10/28/2009 - Macon, GA - You can't travel down south without hearing someone rave about guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, radio and TV personality Joey Stuckey, who holds the distinction of being the Official Ambassador of Music for Macon, Georgia (home of the 'southern sound'). Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio & TV personality, music columnist, inspirational speaker, educator and sound engineer. Joey's guitar style is reminiscent of rocker Jeff Beck and a jazzier Wes Montgomery, while his vocal influences range from Mel Torme to Gregg Allman. He has also worked with the likes of Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws), David Ragsdale (from Kansas and The Smashing Pumpkins), Randall Bramblett (from Traffic, Steve Winwood Band and Gregg Allman Band), Carol King and Ike Turner to name a few. After three critically acclaimed rock releases ('Take A Walk In The Shadows', 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides', 'So Far') Joey is gearing up for the release of his new jazz and blues tinged EP release 'Ocean Side'. "This little jazz EP is four tunes that have been laying around for about two years now," says Joey. "I recorded them just when I had some time for myself, not very often as I work so much for others. Anyway, The EP is called 'Ocean Side' and is a little slice of summer magic. The music is all reminiscent of the beach and easy living. Just in time for the cold winter of 2009 comes some bright and warm sunshine courtesy of jazz music." (Along with the release of 'Ocean Side', Stuckey will be re-releasing as a download his second CD 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides'.) Stuckey lost his sight and sense of smell as an infant as the result of a brain tumor. Despite these limitations, he remained in mainstream education. Scholastically outstanding, Joey Stuckey graduated from high school at the age of 14. At the age of 17 he began his musical career by taking classical guitar lessons from noted music professor Terry Cantwell. Joey continued his musical education by studying with renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan. "I love my rock and roll and in fact I am working on a new rock EP, 'Seven Songs In Seven Days' but, jazz studies is really important to me. I feel like music is the language of the angels and in jazz, I feel that we really have the best exploration of that language. Of course, you can imagine how great it was to study with a jazz legend like Stanley Jordan. We met when we were both on tour in MA. He does some amazing things with the technique known as tapping, I haven't ever developed that skill to his level and probably won't, but, learning from him was a real privilege that I am thankful for. I teach music as well and use some of the practice suggestions he gave me to this day with my own students." As well as being featured in many national and international media publications including PRI's "The World", GPB's "Georgia Gazette", and "Big Takeover Magazine", Joey has won several outstanding awards in music. "I am very honored to have been recognized for the hard work I have put in to my craft of music composing, recording and entertaining. I have won the jazz artist of the year almost every year since 2000, though Ben Tucker beat me one year and rightly so. I have also received the EA-TV lifetime achievement award for my work with internet radio and TV promoting indie artists, and even the Cotton Carrier Award from the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame, for my contribution to the music industry of GA. I also got the Ray Melton Music Man Award for my work supporting music in my home town of Macon. there are many more, but, these are some of the ones I am most proud of." "Dude, you’re the greatest!" - Chuck Leavell (Keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton) Joey Stuckey and his band have opened for legendary artists like Ted Nugent, Bad Company, Trisha Yearwood, James Brown, Clarence Carter, Wet Willie, the B-52's, Kevin Kinney from Drivin' N Cryin, and Smashmouth. In his other roles as either producer, composer, music columnist, and sound engineer or hired musician, Stuckey has worked with musical greats like Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws) "Huey Thomason from the Outlaws played on one track on my first CD 'Take A Walk In The Shadows'," Joey relates. "What a great player he is, he is missed. I was the second engineer on his last album, 'Diablo Canyon' and got to know him well then." Stuckey has also worked with the likes of Jimmy Herring (from The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frog Wing, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Others/Grateful Dead), Danny Seraphin (drummer from supergroup Chicago and currently with California Transit Authority-CTA), Hamp Swain (the Original King Bee), comedian Tim Wilson, Allen Vizzuti (from Chick Corea, Doc Severinson Orchestra, and Chuck Mangione), Doyle Dykes, Connie Haines (from Harry James and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), Chris Hillman (from the Byrds and Desert Rose Band), Jerry Peake (bassist for Steve Morse Band), Ben Tucker (Herbie Mann, Mel Torme), John Dunn (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Jimmy Hall (from Wet Willie, Hank Williams, Jr., and the Nighthawks), Charlie Daniels, George McCorkle (from Marshall Tucker Band), Razzy Bailey, Sammy Nestico (composer/arranger for Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra). "For anyone who doesn't know it yet, Joey is one of the most amazing guitarists I know." - Ian Copeland - IRS Records Stuckey is also the owner and sound engineer of a recording facility in Macon called Shadow Sound Studio (www.shadowsoundstudio.com) which boasts vintage analog gear and state-of-the-art digital technology. "I started when I was 13, but, didn't get a real studio until the mid 90's," says Joey. "Some of the folks I worked with are mentioned above, but, I have also recorded for Ron Lester, an actor, in the movies Good Burger and Varsity Blues, we did a comedy album, I actually wrote the music to some songs he did. Of course Randall Bramblett, ARC recording artist Miguel Castro, The Outlaws, Percy Welch, who played with little Richard, John Lee Hooker... And Chris Hicks, of Marshal Tucker, and many more!" Stuckey is the adaptive technology correspondent for Dialogue Magazine which is a publication dedicated to the needs of the blind. Recently, Joey has taken on the role of music publisher and has a growing catalog of great songs in multiple genres. His publishing companies include Sociology Publishing (BMI) and Sign Wave Publishing (ASCAP). "...A phenomenal effort from a man truly blessed by God. Throughout my years in various bands, recording studios, concerts, radio stations, etc., I have come across many unsigned bands and artists who think they are the best. And we have all seen who the mainstream radio and media tout as the best. But I'm here today to tell you that Joey Stuckey really is the best." Reviewer: Michael Walenceus In short, Joey Stuckey is a young man with an enormous talent, clear vision, and a tireless work ethic who is well respected by his peers, fans, and even a few legends. Joey Stuckey's 'Ocean Side' EP and 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides' CD reissue is available now from Joey's official website and will be available on iTunes in December. For more information visit: www.joeystuckey.com Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR PH: 828-350-8158 glassonyonpr@cs.com 10/28/2009 – Macon, GA – You can’t travel down south without hearing someone rave about guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, radio and TV personality Joey Stuckey, who holds the distinction of being the Official Ambassador of Music for Macon, Georgia (home of the ‘southern sound’). Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio & TV personality, music columnist, inspirational speaker, educator and sound engineer. Joey’s guitar style is reminiscent of rocker Jeff Beck and a jazzier Wes Montgomery, while his vocal influences range from Mel Torme to Gregg Allman. He has also worked with the likes of Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws), David Ragsdale (from Kansas and The Smashing Pumpkins), Randall Bramblett (from Traffic, Steve Winwood Band and Gregg Allman Band), Carol King and Ike Turner to name a few. After three critically acclaimed rock releases (‘Take A Walk In The Shadows’, ‘Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides’, ‘So Far’) Joey is gearing up for the release of his new jazz and blues tinged EP release ‘Ocean Side’. “This little jazz EP is four tunes that have been laying around for about two years now,” says Joey. “I recorded them just when I had some time for myself, not very often as I work so much for others. Anyway, The EP is called ‘Ocean Side’ and is a little slice of summer magic. The music is all reminiscent of the beach and easy living. Just in time for the cold winter of 2009 comes some bright and warm sunshine courtesy of jazz music.” (Along with the release of ‘Ocean Side’, Stuckey will be re-releasing as a download his second CD ‘Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides’.) Stuckey lost his sight and sense of smell as an infant as the result of a brain tumor. Despite these limitations, he remained in mainstream education. Scholastically outstanding, Joey Stuckey graduated from high school at the age of 14. At the age of 17 he began his musical career by taking classical guitar lessons from noted music professor Terry Cantwell. Joey continued his musical education by studying with renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan. “I love my rock and roll and in fact I am working on a new rock EP, ‘Seven Songs In Seven Days’ but, jazz studies is really important to me. I feel like music is the language of the angels and in jazz, I feel that we really have the best exploration of that language. Of course, you can imagine how great it was to study with a jazz legend like Stanley Jordan. We met when we were both on tour in MA. He does some amazing things with the technique known as tapping, I haven’t ever developed that skill to his level and probably won’t, but, learning from him was a real privilege that I am thankful for. I teach music as well and use some of the practice suggestions he gave me to this day with my own students.” As well as being featured in many national and international media publications including PRI’s “The World”, GPB’s “Georgia Gazette”, and “Big Takeover Magazine”, Joey has won several outstanding awards in music. “I am very honored to have been recognized for the hard work I have put in to my craft of music composing, recording and entertaining. I have won the jazz artist of the year almost every year since 2000, though Ben Tucker beat me one year and rightly so. I have also received the EA-TV lifetime achievement award for my work with internet radio and TV promoting indie artists, and even the Cotton Carrier Award from the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame, for my contribution to the music industry of GA. I also got the Ray Melton Music Man Award for my work supporting music in my home town of Macon. there are many more, but, these are some of the ones I am most proud of.” “Dude, you’re the greatest!” – Chuck Leavell (Keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton) Joey Stuckey and his band have opened for legendary artists like Ted Nugent, Bad Company, Trisha Yearwood, James Brown, Clarence Carter, Wet Willie, the B-52’s, Kevin Kinney from Drivin’ N Cryin, and Smashmouth. In his other roles as either producer, composer, music columnist, and sound engineer or hired musician, Stuckey has worked with musical greats like Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws) “Huey Thomason from the Outlaws played on one track on my first CD ‘Take A Walk In The Shadows’,” Joey relates. “What a great player he is, he is missed. I was the second engineer on his last album, ‘Diablo Canyon’ and got to know him well then.” Stuckey has also worked with the likes of Jimmy Herring (from The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frog Wing, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Others/Grateful Dead), Danny Seraphin (drummer from supergroup Chicago and currently with California Transit Authority-CTA), Hamp Swain (the Original King Bee), comedian Tim Wilson, Allen Vizzuti (from Chick Corea, Doc Severinson Orchestra, and Chuck Mangione), Doyle Dykes, Connie Haines (from Harry James and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), Chris Hillman (from the Byrds and Desert Rose Band), Jerry Peake (bassist for Steve Morse Band), Ben Tucker (Herbie Mann, Mel Torme), John Dunn (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Jimmy Hall (from Wet Willie, Hank Williams, Jr., and the Nighthawks), Charlie Daniels, George McCorkle (from Marshall Tucker Band), Razzy Bailey, Sammy Nestico (composer/arranger for Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra). “For anyone who doesn’t know it yet, Joey is one of the most amazing guitarists I know.” – Ian Copeland – IRS Records Stuckey is also the owner and sound engineer of a recording facility in Macon called Shadow Sound Studio (<a href="http://www.shadowsoundstudio.com">www.shadowsoundstudio.com</a>) which boasts vintage analog gear and state-of-the-art digital technology. “I started when I was 13, but, didn’t get a real studio until the mid 90’s,” says Joey. “Some of the folks I worked with are mentioned above, but, I have also recorded for Ron Lester, an actor, in the movies Good Burger and Varsity Blues, we did a comedy album, I actually wrote the music to some songs he did. Of course Randall Bramblett, ARC recording artist Miguel Castro, The Outlaws, Percy Welch, who played with little Richard, John Lee Hooker… And Chris Hicks, of Marshal Tucker, and many more!” Stuckey is the adaptive technology correspondent for Dialogue Magazine which is a publication dedicated to the needs of the blind. Recently, Joey has taken on the role of music publisher and has a growing catalog of great songs in multiple genres. His publishing companies include Sociology Publishing (BMI) and Sign Wave Publishing (ASCAP). ”...A phenomenal effort from a man truly blessed by God. Throughout my years in various bands, recording studios, concerts, radio stations, etc., I have come across many unsigned bands and artists who think they are the best. And we have all seen who the mainstream radio and media tout as the best. But I’m here today to tell you that Joey Stuckey really is the best.” Reviewer: Michael Walenceus In short, Joey Stuckey is a young man with an enormous talent, clear vision, and a tireless work ethic who is well respected by his peers, fans, and even a few legends. Joey Stuckey’s ‘Ocean Side’ EP and ‘Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides’ CD reissue is available now from Joey’s official website and will be available on iTunes in December. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.joeystuckey.com">www.joeystuckey.com</a> Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR PH: 828-350-8158 <a href="mailto:glassonyonpr@cs.com">glassonyonpr@cs.com</a>

