WDFH FM 90.3 to Inaugurate New Studio w/ Musical Performances, March 12

Dania Abu-Shaheen on WDFH's New Studio Launch, March 12

Contact information (not for publication): Marc Sophos
marc@wdfh.org
212-924-9833 or 914-674-0900 ext. 58 after 3:00 p.m.

pdf: http://wdfh.org/press_releases/2011-01-31-studiolaunch.pdf
doc: http://wdfh.org/press_releases/2011-01-31-studiolaunch.doc

WDFH, community public radio for the lower Hudson valley, will inaugurate its new studio with a special broadcast of live performances by musicians from our region. The broadcast will take place on Saturday, March 12, starting at 8:00 p.m.

WDFH's long history has resembled a roller coaster. Marc Sophos, the station's founder, spent about 20 years -- starting in 1973, when he was a student at Dobbs Ferry High School -- to secure the station's broadcast license from the FCC. Since WDFH's first broadcast in 1995, the station has built studios and then lost them twice, most recently in 2006. Its transmitter has been shuttled from location to location. The station was even forced off the air entirely for nearly a year in the late 1990s.

But recent events have enabled WDFH to rise from the ashes. In January
2009, the station completed a 7-1/2 year project to expand its FM
signal, increasing the number of potential listeners to 400,000, forty
times more than it could reach earlier. In 2010, a donation from a
community minded supporter enabled the station to acquire space to build
a new studio. The studio, completed in September, includes vastly
upgraded equipment from the studios of WQXR, donated to WDFH in 2010 by
The New York Times after the legendary classical music station was sold
to WNYC. This is the first time in the station's entire history that it
has had a viable signal and a studio at the same time. Mr. Sophos
started training volunteers in the studio during the fall, and just
recently, the first live broadcasts on WDFH since 2006 took place.

"This is a very exciting time for us," said Vinny Cohan, a longtime WDFH
volunteer who hosts a music program on Saturday evenings at 9:00.
"We've spent the past few years laying the groundwork, and it's
thrilling that the pieces are finally coming together to create this new
beginning." Mr. Cohan and fellow program hosts Dave Foster (Tuesdays at
7:00 p.m.) and John Dyer (Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.) share their deep
knowledge and play music from WDFH's library of more than 100,000
recordings. These programs are repeated at various times during the
week. The station broadcasts a freeform mix of rock, folk, blues, and
jazz, and plans to introduce new music hosts in the coming months.

Mr. Sophos said that in an age when musical entertainment has moved to
computerized radio stations and online services, it's refreshing to hear
the occasional crackle of vinyl records and to realize that there's a
real human being choosing the music personally. "It's a rarity these
days," he said. "Many radio stations today broadcast a song rotation
chosen by a computer and played off a hard drive. That's part of the
reason that many people have turned to online music; they figure that if
radio isn't giving them music chosen thoughtfully, they might as well
customize their own playlists. But something really important has been
lost, and I think that a lot of people are starting to realize that.
We're a proud throwback to an earlier age, when radio meant records and
CDs and a real person carefully choosing what music to play. We curate
our presentation of music in the way that a museum curator creates an
exhibit -- with a human touch. Computers can't do that."

While the station is working to increase the number of volunteer music
program hosts, it is also creating new public affairs programs. On
January 19, it launched Village Green, a new weekly program about
environmental sustainability hosted by Maxine Margo Rubin. It has just
started work on a program that will give voice to LGBT youth. More
original programming is in the planning stages. Continuing public
affairs programs include Recovery Talk, hosted by journalist Robyn
Leary; the show explores recovery from addiction, trauma, illness,
domestic violence, and more. In Focus, a local news discussion program
hosted by WDFH veterans Jane Botticelli and Mr. Cohan, features in-depth
reporting by Gary Cahill, the publisher and editor of The Gazette. The
show focuses on Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, and Croton. WDFH
is now exploring possibilities for the expansion of the program to cover
a wider range of communities. The station also carries public affairs
programs from independent producers and the Pacifica Radio Network,
including the daily news programs Democracy Now and Free Speech Radio News.

The live inaugural broadcast on March 12 will mark WDFH's official
celebration of its new beginning. Musical guests will include the
critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Jann Klose, who will be making
his debut on WDFH. He has performed with or opened for Annie Haslam and
Renaissance, Marty Stuart, Willy Porter, Pete Seeger, Melissa Ferrick,
Marshall Crenshaw, Rosanne Cash, and Les Paul. Also performing will be
Starnes&Shah, the duo of Zilpha Starnes and Dania Abu-Shaheen, joined by
bassist Nick LaBate. Ms. Abu-Shaheen has performed several times on
WDFH, first with her three-piece combo including Sarah Nurbhai on violin
and Matt Noble on bass and later with her band The Antics.

