5/5/24

Dean Friedman Embarks on 40+ City 2024 UK/Ireland Tour accompanying release of a new compilation album, “More Words & Music”

Dean Friedman, one of the pre-eminent songwriters of his generation, announces a 40+City UK/Ireland concert tour, to accompany the release of his new compilation album, “More Words & Music.” The tour runs from January 12th thru August 21st, 2024, including stops in London, Manchester, Leeds, Cambridge, Belfast, Dublin, Cardiff, Bridgwater, Penzance, Rayleigh, Glasgow, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and more, winding up at Dean Friedman’s SongFest, a 2-day micro-music-festival, hosted by Friedman, held at the Draycote Hotel in Rugby, featuring some of the UK’s finest singer-songwriters.

“More Words & Music” is Friedman’s second compilation album (following the previous “Words & Music”) and contains hand-picked tracks from Friedman’s last eight studio albums, including work from his critically acclaimed albums “American Lullaby,” “12 Songs,” “Submarine Races,” “Squirrels in the Attic,” “The Treehouse Journals,” “Songs for Grownups,” “Rumpled Romeo,” and the classic “’Well, Well,’ Said the Rocking Chair.” “More Words & Music” is a double CD containing thirty tracks, in all, that confirm Friedman’s status as a master songsmith and one of the finest recording artists working today. Fans can order the physical CD set or stream and download the album at deanfriedman.bandcamp.com/album/more-words-music.

Friedman, best known to UK and Ireland audiences for his string of chart hits: “Lucky Star,” “Lydia,” “Woman of Mine,” “McDonald’s Girl,” and “’Well, Well,’ Said the Rocking Chair,” will be performing solo, on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career, including familiar, radio hits and fan favorites, drawn from his nine studio albums.

"Soundtrack of our lives!" – NYTimes; "Songsmith extraordinaire!” – MusicWeek; “Dean Friedman is entirely unique and utterly brilliant” – ThreeWeeks; “Stunning Musicianship!” - Hot Press

Invite family and friends and join Friedman for an evening of powerful, poignant and hilarious songs about the ordinary and extraordinary lives we share.

Tickets to all of Friedman’s concerts, as well as his new album, can be purchased via his website: www.DeanFriedman.com

Dean Friedman 2024 UK/Ireland Tour

https://www.deanfriedman.com/gigs/gigs_home.html

January 2024

12 Hull Wrecking Ball Press

13 Doncaster The Little Theatre

14 UK West Coast Folk Festival – Blackpool Winter Gardens [feat. Dean (on Sunday); Eddie Reader, Steve Harley, Kiki Dee, Tom Robinson, and more]

