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PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
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Randy Fisher — a Man and His Music There are many types of musicians in the world. Some have to work hard at learning their instruments but their desire to learn and continual practice makes them proficient and they go on in life pursuing their musical careers or they eventually loose interest and move on to their real passion in life. Then there are those who are gifted in the musical realm. They were born with the purpose of creating songs and performing them for all to enjoy and be blessed and to bless the heavenly realms. Randy Fisher is one of the “gifted ones”. He was raised in a church by parents who also were gifted musically and by the age of 8 Randy’s father taught him 3 chords on the guitar and a new singer/songwriter was released into the world. Randy has been creating and performing music since that first initial instruction. Over the years as he has led worship services and met so many great people that have been instrumental in moving his career in a forward direction. He met his current guitarist and pianist when leading a worship service at a Royal Ranger pow wow. Elijah Brown. Elijah was so touched by Randy’s music that he went home and told his mom all about him and as a result he wanted lessons and so their musical relation began. His brother Zach happened to help Randy do the sound that night and has now become his Tech for sound, lights and videos. Lori, their mom helps out with transportation, emails, mailers anything she can do to help promote the band. Of course Jade, Randy’s wife sings in the band and her and Randy’s harmonies are a blessing to one’s ears. Evan Reichley is the drummer that keeps the beat and Rich Robatin rounds it out with his bass. Throughout his teen and early adult years, Randy had the privilege of being a part of several different bands and quartets, traveling and ministering in many of the eastern United States & Canada. He later served as worship and youth director at Abundant Harvest Church in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Randy and his wife Jade have three children; centering their ministry around God and their family. They are currently members of Mifflinburg Assembly of
God (Mifflinburg Pennsylvania), where Randy and Jade served as the Teen Bible Quiz coach for two seasons. Randy’s passion remains sharing the message of the Gospel of Christ through music. Randy’s Musicianship won him the CGMA title “Eastern Div. Instrumentalist of the Year” in 2010. He has recently been honored with the IMEA Song of the Year for his song “Time With You”. This past summer they went on a tour across country and wound up in Colorado where he met up with Wisteria Productions who produced his newest video, “Beautiful Life” The video was specifically written for Javanna and Jayla’s dedication service: as a commitment of Jade and Randy to raise their children to have a relationship with God. “Beautiful Life” quickly became a favorite among their fans. From the conception of the video, they wanted it to be an encouragement to parents facing unplaned pregnancies, to encourage them to choose LIFE! They also want to encourage parents to raise their children to know, love, and have a relationship with God through
Jesus Christ. God has been showing favor to Randy and Jade in their musical ministry. It is not an accident that everthing in their lives and careers are coming together right now like it is. It has all been part of God’s unseen plan all along. When they first saw the “Beautiful Life” video, they were moved to tears, just as I was. Their prayer is that the video will help change people’s minds about abortion and they will have a new appreciation for the unborn and realize what a gift and blessing children are. In closing I want to share a quote from Randy’s website: “...Randy’s style of music, his heart to reach lost souls, his conviction to never give up touching the audience until they are convinced of God’s love for them, is exactly why I will endorse this ministry. Invite Randy to your church and witness for yourself a true man of God who is in love with his Lord and Savior; and is courageous enough to share that love with you…” Stacey Goodling, Lead Pastor Trinity Reformed Church - Marysville, PA
Randy & Javanna Fisher November, 2014
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Across the Desk Continued... bands by hosting the 19th Annual Millennium Music Conference. John is still heavily involved in the entertainment industry. The deadline to submit for performing at this year’s event and get free registration is November 20th. Back to my tale of the first issue...Whitey really hustled for that first issue he also got Fred’s Music to place an ad along with Bob Campbell’s Music, Countryside Inn, The Music Center, BCR Music, Mandolin Bros. out of New York, Jerruth Recording. Bands in the first issue included Tucker Young, Sharks, Kix, Clenc, Pep Boys, X-15, Black Water, and a few agencies put serveral of their bands including Freedie Cee Attractions and Spectrum Talent. It’s always neat to glance through that first issue and see how it all began. We’ve made many changes over the years and publishing actually cost less than it did back in the 80’s due to having computers and so many programs that one can do their own typesetting and design and save money. Since 1982 I went from being a housewife and mother to being a graphic artist, an accountant, a CEO and whatever other title I have. When you’re self-employed one has to wear several hats to keep it all going. I am thankful for my job and want to thank all of our advertisers that allow me to press on. I also have to give credit to all the people that have helped us over the years with very little monetary rewards, just because they love music and enjoy contributing to the music scene. Jim
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Price from Altoona has been writing for us and taking pictures, and delivering magazines for 27 years. Keith Hummel finally quit this year (after putting in over 20 years, but he’s still delivering some. I have to thank our Rachel who continues to go out on the scene reviewing bands and taking pictures. She loves the scene. She also writes a majority of the cover features including this month’s. She is also my tech person and faithfully uploads all the new info every month to our website (not an easy job). I also appreciate Eric Hoffman’s contribution with the National scene and John Kerecz for writing Sane Advice and our newest writer, Jeff Kreitz Jr. We also have many people helping to get the paper’s out including. Deanne Trio, Randy Wilson, Shawn Kurey, Fuzz MGirk, Jimi Jaymz, Dan McCorkle, Imelda Redding and Jeff Pittinger. THANK YOU everyone for your help we can’t do it without you. Many things have changed over the years but one thing that has remained the same is our original mission statement. Whitey has always been a man of vision. He can see things that our going to be before they happen, that’s a gift that I don’t have. In our first issue he wrote: The Pennsyvania Musician Magazine is designed in format as a publicity magazine for musicians, agents and clubs. The interest it will generate will spark the renaissance of Pennsylvania’s local entertainment scene. That in turn will make the Pennsylvania Musician the most informative and entertaining magazine Pennsylvania has to offer. And that is basically what has happened. I know that things will continue to change and more and more things will go all digital but as long as people pick up the paper and we have the support of our advertisers we will continue to print the hard copy. We do have the website where you can read the entire issue by turning the pages on line. We also support our advertisers through our facebook. We’re not ignoring the future but feel that there is still a need for the hard copy. THANK YOU to one and all for your continued support! Love, Robin
November, 2014
OUT & ABOUT by RACHEL ROCKS! Happy Anniversary PA Musician Magazine! It’s hard to believe we are entering into our 32nd year! Rocktober was rockin’ in every possible way! I finally had a normal month of getting out there to support live music, and if I wasn’t out listening to a band, chances are I was having a great time with my family. This weather is crazy amazing, and we’ve been trying to enjoy every possible second of it. This month my adventures started up at Tubby’s for Take 147. Once again Tubby’s was filled with people who were ready to dance and have a great time. They were introducing their special Breast Cancer Awareness shirts they were going to be selling all month long, some of the proceeds of the shirts were being donated to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, just one of their many ways of giving back. I heard a rumor they might stop doing their gnome giveaway during the “WhooHoo” song at their shows. If you’ve been coveting one of the special hand-painted gnomes you better get out to a show soon! Check out their schedule in this issue and get out there and see what you’ve been missing. Their CD “Nothin’ to Lose” has been getting some air-time on various internet radio stations and on 105.7 the X’s Under the Radar with Bald Rob. Have you heard that “Under the Radar” is now on at 10:30AM on Sundays? Rob Simon is always featuring our local, amazing musicians, check it out, tune-in and support local music while drinking your morning coffee. The next day I was out delivering the October issues and saw in Fierce’s ad they were playing at 551 West. I entered the address in my GPS while I was sitting at the Guitar Center, and I was in luck, it was right around the corner. It’s always scary going to new clubs, but I knew the fine ladies of Fierce were inside so there was nothing to be scared about. 551 West has a great lot available for free parking that is well lit and only a walk across the street from the club. When I arrived the show was just getting started, and the crowd was already filling the place up holding down tables where they could. Before long the local Roller Derby girls “Dutchland Rollers” got done with a tournament and they were coming to unwind. It was like a mass exodus on 551 West. Even tho it was 10pm 551 West was ready with a full dinner spread for the ladies. It wasn’t only the “Dutchland Rollers” either, they brought their friends. It was totally insane, but a good insane. Everyone was there to have a rockin’ good time with Fierce, and Fierce was ready to deliver! Unfortunately it was time to finish up my route, so I had to leave just when the party was really getting started. I’m thrilled to say that 551 West is now a new distribution point for the magazine and I look forward to stopping in to see more bands there on my route. The following weekend the boys were busy with their Dad so I got an early night out on the town so I headed to the Winner’s Circle for Deezle Church. I can’t say enough how happy I am to see Jim Horn back on lead vocals with these guys, it just wasn’t right while he was home on Daddy duty. It was nice to see too that Justin Burgess is now playing guitar for them as a 2nd guitarist. Darrell did a great job by himself, but the 2nd guitar definitely gives a Southern Rock band the feel and depth it needs. There was a wedding party and a bunch of their guests there having a great time so the place was hoppin’ with plenty of dancers! A bonus to the Winner’s Circle is all the people watching! On my way home I swung in to the Double K for Darkside Symphony. These guys know how to rock and had the Double K packed with everyone dancing along and having a great time. Tommy has an amazing voice and covers a wide variety of some crazy, heavy rock songs that not many vocalists can handle! Drew, Italo, and Doug do a great job of supporting him, keeping the music rockin’ loud and proud all night long. It was awesome to see them ‘til the bitter end of the night. These guys are definitely musicians that just love to rock, I didn’t think Karen was going to be able to get them off the stage at the end of the night! It was an awesome night and no one wanted to see it end. The next weekend I could no longer handle the hype I had to check it out for myself, The Progress Fire Co., especially when the Colt Wilbur Band is in the house. Well I’m thrilled to say I was not disappointed. What a show! These guys never continued on page 12...
