive rockers, and pop fiends claiming his music as their own. We're going to Triple AAA radio, starting in July with four emphasis tracks (although it looks as though stations are choosing a variety of songs from the album!)  The song “Watching You Go” is a lead radio track both in the States and internationally. And it is exclusively online at http://www.ilike.com/artist/Jann+Klose . Jann’s summer dates include a few weeks in the UK, Germany, and a last day of summer September 20 collaboration with Renaissance lead singer Annie Haslam at the Sellersville Theater, in Sellersville, PA.  Visit http://www.jannklose.com.


**Tower of Power has many dates in Europe late June and most of July.  The group will be back in the States July 27 for shows in the West Coast through September. Please visit the band’s web site for them http://www.towerofpower.com.
 
**The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad will be playing live on the fourth of July at the Motorplex, in Ennis, TX, for the extreme drag racing TV show1320X.  More summer dates at http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com.

**In addition to Jethro Tull celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, drummer Doane Perry is also celebrating a special milestone—his 25th year with the group.  He is available for interviews this season.  For Ian Anderson, I’m mainly focused on tour press and national print media for him. 

North American tour dates can be found at http://www.jethrotull.com.

**Breaking news, is that Strawbs will be continuing as a four-piece group.  Keyboardist John Hawken is retiring as of this tour.  John’s career has included the original Renaissance or Illusion (with Keith Relf and Jim McCarty), the Nashville Teens, and Spooky Tooth.  I’m not sure if his site will be updated, but there is some great information on John’s career at http://www.johnhawken.com.   The Strawbs have new songs (“The Broken Hearted Bride” and “Call To Action”) from the band’s September 23 album—to be called, THE BROKEN HEARTED BRIDE on Dave Cousins’ myspace site, http://www.myspace.com/davecousinsuk.

http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk

 


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5/29/08

Strawbs tour States in June

 The Strawbs will be touring, again, this June in the group’s classic 1974 lineup.   

What originally endeared this progressive rock band to fans was their unique musical evolution out of 1960s English Folk music. The band has enjoyed commercial success over the years with a talented array of British musicians.   First starting in 1967 as the Strawberry Hill Boys, a bluegrass and folk trio, the Strawbs became stars of the British progressive rock and folk scene at the same time—gracefully using the traditions of electric and acoustic music for their unique sound.

The group’s reputation in the U.S. and Canada firmed up with the release of the A&M Records albums 'Hero & Heroine' and 'Ghosts. Still led by founder David Cousins, the same band that recorded those historic albums will be performing here-- Dave Lambert on lead guitar/vocals, John Hawken on keyboards, Chas Cronk on bass/vocals, and drummer Rod Coombes.

These gifted musicians have each traveled through a special musical journey; Cousins is widely considered to be one of Britain's top songwriters- he played guitar for both Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell on their first UK TV shows; Lambert's work with the band Fire is noteworthy; Hawken enjoyed success with The Nashville Teens and Renaissance; Cronk has worked with Rick Wakeman (a former Strawbs member before joining Yes) and for five years toured with former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett; Coombes was part of Steelers Wheel.

In 1974, The Strawbs album HERO AND HEROINE spent 17 weeks on the Billboard album charts, also selling well in Canada. The band's follow-up, GHOSTS also spent several months on the Billboard album charts. The Strawbs have a huge catalog of great songs to draw upon and they continue to release new material and win over new fans.  

June 10      New York, NY   B.B. King's Blues Club     
June 11    Sellersville, PA   Sellersville Theater 1894     
June 12      Annapolis, MD   Rams Head On Stage     
June 13      Kent, OH   Kent Stage     
June 14      Columbus, OH   The Thirsty Ear     
June 15    Ann Arbor, MI   The Ark     
June 17     Chicago, IL   Abbey Pub     
June 18      Milwaukee, WI   Shank Hall     
June 20     Syracuse, NY   Red House     
June 21     Pawling, NY   Towne Crier Café

http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com.strawbsmusic
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Joe Deninzon News

 Joe Deninzon is rockin', funkin', and jazzin’ with Stratospheerius, and then he’s classicalin’, rockin’ and experimentin’ with the Metro Strings.  Metro Strings is a group made up of violinist Mazz Swift-Carnlet (Brazz Tree)and cellist David Cotay (Sweet Plantain String Quartet and Sound Liberation).  The repertoire includes covers of hit songs and combines vocals with rock, hip hop, jazz, funk, and electronic music.  There are some covers at http://www.myspace.com/metrostrings .   