16 Barnoldswick Barnoldswick Arts Centre

17 Manchester Matt and Phreds

18 Milton Keynes Stantonbury Campus Theatre

19 London The Pheasantry (Pizza Express)

20 London The Pheasantry (Pizza Express)

21 London The Pheasantry (Pizza Express)

April 2024

30 Runcorn The Brindley

May 2024

2 Farsley (Leeds) Old Woolen

3 Stamford Stamford Arts Centre

4 Havant The Spring

5 Rayleigh The Mill Arts Centre

7 Cheltenham Cheltenham Town Hall

8 Cambridge Junction / J2

9 Stourbridge Katie's Secret Garden

10 Bridgwater Bridgwater Arts Centre

12 Poole Lighthouse

14 Penzance Acorn Theatre

15 St Austell St Austell Arts Centre

16 Torquay Babbacombe Theatre

17 Cardiff (Pentrych) Acapela Studios

18 Oxford JDP

19 Shrewsbury The Buttermarket

August 2024

2 Arbroath Webster Memorial Theatre

3 Aberdeen Aberdeen Arts Centre

8 Findhorn Universal Hall

10 Glasgow Websters Theatre

11 Kinross Green Hotel / Backstage

13 Belfast Oh Yeah Music Centre

14 Dublin Aras Chronain

15 Nottingham The Running Horse

16 Shropshire Camp Bestival

17 & 18 Rugby SongFest

21 EdFringe Prestonfield Fringe

Songs on “More Words & Music”
1. Your Pretty Face
2. The Hummingbird Effect
3 Too Much Stuff
4. I Could Fall for You
5. The Deli Song (Corned Beef on Wry)
6. Lydia
7. S & M
8. Halfway Normal World
9. Just Another Birthday Song
10. You're Invisible
11. Smartest Man in the Whole Wide World
12. The Ducks of St Stephen's Green
13. This Guitar
14. Summer Days
15. Malala
16. I Will Never Leave You
17. I'm a Clone
18. The Saddest Girl in the Whole Wide World
19. I Didn't Mean to Make You Cry
20. The Lakelands
21. Welcome to the World
22. Baby Sitting Song
23. Let Down Your Hair
24. Typical Town
25. American Lullaby
26. Welcome to Stupid Town
27. I Wish You Joy
28. Something Right
29. Maybe in a Million Years
30. On a Summer's Night

Refestramus’ New Video “Smiling” and Album "Intourist"

Refestramus’ new music video is called “Smiling” and on YouTube at

Directed by Anna Fokin, “Smiling” features Romanian actress/actor Monica Pop (https://www.facebook.com/MonicaPopArt) as Agent M. Refestramus’ drummer/songwriter/Wizard Derek Ferguson discovered Ms. Fokin’s work on YouTube, where she has “the absolute best video series for learning Russian”: (https://www.youtube.com/@yourrussian6200).

Derek loves “recurring characters, like 'Aqualung' and 'Cross-Eyed Mary,' which appear in multiple Jethro Tull songs. Combined with my belief that Prog needs to be more photogenic, I created the character Agent Mikrovolnovka, which is a joke. 'Mikrovolnovka' sounds mysterious and alluring, but it is actually the Russian word for 'microwave oven.'”

Both the song and video for “Smiling” are about maintaining other people’s happiness by not expressing your own displeasure. There’s a bit in the middle of the video and song where the music stops, the aquarium breaks, and all the water breaks loose, and that's a metaphor for bottling things up and then having them all spill out.

Art rock group Refestramus, pronounced re-fes-TRA-mus, is named after a word that Derek’s mother made up to mean “rearrange.” Colouratura’s Ian Beabout produced the new album, "Intourist" (Melodic Revolution Records)!

Much of the group was found on Fiverr.com: Induction lead singer Craig Cairns, Brazilian keyboardist maestro Rogelio Desouza, and rock vocalists NIDA, Denisse Ferrara, and Vedrana Lina. The rest of the group came from work connections Ian and Derek have, including Colouratura bandmates Derek Pavlic and Nathan James, saxophonist Mitch Lawrence, plus multi-instrumentalists Jerry King (bass) and Dave Newhouse (accordion).

"Our music seeks to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, weaving narratives that reflect both the peaks and valleys of life, in line with Prog Magazine's praise of our 'high-brow concepts and bizarre comedic turns.'"

Refestramus.com

4/23/24

“Folsom Prison Blues” by the String Revolution & Tommy Emmanuel Wins Grammy

photo by Maarten de Boer

The String Revolution’s Janet Robin thanked the Recording Academy for their support in winning the Grammy for Best Arrangement (Instrumental or A cappella) of their collaboration of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” with guitar superstar Tommy Emmanuel. The award show broadcast online at live.Grammy.com.

In the group’s acceptance speech, Ms. Robin stated she respected and admired all the nominated artists, and gave a special shout out to young guitarists, especially females, “You guys rock. Don’t let them say you’re good for a girl. You’re good for a guitarist!”

The band posted on their social media, “We are honored and humbled!!!Thank you to the Recording Academy for listening to our track..and it was an honor to be amongst the other nominees. This is a win for all us hardworking musicians!”

Produced by John Carter Cash, at Cash Cabin, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the instrumental “Folsom Prison Blues” is distributed by Universal Music Group, and available on all streaming media. The String Revolution was able to use Cash's 1930's Martin Acoustic Guitar as well as Cash's band member, Luther Perkin's guitar - a 1954 Fender Esquire, used on the original Cash "Folsom" recording. The song was mixed by Matthew Hyde and Mastered by Grammy® Winner, Emerson Mancini.

