Kwanzaa’s Pure Light Yocontalie Jackson & the Jennifer Tibbetts Singers gospel, percussion, flugelhorns piano, mid-tempo, spoken word and singing, female leadsinger & teenage children choir describes what Kwanzaa is and how it's related to "our African past." celebrate community & words that rhyme like unity, responsibility
Peace A Dream Robeone(instrumental, multi keyboards, including acoustic piano and synthesizers, notably a moog. instrumental, slow and steady tempo, flowy, mystical, adventures music starting with a piano and then a range of electronic keyboards
Why Can’t Everyday Be Like Christmas? - 3 versions: (punk hard rock), (mellow) (pop)Tangfemale vocals. Metal Punk, Fast drums, crunch guitar, female vocals. Mellow: gentle, lush song with stand out chimes, bells, violin, and viola, angels, stars shining, and bells ringing. Pop: Denny Colt sings in a sweet, girl-next door voice and range similar to Cassadee Pope’s or Emma Roberts.
Ave Maria Aeone / Stephen Melillo gentle soft, new age voice, like Clannad, an
alto Eva Cassidy with a classical orchestra. This is also available as an instrumental.
Warm, Lovin’ Christmastime Rob Bonfiglio Bouncy, Brian Wilson-y, from one of Brian AND
Carnie Wilson’s long-time musical partners.
In fact, Carnie and Rob have recorded this song, and so have Wilson
Phillips! All the imagery of mistletoe and writing our names in the snow!
New Lang Syne Dean Friedman mellow, piano, harmonica, male voice. reflective lyric about the end up the year with observations of champagne and drinking vessels and personal growth amongst the universe, love's affections & rejections.
Birthday Oh Birthday Michael
Veitchmale vocals, country-ROCK energy, dobro
guitars, birthday, birthday celebration, self-satisfied energy, a great day,
"will you start something new w/me?"
and at press time, only my music industry people will hear the upcoming Elliott Murphy Christmas song, "This Christmas I Want Less" is a plea for humanity.
“Peace A Dream” is the first single and music video from
the 8th and upcoming solo record from Robert Schindler (Robeone).
Robert is signed to Transglobal Records (The Orchard/Sony).
Robeone’s goal with his composition, “Peace A Dream” is to
bring peace of mind in these troubling times. The Video and music are meant to
carry you away to a peaceful place even just for a few minutes.”
Paul Miritello
praises “Peace A Dream” on YouTube, “What a wonderful piece of music,
puts me in a tranquil mood but with a bit of excitement thrown in for good
measure!! The landscape images and music meld together perfectly like a
beautiful little song book, fantastic work indeed Robert!!!”
Watch the
video at
Recently Robert performed at the ProgStock music festival to support The Bob Moog Foundation. Robert's last video, "Hollow" from his most recent album, "Dream Suite," won first place in Prog UK Magazine's Video of the Week.
Robert’s also been busy as a member of
Red32 on Melodic Revolution Records and Tony Romero’s Vortex Zen, plus Joe Mac’s American Garage. (MRR
Records). As a keyboardist, Robert’s played live with artists and bands
including States, Mayson, Blue Angel, Ruth Copeland, Ronnie Spector, Rhett
Tyler. His studio work has included working with Johnny Nash,
Star Cruiser, Rian Adkinson. Robert wrote and composed “The Fiery
Narrows-Following The Path of John Charles Fremont,” which received “The Filmmaker’s Choice Award”
in Wyoming Short Film contest. (View it at youtube.com/watch?v=-Ap5vZikS6s
).
Fans can buy a digital copy of the single on Bandcamp at:
Singer-songwriters Michael Veitch and Judy Kass are friends
living in the Hudson Valley. Both met in the Sage Arts program of writing songs
with Holocaust Survivors. Michael was one of the songwriters on the PBS-TV show,
“We Remember: Songs of Survivors.” The two co-wrote “April Fools.” which
appears on Michael Top 20 2021 Folk album, “Wachtraum.”
Michael and Judy have 2 concerts together on Nov. 4 and 5.
On November 4, the two will perform at The Peoples' Voice
Café, 239 Thompson St, in New York, NY 10012 · The venue phone is 212-787-3903.
Website is peoplesvoicecafe.org.
On November 5, at 6:30 PM, they can be seen at the Towne
Crier Café, 379 Main St, in Beacon, NY 12508.The phone number is 845-855-1300 and the website is townecrier.com.
