Listen to VANILLA FUDGE on Little Steven's Underground Garage and Win a Trip to See The Fudge Live in Concert!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST!

Los Angeles, CA - During the month of December, Little Steven's "Underground Garage" syndicated radio show will be featuring the new VANILLA FUDGE single "I'm A Believer" and to celebrate, Cleopatra Records and Vanilla Fudge would like to reward one lucky customer with a free trip to see VANILLA FUDGE with BLUE OYSTER CULT at The Theatre In Westbury in New York on February 6th, 2016!

In addition to the trip to see Vanilla Fudge, the winner will receive VIP Backstage Pass and a limited-edition Swag Bag to boot!

The rules are simple - go buy a copy of the new VANILLA FUDGE CD or LP for "Spirit of '67", take a selfie of yourself holding up the LP or CD and go to this link to upload your selfie and proof of purchase: http://flyt.it/winvanillafudgetickets

VANILLA FUDGE will be hosting the drawing on January 4th in New York City - winner will be contacted by the band shortly after the drawing.

Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice boldly declares Spirit Of ‘67 to be “the best album we’ve done since our very first album. Great vocal arrangements and instrumental performances from everyone in the band!” Founding member and lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein agrees saying, “Spirit Of ’67 is a record that I’m proud of. The success of Vanilla Fudge has always been based on our interpretations of songs by great artists. Our style of classic & symphonic rock lives large on this effort, and the performances and arrangements I would hope will be enjoyed by both old and new fans alike.” To hear what these guys are raving about, check out the band’s piano heavy take on The Box Tops’ “The Letter” as well as the heaving, guitar fuzz version of Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin’.” As founding guitarist Vinny Martell puts it, “Spirit Of ’67 is the continuation of the journey we began in the Summer of Love--psychedelic, rhythmically powerful arrangements and performances of happening tunes of that era colored by the insight and vision of who we are today.” Likewise, Sprit Of ’67 itself is both an album about a specific time period yet demonstrates the timelessness of truly great songs.

TO PURCHASE THE VANILLA FUDGE Spirit of '67 album, please visit: http://flyt.it/vanillafudgespiritof67

Vanilla Fudge official website: http://www.vanillafudge.com/

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Listen to VANILLA FUDGE on Little Steven's Underground Garage and Win a Trip to See The Fudge Live in Concert!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST!

Los Angeles, CA - During the month of December, Little Steven's "Underground Garage" syndicated radio show will be featuring the new VANILLA FUDGE single "I'm A Believer" and to celebrate, Cleopatra Records and Vanilla Fudge would like to reward one lucky customer with a free trip to see VANILLA FUDGE with BLUE OYSTER CULT at The Theatre In Westbury in New York on February 6th, 2016!

In addition to the trip to see Vanilla Fudge, the winner will receive VIP Backstage Pass and a limited-edition Swag Bag to boot!

The rules are simple - go buy a copy of the new VANILLA FUDGE CD or LP for "Spirit of '67", take a selfie of yourself holding up the LP or CD and go to this link to upload your selfie and proof of purchase: http://flyt.it/winvanillafudgetickets

VANILLA FUDGE will be hosting the drawing on January 4th in New York City - winner will be contacted by the band shortly after the drawing.

Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice boldly declares Spirit Of ‘67 to be “the best album we’ve done since our very first album. Great vocal arrangements and instrumental performances from everyone in the band!” Founding member and lead vocalist and keyboardist Mark Stein agrees saying, “Spirit Of ’67 is a record that I’m proud of. The success of Vanilla Fudge has always been based on our interpretations of songs by great artists. Our style of classic & symphonic rock lives large on this effort, and the performances and arrangements I would hope will be enjoyed by both old and new fans alike.” To hear what these guys are raving about, check out the band’s piano heavy take on The Box Tops’ “The Letter” as well as the heaving, guitar fuzz version of Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin’.” As founding guitarist Vinny Martell puts it, “Spirit Of ’67 is the continuation of the journey we began in the Summer of Love--psychedelic, rhythmically powerful arrangements and performances of happening tunes of that era colored by the insight and vision of who we are today.” Likewise, Sprit Of ’67 itself is both an album about a specific time period yet demonstrates the timelessness of truly great songs.