Said John Carter Cash, “This is not my Daddy’s Folsom Prison Blues. My excitement over this unique instrumental arrangement has been unsurpassed in my life up to this point. I am honored to be a part of this wondrous historic recording!”

https://youtu.be/cWvZAmT7Skk

Folsom Prison Blues
Written by: Johnny Cash
Arranged by:
The String Revolution, Tommy Emmanuel & John Carter Cash
Produced by: John Carter Cash.
Additional Musicians:
MB Gordy: Percussion
Double Bass: Byron House

Engineered by: Trey Call
Engineer Assistant: Joseph Cash
Recorded at Cash Cabin, Hendersonville, Tennessee

Mixed by: Matthew Hyde, London, UK
Mastered by: Emerson Mancini, Larrabee Studios, Los Angeles, CA

Single Cover Art: Chris Eselgroth
Photos/Videos: Brooke Noyce

www.thestringrevolution.com
www.tommyemmanuel.com

ISRC: USZXT2300103

Refestramus’ “Intourist” New Album May 4 on Melodic Revolution Records

Art Rock Wizard Derek Ferguson Dealing with Depth of Light and Darkness

Coming May 4 is “Intourist,” the third album from Refestramus and the album’s new music video “Smiling.” The video premiere is set for 12 PM CT/10 AM PT (Friday night/Saturday morning) on May 4 at https://youtu.be/WYJ_I0f236c

Pre-Sale link for the album is officially up at Pre-order the New Album Intouríst (lsnto.me).

“I’m the writer, I play drums, I pay for everything,” states Derek Ferguson, the Wizard who leads the progressive rock studio ensemble known as Refestramus. Named after a word his mother made up to mean “rearrange,” Derek and his producer – Colouratura’s Ian Beabout – liked it because it wasn’t a legitimate word, “A web search will only turn up our band!,” which means the latest search for “Refestramus” will show their new album, Intourist (Melodic Revolution Records)!

As the bearer of this music, Derek’s powers are rooted in inspiration through his writing and finding musicians. He discovered many on the Internet gig site, Fiverr.com: Induction lead singer Craig Cairns, Brazilian keyboardist maestro Rogelio Desouza, and rock vocalists NIDA, Denisse Ferrara, and Vedrana Lina.

Derek writes from the depth of emotion. The album’s first video, “Smiling," he says, “delves into the complexity of concealing one's sadness to maintain others' happiness, offering a poignant reflection on the masks we wear in society.”

Refestramus was born May 2020 as Derek’s home studio project during the COVID pandemic. Having been in a variety of progressive rock bands in his native Chicago and an avid listener of Ian Beabout’s Internet radio program “Prog Rock Deep Cuts,” he reached out to Ian to mix and master the recordings. Ian, who plays flute and sings on some tracks on Intourist, introduced Derek to Colouratura bandmates Derek Pavlic and Nathan James, Saxophonist Mitch Lawrence and Wisconsin multi-instrumentalist Jerry King, who plays bass on Intourist. Adding prog multi-instrumentalist Dave Newhouse, who contributed accordion, helped Derek Ferguson guide the album to completion.

Favorite songs on Intourist include “The Red Apple” based on Maxim Gorkiy's story about a gypsy horse thief and themes of rejection and longing. “Asunción” is a heartfelt tribute to the city of Asunción, “You know how bands used to say ‘we’re big in Japan’? We’re big in Paraguay - they even play us on their national radio station there from time to time!” “Side Hustle” is a Jethro Tull inspired song. "‘Mr. Darwin’ offers a lighthearted take on human survival and natural selection.” The album’s title track is a 3-part epic that combines themes of resilience with the supernatural realms on earth including “zombie love” in the third part of the track, “Intourist.”

In addition to acoustic versions of “Asunción” and “The Red Apple,” the physical CD features a cover of Spirit’s “Mr. Skin.” Spirit is one of Derek’s favorite bands, and he points out, “the songwriter here also has the last name Ferguson”

Refestramus’ debut album, Decoupage, was released in December of 2021. Expose’s Peter Thelen, who has reviewed thousands of Progressive Rock albums over the years, declared it a “Solid opening move.” In 2022, Refestramus released the EP, From the Sublime to the Ridiculous, which featured possibly the “Prog-iest” track on the album “The Devil Returns” - drawing inspiration heavily from Bulgakov’s famous novel “The Master and Margarita.”

Bandcamp: https://refestramus.bandcamp.com

4/15/24

Joe Satriani and Brian Tarquin backstage after Joe’s show with Steve Vai at the Hard Rock, Orlando on March 22.

