3/29/2021

Long Island Singer/Songwriter Chris St. John Releases Highly Anticipated Debut Album “I’m Dreaming”

First single “I Called You Rose” received critical acclaim and dominated the charts!

New York, NY — Over the last quarter century, Long Island Singer/Songwriter Chris St. John has truly led a diverse and successful professional career in the field of law as a prosecutor, judge and practicing attorney.

Now, his dream of lateral success in the music business is starting to become a reality, as his LP, “I’m Dreaming,” is now available on www.chrisstjohn.com, Soundcloud and all the major services. His instantly satisfying first single from the record “I Called You Rose,” hit Number #3 on the Euro Indie Music Charts and #8 on the World Indie Music Charts - with a second tune “I’d Send You My Heart” - hitting the airwaves now.

The album includes 13 original songs plus a cover of “Peggy O’” and a musical score that connects two compositions. Chris St John’s music draws from multiple genres, utilizing an array of instruments. Each song leaves the listener intently waiting for the next surprise. St John cuts his own path though, making the music uniquely his own.

The topics include the loss of love at a young age; the loss of his parents; the birth of his son John (now 18) and life with his wife of 27 years Elisabeth; a surprise DNA discovery; a serious illness where he was put in a medically induced coma, and a nurse sang him back to life; the loss of a young relative in a car accident and the subsequent climb out of depression; alcohol addiction and recovery; and a gift from his grandmother that he intends to return to her someday.

Says Chris, “My professional career is what I do. These songs are who I am. They are about my personal life. The songs have been written over about 30 years, with four new ones written in the last several months to finish up the album.”

Chris also worked in the State Department, participating in the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit in 1987; and lived, studied, and taught in China later that year. He was also a Congressional Aide and is now a volunteer firefighter.

In 2015, he and his friend started a not-for-profit charity called HALO Missions, which provides medical care, clothing, food, farming equipment, and surgeries for AIDS orphans and the extreme poor throughout Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Chris remarks, “The title of the LP is ‘I’m Dreaming’ because some of these songs were dreamed in my sleep and written down when I awoke. Others came from daydreams. There are so many references to dreaming in the album. I guess I like to dream. People have told me I should write a book or make an album. This is both to me”.

To purchase Chris St. John’s “I’m Dreaming”: https://chrisstjohnmusic.com/product-category/music-and-merchandise/music/

For more information:
Official Website: www.chrisstjohn.com
Listen on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/chrisstjohnmusic
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchfgkT0LnXFCJr76KlLJgA
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisstjohnmusic

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/24/2021

Rock-Blues Review: Steve Cropper-Fire It Up

Release Date: April 23, 2021

Label: Provogue

Website

 

If you have any familiarity with Booker T. and the MG’s or all the music coming out of the legendary Stax label, then you know the name, Steve Cropper. All that music I have always appreciated and the craft of Cropper on the six-string leading the way. You won’t hear his name mentioned amongst the greats such as Clapton, Beck, and of course Hendrix. My thought is that he was recognized in his genre and all his contributions to countless recordings including his solo recordings. He played at a very high level and continues to do so as the new release Fire It Up will attest. He is right up there on the list with the big boys as far as I am concerned.

Fire It Up features Cropper at his level best with Nioshi Jackson (drums), Roger C. Reale (vocals), and Jon Tiven (bass, sax, keys, harmonica, background vocals, with shared production duties with Cropper). Some other names contributed that you will recognize as well are Felix Cavaliere, Anton Fig, Simon Kirke, the list is extensive. All of that fine talent coming together to lend a hand gives Fire It Up some flow and cohesiveness that adds to the spark of that amazing guitar playing on display from start to finish.

There are thirteen cuts on the album. After listening to all of them I felt as though there was nothing that seemed out of sync or so different that it stood out as the one track that would be left in the can for future consideration. This is quality rock and blues with a strong underpinning of soul that comes through the vocals nicely.

I think the versatility that Cropper offers on this release is exceptional. “Bush Hog, Pt. 1” is a snappy instrumental to kick things off. The title track is a funky bluesy burner with Reale on vocals to complete the song. As things move along you hear will so many of those sweet crisp licks from Cropper. My favorite amongst many was “Heartbreak Street” and “She’s So Fine,” which sounded like a good choice for a single release to create a buzz about the album.

Cropper is 79 years young and he still has that fire burning in his belly. He floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee (thanks for that line Muhammad Ali) on this recording. The band he pulled together to support him certainly does Fire It Up at every turn making this a classic offering that stands as one of the best releases I have heard this year.


