Monday, September 28, 2015

Interview with Mick Kolassa



Hosted by: LouLombardi aka "Loudini"
Title: Interview with Mick Kolassa
Time: 09/27/2015 01:30 PM EDT
Episode Notes: I'm Mick Kolassa, also known as Michissippi Mick. I am a lifelong musician and hardcore blues fan who also happens to be on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation. My love of the blues began 50 years ago and with this and my previous album I am able to share that love with you.




You can see that I love all styles of blues, and I also love to find the blues song hidden in tunes that most people wouldn't  think of as blues. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I've enjoyed putting it together.

The Blues Foundation is Memphis-based, but world-renown as THE organization dedicated to preserving our blues music history, celebrating recording and performance excellence, supporting blues education and ensuring the future of this uniquely American art form.
The Blues Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that works to support the blues and the blues community in many ways. The Foundation holds several regular events to celebrate the blues and recognize excellence in blues through the Blues Music Awards, the International Blues Challenge, Keeping the Blues Alive Awards and the annual induction of individuals and their works into the Blues Hall of Fame. The Blues Foundation also provides or sponsors programs on blues education, including Blues in the Schools and Generation Blues, and in health care for blues artists through Sound Healthcare and the 
HART Fund.

All Proceeds from my albums will go to support two of these important programs: The HART Fund and Generation Blues.

THE HART FUND (Handy Artists Relief Trust) is for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses.
GENERATION BLUES provides scholarship to artists under the age of 21 to study at reputable camps, seminars and workshop programs such as Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, Augusta Heritage Center and Fernando Jones’ Columbia College Blues Camp.
ARTIST CONTACT
Mick Kolassa
mimsmick@gmail.com

PUBLICITY CONTACT
Frank Roszak
froszak2003@yahoo.com
818.679.7636

Interview with Shawn Amos



Hosted by: LouLombardi aka "Loudini"
Title: Episode 58 - Interview with Shawn Amos
Time: 09/27/2015 01:30 PM EDT
Episode Notes: The Reverend Shawn Amos will release his latest album on October 16. The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You, produced by two-time Grammy nominee Mindi Abair, collects ten originals and two covers that explore a deep blues sound. The son of Wally "Famous" Amos and nightclub singer Shirl-ee May Ellis, The Reverend Shawn Amos is an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church committed to spreading his secular gospel.




Today we premiere "Days of Depression" from the forthcoming record, which features guest vocals from The Blind Boys of Alabama. The Reverend Amos tells Relix, "What better cure for the blues than singing with the Blind Boys of Alabama. This is a tune about the tension that is life. Finding the strength to keep moving when you want to give up. It's really a meditation disguised as a chain gang tune."

BIOGRAPHY

The Reverend Shawn Amos, son of Wally Amos (Famous Amos cookie brand), attributes his diverse background to growing up in the colorful Hollywood landscape.

Prior to becoming a blues preacher — and ordained minister with the Universal Life Church — Amos was an A&R executive at Rhino Entertainment and vice president of A&R at Shout! Factory, where he produced and recorded multiple Grammy-nominated projects. He produced broadcast, DVD and audio titles for legacy artists ranging from Heart to Quincy Jones, for whom Amos later ran the Listen Up Foundation. Throughout Amos' childhood and adulthood, his mother suffered from schizoaffective disorder and ultimately committed suicide in 2003. The trauma of the event and his subsequent discovery of her early singing career were the inspiration behind his 2005 album release, Thank You Shirl-ee May. Amos has released five albums of music, including his 2014 release, "The Reverend Shawn Amos Tells It," a collection of blues originals and covers that received much acclaim from the blues & roots world, and the sophomore blues album The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You.