"We're delighted to have this chance to showcase musicians from our
local area," said Mr. Sophos. "We have some very good public radio
stations with signals that can be heard in our area, but their
programming focus is elsewhere. WDFH is based right here in the lower
Hudson valley, our volunteer staff comes from here, and our programming
is intended to serve our local interests, not those of the city."

He added, "Visits from musicians were a regular part of our programming,
but when we lost our studio in 2006, everything came to a stop. Now
that our new studio is up and running, we'll be working to regain our
position as a leading forum for live performances and in-depth interviews."

In addition to Ms. Abu-Shaheen, the roster of musical guests who have
appeared at WDFH includes the actor and folksinger Dominic Chianese,
known for his roles in The Godfather Part II and on HBO's The Sopranos;
jazz musicians Theo Bleckmann and Ben Monder; Rachelle Garniez; David
Bennett Cohen of Country Joe and the Fish; Susan Kane, Dave Goldman, and
others from Tribes Hill; the Tony Rivera Band; Chicago bluesman
Fruteland Jackson; The Almost Original Synthetic Swampgrass Jug-Band;
Josh Holmes; Elisa Peimer; The Shermans; Real Live Girl; Alex Sweeton;
Bethany Yarrow; Don Brewer; Melanie; synthesizer gurus Richard Lainhart
and Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater and the supergroup Liquid Tension
Experiment; and others.

WDFH, which is nonprofit, noncommercial, and powered by volunteers, is
supported by tax-deductible contributions from the public and local
businesses. It is working to develop other funding sources as well, and
once it reaches $100,000 in local funding, it plans to apply for grants
from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The live broadcast on March 12 will be attended by an invited audience
of WDFH's friends and supporters. A limited number of invitations will
be offered to new donors who make tax-deductible contributions of $150
or more. Mr. Sophos said that the station is encouraging people to
donate early because space at the March 12 broadcast is limited.

About WDFH

WDFH is the lower Hudson valley's only community public radio station.
The station's parent organization is Hudson Valley Community Radio,
Inc., a local nonprofit organization that is tax exempt under Section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. WDFH is an affiliate of the
Pacifica Radio Network and is the lower Hudson valley's on-air source
for Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News. The station can be heard
at 90.3 FM in central and northern Westchester and eastern Rockland. It
can also be heard anywhere online at http://wdfh.org. A separate audio
stream is optimized for iPhones and other mobile devices.

Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to WDFH at 21 Brookside Lane,
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 10522. Contributions can also be made online through
wdfh.org.

WDFH is also seeking volunteers to create programming and work behind
the scenes. Anyone interested in joining the staff should visit
wdfh.org and click on the "volunteer" link.

##

Anne Leighton's MY BRAIN, THE PARK AND OTHER THINGS

A heads up that my poetry and prose book, MY BRAIN, THE PARK AND OTHER THINGS will be published in July 2011.

The web page for it is up, and includes this downloadable flyer that you can share with friends and art lovers!

Here's the site: http://workinggalrockandroll.blogspot.com.

Jann Klose on Grammy-nominated album, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT

Singer-songwriter Jann Klose is part of a Grammy-nominated album put together and marketed by a coalition of musicians, poets, childrens health experts, entrepreneurs, and-- of course-- album producers. The album, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT is up for a Grammy in the category: "Best Spoken Word Album For Children." http://www.grammy.com/nominees.

The album's producers, Kevin Mackie, Jim Cravero, Paula Lizzi, and Steve Pullara assembled the 60-track, 2-record set (and digital release) over the course of two years. Other acts who contributed to the release include: Russell Simmons, Uncle Floyd, Julian Lennon, Michael O'Keefe, Tyler Grady, Tom Chapin, Sweet Honey In the Rock, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Moby, Trout Fishing In America, and Sara Hickman.

Everyone donated their time and talents to create this album, and are assisting the project's publicist Paula Lizzi in spreading the word about the album's release. All the profits from this project will go to the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food; www.healthyschoolfood.org. And the album has already made a profit with Midwest Books picking it up for distribution before the nominations.

There will be a CD release and fundraiser at the New York City studio of famed artist Peter Max on Friday, January 28. Tickets are $25, and available through the web site. http://healthyfoodforthought.com.

Klose's involvement comes from the heart, "I've grown up and traveled a lot in my lifetime already and see that people everywhere struggle with eating right. I think it's something we have to work very hard on. I personally try to cook as much as possible, using fresh and as many unprocessed foods as possible. It makes a big difference in taste alone!"

The Washington Post writes, “Klose wins over the listener with his soaring voice, which may well be a staple of chamber pop for a long time to come.”