Judy Kass draws in her
audience with soulful vocals, no-nonsense lyrical storytelling and
genre-bending exploration of guitar and piano. Her 2014 debut album, “Better
Things” and her 2016 CD, “Beyond the Ash and Steel” both received notable
airplay, appearing on the Folk DJ List of Top Albums for those years. An award-winning
songwriter, Judy can also be heard performing with Amy Soucy and Glen Roethel
in their harmony driven trio “Us!” (ustriomusic.com). She’s completing a new
album to be released in early 2024.
Michael Veitch is
thankful for how the folk community has helped him through the years. Judy
Collins covered his song “Veteran’s Day,” and he was mentored by both Shawn
Colvin and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. His latest album, “Wachtraum” (“wake
dream” in German) broke the top 20 on the Folk Radio Charts with “Valentine’s
Day” hitting number one. Previously his song, “Pledging Allegiance” reached #10
on the 2017 Folk/Americana charts. Michael appears on PBS’s “We Remember: Songs
of Survivors”– songwriters collaborating with Holocaust survivors. Michael’s
played a number of festivals, notably the Newport Folk Music Festival and
Kerrville.
Hard
Rock All-Stars Joins Western New York Talents on KISS Tribute Album
“Buffalo Rock City II” is coming October 31, 2023
to digital media and CD (via Bandcamp at LINK) and at “brick and mortar” retail
record stores.“BRC II” is the
sequel to the first “Buffalo Rock City,” the best KISS tribute album
ever made! Proceeds from the sales of "BRC II"are earmarked to the Maria Love Fund, a 501(c)3
charitable organization, providing immediate financial assistance to those in
need.
Lifelong KISS fan and KISS THIS! founder/guitarist, John
Jeffrey, has, once again, assembled a who’s who of artists, largely
representing the Western New York music scene.Among the artists are original “Buffalo Rock City" alumni: Shawn
Przybylak (drums), Gene Schmidt (guitar), Joe Teresi (guitar), Rock Rollain
(bass) and Nat Peace (vocals). "II" features WNY “newcomers”
to the studio project - Larry Kremer (drums), Kylie Velletta (vocals) &
Debbie Knight (who made her first "BRC" appearance on 2022's, "Buffalo
Rock City ALIVE!").The 2
headlining bands returning to “Buffalo Rock City II” album, are tribute
band, KISS THIS! and DoDriver, an all-original act, handpicked by KISS and
their manager Doc McGhee, to open for KISS on the Sonic Boom tour at Darien
Lake on August 13, 2010.
Another WNY artist bassist Billy Sheehan spearheads the list
of international rock artists contributing to the project. The album featuresJohn Corabi (vocals), Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), John
Gioeli (vocals), Jean
Beauvoir (vocals), Tommy
Henriksen (vocals), Tommy Denander (guitar), Howie Simon (guitar), Rafael
Moreira (guitar) Deen Castronovo (drums/vocals), Steve Blaze (guitar), Philip
Shouse (bass), Dave Comer (vocals) & Mitch Weissman (vocals). These
"celebrity guests" have toured and recorded with Ace Frehley, Alice
Cooper, Warlock, Accept, David Lee Roth, Hardline, Talas, KillSET, Gene
Simmons, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, The Hollywood Vampires, Lillian Axe, Winger,
Stryper, Tesla, Michael Jackson, Motley Crue, The Dead Daisies, The Ramones,
The Plasmatics, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Stanley, Soul Station and Beatlemania.
Mitch Weissman, who sang on “Buffalo Rock City,”
returns with his co-write with Gene Simmons, "What You See Is What You
Get."Originally demoed by Weissman
and Simmons for the 1987 Ron Nevison produced KISS album, "Crazy Nights,"
the Mitch and BCR’s producer John cleared 30-year old cobwebs to complete this
special song.
Making
an additional note in "KISStory," Jean Beauvoir plays a significant
role, recording a brand new version of "Who Wants To Be Lonely,"
which he originally contributed to KISS' 1985 release, "Asylum."
"Buffalo Rock City II" was mixed by
C.Wood (Brian McKnight, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, Leann Rimes, Lenny Kravitz,
Justin Timberlake, Kenny G & Slash) and David Julian.Julian is an established producer and
songwriter, who has written songs for Jack Russell (Great White) and Ace
Frehley.
