JOE DENINZON & STRATOSPHEERIUS RELEASE EXCITING NEW LIVE BOX SET BEHIND THE CURTAIN-LIVE AT PROGSTOCK: ALSO JOE BECOMES A MEMBER OF CLASSIC ROCK LEGENDS KANSAS!

 

THE JIMI HENDRIX 

OF THE ELECTRIC VIOLIN

with progressive rock group

JOE DENINZON &

STRATOSPHEERIUS

RELEASE NEW LIVE BOXSET

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

-LIVE AT PROGSTOCK

JUST ANNOUNCED ...

JOE  IS THE NEW VIOLINIST FOR

K  A N S A S 

ZOOM TV EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

CLICK BELOW 

TO WATCH PART 1 AND 2

IN THEIR ENTIRETY!

PART 1

PART 2

This is part 2 of our chat with Joe Deninzon. Our first conversation with Joe was on May 16^th. Since then we learned that during that interview Joe had already joined the legendary Classic Rock Group Kansas as their new violinist replacing David Ragsdale.

Joe was not allowed to say anything about joining the band at that time during the interview.

So we added a part 2 with Joe Deninzon to chat solely about becoming a member of KANSAS. 

JOE DENINZON has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on seven-string electric violin. Joe has worked with The Who, 50 Cent, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Robert Bonfiglio, Les Paul, and as a soloist with the NY City Ballet and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Joe is the lead singer and electric violinist for the progressive rock band, Stratospheerius, which has released five critically acclaimed CD’s. A BMI Jazz Composer’s grant recipient and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, he has written over 200 string quartets, solo pieces for violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and sits on the Board of Advisors for Composer’s Now. In 2015, Joe premiered his “Concerto for Seven String Electric Violin and Orchestra” with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Douglas Droste.

His original music has been featured on CMT, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel, the History Channel, and the Will Ferrell/ Adam McKay- produced film “Virginity Hit.” Joe is also a member of the Sweet Plantain String Quartet, which combines Latin Jazz with hip-hop and Classical music, and has toured throughout Europe and the U.S. Joe has also released a CD with his Acoustic Jazz Trio, titled “Exuberance.” 

As an educator, Joe is a faculty member at the New Jersey City University Multi-Style strings program. He has taught at Mark O’Connor’s String Camp and Mark Wood’s Rock Orchestra Camp and made repeated appearances performing at the Grand Canyon Music Festival, where he co-founded the Grand Canyon School of Rock in 2006, an annual program for local high school students.

He regularly travels as a clinician and has contributed articles to Strings, Downbeat, and Making Music Magazine. In 2012, Joe wrote a book on electric violin techniques for Mel Bay Publications, entitled Plugging In. Joe has made the Downbeat Critic’s pole for jazz/rock violin, and Chris Haigh’s book, Discovering Rock Violin lists one of Joe’s recorded solos among the “Top 20 greatest rock violin solos of all time.”

Joe holds bachelor’s degrees in Violin Performance and Jazz Violin from Indiana University and a master’s in jazz/Commercial violin from Manhattan School of Music.

PURCHASE

BEHIND 

THE

 CURTAIN 

LIVE AT

  PROGSTOCK

Joe Deninzon &

STRATOSPHEERIUS

(2) CDs  (2) DVD's/Blu-rays

Officially released on May 19th

(Album release party: May 31st at the Iridium NYC)

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius are releasing their new live box set, “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock)” on May 19 on Melodic Revolution Records. 

The collection on two CDs and DVD/Blu-rays show this treasured electric violinist/singer-songwriter’s history of favorites in the past decade and a half in the rock scene.

