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:
What’s new with Electric Violinist/Vocalist/ComposerJoe Deninzon
Photo by Adam Brett Schnee
Greetings, friends! We live in a crazy world and every day is a gift. Here’s hoping your summer is full of good times with family and friends, good food, sunshine, and enjoying and supporting as much LIVE MUSIC as possible!
I’ve been fortunate to have some incredible experiences over the past few months, and I’m excited about all the great things cooking up this summer!
In March, I presented two clinics at the annual National ASTA(American String teachers Association) Conference in Atlanta: The first was called “Finding the Hook: What’s in a Riff” with my illustrious colleagues Dave Wallace(Head of String Dept at Berklee), and cellist Sean Grissom. The second was a repeat performance of my “Stomp box sound design/sonic architecture” class, titled “3D ROCK!”
In April, I travelled to the University of Champagne Urbana under the invitation of ProfessorRudolf Haken, to give a masterclass and lecture on alternative techniques and career opportunities for electric/improvising string players. The day finished off with a 90 minute solo performance at theKrannert Center. This was my first 90-minute solo show, featuring some of my own compositions as well as music byTracy Silverman, Mark O’Connor, David Wallace, Steve Vai, Nuno Bettencourt, The Police, Chick Corea, and more! Thanks toD’Addario Stringsfor co-sponsoring the residency.
In May,Sweet Plantainonce again joined forces with the legendary singer/artistAnnie HaslamandRenaissance for their Symphonic Live Show at NJPAC! Look for the upcoming DVD release “Renaissance: A Symphonic Journey” LIVE at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA. For more info, visit:WWW.RENAISSANCETOURING.COM
Stratospheerius is psyched to announce that our latest album, “Behind the Curtain,” has climbed to #4 on theRELIX National Jamband Charts, right above Willie Nelson!
In addition, the album is on heavy rotation in over 140 stations nationwide and continues to garner rave reviews internationally! Here are a few of the latest:
Stratospheerius is: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/lead voclals/mandolin Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar Randy McStine/Paul Ranieri-bass Jason Gianni-drums
I am looking forward to returning once again to teach and perform at theMark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp Music Festivalat MIdAmerica Nazarene university in Olathe, KS. Mark Wood is the inventor and designer of my weapon of choice, the 7-string “Viper” Electric Violin. he is a trailblazer in the world of electric strings, both as a player and builder of instruments. This camp is the only one in the world focused on the performance and gear of electric bowed stringed instruments! All vocalists/instrumentalists are welcome! I cannot express the love and camaraderie that exists among the students, my fellow faculty, and myself. It is truly an extended family. Come and be a part of this very special week!!
To Give you a taste of the magic of this week, here are two videos from recent years: One of me performing “Black Hole Sun” with Haydn Vitera, and a phenominal rendition of Metallica’s “To Live is TO Die” with a Viper String Section lead by Chuck Bontrager and Dave Wallace.
Joe Deninzon to give masterclass/performance at Vance Music in Wichita,
I am excited to be returning once again to Wichita, KS to do an improv workshop and give a one-hr solo performance for local aspiring musicians.
I am honored to be invited by the Vail Jazz Society to perform at this awesome weekly series in downtown Vail, CO with three of Colorado’s greatest jazz musicians!
For the 18th year,I will once again be returning to one of my favorite places on Earth, the Grand Canyon, for the annualGrand Canyon Music Festival.Performing at Shrine of the Ages (South Rim) with legendary harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio, with Steve Benson on Guitar. Friday, August 31st and Saturday, Sept 1st. 7:30 P.M.
I also have the pleasure of working with Steve on the Grand Canyon School of Rock program I co-founded in 2006, where we put a band together and do 1 40 minute program with local high school kids. Truly one of the highlights of my year!
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:
Seeing as one of my biggest missions in life is to teach string players how to groove, my friend and colleague, electric violin genius/composer/teacherTracy Silvermanhas written an incredible book that dives into this topic and doesn’t come up for air! If you’re a string player, buy STRUM BOWINGtoday! I was honored to have contributed a 2-page mini lesson to the book, along with my friend violinist/composerEarl Maneeinand a bunch of other very cool people!
Joe Deninzon special guest on new Circuline Live CD/DVD
In May 0f 2016, I had the honor of sitting in as a guest artists with the awesome prog band Circuline at ROSfest at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, PA. Their new DVD, “LIVE MAJESTIK,” is now available! Order your copyHERE!
