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
2/21/08
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
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
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
Jethro Tull's 40th Anniversary!
Niki Chopra Richardson, the event planner for Jethro Tull’s Thousand Oaks, CA show at the Alliance for the Arts, worked to have Ian autograph a flute that would be auctioned off for the venue’s charity.
When she showed up at soundcheck for Ian’s autograph, he asked to meet her. They spoke about her life growing up in India, a country Ian truly enjoys. He asked her questions about Mikhail Gorbachev, another person who had appeared at the venue (Ian is very interested in Russian politics).
Then Niki asked if he could announce on stage that the flute was up for bids. Ian said, "Let's dramatize the flute to the audience, why don't you come on stage at a certain point, and I'll play it for everyone. Then you'll bring it off stage, because I don't have a holder for it."
Ian increased both the charitable and entertainment value of an auctionable item by making the flute a piece of the show, encouraging the audience to get involved with the venue’s charity.
Jethro Tull will be touring all over the world for its 40th Anniversary this year. The group will be in the States with mainly east and west coast dates this August. Please check for updates at http://www.jethrotull.com for shows.
The two new members of Tull are bassist David Goodier and keyboardist/accordionist John O’Hara, who were interviewed for Psychobabble TV by Mike Preston. I placed that interview on my site, http://www.youtube.com/anneleighton, because David and John offer strong insight on career survival as musicians. There’s a wonderful quote in the interview from David about the importance of making music as opposed to being a pop star.
David sent me a gorgeous album that he plays on called MY CRESCENT CITY by Carmina. Its vibe borrows from traditional folk, chamber music and Fairport Convention. Hot Press wrote that the group’s lead singer Pippa Marland has a “real autumn leaf of a voice—parched and papery, but with a gorgeously rich depth of colour.” If you’re interested in the CD, please contact Pippa at bookings@carmina.co.uk.
Here are her web sites: http://www.myspace.com/carminamusic
http://www.carmina.co.uk
When she showed up at soundcheck for Ian’s autograph, he asked to meet her. They spoke about her life growing up in India, a country Ian truly enjoys. He asked her questions about Mikhail Gorbachev, another person who had appeared at the venue (Ian is very interested in Russian politics).
Then Niki asked if he could announce on stage that the flute was up for bids. Ian said, "Let's dramatize the flute to the audience, why don't you come on stage at a certain point, and I'll play it for everyone. Then you'll bring it off stage, because I don't have a holder for it."
Ian increased both the charitable and entertainment value of an auctionable item by making the flute a piece of the show, encouraging the audience to get involved with the venue’s charity.
Jethro Tull will be touring all over the world for its 40th Anniversary this year. The group will be in the States with mainly east and west coast dates this August. Please check for updates at http://www.jethrotull.com for shows.
The two new members of Tull are bassist David Goodier and keyboardist/accordionist John O’Hara, who were interviewed for Psychobabble TV by Mike Preston. I placed that interview on my site, http://www.youtube.com/anneleighton, because David and John offer strong insight on career survival as musicians. There’s a wonderful quote in the interview from David about the importance of making music as opposed to being a pop star.
David sent me a gorgeous album that he plays on called MY CRESCENT CITY by Carmina. Its vibe borrows from traditional folk, chamber music and Fairport Convention. Hot Press wrote that the group’s lead singer Pippa Marland has a “real autumn leaf of a voice—parched and papery, but with a gorgeously rich depth of colour.” If you’re interested in the CD, please contact Pippa at bookings@carmina.co.uk.
Here are her web sites: http://www.myspace.com/carminamusic
http://www.carmina.co.uk
Tower of Power news
Tower of Power is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The group has a new guitarist named Mark Harper, and in the midst of European dates.
Here are scheduled shows in the States through summer.