Purchase at

https://joedeninzonstratospheerius.bandcamp.com/album/behind-the-curtain-live-at-progstock

 

New 

Joe Deninzon

 & Stratospheerius

single 

Spain(Live at Progstock) 

Out NOW

 STREAM | YOUTUBE | BUY

ALSO PURCHASE

PLUGGING IN

A Guide to Gear and New Techniques for the 21st Century Violinist

A book by Joe Deninzon

Are you a violinist who is curious about “going electric” but have no idea where to begin? This book will walk you through the process of choosing an electric violin, shopping for an amplifier, and using effects pedals. The book also covers improvisation in the genres of blues, rock, and funk. Chopping and other rhythmic techniques for bowed string instruments are explored, as well as playing in a band, rock string arranging and working with DJs. “Plugging In” will open new worlds of creativity for you as a string player and help you find your own voice in this brave new world! Includes access to online audio and video.

available at

 https://joedeninzon.bandcamp.com/merch/plugging-in-book-by-joe-deninzon

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT

JOE DENINZON

AND

STRATOSPHEERIUS

Visit

https://stratospheerius.com/

Official website

https://www.facebook.com/stratospheerius/

Facebook

https://joedeninzonstratospheerius.bandcamp.com/

Bandcamp

https://www.patreon.com/joedeninzon

Patron

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VKVc5OQCFWXFyhRI01zOD?si=Ivsu7NvlRr-E43ZEorEIvQ

Spotify

https://twitter.com/joedeninzon

Twitter

linktr.ee/joedeninzon

Linktree

www.kansasband.com

KANSAS official website

 

STRATOSPHEERIUS

Discography

1998 - Electric/Blue (Wilbert's Blues Records)

2002 - The Adventures of Stratospheerius (D-Zone)

2004 - Live Wires (D-Zone)

2007 - Headspace (D-Zone)

2012 - The Next World (D-Zone/Digital Nations)

2014 - "Behind The Curtain" (single, D-Zone)[27]

2015 - "Guilty of Innocence" (single, D-Zone)

2017 - "Hysteria" (single, Melodic Revolution Records)

2017 - Guilty of Innocence (Melodic Revolution Records)

2019 - "Impostor" (single, Melodic Revolution Records)

2020 - "Frame by Frame" (single, Melodic Revolution Records)

2020 - "Storm Surge" (single, Melodic Revolution Records)

2021 - "Cognitive Dissonance" (single, Melodic Revolution Records)