A citizen of the world, Jann Klose has lived on three continents, making his home in the melting pot that is New York City. Before coming to the United States as an exchange student in Cleveland, Ohio, he lived in Germany, Kenya, and South Africa. During the course of his career, Klose has worked live or in the studio with artists ranging from pioneers like Pete Seeger and Les Paul to classic rockers like Roger (The Byrds) McGuinn, and Annie (Renaissance) Haslam to major country stars like Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart, to award winning mentors like voice teacher David Gooding and producers Marlon Graves, and Stewart Lerman. He warranted endorsements from Martin Guitars and L.R. Baggs. WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie, Rock Hall inductee Joey Reynolds and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson have all personally lent a helping hand in his career.

In addition to the Grammy-nominated HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT, Klose's music has been heard on MTV's Cribs, the soundtrack to the Paul Sorvino film Dead Broke, or seen and heard him in touring companies of The Who's Tommy, Jekyll & Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar. He also has released three albums and two EPs, which can be heard around the world, on over 130 FM stations and Sirius XM in the U.S., the BBC in England to Prambors Radio in Indonesia. In the past half year, thousands have viewed (and reposted) Jann's remarkable video for DOING TIME, now featured on AOL/Spinner. Watch the video at www.youtube.com/jannklose

Time Out New York succinctly explained, “Jann Klose writes warm, hooky pop music.” The Advance Wire Service states: “The first thing that's totally unmistakable about Jann Klose is that voice - which is just light years beyond that of the typical singer-songwriter … a sound that is classy, distinctive and often irresistible.”

Jann Klose is available for interviews on his music, contribution to the album and ways he's helped his friends fight obesity.

Contact for HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Paula Lizzi:
215-620-0086
plizzi@comcast.net

JESSIE GALANTE HEADING BACK TO EUROPE

Looking forward to dates in Netherlands and Italy supporting her latest album, Spitfire
 
While Jessie Galante might have earned the title of Buffalo’s First Lady of Rock, more than half the dates she has played over the last decade helped set Europe on fire, particularly the Netherlands and Hungary.  In support of her latest release, the rocking, ultra-soulful Spitfire, she’s heading back over the pond from New York to revisit some of her favorite stages and spread the love to some new ones.

Made from the same mold as Janis Jopin, Tina Turner, and Nancy Wilson (of Heart), Jessie tears up a stage and takes no prisoners live. And scores of those prisoners over the past ten years were taken in the Netherlands and Budapest.

As befits Buffalo’s First Lady of Rock, Jessie was raised in Buffalo, NY.  In her late teens she joined the band Actor.  They had a hit with the song “Checkin’ Out.” Actor remains a Buffalo legend, and you can still hear “Checkin’ Out” on some that City's radio stations.

After a short stint in Los Angeles, which included Michael Wagener's production of her band Fire and a recording that found its way all over the world including reviews and radio airplay, like on Piccadilly Radio, England,and Radio Flash 97.6, Italy. Jessie came back to Buffalo, and there she hooked up with producer/engineer Larry Swist. Swist's incredible career has seen him helming the studio with artists ranging from Ike and Tina Turner to Sly and the Family Stone, Spryo Gyra to Foreigner’s Lou Gramm. He saw that, “Her extraordinary stage presence and ability to explode with excitement in performance makes ‘The Jessie Experience” the real deal.”

Jessie’s next move was to conquer Europe.  She moved to the Netherlands, and played festivals and clubs and opening for National bands like Golden Earring. Jessie's band in the Netherlands is comprised of musicians previously with the Dutch national band Volumia. She built a huge fan base and earned tons of media attention, throughout the Netherlands and Hungary.  Radio host Hubert Van Hoof of Netherland’s L1 Radio compared her to rockin’ soul greats Chaka Kahn and Mother’s Finest lead vocalist Joyce Kennedy.  Even when she moved back to the United States, Jessie spends a good portion of each year in Europe.

“My audiences in Europe are incredibly enthusiastic,” Jessie says.  “We’ve made a heart to heart connection.”
 
The musicians on “Spitfire” epitomize this cosmopolitan attitude, as well. She recorded with American musicians, who previously played with artists ranging  from Lenny Kravitz to Anastacia, Everlast to Joss Stone and Billy Joel, and the European artists who comprise her band during her annual trips there.  Swist co-produced the album with eight-time Grammy-award winner Mick Guzauski (mixed Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Anastacia, KISS, Celine Dion, Earth Wind & Fire).
 
The result is an album made to cross borders. Musical borders like soul and rock disappear on songs like the title track and merge on her cover of Gladys Knights “(I’ve Got To Use) My Imagination." International borders crumble like the Berlin Wall on “Get Away,” co-written with her Hungarian guitarist Peter Raso.