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
March 22, 2021
 

Tracks:

01. Bush Hog, Pt. 1    
02. Fire It Up        
03. One Good Turn        
04. I'm Not Havin' It        
05. Out of Love        
06. Far Away     
07. Say You Don't Know Me        
08. She's So Fine        
09. Two Wrongs        
10. Heartbreak Street        
11. The Go-Getter Is Gone        
12. Bush Hog, Pt. 2        
13. Bush Hog


3/23/2021

Chicago Prog Legends District 97 Release Quarantine Video of New Song “Divided We Fall” From Forthcoming Album “Screenplay”

Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 have released a new quarantine video for the song “Divided We Fall” from their forthcoming live album “Screenplay,” which features well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs and is released March 26, 2021! Along with this brand new track, the album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.

Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.

Watch the video for “Divided We Fall”: 

Leslie Hunt (vocalist): I have been absolutely fixated on the idea of confirmation bias and how dangerous it is for us to only have access to information that further solidifies our pre-existing convictions. In such an ego-centric culture that values individualism higher than anything else, the arrogance and moral righteousness in this country has reached such a level of toxicity that it comes out in these never-ending, rage-induced arguments on social media and with one another. We believe a thing, we google the thing, we get proof of the thing and we view others without the same belief-that-was-google-proven as irresponsible and obtuse, never pausing to consider that they might be stuck in their bubble as well. It might be our undoing as a society.  

The song explores the ego-discomfort necessary to challenge your convictions by looking through different lenses and googling things on other people's devices in an effort to poke holes in your own staunch beliefs.

Tim Seisser (bassist): When I write for the band, I think about what songs have been successful in the catalog, and I try to retain aspects of those songs to create a cohesive D97 sound. But I also think about what is missing from the catalog. The galloping groove feel is a favorite of mine from the “prog-metal” genre and it’s a fun challenge to keep up the pace rhythmically. I enjoy getting Leslie’s perspective on not just melodies and lyrical content, but also song form. I really like the counterpoint style lines she came up with for the hooks, as we have been trying to find more opportunities for lyrical and vocal interplay.

All in all, I’m super happy with the way this one came together and am really looking forward to performing it live for you wonderful fans in the hopefully very near future.

Both the song and video were recorded remotely in quarantine. Video editing by Phil Satterly.

Pre-order Screenplay digitally (“Divided We Fall” downloads immediately):
Bandcamp: https://district97.bandcamp.com/album/screenplay
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1553439930?ls=1&app=itunes

To pre-order DISTRICT 97 “Screenplay” on CD:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screenplay-2cd-edition/
http://www.district97.net/store/screenplay-2cd

DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.

DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.

The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video: 

“Screens” - NEW STUDIO ALBUM: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screens-cd/
“One More Red Night – Live In Chicago”, CD - District 97 & John Wetton: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/one-more-red-night-live-in-chicago/

For interviews or more information on District 97 please contact: info@district97.net

For more information:
http://www.district97.net/
http://district97.bandcamp.com/ (Exclusive Music Available for Download)
https://www.facebook.com/District97
https://www.instagram.com/district.97/
http://twitter.com/District97

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Chicago Prog Legends District 97 Release Quarantine Video of New Song “Divided We Fall” From Forthcoming Album “Screenplay”

Chicago prog legends DISTRICT 97 have released a new quarantine video for the song “Divided We Fall” from their forthcoming live album “Screenplay,” which features well over 2 hours of music across 2 CDs and is released March 26, 2021! Along with this brand new track, the album comprises all of DISTRICT 97’s critically-acclaimed “Screens” album performed live at Europe's prog rock mecca, Boerderij Cultuurpodium, in October 2019. Additionally, the collection boasts a wide variety of live material spanning DISTRICT 97’s back catalog and covers ranging from John Lennon to Yes.

Also included is a rousing unreleased live performance of “21st Century Schizoid Man” featuring King Crimson/Asia/UK legend John Wetton, as well as collaborations with other artists such as Dave Kerzner and Fernando Perdomo. Plus, there are two secret “encore” performances.

Watch the video for “Divided We Fall”: 

Leslie Hunt (vocalist): I have been absolutely fixated on the idea of confirmation bias and how dangerous it is for us to only have access to information that further solidifies our pre-existing convictions. In such an ego-centric culture that values individualism higher than anything else, the arrogance and moral righteousness in this country has reached such a level of toxicity that it comes out in these never-ending, rage-induced arguments on social media and with one another. We believe a thing, we google the thing, we get proof of the thing and we view others without the same belief-that-was-google-proven as irresponsible and obtuse, never pausing to consider that they might be stuck in their bubble as well. It might be our undoing as a society.  

The song explores the ego-discomfort necessary to challenge your convictions by looking through different lenses and googling things on other people's devices in an effort to poke holes in your own staunch beliefs.

Tim Seisser (bassist): When I write for the band, I think about what songs have been successful in the catalog, and I try to retain aspects of those songs to create a cohesive D97 sound. But I also think about what is missing from the catalog. The galloping groove feel is a favorite of mine from the “prog-metal” genre and it’s a fun challenge to keep up the pace rhythmically. I enjoy getting Leslie’s perspective on not just melodies and lyrical content, but also song form. I really like the counterpoint style lines she came up with for the hooks, as we have been trying to find more opportunities for lyrical and vocal interplay.