2009-10-31T17:20:55Z

1147

829

2009-10-31T17:20:55Z

1993

10/12/2009 - San Jose, CA - Zappa vocal legend and 2008 Grammy Award recipient Napoleon Murphy Brock plans to release a CD of vintage live recordings in December 2009 entitled 'This is What Frank Zappa Heard - Just in Case You Were Wondering - Live at the Red Noodle in Waikiki, Hawaii'. Fans worldwide have heard Napoleon's extraordinairy vocals, sax and flute on such beloved Zappa albums as 'Roxy & Elsewhere', 'One Size Fits All', 'Bongo Fury' and 'Thing Fish', not to mention his work with keyboardist, and fellow Zappa alumni George Duke, as well as the recent incarnation of the Grande Mothers Re-invented. On August 8th, 1973, Frank Zappa was alerted by his road manager, Marty Perellis, that an incredible band with an extraordinary lead singer was performing downtown to a standing room only audience … and that it might be wise that he come and see this for himself. When Zappa went to the club and watched the show, he saw a young talent sing, dance, play sax, flute and keyboards, in a manner that clearly made it appear that he was having more fun than even the other patrons in the club. After two hours of observing and listening to this young man and his very disciplined band of musicians, he introduced himself as Frank Zappa, and the young man introduced himself as Napoleon Murphy Brock. The next words out of Zappa’s mouth were, "You are my new lead vocalist." "As I understand it, he had just finished touring Australia, and they were getting ready to go to Europe a week or two after that," recalls Napoleon to Andrew Greenaway. "And he was taking a little break. He stopped off in Hawaii for a week or so. And his road manager, Marty Perellis, set Frank up in a hotel and then went out walking around in Hawaii probably to see if he could get lucky or something! If you want a good time, what better place to do it than in Hawaii? Hawaii is literally paradise. And he came to a show of mine outside a nightclub at the Coral Reef hotel and got curious as to why there was a line of people waiting to get into a place on a Wednesday night. He didn't recognize the name of the band, so he thought he'd get in line and come in and see why everybody was queuing up. The reason that people would line up in front of the 'Red Noodle' every night is because the club owners always hired us, and brought us to play and perform for the local people of Hawaii. The locals would get off of work between 10 pm and 11 pm. They had until 12 midnight to get in the club, after which time the tourists would be let in until the club capacity was met. We played 7 nights a week, from 10 pm until 4 am". The band's name was "Communication Plus - music that 'communicates' to the listener and dancer, 'plus' music you can feel," explained Napoleon. "Anyway, Marty came into the club and saw us playing didn't recognise us, because no one knew about us except the club owners that hired us and the people who came to see us. He ran back to the hotel, woke Frank up and said, 'Hey, get your clothes on, I just found your new lead vocalist'. Frank got up, came by to the hotel, stood in line like anybody else and once he got in he sat at the back of the room there weren't any seats. We were quite popular there, because we were a band from the mainland. In Hawaii, a band from the mainland if you play halfway decent music you're like a star, you have star status over there. And also the music in Hawaii is like a month behind". Napoleon joined Zappa's group in October 1973 and remained until 1976 recording some of Zappa's most notable albums. This historic performance was taped on TEAC 4 Track Reel to Reel on August 8th, 1973 and has been digitally enhanced, and the final mix done in stereo surround sound in Hamburg, Germany. It will put you at the next table to where Frank was sitting, and you will experience what Frank Zappa experienced and what later was described as "the audition of a lifetime". Some of the songs covered include Nilsson's "Coconut", Carol King's "So Far Away", James Brown's "Make It Funky" and Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" to name a few. 'This is What Frank Zappa Heard - Just in Case You Were Wondering - Live at the Red Noodle in Waikiki, Hawaii' is currently available for pre-order from Napoleon's official website. He will also autograph copies on request. In other news, Napoleon will be performing in concert with keyboard legend and fellow Zappa alumni George Duke on October 31, 2009 at the Amsterdam Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. The ensemble will be backed by the Metropole Orchestra. All the music performed at the concert with the Metropole Orch will be original compositions written by George Duke and Napoleon Murphy Brock only. For more information on the concert go to: www.amsterdamjf.nl For more information on Napoleon Murphy Brock visit his offical website: www.napoleonmbrock.com Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR glassonyonpr@cs.com 10/12/2009 – San Jose, CA – Zappa