All the News that’s fit to print about violinist/composer/singer/mandolinist Joe Deninzon
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome to the roaring twenties! I’m getting ready to play some swing fiddle on a LOT of Great Gatsby-themed parties in the next ten years. Hey, it could be worse…
Hope you had a wonderful Holiday season and are ready to turn a new page in the new decade. Despite all the fucked up things going on in the world, I remain hopeful that we will learn total care of our planet and show each other some respect and compassion. Call me an idealistic fool, but I wear my idealism like a badge of honor!
Anyway, enough of my rambling.
Nah, here’s more rambling…
Looking back on the past decade, it’s been a wild ride! 2 kids, 3 albums, a book, a violin concerto, new bands, new friendships formed, and some of the greatest recording and touring experiences of my life!
Highlights of my 2019:
Celebrating 20 years of marriage with the lovely violinist/NY Philharmonic member Yulia Ziskel!
Having my “Dream Diary” Electric Violin Concerto performed byRudolf Hakenand my piece “Electric Lake of Soul” performed by renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine.
BUY A MUG, send us your Mug shots, and we will post on our instagram!
Upcoming performances
Sunday,Jan 12 Playing with Brooklyn Raga Massive celebrating the music of John McLaughlin,Mahavishnu Orchestra, & Shakti 55 bar (55 Christopher St. NYC) 2 sets: 9:15 & 10 PM with: Joe Deninzon-violin, Premick Russel Tubbs (original Mahavishnu member)-sax, Neil Murgay-sitar, Vin Scialla-drums, Dan Asher-bass, Dr. David Ullman-guitar
Friday, Jan 30 7 P.M. Residency withRidge View High School OrchestraColumbia, SC with director Phillip Pagal 4801 Hard Scrabble Rd. Columbia, SC 29229 Honored to be conducting/performing my arrangements with this talented group of young musicians.
Feb 27 Sonic Voyage Fest presents: STRINGFEST II Echo of the Ghost(7 P.M.) Susan Aquila Band(8 P.M.) Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius(9 P.M.)I’m starting a tradition of mini-electric and eclectic string festivals. The concept is an evening of bands playing original music led or comprised of creative electric string players who push the boundaries of their instruments. We had a great first mini-fest last year at DROM with Mazz Swift, 2 Birds Band, and Seven Suns. The sequel will feature Stratospheerius along with 2 of my favorite electric violinists/songwriters/friends; Susan Aquila and Claudia Chopek.
March 5-7: ASTA (American String Teachers) National Conference in Orlando, FLA. Hyatt Regency Hotel (9801 International Dr. Orlando, FL) Order of events: Thursday March 5th 2:45-3:45 P.M. Teaching masterclass open to attendees. Thursday March 5th 8 P.M. Performing all-star triple bill with violinist Jesus Florido and Tracy Silverman! Friday, March 6th 2:45-3:45 P.M. Live Loop clinic Saturday, March 7th 1:30 P.M. Panel on effects for electric strings hosted by Julie Lyonn Liberman
March 11-14, Sonic Voyage Fest Tour with Potters Daughter & Dark Beauty Stratospheerius is honored and excited to tour with our label mates at Melodic Revolution Records! More details forthcoming… Wed, March 11th: Debonair Music Hall (1409 Queen Anne Rd, Teaneck, NJ 07666) Thur, March 12th: Bushwick Publick house (1288 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221) Friday, March 13 TBA Saturday March 14th TBA
New Recordings
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius new single, “Impostor” on Melodic Revolution Records
If you haven’t already, stream (or better yet, download) the new Stratospheerius single, Impostor. Featuring: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals, Jason Gianni-drums, Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar, Paul Ranieri-bass, Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band)-keyboards, Randy McStine-guitar/vocals Recorded by Rave Tesar (Renaissance). Mixed and Mastered by Rich Mouser (Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, Neal MKorse, Trans Atlantic, Dream Theater, Tears for Fears)
Earlier last year, I was blessed to collaborate on this song with my friend and manager Anne Leighton. The lyrics she sent me were inspired by her hero Muhammad Ali, and deal with overcoming your worse fears and personal demons to live your best life and inspire others. She recently launched an indiegogo campaign to help promote the song. We had the privilege of Thembeka (Universal artist/winner of the Voice South Africa) to grace us with her incredible voice, and the legendary Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck,Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osborne) to play drums. Engineered by Dale Wardell, Mixed by Alex Salzman, mastered by Fred Kevorkian. Check it out!