The group is made its world debut at St. Anne’s Church in Hoboken, on May 18.

Joe was interviewed online with guitarist Daryl Dobson for Solar guitars, and you can hear the chat online at http://solarguitars.com/joedeninzon/index.html /

Stratospheerius drummer Lucianna Padmore received a great review in the March issue of MODERN DRUMMER, "On the opening track of Headspace, the sophisticated, high-energy Stratospheerius unleashes a funky, infectious vibe that draws the listener in and never lets go. The deep grooves and serious fusion chops of drummer Lucianna Padmore push Joe Deninzon's powerful violin-driven compositions with authority. This would be an exciting band to see live."

Joe’s band Stratospheerius continues to tour in support of his album, HEADSPACE.  In fact there is a fascinating acoustic performance Stratospheerius’ hit “Old Ghost” on youtube.com at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yUw-SR94qw

Upcoming shows:

 
June 19: Muddy River Smokehouse, Portsmouth, NH
June 20:  Freedomfest, in Maine   (http://www.mainevocals.net)
July 12:  Great South Bay Music Festival, Patchogue, New York
(opening for Mickey Hart)
July 25:  St. Anne’s Feast, Hoboken, NJ (opening act: Danny Aiello's jazz band)
September 5:  Levitt Pavilion, Pasadena
September 13:  Jam on the Lake, Williamstown, NJ
October 3:  Harvest Fest, Maine

http://www.stratospheerius.com
http://www.joedeninzon.com
http://www.myspace.com/metrostrings
http://www.myspace.com/lucianap
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Grand Funk Railroad dates

              
 Grand Funk Railroad is original members: drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, plus singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion.

Tour dates scheduled:
May 14           San Bernardino Co. Fair-Grdstd          San Bernardino Co. Fair                             
June 7              Chingawassa Days Festival              Marion, Kansas                             
June 14           Green Valley Ranch Showroom            Henderson, Nevada
June 17            San Diego Co. Fair                                 Del Mar, California  
June 27-28     Fallsview Casino Resort                     Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
July 3           Red Rhythm & Boom Celebration                                          
                  Mason Montgomery Rd/Corwin Pk        Mason, Ohio  
July 4    Texas Motorplex                                  Ennis, Texas  
July 5         Paragon Casino Mari Center                  Marksville, Louisiana  
July 12       Common Ground Music Festival      
Adado Riverfront Park                            Lansing, Michigan   
July 19        Muskegon Bike Time Rally                   KS Productions, Inc.                               
                  Heritage Park                                Muskegon, Michigan

July 25          Halfway Jam                                       Royalton, Minnesota                       
July 26-27    Busch Gardens Williamsburg            Williamsburg, Virginia  
July 31           California Mid-State Fair                    Paso Robles, California
August 2        Hilton's Grand Th./A.C. Hilton           Atlantic City, New Jersey   
August 9          Indian Ranch                                     Webster, Massachusetts  
August 16         Summer Days                                   Idaho Falls, Idaho  
August 23        Ft. Wayne Parks & Rec                      Ft. Wayne, Indiana  
August 29        California Expo & State Fair            Sacramento, California  
September 6           Army Concert Tour Series         Ft. Benning, Georgia                     

http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com
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Jethro Tull Celebrates 40th Anniversary!



The 40th Anniversary of Jethro Tull is upon us this year--2008.  The group, which is made up of frontman/flutist/guitarist Ian Anderson, guitarist Martin Barre, drummer Doane Perry, keyboardist John O'Hara, and bassist David Goodier is in the midst of a variety of tourdates that include Europe, the UK, the Middle East and North America.....

Anderson says the group will choose its set list, "to a large extent from the first few albums but with a some representative songs from the '80s and the '90s, too. Songs and tunes which defined the early Jethro Tull from blues band to eclectic, pre-prog inventiveness."

But he says that this year he plans "to visit a few less places than last year. I already have some time set aside for studio work and lazing about in the garden."

The 90 shows between April and December, with which will include eleven in the United States, will be updated on the band's web site, www.jethrotull.com.

While there are no new recordings available in 2008, there are a few historical releases scheduled over the next months, including a live DVD collection of perfomances in Germany, a newly produced DVD documentary and history of Jethro Tull, which Anderson says will feature the contributions of most past band members, friends and associates as well as live performances from a multitude of sources over the years.  Contributions include reference information from many fans and liner notes from the group's original basssist Jeffrey Hammond-Hammond. The artwork features a painting by Jeffrey depicting Blackpool, the town where Anderson, Hammond, drummer Barriemore Barlow and keyboard-player John Evan, formed a band in 1964.