vocal legend and 2008 Grammy Award recipient Napoleon Murphy Brock plans to release a CD of vintage live recordings in December 2009 entitled ‘This is What Frank Zappa Heard – Just in Case You Were Wondering – Live at the Red Noodle in Waikiki, Hawaii’. Fans worldwide have heard Napoleon’s extraordinairy vocals, sax and flute on such beloved Zappa albums as ‘Roxy & Elsewhere’, ‘One Size Fits All’, ‘Bongo Fury’ and ‘Thing Fish’, not to mention his work with keyboardist, and fellow Zappa alumni George Duke, as well as the recent incarnation of the Grande Mothers Re-invented. On August 8th, 1973, Frank Zappa was alerted by his road manager, Marty Perellis, that an incredible band with an extraordinary lead singer was performing downtown to a standing room only audience … and that it might be wise that he come and see this for himself. When Zappa went to the club and watched the show, he saw a young talent sing, dance, play sax, flute and keyboards, in a manner that clearly made it appear that he was having more fun than even the other patrons in the club. After two hours of observing and listening to this young man and his very disciplined band of musicians, he introduced himself as Frank Zappa, and the young man introduced himself as Napoleon Murphy Brock. The next words out of Zappa’s mouth were, “You are my new lead vocalist.” “As I understand it, he had just finished touring Australia, and they were getting ready to go to Europe a week or two after that,” recalls Napoleon to Andrew Greenaway. “And he was taking a little break. He stopped off in Hawaii for a week or so. And his road manager, Marty Perellis, set Frank up in a hotel and then went out walking around in Hawaii probably to see if he could get lucky or something! If you want a good time, what better place to do it than in Hawaii? Hawaii is literally paradise. And he came to a show of mine outside a nightclub at the Coral Reef hotel and got curious as to why there was a line of people waiting to get into a place on a Wednesday night. He didn’t recognize the name of the band, so he thought he’d get in line and come in and see why everybody was queuing up. The reason that people would line up in front of the ‘Red Noodle’ every night is because the club owners always hired us, and brought us to play and perform for the local people of Hawaii. The locals would get off of work between 10 pm and 11 pm. They had until 12 midnight to get in the club, after which time the tourists would be let in until the club capacity was met. We played 7 nights a week, from 10 pm until 4 am”. The band’s name was “Communication Plus – music that ‘communicates’ to the listener and dancer, ‘plus’ music you can feel,” explained Napoleon. “Anyway, Marty came into the club and saw us playing didn’t recognise us, because no one knew about us except the club owners that hired us and the people who came to see us. He ran back to the hotel, woke Frank up and said, ‘Hey, get your clothes on, I just found your new lead vocalist’. Frank got up, came by to the hotel, stood in line like anybody else and once he got in he sat at the back of the room there weren’t any seats. We were quite popular there, because we were a band from the mainland. In Hawaii, a band from the mainland if you play halfway decent music you’re like a star, you have star status over there. And also the music in Hawaii is like a month behind”. Napoleon joined Zappa’s group in October 1973 and remained until 1976 recording some of Zappa’s most notable albums. This historic performance was taped on TEAC 4 Track Reel to Reel on August 8th, 1973 and has been digitally enhanced, and the final mix done in stereo surround sound in Hamburg, Germany. It will put you at the next table to where Frank was sitting, and you will experience what Frank Zappa experienced and what later was described as “the audition of a lifetime”. Some of the songs covered include Nilsson’s “Coconut”, Carol King’s “So Far Away”, James Brown’s “Make It Funky” and Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” to name a few. ‘This is What Frank Zappa Heard – Just in Case You Were Wondering – Live at the Red Noodle in Waikiki, Hawaii’ is currently available for pre-order from Napoleon’s official website. He will also autograph copies on request. In other news, Napoleon will be performing in concert with keyboard legend and fellow Zappa alumni George Duke on October 31, 2009 at the Amsterdam Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. The ensemble will be backed by the Metropole Orchestra. All the music performed at the concert with the Metropole Orch will be original compositions written by George Duke and Napoleon Murphy Brock only. For more information on the concert go to: <a href="http://www.amsterdamjf.nl">www.amsterdamjf.nl</a> For more information on Napoleon Murphy Brock visit his offical website: <a href="http://www.napoleonmbrock.com">www.napoleonmbrock.com</a> Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR <a href="mailto:glassonyonpr@cs.com">glassonyonpr@cs.com</a>