TO PURCHASE THE VANILLA FUDGE Spirit of '67 album, please visit: http://flyt.it/vanillafudgespiritof67

Vanilla Fudge official website: http://www.vanillafudge.com/

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Psychedelic/Hard Rock Review: Vanilla Fudge-Spirit of ‘67

Release Date: March 3, 2015

Label: Cleopatra

Website

Known for their rock renderings of popular songs and for being psychedelic rock maestros extraordinaire, Vanilla Fudge are still going strong some fifty years on.  Original members Mark Stein (vocals, keyboards), Vince Martell (guitars), and Carmine Appice (drums) are joined by Pete Bremy (bass) on their new album, Spirit of ’67.  Spirit of ’67 is just like it sounds, as Vanilla Fudge give their own take on some of the most popular and iconic songs from that year.  Featuring songs made famous by The Doors, Marvin Gaye, The Who, and more, Spirit of ’67 is one wild and heavy ride through some remarkable songs from one of music’s most influential times.

The first musical treat on an album chock full of them is “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Made famous by Marvin Gaye, Vanilla Fudge has put a nice psychedelic/blues rock spin on this classic song.  I really dig the organ based sound running throughout the song, and there is a short and sweet guitar solo in there for good measure.   Showing off a more hard rock sound, “The Letter” lures you with the solemn atmosphere created by the opening piano section.  It makes for a powerful and an emotional start, but the song really gets going when the drums kick in and it is off to the races from there.  With psychedelic rock sound, “I Can See for Miles” has nice hopeful air to it. The drums boom, the keyboards are phenomenal, and the guitars are killer, as they all lead to a magnificent climax.

Vanilla Fudge’s rendition of “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” is still pretty solid.  Some might like the tempo change, and I have to admit that this version is still pretty rocking. At the end of the day, I still prefer The Doors’ version, but it is definitely the type of song that has grown on me the more that I listen to it.  “The Tracks of My Tears” comes out crushing it before transiting to a more serene sound.  “I’m a Believer” is a pretty sweet hard rock rendition of a classic pop rock song.  “Gimme Some Lovin” is the real standout song on this album.  It is nothing short of great.  It has a great attitude, nice tempo, and the guitar just completely steals the show near the end of the song.

Nearing the end, the album keeps on going strong. “For What It’s Worth” is a rendition with a lot of power and energy behind it, making it one of the more memorable songs on the album.  On “Ruby Tuesday,” they create a very harmonious rock sound that really hits its stride in the chorus. The penultimate song is one of the best. With an organ based sound on full, intense display, “Whiter Shade of Pale” is one great psychedelic/progressive rock song that is probably still ahead of its time. Capping the album off is the soulful “Let’s Pray for Peace.”

When you get right down to it, Vanilla Fudge’s Spirit of ‘67 is a triumphant album. This is a fantastic album that pays tribute to one of the greatest eras of music.  Besides having a strong personal preference to the original versions of a song or two, this is top-quality music and is a real joy to listen to.  If you are fan of Vanilla Fudge or rock music from the 1960s, then this is one album not to be passed over.  

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Letter, Gimme Some Lovin, Whiter Shade of Pale

Tracks:
01. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
02. The Letter
03. I Can See for Miles
04. Break on Through (To the Other Side)
05. The Tracks of My Tears
06. I’m a Believer
07. Gimme Some Lovin
08. For What It’s Worth
09. Ruby Tuesday
10. Whiter Shade of Pale
11. Let’s Pray for Peace

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

March 11, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Drum Heroes Carmine & Vinny Appice Go Head-To-Head On The New Release Drum Wars Live!