K A N S A S

50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

ANOTHER FORK IN THE ROAD

 DATES

Joe Deninzon

 joins Kansas as their new violinist

Jun 2 Benedum Center Pittsburgh, PA

Jun 3 The Lyric Baltimore, MD

Jun 9 Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA

Jun 10 Keswick Theatre Glenside, PA

Jun 16 Embassy Theatre Fort Wayne, IN

Jun 29 Massey Hall Toronto, ON

Jul 1 Kodak Center

Jul 7 Taft Theatre Cincinnati, OH

Jul 8 Clowes Memorial Hall Indianapolis, IN

Jul 15 Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL

Jul 21 Grand Theater Wausau, WI

Jul 22 Riverside Theatre Milwaukee, WI

Jul 27 The Midland Kansas City, MO

Jul 29 Fabulous Fox Theatre St. Louis, MO

Aug 4 Hoyt Sherman Place Des Moines, IA

Aug 5 Orpheum Theater Omaha, NE

Aug 18 Tennessee Theatre Knoxville, TN

Aug 19 Ryman Auditorium Nashville, TN

Aug 25 Paramount Theatre Denver, CO

Aug 26 Eccles Theater Salt Lake City, UT

Sep 6 Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC

Sep 8 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA

Sep 9 Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Portland, OR

Sep 12 Velma V. Morrison Center For The Performing Arts

Boise, ID

Sep 14 Golden Gate Theatre San Francisco, CA

Sep 16 Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles, CA

Sep 17 Balboa Theatre San Diego, CA

Sep 24 The Plaza Theatre El Paso, TX

Oct 12 Hanover Theatre For Perf. Arts Worcester, MA

Oct 20 H-E-B Performance Hall At The Tobin Center

San Antonio, TX

Oct 21 Sugar Land, TX

Oct 27 Orpheum Theatre Memphis, TN

Nov 3 Ovens Auditorium Charlotte, NC

Nov 4 DPAC Durham, NC

Nov 17 Kansas at Tulsa Theater Tulsa, OK

Dec 2 Fox Theatre Atlanta, GA

Jan 12 2024 Florida Theatre Jacksonville, FL

Jan 13 2024 North Charleston, SC

Jan 19 2024 Barbara B. Mann Perf. Arts Hall

Fort Myers, FL

Jan 20 2024 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL

Jan 27 2024 King Center For Performing Arts

Melbourne, FL

Jan 28 2024 Broward Center Au-Rene Theater

Fort Lauderdale, FL

 

 

 

JOE DENINZON

APPEARS WEEK OF 

JUNE 6th 2023

ON INTERVIEWING THE LEGENDS

WITH RAY SHASHO

NOW STREAMING ON THESE SITES

The Classic Rock Music Reporter  

Classic Rock Here and Now

   Music Tried and True 

   www.rockmusic.show

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ORDER NOW

 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

RAY’S BEST-SELLING BOOK

ENTITLED

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

SERIES ONE  

CHRONICLES,TRUTHS

 CONFESSIONS AND WISDOM 

FROM THE MUSIC LEGENDS 

THAT SET US FREE!

BY MUSIC JOURNALIST ...TALK SHOW HOST...  

AUTHOR ... TV SITCOM SCRIPT WRITER 

RAY SHASHO

…Order yours today on (Collector edition) Hardcover or E-book at bookbaby.com and amazon.com

Featuring over 45 intimate conversations with some of the greatest rock legends the world will ever know.

CHRIS SQUIRE... DR. JOHN... GREG LAKE... HENRY MCCULLOUGH... JACK BRUCE … JOE LALA…  JOHNNY WINTER... KEITH EMERSON... PAUL KANTNER...  RAY THOMAS... RONNIE MONTROSE... TONY JOE WHITE... DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS… MIKE LOVE... TOMMY ROE... BARRY HAY... CHRIS THOMPSON... JESSE COLIN YOUNG... JOHN KAY... JULIAN LENNON... MARK LINDSAY... MICKY DOLENZ… PETER RIVERA ...TOMMY JAMES… TODD RUNDGREN... DAVE MASON... EDGAR WINTER... FRANK MARINO... GREGG ROLIE... IAN ANDERSON... JIM “DANDY” MANGRUM... JON ANDERSON... LOU GRAMM... MICK BOX... RANDY BACHMAN… ROBIN TROWER...  ROGER FISHER... STEVE HACKETT... ANNIE HASLAM… ‘MELANIE’ SAFKA... PETULA CLARK... SUZI QUATRO... COLIN BLUNSTONE… DAVE DAVIES... JIM McCARTY... PETE BEST

 

THE ROCK STAR CHRONICLES

BOOK TRAILER

 

BOOK REVIEW

-By Literary Titan (5) STARS

The Rock Star Chronicles by Ray Shasho, is a splendid book written by a music enthusiast who has poured their heart and soul into it. It’s a story of a boy who loved rock music, and his obsessive passion of it earned himself the name Rock Raymond. He went to school but instead was schooled in all matters of music while his peers were buried chin-deep in coursework. He then became a radio DJ and has now compiled a book on all interviews he held with Rock gods who raided the airwaves back in the 70s and 80s. It’s a compilation of interviews with outstanding vocalists, legendary guitarists and crazy drummers in the rock music scene. Each interview gives a reader an in-depth view into their personal lives and the philosophies that guide their lives which all serve to humanize these great icons. For readers who are old enough to call themselves baby boomers this book will bring old memories back to life. Millennials, on the other hand, may think of this book as a literal work of the Carpool Karaoke show. 