Keeping in tradition with the great KISS album covers,
Kevin Conrad, the comic artist who penciled and inked the front cover of “Buffalo
Rock City,” created a masterpiece once again-- the front and back art for
"II."A life-long KISS
fan, Kevin’s most known for ink all 31 issues of Todd McFarlane’s "KISS -
Psycho Circus" comic book series. This new BCR II cover art depicts
the KISS members that the musicians in KISS THIS! portray and personify. The
cover is an homage to the iconic KISS "Love Gun" album artwork, featuring
Buffalo's Albright Knox Art Gallery as the centerpiece.
As the first album, “Buffalo Rock City” focused on
topical/non-cock rock KISS songs, it was decided that "Buffalo Rock
City II," while serving a greater purpose, would focus exclusively on
all the fun "love" themed songs in the catalog.
The first music video for the album, "Calling Dr. Love,"
filmed and directed by Joe Palumbo of Niagara River Pictures LLC) can be viewed
at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgvkZuy_C4s.
“Buffalo Rock City II" tracks:
"I Stole Your Love '89"(Johnny Gioeli & Howie Simon)
"Saint And Sinner" (DoDriver)
"Who Wants To Be Lonely"(Jean Beauvoir)
"Down On Your Knees"(John Corabi)
"Have Love Will Travel/Got Love For Sale'"
(Dave Comer)
The release of his single was inspired by Jim’s
recent book, "She Walks in Beauty," written with esteemed Rock journalist,
Dave Thompson. “My lastbook, ‘Nobody Told Me’, was the
story of the best days of my life, and a musical career that took me from a
holiday camp in the English west country to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland”
Jim explained. “This book, on the other hand, begins on the very worst
day of my life, June 7, 2020— with the death of my wife Elisabeth. Lizzie.”
Thus, the song ‘Breath of the Wind’ inevitably
picks up the theme of his book and reflects on the spiritual connection Jim still
feels with Lizzie, driven by his life-long fascination in the paranormal and
especially “the shadows that are just out of sight and the certainty that
there is an enduring connection between the living and the dead” and reflected
on at length in his book.
Not included on his recent Demon Music Group reissue
of his album ‘Walking In The Wild Land’, ‘Breath of the Wind’’ was originally recorded with his
friend Kennet in France (where Jim has lived for many years), as Jim explained:
“It was just acoustic guitar and vocals. I sent it to Hugh Syme, the
designer & musician famous for his Rush album covers) and after
maybe a year he came back with the arrangement, that consists of nylon string
guitar, violin, Armenian duduk, bamboo flute, synth and strings. Also, a boys
choir arrangement. I’ve no idea which instruments are “real”, but I love
working with Hugh – who also did the arrangement for ‘Changing Times’ on ‘Walking
in the Wild Land.’”
“Breath of the Wind” perhaps shines a more intimate
light than many might expect from the man responsible for helping write so many
iconic songs in The Yardbirds’ catalogue, but it is a poignant love letter - honest
and thoughtful as the man himself has always been.
There is real beauty to be found in “Breath of
the Wind”
Take everything you love about South African rhythms
and choirs; mix in some Cuban magic; add a dose of Philly jazz; tackle issues
of love, loss, and adversity; and you get the latest album from global
activists Sharon Katz & The Peace Train.
The gorgeously layered tracks were recorded in South
Africa, Mexico and the USA, including an appearance by South African choir,
Thee Legacy, produced by Sibongiseni Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mambazo fame.
You’ll do a double take when you hear the vocals and think LBM’s lead singer, the
late Joseph Shabalala, has come back to add his voice to “What Can We Do/Sizokwenzenjani.”Sharon and
Joseph started working together in South Africa in 1992 - and Ladysmith Black
Mambazo traveled aboard Sharon’s original journey of The Peace Train in 1993
when Sibongiseni was still a youth - so it truly is a legacy track.
Those familiar with previous albums may need a tissue
when listening to “Sister of the Soul/Siswami,” a tribute to Nonhlanhla Wanda who co-founded
The Peace Train with Sharon is 1992 and tragically passed away this year. The
Zulu choir, Afrika Mamas, adds its haunting harmonies to summon the ancestors
and honor this beloved Sister.