Joe is going to record a new song with Brian this year for a Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends’ EP he’s producing. And Steve Vai wrote to Brian about “Speed of Sound,” the track which Joe played with Brian on his “Brothers in Arms” album released in 2023. Steve praised, “I really like the track (Speed of Sound) you and Joe Satriani did together. It rocks hard, and for such a great cause.”

Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends’ current release, “‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes’” is now Number One on Roots Music Radio’s Fusion Charts and Number Five in Relix/Jamband radio.

“‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes’ is a glorious fusion-prog collection that will thrill guitar geeks as well as reach far beyond that group to serious music fans of every stripe. Well done, sir!,” writes Gonzo Okanagan’s John Kereiff.

3/7/24

“Nowhere to Go But Gone” New Music Video by The Kings

(Animated and Fun Production in Time for Spring Break)

Today The Kings’ new music video, “Nowhere to Go But Gone” is officially out in support of spring break (March 11-April 8). Watch the video with the message, “There is no trip like a road trip.”

Lead singer/bassist Dave Diamond says, “There’s nothing like the feeling of freedom driving in your old set of wheels with a couple of your best buds on spring break. Maybe somewhere out there you’ll meet the one of your dreams that feels exactly like you do, maybe not. But things always have a happy ending. That’s what spring break is about. Partyitis all the way.”

“Nowhere to Go But Gone” picks up where their recent production, “Always Off the Deep End” left off with bandmates Diamond, keyboardist Sonny Keyes, drummer Todd Reynolds, and guitarist Mister Zero in animated settings relevant to the songs’ stories.

In the case of “Nowhere to Go But Gone,” the band’s taking an electrifying road trip throughout North America in a van. We see humorous connection with sites including the Pacific Coast Highway, Vancouver and even Mount Rushmore but with the band members instead of Presidents! Plus the video features live performances of the band. Peter Grecco handles the creative production of the video animation and editing. Visit grecco.ca.

Written by Diamond and Zero, “Nowhere to Go " is, according to Zero, “about a road trip as a way to take a break from a relationship that is getting stale.” It appears on the band’s new album, "The Longest Story Ever Told."

Rave and Roll’s Miss Sparker loves Diamond’s “purposely unique voice. There’s no question that you’re listening to a Kings track when David revs up his vocal cords. It’s kind of like being at a monster truck show and turning up the volume to eleven. This is especially the case on the tracks that really rock out, such as on ‘Nowhere to Go But Gone.’”

"The Longest Story Ever Told" is The Kings’ 7th studio album with ten tracks, that feature support from iconic music industry veterans handling the mixing console, including Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple), Terry Brown (RUSH). Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine) handles the mix on “Nowhere to Go But Gone.”

Originally known as Whistleking, The Kings formed in Vancouver, British Columbia and Oakville, Ontario, Canada. In 1980, after signing with Elektra Records, The Kings released the Bob Ezrin produced, platinum selling album "The Kings Are Here." The single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” caught on all over North America, with huge airplay in every major market. It stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for nearly six months, prompting an incendiary appearance on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. Now certified gold, “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide” was recently inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received other accolades including the SOCAN Classic Award. The amazing video for it has over 5,700,000 views.

Now, in 2024, The Kings, with their history of hits, over 2000 North American shows, and a devoted fan base, remain a hungry band with something to prove. "The Longest Story Ever Told" reaffirms their status as a rock band with songwriting depth. Writes Miss Sparker, “None of the lyrics are throwaway–the songs are well-written, relate to the crazy world-at-large, and draw the listener in by their relevance. If I’ve roused your interest, read up more on The Kings at their website, and definitely consider adding their music to your play list."

2/24/24

March 1 Richard Skipper Celebrates “Rock Veterans of the NYC Club Scene!”

with Rock Troubadour Elliott Murphy, Ernie Brooks, Kenny Margolis, Matthew Murphy

Elliott Murphy is celebrating his 75^th birthday live on stage at his annual birthday concert at Paris’ entertainment venue, New Morning. As part of the celebration, he and some of his New York City bandmates—keyboardist/accordionist Kenny Margolis, bassist Ernie Brooks, and brother Matthew Murphy—will appear on Richard Skipper Celebrates on YouTube at https://youtube.com/live/4xGDbTvwnYI?feature=share on March 1, 2024 at 3:30 PM ET/9:30 PM France time/12:30 PM PT.