MARCH 29, 30 MOHEGAN SUN WOLF DEN UNCASSVILLE, CT
MARCH 31 THE BIRCHMERE ALEXANDRIA, VA
APRIL 1 FERGUSON CENTER NEWPORT NEWS, VA
APRIL 3 HOUSE OF BLUES CLEVELAND, OH
APRIL 4 TURNING STONE VERONA, NY
APRIL 5 HOLIDAY INN, RIVERVIEW ELMIRA, NY
APRIL 6 HAMPTON BEACH CASINO HAMPTON BEACH, NH
APRIL 8 WHITAKER CENTER HARRISBURG, PA
APRIL 10 BB KINGS NEW YORK, NY
APRIL 11, 12 KESWICK THEATRE GLENSIDE, PA
(w/AVERAGE WHITE BAND)
MAY 1 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
NEW ORLEANS, LA
MAY 3 HOUSE OF BLUES DALLAS, TX
MAY 4 ONE WORLD THEATRE AUSTIN, TX
MAY 9, 10, 11 SUNCOAST HOTEL LAS VEGAS, NV
MAY 12 CASINO ARIZONA SCOTTSDALE, AZ
JUNE 14 PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL HOLLYWOOD, CA
JULY 31 MONTEITH RIVERPARK ALBANY, OR
AUGUST 2 NORTHERN QUEST CASINO SPOKANE, WA
AUGUST 7 NAPA VALLEY COUNTY FAIR NAPA, CA
AUGUST 8 VENTURA COUNTY FAIR VENTURA, CA
AUGUST 9 TBA RENO, NV
AUGUST 12, 13 SAN MATEO FAIR SAN MATEO, CA
AUGUST 14 MONTEREY FAIR MONTEREY, CA
AUGUST 15 HUMPHREY’S BY THE BAY SAN DIEGO, CA
AUGUST 16 NOKIA THEATER LOS ANGELES, CA
Emilio Castillo recently produced, played sax, and sang on a CD called LOOKIN’ AT TOMORROW, for Mark Dolin, a multi-instrumentalist from the Phoenix area. Also on the disc are members of the TOP team: David Garibaldi on drums, road manager Raymond McKinley on bass, and Mike Bogart on trumpet and trombone. The horns were superbly arranged by T.O.P. horn arranger Dave Eskridge, and all the guitar parts were played by Bill Moio.
Contact Mark Dolin at Mark_dolin@hotmail.com
His web sites are http://www.markdolinmusic.com
and http://www.myspace.com/markdolinmusic
http://www.towerofpower.com
Here are scheduled shows in the States through summer.
MARCH 29, 30 MOHEGAN SUN WOLF DEN UNCASSVILLE, CT
MARCH 31 THE BIRCHMERE ALEXANDRIA, VA
APRIL 1 FERGUSON CENTER NEWPORT NEWS, VA
APRIL 3 HOUSE OF BLUES CLEVELAND, OH
APRIL 4 TURNING STONE VERONA, NY
APRIL 5 HOLIDAY INN, RIVERVIEW ELMIRA, NY
APRIL 6 HAMPTON BEACH CASINO HAMPTON BEACH, NH
APRIL 8 WHITAKER CENTER HARRISBURG, PA
APRIL 10 BB KINGS NEW YORK, NY
APRIL 11, 12 KESWICK THEATRE GLENSIDE, PA
(w/AVERAGE WHITE BAND)
MAY 1 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL
NEW ORLEANS, LA
MAY 3 HOUSE OF BLUES DALLAS, TX
MAY 4 ONE WORLD THEATRE AUSTIN, TX
MAY 9, 10, 11 SUNCOAST HOTEL LAS VEGAS, NV
MAY 12 CASINO ARIZONA SCOTTSDALE, AZ
JUNE 14 PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL HOLLYWOOD, CA
JULY 31 MONTEITH RIVERPARK ALBANY, OR
AUGUST 2 NORTHERN QUEST CASINO SPOKANE, WA
AUGUST 7 NAPA VALLEY COUNTY FAIR NAPA, CA
AUGUST 8 VENTURA COUNTY FAIR VENTURA, CA
AUGUST 9 TBA RENO, NV
AUGUST 12, 13 SAN MATEO FAIR SAN MATEO, CA
AUGUST 14 MONTEREY FAIR MONTEREY, CA
AUGUST 15 HUMPHREY’S BY THE BAY SAN DIEGO, CA
AUGUST 16 NOKIA THEATER LOS ANGELES, CA
Emilio Castillo recently produced, played sax, and sang on a CD called LOOKIN’ AT TOMORROW, for Mark Dolin, a multi-instrumentalist from the Phoenix area. Also on the disc are members of the TOP team: David Garibaldi on drums, road manager Raymond McKinley on bass, and Mike Bogart on trumpet and trombone. The horns were superbly arranged by T.O.P. horn arranger Dave Eskridge, and all the guitar parts were played by Bill Moio.
Contact Mark Dolin at Mark_dolin@hotmail.com
His web sites are http://www.markdolinmusic.com
and http://www.myspace.com/markdolinmusic
http://www.towerofpower.com
Grand Funk Railroad dates
Summer will be pretty active for “The American Band,” especially around the fourth of July. Grand Funk Railroad is: drummer Don Brewer, bassist Mel Schacher, singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion. Here are upcoming Grand Funk Railroad dates, with more to added.
February 23 Billy Bob's Texas Ft. Worth, TX
February 28 Chumash Casino Santa Ynez, CA
March 8 Soaring Eagle Casino Mt. Pleasant, MI
April 5 Westworld Scottsdale, AZ
May 15 San Bernardino Co. Fair Victorville, CA
June 7 Chingawassa Days Festival Marion, KS
June 14 Green Valley Ranch Showroom Henderson,NV
July 3 Red Rhythm & Boom Celebration Mason, OH
July 4 Texas Motorplex Ennis, TX
July 19 Heritage Park Muskegon, MI
July 26, 27 Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA
August 23 E. State Blvd. Ft. Wayne, IN
September 6 Weatherby Field Ft. Benning,GA
http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com
News from friends
Dan Berggren (http://www.berggrenfolk.com) writes that he is on a documentary about a late, beloved Vermont folk singer named Margaret MacArthur. It’s called MARGARET’S WALTZ and won the Best Documentary from the Northeast Regional Alliance For Community Media.