“Think It Over” sounds like a pop dance track, and the
intention is to make it popular to support marginalized groups anywhere in the
world. This has been The Peace Train’s mission since its apartheid-busting
origins and continues with its projects around the globe. Sparked by a
situation involving the Trans community, it also addresses diversity, equity,
and inclusion issues worldwide. Drawing on Sharon’s music therapy work with
girls rescued from trafficking, “La Tristeza” champions the resiliency of those
subjected to such atrocities.
On a lighter note, the bouncy rhythms of “Baja
California” will make you feel like you’re swaying in sync with the Pacific
Ocean and falling in love while traveling down the Baja peninsula of Mexico.
Then the traditional medley of “Hamba Joba/ Moea Thulamele Hae” will have you
on your feet dancing in true South African style.
Aptly titled For You, Sharon honors her faithful
fan base in her message on this album: the
extraordinary people I’ve met along my journey; the issues and challenges that
have confronted us; and most importantly, the love and support we’ve shared.
Upcoming Release Parties include Joe’s at The Public
Theater in NYC on September 5th; City Winery in Philadelphia on
September 10th; South African Wine & Music Festival at Grayhaven
Winery in Virginia on September 16th & 17th; The Bush
Farmhouse in Black Mountain, NC on September 18th;Meredith College in Raleigh, NC on September
30th; and San Diego Folk Heritage on October 21st.For more information and tickets: SharonKatz.com
Available from Tando Rhythms Records and all your favorite
streaming platforms.
Beloved
ProgRock Band Keeps “Climbing,” Hitting The Number 8 Slot
Joe
Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ “Behind the Curtain (Live at
ProgStock)” box set (Melodic Revolution Records (Amplified
Distribution) has broken the top ten at Number 8 on the Jam Band/ Relix Radio
Charts. During the summer, in July the group was also in the top ten, and began
to sink to 29. But then the students came back, and liked what they heard
in the band’s music.
Radio promoter David Avery at Powderfinger Promo says the value of
the placement is career-empowering for musician-oriented rock bands, “The
high-profile monthly radio chart published by Relix and Jambands.com is the chart of record for music that
falls under the Jamband music category. With regular releases coming out by
Gov't Mule, Phish, Leftover Salmon, The Wood Brother, et al, it is also a very
competitive chart that bookers, managers, and record labels keep a close
eye on.”
Part of
the reconnection came about through music people’s awareness of Joe joining
classic prog rock band Kansas this past May, and all the work and promotion Joe
Deninzon & Stratospheerius and his record label Melodic Revolution/Amplified Distribution has done through the years, including playing festivals, and the
group working in education. Joe’s authored the violin instruction book,
“Pluggin’ In” and has taught in schools and music camps all over the
world.
The media
is playing a role, too. “Behind The Curtain (Live at ProgStock)” received
major support:
Prog UK: “two spirited sets packed with hooks
and chops, and delivered with decidedly American zeal.”
ProgArchives: "this collection is just
stunning"
Powerplay: “…all top talent musicians, who
show exactly what they can do but always in service of the song. And these
songs deserve all the servicing they can get.”
Goldmine:
“The band, is outstanding — drummer Jason Gianni, guitarist Michelangelo
Quirinale, and bassist Paul Ranieri are all strong players, and are
collectively a very tight and well-rehearsed unit. And with the way Deninzon
swoops, chops, and coaxes all manner of noises out of his violin, he certainly
lives up to the “Jimi Hendrix of violin” label he’s gotten from the
press.”
Strings: “I noticed the audience seems to be very
attentive, unlike what you hear in live recordings of other rock ’n’ roll
shows.
The group will be releasing a to-be-announced music video
soon.
The boxset (2 CDs/DVD/Blu-Ray) “Behind the Curtain
(Live at ProgStock)” is three years in the making; the collection is
made up of Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius’ 2019 and 2021 live performances
at the ultimate Northeast progressive rock festival, ProgStock.
Joe is
the new violinist with legendary rockers Kansas, now on tour celebrating their
50th anniversary. He has played violin for the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50Cent,
Sheryl Crow, and as the concertmaster for Renaissance. The other Stratospheerius bandmembers have a great heritage, as
well: Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian
Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar
(Thrilldriver), and Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Riot Act).
Great live music
from Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and We Came From Space
Aiden Alexander of MyChesco Newspaper, Chester County, PA
is already calling it "an Unforgettable Night of Progressive Rock.” And it will
be for fans the weekend of September 28 in Teaneck, NJ and September 30 in
Kennett Square, PA with the co-bill of Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius and
We Came From Space.