 Amos discovered blues through Peter Guralnick's Feel Like Going Home trilogy. He was at NYU film school and spent his summers driving south exploring the places in Peter's book. “I fell in love with the stories and history, then I got hooked on the music. Howlin' Wolf was first, Willie Dixon followed, then Junior Wells, Muddy Waters. It was virtually all I played during my college career,” says Amos. “My entire DNA is wrapped up in these songs. They have given me a sense of self and a home I never had.”

When not playing blues clubs, Amos hosts a weekly web series, Kitchen Table Blues. He is also known for his expertise in brand marketing, having founded vanguard content marketing agency, Freshwire (sold to ad giant, Omnicom in 2012). Amos speaks to the need for content mindfulness and authenticity in the 24/7 real-time race for relevancy. As an ongoing tribute to his mother, he also serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
Certified pure blues singer, harmonica player, songwriter and producer, The Reverend Shawn Amos is on a mission to spread his glorious secular gospel to all. The son of chocolate chip cookie magnate Wally “Famous” Amos and night club singer Shirl-ee May Ellis, he is dedicated to continuing, extending and spreading the tradition of the blues with unsurpassed fervor and emotional expression. Born in New York City, raised up on the gritty Sunset Strip in the seventies and preceding his performing career with many successful musical ventures, Amos breaks nearly every cliché with his talent and unstoppable drive. The results are in evidence on his four previous releases beginning with In Between (2002) and culminating to date with the sizzling and embraceable The Reverend Shawn Amos Loves You. It is required listening for navigating the vicissitudes, meeting the challenges and enjoying the spoils of modern living. The album marks the producing debut of 2x Grammy nominee, Mindi Abair.

Ten bone-deep originals and two well-chosen covers contain the combined exceptional ensemble skills of Chris “Doctor” Roberts (guitars), Brady Blade (drums, percussion), Chris Thomas (bass), Anthony Marinelli, Hassell Teekell (keyboards), Mindi Abair (saxophones, producer), Lewis Smith (trumpet), Forever Jones (backing vocals) and Nick Lane (horn arrangements). In addition, guest artists The Blind Boys of Alabama and Missy Andersen lend their illustrious presence to two tracks. “Days of Depression,” with the lauded gospel group adding considerable gravitas, harkens back to the prewar South. Grinding slowly and inexorably forward on a haunting, hypnotic work song guitar riff, it has Amos intoning the poetic lyrics “In my days of depression I could take my hands off the wheel, let me go where the wind blows, let me go with the Lord.” “Brand New Man,” conversely, “tears the roof off the sucka” with a stomping R&B groove to lift listeners right out of their seats. Amos unleashes his soul power while making his carnal desires clear with “Baby gonna make me a brand new man” as a profane, repeating mantra dynamically charged with the stop-time aside “I’m feeling lonely, I’m feeling hungry, you got me wanting you”, as Roberts shreds on his axe. The throbbing “Boogie” would be lascivious merely with the music, though Amos leaves no doubt as to his desires with the invitation “C’mon and boogie (2x), I ain’t got all night, keep this thing locked tight” while the sensuous Missy Andersen urgently concurs “C’mon and boogie (2x), I ain’t got too long, babe, I’ve done something wrong” and Amos blows out the reeds on his harp.

He turns from his basic primal needs to a higher calling with the classic Memphis soul of “Brothers’ Keeper.” It could not be more timely as he confides “I’m gonna lead with my heart, open my hand from the start, and be my brothers’ keeper, be my brothers’ keeper,” his sinewy vocals moving easily from a bluesy growl to a soaring falsetto. The stone funk of “You’re Gonna Miss Me (When I Get Home)” allows Amos to drip malevolence by calling out his unfaithful lover with “I work all damn day and night for you, you take all of my money, choke them credit cards blue. I’m gonna take my good thing back, you gonna feel a cold chill at night in the sack,” his harp wailing in sympathy. A sprightly two-beat cover of Minnie Lawler’s “Joliet Bound” affords Roberts the opportunity to flaunt his impressive six-string skills as he weaves expressive blues lines around Amos relating with appropriate dread his tale of woe regarding the infamous Illinois prison.