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Out & About continued... cease to amaze me. Dr. McGillicuddy’s Fireball Whiskey gave them some fun swag to help decorate their stage and Fireball was everywhere, especially in shot glasses! Frank Pensiero, the local Dr. McGillicuddy’s rep, has been a big supporter of the magazine, I’m thrilled to see them also supporting local bands too! Progress was a great place to see a band, not too big, but not too small, but still plenty of room to dance and have a good time. They also sell money chips so you can still purchase your own drinks, that’s one of the hardest parts about going in private clubs is having to get someone else to get your drinks for you. All of the staff at Progress was extremely friendly, I’m sure you’ll be seeing me back there again soon.
My night wasn’t over yet, I zoomed down the road to Chick’s in Hummelstown to finally see Element 22 again. It’s been a super long time since I’ve seen the full band in action. It’s been so long, they’ve had a new line-up since January and I was just seeing it for the first time! The “new” guys are Joe Giammatteo on bass, and Steve Hallock on drums. I knew Joe from the band Swayzee and I’ve seen Steve playing with Jughead, who he currently still plays with. The guys still know how to throw one heck of a party. They flow effortlessly from song to song, except for of course when Jeff breaks a string! That’s what he gets for all of that crazy shredding! My regular dancing pals were there and we had a great time filling the dance floor. Do you know that Chick’s is now smoke free?!? As a non-smoker I love it! It can’t be too great for the smokers and has to be a hard on the band when a whole group of
smokers go out for a smoke break, but you can still hear the music outside the club, the band just has to visualize the wild dance moves happening outside too! I also have to throw out a Kudos to Chick’s for having drink holders in the women’s bathroom stalls! What a GENIUS idea! As a single girl “Out and About” by myself, it is a little intimidating to ask someone else to watch my drink for me, it’s nice to be able to take it along, even tho I’m sure some of you are cringing at the thought of taking your drink in the bathroom, lol, but desperate times call for desperate measures! November 1st Element 22 will be rocking the Field House, plus they have some other awesome shows lined up, check it out for yourself in their ad in this issue. For another night of fun I wound up at Johnny Joe’s for Voodoo. I was bummed I just missed Observe the 93rd opening for them by a couple minutes, I heard the guys rocked the stage as usual and got the party started. Voodoo easily kept the party going and had plenty of people jammed on the dance floor singing and dancing along. The energy these guys generate from the stage is very contagious. There’s no way you can resist joining the party and having a great night. The guys have added in some newer Godsmack to the set-list and the fans loved it! It’s easy to keep playing the songs people have loved for years, but I’m sure adding new songs to a set list is a continued on page 14...
Voodoo & fans at Johnny Joe’s
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Out & About continued... little intimidating. I’m glad they did and I’m sure everyone else did too! Sonic Productions was on-hand, Aaron and Scott were running sound and lights, so it all sounded amazing too! Great job guys. Check out Voodoo’s ad in this issue and see where they will be rockin’ next! On a side note: I was thrilled to see a very used October issue of the magazine laying on the bar at Johnny Joe’s. I know it happens every month, but it’s cool to see the proof of how one person brings the magazine to the bar, and leaves it for the next person, and it just keeps getting picked up and read again. It
was all dog-eared, and looked well loved, but it was still there waiting for the next person to pick it up. We distribute 14,000 hard copies throughout the state, but just one copy can get read by several people in one bar, or even in one household. There is the exception of the people who pick one up and keep it all to themselves, and they add it to their stack of 369 other magazines. (October was our 370th issue), November marks the beginning of our 32nd year!! Our magazines have become collector’s items for many people. One of those people is our very own Eric Hoffman, our Nationals writer. He is currently in need of just a couple very early issues, and I know he is willing to pay to get them, so if you have a stack in your attic or basement and want to make a couple extra bucks, get in touch with Eric and see if you can make a deal! Happy Anniversary PA Musician Magazine!! That goes out to all of our advertisers, readers, and fans.. and of course Mom and Dad, the creators! We definitely wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for all of you! The last night of the month I headed back out to Double K for Black Mountain Jack, rockin’ it country style. I haven’t seen these guys in quite a few months. It’s hard not seeing Don on the stage with the guys, but it’s also nice that Gary is there and can take over on lead vocals so the show can go on. Don still needs some extra time to recover, but we hope he makes it back to the Black Mountain Jack stage soon. Everyone understands the show must go on, and it definitely does! With Gary behind the mic they play more of the modern/rockin’ country songs, which the fans still love. Jack, Mike, and Steve also do their fair share of singing songs throughout the set, I even saw some 4-way harmonies going on. It was a great night of boot scootin’ at Double K, and we wish Don a speedy recovery and send lots of thoughts and prayers his way! This month I had the great opportunity to sit down with Bobby Gentillo at Right Coast Recording for an interview. It was awesome sitting down to talk to him and learn more about the studio process and to hear some his stories about where he’s been and who he has worked with. Check out the story for yourself in this issue and if you’re thinking about recording an album, give Right Coast a call! Don’t forget to get your submissions in the for 19th Annual Millennium Music Conference. If you submit you can get your whole band free passes to come to the Trade Show, and that’s where I’ll be with Mom and Jim Price, hosting our Open Mic stage. Mom and I missed it last month, but we’re not making that mistake twice! It’s too much fun meeting and mingling with everyone and hearing amazing music all weekend long! The MMC is February 19-22nd. The deadline to submit is November 20th!! So don’t delay and register TODAY!!!! I can’t wait to see everyone there. Well that’s all for this month. It was a little busier than usual, but not quite as crazy as it can be! If you have any questions or comments, you can e-mail me at RachelRocks@pamusician.net. Don’t forget to check out our website, www.pamusician.net, to see all of our Hot Shots in COLOR! Have a great month and hopefully I’ll see ya Out and About!!! SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC!!!! 14
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Nationals continued... The Who’s celebration of five decades of rocking continues with the announcement of 2015 North American dates for “The Who Hits 50!” tour. The band has booked more than 40 dates divided up into spring and fall legs. Pete Townshend has described the setlist for the tour as “all the hits, picks, mixes and misses.” The group released “The Who Hits 50!” on October 27th, a collection of tunes of The Who’s greatest tracks and the brand new song “Be Lucky.” Roger Daltrey called the golden anniversary tour trek, “the beginning of the long goodbye.” Dates include: May 17th & November. 4th Philadelphia, Pa., Wells Fargo Center and November 1st – Washington, D.C., Verizon Center. Green Day, The Smiths, Sting, Nine Inch Nails, blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and Lean on Me singer Bill Withers are among the first-time nominees for enshrinement in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Other nominees include Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Kraftwerk, N.W.A., The Spinners, War and Chic. More than 700 artists and other members of the music community will vote on the inductees, with the results announced in December. The 2015 induction ceremony will be held in April in Cleveland, home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Morrissey has revealed he’s undergone cancer treatment several times. Last year Morrissey suffered double pneumonia, a bleeding ulcer and a gastrointestinal condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, on top of separate incidents of food poisoning and a concussion. And in June he called off his U.S. tour because of a respiratory infection. But this is the first time he’s used the C-word. “They have scraped cancerous tissues four times already, but whatever,” Morrissey stated, “If I die,
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then I die. And if I don’t, then I don’t. Right now I feel good. I’m not going to worry about that, I’ll rest when I’m dead.” Author/singer/rock icon Billy Idol announced tour plans for his first studio album in a decade, “Kings & Queens Of The Underground.” Idol’s album was released on October 21st and tour stops include: January 24th – Upper Darby, Pa., Tower Theatre and January 25th – Washington, D.C., Lincoln Theatre. Billy Idol also unleashed his autobiography “Dancing With Myself” on October 7th. AC/DC’s, Malcolm Young is being treated for dementia. The guitarist’s family has released a brief statement “Malcolm is suffering from dementia and the family thanks you for respecting their privacy.” Young is receiving full-time care in a
Sydney-area nursing home facility that specializes in dementia. A source said, “If you were in the room with [Malcolm Young] and walked out, then came back in one minute later, he wouldn’t remember who you are. He has a complete loss of shortterm memory.” AC/DC released a statement September 24th Eric & Dominic Corso announcing that of the Orwells Young “will not be returning to the band.” The band is planning a world tour in 2015 with Stevie Young – nephew of AC/DC founders Angus and Malcolm Young – filling in on the lineup. Stevie plays rhythm guitar on AC/DC’s upcoming LP, “Rock or Bust”, which is due out November 28th. The album is the band’s first in its 41-year history to not feature Malcolm Young. UPCOMING SHOWS: The Bluebonnets Harrisburg HMAC November 6th. Steel Harrisburg Double K November 8th. Lebowskis Camp Hill Gulliftys November 8th. Dierks Bentley Hershey Giant Center November 13th. Steel Gettysburg Zippers November 15th. Junior Brown Sellersville Theatre November 21st. KIX Camp Hill Radisson November 28th. The Sharks Lancaster Village November 29th.