I’m honored to have participated on one of the best Prog albums of 2019 with an all-star cast. Keyboardist/singger/songwriter/producer Dave Kerzner released the sci fi concept albums, Acceleration Theory Part I & II in 2019, and I contributed strings to both projects. Musicians on the album include Michael Sadler (lead singer of Saga), Jon Davidson (lead singer of Yes), Steve Hacket (original Genesis guitarist), drummer Marco Minneman (Joe Satriani, Aristocrats), drummer Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train), singers The McBroom Sisters (Pink Floyd), bassist Matt Dorsey, guitarists Randy McStine and Fernando Perdomo, and singers Gabriel Agudo and Leticia Wolf!
Attention string players! Check out my original compositions available on from Lathasm Music/JW pepper. My latest is a “Sidewinder”-style funky jazz string quartet titled “Benson Burner Boogaloo.” BUY SHEET MUSIC HERE!
New Projects
We are currently hard at work filming and editing the video for Stratospheerius “Impostor,” with videographer David P. Levin, who produced our video for “Behind the Curtain”
Here is the full performance of my “Dream Diary Electric Violin Concerto” by Prof Rudolf Haken!
Finally, check out this bootleg video of Stratospheerius performing our song, “Game of Chicken” live at Progstock Oct 13, 2019. Union County Performing Arts Center.
We are also putting the finishing touches on three new tracks that will be a part of the next Stratospheerius album. At least one will be released as another single until the album comes out. Also writing new music we plan to record.
I will soon be launching patreon account and look forward to the opportunity to share my day to day musical activities, projects, and general thoughts with you. Stay tuned…
Fall has been jam packed for Stratospheerius. We recently had the honor of performing alongside bands like Saga, Nekrar, Discipline, and Joe Getter at Progstock, the biggest Progressive Rock Festival in the Northeast United States!
Here are some photos from our show and meet n greet! Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts to Tom Palmieri and Ann Rinaldi for this incredible opportunity! Thank you to our videographer David P. Levin for creating 75 minutes of mind-blowing backdrop footage for our performance! Also, thank you for the tireless crew of volunteers backstage, which includes Ray Loboda, Scot Corcoran, Alan Benjamin, Jim Robinson, Jason Kresge, Joel Simchas, and a slew of other folks who were involved!
I am excited to once again have the opportunity to perform my solo electric violin show at Skipfest, followed by a duo performance with legendary keyboardist/composer Neil Alexander, and later sitting in with his band, “Nail.” Trinity Episcopal Church, 55 George St , Allendale NJ. 3 P.M. Music by Joe Deninzon, Tracy Silverman, The Polcice, Jaco Pastorius, Neil Alexander, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Luiz Simas, Paganini, Mark O’Connor, David Wallace, and more!
We leave you with an oldie but a goodie. Here’s our performance of our song, “Release,” filmed by our friend Julia Gillies from the audience.
All the News that’s fit to print about Vioinist/Composer/Mandolinist/Vocalist Joe Deninzon
Greetings, friends!
It’s hard to believe the summer is over! It flew by in a flash.In my case, a whirlwind of gigs, travel for business and pleasure, and many beautiful experiences both musical and non-musical.
Highlights include:
-Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp/Music Festival, where I have been fortunate to teach and perform since 2011. My favorite week of the year with my extended family of friend and colleagues.
Progstock is the premier progressive rock festival in the Northeaster United States, founded by our good friend Tom Palmieri.
The event takes place at the Union County Performing arts Center in Rahway, NJ from Friday, October 11-Sunday October 13th
Stratospheephius performs on Sunday, October 13th at 1:30 PM, but you should BUY TICKETS NOW and spend the whole weekend to hear these other incredible bands, who we are proud to share the stage with:
Yes folks, it took us a while but we HAVE NEW MUSIC!!! This marks the recording premier of the new lineup of Stratospheerius, featuring:
Joe Deninzon-Electric violin/lead vocals
Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar/vocals
Paul Ranieri-Bass/vocals
Jason Gianni-drums/vocals
In May, we laid the groundwork for four new tracks, which will eventually become a part of our next record. In the meantime, we have created an 8-minute monster called Impostor!