The dramatic, hook-heavy R&B of “Will You Be Mine” is a vocal and musical show-stopper with Amos passionately extolling with all his might “You’ve been running with the wrong man, let me get you on the right plan. And we’ll go driving, away from here” in a classic plea for starting over and seeking redemption intensified by his lyrical harp lines. He struts, swaggers and menaces on “Outlaw” as Lucifer’s disciple with lyrics like “The good Lord may be your savior, but never was no friend of mine (2x). I preach the good book of ‘El Paso,’ keep your boots and your pistol shined” as Roberts fires off a distorted solo. The sweet-singing Mindi Abair duets in harmony with Amos on the Jimmy Reed classic “Bright Lights Big City” as the band lightens the mood by loping appealingly in a lilting boogie shuffle.

Album producer, Mindi Abair, co-wrote the swinging shuffle “Hollywood Blues” as a snarling look at life in “Tinsel Town.” Amos accuses with the scalding, uncensored street lyrics of “These folks got gold at their fingertips, while I’m in my piece of shit, driving down the Sunset Strip” and Abair honks and squeals with venom on her alto sax. “Put Together” is a sexy, funky tribute to a modern day “femme fatale,” Amos praising and pleading “…your do rag, honey you’re all right. Baby, you’re put together. I just wanna come home, baby, can you let me come home? I won’t stay too long if you can let me get it” and Roberts wringing prurient licks from his guitar. Amos opts to end his set with the tender soul ballad “The Last Day I’m Loving You”, though he spikes it with a kicker heard in the capper “You got the mojo and the moves to make it hard, to keep my right mind in front and keep me strong. You got them ten dollar words you know how to use, but this is the last day I’m loving you.”                               

As opposed to “saving” souls, the temporal and spirit-nourishing blues of the “right” Reverend will provide “soul” as well as love to one and all. Romantic love and lust, along with vengeance may be standard blues fare. However, in the hands, heart and head of Shawn Amos they become the seeds for sowing and reaping life lessons as well as unqualified entertainment of the highest order. The good Rev may promote what some call the “devil’s music,” but the figurative “religious” experience is a God send.       

Dave Rubin, KBA recipient in Journalism
WEBLINKS

OS  www.shawnamos.com

FB: www.facebook.com/ReverendShawnAmos

TW: www.twitter.com/ShawnAmos

Thursday, September 17, 2015

TRIBUTE TO GARY RICHRATH OF REO SPEEDWAGON




Hosted by: LouLombardi aka "Loudini" and Kevin O'Connor
Tonights Episode: Tribute to Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon
Episode Notes: Lou and Kevin pay tribute to unsung guitar hero Gary Richrath... plus find out if Kevin is a Slut! ;) Music by Alex Sax, Jeff Fetterman, My Alien Mojo and David Michael Miller
Time: 09/16/2015 07:00 PM EDT
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Richrath wrote many of the band's songs including "Golden Country" from 1972, Ridin' the Storm Out (1973), "Son of a Poor Man" (1973), "Flying Turkey Trot" (1976), "Only the Strong Survive" (1979) and "Take It On the Run" from 1981.[1] In 1977, he and other members of the band took over production, which resulted in the band's first platinum album.
Richrath sang several REO Speedwagon songs including "Find My Fortune" (1973), "Wild as the Western Wind" (1974) and "(Only A) Summer Love" (1976). He left REO Speedwagon in 1989,[2] and released a solo album titled Only the Strong Survive in 1992 under the name "Richrath."





On November 22, 2013, REO and Styx announced a benefit concert titled "Rock to the Rescue" to raise money for the affected families of the tornado in central Illinois. The concert was held on December 4, 2013 in Bloomington, Illinois. Richrath reunited with REO for a performance of "Ridin' the Storm Out" to end REO's set at the sold-out concert. Richrath stayed on stage to help with the encore of "With a Little Help From My Friends" along with REO, Styx, Richard Marx and others. Richrath was originally from the town of East Peoria which was damaged during the storm. Families affected by the storm and first-responders sat near the stage for this special concert and REO reunion.
Richrath died on September 13, 2015, as confirmed by his former REO Speedwagon associate Kevin Cronin.[3] He was 65.