Elliott Murphy

Five decades have passed since the release of Elliott’s first album Aquashow (Polydor 1973) widely considered a classic and rated 4½ stars on the prestigious All Music Guide.

Born on Long Island to a show business family (his father owned and produced the original Aquashow water spectacle on the site of the 1939 World’s Fair, Elliott began his music career with a troubadour like odyssey in Europe in 1971 including landing a bit part in Federico Fellini’s Roma. Returning to the US, he quickly secured a recording contract. Following the success of Aquashow came Lost Generation (RCA), Night Lights (RCA), Just a Story from America (Columbia), and Selling the Gold (WEA) featuring an outstanding duet, Everything I do (leads me back to you), with Bruce Springsteen. Bruce invites Elliott to perform with him while in Europe. Along with Billy Joel and Willie Nile, Bruce has appeared in the documentary, “The Second Act of Elliott Murphy” and in the movie, “Broken Poet,” along with his wife Patty Scialfa and actors Marisa Berenson, Michael O’Keefe, Françoise Viallon. Elliott’s current releases Prodigal Son, Elliott Murphy is Alive!, Ricochet, and Wonder, were produced and mixed by his son Gaspard Murphy.

Elliott was awarded La Medaille de la Ville de Paris by the Mayor of Paris, a Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, and La Grande Bellezza lifetime achievement award in Zurich. Billy Joel inducted Elliott into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame and had him join him on stage at Madison Square Garden.

Elliott celebrates his birthday, performing annual concerts at Paris’ New Morning on March 15 and 16.

Ernie Brooks
Ernie’s played with the original Modern Lovers, Love of Life Orchestra, Necessaries, David Johansen, Jean-Francois Pausvros, Arthur Russell, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Lucas, Rhys Chatham, Glenn Branca, Jerry Harrison, Chris Spedding, and—of course—Elliott!

Ernie’s work with Elliott ran from the mid-‘70s through this century with live shows and over a dozen records.

Today Ernie plays with Tape Hiss, with collaborators Steve Shelley, Peter Zummo, David Nagler, Pete Galub and Mustafa Ahmed.

Coming soon is Ernie’s second solo album. A limited release of Arthur Russell’s “You Can Make Me Feel Bad” performed by Tape Hiss is available on Bandcamp.

Kenny Margolis
Kenny’s professional career began in 1976 with Exuma, a Bahamian artist. In 1979, he joined Mink DeVille for three albums, including the acclaimed Le Chat Bleu. They reunited in 2005 for the live DVD at Amsterdam’s Paradiso, Live In The Lowlands. Between 1996-2006, Kenny played with alternative rock band Cracker for 9 albums.

Kenny’s toured and played on Elliott’s Rainy Season, Last Of The Rock Stars, Soul Surfing, Strings Of The Storm, Murphy Gets Muddy, Notes From The Underground, Coming Home Again, and Never Say Never, The Best of 1995-2005…And More.

He's worked with The Smithereens, Rogue’s March, the late great Shane MacGowan, The Silos, Del Lords, Little Bob, Marshall Crenshaw, and Richard Barone for the Harry Nilsson tribute album, “For The Love Of Harry.” Kenny composed music for James Gandolfini’s The Italian Movie and contributed to soundtracks, notably The Pope of Greenwich Village. His bands include Lucky 7 and UpSouth Twisters.

On March 15 The 26^th year of Joe Hurley’s Irish Rock Review at Bowery Electric.

March 16: Manhattan screening of the film Heaven Stood Still…The Incarnations of Willy DeVille.

Matthew Murphy
Matthew started his music career as Elliott Murphy’s bassist for Aquashow. They opened for the New York Dolls, Kinks, Jefferson Starship, Aerosmith, Hot Tuna. His first tour managing gig was with brother Elliott! He’s continued to work with him, starting with helping create his first indie label Courtisane Records.

Matthew’s tour managed artists including Blondie, B-52s, Talking Heads, Eurythmics, Roger Waters, Luther Vandross, Bryan Ferry, Patti Smith, Kenny G, UB40, John Hiatt, Edie Brickell, Dave Stewart, and the Blue Man Group.