The Virus
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Pictured left to right: DAVE NATALE, BOBBY GENTILO, DAVE WILKERSON, CARLOS ELLIOT JR.
On the Right Track with Right Coast Recording Article by Rachel Rocks Right Coast Recording is one of Central Pennsylvania’s oldest professional recording studios, offering the best of oldschool and cutting-edge recording technologies. The Columbia based studio was established in Lititz in 1990 by Dave Natale and Dave Wilkerson. They were both formerly employed at Clair Brothers, better known today as Clair Global, where they had plenty of experience mixing concerts all over the world. They have both spent most of their adult lives on the road touring with huge acts, Dave Natale is currently on tour with The Rolling Stones as their Front of House Engineer, and Dave Wilkerson is currently working with Rob Thomas, also as his Front of House Engineer. Obviously these two guys know what they are doing, and they have been doing it for thirty plus years. Since their career kept them on the road, in 2001 they hired Bobby Gentilo from Baltimore to work more in house as Right Coast Recording’s Engineer and Producer. Bobby started recording when he was just a young kid by bouncing tracks from one cassette tape deck to another. When he got into writing songs he needed to know how to get the sounds he wanted to hear on tape. As a result Gentilo became a self-confessed “studio rat,” eventually and perhaps inevitably connecting with the Right Coast and the two Dave’s. “As soon as I stepped into Right Coast Recording’s studio, it felt like home. There is a certain vibe you get just stepping in the door that instantly put me at ease, and I’m sure it’s like that for the musicians that enter our door too.” You immediately walk into their huge studio area that is well known for it’s great sound. All around you are different instruments and equipment. The studio offers the area’s largest selection of classic outboard equipment, microphones and microphone preamps, as well as a selection of vintage guitar and bass amplifiers, drum kits, snare drums, cymbals, Hammond organs, and electric pianos. Their live room offers ample space for complete band setup and live tracking sessions. Isolation is obtained from their two ISO booths, located just off the main room. Their Facebook page currently has a video of Kyle Morgan’s song, “Will I Ever Know Joy” that is intercut with footage of their recording session at Right Coast. You can quickly see how big their studio room is and that they can easily have a full band recording at the same time. 18
All photos by Rebecca Elizabeth Photography Another thing Right Coast Recording has at their fingertips is plenty of amazing studio musicians. Some of those musicians play in a band with Bobby, called Shrimpboat. Shrimpboat is an eight-piece band that is made up of a variety of talented musicians Bobby worked with numerous times in different situations, but he knew that all of their sounds would mesh into a great band, and hence Shrimpboat was born. It’s a 60’s inspired soul band with lots of groove to keep their fans dancing all night long. If you want a taste of what Right Coast has to offer check out Shrimpboat. I’ve seen plenty of pictures of the control room at Right Coast, but I was shocked when I saw it live and in person. Right Coast has a great mix of “old school” and cutting edge technologies, they can record in both analog and digital. I was always confused at the difference and Bobby explained it to me pretty easily … “Analog has soul.” He also explained it like Ranch vs. Lite Ranch dressing. If you taste Lite Ranch you think, “wow that’s not bad, I can eat that…” but when you get a taste of “real” Ranch dressing, there is no turning back. It’s just like that extra bit of deliciousness. It’s hard to write this article because I know nothing about the recording process at all, and I know some of you, (our readers) know way more than I do, but one thing I can tell you is that Bobby knows what he’s talking about and he’s not going to make you feel stupid by asking too many questions, or bore you with the details when you already know them. The biggest thing he kept saying about how he works as an Engineer and a Producer is, “I’ll try my best to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.” When working with the artists it’s very important to keep the energy, vibe, and confidence strong. It’s important to know where an artist wants to go and ultimately what they are trying to achieve. The artist has to be able to trust the Producer, but the Producer also has to make the artist comfortable. The band Ton-Taun, based out of Lancaster, is currently working, growing, and creating in the studio and beyond. Even after a 13-hour day of recording, and with the advancements of technology, Ton-Taun’s lead singer Jordan Capizzi was texting Bobby fresh ideas for yet another song. That’s what it’s all about, keeping the creative juices flowing and allowing the artists to express themselves in every way possible. As an Engineer Bobby has worked hard to know what works, how it PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
sounds, and how to make things happen quickly, and as a Producer he’s also learned that sometimes technical perfection is not the answer, it can be a little out of tune, a little out of time, if it’s soulful, let it be. There is definitely a huge benefit to have an Engineer and Producer in one head, as he’s listening he can tell what’s wrong, and he knows how to fix it, and he also knows if it’s something that should be fixed physically by a different instrument, chord, or amp, or if it can be fixed with a quick edit. At some studios you have to pay five guys to do what these guys can do. Another benefit to the studio is Bobby’s experience in another band he plays guitar in, The Cornlickers. Even though Bobby lives in Columbia, PA himself, he travels down to Clarkesdale, Mississippi to play with The Cornlickers as the house band at Red’s Lounge, the most famous juke joint in the world! They were also legendary bluesman Big Jack Johnson’s backing band. Due to all of these connections in the “blues” world, Right Coast Recording has recorded over a dozen albums for some of the best international blues musicians. You can find Right Coast Recording’s CDs all over the world, and especially in Colombia, South America, where Carlos Elliot Jr. & The Cornlickers were ranked #8 on the Pop Charts, beating out one of the legends, Bruce Springsteen. Because of their chart success, they were invited to play Colombia’s biggest music festival in Bogota, and went on tour throughout the country. Bobby knows and understands first hand that there is no limit to where your music can take you. Right Coast Recording will soon be revealing their new website and logo design, done by their new Studio Apprentice, Logan Kurtec. It’s always good to introduce fresh blood into the group to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. You can find them online at www.rightcoastrecording.com, and of course they are on Facebook too. Logan will also be working on improving their social media presence, so I’m sure you will be seeing more updates from Right Coast Recording on a regular basis. If you are ready to record your next song or album, give Right Coast Recording a call at 717-681-9801 so you can all get inspired together to help make your musical dreams a reality. November, 2014
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“LIVE REVIEWS” By Jim Price Another November, another anniversary for Pennsylvania Musician Magazine! Hats off to Robin and Whitey Noll for 33 years of coverage and service to the state’s music scene, through thick and thin. And thanks for allowing me to be part of this publication for more than 27 of those years! Sometimes the non-glamorous side of what I do for Pennsylvania Musician - deliveries - can provide its own live musical adventures. Case in point was last month; because I obtain each new month’s magazines in State College, that becomes the first area that I deliver, and those deliveries unfold throughout downtown State College on foot using a dolly. Last month, that delivery happened on the first Friday of the month, and as I did my “route” around Beaver and College Avenues during late afternoon, I noticed several locations along the sidewalks where musicians were starting to unload and set up gear. My curiosity piqued when I saw Urban Fusion setting up shop at the Fraser Street Mini Mall, outside the garage my car was parked in. I soon learned it was Downtown State College’s First Friday celebration, and live music on the street corners was part of an initiative to encourage patronage of local arts and businesses. Once my downtown deliveries were completed, I strolled around downtown