On June 10, Capitol/EMI Records is re-releasing the group's first album, THIS WAS as a 2-CD and digital release of a remastered and expanded Collectors' Edition of the Tull's 1968 debut album, This Was. This release presents, for the first time on CD, the album’s original mono mix as well as a new stereo mix of the album. Also featured are nine related 1968 recordings for John Peel’s BBC Radio program, Top Gear, plus four rare 1968 UK singles: Sunshine Day, Song For John Gee, Love Story and A Christmas Song. The commemorative package includes 35 tracks in all, as well as package notes and anecdotes from Jethro Tull’s members.

On May 20, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Jethro Tull’s Jack In The Green:  Live In Germany, an enticing DVD compendium of in-concert rarities [running time:  96 minutes] spanning the years 1970 to 1993.  

Jethro Tull have carved out a musical niche all their own with a career that has spanned over three decades. Selling over sixty million albums including Aqualung, Thick As a Brick and Stand Up; albums which have offered up Classic Rock radio staples Locomotive Breath and Aqualung. The band has played over 2500 concerts around the world and helped define a unique blend of acoustic and electric music that draws influences from the world's music, including Asian, Jazz, Classical and Folk.

As live performers, Jethro Tull are unparalleled. Famous for instrumental virtuosity and theatrical flair, Jethro Tull live is an event that welcomes longtime fans and new converts alike.

http://www.jethrotull.com

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JAY AND THE AMERICANS TOURDATES

 Jay and the Americans are:  Jay Reincke, Marty Sanders, Howie Kane and Sandy Yaguda.  The group has a lot of tourdates over the next several months, including a Concerts At Sea Oldies Cruise in the Caribbean from January 17 through the 24, 2009.  I would love to see this event covered in some of the travel magazines.  If you’re inspired, please drop me a note and I’ll hook you up with the booking person for this cruise.

Meantime, here are the group’s scheduled dates, so far, between now and the end of the year:

May 14        Lilac Festival                    Rochester, NY
May 24             The Cannery Casino & Hotel               Las Vegas, NV
June 21          Autism Speaks - A Benefit Concert    Bronxville, NY
For tickets - www.FrainaPalooza.com
June 25             Forest Park                    Woodhaven NY
June 26            Stearns Square                    Springfield, MA
June 27            Boulton Center For The Performing Arts
Bay Shore, NY
June 28          Rams Head On Stage              Annapolis, MD
July 13             Richard Nader's Rock & Roll        Saugerties, NY
July 18           Lake Zurich Alpine Fest            Lake Zurich, IL
July 19 & 20      Milwaukee Summerfest Fairgrounds
Milwaukee, WI
July 26         BB King Blues Club                New York, NY
July 27         Jack Devito Memorial Park            Yorktown, NY
July 29,         Erie County Fair                Hamburg, NY
August 1         Kentucky Fair Expo Center        Louisville, KY
August 2        Northbrook Days Festival            Northbrook, IL
August 9        Vocal Group Hall Of Fame            Sharon, PA
August 13       Town Center                    Bensenville, IL
For tickets - www.bensenville.il.us/DocumentView.asp?DID=254
August 14     Summer Concert Series            Massillon, OH
September 13     Queens College                Flushing, NY
October 23    McPhillips St. Station Casino        Winnipeg, MB, Canada
October 24    Dakota Dunes Casino            Saskatoon, SK, Canada
October 25    Deerfoot Inn & Casino            Calgary, AB, Canada
October 26    Century Casino Showroom        Edmonton, AB, Canada
November 1    La Renaissance Banquet House        East Windsor, CT
December 6    Paramount Theatre                Middletown, NY
December 7    Kirby Center                    Wilkes Barre, PA
December 13    State Theatre                    Easton, PA
December 14    Symphony Hall                    Springfield, MA
NEW YEAR’S EVE:  Cerritos Center                Cerritos, CA
 
 http://www.jayandtheamericans.net

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BRUCE KULICK'S KKB

PLEASE NOTE: CONTACT: Michael Edwards 
Michael’s e-mail is:  mikeenc@nc.rr.com
 

BRUCE KULICK’S KKB
(Vintage ‘70s recording has modern appeal, and is now available)

Before Bruce Kulick became a fixture on the speed dial of legendary rockers like KISS (who proudly called him their lead
guitarist for 12 years), Meat Loaf (Kulick was a member of Meat's Bat Out Of Hell touring troupe), or Grand Funk Railroad
(with whom he has toured the country for most of the last decade)…Before he became one of the most sought after
guest musicians in the world…Before he garnered praise from press the world over as a Rock And Roll Fantasy Camp counselor to be both respected and feared…

Before all of that, Bruce Kulick was a fan of great rock music...
Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Yes, The Who...you name it, Kulick knew it.