The Rock Star Chronicles is a book I didn’t know I was waiting for. To come across a book that will talk me into trying something new. One brave enough to incite me to venture into new frontiers. This book made me a believer- I am now a bona fide Rock and Roll music fan. 

Ray Shasho masterfully gets the interviewees talking. He smartly coaxes answers from them with crafty questions designed to get a story rolling out of them. The artists talk about diverse issues ranging from music, politics, and their social engagements. Having been on the music seen all his life, Ray Shasho knows the buttons to press, how to get them comfortable about talking about their lives. 

The book’s cover is befitting of its subject matter with the leather look offering a royal background to the golden letter print. It speaks to how high a level rock music holds in the pecking order- arguably, modern music as we know it has originated from blues and rock music.  The second noteworthy thing is the use of high-definition pictures to reference the musician being interviewed in every sub-chapter. This ensures that the book is for both original rock and roll lovers and aspiring new ones. Together is makes for a refreshing and consistently enjoyable read.

I recommend this book to rock music enthusiasts, aspiring musicians wondering what it takes and all readers curious to learn new things by going back in time.

https://literarytitan.com/2020/05/03/literary-titan-book-awards-may-2020/   

Gold Award Winner

MORE BOOKS BY RAY SHASHO

Eric Burdon Interview -Animals Immortal Songster Speaks With Ray Shasho

 
By Ray Shasho

Eric Burdon is legendary for his explosive soulful vocal deliberations in many shapes and forms. As kids we idolized him as a merciless rock and roll superhero who we all wanted to secretly mirror. The British Invasion certainly had its share of coolness but The Animals entered the realm of badass. If The Rolling Stones were classified as the bad boys of the British Invasion, then Eric Burdon and The Animals were the original gangsters of Rock and Roll.

Their mega hit messages were significant and way ahead of their time. Songs that made you feel deep within your psyche and then carried through into your soul. Songs like “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place,” “Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “It's My Life,” John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom" and the timeless proverbial favorite “House of the Rising Sun.”

Animals’ bassist Chas Chandler moved on to manage Jimi Hendrix after the group split up in 1966.
Later Burdon reformed the group as Eric Burdon and the Animals. The band’s evolution shifted towards the hippie generation and psychedelic melody while Burdon’s genius for creating Top40 radio hits heightened. Classic radio airplay anthems like “Sky Pilot,” “Monterey,” “San Franciscan Nights,” “When I was Young” and “Don’t Bring Me Down” became mainstay on the U.S. and British charts.
In 1969, Eric Burdon formed the diverse multitalented band War, spawning yet another huge hit with “Spill The Wine.”  Burdon embarked on a successful solo career in 1971.
In 1983 the original Animals reunited for a worldwide tour.

Over the years Burdon has collaborated with the greatest musicians of every genre and toured incessantly around the globe with several variations of The Eric Burdon Band.
In 1994 The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
These days Burdon tours as Eric Burdon & The Animals. He’s written two critically acclaimed memoirs and will release a brand new album soon with a video about Rock and Roll pioneer Bo Diddley. Burdon attended Diddley’s funeral in Gainesville on June 7th 2008.

Marianna Proestou, Eric’s Manager, was graciously accommodating in granting my request for an interview during a hectic tour schedule.

Here is my Q&A with Eric Burdon before his show in Cleveland.

How do you explain your longevity in the music business and what artists do you miss the most that are no longer with us?

"Longevity is something I never gave a second thought to. I guess it’s the shadow of growing up in post WWII, but I never believed I would live past 20. Here I am though… a senior citizen… my voice and heart are stronger than ever, but boredom is the greatest enemy so I have to be careful not to slip over the edge. I admit that I do dwell on the past a bit, for sure there are people I miss and I wish they were still here."

Do you think Chas Chandler was good for Jimi Hendrix career?