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Alex Sax(Oleg Zhovanik-Shevchik) was born in Russia .. He grew up in Ural, where he attended high school. Alex began playing saxophone at age 18!!!. He started college at Moscow University, but finished at the National High Colledge of Music in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music degree with diploma as artist of orchestra, conductor of wind orchestra.
Alex was a member of the Jazz College Band in 1989, and was one of the Composers for Pop World Studio Teens in 1990.
Alex began his own project as composer and arranger with jazz singer Paola in 1992-1997,then opened the Acid pop recording studio in 1998.
Literally having traveled the world playing smooth jazz, Alex Sax has earned a reputation as a versatile saxman, , and creative arranger. He is poised to step up and take his place on the larger international jazz scene.

Alex Sax based in Dubai,in present time working as freelancer performer.

Contacts(jovan46@mail.ru, phone:0506842547)
The smooth jazz fiesta 1998
The Rainbow,International competition of musicians 2000
Composer of Paola Project (pop,acid jazz, dance funk)1999-2002

skills: arrangement,composing(jazz,rock, pop,funk)

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Band Members
Alvin Nacino, drums
Rommel Carrera, vocals
Willy Villa, keyboards/ guitars
Rodel Kalalang, guitars
Gerard Jovellanos, bass


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JFB has formed a brotherhood of blues and beyond that is undeniable for music lovers of raw, energetic, high intensity shows. No show is ever the same with their spontaneous set changes and off the cuff arrangements of any song they feel they want to play at the moment. They are a spur of the moment band which keeps the shows interesting and unique.

JFB is a blues/rock band that has been performing orginal and cover music for more than a decade. The band has 2 CD's to their credit that showcase their writing and instrumentation: Ordinary Man and The Long Hard Road.


From their work on The Long Hard Road,the band was awarded a 3-song publishing contract with Transition Music Corp in California.

They have also had songs featured in film and television, including The Closer, Passions, and the Spanish film Tough Guy. JFB has shared the stage with acts such as Molly Hatchet, Buckcherry, and Three Dog Night.
JFB continues to play live shows to promote their original music.

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“David Miller's music is earthy and soulful. A bluesy rock style, a rich voice and guitar, along with years of experience, it adds up to a musical pilgrimage that attracts attention and stimulates a crowd. People get interested, and that's golden!” - Holt Vaughn, Founder and CEO of the Award Winning group of media companies TheEastcoGroup.com
"Miller is one of the finest soul-based singers in our region, and throughout “Poisons Sipped,” he proves he’s also one of our most vibrant songwriters. Elements of gospel, R&B, electric blues and singer-songwriter leanings collide here to form a collection of elegant, stately and eminently grooving songs, delivered with consistent passion. This is incredibly spirited stuff, and it represents a new high-watermark for Buffalo-born recordings.” -  Jeff Miers, Buffalo News

"Dave has a great soulful voice that may be the best sounding to have come out of WNY since Billy McEwen, his songs are catchy, funky, full of meaning as is his tasty guitar work."  - Tommy Z, International Recording Artist


"Poisons Sipped is a perfect cocktail of Blues, Soul, and Gospel flavors! Do yourself a favor and treat your ears to one of the best albums of the year!” -  Selwyn Birchwood, Alligator Records Recording Artist