"I always tell people, when they ask me how to get better at their instrument, that the best way to do that is find other
players in your neighborhood," says Kulick. "To that end, after I'd been playing a while, I found a guy who lived in the
next building over from me, in the Jackson Heights area of Queens, New York. His name was Mike Katz, and he was a
bass player who loved all of the same bands I did. We started jamming, and, because we already spoke the same
language musically, it was just magical. We found a drummer named Guy Bois who rounded out the picture, and we
formed a group that we envisioned as a cross between Cream and Yes."

After months of rehearsal in the Bois family basement, the band (which, although called "KKB" today never really had
an official name) entered New York's Sudden Rush recording studio in September of 1974 armed with a handful of
songs. As with many young, upstart bands, things didn't progress from there as the three members had hoped, and
eventually Kulick, Katz, and Bois went their separate ways. The reel-to-reel tape of those sessions sat gathering dust,
until a garage sale find in 2006 (a TEAC reel-to-reel player in great condition, and a steal at $35.00) lead to its rediscovery...

"I put that tape on, and I was blown away," says Kulick with a smile today. "It was like a time capsule, but at the same
time, there was such passion and fury in the music. It was funny, too, how I recognized so many elements in that tape
from almost 35 years ago that are still in my guitar playing today."

As enjoyable as it was for Bruce to journey down memory lane, it was playing the tape for friends and other musicians
that led him to consider releasing it to the public at large. "Everyone I played it for said the same thing, which is that I
needed to put this stuff out. Mike and I talked about it, and he was all for it as well, so I began the process of getting
this old tape transferred into a digital format."

While there was a bit of repair work and mastering done by Bruce and producer/engineer Jeremy Rubolino to the tape to get it up to digital standards, no overdubs or new music were recorded. The "KKB" sessions
appear on the CD exactly as they were recorded.


"Oddly enough, even though this was recorded in 1974, it's right in line with some of the more 'analog' music that's come out in the last few years...bands like Wolfmother and the White Stripes who go for that vintage sound and feel," marvels Kulick. "But, beyond all of that, I just felt, after talking to everyone who heard it, that this music still had relevance,and it stands on its own."

KKB - 1974 is available on Compact Disc directly from Bruce Kulick in a strictly limited hand-signed and numbered edition.


  http://www.kulick.net
 

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CARMINE APPICE'S SLAMM "BEATS UP" NASCAR

Contact:  Anne Leighton
718-881-8183
Leightonmedia@aol.com
http://www.slammusa.com

CARMINE APPICE'S SLAMM “BEATS UP” NASCAR
SLAMM featured on ESPN/NASCAR video beats on multi million dollar race car, and plays the NASCAR garage.


Carmine Appice's new theatrical drum show SLAMM just completed filming of an action-packed promotional video, featuring the SLAMM cast 'playing' the NASCAR garage.  The video is being shown on ESPN2 before, and during NASCAR races throughout the 2008 racing season.  Appice was selected to compose a high energy, percussive NASCAR theme song, featuring such 'instruments' as air wrenches, hand grinders, wrenches and tool boxes.  The rowdy SLAMM cast then played to the theme song in the NASCAR garage, which included giving a good beating to the hood of a multi million dollar race car. “I'm glad they didn't make us pay for it” joked Appice.  The NASCAR/SLAMM video is seen by over 3 million viewers every week.

Appice's SLAMM is a dynamic, explosive, physical rock drum show.  Described as “Stomp on steroids,” Appice and four young drummers rule the stage and make rock music playing buckets, sticks, oil cans, drain pipes, even ironing boards, as well as drums. The cast of five vibrant, young guys and girls have been relentlessly coached and rehearsed by the cool, rock star veteran, creating a flawless, electrifying theatrical show.  Cast members include Zoilo Ruiz, Marcus Joseph, Veronica Bellino, Artie Dillon and Matty Alger.  SLAMM is Appice's current project, and the main focus of his considerable energy and creativity.  In existence only a few months, SLAMM has played in front of large theater and arena sized audiences, and received a wildly enthusiastic responses. “I bring everything I know to SLAMM, 30-plus years of showmanship, originality and skill, it's all in there. Everything I learned in my career about entertainment, I put into SLAMM. It's a wild ride.”

