The Secret to Massive Sucess as a Song Writer that NO ONE will Tell You!

Hosted by Lou Lombardi aka Loudini & Kevin O'Connor

Topic: The Secret to Massive Sucess as a Song Writer that NO ONE will Tell You!

Birthday Shout Outs: Carl Perkins, Phillip Wright (vocals, drums, Paper Lace), Mark Kelly (keyboards, Marillion), Gerard Way  (vocals, My Chemical Romance), Albert Hammond Jr (guitar, The Strokes)

Featured Artists Robert DiMaio  , Lance Lopez  , Convoy

Robert DiMaio  https://www.reverbnation.com/robertdimaio2

Robert DiMaio has released three records under his own name. 10,000sf Candy Store is his latest. Robert has been featured in magazines like, Guitar Player Magazine, 20th Century Guitar and Progressive Music. His music has received praise from the likes of Joe Gastwirt(Mastering Engineer: Jimi Hendrix, Yes and many more), Elliot Randall(Guitar Player for Steely Dan) and other industry insiders as well as countless music lovers. Equally at home on guitar, bass and as a composer, Robert is a compelling musical force full of balance, insight and a bit of magic. Listen for yourselves.

Lance Lopez  http://lancelopeztx.com/

Even just a cursory look will reveal the state’s rich tradition, which easily rivals Chicago and Mississippi for producing players who have been both originators and contributors to the legacy of the guitar’s significant role in the genre’s history. Dating back to the 1920’s with “Blind” Lemon Jefferson, continuing through the 1950’s with such legends as Freddie King, T-Bone Walker and “Lightning” Hopkins, with the advent of the rock era of the 1960’s the pressure cooker exploded.

Albino blues giant Johnny Winter, from Beaumont, in 1968 was signed to what was then the largest advance in the history of the recording industry—$600,000. Houston’s ZZ Top, with the Reverend Willie G, i.e. Billy F. Gibbons – armed with a ’59 Les Paul- during the 70’s went from being “That little ol’ band from Texas” to being world wide ambassadors with their unique brand of deep blues infused boogie rock.

Although disco and subsequently new wave lessened blues rock’s influence in the late 70’s, by 1983 it was another native Texan, Dallas born Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose combination of raw blues mixed with Hendrix styled pyrotechnics spearheaded yet another resurrection as the genre rose its evil head once again. A breath of much needed fresh air amongst the synth heavy offerings on MTV and radio airwaves of the time, the guitarist’s massive influence has extended long beyond his untimely, tragic death twenty years ago.

One such player whom Vaughan touched the soul of was young, gifted blues/rock axeslinger Lance Lopez. Although born in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 12, his family moved to Dallas, where with the exception of a spell back in New Orleans and Southwest Florida, the guitarist has called his home ever since.

A professional musician since the age of 14 when he began playing local bars in and around the New Orleans, Louisiana area, at 17 he was hired by soul great Johnnie Taylor, with whom he toured for six months. By 18 he was hired as the band leader of blues legend Lucky Peterson’s band, spending three years touring throughout the world.

It was while with Peterson in Europe that he struck up a close friendship with the larger than life drummer Buddy Miles, subsequently becoming the guitarist for The Buddy Miles Express for a brief time. The former Band Of Gypsys legend would go on to mentor Lopez, leading to him co producing his debut album ‘First Things First’, along with Grammy winning producer Jay Newland (Norah Jones) which was released independently in 1998.

From 2003 to 2007 Lopez recorded, and released three studio and one live CD for a small independent label, Grooveyard Records – all of which were heavily influenced by another of the guitarist’s main influences – Jimi Hendrix. Despite the hindrance of being released on such a label, the albums are all prime examples of post Hendrix heavy blues, filled to the brim with awe inspiring fretwork, which led to him garnering a cult following amongst guitar fanatics world wide.

After a three year break, Lopez returned with a Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Santana) produced studio album ‘Salvation From Sundown’. Intentionally conceived as a more traditional Texas blues styled offering, it’s the guitarist’s most mature recording to date, showcasing strong songwriting while still retaining the red-hot fretwork which has elicited none other than guitar god Jeff Beck to call him “A very exciting and intense blues guitarist”. His first release on a major label MIG Music/String Commander. In Europe in November 2011 MIG Music released the follow up to ‘Salvation From Sundown’. A very strong Hard Rocking/Blues offering entitled ‘Handmade Music’. ‘Handmade Music’ is full of well crafted songs and Lopez’s signature searing guitar work. Again, Lopez working with Jim Gaines, recorded this entire album in the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Ardent was also where Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Thorogood and others made some of their greatest works. ‘Handmade Music’ shows him poised to take his rightful place as one of the finest blues players on the planet. Texas has its guitar heroes, not least of which is Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, and the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. And here’s another to add to the list: Lance Lopez.

Convoy  https://www.reverbnation.com/convoy

Convoy is a Chicago based band that plays straight up rock and roll with a distinct melodic influence of blues and southern rock. They are a 20th century swamp rock band. The mixture of their musical style has brought Convoy the recognition of being called “The Kings of Swamp Rock”. 

The band was formed in the fall of 2009 and has been writing, recording and performing live ever since. Convoy consists of versatile seasoned musicians, all which are held with high regard in the local music industry.

Brian Corbin is the singer, rhythm guitarist, and lyric composer of Convoy’s original music. He has exceptional writing abilities which are evident in the lyrics. His passion for original heartfelt rock is clear right when he steps foot on stage. He sings with soulful genuine emotion which the crowd feeds off of.

Mike Getz is the drummer. Mike is the heartbeat of the band. He has extraordinary energy and skills. Once you see him play, you will understand why he has the nickname of “Animal” because he cheers and yells “YYYEEEAAAAAHHHH” at the crowd. It is rare to see someone interact so well with the crowd while rocking the songs.

Martin Bo Jarkski is the bassist and backup vocalist. Martin brings incredible rhythmic unity to Convoy. Even while Martin is grooving on stage or walking through the crowd with his bass during a jam, he keeps a constant link between the harmony and rhythm. Once you hear the pulse of Martin’s bass, you’ll be glad you saw him play live. 

Johnny Daniel is the lead guitarist, backup vocalist, plays harmonica and keyboard. Johnny is a multi-talented musician who is a walking jukebox because he can play all and every genre. His has amazing talent and memorizes the crowd with his catchy, funky, or shredding complex guitar riffs. Johnny also is the mixer and producer of all Convoy albums.

In July of 2010, Convoy released their first album, "River of Sorrow". During live performances, you will hear the crowd singing word by word of many of the tunes. The album brought them recognition throughout venues in the Midwest, Florida and southern US states. They also gained global popularity from being played on online radio stations.

Convoy began recording their second album, “Blue Collar America” in 2011. Convoy took a year recording the album in the unique Rock Lounge studio. The album was released in September 2012 and gained instant popularity.

In early 2015, Convoy began recording album number three which is called, “Back to the Beginning”. The album is not yet released but will soon be available for distribution.

Convoy is not the typical local band. They are top notch, professional musicians who have passion to play good music and a desire to bring the crowd the most enjoyable musical experience possible. Not only do they rock but they support all other local bands in the industry and treat their fans as family. They have played with all levels of bands such as national acts as well as local bands. Convoy has something special and you will feel it once you see them play live.

*All songs on the albums River of Sorrow, Blue Collar America and Back to the Beginning were written and produced by Convoy. 

© Convoy 2010, 2012 and 2015