to sample the outdoor music, happening despite arriving rain. First was Urban Fusion; drummer Andrew Jackson, singer Jackie Brown, keyboardist Chip Lovett and bassist Gary Abdullah mixed up a punchy blend of jazz, soul and funk classics. Their arrangements were bright and lively on such numbers as Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish,” Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” and more. I then made my way to the corner of Beaver Avenue and Pugh Street, where Eric Farmer and Eli Byrne were generating improvisational R&B/jazz sounds, with Eric on guitar and Eli on flute. Near a bank ATM along South Allen Street I came across the Lowjack ‘Lite’ contingent of guitarist/singer Jason Davoli and fiddler Dan Collins, lending their flavorful arrangements to classic and modern rock, original tunes and more. Among the songs I caught were the Pink Floyd double-shot of “Comfortably Numb” into “Wish You Were Here,” Jason’s original song “Back to Me,” Lifehouse’s “You and Me” and more. In front of the Student Book Store on College Avenue, The Whatleys were unleashing their punk-rocking fury in acoustic fashion, with Eddie Fraud rocking an upright bass. Some of their fast-firing numbers I observed were versions of “My Way Home,” “Not Without My Friends” and more. As I arrived back at the parking garage, Urban Fusion was still going at it and having a blast with several fans enduring the showery conditions. Guest Phil Thompson lent backing vocals on a reprise edition of “What’s Going On,” during which Andrew Jackson stepped forward to sing lead while Jackie Brown took over behind the drum kit. Jackie and Phil then teamed for a duet rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Fall festival season kicked into high gear in recent weeks with a succession of popular favorite festivals and at least one new one. Again celebrating the spud, Ebensburg’s 23rd annual PotatoFest served up a wide variety of potato-based foodstuffs, multiple arts and crafts vendors, plus live music on four stages situated throughout downtown Ebensburg. I first encountered Flood City Brass under the main tent at the intersection of Center and High Streets, playing a variety of classic brass-rocking favorites. Singers Tom Pavic and Natalie Kurchak, guitarist Randy Rutherford, keyboardist Luis Gonzalez, bassist Andy Heinze, drummer/singer John Homerski and the horn contingent of trumpeter Dan Perich, sax player Jen Shuty and trombonist Jim Bilitski triggered street dancing among the large assembled crowd as they did numbers from Chicago, Gary Moore, Quarterflash, Abba, Steely Dan, the ever-popular “Mustang Sally” and more. At the Memorial Park Tent further up Center Street, I then saw the Jailhouse Rockers - the duo of Chuck Knepper and Patty McGough-Helbig - entertaining with a variety of hits. The Boomers’ Bob Helbig joined the pair to sing lead on Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” and thanks to the duo for inviting me to partake in the fun on djembe for their set-ending continued on page 20... November, 2014
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The Professor continues... version of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me!” At the Penn Eben Park gazebo stage, Night Train was finishing up their set of classic rock favorites as I arrived. The family Carnevali - dad Jerry and son Jesse on guitars and vocals, plus son Jared on bass and vocals - sang out classics from Journey, Free, Deep Purple, Fleetwood Mac and more; backed by Tim Homerski on drums. Back to the Memorial Park Tent stage I headed to catch my first look at western PA-based singer/songwriter Gashouse Annie. The former frontlady for a country-rock band bearing the same name, Gashouse Annie performed a nice selection of original songs, classic rock, folk, country, blues and gospel. She displayed a clear, distinctive voice with lots of nuances; she could vary from delicate and gentle singing styles to gritty Bonnie Raitt-styled growls. She exuded a fun personality as well; she was friendly and conversational with the audience, and even welcomed an audience member to step up and sing with her. My Potatofest experience then finished at the Main Tent stage, where Never Enough capped the afternoon with their blend of rock and country favorites. Singer Stacy Feighner, guitarist/singer Tony Feighner, bassist Lou
Nagy and drummer Christi Roddy fired up the street dancing party with hits from Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, K.T. Tunstall, Wild Cherry and more. Transpiring over four days and two weekends, Bedford’s 50th annual Fall Foliage Festival again provided a wide variety of live music in addition to plentiful arts, crafts, food vendors and more. I attended two of the four days, including the first Saturday when the Sterling Koch Band entertained on the downtown Bedford gazebo stage. Showing the crowd why he is nicknamed the “Slide Ruler” with his sharp steel and slide guitar talents; Sterling, along with bassist Gene Babula and drummer John Goba, woke up the crowd with roaring slidedriven blues rock, including original songs and numbers from Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Thorogood, Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton and more - including an electrifying set-ending rendition of “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)!” Sterling’s slide work was surgical and precise, and Gene and John’s rhythms were solid and driving. The Sterling Koch Band triggered dancing and grooving, and left the crowd hungry for more. Afterward, I caught a few songs from area bluegrass favorites The Blue Shades, one of the strolling groups who set up shop at various points through the festival area. They
performed some of their bluegrass originals, along with grassed-up numbers from Waylon Jennings, Jerry Garcia and more. The temperature dipped quickly as the afternoon progressed, making conditions downright cold as I arrived at the stage by the Juniata River for the day-ending set by the Vince Agwada Band. A Chicago native now calling western PA home, Vince even remarked about how cold it was! But armed with guitar; he, bassist Jim Spears and drummer Joe Pinchotti braved the elements to deliver a scorching set of blues rock. Vince displayed soulful voice and fiery guitar leads on a number of original songs, including the title track from his Basic Blue CD, “Going to New York,” “Shut Down in Steel Town” and more; as well as a version of Freddie King’s “I’m Tore Down.” I then returned on Fall Foliage Festival’s final Sunday to catch my first-ever look at Harrisburg party force The Luv Gods, closing out the festival on the river stage. Featuring Sharks alumni Shea Quinn on lead vocals and guitar plus keyboardist Mark Showers, along with guitarist Sal Saunders, bassist Todd Owens and drummer Steve Swisher; the Luv Gods entertained with a lively assortment of rock favorites from the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s, plus a few Sharks numbers. All band members shared singing duties, and kept the mood upbeat with tunes from Billy Idol, James, Doobie Brothers, Cheap Trick, Rusted Root, Fleetwood Mac and more; and they broke out Sharks favorites like “Holiday” and “Will Tomorrow Be Too Late.” Sal showed his Eddie Van Halen-ish guitar chops on “Eruption/You Really Got Me,” Mark’s keys erupted on Deep Purple’s “Hush,” and the Luv Gods slammed the lid on the afternoon with a feisty edition of The Sweet’s “Fox on the Run.” Last month’s Hartslog Day celebration in Alexandria again provided a wide assortment of live music under the tent near the Hartslog Museum. I arrived as local favorite, singer/songwriter Anita Roseborough, was finishing up her set; and I got to hear her stirring rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” and her established set-ending crowd favorite take on John Denver’s “Grandma’s Feather Bed.” Scent Of Water followed with their brand of ‘full-throttle’ gospel, country and rock. Now the roster of singer David D. Beck, guitarists Brett Rodkey and Dave Nagle, bassist Shane Walters and drummer Larry Sprankle; Scent Of Water did a number of Christian-themed original songs, plus uplifting takes on songs from Lenny Kravitz and more. An accordionist myself, one of the pleasant surprises of this year’s Hartslog Day for me was seeing a solo accordionist, Lewistown’s Greg Devecchis, show up to perform. Greg played a variety of polkas, marches and pop standards, sharing friendly banter and accordion jokes along the way; he even broke out an original accordion instrumental called “Accordion Capers.” Next was Raining Blue, who I saw for the first time during last year’s event. The multi-talented Walt Yatta and Amy Williamson brandished a number of instruments as they did inventive takes continued on page 21...