“From “old-school” blues/ rock to sweet soul and gospel David Miller knows his stuff. A singer/songwriter and storyteller singing from what he has experienced, Miller is one of those guys who plays it from the heart. The notes falling from his guitar are drenched with passion and, when he opens his mouth and begins to sing, you know it’ nothin’ but the pure unadulterated truth. David Michael Miller is the real deal. If I had to label Miller, I would most likely call him a soul singer but, he is so much more. With each time that I listen to Poisons Sipped, I hear something new. This is an album that is destined to become a classic, passing down through the ages as one of those things that we all come to know and love.” - Bill Wilson, Reflections in Blue

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Interview with Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon





Here is the LATEST on the Loudini Rock and Roll Circus Interview Series featuring Betsie Brown.
BETSIE BROWN has over twenty-five years of experience in entertainment and music promotion, media relations & marketing communications, based in Memphis, San Diego, New York and London. Brown established Blind Raccoon in 2008, after a seven-year partnership in Crows Feet Productions. We provide radio promotion and publicity services, social media promotion and marketing consultation in the blues, roots, rock, R&B, soul, Americana and folk music genres.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Recipient of the 2009 KBA Award “Publicist of the Year” bestowed by The Blues Foundation






Member of the Board of the Memphis Chapter of the Recording Academy 2010-12 and 2007-9
Former Board Member of the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission
Board Member (2007-10 & 2002-5) and Vice President (2005) of The Blues Foundation
Corporate Member of The Blues Foundation
Member of the Americana Music Association
Member of the Folk Alliance
2004 and 2005 Chair of the International Blues Challenge, produced by The Blues Foundation
Board Member and Communications Chairperson of the former Blues Music Association

SERVICES
Simply put our task is to spread the word about an artist and their music to media, radio, music industry professionals and music lovers. Our job is to get reviews, features, interviews, radio airplay, and social media buzz. While working with a client, we act as advisers, mentors, and consultants on most promotional issues.

We work new music projects in these genres – blues, rock/blues, roots, Americana, folk, and funk/soul/R&B.

We present the music to chart reporters in the hope of placing on such charts as the Living Blues, Roots Music Report, Folk-DJ, Jamband, and Alternate Root charts.

We work with an extensive media and radio list that reaches around the globe as well as a significant list of music industry professionals. We are working social media every day and continue to build up our presence on Facebook, Twitter, Storify and SoundCloud. We place each client’s music on our password-protected digital platform in addition to mailing out physical product to maximize exposure.

Most of our campaigns are customized. However we do have a blues/roots targeted campaign for $3,275 all inclusive. More information can be obtained by emailing us at info@blindraccoon.com.

We also have additional promotional opportunities for our clients, including our sampler CD Blind Raccoon Collection, inclusion in our showcases, nomination promotions, Rocky’s Jukebox playlists, to name just a few.

PO Box 40045, Memphis, TN 38174
901.268.6065 • info@blindraccoon.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Interview with Janelle Rogers of Green Light Go Publicity

Hosted by: LouLombardi aka "Loudini"
Title: Interview with Janelle Rogers of Green Light Go Publicity
Time: 09/08/2015 06:00 PM EDT





Armed with gritty determination, I’m the queen of defying the impossible and what most people would say “can’t be done.” Never one to admit defeat until every avenue has been exhausted, I’ve conquered a few personal milestones in my forty years.
Whether personal or professional, I turn every no into a giant yes. Small town girls don’t move from Wyoming to Seattle to pursue a dream job in the music industry. I did. “You won’t get a job.” And yet stints at SXSW Music & Media Conference, BMG Distribution, and Sony BMG in the alternative marketing department are all parts of my career repertoire. Ride 300 miles through Michigan on a bicycle for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Challenge accepted and completed.
I might also add I’ve worked with some very cool bands. I say this not to brag, but because, I mean, c’mon it’s cool. Kings of Leon, The White Stripes, The Strokes, Starfucker, The Handsome Family, Belle & Sebastian, Morrissey are just a few I could name.
When I started Green Light Go in 2002, I heard a lot of naysayers tell me how most businesses fail. They do. But I’m not most people and as you can see, I don’t take no for an answer. My brother says I’m resilient. It’s my resilience, determination and passion that is infused into every single campaign we work. I don’t believe in can’t. If you say you can’t do something, I’ll ask for five reasons you can.
Professional (and brief bio)
Janelle Rogers began her 20 year music industry career working for SXSW Music and Media Conference. She then went on to work for BMG Distribution for 10 years in the alternative music department where she championed bands like Kings of Leon, Ray LaMontagne, The Strokes, Belle & Sebastian and The White Stripes. In 2002 she launched Green Light Go Music PR as a haven of honesty, integrity and passion for underrepresented artists and labels. She has since been named Mentor of the Year by the University of Michigan, Dearborn, appeared as a panelist at NXNE and been an official SXSW mentor.
If interested in booking for panelist, mentor or interview opportunities please contact at janelle [at] glgpub.com
http://facebook.com/janellerogersrox
http://twitter.com/janelle_rogers

