Hope you all had a great summer! Mine was highlighted by the completion of the new Stratospheerius CD, another amazing year teaching and performing at the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp/Music Festival, residencies at Vance Music in Wichita, Got Strings Camp in Souderton, PA, performances with legendary KISS drummer Peter Criss, sitting in with guitar virtuoso Gary Hoey, and more… Many great experiences and many more to come! I am happy to announce that this next three months will be one of the busiest, and most productive periods EVER! Multiple tours, a new CD release three years in the making, new published pieces, concerto performances, festival appearances, teaching residencies, and more….
STRATOSPHEERIUS RELEASES “HYSTERIA” VIDEO AND SINGLE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I proudly present to you, the first official video of Stratospheerius’ forthcoming album “Guilty of Innocence” on Melodic Revolution Records.This is our re-imagined version of Muse’s classic, “Hysteria.”
Featuring: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals
Aurelien Budynek-guitar
Lucianna F Padmore-drums
Jamie Bishop-bass
Engineered and mixed by Alex Salzman. Mastered by Rave Tesar.
Filmed by David Milone at Alpha Wave Studios in East Hanover, NJ. Thank you to David Silver and Addie Silver. Also, thank you to Nick Katona for signing us to his label, MELODIC REVOLUTION RECORDS!
HYSTERIA SINGLE NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AND STREAMING HERE!
Our new single, “Hysteria,” is also available at the links below for streaming and downloading:
Joe Deninzon returns to Grand Canyon Music Festival performing Electric Violin Concerto Performance & concert with ROBERT BONFIGLIO GROUP
Once again, I will be returning to the Grand Canyon Music Festival to perform with harmonica legend and festival founder, Robert Bonfiglio. I also have the honor of playing my Electric Violin Concerto “Dream Diary” with pianist Jon Klibonoff. 11 years ago, I co-founded the Grand Canyon School of Rock. This is a 1-week program for local high school kids where I, my partner guitarist Steve Benson, and local music teacher Bentley Monk put a 40-minute performance together in 3 days with kids who in some cases, have never played instruments before! It’s always a minor miracle when it comes together, but it always comes together. One of the most rewarding experiences that I get to relive every year!
Friday, Sept 1st, 7:30 P.M. Performing with Robert Bonfiglio Group Shrine of the Ages, Grand Canyon South Rim
Robert Bonfiglio-harmonica
Steve Benson-guitar
Joe Deninzon-violin/mandolin/vocals
John Vail-bass
Saturday, September 2nd, 7:30 P.M. Shrine of the Ages, Grand Canyon South Rim Performing “Dream Diary: Concerto for 7-String Electric Violin” by Joe Deninzon and “Array of Irrevocable Light” by David Wallace
With Pianist Jon Klibonoff and Robert Bonfiglio on harmonica
Here’s a video of me and Steve Benson tearing it up on one of my favorite Mark O’Connor tunes at the Grand Canyon Music Fest a few years ago. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 21st, 6 P.M.
Performing at PROGTOBERFEST III Reggie’s 2105 South State St.
Chicago, IL We are honored to be in one of the greatest progressive rock festivals in the world, among such great artists like Mike Keneally, Dave Kerzner, Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Don Preston/Bunk Gardner/Ike Willis (Frank Zappa), and many more! https://www.facebook.com/events/1823097938013575/?
Led by legendary vocalist Annie Haslam, Renaissance has had a 50-year history blending folk, rock, and classical music. Sweet Plantain is honored to be collaborating with this incredible band for some tour dates on the East Coast. These shows will be recorded for an upcoming concert DVD and will also feature Joe Deninzon as a special guest soloist on electric violin.
I proudly present to you the first official video off ofStratospheerius‘ upcoming CD, “Guilty of Innocence” onMelodic Revolution Records. This is our re-imagined version ofMuse’sclassic, “Hysteria!”
Hope you’re firing up the grill, cause this will be one SIZZLING summer!
So much to do, so much to say….
A new publishing deal, a new record deal, playing with Peter Criss, teaching at Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp, numerous other school/camp residencies, festival appearances, concerto performances, and I might even take a nap somewhere along the way!