For more information, please visit the site of the filmmaker, folk musician Rebecca Padula:
http://www.rebeccapadula.com/video.asp
**
A couple of multi-talented journalists have interesting stories. Don Wilcock was given the Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive in Print Journalism Award in Memphis on his 64th birthday, February 2, 2008. Don was the President of The Northeast Blues Society. He’s also a contributing editor to Blues Revue and BluesWax, writes for THE RECORD, a daily paper in Troy, NY, and many other publications. Don is the author of Buddy Guy’s authorized biography, DAMN RIGHT I’VE GOT THE BLUES.
**
Musician/writer Johnny Blair (http://www.johnnyjblair.com) is writing 12 at 50: MUSICAL REVELATIONS AT AGE 50. These are profiles on his favorite artists and albums. He’s written about David Bowie’s SPACE ODDITY and Johnny Cash’s THE BALLAD OF IRA HAYES. Here’s the full listing, which he started sharing this past August. If you’d like to start receiving his commentaries (and career updates), please drop him a note at jjb@johnnyjblair.com .
1) August: Johnny Cash The Ballad of Ira Hayes (1964)
2) September: The Beach Boys The Trader (1973)
3) October: George Gershwin Allegro from Concerto in F (1925)
4) November: The Supremes I Hear a Symphony (1965)
5) December: David Bowie Space Oddity (1969)
6) January: Yardbirds Over Under Sideways Down (1966)
7) February: Miles Davis What I Say (1970)
8) March: Roxy Music Out of the Blue (1974)
9) April: Astor Piazzolla Libertango (1974)
10) May: Erik Satie Gnosseinnes #1 (1890)
11) June: U2 I Will Follow (1980)
12) July: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Amazing Grace (1953)
11/27/07
Cevin Soling remembers Kevin DuBrow
Cevin Soling had Kevin Dubrow on the mellow cover of "Metal Health," which was played on WXRK, here in New York City in 1998.
"When Eric Clapton remade the song 'Layla' as an lazy accoustic ballad, I was quite horrified. It sounded like a desperate way to cash in on an old classic and even without taking that into account, it was a terrible recording. I thought it would be fun to parody Clapton by doing an accoustic cover of Metal Health. The thought of producing a mellow head-banging anthem seemed similarly ludicrous. As I got into working on the song with Bill Brandau, we really got into it. We added strings and choir and exotic gongs until the song became epic. I initially had several vocal ideas - apathetic slacker or Melissa Manchester kind of sounds. I tried both, but the song wanted something more.
The idea to contact Kevin Dubrow was made by my girlfriend at the time, Viveca Berger. Bill and I tracked down Kevin in Las Vegas where he told me that he and Quiet Riot has just reunited after having been asked to play at a party held by Marilyn Manson who is a fan of theirs. Apparently things worked out well and they were going back into the studio and they planned to do a new version of Metal Health. I told him I wanted to send it to him regardless and he gave me his address and I fed-exed it to him. The following day, he called me back all excited and told me he LOVED the new version and that it was such a completely different direction than what he was doing that his remake wouldn't be an issue and he pleaded with me to let him sing on it.
About a week later, I flew to Vegas. He picked me up at my hotel and I was struck with how tall he was. He also told me how he had a reputation for being obnoxious and difficult to work with, but that he had changed. I had no knowledge of his past since I wasn't much of a Quiet Riot fan, but I found him to be very personal and easy to be around and he had an aura that demanded respect. In the studio, he was a total pro and was willing to do as many takes as I wanted. His voice was truly amazing. I had no idea about the breadth of his vocal skills until seeing him there and the engineer in the studio was also impressed and amazed. After we selected the best takes, he left so that I could work with the engineer. I can't remember how I got back to the hotel.
The song got picked up by a number of major stations when it was released, but somehow was neglected by VH-1 when they did their crappy little Behind the Music story on Quiet Riot. Kevin was happy with how the song came out, but I didn't manage to keep up with him too much after that."
10/12/07
"BEAUTIFUL DREAM"/"HOLD ME DOWN" Cracks Top Ten on Podsafe Music Network
Jann Klose's new single "Beautiful Dream"/"Hold Me Down" hit the Number 7 spot on the Podsafe Music Network chart the first week of October, 2007. The Podsafe Music Network, at http://www.podshow.com, has the largest collection of podsafe music, meaning it is legal and intended for airplay on podcasts.
"The best part about podcasts is that everyone with an Internet connection has access and can listen to them whenever and wherever they want to. We’re getting played on shows from Mexico to Poland to Germany as well as here at home in the U.S.," Jann says.