Monday, September 7, 2015

Interview with Tanisha Jackson







TANISHA JACKSON, FOUNDER AT TANISHA JACKSON, ENTERTAINMENT MANAGEMENT
Music Industry Veteran offering bespoke strategic, management and marketing solutions for artists, labels, venues and nonprofits. My objective in any given scenario is to bring complementary parties together to achieve mutually beneficial objectives that promote music, art, technological advancement and social development.

Specialties: Artist Liaison, Media Relations, Live Event Production, Production Coordination, Image Consulting, A&R

Tanisha provides management, publicity, contract negotiation, live production and booking services to clients in several areas of entertainment; primarily music, but also film and publishing. Clients include multi-instrumentalist and producer Morris Pleasure, saxophonist Mike Albert.

Her work as a writer is featured in the liner notes and all copy associated with soul legend and Four Top Ronnie McNeir's critically acclaimed 2007 release, "Ronnie Mac & Company." 

Jackson Talent handles a myriad of entertainment needs including official artist biographies, press campaigns, contract negotiations, booking, and career management aimed primarily at the independent artist.
Tanisha's Latest Venture is Posh Pittsburgh.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Interview with Joe Deninzon







Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Joe Deninzon has been hailed by critics as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” because of his innovative style on the electric seven-string violin and his compositions combining jazz and rock with Gypsy influences. A musician who transcends many genres, he has worked with Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Phoebe Snow, Everclear, Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, Smokey Robinson, Robert Bonfiglio, and Les Paul among many others. He has also performed as a solo electric violinist with the New York City Ballet and has performed, co-written, and musically directed the of Broadway show, “Spider Dance” with percussionist Alessandra Belloni.

Joe is the lead singer and violinist for the band Stratospheerius, who have just released their 5th CD, “The Next World” on Steve Vai’as Digital Nations label , and were named “Best Jam Band” in the Musician’s Atlas Independent Music Awards. He can be heard on over a hundred CD’s and jingles as a violinist and string arranger.

A 12-time BMI Jazz Composer’s grant recipient and a winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, his original music has been used on CMT, MTV VH1, Comedy Central, National Geographic, the Travel Channel, the History Channel, and most recently, the Will Ferrell/Adam McKay-produced film “Virginity Hit.”

Joe has released a CD with his acoustic Jazz Trio, entitled Exuberance, which mixes the style of Stephane Grappelli with covers of Radiohead and Alice in Chains. He also recently joined the Sweet Plantain String Quartet, which combines classical, jazz, hip-hop, and Latin styles. An active clinician, Joe has taught rock violin at Mark Oconnor’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. He has recently published a book on electric violin techniques for Mel Bay Publications, entitled “Plugging In.” 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. Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and a Master’s from Manhattan School of Music.

“As at home in the world of Grappeli and Oconner as he is in the world of Steve Vai and Jimi Hendrix, Joe Deninzon may very well be our next national violin treasure!!”
-Jedd Beaudoin
www.seaoftranquility.org