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The Professor continued... on a variety of classic rock and pop numbers. Amy’s voice sounded stellar as she played various hand percussion and electric bass, and Walt delivered smooth and tasty keyboard work with occasional bursts of ukulele. Some of their songs this day included creative versions of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On,” Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” and Carole King’s “It’s Too Late.” (Thanks Walt and Amy for the rendition of “Happy Birthday!”) Finally, it was time for me to help make the music, as the Backyard Rockers closed out the Hartslog Day music with that thing that we do. Prince Gallitzin State Park presented its annual Apple Cider Festival early last month in the park’s Muskrat Beach area. I attended both in the coverage and performance capacities; before my Backyard Rockers bandmates and I provided the afternoon leg of the festival’s musical entertainment, central PA music institution White Shadow heated up the crowd in the brisk, windy and chilly conditions. Singer/drummer Jerry Carnicella, singer/bassist Bob Helbig, guitarist/singer Johann VonSchrenkel and keyboardist Harry Young successfully took the edge off the cold with their fun, lighthearted and spirited presentation of vintage rock’n’roll from the ‘60s and ‘70s. White Shadow did energetic hits from Sam the Sham & the Pharoahs, the Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Hollies, Neil Diamond, CCR and - the Beatlemaniacs that they are - versions of the Fab Four’s “All My Loving,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.” and “Revolution” to close out their set. Dirtkicker provided the musical entertainment during last month’s inaugural Fall Into Autumn Festival in downtown Dubois. Conditions weren’t ideal, with temperatures plunging through the 40’s with wind and intermittent showers. But singer/acoustic guitarist Gary Bickerstaff, guitarists/singers Matt Day and Chris Kane, bassist Bob Peace and drummer Sam Timchak conquered the elements to provide fans and passers-by with upbeat modern country favorites. Dirtkicker kept the mood festive with such songs as Dustin Lynch’s “She Cranks My Tractor,” Chris Cagle’s “Got My Country On,” Little Big Town’s “Little White Church,” Steve Earle’s
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“Copperhead Road,” Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here” and more. Despite the raw conditions, these guys were still able to effectively maneuver their fingers over their respective fretboards, and despite intensifying showers toward the end, Dirtkicker had a sizable contingent of women dancing in the rain in front of the stage. Rocky 99 radio presented their inaugural Rocktoberfest concert last month at Johnstown’s People’s Natural Gas Park. Various area bands and performers played on two stages throughout the event. Prior to my arrival, the day saw performances from Jason DeWitt, Elizabeth Findley, Russell Wilburn and Matt Martinek on the inside stage, and Restoration, Writing Off Tomorrow and Blood Union on the outside stage. Bazooka Joe had just started as I arrived; singer Pat Conway, guitarist John Bunting, bassist Richard Vargoii and drummer Phil Hautz lit up the stage with high-powered classic rock favorites from Golden Earring, Sponge, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Kiss and more. Highlights included Pat’s chainsaw display during a version of Jackyl’s “Lumberjack,” and the set-closing Kiss triple-play of “Shout It Out Loud,” “Detroit Rock City” and “Love Gun.” The Stone Bridge Blues Band then closed out the indoor stage with their sturdy performance of classic electric blues. Singer/guitarist Mike Borstnar, singer/bassist Brian Moore, keyboardist
Hair Force One & fans
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The Luv Gods Harold Hayford, harmonica wailer Rick Rhodes and drummer John Mundy scorched out classic blues from the lexicons of Junior Wells, Delbert McClinton, Muddy Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, the Allman Brothers, B.B. King and more. Johnstown’s Inside Out then slammed the lid on Rocktoberfest with their fiery, all-original set. Singer Tim Frick, guitarists Kolt Green and Jay Snyder, bassist Larz Phillip and drummer Mark Gindlesperger tore through numbers off Inside Out’s long-awaited Unbreakable CD; including “Taking My Life,” “Giving Myself Away,” “Inside Of Me,” “Demons Inside,” their popular Halloween-themed power ballad radio hit “Vampire Eyes” and more. (Thanks to the Inside Out gang for the rendition of “Happy Birthday!”) Although attendance was light for this year’s inaugural event, early word was that this concert will become an annual event, and should return next year. Family Services, Inc. of Blair County was involved in two music events during late September. First, they presented their fifth annual Family Fest at Duncansville Memorial Park. Live music was a big part of this year’s event, as various area acoustic performers served up the songs. Ron Balestino opened the afternoon with his blend of crisp arrangements on hits from the Beatles, Pure Prairie League, Old Crow Medicine Show and more. The Backyard Rockers followed with their continued on page 22...
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The Professor continued... mix of classic rock, folk, country and blues from the likes of The Band, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Steve Earle and more; including their recently-introduced version of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” Also providing the sound for Family Fest, Mo Yon played selections from Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Arlo Guthrie and others, with Priscilla “The Tambourine Lady” Gati assisting on - what else? - tambourine. After Hands In Motion combined dance beats, choreographed dance moves and sign language, Strings Radio offered their variety of acoustic classic rock favorites. Singer/guitarist Dan Myers II, bassist/singer Mike Lacovich and hand percussionist Mike Crocetti gave their own distinctive flavor to numbers from Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Allman Brothers, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, Traffic, Bad Company and more. Dan then closed the afternoon’s music with a solo set; performing songs from Ben E. King, Poison, Black Crowes, Bob Seger, Jason Mraz and more. The second annual Halos & Harlots celebrated the music and art of women in late September at McGarvey’s, while raising money and awareness for Family Services, Inc.’s Domestic Abuse Project. Consolidated to one day, this year’s Halos & Harlots started early in the afternoon with acoustic performers in the spotlight, before building steam toward electric, blues and rock bands in the evening. Arielle Danan, Melville Walbeck, Mycenea Worley and Pure Cane Sugar took the stage prior to my arrival; and I caught the last two songs from Homer City-based rockers Post Traumatik as I entered the venue. Blues then took over, as Miss Melanie & the Valley Rats dazzled the house with their brilliant blend of vocal soulfulness and instrumental tastefulness. Group namesake “Miss Melanie” Morrison emptied her soul upon the McGarvey’s stage as she belted numbers from the group’s latest CD, You’re All I Got. Guitarist Mark Ross did incredible work on the strings, mixing precision with raw emotion as he made his instrument sing; while keyboardist Rev. James Harton’s keys added depth and reverence to the numbers, and drummer Jordan Thompson anchored the sound with his timely beats. Miss Melanie took the audience to church to end the set with her incredibly soulful treatment of “Amazing Grace” - if this rendition could be packaged and dropped into the region’s Sunday morning church services, congregation numbers would probably explode exponentially! The musical gears then shifted back to rock, as Harrisburg lady rockers Take 147 made their first Altoona appearance. Comprised of singer/guitarist Gretta Zechman, lead guitarist Rochelle Smith, bassist Amber Grunden and drummer Patty Wilson; Take 147 did a strong set that blended original songs from their Nothin’ to Lose CD with select covers from Alanis Morisette, Pat Benatar, Ozzy Osbourne and more. Take 147’s original sound reminded me some of one of my favorite bands from the ‘80s, Girlschool; blending strong melodies with a punk-infused hard rock edge. Next, northeastern PA modern rockers Sucker delivered a high-powered set. Backed by guitarist Stephen Dupak and drummer Rob Helme, singer/bassist Candi Vee showed dynamic vocal range and intensity as she led Sucker on several original songs from their self-titled CD such as “On My Love” and “Amphetamine Queen,” plus a charged version of Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker.” The audience next entered the dark and shadowy world of Pittsburgh’s Leeja Stark Band. Namesake and frontlady Leeja exuded a compelling presence that blended modern rock angst and psychotica with classic Alice Cooper-informed theatrics and dementia. Leeja and her band introduced a number of intriguing original songs, including her collaboration with Christopher Simmonds, “Charming Arms.” Lies, Inc. followed with their actionpacked set of progressive-edged modern rock; singer Lily Taylor again packed explosive vocal firepower and soaring range as she led the group through original song favorites such as “Waking the Misery,” “Plaster Apparent,” “Invertigo,” “Mommy Dearest” and more. Cumberland, Maryland’s ShadowBurn then closed Halos & Harlots with their set of original, contemporary, heavy modern rock. Singer Nicole Sisler demonstrated a blend of vocal power, range and rage as she fronted ShadowBurn on various hard-hitting original songs, many from the group’s new Crashing CD. This year’s Halos & Harlots raised several hundred dollars and awareness for Family Services, Inc.’s Domestic Abuse Project. McGarvey’s was plenty busy recently…Southern Mississippi’s Rosco Bandana, whose music has aired on CMT, continued on page 23...