Dan Herman of Radio Crystal Blue on Live365 at (http://www.radiocrystalblue.com) recently joined the Podsafe Music Network; he has been a long time supporter of Jann's music, "I like the jazz-like idioms in 'Beautiful Dream,' colored in with lead guitar and keys. It's a well-constructed song start-to-finish. 'Hold Me Down' is a strong pop song as well with Jann's vocals giving a firm hold on the song.”
Like the pod radio programmers, Jann also embraces internet technology, and is responsible for much of his marketing online, as well as designing the colorful look of his own website, http://www.jannklose.com. "Beautiful Dream"/"Hold Me Down" are available for download at iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, and for listening at these sites: http://www.sonicbids.com/jannklose
http://www.myspace.com/jannklose
This November Jann's new full-length album, entitled REVERIE will be released. The album, produced in part by Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, THE AVIATOR, THE LIFE AQUATIC) contains a dozen new tracks and features guest musicians Ryan Scott, Dan Brantigan (Kaki King) and Megan Marolf (Philip Glass Ensemble). Jann also produced much of the record himself with mixing handled by Water Music engineer James Frazee. The album is being mastered by Dominick Maita (Bryan Ferry, Fall Out Boy, Laurie Anderson, Hawthorne Heights).
Jann is a pop singer-songwriter, who was born in Germany, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and Nairobi, Kenya. At age 16, he came to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student, returned to Germany for a year to complete his civil service, and then moved to the States, where he started his music career. He’s released three independent CDs since 1997 (ENOUGH SAID, THE STRANGEST THING, BLACK BOX EP, and the digital release LIVE AT THE BITTER END). Jann's song, "It's Not The Way" offBLACK BOX EP was included on SAAB’s 60th anniversary CD in France, and on the CD, PRAMBORS HITS 3, in Indonesia. The title track "Black Box" was licensed to the Warner Bros. Home DVD “DEAD BROKE,” starring Paul Sorvino, and Jill Hennessy.
9/21/07
Jann Klose Releases Single Late Summer, Album due November
For immediate release:JANN KLOSE RELEASES SINGLE LATE SUMMER, ALBUM IN NOVEMBER
(Multi-Cultural Pop Singer-Songwriter Makes New Music Available)
Pop singer-songwriter Jann Klose is releasing new music this season—a single this September and an album in November. The yet-untitled album, which was produced at Hoboken’s Water Music, will have at least a dozen new songs and an instrumental, “Ithaca," which Jann composed for oboe. Titles include "Mother Said, Father Said," "Watching You Go," "All These Rivers," "Doing Time," and “Clouds.”
Part of the record—including the single “Beautiful Dream”/”Hold Me Down”—was produced by Stewart Lerman (Dar Williams, Loudon Wainwright III, “The Aviator,” “A Life Aquatic”). "Beautiful Dream”/”Hold Me Down” is now available for download on eMusic.com, Rhapsody.com, and iTunes.com; it will be on other sites by September 20th. A CD single will also be available.
After hearing “Beautiful Dream,” Sirius Radio's Pop Programming Director Kid Kelly said, "I find Jann's music super-engaging." Bruce Haring, who runs the DIY Convention and booked him at New York City's Book Expo in Central Park, stated, “'Beautiful Dream' is delightful." Former Renaissance singer Annie Haslam is also a fan, “'Beautiful Dream' has a lush soaring orchestral feel with shades of early ELO. Jann's powerful voice and delivery are laced with purposeful lyrics—a much needed talent!"
Jann is performing one-off shows in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey up through the album's release, and will expand dates in November through his more popular markets in the Mid West, Middle Atlantic, and New England. In December he'll do a limited tour of Germany. In January 2008, he'll perform his first solo Southern California dates, including a performance at NAMM. In between these dates, he’ll perform assorted one-offs and college shows, He'll continue to tour through 2008.
Because of Jann’s multi-cultural background and varied taste in music, it's challenging to find a single artist for comparison. He was born in Mannheim, Germany, raised in Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa until age 10. His family then returned to Hamburg, Germany. He came to Cleveland, Ohio as an exchange student, returned to Germany for a year to complete his civil service, and, then, started his music career in the States.
Now living in the Bronx, NY, He's released three independent CDs since 1997, ENOUGH SAID, THE STRANGEST THING, and BLACK BOX, plus the digital LIVE AT THE BITTER END. "It's Not The Way" off BLACK BOX EP was included on SAAB’s 60th anniversary CD in France, and on the CD, PRAMBORS HITS 3, in Indonesia. The title track "Black Box" was licensed to the Warner Bros. Home DVD movie “Dead Broke,” starring Paul Sorvino, Jill Hennessy.