Downloadable Poster for Sept. 28 Debonair Music Hall
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius are celebrating their
new live box set, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock),” which hit
the top 10 on Relix/JamBand radio Charts.
The group, which has 5 albums out, is signed to Melodic Revolution
Records. Joe is the new
violinist with legendary rockers Kansas, now on tour celebrating their 50th
anniversary. He has played violin for the Who, Bruce Springsteen, 50Cent,
Sheryl Crow, and as the concertmaster for Renaissance.
Joe’s bandmates in Stratospheerius are
Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian
Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar
(Thrilldriver), Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Riot Act), and new keyboardist
Bill Hubauer (We Came From Space, Neal Morse Band).
The story of “We Came From Space”
started at lunch. High school friends Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse
Band) and Dave Buzard were catching up and talking music. We Came From
Space was born that day. The friends decided to create an album that they would
want to listen to when they were kids. They considered their influences:
Yes, Genesis, Gamma, Jim Carroll Band, (among many, many others), and began
adding their own textures. Two years later the debut album, “How to be
Human” was released. 2018 brought the revamped rhythm section of Tim
Malone (drums) and Dave Hawk (Bass and vocals) and the breakthrough album
“While You Were Away”. All members contributed to the writing and arranging of
that release and the 2023’s “Overlords.” The band blends engaging
musicianship with sardonic but hopeful lyrics. This year We Came From
Space hit the road, playing high profile dates with Crack The Sky and The
Winery Dogs. The takeaway: Sometimes lunch is the most important meal of the
day!
On
September 28, at 7 PM, the tour comes to Debonair Music Hall,1409 Queen Anne Rd., in
Teaneck, New Jersey. The venue phone is
201-833-0011. Tickets
are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
On
September 30, Joe Deninzon &
Stratospheerius and We Came From Space will be performing outdoors at Kennett
Flash on Saturday, September 30 at 7 PM. This is an all-ages show. (In case of
rain, the concert will move indoors to Kennett Flash).
Kennett Flash is at 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, PA
19348.
A tribute to the
late Phil Naro, “Love for Sale” features
Talas bandmates
including bassist Billy Sheehan
The first single from the upcoming studio album, “Buffalo
Rock City-II” is a cover of Peter Criss’s “Love for Sale” is available as a digital download, exclusively
on Bandcamp at https://buffalorockcity.bandcamp.com/track/love-for-sale.
“Buffalo Rock City II” will be released this September on digital media,
and as a physical CD, and via Bandcamp.
“Buffalo Rock City II” follows the critically acclaimed KISS tribute album,
"Buffalo Rock City – Western New York's Tribute To KISS" cited
as “the Best KISS tribute album ever" by “Music and Food,” and the 2022
live album, "Buffalo Rock City ALIVE!” “Buffalo Rock City II”
will also be a musical tribute to all things KISS. "Buffalo Rock City
II" is spearheaded by Buffalo, New York native, John Jeffrey, who
co-produced the first two releases.
John is the “Ace” member of KISS THIS!, and--along with bandmates Kevin Blakita
as “The Starchild,” Taylor Stursa as “The Demon,” and Julius Giambelluca as
“The Fox”-- they join cream of the crop Western New York musicians including
“Buffalo Rock City” contributors Gene Schmidt, Jody Velletta, Shawn Przybylak,
Nat Peace, Joe Teresi, and Debbie Knight from “Buffalo Rock City ALIVE!”
Newcomers to “Buffalo Rock City-II” are Buffalo’s Larry Kremer, Kylie
Velletta, and Valentino Rockgod, plus international favorites; these are
players who’ve toured and recorded with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace
Frehley, Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, Accept, the Hollywood Vampires, Ozzy
Osbourne, Journey, the Plasmatics, the Ramones, Lillian Axe, Stryper, Tesla,
Winger, Yngwie Malmsteen, Sons of Apollo, Hardline, Alcatrazz, Warlock, Mr.
Big, Winery Dogs, and David Lee Roth. The “Love for Sale” single was mixed by
Rochester native, C.Wood (Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Rascal Flatts, Kenny
Wayne Shepherd….).