This track will be released as a single and be available for the first time EVER at Progstock!
The track features guest appearances by Randy McStine-guitar/vocals
And keyboardist Bill Hubauer (Neal Morse Band) and was tracked by Rave Tesar andmixed and mastered by Rich Mouser, best known for his work with Neal Morse, Spock’s Beard, Trans Atlantic, Flying Colors, and basically half of my record collection. Please visit our Facebook and twitter page for teaser samples of the song in the next few weeks. I can’t wait for you to hear this track!!!
10/11/19 Town Hall, New York, NY
10/12/19 Keswick Theater. Keswick, PA (Recording LIVE 50th anniversary CD/DVD!!)
10/15/19 Count Basie Theater. Red Bank, NJ
10/16/19 Ridgefield Playhouse. Ridgefield, CT.
10/19/19 The Egg. Albany, NY
11/16/19 @ 3 P.M.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 55 George St , Allendale NJ.
1 hr solo electric violin set by Joe Deninzon, followed by a duo set with keyboardist Neil Alexander.
Performing originals and covers by Mahavishnu Orchestra, Steve Vai, Frank Zappa, Jean Luc Ponty, Tracy Silverman, Mar O’Connor, and more! https://www.facebook.com/events/505511826870985/
Joe Deninzon records underscore to new Broadway play starring Marissa Tomei!
I’m honored to record the underscore music for the new revival of Tennessee Williams’ classic “The Rose Tattoo” on Broadway starring Marissa Tomei!
The recording was produced by Tony award-winning producer/sound designer Fitz Patton, and features Alessandra Belloni-percussion, Wilson Montuori-guitar, and Steve Gorn-bansuri flute.
I am pleased to announce that a new original string quartet of mine called “Benson Burner Boogaloo,” is now available from JW Pepper! This is another funky jazz piece with a “Sidewinder” feel. Easy to learn for intermediate players. Check it out, as well as my other sheet music, “What’s that Thang” and “Shock Therapy.” Thank you to Lynne Latham for making this possible
DENINZONEWS WINTER 2019 All the news that’s fit to print about violinist/vocalist/composer Joe Deninzon
SEASON’S GREETINGS!
Wishing you all a happy Everything! Hope you’re holidays are filled laughter, love, and music!
I’ve had a 2018 full of incredible memories, travel, and fun music making! Lots of great things happening in the next few months. Currently, I’m hard at work writing the nextStratospheeriusalbum with our new lineup: Jason Gianni-drums, Paul Ranieri-bass, Michaelangelo Quirinale-Guitar. We’ve been invited to play the main stage next year atProgstockat Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ, and are planning some tours and local NY-area shows between now and then. What can I say? I’m a very busy boy. Stay tuned…
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius
Holiday Discount!
Stuff your physical or theoretical stockings. HALF PRICE downloads, physical albums, CD’s, and T-Shirts!
I am incredibly honored to be joining keyboardist/producerDave Kerzner andIn ContinuumonCruise to the EdgeFeb 4-9! I had the pleasure of contributing strings to their new albumAcceleration Theory. Plus I get to be on a boat hanging out & jamming with basically my iTunes library in the flesh. (see list of artists below). My arms will be sore from being pinched all week to make sure I’m not dreaming! IN CONTINUUM is a new progressive rock supergroup byDave Kerzner, co-founder of the group Sound of Contact and acclaimed solo artist, songwriter and producer. Joining Kerzner for IN CONTINUUM’s debut concept album is lead vocalist Gabriel Agudo (Steve Rothery Band, ex-Bad Dreams), fellow Sound of Contact band mate Matt Dorsey on bass and guitar, former Sound of Contact touring guitarists Randy McStine (The Fringe) and drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani). Their debut album will feature guest appearances by John Wesley (Porcupine Tree) and drummer Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock’s Beard), plus cameos from special guests Jon Davison (Yes), Steve Rothery (Marillion), Leticia Wolf (The Dead Deads), Fernando Perdomo (Dave Kerzner Band) and Joe Deninzon (Stratospheerius).