2009-10-12T17:02:10Z

1137

820

2009-10-12T17:02:10Z

1993

8/18/2009 - Eugene, OR - Known for his uniquely identifiable baritone voice, former Zappa alumnus Ike Willis will be touring with Eugene ensemble Pojama People. Willis worked with music legend Frank Zappa from 1978 to 1993, and can be heard on such notable albums as Joe's Garage (he was "Joe"), Thingfish (he was "Thingfish") and Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life (he was "The Walrus"). Vowing to keep the music of Frank Zappa alive, he has teamed up with Zappa tribute band Pojama People for a series of upcoming US shows. "We're going to be doing all the old Frank Zappa favorites, along with stuff from 'Joe's Garage'," says Ike. "Basically, we span all of the eras." Pojama People features Alli Bach (vocals, percussion, winds, terpsechorean ejectamenta) and Glenn Leonard (drums and "I Was There" musical direction). Rounding out the unit are Portland's Brian Casey (bass) and Ted Clifford (keyboards). Spawned from Zappa tribute ensemble Project/Object, drummer Glenn Leonard (who had played 7 national tours with Project/Object) decided to start his own band to honor the late, great Mother. "I moved from Philly to Oregon in order to marry Alli and start a new Zappa project on the west coast with Ike Willis," Glenn related. "Alli and I met up every time Project/Object played in Eugene, where she would guest doing interpretive modern dance to various FZ songs or improvisations. She joined the tour as a guest in 2004 from Portland to San Francisco where she was featured doing 'The Black Page' on tap! At that point, I knew she was the woman for me. A cross-country romance bloomed and by 2006 I moved to Eugene." Pojama People have completed five west coast tours since August 2006. Most recently the group released their debut CD 'footsie notes', which is based on improvisations with Ike Willis (who plays guitar as well as sings). "Glenn's our old drummer from Project/Object," recalls Ike. "He was with us for three years. He decided to move to Eugene and start his own band. Also, I lived in Oregon for 17 years. I moved there after the last tour I did with Zappa. Glenn is one of the family, and when he put Pojama People together... when any of my brothers need help I answer the call!" Pojama People featuring Ike Willis will be performing at the following locations: Sep 11 Friday 8pm - The Mix, 6006 12th Ave S., Seattle WA 98108 - myspace.com/mixseattle Sep 13 Sunday 7pm - Roxy's Vets Club, 406 N Mount Shasta Blvd., Mt Shasta CA 96067 - myspace.com/roxysvetsclub Sep 14 Monday 8pm - Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., San Francisco CA 94110 - 415.552.7788 - www.elbo.com Sep 16 Wednesday 9pm - Dante's, 1 SW 3rd & Burnside, Portland OR 97209 - myspace.com/dantesportland Sep 17 Thursday 10pm - The Red Fox Tavern, 415 5th St (5th and E), Eureka, CA 95501 - (707) 269-0282 - myspace.com/theredfoxtavern Sep 18 Friday 9:30pm - Caspar Inn, 14957 Caspar Rd., Caspar CA 95420 - 707-964-5565 - www.casparinn.com Sep 19 Saturday 9:30pm - Luckey's, 933 olive st., Eugene OR 97402 - (541) 687-4643 www.luckeysclub.com Songs to be performed by Pojama People on this tour include: "Dangerous Kitchen" (with Glenn on piano), "The Tap Page" (Alli doing the Black Page via tap dance), "Tell Me You Love Me", "Help I'm Iraq", "Trouble Every Day", "Inca Roads", "Black Napkins", "Outside Now", "Sy Borg", "Watermelon In Easter Hay", "Willie The Pimp", "Zomby Woof", "I'm The Slime", "Lucille" to name a few. The music of Frank Zappa still remains important to Ike Willis; "I've been playing Frank's music for over 30 years now, and I spent half my life with him. We met when I was 19 years old, when I was in college. I played and toured with him on and off from 1978 on. I recorded with Frank the entire time from 1978 up until he passed away." Along with the debut of the Ike Willis Project this fall, Ike has his three solo CDs available for purchase through www.itsaboutmusic.com For more information on Pojama People: www.liveatthespace.com/pjp/ 8/18/2009 – Eugene, OR – Known for his uniquely identifiable