What brings all these people, energy, sounds and other musical elements together?  Simply Jessie Galante’s incredible voice and amazing stage presence.  Anyone who’s heard her gets hooked on the passion, power, and puissance of her voice, just as she’s hooked on singing.  “Some people crave chocolate, I need to sing,” she explains. “The physical energy of singing is an extreme act for me.  In fact, it’s a fix.”
 
Give her a listen and get the addiction.
 

RIP Gerry Rafferty, from the Strawbs' and Stealers Wheel Rod Coombes

From Rod Coombes on behalf of bandmates (Tony Williams, Paul Pilnick) in Stealers Wheel.


"It is very sad that Gerry has passed. He had a long hard battle with alcoholism. Gerry was a consummate craftsman and gave a lot to the music world.

He leaves a brilliant legacy as a songwriter, so in his life he achieved
that. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his daughter Martha, his
granddaughter Celia and brother Jim."

Full story about Gerry Rafferty's life and passing at http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jan/04/gerry-rafferty-obituary

IAN ANDERSON'S OUT OF THIS WORLD FLUTE DUET

Stay tuned for Ian Anderson playing a unique flute duet live with NASA's Colonel Cady, who--AT 14.09 (2:09) EST heads off tonight on mission 26 to the ISS where she will rendezvous with Ian's flute which went up on a Russian supply rocket a few weeks ago. Says Ian, "We plan to play together - a space duet - in the New Year. Maybe Gagarin day - the 50th Anniversary of the first man in space on the 12th April."

The Revolution in Music, Space, and Air will be Televised on NASA TV.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html?param=public'

Anne Leighton on Grammy-Nominated Album

I'm on an album, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT that was nominated for a Grammy in “Best Spoken Word Album for Children.” Also on the album is my artist Jann Klose, and former client Uncle Floyd, plus friends Beatle Bob, Michael O'Keefe, radio host Gene Shay, plus Moby, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Julian Lennon, and Tom Chapin. The album's creators are Kevin Mackie, and producers Jim Cravero, Paula Lizzi & Steve Pullara. It took Kevin and company over two years to put together this album. It is very well done.

http:www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2010&genre=4

http:healthyfoodforthought.com

On January 28, there'll be a record release party for HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT at Peter Max Studios, in New York City for The New York Coalition for School Food. I'LL BE PERFORMING AND WILL HAVE JOE DENINZON ON MANDOLIN, ACCOMPANYING ME!!! I am also bringing Jahmane Bright, who is my co-producer for my album, and he would love to meet you. That's my posse. I also understand Jann Klose is bringing his posse as he's performing at this event. Acclaimed-jazz clarinetist Oran Etkin will also be on stage.
Mr. Oran Etkin showing and playing his clarinet for kids! http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcmlwSeWko8
Contact for HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Paula Lizzi at soulcomfort@aol.com

Jim McCarty's SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME

Jim McCarty, photo by Chris Dreja

Jim McCarty's SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME features instruments and a chamber pop influence courtesy of flautist Ron Korb and pianist Donald Quan, guitarist Ray Hickey and bassist George Koller, plus guest guitarists Steve Hackett and Jean-Michel Kajdan (who, in addition to his exhaustive credits, was the Yardbirds guitarist for the 2008 French tour), and pianist Lou Pomanti.

Of course a debate could be made for Jim as one of the bearers of this progressive pop style of music, in addition to co-creating the Yardbirds. This drummer/singer/songwriter also co-founded Renaissance, Illusion and Stairway-- all important orchestral rock and pop bands.

Jim started the album at home, but had limitations in his studio, so he connected with Jason Relf (younger son of the late Keith Relf, who-of course— founded Renaissance with Jim). Jason is a studio wiz and teacher, and came to Jim's home in France to install a “state-of-the art” digital system. “The great thing with the system was that there was no limit to the number of ideas I could record, so I could put every one of them down, without judgment.”

With some basic tracks together, in June 2006, Jim went to Toronto, Canada and recorded in Quan's studio, Q Music. “There seemed to be a good group of session players available, very much like in London in the ‘60s and thanks to Ron, I soon had a good team together: Ron, Donald, Ray, and George.”

“It was a magical day for me, when all of a sudden my ideas from France came to life in a new way, each of the musicians adding their particular influence.” Each time Jim toured the States with the Yardbirds, he would go to Toronto to make more tracks on SITTING ON THE TOP OF TIME.