Dates are being added to Jann's touring schedule. Check http://www.jannklose.com regularly:
September 24: MALDEN ACCESS TV, CH. 3, BOSTON, MA
September 24 CANTAB LOUNGE, CAMBRIDGE, MA
September 28: GOLDHAWK, HOBOKEN, NJ (benefit for the Global Literacy Project, www.glp.org)
September 28: THE BLUE ROOM, SECAUCUS, NJ
September 29: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK, NY
September 29: DOMINIE’S HOEK, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (w/Andy Guthrie)
October 2: MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, UTICA, NY
October 4: THE CUTTING ROOM, NEW YORK, NY (benefit for Education Through Music, http://etmonline.org)
October 23: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK, NY
November 7: BEACHLAND BALLROOM, CLEVELAND, OH (w/Stratospheerius and Ryan Montbleau Band)
November 9: TBA: YOUNGSTOWN (w/Stratospheerius)
November 27: ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK, NY
December 18: TBA: NEW YORK, NY
December 28: KUKUUN, HAMBURG, GERMANY
December 29: KUKUUN, HAMBURG, GERMANY
January 17: NAMM SHOW at MARTIN GUITARS booth, ANAHEIM, CA.
http://www.jannklose.com
http://www.myspace.com/jannklose
Jethro Tull update
You probably know Jethro Tull is currently touring. Most of the North American dates are sold out, so my guest list is really limited to folks, who I haven't guested through the years. This year the band features Ian Anderson (voice, guitar, flute), Martin Barre (guitars), David Goodier (bass), John O’Hara (keyboards), and Doane Perry (drums). These folks are among the artists, who'll be on the 2008 album of new songs from Jethro Tull. That’s due out by summer of 2008. Recently Ian told GOLDMINE’s Conrad Stinnett that the group's recorded eight songs so far for the new album, and the plan is to “head back into the studio and finish the album after the first of the year, so it should be out in May or June of 2008.” Full article at http://www.goldminemag.com.
http://www.jethrotull.com
Grand Funk Railroad dates
Grand Funk Railroad is original members—drummer Don Brewer, bassist Mel Schacher, singer/guitarist Max Carl, keyboardist Tim Cashion, and guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Here are tour dates through early January. Please, check the site for updates, and I'll also let the locals know:
September 29: LUCY PARK, WICHITA FALLS, TX
October 6: SNYDER BIKE RALLY, SNYDER, TX
October 28: LAKETOWN FEST, KENNER, LA
November 3: RIB FEST, HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE PARK, HOMESTEAD, FL
November 10: RIB FEST, VINOY PARK, ST. PETERSBURG, FL
November 11: RIVERFRONT PARK, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
November 30 through December 1: CACTUS PETE’S SHOWROOM, JACKPOT, NV
January 17, 2008 THE COMMUNITY THEATRE, MORRISTOWN, NJ
http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com
Here are tour dates through early January. Please, check the site for updates, and I'll also let the locals know:
September 29: LUCY PARK, WICHITA FALLS, TX
October 6: SNYDER BIKE RALLY, SNYDER, TX
October 28: LAKETOWN FEST, KENNER, LA
November 3: RIB FEST, HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE PARK, HOMESTEAD, FL
November 10: RIB FEST, VINOY PARK, ST. PETERSBURG, FL
November 11: RIVERFRONT PARK, NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
November 30 through December 1: CACTUS PETE’S SHOWROOM, JACKPOT, NV
January 17, 2008 THE COMMUNITY THEATRE, MORRISTOWN, NJ
http://www.grandfunkrailroad.com
Jay and the Americans
I just signed Jay and the Americans to my publicity roster. The group features the original Americans and a new Jay, whose real name really is Jay. Well, John Reincke (pronounced “Rank—ee”). But he was called “Jay” growing up in Chicago. His dad was the John of the family. The group details how they earned back ownership of their name on a press release and a beautiful TODAY SHOW profile at its web site, www.jayandtheamericans.net.
In between great live shows, Gary Katz is producing a new Jay and the Americans album. You know Gary's name from Steely Dan records. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen started their careers in Jay and the Americans’ backup band. There's a song “Little Senorita” that you can listen to on the group’s web site, too.
The group members—the original Americans are Sandy Yaguda (aka as Sandy Deanne), Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Howie Kane), and Marty Kupersmith (aka Marty Sanders). Their hits include “Tonight,” “Only In America,” “This Magic Moment,” “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia” and at least six more.
In 2002, Jay and the Americans was inducted into the VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME, placing the singers among the greatest vocal groups in Rock and Roll history.
In addition to touring and recording, Jay and the Americans donated an autographed gramaphone for an auction to help the Richmond Group, underprivileged kids in the lower New York State area. (http://www.richmondgroup.org/childrens.html). That auction will be October 1, at 6 PM at the Friars Club, 57 East 55th Street, in New York City. Admission is $250 per person. For more information, contact Carol Baron at: baron@richmondgroup.org or call (914)471-4129.
Here are upcoming shows through the end of the year, check the web site for updates and 2008 shows!