Feb 10th-11th Residency at Northside High School 5900 Evers Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238 (210) 397-8695
Feb 23rd Masterclasses atNew Jersey Music Educators Association Conference East Brunswick Hilton 3 Tower Center Blvd, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 9 A.M. “How to Read Chord Charts and Lead Sheets for String Players” 10:15 A.M. “Getting in the Groove”
Rudolf Haken is a multi-talented violinist, composer, and professor at University of Illinois Champagne Urbana. Last April, he invited me to do a residency and solo performance at the Krannert Center. He has undertaken the daunting task of learning my Concerto for Seven String Electric Violin. No easy feat, folks! Here is all the information about the upcoming performance on Feb 23rd:
Saturday, Feb 23rd Performance of Dream Diary Electric Violin Concerto Rudolf Haken-“Viper” Electric string violin Krannert Art Museum 500 East Peabody Drive, MC 592 Champaign, IL 61820 Phone: (217) 244-0619 University of Illinois Champagne Urbana
In addition to writing new music for Stratospheerius and other projects, I’ve had the honor to guest on some new projects with some of my favorite artists in the world. In 2019, look for upcoming releases with electric violin solos and string section contributions from artists including guitaristFernando Perdomo, Dave Kerner’s In Continuum, andThank You Scientist, among others.
Speaking of progressive music, the new “Symphonic Journey” live CD/DVD byAnnie Haslam and Renaissancehas been released, and features my quartet,Sweet Plantain, alongside some mind-blowing musicians. Order your copyHERE!
PRESS
Joe Deninzon interview with Tom Hatton of Proglodytes https://proglodytes.com/2018/11/26/interview-with-violin-virtuoso-joe-deninzon/
Joe Deninzon interview with Pete’s Rock and Views http://petesrocknewsandviews.com/joe-deninzon-interview/
JOE DENINZON SHEET MUSIC IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE!
SHOCK THERAPY FOR SOLO VIOLIN WITH BACKING TRACK CD features members of Stratospheerius
This one is not for the meek, but will certainly impress your audience! In a “swunk” style, a combination of swing and funk, the quartet is featured individually with written out solos for all (of course you can improvise your own, with changes in the parts).
If you buy the video and play it, please post photo/video/audio on social media with #playthatthang!
You can hear Sweet Plantain performing it at 7:20 in this video:
DENINZONEWS FALL 2018 All the news that’s fit to print about electric violinist/vocalist/composerJoe Deninzon
Photo by Adam Brett Schnee
GREETINGS!
JD here getting back in the swing of things. Hope you’r summer was fulfilling and full of beauty and discovery. I’ve had a whirlwind summer! Here are some highlights: -June 28th: Performing with legendary rapper 50 Cent at Radio City Music Hall in June for the Season 5 premier of his show, Power. -July 9-16: Returning once again to a place that never ceases to inspire me as an artist and teacher; theMark Wood Rock Rock Orchestra Camp Music Festivalin Olathe, KS, followed by another clinic/performance atVance Musicin Wichita. Thanks to Mark Wood, Laura Kaye, all my colleagues, Rex, Marissa, and the whole Vance family. -July 22: Performing once again atVail Jazz Festivalin Vail, CO with the amazingly talentedMark Diamond-bass, Dru Heller-drums, and Justin Allison-guitar. Thank you to Roger Stone for having me back! -August: Returning for the 18th year to theGrand Canyon Music Festivalteaching at School of Rock and performing with renowned harmonica virtuosoRobert Bonfiglioand my partner in crime, guitarist Steve Benson. Thanks to local musicians Brian Stone on drums, and bassist John Vail and our dear friend Bentley Monk for being essential to the School of Rock Program.
WHAT’S NEXT?–a hole bunch of STUFF! (read below..)