Legendary rock drummer Carmine Appice has played with such acts as Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Beck Bogert Appice and Ozzy Osbourne. He is widely considered to be one of the most accomplished showmen in rock.  He is the recipient of numerous awards including dozens of gold and platinum selling records. Carmine co-wrote such monster selling hits as “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Young Turks.” He has broken new ground in every aspect of his career; as a performer, as a teacher, and as a writer, and he continues to inspire drummers and listeners throughout the world with his originality and his unwavering dedication to the art of drumming.


UPCOMING LIVE CONCERTS FROM SLAMM usa!

 June 28  2:00 PM School of Rock Festival Philadelphia, PA,  
July 30 Camp Romaca, Hinsdale, MA (Springfield Area)
 September 19  8:00 PM Sellersville Theater Sellersville, PA, PA
 September 20  Boulton Center Bay Shore, NY, NY  (two shows)
 November 22 Sky City Casino, Acoma NM

                                      ######
 
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4/18/08

A HOLE IN THE HEAD To Be Featured in New York City, April 30

http://www.holeintheheadmovie.com/


The documentary A HOLE IN THE HEAD will be featured screening in the New Filmmakers Festival’s NIGHT OF FANTASY & HORROR, at the Anthology Archive, 32 Second Ave., New York City, on April 30, at 6 PM. Admission for the night is $5.  The phone number is 212-505-5181, and the web site is http://www.newfilmmakers.com.

A HOLE IN THE HEAD is a documentary, produced by filmmaker/musician/writer/cargo cult Messiah Cevin Soling about “trepanation: the process of boring a hole in the skull in order to improve one’s cranial health.”   Trepanation is used by people in the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands to attain a higher level of consciousness, and was used by the ancient Egyptians, Incas and other cultures to improve brain function.  The movie presents interviews with neurosurgeons and anthropologists on the history, medicine, and beliefs of trepanation.

Soling was inspired to create A HOLE IN THE HEAD after reading a MUSICIAN magazine interview with Paul McCartney, in which the Beatles member said John Lennon suggested they both get trepanned.  Soling says, “Lennon was always on the look out for all sorts of ways to ‘expand consciousness’ and exercise demons while McCartney, who was also curious, tended to be more skeptical, as he was in this instance.”   The subject reappeared for Soling when he read Donna Kossy’s book, KOOKS, which told him that “while the practice is extremely unconventional, there might actually be some benefit.”

As Soling is intrigued by intellectual potential, and learned that skulls, dating back 10,000 years, have been found with holes drilled in them, he decided to study trepanation from prehistoric history to current times.

 A HOLE IN THE HEAD is now available for mail order as a DVD via Cevin at http://www.holeintheheadmovie.com.  This film, which was created in 1998 and broadcast on the Discovery Channel, is about “trepanation: the process of boring a hole in the skull to improve one’s mental health.”  A HOLE IN THE HEAD won the Best Documentary Award at both the Atlantic City Film Festival and the Brooklyn International Film Festival.  The DVD is $14.95 plus s&h.  
 
 


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2/21/08

Carl Palmer news


For further information
Contact:  Pilato Entertainment Marketing & Media LLC
(585)454-2756

For Immediate Release

Carl Palmer has successful heart operation procedure.

Carl Palmer, drummer extraordinaire and founding member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer; Asia and The Carl Palmer Band; has recently had a successful heart operation carried out at an undisclosed hospital. Palmer, 57, had an angioplasty procedure done which is designed to prevent further narrowing of an artery in his heart by insertion of a stent.

"I am happy to say the procedure was a complete success and I am already feeling better each day" says Palmer, who is resting before beginning the Asia 2008 World Tour, set to begin in March. "This was a precautionary measure done to ensure my safety. In my case, it was as a result of a hereditary factor, and the physicians involved wanted to make sure every precaution was taken. I am very grateful for their medical expertise and care.

With the procedure behind him, Palmer is cleared once again to resume his normal work schedule, which includes tours with both ASIA and his own group, The Carl Palmer Band. Aside from its World Tour launching next month, ASIA will be releasing Phoenix, its first new studio album with the original line-up since 1983.

NOTE:  The US shows are publicized by Bruce Pilato, at
brucetune@aol.com and office number is 585-454-2756.  The band’s web site is http://www.originalasia.com .
 