baritone voice, former Zappa alumnus Ike Willis will be touring with Eugene ensemble Pojama People. Willis worked with music legend Frank Zappa from 1978 to 1993, and can be heard on such notable albums as Joe’s Garage (he was “Joe”), Thingfish (he was “Thingfish”) and Best Band You Never Heard In Your Life (he was “The Walrus”). Vowing to keep the music of Frank Zappa alive, he has teamed up with Zappa tribute band Pojama People for a series of upcoming US shows. “We’re going to be doing all the old Frank Zappa favorites, along with stuff from ‘Joe’s Garage’,” says Ike. “Basically, we span all of the eras.” Pojama People features Alli Bach (vocals, percussion, winds, terpsechorean ejectamenta) and Glenn Leonard (drums and “I Was There” musical direction). Rounding out the unit are Portland’s Brian Casey (bass) and Ted Clifford (keyboards). Spawned from Zappa tribute ensemble Project/Object, drummer Glenn Leonard (who had played 7 national tours with Project/Object) decided to start his own band to honor the late, great Mother. “I moved from Philly to Oregon in order to marry Alli and start a new Zappa project on the west coast with Ike Willis,” Glenn related. “Alli and I met up every time Project/Object played in Eugene, where she would guest doing interpretive modern dance to various FZ songs or improvisations. She joined the tour as a guest in 2004 from Portland to San Francisco where she was featured doing ‘The Black Page’ on tap! At that point, I knew she was the woman for me. A cross-country romance bloomed and by 2006 I moved to Eugene.” Pojama People have completed five west coast tours since August 2006. Most recently the group released their debut CD ‘footsie notes’, which is based on improvisations with Ike Willis (who plays guitar as well as sings). “Glenn’s our old drummer from Project/Object,” recalls Ike. “He was with us for three years. He decided to move to Eugene and start his own band. Also, I lived in Oregon for 17 years. I moved there after the last tour I did with Zappa. Glenn is one of the family, and when he put Pojama People together… when any of my brothers need help I answer the call!” Pojama People featuring Ike Willis will be performing at the following locations: Sep 11 Friday 8pm – The Mix, 6006 12th Ave S., Seattle WA 98108 – myspace.com/mixseattle Sep 13 Sunday 7pm – Roxy’s Vets Club, 406 N Mount Shasta Blvd., Mt Shasta CA 96067 – myspace.com/roxysvetsclub Sep 14 Monday 8pm – Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., San Francisco CA 94110 – 415.552.7788 – <a href="http://www.elbo.com">www.elbo.com</a> Sep 16 Wednesday 9pm – Dante’s, 1 SW 3rd & Burnside, Portland OR 97209 – myspace.com/dantesportland Sep 17 Thursday 10pm – The Red Fox Tavern, 415 5th St (5th and E), Eureka, CA 95501 – (707) 269-0282 – myspace.com/theredfoxtavern Sep 18 Friday 9:30pm – Caspar Inn, 14957 Caspar Rd., Caspar CA 95420 – 707-964-5565 – <a href="http://www.casparinn.com">www.casparinn.com</a> Sep 19 Saturday 9:30pm – Luckey’s, 933 olive st., Eugene OR 97402 – (541) 687-4643 <a href="http://www.luckeysclub.com">www.luckeysclub.com</a> Songs to be performed by Pojama People on this tour include: “Dangerous Kitchen” (with Glenn on piano), “The Tap Page” (Alli doing the Black Page via tap dance), “Tell Me You Love Me”, “Help I’m Iraq”, “Trouble Every Day”, “Inca Roads”, “Black Napkins”, “Outside Now”, “Sy Borg”, “Watermelon In Easter Hay”, “Willie The Pimp”, “Zomby Woof”, “I’m The Slime”, “Lucille” to name a few. The music of Frank Zappa still remains important to Ike Willis; “I’ve been playing Frank’s music for over 30 years now, and I spent half my life with him. We met when I was 19 years old, when I was in college. I played and toured with him on and off from 1978 on. I recorded with Frank the entire time from 1978 up until he passed away.” Along with the debut of the Ike Willis Project this fall, Ike has his three solo CDs available for purchase through <a href="http://www.itsaboutmusic.com">www.itsaboutmusic.com</a> For more information on Pojama People: <a href="http://www.liveatthespace.com/pjp/">www.liveatthespace.com/pjp/</a>