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Susquehanna Valley NEWS By Jeff Kreitz Jr. Hey music lovers! Some big news this month. Sucker Punch is back. Billy Rock and the boys have returned with gigs booked until the end of the year with stops in our area, Milton Eagles on November 22nd and The Den in Sunbury November 28th. Sucker Punch line up is: Billy Kerstetter on bass, Tim Conrad on drums, Bill Swartzlander on vocals, and Paul Young (formerly of Pan.a.ce.a) on guitar. The Rock for Reeser benefit held at the Valley Inn in Duboistown had a great turnout. Bands included a reunited BENT and an All Star Jam with Jeff Pittinger on vocals who performed “Alone Again” by Dokken to perfection! Be sure and catch Jeff and his Monstertrack Supergroup when they head down the river to Tubby’s in Duncannon for a big show with Graces Downfall on November 22nd. LT’s Tavern outside of Milton is loading up their entertainment schedule including guitarist/vocalist Greg Snyder on November 1st and Tony Harlan’s Random Axe on November 8th. Get out and support Tony’s debut show at LT’s. Special Blend from the Lock Haven area landed the opening slot last month at the Cell
Block in Williamsport for Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root! Hit up Special Blend on Facebook for more info. Williamsport’s 44 MAG are gearing up for a tour of Europe in December. Tour starts December 4th in Germany and runs through the 21st. Jack Pyers formerly of Harpo and Dirty Looks performs solo acoustic shows in our area this month at the Bullfrog in Williamsport on November 3rd the Booth Theatre in Danville on the 15th and at the King Street Coffee House in Northumberland on the 28th. Get out and support this local legend! Send any news or info to me via Facebook or email me at motherman2000@yahoo.com. Always support live music and the PA Musician Magazine! Congratulations on 32 years!
SANE ADVICE By John Kerecz
family and food (Tofurky, anyone?). As busy musicians, this may be the only day of the year we have to reconnect with seldom-seen family members. Maybe it’s the only day of the year you allow yourself to succumb to the temptation of Grandma’s stuffing? Whatever your Thanksgiving celebration entails, there is always room for new traditions and new people to share them with. But Thanksgiving also brings with it musical opportunities. The night before Thanksgiving is a great time to book a gig! The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Eve, has been touted as the biggest “going-out” night of the year. And with all the people visiting from out of town and all the students home from college, there should be no shortage of bars and clubs looking for musical talent. I urge you to go all out this year and incorporate both family and music into your holiday! It will be hard work, but by celebrating Thanksgiving traditions with your loved ones and performing for a packed house, you’ll be sure to experience the best of Thanksgiving’s diversity!
What I like most about Thanksgiving is that it’s a holiday that is always changing, and yet remains the same. While Thanksgiving remains a day of tradition, the traditions that it includes are constantly evolving as we redefine concepts of
TEDD HAZARD’S CARTOON WORLD... Like Tedd at facebook.com/Teddy Hazard hazardstudiosdotnet. wordpress.com
November, 2014
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PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE CD REVIEWS.... MICHI - “CASTLES IN THE AIR” (Candygirl Music) Now calling the Big Apple her home base, Williamsport area native Michiko “Michi” Egger continues to hone and mature her songwriting craft on her latest CD, “Castles in the Air”. Loosely a theme album, Michi explores the dynamics, ups and downs of a first-love relationship that never reached its full potential over the disc’s 13 tracks. With her uniquely dynamic singing style, she shares her feelings, observations, celebrations and defeats over a colorful musical backdrop that blends flavors of rock, pop, R&B, folk and country. Helping her bring the songs to fruition are her father, Todd Egger, on drums; bassist Tim Breon; and (former) Badlees multi-instrumentalist Bret Alexander, who plays keys and guitar; plus recorded, mixed and mastered the album at his Saturation Acres studio. The album begins with the disillusionment following the breakup on “Too Close,” as Michi licks her wounds and diagnoses what went wrong, and she lashes out at an apathetic friend on “Dear Best Friend.” Times are happier on the playfully upbeat “Take Me Home,” where she coos the bliss and anticipation of a budding relationship, the gentle and hopeful “Everything,” and the soulful “Stay,” where she extends her heart. What could have been is the thrust of the reflective “Nine Years” and the driving, harder-edged “You Could Be the One.” Michi acknowledges stormy relationship conditions on “Hurricane,” recalls the moment where it came crashing down on “Come Monday,” and moves forward to bigger and better pastures on the country-flavored “Tumbleweed.” Conflicted emotions of regret and spite are dealt with on “Worlds Away” and the punchy “Standstill,” before Michi closes the disc with the happier romantic sentiment of her voice and acoustic guitar ode “Endlessly.” Through the songs, Michi weaves a cohesive theme of innocence, love and love lost; with her voice evoking the appropriate emotions of glee, hope, worry, despair and anger. The arrangements support the songs and their moods, giving appropriate excitement and tranquility where needed. “Castles in the Air” shows Michi moving forward with her artistry, as her gift of songcraft enables her to weave a collective story, share happiness and sorrow, and practice a little self-therapy. (The CD can be purchased from Michi’s website, www.musicbymichi.com.) —Reviewed by Jim Price STERLING KOCH TRIO - “PLACE YOUR BETS” (Full Force Music) Nobody can ever accuse Sterling Koch of staying in one place too long when it comes to his various musical projects or recordings, as one look at his vast discography so far clearly proves. A side project from his current electric blues-rock group, Koch’s self-named trio explores the acoustic side of the blues spectrum on “Place Your Bets”. Koch sings, plays acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar, dobro, and percussion, backed by bassist Gene Babula and harmonica player Jack Kulp. The group offers their interpretations on a variety of classic and modern blues and blues-rock classics plus one original song over the disc’s 11 tracks; not only showing what they can do in this unique acoustic setting, but in some cases stripping these songs back to their basic blues foundations and rebuilding them. Case in point is the update of ZZ Top’s early 1980s classic rock staple “Tubesnake Boogie,”
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which gets stripped back to its basic blues roots and made over into a happy-go-lucky clap-along. Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s more recent “Blue on Black” becomes a tasty duet between Koch and guest backing singer Jennifer Dierwechter. The disc starts off with a rowdy acoustic rendering of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “House Is Rockin,’” and ends with Koch’s strong update of Peter Green and early Fleetwood Mac’s “Oh Well.” The classic blues masters are recalled and honored through the Koch Trio’s slinky updates of Jimmy Reed’s “Dizzy” and John Lee Hooker’s “Dimples,” along with rollicking versions of Hound Dog Taylor’s “It’s Alright” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Checkin’ Up on My Baby,” and a stern take on Albert King’s “Down Don’t Bother Me.” Also included are a spin on Otis Rush’s “My Baby (She’s a Good ‘Un)” and Koch’s original “Nothin’ But the Blues.” Koch convincingly reprises his “Slide Ruler” nickname, demonstrating constant and masterful slide work throughout the disc, and he delivers a hearty voice to go with it. Likewise, Kulp’s masterful harmonica wail shines and colors each song. Produced, recorded and mixed by Koch, “Place Your Bets” sounds crisp and bold, and the performances do the talking with minimal studio bells and whistles. “Place Your Bets” is yet another strong and inventive Sterling Koch outing, and listeners can place their bets that Koch will continue to devise more creative outlets to explore and showcase his vast guitar and steel guitar talents. (The CD can be obtained through Sterling Koch’s website, www.sterlingkoch.com.) WRATH OF TYPHON - “SPEAK FROM THE FIRE” (no label) Since early 2009, York’s Wrath Of Typhon has been stirring up fury on regional stages with their no-holds-barred brand of heavy metal. Their debut CD, “Speak from the Fire”, reveals influences from classic, thrash and speed metal over its 11 tracks. Guitarist Bill Miskowitz, drummer Dave Miskowitz and (now former) bassist Reese Harlacker construct rampaging, thunderous and uncompromising rhythms, setting the foundation for frontman “Crazy J” Jason Robison, whose feral and unpredictable vocal delivery runs the gamut from high-soaring polecat howls to raw-voiced barks and screams. Various angles of attack unfold throughout the album; the discopener “Rise King Rise” offers piledriving thrash metal that punches listeners in the jaw and grabs attention, while “Graverobber” taps classic metal roots. Rooted in Black Sabbath-like doom metal, “Avenger” establishes a psychotic-themed furvor, and doom also powers the intriguing “Consisting of or Adjacent to” and the tense “Angela.” The forceful “Loaded Dice” exudes a strong Motorhead-like presence, while the disc-closing title track “Speak from the Fire” demonstrates a strong Slayer flavor. The performances are appropriately brash and brute-force, with Crazy J’s freewheeling singing style keeping the set volatile while tying it into a unified whole. The mix is sharp and fullthrottled, allowing Wrath Of Typhon to bare their teeth and savagery with little polish or gloss. Fans of no-nonsense old and new school power metal will find plenty to celebrate here; Wrath Of Typhon provides an exciting introductory set with “Speak from the Fire”, and leaves open a myriad of possibilities for how their attack will evolve on future offerings.(Available at www.reverbnation.com/wrathoftyphon) —Reviewed by Jim Price TED McCLOSKEY - SEA FOAM GREEN (Voodoo Cat Records) Now eight albums in, State College musical institution Ted McCloskey again defies pigeonholing and keeps listeners guessing with his latest release, “Sea Foam Green.” While his last album, 2012’s “The Last of the Pin-Up Girls,” explored new musical turf through geographic cues via