Online sources: Song Facts' Carl Wiser interviews Jim on his insights of making music through the years and his spirituality. http://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/jim_mccarty_of_the_yardbirds/

Track by track analysis on MUSIC STREET JOURNAL, http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=102799

Music video created by fan of Jim's song, “The Outsider.” Lots of beautiful sites to come into your mind. Enjoy the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ5QrrfRWXQ

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drummersingersongwriter-Jim-McCarty-of-the-Yardbirds-and-Renaissance/122296587811690
http://www.jimmccarty.co.uk

Introducing JESSIE GALANTE

Album cover of Jessie Galante's SPITFIRE

Jessie is a dynamic and gifted singer who I've admired for years. I'm honored to be working with her-we're pals, gals and have a real gung-ho attitude about rock & roll. We're both from Buffalo-Jessie was “the first lady of rock,” and I was the first rock woman on middays in Buffalo radio.

Jessie's also played in Holland, Belgium, Hungary, Italy. She's rhythm & blues influenced rock akin to Janis Joplin, Ike and Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz. Jessie's soulful "no apologies passion" signature sound folds together a fierce beauty, charged strength and graceful drama.

She's a determined singer, and her album, SPITFIRE reflects her energetic and unpredictable personality. It includes a cover of Gladys Knight's “Got to Use My Imagination.”

SPITFIRE features Hungarian and American musicians (bassist Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz, Joss Stone), drummer Frank Ferrier (Psychedelic Furs, Guns 'n' Roses), guitarist Rob Bailey (Billy Joel, Mandy Moore) and popular players from Hungary; guitarist Janos Szucs and Peter Raso, bassist Tibor Ferenczi, and drummer Janos Takacs. Janos and Janos, Peter, Tibor are in her European band.

Live, Jessie's band features guitarists Angus Clark (Kitaro, TS0, Anna Phoebe) and Jeff McErlain, Jason Gianni (Eric Martin, in bands with members of Tower of Power and members of the Escovedo family), and bassist Pemberton Roach (hundreds of bands).

SPITFIRE was produced by double platinum producer Larry Swist (Lou Gramm, Spyro Gyra, Ike and Tina Turner) and eight-time Grammy award winner multi-platinum mixer Mick Guzauski (Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Anastacia, Kiss, Celine Dion, Earth Wind and Fire).

Netherlands DJ Hubert Van Hoof compared Jessie's performance to Chaka Kahn and Joyce Kennedy of Mother's Finest and a concert promoter in Holland enthusiastically proclaimed, “Jessie is a major victory for live entertainment in Europe!”

LET IT ROCK's Dmitry Epstein writes, “ Ms Galante's no slouch when it comes to go flaming… Blame the temper and the love to music on her Sicilian roots, but it's the combustible combination that's hard not to fall for.”

There's a great interview with Jessie in MAXIMUM INK
http://www.maximumink.com/index.php/articles/permalink/jessie_galante

Jessie Galante's powerful, life affirming video “No Fool No More.” What parts of the world are in this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWsF8ru5X_k

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessie-Galante/74683638509
http://www.jessiegalante.com

Joe Deninzon Trio Release EXUBERANCE

“If the violin has a future in Jazz and Rock, it is with Joe Deninzon.”
-Relix Magazine

Progressive jazz violinist Joe Deninzon, is honored to announce the release of EXUBERANCE. Recorded with bassist Robert Bowen, and guitarist Stephen Benson, EXUBERANCE is the essence of three musicians in a room, playing live with no overdubs or production; a completely raw experience.

The group draws influences from jazz stylists including the gypsy explorations of Django Reinhardt and the hot swing of violinist Stephane Grappelli along with rock and pop standards of the past 40 years including songs by Steely Dan, Alice in Chains, Jimmy Webb and Radiohead. A few choice covers by Radiohead (“The Tourist”), Alice in Chains (“Heaven Beside You”), Steely Dan (“Bodhissatva”) and Fat's Waller's “Jitterbug Waltz” show just how wide the group's range goes.

One of the group's original songs, “Sun Goes Down” (featuring Luba on lead vocals), has been featured in the independent film, “What's Up Scarlet?” and a recent winner in the Jazz category of the Billboard and John Lennon International Songwriting Contests.

The album is also a tribute to Robert Bowen, who was killed when a car struck him as he rode his bike in Manhattan late August. Live, the band performs with bassists who were friends with Robert, plus drummer Luciana Padmore (from Joe's band Stratospheerius). The group has donated some of its earnings and CD sales to Robert's children.

Best known for his work on the 7-string electric violin and lead singing with the rock group Stratospheerius, Joe Deninzon plays acoustic violin in this Trio. Joe has performed as a solo violinist with the New York City Ballet, and on album or in concert with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Jane Monheit, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, and Les Paul. A 10-time BMI Jazz Composer's grant recipient and a winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, his original music has been used on CMT, MTV VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel and the History Channel.