Since 2009, Matthew’s been making shows run smoothly for Steve Martin & Martin Short all over the world.

####

2/15/24

The Yardbirds On Tour This March

Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Yardbirds will be touring this March.

March 14: The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA

March 16: Ram's Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD

March 21: Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA

March 22: Boulton Center for the Arts, Bay Shore, NY

March 26 & 27: Flower Power Cruise

The Yardbirds’ co-founder Jim McCarty continues to lead this ground-breaking British Invasion Rock band that provides the crucial link between the Blues, British R&B, Psychedelic Rock, and Heavy Metal, while pioneering the use of innovations like fuzztone, feedback and distortion. This drummer, singer, songwriter, and producer is said to be one of the driving forces responsible for the band's haunting sound.

Since the birth of the band from 1963 to 1968, to its 1992 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Yardbirds have been revered for the legendary guitarists who have contributed to the band's history including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page all ranked in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (#35, #5, and #3 respectively).

Originally a Blues-based band noted for their signature "rave-up" instrumental jams covering Blues classics like Howlin Wolf’s “Smokestack Lighting” and Bo Diddley’s “I’m a Man,” the Yardbirds later broadened their range into Pop, pioneered Psychedelic Rock, early Hard Rock / Heavy Metal, and contributed to many electric guitar innovations marking those musical genres. The band had a string of hits in the mid-1960s including "For Your Love," "Heart Full of Soul," "Shapes of Things," and "Over Under Sideways Down."

Celebrating his 30^th year as a Yardbird, Lead Singer John Idan has lent his distinct vocals to the sound of the band since their reformation, showcased on the classic 2003 “Birdland” album with guest appearances from Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, and Brian May. Rounding out the current line-up of top musicians is lead guitarist Godfrey Townsend (John Entwistle, Alan Parsons, Todd Rundgren, Ann Wilson of Heart, Christopher Cross, Dave Mason and Musical Director of the Turtles' Happy Together Tour), bassist Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Billy Idol, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Dave Edmonds and Joan Jett), percussionist, harmonica and background vocals Myke Scavone (the Doughboys, Ram Jam). The current band has recently completed work on an upcoming live album, “Mind the Gap,” soon to be released.

“The band’s hallmark of top-notch musicianship remains. There are no passengers in this band.” -Goldmine Magazine

Here's a downloadable flier to share

1/30/24

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Bronx Poet Anne Leighton Presents First Real Worl...

On February 20, I'll be reading some of my new and classic poems at Mon Amour Coffee & Wine, 234 W 238th St, New York, NY, The venue phone is 718- 708-7804.

This get-together takes place off of Broadway, in Riverdale, and is on the 9 and 12 bus routes, and the 6 Train. Follow this link for more information and a downloadable flier you can share with friends in the area. Thanks!

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Bronx Poet Anne Leighton Presents First Real Worl...: Night Dedicated to Spoken World Artist’s Late, Great 100 Year & Two Day Old Mom Art in the Basin Presents Working Gal Rock and Roll ...

1/18/24

Valentines & Love songs

You Hold My Soul Nicole Bacher piano with female vocal and guitar solo, a classic pop ballad exploring themes of gratitude and dedication towards her partner for their journey together ... "You made me whole, let me be bold, you hold my soul”

We Talk Without Words Christian Hoff Melissa Hoff (performers): writers: Eileen Bluestone Sherman & Gail C. Bluestone show tune-jazz, piano building to horn band male, female duet, slow with mid to uptempo build and instrumental break. lyrics on movement, This song offers a loving description of “dancing together.” plie’, we leap from the ground to soar through the air. their movements keep them together.

When Dreams Come True The Kings male vocals, acoustic guitar building to full band, ballad, dreamy, wedding song, the power of new beginnings, "it's so easy loving you" Mixed by Terry Brown of Rush, Blue Rodeo fame,

Silent Conversations Emily Hurd Kacey Musgraves-like purity, comforting, intimate one-on-one, gentle flow piano, soprano, organic vocal lilt silent conversation, you tell me a lot, fingertips, if ever your heart is broken.