2009-08-18T20:41:41Z

1115

802

2009-08-18T20:41:41Z

1993

6/29/2009 - New York, NY - Jazz is not dead - at least not when the Ed Palermo Big Band plays it. Part of the Cuneiform 'Contemporary Masters' series, 'Eddy Loves Frank' is the third album to feature the music of Frank Zappa as arranged by Ed Palermo and performed by the Ed Palermo Big Band. A brilliantly original and entertaining big band jazz CD, 'Eddy Loves Frank' shows that Zappa’s music has become assimilated into the American songbook. It also reveals that Zappa, as an American rock composer, deserves to be recognized with as much respect as America's other revered popular music composers, including jazz composers such as Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Oliver Nelson, and popular song composers such as George Gershwin and Cole Porter. Despite the music’s complexity, Palermo’s incredibly skilled 18-piece band and three guest musicians play it with inspiration and apparent ease. "I'm prouder and happier than ever about this CD because I felt less constrained to follow Zappa's structural formats," says Ed. "It has never been my intention to replicate Zappa's recordings (what would be the point?) and with this new CD (my 3rd of Zappa music) I felt freer to manipulate the structures more than I ever have. I suppose it's a natural evolution." As a jazz arranger, composer, bandleader and saxophonist, Ed Palermo works magic with Frank Zappa's music. Since 1994, he has devoted the bulk of the performance by his NY-based, 18-piece Ed Palermo Big Band to his arrangements of Zappa's compositions. These big-band jazz arrangements are no mere transcriptions; they are "revelations", as one critic best said. Palermo belongs to a tradition of visionary composers and arrangers who recognize hidden beauty and genius in an avant garde composer’s radical work, and create genius arrangements that serve to reveal that beauty to the public eye. Palermo has arranged almost 200 Zappa tunes. Performed by his inspired and tremendously skilled band, Palermo's all instrumental, jazz arrangements of Zappa's rock compositions bring Zappa's music wider recognition, beyond the rock world, and elevate rock music's status as 'serious' composition, proving that serious and satirical can indeed coexist. Here's what the press have been saying about 'Eddy Loves Frank': "Wonderful, breathtaking, fantastic, exhilarating, great sound, great production, great musicianship...I run out of superlatives... It's an album not just for Frank Zappa fans, it's an album for everyone." – Paradoxone.uk "This is masterful arrangement: the ability to see beyond the idiom and find instead the fundamental building blocks that give a piece of music its essential character. …Clearly, this is a labour of love for Palermo, born of his genuine admiration and passion for Zappa's music…Zappa once famously said 'Jazz isn’t dead, it just smells funny.' Ed Palermo is making one hell of a wonderful stink." – Pop Matters "Like Zappa, and Duke Ellington before, Palermo's main instrument is his band. And with him at the helm it manages to capture perfectly the spirit of Zappa's music whilst stamping its own authority on the adventurous arrangements with its exuberant, joyous ensemble playing and in the quality of the solos." – All About Jazz In May, 2006, Cuneiform Records released 'Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance', the Ed Palermo Big Band's 2nd CD of "Frank Zappa's astonishingly beautiful and original music" (Palermo), and Palermo's first CD release on Cuneiform. The album received rave notice from the critics and the public, almost instantly becoming one of Cuneiform's best-selling releases. Critics in both the jazz and rock worlds praised it for both making Zappa's music more accessible and bringing it wider recognition outside the rock world, while simultaneously bringing big band jazz to new audiences. Palermo's interpretations of Zappa's work soon received further recognition when Ned Wharton of NPR's Weekend Edition invited the Ed Palermo Big Band into NPR's studio to tape a session with host Andrea Seabrook. Aired on Weekend Edition Sunday on October 8, 2006 to an audience of hundreds of thousands of NPR listeners, the feature, titled "Ed Palermo, Making New Arrangements for Zappa," included the Big Band performing 4 of Palermo's Zappa arrangements and a conversation with Palermo. The Ed Palermo Big Band played a number of shows following its Cuneiform release, including dates at NYC's Iridium and, in 2006, at Baltimore's Sonar, and festival appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival (2006), The Clifford Brown Festival in Wilmington, DE (2007), the Syracuse Jazz Festival (2007), NYC's South Street Seaport (Summer 2008), and a yearly August spot as part of the Union County Arts Festival at Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, NJ. While most of these concerts featured Palermo's arrangements of Zappa, some focused instead on Palermo's big band jazz arrangements of blues and rock music (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Mike Bloomfield). Besides working with his own band, Palermo conducts and arranges for other bands. One of the most adventurous, inspired, and brilliantly humorous arrangers for jazz big band working in America today, Palermo arranged music by James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul", for Christian McBride's Big Band. The music was presented in a Sept. 6, 2006 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which featured Brown on stage, singing with the band –– only a few months before his death. Palermo conducts the U.S. Army Blues (also known as the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, and part of the U.S. Army Band) in special concerts of his Zappa arrangements held annually – most recently in April 2009 – at a military base outside Washington DC. For more information on Ed Palermo's 'Eddy Loves Frank' CD visit the official website at: www.PalermoBigBand.com Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR Ph: 828-350-8158 glassonyonpr@cs.com 6/29/2009 – New York, NY – Jazz is not