Band http://joedeninzongroup.bandcamp.com/album/exuberance

Joe Deninzon Group “Wichita Lineman” video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atAb_DbG7ao

http://www.joedeninzon.com

JANN KLOSE ON INVENTING A PERSONAL MUSIC BUSINESS THAT WORKS

Photo of Jann and Chris Marolf live in Youngstown by Heather Rebecca Heath

Pop Singer/Songwriter Available for Interviews on Unique Approach to the Business of Making Music


In an age when most music professionals are seeking to "re-invent" the troubled music industry, Jann Klose has developed a paradigm that works.

In the two years since the 2008 release of Jann's third full-length album, REVERIE, the songwriter has recouped recording costs a bit more than three times over. Beyond that, he has earned the respect of his peers, fans, and critics as a singer, musician, and songwriter. You can hear his work on TV, in movies, online, and via radio worldwide.

Jann's approach to building his career centers on principles of dialogue, cooperation, and commerce. This cooperative attitude includes the fans.

Jann and his team think both inside and outside "the box." They work “traditional” music business avenues, such as contacting the music industry media and venues. He also reaches out to regional and international leads in government, media, corporate, business, educational, and charitable organizations. He follows up with contacts that previously passed on his offerings. Unlike major labels that cease promotions of most releases within three months, his team continues to promote his career, and still campaigns for REVERIE.

He'll reach out to music lovers at conventions like NAMM through his endorsers LR Baggs Pickups and Martin Guitar. These companies have given Jann an enormous amount of support - most notably the opportunity to perform on stage with Rosanne Cash, Marty Stuart, and Roger McGuinn at Martin's 175th Anniversary Concert.

Jann's fans get as involved with his career as they are with his music. Among these fans is Renaissance vocalist Annie Haslam. Along with Renaissance's original keyboardist John Tout, they collaborated with him for a sold out show of the Sellersville Theater, in Pennsylvania. Haslam also invited Jann to open for the group's comeback tour in fall 2009, and he will open for Annie when she again plays Sellersville on December 18 and 19.

REVERIE was funded partly by fan support in a campaign Jann modeled after PBS' fundraising style. He's funding his forthcoming album the same way and calls the method The People Records Project. (http://www.peoplerecordsmusic.com), eschewing the new fan-sourced financing sites like Kickstarter, PledgeMusic, Indiegogo. He proved to be several steps ahead of them! His fan sourcing program includes: for a donation of $40, a fan can get Jann's favorite German recipe, hand-written. A birthday call is $75. Jann and his band will play a private concert in your living room (or any other room you choose, anywhere in the world) for $5000 + travel.

This universal strategy can be applied to all kinds of businesses. It just paid off as an album Jann appears on, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. Independent record producer Kevin Mackie created the album to help fight childhood obesity. He invited Jann to contribute a song, and also included recordings from Julian Lennon, Moby, Tom Chapin, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Uncle Floyd, and Michael O'Keefe. The CD's Production team developed a personal outreach strategy of awareness to the recording and encouraged music industry peers to listen to the album and consider it's recording qualities.

Jann's business partner is music services person Anne Leighton, publicist for classic rockers including such self-managed acts as The Yardbirds, Grand Funk Railroad, and Jethro Tull and Tull's leader, flautist, and vocalist Ian Anderson. Anderson networked Jann with Saori Jo who opened for Tull in 2008 and 2009. This resulted in Saori Jo and Jann planning to tour Germany in 2011.

Born in Germany, raised in Kenya and South Africa, Jann first came to the States as an exchange student in Cleveland, OH. After finishing his civil service in Germany, he returned to the US to start his career. Jann's music has been featured on MTV's Cribs and the soundtrack to the Paul Sorvino film Dead Broke. He performed in touring companies of Broadway shows such as The Who's Tommy, Jekyll & Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar. His three albums and two EPs can be heard around the world, on over 130 FM stations, Sirius XM in the U.S., the BBC in England and Prambors Radio in Indonesia.

Jann is available for interviews on this new means of funding a music career.


JANN KLOSE CONFIRMED TOUR DATES DEC. 2010 - JAN. 2011

December 7: NORTHWESTERN CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Winsted, CT
December 18, 19: SELLERSVILLE THEATER w/ ANNIE HASLAM Sellersville, PA
December 20: BRONXTALK, BronxNet TV, Bronx, NY
December 22: CLUB CAFÉ, Pittsburgh, PA
January 28: PETER MAX STUDIO, New York, NY
** CD release party for the Grammy-nominated album, HEALTHY FOOD FOR THOUGHT: GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
January 29 WDFH Fundraiser, Yonkers, NY
February 12: AN BEAL BOCHT, Bronx, NY

“Doing Time” video and live performances at http://www.youtube.com/jannklose
http://www.jannklose.com

Notes From Friends!