ASIA’s U.S. TOUR DATES

April 4      Wilkes Barre, PA    Kirby PAC
April 5      Uncasville, CT      Mohegan Sun Casino Wolf Den
April 7      Harrisburg, PA      Sunoco Performance Theater
April 8      Alexandria, VA      The Birchmere
April 10     Collingswood, NJ    Scottish Rite Auditorium
April 12     Westbury, NY             North Fork Theatre
April 13     Peekskill, NY           Paramount Center For The Arts
April 15     Verona, NY               Turning Stone Resort & Casino
April 16     Red Bank, NJ            Count Basie Theatre
April 17     Englewood, NJ           Bergen Performing Arts Center
April 19     Cleveland, OH           House of Blues
April 20     Chicago, IL            House of Blues
April 21     Indianapolis, IN      Music Mill
April 23     Milwaukee, WI           Pabst Theater
April 26     Marksville, LA          Paragon Casino
April 27     Dallas, TX              House of Blues
April 29     Espanola NM              Big Rock Casino
April 30     Phoenix, AZ               Celebrity Theatre
May 2      Agoura Hills, CA      Canyon Club
May 3      Las Vegas, NV          House of Blues
May 4      San Juan Capistrano,CA   The Coach House
May 5       San Francisco, CA    Grand Ballroom @ The Regency Center

http://www.carlpalmer.com

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Jann Klose updates

I’m having a great time working with Jann Klose, whose new pop/singer-songwriter album, REVERIE and live shows have been receiving raves from regional and internet media, plus musicians, including Rusted Root’s Michael Glabicki. Jann’s opened a few dates for him this past winter, including one in Hamburg, NY.   The two hope to share more bills together this Spring.  

Jann co-produced REVERIE with Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, Richard X. Heyman, music from the movies, “The Aviator,” “The Life Aquatic”). The album was mastered by Dominick Maita (Fall Out Boy, Plain White T's, Bryan Ferry), and is a critical favorite of independent media outlets.

These reviews share a number of patterns that focus on REVERIE’s spirit and the choice of instruments and weave of musical forms. Syracuse NEW TIMES music editor Matt Mumau wrote, "the carefree, dreamy instrumentation of (Jann's band) bassist Chris Marolf, keyboardist Lars Potteiger, percussionist Patrick Camichael and violinist Leah Potteiger create an earthy, alive musical world." Connecticut’s FAIRFIELD WEEKLY recently wrote, “Klose has the emotions of a sensitive folkie but catapults them with a voice and tone that evoke a libido-driven soul singer.”

Haley Nedderman from Poughkeepsie's Marist College paper, THE CIRCLE raved quite a bit about Jann for his "great stage presence...powerful, sensual, soulful vocals..." and that "his lyrics paint vivid, romantic imagery and evoke a dreamy, somewhat melancholy feeling in the listener, while awakening an unknown part of the soul at the same time."  ACED MAGAZINE's John Casquarelli echoed her reflection, "REVERIE is a musical masterpiece with an ensemble of easy-listening sounds that invites the listener to explore their own imagination.”  Sally A. Schwartz of DABELLY compared the album’s song, “Question of the Heart” to Ritchie Blackmore’s ballads with its “spell-binding hint in its melody….. If you like a smooth and a softer feel for a romantic evening, I highly suggest REVERIE…. It will give you that intimate feeling as if Klose were performing just for you.”

Buffalo Night Life's Ross Catalino cited Jann for "wrapping his luminous lyrics around a wealth of alluring arrangements and a montage of melodies. From the opening track ‘Beautiful Dream’ to the final cut acutely titled ‘The Beginning’ Klose takes you on his whirlwind adventure." BLOGCRITICS Jon Sobel wrote, “Jann Klose makes complex but accessible chamber pop with intelligent lyrics and contagious rhythms…..Overall, a sweet salve for troubled times.”

Other recent quotes can be found at http://www.jannklose.com/press.html.

These are upcoming shows—a lot more dates will be confirmed soon.
 
March 8     IBS Conference at Hotel Pennsylvania    New York, NY
Jann will be speaking on the Musicians Panel from 5:15 to 6:15 PM. There will be a meet-and-greet afterward. http://www.ibsradio.org IBS - college radio, TV, webcasting, podcasting, streaming, and high school radio
March 20   Thataway Cafe                 Greenwich, CT
March 28   Rockwood Music Hall          New York, NY
April 11     Tin Angel                    Philadelphia, PA
April 12   Wanda Fischer’s Hudson River Sampler, WAMC radio-Albany, NY  
April 15   Carol’s Silver Dollar      Jamestown, NY (with Stratospheerius)
April 16     Winchester                    Cleveland (with Stratospheerius)
April 17    Therese’s Greatnites      Youngstown, OH  (with Stratospheerius)
April 19      Village Idiot                Maumee, OH
(w/Stratospheerius)    
April 20    VENUE: TBA                    Ypsilanti, MI
April 27    Metropolitan Room         New York, NY
May 14         Emack & Bolios                 Roslindale, MA
June 28      Central Park                New York, NY
          
http://www.jannklose.com

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Cevin Soling

Cevin’s band The Love Kills Theory is playing at New York City’s Fat Baby on February 28.