Check out Stratospheerius video for “Hysteria!”
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER. STAY SAFE & I HOPE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE!
I was fortunate to work with the legendary MTV producer and green screen virtuoso,David P. Levin, as well as the incredibly talented videographer David Milone. The video also features the man of a thousand faces, Max McGuire (Kinsey, Star-Crossed Lovers). Big thank you to Dave Silver and the crew atAlpha Wave Studios. Check it out!
Featuring:
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/lead vocals
Aurelien Budynek-guitar
Jamie Bishop-bass/vocals
Lucianna Padmore-drums
CRITICS CONTINUE TO RAVE ABOUT “GUILTY OF INNOCENCE!”
The new Stratospheerius album,“Guilty of Innocence,”has been garnering some incredible reviews from leading publications! Check out what critics have been saying and (if you haven’t already), buy or download the album at any of the links below!
“ (Joe) Deninzon has been called the Jimi Hendrix of electric violin…Splashy and theatrical, Guilty of Innocence is a howl for justice delivered by virtuosos completely in synch with one another!“ –Pat Moran- (Strings Magazine)
“Joe Deninzon’s music is always both entertaining and creative. I have to say that this might very well be the best Stratospheerius album!” -Gary Hill, Music Street Journal
“Joe Deninzon has pioneered a new standard for rock violin, much the same way Ian Anderson did for the flute.” -Nick Tate, Progression Magazine
“When you put distorted guitars up against a violin you get magic. When you put a violin solo in a metal song, you get Fucking amazing shit! I love it when artists push the boundaries of what is perceived as the norm….. And I love it even more when it’s pure magic… I tip my hat and bow my head in awe ..”-Act/one Magazine. Read full review HERE
“Stratospheerius music is otherworldly!”They can tear out ear hairs and stomp them flat!…sounding both ahead of the curve and accessible at the same time. ”-#cirdecsongs. (www.proglodytes.com) Read full review HERE–Strings Magazine
“Guilty of Innocence is not only great, but one of the most hectic and heart-stopping albums I’ve listened to.-Zachary Nathanson –MUSIC FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM
We were recently honored to be the opener for guitar demonJohn5(David Lee Roth Band, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie) at theSellersville Theater(Sellersville, PA). What an amazing experience! We are forever grateful to John and all the folks at Sellersville!
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals/mandolin Jason Gianni-drums (Neal Morse Band, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Mark Wood Band) Randy McStine-bass (LoFi Resistance, The Fringe, Stu Hamm, Vinnie Moore) Michaelangelo Quirenale-guitar (Thrilldriver)
I am looking forward once again to return to Cincinnati (Montgomery, OH to be exact) and teach/perform with the Sycamore High School Electric Ensemble and the new young band, “Everlasting Monsoon,” led by Angela Santangelo.
Music by Santana, Imagine Dragons, Paramour, White Stripes, Stratospheerius, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Foo Fighters, and more…!!
Friday, March 9th 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM “Finding the Hook … What’s in a Riff?” Demo panel with cellist Pinkney “Sean” Grissom, Joe Deninzon, &David Wallace(String Chair, Berklee College of Music)
Friday, March 9th 1:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M. Joe Deninzon Meet N Greet at Ludwig Masters Booth.
Saturday, March 10th 1:30 P.M.-2:30 P.M. “3d ROCK” Sonic Architecture for electric bowed stringed instruments. by Joe Deninzon Sponsored by D’Addario Strings!
I am looking forward to returning once again to teach and perform at theMark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp Music Festival at MIdAmerica Nazarene university in Olathe, KS. Mark Wood is the inventor and designer of my weapon of choice, the 7-string “Viper” Electric Violin. he is a trailblazer in the world of electric strings, both as a player and builder of instruments. This camp is the only one in the world focused on the performance and gear of electric bowed stringed instruments! All vocalists/instrumentalists are welcome! I cannot express the love and camaraderie that exists among the students, my fellow faculty, and myself. It is truly an extended family. Come and be a part of this very special week!!
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:
DENINZONEWS WINTER 2017/2018 THE LATEST ON VIOLINIST/VOCALIST/COMPOSER JOE DENINZON
Season’s Greetings, Friends!
It’s been a wild ride in the past three months, and the New Year promises to be another breathtaking roller coaster!