Melodic Revolution Recordsis pleased to announce that Joe Deninzon & Stratospheeriuswill release the LP of their highly acclaimed fifth album “Guilty of Innocence” a year after the official CD release via Melodic Revolution Records. The ten-track LP will include a download card of the album and will join the already released CD and Digital album.
Stratospheeriusis honored and thrilled performing a very special midnight party atProgStock Festival, North America’s newest Progressive Rock Festival.
ProgStock 2018 is a 3-day music festival that takes place October 5-7, 2018. It starts at 3 PM on October 5, and runs through 11 PM October 7 at theUnion County Performing Arts CenterRahway, NJ.
Music and astounding performances will grace the stage for three days. World-class musicians and fans hailing from many countries throughout the world will gather to play and enjoy time with one another. Located near Newark Int’l Airport and New York City, it’s a quick train ride right into Rahway on NJ Transit from Penn Station or the airport! VisitProgStock.comfor all the details you could ever need!
ProgStock 3-Day Pass: Enjoy ProgStock 2018 for all 3 days from one of the best seats in the house! Choose your favorite seat within our amazing theater at an unbelievably low price…and act fast, because these 3-day passes will only be available until September 11, 2018! $195 for orchestra/loge, $165 for mezzanine. On September 11, 2018 at 12PM, single-day passes will become available.
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/lead vocals Jason Gianni-drums Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar Paul Ranieri-bass
ELECTRIC VIOLIST/PROFESSORRUDOLF HACKENTO PERFORM DENINZON “DREAM DIARY” CONCERTO OCT 25TH
This past April, I had the pleasure of doing a residency/solo live looping performance at theUniversity of Champaign Urbana, on the invitation of professorRudolph Haken, who is an incredible Viper player/composer in his own right. I am honored that Mr. Hacken is taking the time to learn my 30-minute “Dream Diary” Electric Violin concerto, and will be performing it on Thursday, October 25th at a solo recital on the Intrepid in NYC! Here is a link with all the info about the concert, below which is a highlights reel from the world premier of the concert in 2015 with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra user the baton of Maestro Douglas Droste.
Sweet Plantain is excited to once again join the legendary Annie Haslam and Renaissance for a Symphonic Journey on Saturday, Nov 17th at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. 315 White Horse Pike. Collingswood, NJ https://www.facebook.com/events/495233144213222/
Look for the upcoming LIVE DVD release of our performance at Keswick Theater last year, available soon at: http://renaissancetouring.com
Sweet Plantain is: Joe Deninzon/Eddie venegas-violin Orlando Wells-viola Leo Grinhauz-cello
“…all of the music is highly melodic, and just so damn enjoyable to listen to. It is polished, it is powerful, and I find it impossible to listen to it without moving some part of my body. This is infectious, with no cure in sight. The arrangements are tight, everyone bounces off each other, and is one of the most poptastic progressive album one is likely to come across.”
“Guilty of Innocence is an album that should please fans of hard and heavy jazz-funk, but the enthusiastic progressive rock fan should also find much to enjoy in it too.”
“Being called the Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin is something Deninzon can be very proud of and he showcases this and more of his talent on his latest release onGuilty of Innocence. The sheer mastery of the instruments and in particular the violin of Deninzon himself is remarkable!”
These shirts come in S, M, L, XL, and XXL. ORDER TODAY!
FOR THE FIRST TIME, JOE DENINZON SHEET MUSIC IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE!
I am proud to announce that I recently signed a deal with the wonderful Lynne Latham and Ludwig Masters, which will be publishing my sheet music. Here are the first two offerings: old warhorses from the early days of Stratospheerius, adapted for solo violin and string quartet.
A hard-rockin’ solo for violin and accompaniment CD. Accessible to advanced intermediate students who want to escape the classical box, but has plenty of pedagogical points too!
CD features Jason Gianni on drums, Aurelien Budynek on guitar, and Jamie Bishop on bass
This one is not for the meek, but will certainly impress your audience! In a “swunk” style, a combination of swing and funk, the quartet is featured individually with written out solos for all (of course you can improvise your own, with changes in the parts).
If you buy the video and play it, please post photo/video/audio on social media with #playthatthang!
You can hear Sweet Plantain performing it at 7:20 in this video:
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