He has a new book in his RUMPLEVILLE CHRONICLES: Series of
Fairly Twisted Fairy Tales called THE BOMB THAT FOLLOWED ME HOME.  “We’ve all heard of stray cats following kids home or a lost puppy yelping by a kitchen door for
food, but did you know that even a wayward little bomb needs some love and attention too?”

THE RUMPLEVILLE CHRONICLES IS NOT A CHILDRENS BOOK SERIES even though it has colorful illustrations by Steve Kille!!!!! The book review publication, FOREWORD’s Todd Mercer wrote, “These quick bursts of cracked brilliance, these splintered bedtime stories for grown folks, have the power to make readers laugh, and then think· Then scoff at the futility of thinking…..  The Rumpleville Chronicles are sardonically elegant stuff. You can’t read just one.”
 
Cevin’s finishing up a documentary, THE WAR ON KIDS about how public education is leaving children behind.  It will be on the film festival circuit this year.  Then he starts work on editing JIM FRUM: HE WILL COME, which is the story of his adventures as a cargo cult Messiah to the people of the island of Tanna.

One of his older documentaries, A HOLE IN THE HEAD is now available for mail order as a DVD via Cevin at http://www.holeintheheadmovie.com.  This film, which was created in 1998 and available through the Discovery Channel, is about “trepanation: the process of boring a hole in the skull to improve one’s mental health.”  A HOLE IN THE HEAD won the Best Documentary Award at both the Atlantic City Film Festival and the Brooklyn International Film Festival.  The DVD is $14.95 plus s&h.  
 
A HOLE IN THE HEAD will also be a featured screening in the New Filmmakers Festival’s NIGHT OF FANTASY & HORROR, at the Anthology Archive, 32 Second Ave., New York City, on April 30, at 6 PM. Part of the description of this evening’s presentation includes an opportunity to “Volunteer for our live demonstration.”  Admission for the night is $5.
The phone number is 212-505-5181, and the web site is http://www.newfilmmakers.com.
 
http://www.thelovekillstheory.com
http://www.cevinsoling.com

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Stratospheerius & Joe Deninzon

Joe has been experiencing both healthy and unhealthy adventures recently. Carol, at the Jamestown club, Carol’s Silver Dollar, named a drink after his band. “The Stratos Shot” combines Vodka (preferably Russian in honor of Joe’s place of birth), Purple Pucker and 7-Up.
 
On a healthier note, Joe ran his first race, the Half Shell Raw Bar Key West Annual Half Marathon in Florida, this past January 27, and finished in 2 hours and 13 seconds, which was in the top half of the pack (330th out of 800 runners).
Though he’s run for years, this is the first year he trained seriously, running five or six miles every other day, and increasing his mileage to between nine and 12 miles the last two weeks. Joe says, “This was my first half marathon but definitely not my last.”
 
Joe’s getting into the lecture circuit, giving talks and demonstrations on electronic effects that musicians can use in performance and songwriting.
   
And finally, he’s on tour in China right now as “the valet” for his wife Yulia Ziskel, who is in the New York City Philharmonic.  He’s sampling the culture and meeting with industry execs in Hong Kong.  When he returns to the States, Joe’s got shows:

FEBRUARY 27         FAT BABY, NEW YORK, NY
APRIL 2             TBA, BOSTON, MA
APRIL 15         CAROL’S SILVER DOLLARS, JAMESTOWN, NY  (W/JANN KLOSE)
APRIL 16             WINCHESTER, CLEVELAND, OH
(W/JANN)
APRIL 17         THERESE’S GREATNITES, YOUNGSTOWN, OH
(W/JANN)
APRIL 18             BELLS BREWERY, KALAMAZOO, MI
APRIL 19          VILLAGE IDIOT, MAUMEE, OH
(W/JANN)
APRIL 27            CLUB MIDWAY, NEW YORK, NY
MAY 2               RAY KELLYS, BRIDGEPORT, CT
JUNE 21, 22      FREEDOM FEST, MAINE
OCT. 3, 4        HARVEST FEST, MAINE
 
http://www.stratospheerius.com
http://www.myspace.com/stratospheerius

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Dave Cousins first U.S. tour!