October was jam packed, withSweet Plantainperforming in Elon, NC, Greeneville, SC, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.Stratospheeriusrocked Chicago at the third annualProgtoberfest. Along the way, we got to perform at Sweetwater HQ in Ft. Wayne, IN. Other highlights were shows in Elkhart, IN and Madison, Wisconsin alongside incredible bands likeAisles from Chile and King Llama from California! I also had a blast doing workshops and performances for the talented young musicians at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL under the direction of Daryl Silberman. While there, I had a chance to jam with her husband, the great Danny Siedenberg, violist from the 90’s lineup of the Turtle Island String Quartet! Here are some pics from the tours:
Sweet Plantain with Nick Katonah from Melodic Revolution Records
With Danny Siedenberg
With Daryl Silberman and Danny Siedenberg
Joe and Aurelien with legendary Spock’s Beard drummer Nic D’Virgilio
Paul Ranieri drooling over pedals at Sweetwater
Before our performance at Sweetwater. (L ro R) Paul Ranieri, Joe Deninzon, Lucianna Padmore, Aurelien Budynek.
In late October, Sweet Plantain did a string of shows with the the band Renaissance, led by the legendary Annie Haslam, with performances at Town Hall in NYC, Ridgefield Playhouse in CT, The Egg Theater in Albany, and the Keswick Theater in PA, where a live DVD was recorded, which can be pre-ordered on their website!
With keyboardist/Musical Director Rave Tesar
Our audience at The Egg Theater in Albany, NY
With Annie Haslam
Renaissance in rehearsal
Bows at the Keswick Theater
Stratospheerius would like to thank everyone who attended our big CD Release Halloween show on October 31st at The Shrine in NYC. Thank you also to Ad Astra and Van Davis for kicking off the night!
November had Stratospheerius playing CD release shows in Binghamton, NY and Wilbert’s in my hometown of Cleveland, followed by an incredible opportunity to open for the legendary guitar hero Gary Hoey kicking off his annual “Ho Ho Hoey” tour at Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA! Thank you, Gary!
Here’s a clip of me sitting in with Gary and his band back in July playing “All Along the Watchtower.”
“When you put distorted guitars up against a violin you get magic. When you put a violin solo in a metal song, you get Fucking amazing shit! I love it when artists push the boundaries of what is perceived as the norm….. And I love it even more when it’s pure magic… I tip my hat and bow my head in awe ..”-Act/one Magazine. Read full review HERE
“Stratospheerius music is otherworldly!”They can tear out ear hairs and stomp them flat!…sounding both ahead of the curve and accessible at the same time. ”-#cirdecsongs. (www.proglodytes.com) Read full review HERE
“ (Joe) Deninzon has been called the Jimi Hendrix of electric violin…Splashy and theatrical, Guilty of Innocence is a howl for justice delivered by virtuosos completely in synch with one another!“ –Strings Magazine
“Guilty of Innocence is not only great, but one of the most hectic and heart-stopping albums I’ve listened to.-Zachary Nathanson MUSIC FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM
“Joe Deninzon’s virtuosity is undeniable….It’s progressive music that’s not afraid of a catchy chorus. The 12 minute closing track, ”Soul Food” is a well crafted multi-tempo road trip. It ventures into magnum opus territory where 70’s rockers Kansas were at home…” -Haydn Seek SkeletonPete.com
“Deninzon’s perfect vocal delivery and skills as a violinist. Stratospheerius is as tight as ever and really create a strong organic melody. Bravo! This is music!” –Warlock Asylum International News
Give the gift of music this holiday season, order/download/stream “Guilty of Innocence” TODAY on the following websites:
Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals/mandolin Jason Gianni-drums (Neal Morse Band, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Mark Wood Band) Randy McStine-bass (LoFi Resistance, The Fringe, Stu Hamm, Vinnie Moore) Michaelangelo Quirenale-guitar (Thrilldriver)
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:
COMING SOON: NEW VIDEO FOR THE SONG
“BEHIND THE CURTAIN”
STRATOSPHEERIUS is excited to be working with legendary MTV producer David P. Levin and renowned actor Max McGuire for the upcoming video of our song “Behind the Curtain,” The opening track from “Guilty of Innocence.”
We will also be editing with David Milone, who worked on our Hysteria video. Thanks also to Dave Silver and Alpha Wave Studios in East Hanover, NJ. Here are some photos from the video shoot:
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!”