CLASSIC ROCK put Bruce Kulick's album, BK3 as one of their top 50 albums of 2010.
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/classic-rocks-top-50-albums-of-2010-so-far-part-one/

I would like to congratulate journalist Will Romano on his progressive rock book, MOUNTAINS COME OUT OF THE SKY; THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF PROG ROCK. He's included some of my artists (Ian Anderson, Martin Barre from Jethro Tull, David Cousins, John Hawken, Oliver Wakeman from the Strawbs. Former clients Tim Bogart from Vanilla Fudge and Dee Palmer, who you remember as David Palmer from Jethro Tull, are also in the book) in it. Publicity is being handled by Aaron Lefkove, marketing and publicity, at alefkove@halleonard.com .

ELLIOTT MURPHY TOURS DEC. 2010, THE MISTER LUCKY TOUR

http://www.elliottmurphy.com

Rock troubadour Elliott Murphy will be performing The Mister Lucky Tour this December 4 through the 12 with dates in New York City, Amagansett, NY, Bordentown, NJ, Piermont and Larchmont, NY. His band The Normandy All-Stars (guitarist Olivier Durand, drummer Alan Fatras, bassist Laurent Pardo will be on hand to rock).

Elliott Murphy first came to prominence over 35 years ago with the release of the now-more-relevant-than-ever album, AQUASHOW. That, along with NIGHT LIGHTS, LOST GENERATION, and JUST A STORY FROM AMERICA were played on mainstream radio throughout the United States. These albums were also picked up internationally, especially in Japan and Europe, where Elliott has found international stardom. 20 years ago he moved to France. At that point he last played the United States in 2000 at New York City's Bottom Line, and his last west coast dates were in 1996. In 2008, December, when his son Gaspard started studying at SUNY Purchase in New York, Elliott was invited to start performing in the States again.

Elliott has released 30 albums, his latest is NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND, which has received 5 stars on the prestigious music site, ALL MUSIC.COM. In 2011, look for his album, ELLIOTT MURPHY, which was produced by Gaspard Murphy.

Some of the musicians who've collaborated with Elliott on his recordings are Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, and the Rolling Stones' Mick Taylor. Elliott was also honored with a monumental exposition, LAST OF THE ROCK STARS-RETROSPECTIVE at Paris' Town Hall, and has been cited in literature in the work, SAVAGE DETECTIVES by the late Roberto Bolano, who now has a best-seller book called, 2666.

Elliott, who is already played on Sirius-XM's the LOFT, and was the subject of a story on an upcoming Bob Edwards' show on the satellite station. Recently he acted in the French movie "La Ligne Blanche."

Daily Variety's Stephen Mirkin writes that Elliott accompanied by guitarist Olivier Durand, performs "with an energetic intimacy. " THE WASHINGTON POST'S Christopher Porter notes, "Murphy engaged his campfire crowd with direct eye contact, making the evening's intimacy even more intense. His textured voice -- as with his songwriting, it's equal parts Bob Dylan, Lou Reed and Bruce Springsteen -- also exhibited tonal strength and beauty."

The Schenectady Gazette's Brian McElhiney says, "Murphy gives hungry cadre of stateside fans what they came for." Indeed the fans also are receiving more than their money's worth. One Boston fan blogged, "Murphy sang with the resilience of a survivor who will always continue to grow and change. His performance let us in on a taste of what his journey has been like. I know I felt changed by it. Murphy's show was a true rock 'n' roll baptism."

December 2010 Elliott Murphy Shows

Dec. 4: Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY
Dec. 8: Turning Point, Piermont, NY
Dec. 9: Record Collector, Bordentown, NJ
Dec. 11: Rockwood Stage 2, New York, NY
Dec. 12: Watercolor Cafe, Larchmont, NY

http://www.elliottmurphy.com

Joe Deninzon Group celebrates life of Bob Bowen, October 14

Concert Celebrates Life of Late Bassist Bob Bowen

The Joe Deninzon Group will be having a record release celebration for its new album, EXUBERANCE at the P&G Bar, 380 Columbus Avenue (at 78th Street),in New York City, on October 14, at 10 PM. Admission is free. The venue phone is 212-787-5150. The web site is http://pandgbar.com/. This concert marks the Trio's public debut in New York City, although the group has performed at a number of private functions over the years.

"It will be a celebration," says Deninzon, "because we're remembering Bob Bowen," the Trio's bassist, who passed on early September, after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in New York City.

Deninzon(violin) and Steve Benson (guitar), will have Bob Sabin (a friend of Bowen's) on bass plus drummer Luciana Padmore. There's be three sets--the last a late night jam with guest musicians. Bowen was a fixture on the local jazz scene. While admission is free, the sales of the EXUBERANCE CD at this event, plus donations to the tip jar will go to his two children. There've been a few fundraising concerts since his passing, and WKCR-New York presented a tribute to him.