I am excited to announce that I’ve just signed a publishing deal with LudwigMasters Publications for the string quartet arrangement of my song, “What’s That Thang?” and a play-along CD of my song “Shock Therapy.”
You can hear Sweet Plantain performing my arrangement of “What’s That Thang” at 7:20 in this video:
I’ll be sure to let folks know as soon as these become available for sale. I look forward to working with Ludwig and hopefully releasing more arrangements in the future!
After 3 years of writing/recording, STRATOSPHEERIUS is will be releasing our new album, “Guilty of Innocence,” on September 29th, and we are proud to announce that we are signing a deal with Melodic Revolution Records, run by our good friend, Nick Katona!
I am psyched be leading the string section for the legendary PETER CRISS (original KISS drummer) at The Cutting Room in NYC on June 17th with musical director Alex Salzman (Engineer for the upcoming Stratospheerius CD), with Patrice Jackson-Tilghman-cello, Katie Jacoby-violin, & Meg Okura-violin. Having been a rabid KISS fan since age 14, I know I’ll be pinching myself all day and this will be an experience I’ll never forget!
I am honored to be returning to teach and perform at the 8th annual Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp & Music Festival.
Mark Wood is a pioneer in the electric string world, bothers a player, educator, and inventor of my weapon of choice, the 7-string “Viper” violin. If you are a string player (or any instrumentalist) interested in exploring the world of rock, improv, jazz, funk, blues, learning about electronics and recording technology, songwriting, stage presence, music business, and much more, I guarantee you will not find a camp like this ANYWHERE in the world! I am also blessed to be surrounded by such inspiring colleagues/teachers, like Val Vigoda, Dr. David Wallace, Chuck Bontrager, Matt Vanacoro, and Greg Byers.
Once again, I will be returning to the Grand Canyon to teach the School of Rock program I co-founded in 2007, alongside my partners in crime; guitarist Steve Benson and local music teacher Bentley Monk.
On Friday, Sept 1st, Steve and I will join harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim to perform some blues, jazz, rock, and classical crossover music.
On Saturday, Sept 2nd, I will be joined by pianist Jon Klibonoff to perform selections from my Electric Violin Concerto, which I premiered with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in 2015, as well as other original music for electric violin. Here are excerpts of the premiere, under the baton of Douglas Droste:
Happy Spring! Hope you are all continuing to stay positive, stand up for what you believe in, and spread love and beautiful vibrations throughout the universe. Here are some things I’ve already cooked and am currently in the process of cooking up for your consumption in the coming warm months:
WHAT’S COOKED
Sycamore and SEE1
On February 24th, I returned for the third year in a row to Sycamore High School in Blue Ash, OH near Cincinnatti to work with the incredibly talented young musicians in SEE1 (Sycamore Electric Ensemble). Under the incredible direction of David Smarelli, the kids worked hard to prepare a two-hr concert of music by Stratospheerius, AC/DC, Heart, Aerosmith, Michael Jacks, Jean Lucianna Ponty, Fall Out Boy, Soundgarden, and more…
Mr. Smarelli is retiring after 35 years of teaching. I want to express my gratitude andwish him well. This was an inspiring collaboration I will never forget!
Asta 2017
On March 4th, I gave a presentation on “How to Read Chord Charts and Lead Sheets” at the annual ASTA (American String Teachers Conference) in Pittsburg, PA. The topic is a gaping hole in the education of many string players and my class was well attended. Afterwards, I showed my gratitude to artist rep Lyris Hung and D’Addario for sponsoring my class by doing an impromptu performance at their booth. Here is what went down:
Stratospheerius played two shows at Olive’s in Nyack (Feb 10th) and The Shrine in NYC (March 9th) billed as Night of the Living Shred, with two incredible bands, Ad Astra and Valence. We will be repeating this party at the Shrine on Halloween night, 2017. Stay tuned…
Stratospheerius also recently performed on March 18thwith Trio of Madness for their CD Release party at the NJ Proghouse at Roxy & Duke’s in Dunellen, NJ. Here are some pics from the show, courtesy of JP Fitzgerald:
We are currently negotiating a record deal with a very cool indy label (TBA) and are in the final mixing/editing stages of the last two songs on the record. Stay tuned for updated, samples, etc….