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a sonic cross-country journey, “Sea Foam Green’s” 18 songs reference a variety of past flavors spanning ‘60s era surf rock to ‘70s funk and soul to Beatlesque pop; all integrated into McCloskey’s distinctive style. This eclectic musical mix serves as a launching pad for McCloskey to wax lyrically about the recent life and times of a not-so-happy valley in turmoil. Recent news headlines seem to inform the media circus observations of the rampant “Cameras and Microphones” a n d the incessant muckraking feeding frenzy of the uptempo “The More I Keep Digging.” McCloskey also examines the hopes, dreams, idealism and naivete of a college town environment on “Just Enough Rope” and the observational “This Town.” He heralds the enthusiasm of teenagers conquering that scene on the raucous “Let’s Be Nineteen,” but also savors the value of stealth on “Anonymous.” Other vignettes dig into personal psyche, such as the plight of dreamers and visionaries as mainstream outcasts on the reggae-tinged “Flying Too Close to the Sun,” a brain on autopilot on the short samba “Running on a Loop in My Brain,” and the reassuring “Painting Hearts on My Sleeve.” McCloskey sings and plays most instruments, with Mark Daubert contributing his keyboard prowess on 12 of the tracks and Molly Countermine adding depth to the vocals. McCloskey’s knacks for song hooks and fresh arrangements keep “Sea Foam Green” compelling and intriguing from start to end, while his wordplays connect on a cerebral level beyond the lure of those hooks. Produced by McCloskey, the disc is continually busy with never a dull moment. Ted McCloskey has long since defined his turf as a skilled songsmith and lyricist; on Sea Foam Green, he stirs the pot both stylistically and lyrically, and delivers yet another compelling and clever set. (Available at, www.tedmccloskey.com) —Reviewed by Jim Price DIRT CHEAP has arrived! The York based band, with a foundation of AC/DC influence has released their first effort “No Cents.” An album consisting of five powerful chord driven songs with a commanding screaming scowl. Thundering songs that keep rock ‘n’ roll in its truest form of fantastic simplicity and minimalism. Dirt Cheap makes things sound easy, which are actually quite difficult. Songs that have a clear sense of space and restraint. A guitar sound that crashes but is in complete control. A great band concept to limit their covers to only the Bon Scott era of AC/DC. Central PA may remember Dirt Cheap members from past bands. Drummer Christian Thompson was a member of Sacred Nation. Guitarist Russ Brooks has played with Parallax Project and Tony Ryder. Bassist Larry Buggs of the popular Cry Tuff. And singer Mike Guerrini (as well as Russ & Buggs) were all in 90’s b a n d Easy Mickey. The greatest surprise of Dirt Cheap is the voice of Guerrini, a guitarist for years but never a vocalist. A single preview of opening track “She Wants Money” will have you wanting more Dirt Cheap and less money. —Reviewed by Eric Hoffman
www.pamusician.net November, 2014
CLASSIFIED NOTES BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS WANTED: Worship Leader / Music director / paid position. Harmony Church, Dillsburg is seeking an experienced Worship Leader / Music director. Duties include weekly music and video selection along with strong ability to lead Sunday service playing contemporary Christian worship music along with occasional traditional hymns. Congregation size under 100. Paid position with pro sound / video system and operating team in place. Please contact jackguyler@harmonychurcho fgod.org. WANTED: WE PAY CASH for used guitars, amps, effects, etc!!! Call Matt at Creter Guitar Shop, Jonestown at 717-865-3677. We also do guitar repairs and have a variety of lessons available. WANTED: Vintage guitars, basses, amps, banjos, etc. Fender, Gibson, Martin,
Rickenbacker, Gretsch, etc. Top dollar paid! Call Player’s Exchange at 717-975-2385 or stop by and see us at 225 S. Third St. Lemoyne, PA. Email: bslotus@aol.com. THE BEST VALUE FOR YOUR RECORDING DOLLAR: Celebrating our 29th year in business. Pro Tools, HD3/Accel, 192k Interface, 2 inch 24 track analog, 16 channels of API outboard mic pres, Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kit, SWR 7 GK bass amps, Marshall half stack, Fender twin & Bassman guitar amps, Hammond B-3, Yamaha C7 grand piano. Authorized Pro Tool dealers. CD/DVD duplication on site 3 CCC Video Services. 5.1 surround mixing. $300 per day. www.datamusicsvcs.com, Altoona PA. Phone 814-944-2406.
WANTED TO BUY: Piano sheet music. Call 717-2504798. DRUM LESSONS: with Jeremy Hummel now at 3 Locations: Selinsgrove Home Studio, Dale’s Drum Shop (Harrisburg), and The Perfect 5th (Mechanicsburg). Jeremy is the original drummer for platinum selling artist Breaking Benjamin. He has over 15 years experience as an educator, professional musician and is a regular contributor to “Modern Drummer” magazine. Call 570-898-0800 to get started.
maintenance on your other instruments. To be considered for this sponsorship you must be a working musician (band) playing a minimum of 8 gigs per month over the past year and have future bookings showing this to be a continuing schedule. At least 50% of your show must be performed with an acoustic guitar. Musical genre is not important. Would prefer someone playing the northeast circuit but will consider artists playing in larger local markets. Anyone interested should contact me.
Please post and share this anyplace you think would be appropriate. Brian Howard Guitars 717-566-9883 www.brianhowardguitars.com Please say, “I saw your ad in the PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE” FOR SALE: Personal Collection 7,200 Country 45’s with origianl papers and picture sleeves. Very good condition, asking $1,800. 814765-1222. Ask for Don. continued on page 28...
FOR SALE: Music Store, complete stock and displays. Moe’st Everything Muse 825 Ann Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.Call 570-223-6900 shop or 570-350-2962 cell. WANTED: ARTIST to sponsor. This deal includes one of my guitars as well as
RIGHT COAST RECORDING: State of the art vintage recording environment with years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers. www.rightcoastrecording.com Phone 717-560-1530.
Looking for Musicians or want to join a band? Check the classifieds in the hard copy and on line at
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Deadline to place a FREE Classified for Musicians Wanted & Musicians Available is the 20th of each preceding month. Email your classified today...
Rnoll@pamusician.net November, 2014
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Classified Notes continue... FOR SALE: 700 33 1/3 Records all in sleeves for $100; 700 45’s records all in sleeves for $100; 175 45 records all in sleeves they are Variety and Comedy all for $150. 717-567-3700.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
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FOR SALE: PA system 4 base bins, 2 mid’s and 2 high’s, 1300 watts- crossover and effects, $3000 or best offer. Newport 717-5679426. FOR SALE: Peavey LB1200 par 64 midi and dmx controled lights with gels, 2 bars with 4 lights each. Works great $250. 717-2488739 or email: superstarr@hot-shot.com FOR SALE: Hammond Proline 860 Leslie, With foot pre-amp and leslie 11 pin cable, All in great condition! $600. Phone 717-248-8739 or email: superstarr@hot-shot.com FOR SALE: Carbon black
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Ibanez AEB10 BK acoustic electric guitar, with genuine hardshell case for $350. Call Chris at 570-713-9486. FOR SALE:Vintage 1990 Danelectro longhorn bass, burgundy color, duel lipstick pickups, and new edge tape. Sounds GREAT! $400 obo. Please leave phone number and message. 610-750-3132. FOR SALE: Selmer Bundy saxophone-used, good condition with case plus strap, etc. $200, obo, Danville. 570-275-1816 ask for Suzy. FOR S A L E : Emerson piccolo; paid $560- sell for $199. Also 3600 watt PA-DJ amp with pair of DFX 15.
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and horn speakers, 1200 watts, $499 or will trade. 717-379-8010. FOR SALE: PA system 4 base bins, 2 mid’s and 2 high’s, 1300 watts- crossover and effects, $3000 or best offer. Newport 717-5679426. FOR SALE: Peavey LB1200 par 64 midi and dmx controled lights with gels, 2 bars with 4 lights each. Works great $250. 717-2488739 or email: superstarr@hot-shot.com FOR SALE: Hammond Proline 860 Leslie, With foot pre-amp and leslie 11 pin cable, All in great condition! $600. Phone 717-248-8739 or
email: superstarr@hot-shot.com FOR SALE: Carbon black Ibanez AEB10 BK acoustic electric guitar, with genuine hardshell case for $350. Call Chris at 570-713-9486. FOR SALE:Vintage 1990 Danelectro longhorn bass, burgundy color, duel lipstick pickups, and new edge tape. Sounds GREAT! $400 obo. Please leave phone number and message. 610-750-3132. FOR S A L E : Alesis Microverb 4 E f fects Processor - $100; Alesis Quadraverb 2 Dual Channel Digital Effects Processor $150; alesis quadraverb continued on next page..