dead – at least not when the Ed Palermo Big Band plays it. Part of the Cuneiform ‘Contemporary Masters’ series, ‘Eddy Loves Frank’ is the third album to feature the music of Frank Zappa as arranged by Ed Palermo and performed by the Ed Palermo Big Band. A brilliantly original and entertaining big band jazz CD, ‘Eddy Loves Frank’ shows that Zappa’s music has become assimilated into the American songbook. It also reveals that Zappa, as an American rock composer, deserves to be recognized with as much respect as America’s other revered popular music composers, including jazz composers such as Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Thelonius Monk, Oliver Nelson, and popular song composers such as George Gershwin and Cole Porter. Despite the music’s complexity, Palermo’s incredibly skilled 18-piece band and three guest musicians play it with inspiration and apparent ease. “I’m prouder and happier than ever about this CD because I felt less constrained to follow Zappa’s structural formats,” says Ed. “It has never been my intention to replicate Zappa’s recordings (what would be the point?) and with this new CD (my 3rd of Zappa music) I felt freer to manipulate the structures more than I ever have. I suppose it’s a natural evolution.” As a jazz arranger, composer, bandleader and saxophonist, Ed Palermo works magic with Frank Zappa’s music. Since 1994, he has devoted the bulk of the performance by his NY-based, 18-piece Ed Palermo Big Band to his arrangements of Zappa’s compositions. These big-band jazz arrangements are no mere transcriptions; they are “revelations”, as one critic best said. Palermo belongs to a tradition of visionary composers and arrangers who recognize hidden beauty and genius in an avant garde composer’s radical work, and create genius arrangements that serve to reveal that beauty to the public eye. Palermo has arranged almost 200 Zappa tunes. Performed by his inspired and tremendously skilled band, Palermo’s all instrumental, jazz arrangements of Zappa’s rock compositions bring Zappa’s music wider recognition, beyond the rock world, and elevate rock music’s status as ‘serious’ composition, proving that serious and satirical can indeed coexist. Here’s what the press have been saying about ‘Eddy Loves Frank’: “Wonderful, breathtaking, fantastic, exhilarating, great sound, great production, great musicianship…I run out of superlatives… It’s an album not just for Frank Zappa fans, it’s an album for everyone.” – Paradoxone.uk “This is masterful arrangement: the ability to see beyond the idiom and find instead the fundamental building blocks that give a piece of music its essential character. …Clearly, this is a labour of love for Palermo, born of his genuine admiration and passion for Zappa’s music…Zappa once famously said ‘Jazz isn’t dead, it just smells funny.’ Ed Palermo is making one hell of a wonderful stink.” – Pop Matters “Like Zappa, and Duke Ellington before, Palermo’s main instrument is his band. And with him at the helm it manages to capture perfectly the spirit of Zappa’s music whilst stamping its own authority on the adventurous arrangements with its exuberant, joyous ensemble playing and in the quality of the solos.” – All About Jazz In May, 2006, Cuneiform Records released ‘Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance’, the Ed Palermo Big Band’s 2nd CD of “Frank Zappa’s astonishingly beautiful and original music” (Palermo), and Palermo’s first CD release on Cuneiform. The album received rave notice from the critics and the public, almost instantly becoming one of Cuneiform’s best-selling releases. Critics in both the jazz and rock worlds praised it for both making Zappa’s music more accessible and bringing it wider recognition outside the rock world, while simultaneously bringing big band jazz to new audiences. Palermo’s interpretations of Zappa’s work soon received further recognition when Ned Wharton of NPR’s Weekend Edition invited the Ed Palermo Big Band into NPR’s studio to tape a session with host Andrea Seabrook. Aired on Weekend Edition Sunday on October 8, 2006 to an audience of hundreds of thousands of NPR listeners, the feature, titled “Ed Palermo, Making New Arrangements for Zappa,” included the Big Band performing 4 of Palermo’s Zappa arrangements and a conversation with Palermo. The Ed Palermo Big Band played a number of shows following its Cuneiform release, including dates at NYC’s Iridium and, in 2006, at Baltimore’s Sonar, and festival appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival (2006), The Clifford Brown Festival in Wilmington, DE (2007), the Syracuse Jazz Festival (2007), NYC’s South Street Seaport (Summer 2008), and a yearly August spot as part of the Union County Arts Festival at Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, NJ. While most of these concerts featured Palermo’s arrangements of Zappa, some focused instead on Palermo’s big band jazz arrangements of blues and rock music (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Mike Bloomfield). Besides working with his own band, Palermo conducts and arranges for other bands. One of the most adventurous, inspired, and brilliantly humorous arrangers for jazz big band working in America today, Palermo arranged music by James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, for Christian McBride’s Big Band. The music was presented in a Sept. 6, 2006 concert at the Hollywood Bowl, which featured Brown on stage, singing with the band –– only a few months before his death. Palermo conducts the U.S. Army Blues (also known as the U.S. Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, and part of the U.S. Army Band) in special concerts of his Zappa arrangements held annually – most recently in April 2009 – at a military base outside Washington DC. For more information on Ed Palermo’s ‘Eddy Loves Frank’ CD visit the official website at: <a href="http://www.PalermoBigBand.com">www.PalermoBigBand.com</a> Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR Ph: 828-350-8158 <a href="mailto:glassonyonpr@cs.com">glassonyonpr@cs.com</a>

2009-06-29T19:35:44Z

1081

771

2009-06-29T19:35:44Z

1993