Friday, April 10, 2009

Tom Bolton: When I Cross The River (Australia)

In 2007, Tom Bolton recorded "when I cross the river" at Stranger and Walpole Streets, Triangles at Moroney and various locations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Written by Tom, this double CD has 11 tracks with a bonus track on the 2nd CD entitled" Biscuits."

Tom Bolton has been a lyricist for over thirty years and it is apparent on this compilation.
"when I cross the river" features: Tom Bolton: acoustic guitar and vocals, Richard Grace: double bass, and Jeremy P. Martin: "a whole bunch of stuff." This double disc is a journey into folk tradition laden with rock and roll, poetry, acoustics, and harmonics.

The title track, "when I cross the river" is a heartfelt rendering that can easily be applied to love, spirituality and awakening seen in the lyrics: " You came searching for me - I called You - Your voice lifted my eyes . . ." and also in the ballad, "three hearts", "Three hearts that I have seen . . . that's three times blessed that I have been."

The song, "hey, you, yeah you" is reminiscent of the 50' s beat generation poetically. Musically, it brings you back to the 70's when rock operas were birthed. The difference here is Tom adds a folk acoustic style to the mix that is raw and fresh.

Tom has been performing for over eight years in Australia, has had airplay on independent and college radio stations across the United States and Canada. This CD is a direct result of experience, talent and perseverance. The diversity of guitars embodies folk, rock, orchestra and harmony. Lyrically, this is a poetic masterpiece.

Tom Bolton can be reached at his website: http://www.sensibletom.com, and on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/tomboltonandthequirksoffate.

To purchase the CD: http://cdbaby.com/cd/tombolton or view his online press kit for booking: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epk.aspx?epk_id=172904.

This CD is a masterpiece. It is orchestra, folk, rock, opera, poetry, harmony, humor, beat and most importantly, it is everything a fine musician and lyricist strives for when making music.

© Susan Marie
Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Lance Diamond: #1 Radio Personality of the Year

Lance Diamond has been entertaining worldwide for decades. On Tuesday, April 7th, I had the honor of interviewing Lance in studio at Think Twice Radio. You can listen here: www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html.

Every Saturday, from 6pm to midnight, Lance hosts, "Saturday Night Fever" on WJYE 96.1 FM. Online, you are able to listen LIVE, call in and email the show. At: www.wjye.com, click on "Personalities", scroll down and check out the programming schedule. In 2009, Lance was awarded the honor of Radio Personality of the Year. Considering the various media outlets we have in Western New York, this is a huge accomplishment, especially for an entertainer. After speaking with Lance for several hours, it became apparent his career and focus is barely midstream. Imagine calling into WJYE on Saturday and telling him exactly what you would like to see him doing? How amazing would it be for the people of Western New York to do just that.

I am going to call the station this Saturday and am asking you to do the same. If only to get a glimpse of what I have, if only to speak to him about your own focus, most importantly to pay homage to a man who has not only entertained Western New York, but the entire world. It is time for us to give back to Lance.

WJYE studio line is: 716- 644-9696. For a man who refuses to refer to his fans as "fans" but as "family", the least we can do is talk to him when he is on-air. As his family, please give him a shout and listen every Saturday at 6pm. Tune in to something different and tell him yourself how much you wish to see him on television. I know I do. And that is exactly what I am saying to him LIVE on air this Saturday.

© Susan Marie
Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009

One Love One Community: Musical Tribute Flight 3407

On Friday, April 24, (5pm - 9pm) and Saturday, April 25 (12 noon - 9pm), The Clarence Barnes and Noble will be hosting a 2 day musical tribute in honor of the victims and people involved with Flight 3407. Various local performers are featured including: Geno McManus, Pirate Dreams, Mike Vargovich, John Kloberdanz, Laurie Bordonaro, Peanut Brittle Satellite, Standard of Living, Terry Sulllivan and others.

When speaking with Chuck Schultz, Music Manager for The Clarence Barnes and Noble, we talked of Western New York, the City of Buffalo and the Town of Clarence and how all were affected by this turn of events. Everyone becomes troubled when a situation as this occurs that are often overlooked, such as: fireman, EMT's, police, town government officials, and most importantly, the people living in Clarence and those directly associated with people on the plane. "Hurricane Katrina affected me immensely", stated Chuck, "yet I admired how the musicians came together to rebuild. Music is my passion, when it comes down to it, the times we are going through; we come back to music in the end."

This performance involves local musicians giving their time and energy to turn a negative into a positive. Barnes and Noble in Clarence is the only current location that hosts musical events. Chuck Schulz decided to pull this together after assessing the location of the store and proximity of the tragedy, how it could have been a much worse situation considering and felt blessed to be able to provide in a time when people are in need. Chuck stated, "Giving back to the City, Western New York and the community shaped who I am."

Barnes and Noble is located at: 4401 Transit Road Clarence NY 14221. To contact Chuck: 716-634-1011. To locate store/directions online: http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2301. This event is free and open to the public and all are encouraged to attend, hear great music and join in giving back through the gift of music.

© Susan Marie
Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
New York USA 2009

2008 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Induction

On October 9, 2008, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame held it's 25th Anniversary Induction Ceremony at the Tralf in downtown Buffalo. I had the pleasure of covering this event to further promote the talent that is thriving in our city. This years inductees were as follows: Ed Bentley, Bob James, Richard Kermode, Jerry Livingston, Tom Reinhardt, Joe Rozler, The Schulz Family (Dave, Gretchen and Robert), Joanie Sommers, Jimmy Sacca, Mack Luchey, Anthony Marchese and Richard Sargent.

Access Think Twice Radio to listen to the first ever live performance of the Schulz Family (Bob, Gretchen and Dave, along with Joe Rozler and Jerry Livingston), all 2008 Inductees. Gretchen honored 2008 Inductees Joanie Sommers and Richard Kermode by flawlessly performing "Johnny Get Angry" and "Cry Baby."

I spoke with Van Taylor of Van Taylor Production and Taylor Made Jazz who performed during the VIP ceremonies, as well as interviews with Ritchie Derwald and Doug Morgano, (who regularly plays with Gretchen Schulz), all three of them current Board Members, as well as entertainers.

The Hutch Tech Jazz Combo was chosen this year to compliment the event. I was honored to speak with Musical Director, Ben Boyar and three students, Jacob Jay, Dalton Sharp and Samantha Peplowski. After catching Joe Rozler and Celia White, Lance Diamond took the stage and got the crowd going. One of the most honorable moments was speaking with Mack Luchey of Doris Records located at: 286 East Ferry St, Buffalo 883-2410, a staple of Buffalo's entertainment scene since the early 60's.

Shortly after, Van Taylor inducted Jerry Livingston, quite possibly the most amazing bass player I have witnessed in this region. One of the most compelling interviews was with Frances Scharett, a 2003 Inductee who was a part of the Vaudeville scene in the 40's. Doug Ruffin, (a 2004 Inductee) of WUFO and Urban Legacy Filmworks spoke on behalf of Matt Luchey, followed by Joe Rozler's Induction speech, then a duo performance with Jerry Livingston.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 to recognize groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on the WNY music scene and/or achieved success in the music industry on a national and often an international scale.

The Tralf was packed, the VIP music set the tone for the evening and the event went without a hitch. Parties interested in future sponsorship opportunities, supporting membership or board membership should contact Rick Mathews 716.400.8934 or email them at: info@bmhof.org