September 21: BB KINGS, NEW YORK CITY
September 28: RAM's HEAD, ANNAPOLIS, MD
September 29: SELLERSVILLE THEATER, Sellersville, PA
October 5: KENT STAGE, KENT, OH
October 12: STRAND THEATER, LAKEWOOD, NJ
November 24: GRAND OPERA HOUSE, WILMINGTON, DE
November 30: ROBINSON RANCHERIA CASINO, NICE, CA
December 1: FEATHER FALLS CASINO, OROVILLE, CA
December 7: MELLON ARENA, PITTSBURGH, PA
December 14: DIAMOND JO CASINO, NORTHWOOD, IA
December 15: LCO CASINO/LAC COURTE ORIELLES GRAND LODGE CONVENTION CENTER, HAYWARD, WI
http://www.jayandtheamericans.net
In between great live shows, Gary Katz is producing a new Jay and the Americans album. You know Gary's name from Steely Dan records. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen started their careers in Jay and the Americans’ backup band. There's a song “Little Senorita” that you can listen to on the group’s web site, too.
The group members—the original Americans are Sandy Yaguda (aka as Sandy Deanne), Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Howie Kane), and Marty Kupersmith (aka Marty Sanders). Their hits include “Tonight,” “Only In America,” “This Magic Moment,” “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia” and at least six more.
In 2002, Jay and the Americans was inducted into the VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME, placing the singers among the greatest vocal groups in Rock and Roll history.
In addition to touring and recording, Jay and the Americans donated an autographed gramaphone for an auction to help the Richmond Group, underprivileged kids in the lower New York State area. (http://www.richmondgroup.org/childrens.html). That auction will be October 1, at 6 PM at the Friars Club, 57 East 55th Street, in New York City. Admission is $250 per person. For more information, contact Carol Baron at: baron@richmondgroup.org or call (914)471-4129.
Here are upcoming shows through the end of the year, check the web site for updates and 2008 shows!
September 21: BB KINGS, NEW YORK CITY
September 28: RAM's HEAD, ANNAPOLIS, MD
September 29: SELLERSVILLE THEATER, Sellersville, PA
October 5: KENT STAGE, KENT, OH
October 12: STRAND THEATER, LAKEWOOD, NJ
November 24: GRAND OPERA HOUSE, WILMINGTON, DE
November 30: ROBINSON RANCHERIA CASINO, NICE, CA
December 1: FEATHER FALLS CASINO, OROVILLE, CA
December 7: MELLON ARENA, PITTSBURGH, PA
December 14: DIAMOND JO CASINO, NORTHWOOD, IA
December 15: LCO CASINO/LAC COURTE ORIELLES GRAND LODGE CONVENTION CENTER, HAYWARD, WI
http://www.jayandtheamericans.net
THE LOVE KILLS THEORY & CEVIN SOLING
The Love Kills Theory is one of the only alternative punk bands with a very developed philosophy. Musicologist and student of philosophy Mark Kirby profiled the group's leader Cevin Soling at http://www.indiemusicnews.com/?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=57
There are more write ups due for the group. This October, BEYOND RACE will print a profile, and soon after that, SKOPE will be joining in. Cevin is finishing a movie, THE WAR ON KIDS, which is about today's failing public education system. He recently produced an R-rated cartoon, CAPTAIN STICKMAN VERSUS THE COLOR BLACK with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh and the Connells’ Doug MacMillan as voices. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmJazxI9Rfw
There are now two new videos from The Love Kills Theory. Media release is below, and you can watch those at http://www.myspace.com/lovekillstheory!
For immediate release:
THE LOVE KILLS THEORY Releases Two Videos: “Suicide Girls” and “The Love Kills Theory” from THE LOVE KILLS THEORY album, HAPPY SUICIDE JIM.
Alt rock/punk band The Love Kills Theory has two new videos. Recently produced is “Suicide Girls,” which is an animated project created by Julie Lopez, an up-and-coming animator based in California. "Suicide Girls" is about addiction to TV, computers or any other device that produces a simulacrum of "reality."
The other video is The Love Kills Theory,” which is a song on the group’s album, HAPPY SUICIDE JIM. The video shows the pretty French Maids dusting one another and—ultimately -- having a pretty messy pillow fight. The maids represent the opiate spectacle for the masses and serve as exploited representations of seductive diversion. The video also includes excerpts of fights on the street, images from HAPPY SUICIDE JIM’s graphics, and quotes from the song, “The Love Kills Theory.”
Cevin directed The Love Kills Theory video, and Frenchmaidtv.com supplied the “maids for it, I knew that French Maid TV had a following and also had a great approach and sense of humor. Tim Street has since posted the video on several sites where I have also posted the video, but he gets 10,000 times as many viewers!" Therefore, look for the video as “The Love Kills Theory” at myspace.com/lovekillstheory, smartvideo.com, revver.com, singingfool.com, musicspectrum.com, youtube.com.