Bowen played with Clark Terry, Lee Konitz, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Art Lande, Vassar Clemens, Roseanna Vitro, Mike Clark, Jack Wilkins, Eric Person's Metamorphosis, Tony Trischka and Joe Deninzon's rock group, Stratospheerious. He co-led the MOB Trio with drummer Matt Wilson and tenorman Ohad Talmor. Another collaborative project is Slog. Bob graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Music Composition from the University of Dayton, and studied in the classical double bass masters program at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and has a Masters degree in Jazz Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He was the bass instructor and director of the Jazz Combo Workshop at Hofstra University on Long Island NY, and helped develop the jazz prep program at the Center for Preparatory Studies in Music Queens College (CPSM), and the Manhattan-based Creative Music Workshop.

Bowen composed the album's title song "Exuberance In The Face Of Utter Anguish and Despair." The goal of the EXUBERANCE sessions was to capture the essence of three musicians in a room, playing live with no overdubs and a stripped down production. The Trio draws influence from jazz stylists including the gypsy explorations of Django Reinhardt and the hot swing of violinist Stephane Grappelli along with rock and pop standards of the past 50 years including compositions from Steely Dan, Alice in Chains, Radiohead, Jimmy Webb. “Sun Goes Down” (featuring Luba on lead vocals) is an original song by the trio that has been featured in the independent film, “What's Up Scarlet?” and a recent winner in the Jazz category of the Billboard and John Lennon International Songwriting Contests.

RELIX magazine wrote, “If the violin has a future in Jazz and Rock, it is with Joe Deninzon.” Best known for his work on the 7-string electric violin and as lead singer for STRATOSPHEERIUS, Deninzon has been called the "Jimi Hendrix of the elecric violin". He has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, and Les Paul. He has also performed as a solo violinist with the New York City Ballet. His original music has been used on CMT, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel and the History Channel.He has taught rock violin at Mark O'Conner's String Camp in New York, and is writing a book about the electric violin for Mel Bay Publications.

Guitarist Steve Benson is one of the most highly demanded Broadway and session guitarists in New York, being comfortable in a variety of musical settings including jazz, classical music, rock, rhythm and blues, Broadway, bluegrass, and Klezmer music. He has performed and/or recorded with Phoebe Snow, John Sebastian, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Natalie Cole , Giora Feidmand, Jackie McLean, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. The Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Lukes and the American Symphony Orchestra. He currently performs on Broadway in the orchestra pits of The Lion King, Chicago, Mary Poppins and Hair. He is on the jazz faculty at Montclair State University.

http://www.joedeninzon.com/joe-deninzon-jazz-trio.php
www.myspace.com/joedeninzontrio

JESSIE GALANTE'S BUFFALO MUSIC HALL OF FAME ACTIVITES INCLUDES INDUCTION ON OCTOBER 7 AND A PERFORMANCE AT THE SPORTSMAN TAVERN ON WEDNESDAY, OCT.6

Buffalo News focused on Jessie in advance of the Induction to the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.


The First Lady of Buffalo Rock, Jessie Galante will be on hand for a variety of activities in Buffalo this October.

On Wednesday, October 6, she will be performing at the Hall of Fame-sponsored "Writers in the Round" at The Sportsmen’s Tavern, 326 Amherst Street, in Buffalo. Also performing are Buffalo Music Hall of Famers Phil Dillon, Gretchen Schultz and Doug Marano. Admission is $10. The venue's web site is http://www.sportsmenstavern.net, and the phone is 716-874-7734.

Referred to as Buffalo’s “First Lady of Rock” in the 1980s with her band Actor, Jessie has been touring actively both in the States and in Europe. Actor's song "Checkin' Out" still finds airplay on Buffalo's classic rock station 97 Rock and she hosted the local music show, Buffalo Lix on the Fox in the '90s.

In Buffalo she connected with Spyro Gyra's producer Larry Swist, and he (along with 8-time Grammy winner Mick Gazauski) produced her current album, SPITFIRE, a powerful hard, old school R&B album that's finding attention from fans and media, and is a hit in Europe.

Jessie will be inducted into the BUFFALO MUSIC HALL of FAME on Thursday, October 7, 2010, at the Tralf Music Hall, 622 Main Street in Buffalo's downtown Theatre District. She'll also be performing "Checkin' Out" and a song from SPITFIRE. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show. There are special VIP tickets, as well, for $40 in advance and $50 day of. Please call 1-800-745-3000.

After the Induction ceremonies, Jessie will be at the Post-Gala All-Star Jam, at the Smith Theater, 658 Main Street, in downtown Buffalo, at 10 PM. Admission is a $5 donation, but free to those attending the Induction.

http://www.jessiegalante.com