Carry Across Jessie Galante female vocals, Anthemic, upbeat gospel-y, "Honey, you carried a cross... I'll carry you across" soulful song about compassion and strength, any sex can sing. https://soundcloud.com/leightonmedia/carry-across?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

You Got Me Karen Besbeck slow electronic female singer passion, the song has possession as subtext.“You got me right where you want me, the rain of love falls down to see. You got me right where you want me—there’s one place I’d rather be. https://soundcloud.com/karen-besbeck/you-got-me?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Yulia Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius (Instrumental) instrumental slow to mid tempo then slow acoustic violin with a band. Gypsy jazz fusion, like John Coltrane meets Jean Luc Ponty. “Pat Metheny on violin.” goes from moody to orgasmic and major colors.

1/12/24

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?: Angel and Devil on each shoulder changing their minds sometimes we agree and disagree ambiguously unpredictably -Jan.2024

12/30/23

“Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” By Brian Tarquin & his Heavy Friends

Lifting up our veterans through music is something that Brian Tarquin & his Heavy Friends will do until there are no more wars. Brian’s friends include superhero musicians that love working with him on a number of albums he’s released from hard rock to jazz over the past (20) years). “‘Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” (out January 19, on Downtown Music/Dashgo Distribution) honors military soldiers who defend our freedoms. I wanted a true star-studded musician tribute of soaring instrumental songs. So, I was very fortune to get such iconic players as Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford and Steve Morse to help me express our gratitude.”

A heavy and glorious fusion-prog collection, “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” is Brian and his friends (Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford (Miles Davis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Dean Brown (David Sanborn), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth), John Tropea (Billy Cobham), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) & Larry McCray (John Mayall), the late Phil Naro, and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra) latest collaborative album. “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” mission is to support the charity, Hope For The Warriors, who provide medical care, mental health counseling, professional training and education, physical conditioning and transition services for wounded, ill, and injured Marines and Navy members. https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/

“Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” Special Donation Page:

https://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/Beyond-The-Warriors-Eyes

The album “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” was produced, engineered and composed entirely by Brian Tarquin. Well-connected with star musicians, he is a one-man army playing all instruments except drums where studio drummer Reggie Pryor lends his services. The album was recorded in Tarquin’s Jungle Room Studios on 2” analog tape through a vintage Trident London 24 console and a host of analog outboard gear. Brian transferred the recording to either Pro Tools or Logic, finishing the recording digitally. He lastly recorded all final mixes down to an Ampex 440C ¼” 2 track analog tape. Tape Op Interview on process: https://tapeop.com/interviews/158/brian-tarquin/

What about some of the “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” tracks? “Behind the Iron Curtain” with Chris Poland is a thundering and glorious orchestration of guitar playing. Chris loves working with Brian, “This particular project I felt was a bit more important. Here we honor our veterans for their courage and sacrifice.”

Jean Luc Ponty was inspired to play his electric violin on the album, when he heard the title track, “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes.” Steve Morse and John Tropea soloed and blended their lead guitars on a dreamy yet danceable instrumental, “Faith & Hope.” The combination of guitar work from multi-genre-rocker Eric Johnson and fusion’s Dean Brown on “The Gates of Valhalla” is an upbeat and magical journey that takes the listener away from his or her troubles.

The album closes with a song, “These Colors Don’t Run,” which pays tribute to our soldiers. The late Phil Naro sings on this with guitar from Steve Morse, who gives “kudos to Phil for his vocal performance, and add that he loves working with Brian, who “is a great guy to work with and is very versatile at all parts of this music business.”

The Emmy award winning guitarist/composer has radio hits in several formats as Smooth Jazz, NACC Loud Rock & CMJ’s RPM charts. He’s had songs on major TV shows and popular movies including CSI, Seinfeld, Good Morning America, The Watcher (Keanu Reeves), Desert Heat (Van Damme), The Sender (R. Lee Ermey), and National Lampoon’s Repli-Kate (Ali Landry)…. He’s won 3 Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” for All My Children, a Global Music Award, honors from SESAC and a number of nominations from the Josie Music Awards for best guitarist, producer and album. Brian has appeared on 50 releases, has 38 million streams on Pandora, Spotify & Apple: selling over 140,000 records in his career. Brian is an award-winning published Author; below is a list of his books.

Brian and Joe Satriani won “Best Video” for “Speed of Sound” from the recent “Brothers in Arms” album and a Global Music Gold Award for his release “Orlando In Heaven,” put together to pay tribute to the victims shot at the Pulse Nightclub in 2016.