DAVE COUSINS of STRAWBS is calling his first ever U.S. solo tour, STORIES AND SONGS because he is a storyteller. He is supporting two albums.  SECRET PATHS is due in March, and features Melvin Duffy, who played steel guitar with Robbie Williams, Joe Cocker and Zucchero.  His other recent release is THE BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT, his second solo album in his nearly 40 years of recording.  BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT features the talents of the professionals who make up the impressive Blue Angel Orchestra. The infectious enthusiasm of this grouping shines through, giving the album very much a band feel, which is astonishing given how little they have so far played together.

Dave is making this tour a very intimate showcase, singing and playing his acoustic guitar. His friend Ian Cutler, who plays violin on THE BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT, will be supporting Dave in concert. Ian portrayed the young fiddle player in the horror cult film THE WICKER MAN.

THE BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT features ten brand new Cousins' songs. Guitarist Miller Anderson guests on the album, as he did on Dave's 1972 album, TWO WEEKS LAST SUMMER, which continues to sell well to this day. The rhythm section comprises Chas Cronk of Strawbs on bass, with drummer Chris Hunt who played for many years with Lonnie Donegan.

Dave Cousins has been the leader and main songwriter of Strawbs from the release of the band's first album (STRAWBS) in 1968 on A&M, to the present day. In the 1970s the band was at its peak with major chart albums GRAVE NEW WORLD and BURSTING AT THE SEAMS in the UK, followed by huge success in the USA and Canada with HERO AND HEROINE and GHOSTS.  Strawbs sold over 3 million albums in that period and spent 55 weeks on the Billboard charts with seven successive albums in the period 1972-1977.

THE BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT is produced by Chris Tsangarides whose studio is littered with gold discs for albums by Yngwie Malmsteen, Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy and many more.

DAVE COUSINS' "STORIES AND SONGS" SOLO TOUR, MARCH 2008

March        5              Strand Theatre    Lakewood NJ
March        6             Cutting Room    New York NY
March        7              Tin Angel    Philadelphia PA
March        8                 Towne Crier    Pawling NY
March        9               NJ Prog House    Metuchen NJ
March        10               Kroghs    Sparta NJ
March        11                Turning Point    Piermont NY
March        12               German House    Rochester NY
March        13              Hugh’s Room    Toronto ON
March        14                 Winchester    Cleveland OH
March        15                 Kent Stage    Kent OH
March        16               Abbey    Chicago IL
March        18                 Shank Hall    Milwaukee WI
March        21                Mersey House    Liverpool NS
March        22               Fire Hall    Mount Uniack NS

Fans can download Dave’s albums, BOY IN THE SAILOR SUIT and SECRET PATHS, and Strawbs catalog at
http://www.pinnacle-digital.co.uk/witchwood/
http://www.strawbsweb.co.uk

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Jay And The Americans

JAY AND THE AMERICANS is a joy to work with.  I’m getting quite an education on rock and roll history, plus smart wisdom about people (and animal relations) from the guys in the group. The Americans: Howie Kane, Marty Sanders and Sandy Deanne started the group in the early 1960s, and earned back ownership of the name, “Jay and the Americans” after their second lead singer David Blatt sold it to them.

The new Jay is really named Jay, “Jay Reincke,” and he’s a Chicago guy.  On stage he’ll remind you of that nice high school guy who sang lead in choir and was kind enough to carry your books home while helping you practice your Spanish homework.  (At one time, Jay was a Spanish teacher!)

As for the animals, when he’s not singing or writing songs with folks like Joan Jett, Marty Sanders is often called to rescue snakes on construction sites.  Recently he appeared on Duncan Strauss’ well-planned, crafted and performed radio show, TALKING ANIMALS on WMNF-Tampa.  Listen to the show at http://www.talkinganimals.net/archives_synopses_08.html#020608 .

Here are the upcoming tour dates:

March 28             Newberry, SC           Newberry Opera House
April 19             Staten Island, NY    Monseinger Farrel H.S
May 14             Rochester, NY        The Lilac Festival
May 23             Colorado Springs, CO       Silver Moon    
May 24             North Las Vegas, NV   Cannery Casino Hotel     
June 25             Woodhaven, NY           Forest Park     
June 27             Bay Shore, NY           Boulton Center     
June 28             Annapolis, MD           Rams Head On Stage     
August 14         Massillon, OH           Summer Concert Series

http://www.jayandtheamericans.net

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