Ultimately everysong on HAPPY SUICIDE JIM will be turned into a video.
The Love Kills Theory video has just hit #21 on the MV SPY video charts at www.mvspy.com. In addition the group was a recent featured artist on both ARTISTDirectnetwork’s and ReverbNation’s homepages. In an article for the UK’s DIESEL magazine, Giuseppe Fabulosso expressed how she was a convert to the Love Kills Theory's well, defined philosophical belief that society's pursuits for indulgences makes us soulless consumers. She noted that Cevin Soling (whose first name is pronounced Kevin”) is the driving force of the group, and he “takes some comfort from the fact that ‘if we succumb to the allure of commodity fetishism and become hopelessly bound to an existence of inescapable alienation,’ at least he warned us. I reckon we would do well to heed his warning and I totally dig the video…."
The Love Kills Theory is--indeed--the only band to espouse a coherent and fully developed philosophy. It is based on an amalgam of the works of Guy Debord, founder of Situationist International, Aldous Huxley, and others, fused with the current bio-genetic studies on the evolution of despair.
THE LOVE KILLS THEORY lyrics
The world's at odds with our genetic make up
Were taught to sleep, but not to wake up
Things we buy are the things we hold dearly.
We're in love with the love kills theory.
Something's wrong but you just can't name it
Cream once rose, but now the dregs are famous
You want to see, but your vision is bleary
Your eyes are fixed on the love kills theory.
We chain ourselves to a faceless past
Cling hard to things that do not last
Cultural stasis is our fight sincerely
‘cause we live in the love kills theory
When you wonder why all good is fading
Things you're wanting become things you're hating
What sustained you now makes you weary
You're addicted to the love kills theory.
http://www.cevinsoling.com
http://www.xemu.com
http://www.thelovekillstheory
http://myspace.com/lovekillstheory
There are more write ups due for the group. This October, BEYOND RACE will print a profile, and soon after that, SKOPE will be joining in. Cevin is finishing a movie, THE WAR ON KIDS, which is about today's failing public education system. He recently produced an R-rated cartoon, CAPTAIN STICKMAN VERSUS THE COLOR BLACK with Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh and the Connells’ Doug MacMillan as voices. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmJazxI9Rfw
There are now two new videos from The Love Kills Theory. Media release is below, and you can watch those at http://www.myspace.com/lovekillstheory!
For immediate release:
THE LOVE KILLS THEORY Releases Two Videos: “Suicide Girls” and “The Love Kills Theory” from THE LOVE KILLS THEORY album, HAPPY SUICIDE JIM.
Alt rock/punk band The Love Kills Theory has two new videos. Recently produced is “Suicide Girls,” which is an animated project created by Julie Lopez, an up-and-coming animator based in California. "Suicide Girls" is about addiction to TV, computers or any other device that produces a simulacrum of "reality."
The other video is The Love Kills Theory,” which is a song on the group’s album, HAPPY SUICIDE JIM. The video shows the pretty French Maids dusting one another and—ultimately -- having a pretty messy pillow fight. The maids represent the opiate spectacle for the masses and serve as exploited representations of seductive diversion. The video also includes excerpts of fights on the street, images from HAPPY SUICIDE JIM’s graphics, and quotes from the song, “The Love Kills Theory.”
Cevin directed The Love Kills Theory video, and Frenchmaidtv.com supplied the “maids for it, I knew that French Maid TV had a following and also had a great approach and sense of humor. Tim Street has since posted the video on several sites where I have also posted the video, but he gets 10,000 times as many viewers!" Therefore, look for the video as “The Love Kills Theory” at myspace.com/lovekillstheory, smartvideo.com, revver.com, singingfool.com, musicspectrum.com, youtube.com.
Ultimately everysong on HAPPY SUICIDE JIM will be turned into a video.
The Love Kills Theory video has just hit #21 on the MV SPY video charts at www.mvspy.com. In addition the group was a recent featured artist on both ARTISTDirectnetwork’s and ReverbNation’s homepages. In an article for the UK’s DIESEL magazine, Giuseppe Fabulosso expressed how she was a convert to the Love Kills Theory's well, defined philosophical belief that society's pursuits for indulgences makes us soulless consumers. She noted that Cevin Soling (whose first name is pronounced Kevin”) is the driving force of the group, and he “takes some comfort from the fact that ‘if we succumb to the allure of commodity fetishism and become hopelessly bound to an existence of inescapable alienation,’ at least he warned us. I reckon we would do well to heed his warning and I totally dig the video…."
The Love Kills Theory is--indeed--the only band to espouse a coherent and fully developed philosophy. It is based on an amalgam of the works of Guy Debord, founder of Situationist International, Aldous Huxley, and others, fused with the current bio-genetic studies on the evolution of despair.