The release date of May 3 for “Love for Sale” is significant, as it marks the 2
year anniversary of the passing of singer Phil Naro. A Rochester native, Phil
was best known as the lead singer of Buffalo’s Talas (Version 2 aka “V2”),
which toured with many top hard rock attractions, including Anthrax, White
Lion, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden. Phil was also the lead singer for CRISS, the
solo band of the original drummer from KISS. Naro wrote songs, performed, and
recorded with CRISS in the early 1990s, but left the group prior to the release
of their sole record in 1994.
One of the CRISS songs Phil contributed to was "Love for Sale." He
eventually recorded an unrefined version of the song in the late 1990s. This
forgetten gem was finally remembered by Phil's bandmates from Talas – bassist
Billy Sheehan, drummer Mark Miller & guitarist Kire Najdovski; they
recorded their new version of “Love for Sale” for "Buffalo Rock City II"
as a dedication to the memory and legacy of Phil Naro. Though he doesn’t appear
on this song, Journey’s drummer, Deen Castronovo suggested vocalist Jeff Scott
Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Sons of Apollo
with Billy Sheehan) to sing for the song. (Deen plays on another song on "Buffalo Rock City II"!)
. Watch the YouTube teaser clip,
with a foreword from surviving members of Talas (V2): https://youtu.be/COpm4mIA5Yk
All proceeds from the single and the forthcoming album will go to the Maria
Love Convalescent Fund, a Buffalo-based charity, which provides interim
financial assistance for the people in the community with convalescent care
needs.
“This is a book
that’s going to make you dive into your childhood once again.”
–Paul & Erika, “That Aged Well” Podcast
The future classic, “Once
in a Lifetime” by Suzanne Mattaboni is finding its place in the sun,
especially with lovers of 1980s music. The novel, with chapters named after
1980s favorites like “Melt With You” or “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” follows
emerging artist Jessica artist impatiently biding her time waiting tables along
the Delaware Canal, is set loose in a world where women were finally told they
could “have it all.” Her journey includes romance with a steamy new wave
guitarist that threatens to derail her dream as an artist. She and her three
avant-garde, postpunk college girl friends look for love, adventures, and
tuition money during a wild, 1980s summer.
“Once in a Lifetime”
takes place mainly in New Hope, PA, a progressive town that hosts punk
boutiques, frantic restaurant kitchens, moody bars, buzzing late-night
sidewalks, and volatile club performers, as well out of towners from New York
City!
It’s a story in which the
characters define themselves by either loving or despising Madonna! There’s
lots of pop-culture, from MTV videos, rubber jelly shoes, and slam dancers, to
the looming fear of AIDS, and—of course—mohawk hairstyles!
“Once in a Lifetime” has won awards: an “IPPY”
(Independent Publisher Book Award, Bronze, General Fiction), an International
Book Award (Finalist, Best New Fiction), The London Book
Festival (Runner’s Up, General Fiction), The Paris Book
Festival (Honorable Mention, General Fiction), The Pencraft
Awards (Runner-up, Women’s Fiction) and the BookFest Awards (Second
Place, Romantic Comedy). Kirkus Reviews called
“Once in a Lifetime” an “ebullient and engaging story of youthful
longing and independence” and a “starry-eyed coming-of-age tale.”
Born in Long Island,
attending college at the University of Pittsburgh, Suzanne Mattaboni was named
one of the Lehigh Valley Business Journal’s “2022 Women of
Influence.” She’s a Pushcart Prize-nominated fiction
writer, Newsweek Expert Forum contributor, blogger, essayist,
and corporate PR consultant. A former community service reporter for Newsday,
her work has been published in Seventeen, Parents, Child, The
Huffington Post, Mysterious Ways, Guideposts, and
the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. She is also a host of The Banzai
Retro Club podcasts, focusing on pop-culture of the 1970s, ‘80s, & ‘90s.
Suzanne is available for interviews, articles, guest posts, Q&As, and
commentary.
“Once in a Lifetime”
is available on Amazon in print and e-book
versions.
Former College
Professor/Sideman Debut Album “The Last Troubadour”
“When I was younger, I had it figured out. I clearly understood what life was
all about. But life, of course, knew better and had its way with me. You know
that I’m still standing, just not where I thought I’d be.” So sings Doctor Fish
in “Tuesday Morning,” from his debut with Renaissance Records, The Last
Troubadour.
Doctor Fish’s songs reveal a proud musical throwback—a guitar-wielding,
storytelling, folk-rock singer-songwriter. No fake retro act: he is one of the
last surviving purveyors of that style from the era of its originators, Jim
Croce, Harry Chapin, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens.