FAKE 45
On March 8th, my new solo cello piece, “Fake 45,” was premiered by the incredible Craig Hultgren as part of the annual Composers Concordance Festival in NYC. Thank you to Gene Pritsker and Dan Cooper for the opportunity. Video is forthcoming…
When I was 17, I was a misfit at my high school A violin nerd who had a deep love for Led Zeppelin,. Rush, Kiss, ACDC, Zappa, and wanted to rock out! If only a camp like this existed when I was 17, I would have been all over it! I see my younger self in every kid who attends. There really is a familial atmosphere and I have made lasting friendships with campers, teachers, and fellow colleagues who are a part of this incredible experience! It is not just for string geeks; guitarists, bassists, singers, drummers, keyboard players, teachers and students of all ages are welcome! I can’t speak enough about what a game changer this week has been for so many musicians and can be for you! Mark Wood is a legendary player/teacher/composer in his own right and designed the 7-string Viper electric violin which I have been playing for two decades! I am honored and excited to be coming back for my 7th year as a faculty member at the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp/Music Festival! Register today at:
Happy New Year, everyone! 2016 was a crazy year, to say the least. With the divisive presidential election, and the tremendous losses in the the world of film and music, here’s hoping 2017 is a better year for all of us. I know it’s hard to be optimistic in these troubled times, but I Joe Deninzon, am a stubborn, idealistic, optimistic dreamer, proudly so til my dying day!
On a personal level, I got to do some very cool things in 2016 for which I am grateful:
I ran the NYC Marathon for the first time, had some incredibly inspiring residencies at the Grand Canyon Music Festival, Highland School in Medina, OH, Sycamore HS in Cincinnatti, OH. Another great year teaching and playing at Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp. Unforgettable performances by Sweet Plantain in NYC, NJ, St. John, St. Thomas, Grand Canyon. Performances with Circuline at ROSfest. Stratospheerius Midwest tours and appearances in Maine, NY, NJ, Connecticut.
This year promises more touring with Sweet Plantain and Stratospheerius, more studio work, collaborations, residencies and teaching opportunities, and … (drumroll please), the release of the new STRATOSPHEERIUS CD (hopefully) in the fall. Stay tuned…
I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy 2017! Stand up for what you believe in, try to talk to people you may not necessarily agree with, communicate and spread love, and always seek inspiration and never lose hope.
In September of 2015, I played the world premier of my “Dream Diary: Concerto for Seven-String Electric Violin and Orchestra,” With theMuncie Symphony Orchestraunder the direction of maestro Douglas Droste. After a lengthy editing process and clearance from the orchestra’s management, I can now share this highlight reel of the concerto. I am working on getting the piece played by many different players and orchestras worldwide. Stay tuned for updates! If you would like to see/hear the whole 30-minute performance, please contact me.
Friday, February 24th, Joe Deninzon residency/performance with Sycamore HS Electric Ensemble in Blue Ash, OH.
For the third year in a row, I am psyched to return to Sycamore HS in Cincinnatti to rock out with the SEE1 band and perform music by Fallout Boy, Aerosmith, Heart, ACDC, Pink Floyd, Soundgarden, and Stratospheerius!
Friday, Feb 24th 7:30 P.M.
Sycamore High School
7400 Cornell Rd.
Montgomery, OH 45242
Saturday, March 4th. Joe Deninzon returns to ASTA conference
The ASTA (American String Teachers Association) conference is like the NAMM show for string geeks. I have been honored to be asked back for the sixth time to to a workshop there. This year, I will be demonstrating to string players how to read chord charts and lead sheets, a skill I feel is severely lacking among string players and greatly in need for all musicians!
My workshop will be on Saturday, March 4th at 8:15 AM
at David L Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA
I recently recorded a bunch of solo electric violin loop videos. Here are the first two finished edits: DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean,” and (in honor of his 75th birthday), Chick Corea’s “Armando’s Rhumba.”
Watch Highlights from the World Premiere of “Dream Diary: Concerto for Seven String Electric Violin and Orchestra.” Written and performed by Joe Deninzon. Muncie Symphony Orchestra conducted by Douglas Droste.
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