Brian’s weekly NPR radio show called Guitar Trax on WFIT 89.5FM (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFIT) on the Florida Space Coast is streamed on www.wfit.org. He hosts in depth interviews with world-renowned guitarists every Monday night from 10pm-Midnight.

Track Listing

01 “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” w/ Jean Luc-Ponty

02 “The Gates of Valhalla” w/ Eric Johnson & Dean Brown

03 “Quiet Desperation” w/ Robben Ford

04 “Behind the Iron Curtain” w/ Chris Poland

05 “Faith & Hope” w/ Steve Morse & John Tropea

06 “A Soldier’s Journey” w/ Steve Kindler & Budapest Symphony Orchestra

07 “La Sierre Del Norte” w/ Carl Verheyen

08 “Common Valor” w/ Larry McCray

09 “These Colors Don’t Run” w/ Steve Morse & Phil Naro

Quotes from Artists on “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes”

Jean Luc Ponty: “Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes” is the song that inspired me the most to play on when Brian asked me to collaborate on his album, and I am very happy to be part of this project to help U.S. Veterans get what they need.

Hal Lindes (Dire Straits) Brian Tarquin’s superb latest offering is brimming with fresh, funky, killer grooves and majestic soaring guitar melodies featuring French virtuoso violinist Jean Luc Ponty, shredding it up on “Beyond The Warrior Eyes.”

Chris Poland (Megadeth): It's always my pleasure to play on anything Brian brings my way, but this particular project I felt was a bit more important. Here we honor our veterans for their courage and sacrifice.

Steve Morse (Deep Purple): Brian is a great guy to work with and is very versatile at all parts of this music business. Kudos to Phil Naro, coming up with another great vocal part for “These Colors Don't Run”!

Carl Verheyen (Supertramp): Collaborating on “La Sierra del Norte” with Brian was a joy. The challenge was to play as melodic as possible in 6/8 time with a completely different tone than the melody.

Dean Brown (David Sanborn): Brian has put together a stellar group of guitarists and provided wonderful vehicles for creative improvisation. I'm thrilled to be a part of the project and this worthy cause.

Note: Tarquin is pronounced -- “Tar – quin”

linktr.ee/guitartrax
www.bhpmusic.com

Brian Tarquin
Multi Emmy Award Winning Composer/Guitarist

Press Links:
Vintage Guitar Magazine just did a spread on Brian in the April edition.
https://www.vintageguitar.com/56401/brian-tarquin-3/

Music Connection
https://www.musicconnection.com/industry-profile-brian-tarquin-shredding-for-u-s-vets-and-victims/

Big Blend Magazine
https://issuu.com/bigblendmagazines/docs/_2big_weekly_blend_magazine_vol._1_issue_18_no

Books By Brian Tarquin

Survival Guide for Music Composers (Hal Leonard) - 2018 USA Best Book Winner Award

Guitar Encyclopedia (Allworth Press) - 2014 USA Best Book Winner Award

Guitar Amplifier Encyclopedia (Allworth Press) - 2017 USA Best Book Finalist Award

Stomp on This: The Guitar Pedal Effects Guidebook (Cengage) - 2015 USA Best Book Finalist Award

Insider’s Guide to Home Recording (Allworth Press) - 2015 USA Best Book Finalist Award

Insider’s Guide to Music Licensing (Allworth Press) - 2014 USA Best Book Finalist Award

Recording Techniques of the Guitar Masters (Cengage) interviews with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson.

Brian Tarquin and fellow composers Terry Walker and Jerry Pilato won Emmys for their work in General Hospital in 2002, 2003, 2005

12/26/23

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Thinking of Bad Jaki and Good Jacquie

New poem inspired by KISS rocking Madison Square Garden and all the big promo; they deserved the whole KISS-up of the Empire State Building.

Working Gal Rock and Roll Poet: Thinking of Bad Jaki and Good Jacquie: Bad Jaki and I painted basements In Summer of ‘75 She taught me to sing “Rock and roll all night And party everyday” While I did most of the...

12/13/23

You Hold My Soul - Nicole Bacher

I love when my Toastmasters' friends listen to my artists' music. At the meeting, our club President mentioned this song as one of his favorites. Therefore, this is one of the songs I'm plugging this month and in January.

Anne Leighton