Vents Magazine heralds The Last Troubadour as “One of the best albums
we’ve heard in ages.” “Rock History Music” Vlogger John Beaudin thanks Doctor
Fish “for making me stare at the speaker for the first time in years. We need
more music that makes us stop in our tracks. Top shelf.”
Produced by multi-platinum veteran David Kershenbaum, the album features
bassist Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Carole King) and
drummer Denny Fongheiser (Heart, Counting Crows, and Shawn Colvin), along with
other top studio musicians from around the world.
Doctor Fish’s music reveals a particular affinity to that of Harry Chapin. The
late singer-songwriter inspired one of his most popular songs, “Harry Chapin
(Every Monday Night)." Harry’s son Jason has called it “a great tribute to
my father,” and Fish has given several interviews with Jen Chapin about her
father’s legacy.
Doctor Fish pens story songs in a folk-rock style like the late activist
songwriters, but his syncopated melodies and rich chord progressions also
reveal his background as a jazz musician.
He grew up playing saxophone and backed legends, including Ella Fitzgerald and
Frank Sinatra. “But I wound up taking a sharp left turn,” he laughs. “I picked
up a guitar and began writing and singing songs.” He continued songwriting and
earned his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan. He went to
Japan to conduct doctoral fieldwork for three years by studying with the 4th
generation master of Shinto music and returned to live in the country, working
as a translator and editor.
Fish’s journey brought him to North Carolina, where he built a music education
program for popular music studies at Catawba College. He helped students
advance to successful careers in many parts of the music industry, from
performance to major talent agencies. Now living in Durham, NC, he is pursuing
his own interrupted goals as a performer.
Renaissance Records US, the label that's released his newest album, "The
Last Troubadour," is extremely enthusiastic about the collaboration.
John Edwards, President of Renaissance Records US, stated, "We are proud
to welcome Doctor Fish to our roster of exceptional artists. Doctor Fish's
musical talent and unique perspective make him an extraordinary addition to the
label. We look forward to supporting his artistic journey and sharing his music
with the world."
“Arizona Skies” and the other songs from Doctor Fish’s Renaissance Records debut,
The Last Troubadour, are available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and his
website, https://doctor.fish as well as Doctor Fish - The Last Troubadour
CD – RenaissanceRecordsUS.
ATLANTA, GA – May 25, 2023 - The band KANSAS is excited to
announce the addition of violinist/guitarist Joe Deninzon to the band. He is
replacing the departing David Ragsdale.
Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of
the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the “Viper” seven-string
electric violin. Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the progressive rock
band, Stratospheerius, which has just released their 6th album, “Behind the Curtain
(Live at ProgStock).” He can be heard on over a hundred albums and jingles as a
violinist and string arranger.
Deninzon has performed and/or recorded with the Who, Bruce
Springsteen, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Alex Skolnick, Smokey
Robinson, Les Paul, Peter Criss from KISS, Michael Sadler, Renaissance with
Annie Haslam, Kurt Elling, and as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the
New York City Ballet. A BMI Composer’s Grant recipient and winner of the John
Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written solo works for violinist Rachel Barton
Pine, and in 2015, premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie
Symphony Orchestra.
Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Indiana
University and a Masters in Jazz Violin From Manhattan School of music.
KANSAS original member and drummer Phil Ehart comments, “We are
extremely excited for Joe Deninzon to be the newest member of KANSAS. We
believe KANSAS fans will enjoy what Joe will bring to the band. We are excited
to kick off the KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour. As the paragraph in
the band’s first album said, ‘KANSAS IS A BAND’ and we remain so to this day.”
Deninzon adds, “As a lifelong
fan of Kansas, I am overwhelmed and humbled to have been invited to join this
legendary band! I have the deepest respect for Robby and David and will do my
best to honor and build on their musical legacy.”
Joe Deninzon’s first performance with the band will be in
Pittsburgh, PA on June 2 at the Benedum Center during the premier date of the
KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour – Another Fork in the Road.
A complete list of KANSAS 50th Anniversary Tour –
Another Fork in the Road is below. Ticket and VIP Package information can be
found at KansasBand.com.
For more
information on KANSAS and the Another
Fork in the Road – 50th Anniversary Tour please visit:www.kansasband.com