"This question touches a very raw nerve for me. For sure Chas’s plans for Jimi initially brought light to one of the world’s most innovative guitarists, but it was inevitable that they would lock horns over creative discussions. I have to admit that Jimi was his own worst enemy, so when things got weird, Chas left. Maybe things would have been different if he'd hung in there with him."

Have you ever considered discovering and managing new bands? Afterall the rock world could definitely use some exciting new talent and who better to launch their careers.

"If I could come across someone who oozed talent and could take advise, maybe… but it’s a fact, young people don’t listen. I don’t have the energy to fight that way. The Chandler-Hendrix experience was a great lesson for me. Young talented people usually prove to be a pain in the ass. They should be managed with respect in one hand and a pistol in the other."

I’ve interviewed several prestigious rock stars who don’t have health insurance. Has this been a problem in the industry?

"To call it an “industry” is a stretch. The rock biz is the low end of the creative world. Faces come and go so fast. Insurance companies would never touch anyone who boasts about drug use, even though it may be fake bravado. “A dead rock star is worth more than a live one”

I feel that deep down you’d like to play MORE songs with a Latin rhythm. I’ve got Cuban roots and I’d really like to see that happen. I remember when Stephen Stills needed help he called in my good friend Joe Lala. Should I give Joe a call for your next album?

"One of my reasons for living in California is it’s close proximity to Mexico. The Latin influence is in every corner of the community. My love of Spanish music hasn't wavered since the 50's. I could hear the blues voicing from the Flamanco families and I always dig for inspiration in Latin music. I just got out of the studio after recording for my new album and a couple of the tracks that we laid down were heavily influenced by Latin music. The album is coming out later this year, so look forward to it."

Will rock and roll ever return to those glory days?

"Well, have you seen American Idol lately? I’m sure that some kids somewhere at this moment are thrashing themselves silly over what they call “Rock n’ Roll”"

My first book will be out soon, It’s called “Check the Gs.” I love to read and write and I believe you share the same passion. I’ve read both of your books and they were well written. Will you be writing another book soon- and I know you use to collect comic books, who was your favorite character?

“G.I. Joe” and I’ve always looked upon the young pilots of the allies, in World War II's final years, as the original hippies. I suppose I could knuckle down to pen another collection of insanity, but at the moment, I’m too busy reading…"

Casinos have become a major venue for classic rock stars, they must pay well, what has been your experience in playing Casinos?

"Like it or not, they’re all that’s left of the decent rooms to play in. I’m sure my grandfather, who was addicted to the game, would love to know that his grandson walks out of the best casinos in the world with pockets filled with dough."

How are things going on the road, what are your plans for the future and how's the family?

"My family is doing well, thanks for asking. Regarding the future: Is there going to be one? I don't know, but presently I have more shows coming up in the US and Canada and a European tour this summer. As I already mentioned I just finished recording for a new album with a video about Bo Diddley (with the families blessing of course). More recordings and exciting projects are on the way but the fans and the world are just going to have to wait and see."

I know you have asthma, the weather is wonderful here in beautiful Tampa Bay Florida, if you ever consider moving. Brian Johnson (AC DC), Rick Derringer, Graeme Edge (Moody Blues) all live within twenty minutes from me. (Jerry Wexler lived here before his passing in 2008 at 91 years old)

"I have friends who live in Florida. I love to visit. I’ve also got close friends in Mississippi, but the most beneficial place for my lungs is in dry weather. If they would stop killing each other, I would love to live in North Africa, but California, as screwed up as it is, is fine for me and has been since the 60’s."

For more information about Eric Burdon and The Animals please visit his website at http://ericburdon.com/

Eric Burdon and The Animals 2011 concert schedule can be found here.
I want to thank Eric Burdon and Marianna Proestou.  I hope to see the both of you in the Tampa Bay area- very soon.

My new book called Check the Gs is available for purchase at http://rayshasho.com/  Its "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with a Rock & Roll twist.

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