THE LOVE KILLS THEORY lyrics
The world's at odds with our genetic make up
Were taught to sleep, but not to wake up
Things we buy are the things we hold dearly.
We're in love with the love kills theory.
Something's wrong but you just can't name it
Cream once rose, but now the dregs are famous
You want to see, but your vision is bleary
Your eyes are fixed on the love kills theory.
We chain ourselves to a faceless past
Cling hard to things that do not last
Cultural stasis is our fight sincerely
‘cause we live in the love kills theory
When you wonder why all good is fading
Things you're wanting become things you're hating
What sustained you now makes you weary
You're addicted to the love kills theory.
http://www.cevinsoling.com
http://www.xemu.com
http://www.thelovekillstheory
http://myspace.com/lovekillstheory
What's up with Tower of Power!!!!!
Tower of Power have tons of tour dates between now and the end of the year, plus there'll be many next year. The group is also, finally, almost done with its upcoming CD which is a soul covers album. Songs include a James Brown medley, plus songs from Aretha Franklin, the Watts 103rd Street Band, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye songs…. I'll be working it next year.
On the subject of tradition, soul, and—of course--cool, long time San Francisco photographer Bruce Steinberg’s set up a virtual photo gallery of his classic photos of Tower of Power, plus he has links to artists he's shot, including Janis Joplin—some photos that you'll recognize. He's shot Sly, Larry Graham, the Pointer Sisters, Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters, Eddie Henderson and Tony Williams; John Lee Hooker, Sons of Champlin, Papa John Creach, Elvin Bishop, and Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers.
http://www.brucesteinberggallery.com
Here are dates for Tower of Power through the end of the year. As local shows are added, I'll be letting folks in those areas know.
October 5th, 6th, 7th: SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO, LAS VEGAS
October 12: HOUSE OF BLUES, ATLANTIC CITY
October 13: TOAD'S PLACE, RICHMOND, VA
October 14: THE BIRCHMERE, ALEXANDRIA, VA
October 15: RAMS HEAD, ANNAPOLIS, MD
October 17: THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, RIDGEFIELD, CT
October 18: COUNT BASIE THEATRE, RED BANK, NJ
October 19, 20: MOHEGAN SUN CASINO’S WOLF DEN, UNCASVILLE, CT
October 22: CENTRE SQUARE, KITCHENER, ONTARIO
October 23: ROSE THEATER, BRAMPTON, ONTARIO
October 24: BROCK UNIVERSITY, ST. CATHERINES, ONTARIO
October 25: RIVER RUN CENTER, GUELPH, ONTARIO
October 26: LIVING ARTS CENTER, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
October 27: OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, OAKVILLE, ONTARIO
October 29: MARKHAM THEATRE ANTHONY ROMAN CENTRE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO
November 30: MAMITAS BEACH, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
December 7: RED ROBINSON THEATER, COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA
December 13 thru 16: JAZZ ALLEY, SEATTLE, WA
http://www.towerofpower.com
On the subject of tradition, soul, and—of course--cool, long time San Francisco photographer Bruce Steinberg’s set up a virtual photo gallery of his classic photos of Tower of Power, plus he has links to artists he's shot, including Janis Joplin—some photos that you'll recognize. He's shot Sly, Larry Graham, the Pointer Sisters, Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters, Eddie Henderson and Tony Williams; John Lee Hooker, Sons of Champlin, Papa John Creach, Elvin Bishop, and Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers.
http://www.brucesteinberggallery.com
Here are dates for Tower of Power through the end of the year. As local shows are added, I'll be letting folks in those areas know.
October 5th, 6th, 7th: SUNCOAST HOTEL & CASINO, LAS VEGAS
October 12: HOUSE OF BLUES, ATLANTIC CITY
October 13: TOAD'S PLACE, RICHMOND, VA
October 14: THE BIRCHMERE, ALEXANDRIA, VA
October 15: RAMS HEAD, ANNAPOLIS, MD
October 17: THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE, RIDGEFIELD, CT
October 18: COUNT BASIE THEATRE, RED BANK, NJ
October 19, 20: MOHEGAN SUN CASINO’S WOLF DEN, UNCASVILLE, CT
October 22: CENTRE SQUARE, KITCHENER, ONTARIO
October 23: ROSE THEATER, BRAMPTON, ONTARIO
October 24: BROCK UNIVERSITY, ST. CATHERINES, ONTARIO
October 25: RIVER RUN CENTER, GUELPH, ONTARIO
October 26: LIVING ARTS CENTER, MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO
October 27: OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE ARTS, OAKVILLE, ONTARIO
October 29: MARKHAM THEATRE ANTHONY ROMAN CENTRE, MARKHAM, ONTARIO
November 30: MAMITAS BEACH, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
December 7: RED ROBINSON THEATER, COQUITLAM, BRITISH COLUMBIA
December 13 thru 16: JAZZ ALLEY, SEATTLE, WA
http://www.towerofpower.com
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