Los Angeles, CA - Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell. Recently, these two virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars,” featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June of this year at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records.

Along with Carmine and Vinny, the Drum Wars Live CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!

For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/

“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice

“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice

Coinciding with this exciting release is a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde, Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, Testament’s Chuck Billy and lots more! For details, visit: http://www.metalallstars.com/

To order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/1HXY

Track List:
1. Intro
2. The Mob Rules
3. Drum Wars
4. Holy Diver
5. We Rock
6. The Flintstones
7. Carmine Solo
8. Bark At The Moon
9. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
10. Drum Wars Part 2
11. Vinny Solo
12. Stand Up And Shout / Heaven And Hell
13. Crazy Train

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Drum Heroes Carmine & Vinny Appice Go Head-To-Head On The New Release Drum Wars Live!

Los Angeles, CA - Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell. Recently, these two virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars,” featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June of this year at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records.

Along with Carmine and Vinny, the Drum Wars Live CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!

For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/

“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice

“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice

Coinciding with this exciting release is a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde, Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, Testament’s Chuck Billy and lots more! For details, visit: http://www.metalallstars.com/

To order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/1HXY

Track List:
1. Intro
2. The Mob Rules
3. Drum Wars
4. Holy Diver
5. We Rock
6. The Flintstones
7. Carmine Solo
8. Bark At The Moon
9. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
10. Drum Wars Part 2
11. Vinny Solo
12. Stand Up And Shout / Heaven And Hell
13. Crazy Train

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Rockin' the Wall – 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall - Announcing US Theatrical Tour & DVD and Digital Release!

Featuring David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot)

Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment and Specialty Studios, in association with Rockin' the Wall Studios announce the Consumer release of “Rockin' the Wall” on November 4th, 2014. And a US Fall 2014 Theatrical Tour in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. The feature length documentary offers an entertaining exploration of the power of rock music as a force for social change & liberation.  

The film by Larry Schweikart and Marc Leif is based on Schweikart's book “Seven Events That Made America America.” It shows how music become a liberating force  behind the Iron Curtain and helped give strength to the anti-communist revolution.

The documentary features interviews with several well-known rock musicians, including David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), and Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), as well as individuals who experienced life behind the Soviet controlled side of the wall.

The official motion picture soundtrack for “Rockin' the Wall” includes more than a dozen original or newly performed songs, featuring powerful re-makes of 60's and 70's classics “Ball of Confusion,” “People Got to be Free,” and “Train Kept a Rollin'” as well as original songs by Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge, Peter Rivera, and Mother's Finest, as well as all songs performed in the film.

“Music has the power to change the world!” -  David Paich (Toto) 

Schweikart is going 'on tour' with the film and will be participating in post screening discussions providing audiences with a rare opportunity to get an even better understanding of this monumental moment in history.

Since September, the “Rockin' the Wall - 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall” tour has been in Dayton, Cincinnati, Greenville, Ohio, Toledo, Atlanta, Asheville, N.C., Greensboro, N.C, Raleigh, N.C., Cullowee, N.C., Danbury, CT,  Winter Garden, FL, Ave Maria, FL

Future USA Fall 2014 Tour dates below: 

10/14, Wheeling, West Liberty University
10/30, Eureka, IL, Eureka College
11/4, Tacoma, University of Washington
11/6, Los Angeles, Luxe Hotel Sunset
11/7, Seton High School, Mesa, AZ
11/8, Chandler, AZ, Chandler Center for the Arts
11/9 (pending) Scottsdale, AZ, Shea Harkins Theater
11/14, Fulton, MO, Churchill Museum/Westminster College
11/20, Grand Rapids, MI, Acton Institute
12/1 (pending) Chicago, Theater of the Arts/Polish American Film Society

2/2015 (pending)  Notre Dame and a Dallas showing.