November, 2014
Excellent condition - $75; Behringer Eurorack Pro RX1602 Rackmount - $100; Rocktron HUSH Super C Guitar Noise Reduction $100; TC ELECTRONIC G MAJOR guitar processor $200; ADA MP1 High Gain Tube Preamp with Chorus $200; Marshall 1974x reissue mint with original transformer from upgrade and choke installed. $1500. Tom, 814-386-2239.
MUSICIANS WANTED WA N T E D : Professional drummer looking for professional musicians. US Tour followed by World Tour. I have managment and equipment sponsors. Full time gig. If qualified, let’s talk!! NY 631-428-5494 or PA 570-254-8142 or CA 805637-7249 WANTED: Led Zeppelin tribute band auditioning for Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Must look the part. Professionals only please. Call 570- 498-2848. WANTED: Musicians: Previously full-time band (The Roadsters) now reforming. Looking for dedicated drummer, keys & guitar. Genre: Late 60’sToday. Serious players contact: theroadsters@hotmail.com
contact: Dave, 610-406-5535. WANTED: Musicians. FMJ Entertainment has an Immediate salaried opening for Lead Guitarist(s) for a Cover Band project. Must be team oriented/ flexible and have advanced guitar playing ability both lead and rhythm. Contact: guitarists@fmjentertainment. com WANTED: Forming all original black metal/gothic. Dedicated and appearance @must. Male and female musicians. Influences include: Behemoth, Candlemass, Ty p e O Negative and Danzig... contact 717- 770-9621, leave msg WANTED: Bassist. All original Lancaster based Christian progressive metal band named Axiom Inherent is seeking likeminded bassist. Contact us on facebook or e m a i l @ axiom.inherent@gmail.com. WANTED: Musicians. Autumns Golden Oldies, working 50’s/60’s band looking for lead guitar and keyboard player.. vocals a plus... call Randy 570-8986888 (Northumberland, Union County). WANTED: Musicians. Metal
Core singer looking to start or join. A Christian Metal Core band. Must have faith in Jesus Christ . Location Honey Brook PA. Please call Rob 717- 327-5968. WANTED: Drummer wanted for all original band. We play rock/hard rock. Must have equipment, transportation, and experience. 717-7122008 or 717-418-0020. WANTED: Female vocalist! Harrisburg and vicinity. Original / cover projects. Acoustic and electric positions available. Dedication a must! Top pay and top venues, must be able to play full schedule. Contact Willy G. at 717- 805-1302. WANTED: Part time lead singer! Just looking for run, no pressure, male or female, that wants to rock in a part time Variety rock band. No egos, we laugh at practice, not scream at each other. We have the gear and do a wide variety from John Cougar to social Distortion to U2 and jason Aldean, just fun bar music. Text 717-982-3999. WANTED: Drummer. All origianl rock band seeking serious minded drummer. Our sound is similar to Clash/Elvis/ Costello U2. Located in Lancaster county. Call Matt at 717-606-2749.
WA N T E D : Professional working band StarChild needs pro drummer. Must be a KISS fan and also able to play originals. Willing to travel on occasional weekends. Hard hitter; Accuracy and consistency are key. Full drum kit available, just bring sticks. Call Jerry 717-465-8120.
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MUSICIANS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE:Drummer Professional /Experienced - looking for band in York, Harrisburg, Lancast er area. Rock n Roll, Blues, Soul, Country or whatever . e m a i l otispsmith@gmail.com. AVAILABLE: Lead Singer from Northumberland county looking for classic rock band. Many years of stage experience, no drama or egos, contact: frontman_classic_rock@y ahoo.com
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WANTED: Musicians for a rock/metal cover, tribute, original band in Norristown, PA. Call Danny: 610-2903492 or email: reditude2005@yahoo.com WANTED: Musicians. That 70’s Rock Band is looking for musicians and lead vocalist. Berks County, PA.
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USE ‘the paper” that the Music Industry USES!
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What we Offer YOU for Your Marketing Investment: • 12,000 Copies distributed in Major Clubs, Music Stores and Malls throughout the state (that’s 12,000 FLYERS out there WITH YOUR NAME on them! People collect each issue)
• Link to www.pamusician.net
WE SCAN YOUR AD ONTO OUR SITE and place a link from your ad to your website or myspace (over 10,000 hits and more per month!) • When you advertise with us, Like us at
www.facebook.com/PA Musiciaan Magazine and share your events and what is happening and we will share them on our Timeline as well.
• Lets Club Owners know you’re Serious about helping to PROMOTE YOUR GIGS and GET YOUR FANS and NEW FANS to the show. • Puts Your Phone Number & Website at the tips of club owners & fans.
You have the talent, you have the band, the equipment, the CD, now you just need to let people know.
Let us help you.... 717-444-2423
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AVAILABLE: Professional rock drummer available in Altoona area for established working band. 30+ years, Covers, Originals, and Studio, most recent: Half Tempted, Hy-Tyde, Erik @ 814-3815312. AVAILABLE: Older bassist, vocalist looking for a Classic Rock, Blues, or Country Band. A weekend gig here and there would be nice. Professional equipment and transportation, No drugs or booze. eMail: planetmark18@hotmail.com AVAILABLE: Female Vocalist would like to join/start a band. Age 25. Country/Rock/Pop persuasion. Does not play any instruments. Cambria/Blair County. 814381-5845.
equipment sponsers, plus more! Let’s talk!! NY 631428-5494 or PA 570-254-8142 or CA 805-637-7249. AVAILABLE: Lead Singer from Northumberland county looking for classic rock band. Many years of stage experience, no drama or egos, contact: frontman_classic_rock@yaho o.com AVAILABLE: Looking for a Classic Rock, Blues, or Country Band. A weekend gig here and there would be nice. Professional equipment and transportation, No drugs or booze. Email: planetmark18@hotmail.com
AVAILABLE: Professional rock drummer available in Altoona area for established AVAILABLE:Drummer - working band. 30+ years, Professional /Experienced - Covers, Originals, and Studio, looking for band in York, most recent: Half Tempted, Harrisburg, Lancaster area. Hy-Tyde, Erik @ 814-381Rock n Roll, Blues, Soul, 5312. Country or whatever .- email otispsmith@gmail.com. AVAILABLE: Drummer Professional /Experienced AVAILABLE: Professional looking for band in York, d r u m m e r l o o k i n g f o r Harrisburg, Lancaster area. professional band that is Rock n Roll, Blues, Soul, currently touring or ready to Country or whatever .- email tour but needs drummer. I otispsmith@gmail.com. have management and
PENNSYLVANIA MUSICIAN MAGAZINE
AVAILABLE: Blues, folk, roots, Americana, or electro BASS PLAYER available. 20+ years of experience, including jazz, Hungarian music. Electric fretted/fretless, some upright bass. 570-441-0305. AVAILABLE: Rock ‘N’ Rollin’ guitarist belting out what most can’t or don’t want to learn. I’m disappointed looking for quality players that can make the grade. 717303-4211. AVAILABLE: Professional Drummer looking for professional working and to tour. i have management and equipment sponsors. Can bring lots to the table. If serious let’s talk! 631-4285494 or 570-254-8142. AVAILABLE: Versatile Bass Player available with strong vocals for fill-in or position in classic, modern rock band or acoustic. Have good equipment, transportation. 35 years experience. 610-4513824 AVAILABLE: Female vocalist looking to start rock band in Lancaster County. Musicians ages-40-60, genre 1960’s-today. Experienced
and dedicated only need apply. 717-682-4987 AVAILABLE: Professional rock drummer available in Altoona area for established working band. 30+ years, Covers, Originals, and Studio, most recent: Half Tempted, Hy-Tyde, Erik @ 814-3815312. AVAILABLE: Bass player with over 30 years experience available, based in Lancaster, PA. Samples of work available. 508- 735-8197 AVAILABLE: Blues, folk, roots, Americana, or electro BASS PLAYER available. 20+ years of experience, including jazz, Hungarian music. Electric fretted/fretless, some upright bass. 570-4410305. AVAILABLE: Harrisburg area acoustic upright and electric bass player, singer/ songwriter looking to add to a duo or other. Enjoy country, bluegrass, folk or acoustic rock. Enjoy what I’m doing but miss the really strong harmony. Looking to be your third part for covers and originals. Call Mike 717-5650539 or email BigStringPKR@aol.com
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