All in all, I’m super happy with the way this one came together and am really looking forward to performing it live for you wonderful fans in the hopefully very near future.

Both the song and video were recorded remotely in quarantine. Video editing by Phil Satterly.

Pre-order Screenplay digitally (“Divided We Fall” downloads immediately):
Bandcamp: https://district97.bandcamp.com/album/screenplay
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1553439930?ls=1&app=itunes

To pre-order DISTRICT 97 “Screenplay” on CD:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screenplay-2cd-edition/
http://www.district97.net/store/screenplay-2cd

DISTRICT 97 is undoubtedly the most musically adventurous rock band in the world to feature an American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. Since 2008, this quintet from Chicago has melded an adventurous, uncompromising instrumental prowess with the look, sound, and stage presence of vocalist Leslie Hunt. Through world tours and a stream of studio and live releases, the band has garnered a worldwide fanbase; collaborating with iconic singer/bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia, UK) and drawing praise from Bill Bruford (drummer of Yes/King Crimson/Genesis), Mike Portnoy (drummer of Dream Theater/Transatlantic) and other rock luminaries along the way.

DISTRICT 97 rehearses doggedly to refine their compositions, ensemble-playing, and stage presentation; their standards for excellence have only grown more rigorous with the passage of time. Their latest album “Screens” (released October 2019) and its accompanying live shows set a high watermark of composition and musicianship.

The covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the band from innovating. Their Virtual Screening Tour and the stunning “Ghost Girl” animated short film have kept them at the top of the current prog rock heap. Watch the video: 

“Screens” - NEW STUDIO ALBUM: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/district-97-screens-cd/
“One More Red Night – Live In Chicago”, CD - District 97 & John Wetton: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/one-more-red-night-live-in-chicago/

For interviews or more information on District 97 please contact: info@district97.net

For more information:
http://www.district97.net/
http://district97.bandcamp.com/ (Exclusive Music Available for Download)
https://www.facebook.com/District97
https://www.instagram.com/district.97/
http://twitter.com/District97

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/22/2021

British Rock Legends Sweet Release New Album “Isolation Boulevard”

Sweet are a British Rock Band with a pedigree of Hits! “Fox on The Run,” “Ballroom Blitz,” “Action,” “Love is Like Oxygen” and many more. The 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard” has truly stood the test of time keeping the band as relevant today as it was back then.

Much to the excitement of fans worldwide, Sweet has released a new album “Isolation Boulevard” which is a reworking of many of the original tracks including the latest single “Set Me Free,” written by original guitarist and producer Andy Scott. He has led the band since 1985 maintaining the high standards set more than 50 years ago when Sweet first burst onto the music scene.

“Isolation Boulevard” was recorded between lockdowns in September/October 2020. The new album harks back to Sweet’s golden era and the 1975 album “Desolation Boulevard.” The latest single and video “Set Me Free” is taken from “Isolation Boulevard” and though it is one of the bands most covered songs, this is the first time Sweet has released it as a single. Andy Scott, the songwriter and last man standing from the original band has produced a remarkable album given the circumstances that we face globally.

There is a rumor circulating of a British Rock Invasion featuring Sweet and a couple of other 70’s Rock bands to tour North America very soon!

2021 - Sweet are back with a new album ‘Isolation Boulevard’ featuring the single ‘Set Me Free’ and a dynamic stage show celebrating 50 years of hits!” – Andy Scott

Watch Sweet’s “Set Me Free” (Radio Edit) Official Video: 

Isolation Boulevard” Tracklist:
Fox on the Run
Still Got the Rock
Action
Love Is Like Oxygen
Hellraiser
The Six Teens
Blockbuster
Set Me Free
Teenage Rampage
Turn It Down
New York Groove
Ballroom Blitz

To purchase:
“Set Me Free” Single: https://backl.ink/144488190
“Isolation Boulevard” Streaming: https://backl.ink/143556570
“Isolation Boulevard” Digital: https://www.amazon.com/Isolation-Boulevard-Sweet/dp/B08P1KWS26/ref=sr_1_1
“Isolation Boulevard” CD: https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com/store/Sweet-Isolation-Boulevard-CD-Mini-LP-p311984603
“Isolation Boulevard” 12” Coke Bottle Vinyl: https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com/store/Sweet-c28915503

For more information:
www.thesweet.com
https://www.facebook.com/TheSweetOfficial

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Prudential Music Group
20600 Eureka Rd
Suite 900
Taylor, Mi 48180
Cell 248-707-0778
https://www.prudentialmusicgroup.com
Prudential Music Group is headed up by young drummer Jason Hartless (Ted Nugent, Sponge, Joe Lynn Turner)