(All dates and locations are posted on the film's website:  www.rockinthewallstudios.com)

Schweikart is available to add more Theatrical screenings, but will need the public's help. Visit the film's website to learn how you can be a part of this amazing opportunity and get free tickets to your screening for family & friends at http://www.rockinthewallstudios.com

###

“Rockin' the Wall” will be released on DVD and digitally by Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music founded in 1987 (www.lightyear.com), through eOne Distribution, in association with Specialty Studios, a fully integrated media, content and distribution studio that harnesses the power of socially conscious media to touch hearts and engage minds (www.specialtystudios.com).

Consumer DVD and Digital distribution will commence next month with a street date of November 4, 2014. To learn more contact Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771, sky@lightyear.com

View trailer here.

To pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Rockin-Wall-Adam-Baldwin/dp/B00NN78TZU/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=1-1&qid=1413823049

Larry Schweikart, Filmmaker : 937-231-8387, larry.schweikart@gmail.com
DVD & Digital Sales:   Margaret Poindexter,  415-382-1459, margaret@videoproject.com and Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771, sky@lightyear.com
Educational Licensing:  Kelsey Smoot,  415-981-9710, Kelsey@videoproject.com
Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

NYC Classic Rock 'n' Soul Band Rickity Featuring Members of The Lizards, Cactus & Vanilla Fudge Release Debut Album 'Greatest Hits'

NYC – Highly anticipated debut album by “super group” Rickity, a New York City, classic rock 'n' soul band performing great original songs, is now available! Featuring bassist/harpist Randy Pratt, best known for his work with The Lizards, Cactus and Vanilla Fudge, the new album titled 'Greatest Hits' has been released on Hyperspace records. The band members have played, toured the world and recorded with Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, The Funky Knights, Seven Turns and The Lizards. In Rickity they have found their ultimate vehicle of expression. The seasoned rockers have added highly respected R&B vocalist Perrita Kitson and the combination is thrilling. Lead guitarist Jesse Berlin has the chops, soul and imagination to be at the top of the heavy rock universe. His solos are jaw dropping adventures.

Says Randy Pratt, “Our goal is to combine R&B, soul and blues with classic heavy riff rock. Perrita is the real deal. She spent her whole career in R&B, Soul and Jazz..this is her FIRST rock band!”

Perrita adds, “Rickity’s Recipe is take some hard core classic rock, add some funk, and divvy up some really colorful lyrical lines and you have ….. RICKITY. I hope the Rickity band will be appreciated and admired in representing classic rock.. all the way baby!”

The combination of heavy, classic riff rock, world class R&B, catchy hooks and a fearlessly sexy stance makes Rickity special. A Rickity concert has the feel of a “greatest hits” show...every song memorable. Perrita and percussionist/sampler Paul Gifford share lead vocals and do strong harmonies, insuring there is never a dull moment.

Says Randy, “The band formed in my basement, as usual...lol! Our new guitarist, Jesse Berlin, did his first gig with us on his 21st birthday! He's spectacular! The two Pauls and I (Paul Latimer on guitar and keys, Paul Gifford on vocals, percussion and samples) have played together for decades. We can read each other's minds and complete each other's sentences. Neil Cicione is the engine of the band...a total badass on the drums.”

Rickity has shared stages with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Billy Squier, Rare Earth and headlining as their star continues to rise. The band will be performing at B.B. King's Blues Club in NYC on June 17, 2014, and the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA opening for Black Oak Arkansas on July 3, 2014!

Watch Rickity live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWndhuP2Zbw

Says Randy, “We can duplicate everything you hear on our CD live. We have two great singers and we're tight as hell! We are a no B.S., muscular, classic rock band...accent on the HEAVY. We broke some rules with our combining of styles, but it feels natural and intense. Our songs are mostly about sex, so I guess our message is...ENJOY!”

For more info: http://www.rickity.net/

To purchase Rickity's 'Greatest Hits' CD:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/rickity

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com