Greetings, earthlings!

Hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits. Despite the world being on fire (literally and figuratively), we can still find solace in good music, art, friends, and all the beautiful things life has to offer.

Sorry to start on such a dark note.

First off, on behalf of Stratospheerius and myself, our hearts go out to all the people who lost their homes in the tragic LA fires that took place in January. One such person is our good friend, Rich Mouser. Rich was the engineer who mixed and mastered our “Impostor!” Album. He is a brilliant engineer whose resume includes artists like Tears for Fears, Wheezer, Dream Theater, and Spock’s Beard. Rich lived in Altadena and lost his home and his legendary recording studio, “The Mouse House,” where some of our favorite albums of the past three decades were created. His daughter started a Gofundme to help Rich recover some of his lost equipment so he can continue making beautiful records and rebuild his life. Please consider making a donation.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-dad-rebuild-his-musical-legacy

You can also donate to the artistic community through https://musicares.org, an organization run through the Recording Academy to help musicians. They are currently focused on artists based in the LA area affected by the fires.

New Stratospheerus Video “Voodoo Vortex Part I”

Our latest video is from our song, “Voodoo Vortex Part I” from our “Impostor!” Album. This is an instrumental song with a seventies vibe, inspired by some of my electric violin heroes, like Jean-Luc Ponty, Jerry Goodman, and Eddie Jobson. The seventies was  heavily populated by innovative electric string players who paved the way for guys like me. The video includes AI footage generated by Robert Minsk, combined with still shots of Stratospheerus taken by Jody Gianni and performance footage from our album release back in December filmed by David P Levin. Enjoy!

And please SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, if you haven’t done so already.

“Outrage Olympics” video featured in two film festivals!

This is the first time one of Stratospheerius’s videos has been recognized by the film industry!

Our video for “Outrage Olympics,” which came out a few months ago, will be featured in two international film festivals; “Independent Shorts Awards” in LA and the “North Film Festival” in NYC. The video will be shown on the big screen for the North Festival, followed by a Q&A with myself and director David P. Levin, this coming Thursday Feb 27th at 2 P.M. at the Producers Club Theater:

358 West 44th Street, New York, New York 10036 United States

For more information, please visit

https://www.thenorthfilmfestnyc.com/screeningschedule

https://independentshortsawards.com/finalists-january-2025

Joe Deninzon strings featured in Super Bowl DoorDash commercial

I was psyched to have my string work featured on a recent DoorDash commercial, which aired during the Super Bowl. I recorded all the violins, violas, and chin cello, in collaboration with my longtime colleague Aaron Paul Low. The commercial features one of my favorite comedians, Nate Bargatze.Check it out!

Prayers for Kansas’s Ronnie Platt

My good friend and Kansas bandmate, singer Ronnie Platt, has been diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, forcing us to cancel tour dates through the end of March. We hope too be back in April and are taking time off while Ronnie recovers from his surgery and as we look for a possible sub until Ronnie is able to tour and sing again. Sending him our prayers and healing vibes.

https://people.com/kansas-frontman-ronnie-platt-shares-thyroid-cancer-diagnosis-11683217

Please check the KANSAS WEBSITE for tour updates.

International Press

Four months after its release, our new album, “Impostor!” continues to make waves around the world! With rave reviews, multiple critics’ “best of 2024” lists,” air-lay on 120 stations nationwide, and 3 months (and counting) on the Relix Jamband Charts!

We are blown away by the overwhelmingly positive response and are grateful for the love people have shown for this music. It makes all our efforts worthwhile.

Here are some recent international reviews, which you can punch into google translate:

Progwerld (Netherlands)

Rock Times (Germany)

Saitenkult (Germany)

Betreutes Progg

Here is an interview I recently did with some students in Portugal who are learning English and interviewing musicians.

I was honored to be included in this recent article by my friend, violinist and educator Julie Lyon Lieberman!

The Violin: A Cherished Instrument Across Time and Genres | World Music Central

International Distribution

Attention, European fans! Stratospheerius is happy to announce that we recently signed a deal with Burning Shed distribution in the UK and Just for Kicks Music in Germany for our CD, “Impostor!” You can now order the physical CD directly from those sites and avoid expensive shipping costs associated with the US.

Carry on!

-JD

DENINZONEWS: 2024 HIGHLIGHTS & 2025 UPCOMING EVENTS

What an incredible year 2024 has been! Despite a few ups and downs, including a very close-call car accident, I’m grateful to be safe and alive and doing what I love to do!

This year was a milestone. New chapters, new releases, and… I turned 50!!

They say that age is just a number and I’m ready to keep going full blast; touring, recording, teaching, and spending time with family and friends.

Here are some highlights of 2024.

New year, new Viper!

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In January, after 2 years of waiting, I finally picked up my new Mark Wood 7-String “Viper” electric violin. I had this one specially painted with the smoke from the opening credits of my favorite show, “Breaking Bad,” and dubbed the instrument “Heisenberg.” Alongside my old red 7-string Viper, it is now my main axe on all Kansas, Stratospheerius, and other gigs. Thanks to all the people at Wood Violins for the incredible craftsmanship.

I love my new baby!

New year, new Label!

In April, Stratospheerius signed with 7D Media, the label owned by Trey Gunn from King Crimson and AJ Chippero. On October 11th, we released out 6th album, “Impostor!” Which has garnered wide critical acclaim and made numerous “Best of 2024” lists! You can read some reviews HERE and download/order/stream the new album HERE!

Prog Radio “Best Prog Albums 2024”

Prog Report “Best Prog Songs of 2024”

Vote for “Impostor” Best of 2024 on epicprogradio.com!

Vote for “Impostor” Best of 2024 on epicprogradio.com!

STREAM/PURCHASE/DOWNLOAD HERE

Stratospheerius “Outrage Olympics” new video & Single

In April, we filmed for two days at Alpha Wave Studios in Whippany, NJ and the Art Factory in Paterson, NJ ro make the video for our first single, “Outrage Olympics,” directed by David Levin. If you hasvent’ checked it out already, here it is! And while you’re at it, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!

With my crazy touring schedule with Kansas, Stratospheerius only got to play 4 shows this year, but they were all special shows.

Feb 9th at the Iridium in NYC with our friends Ad Astra.
June 27th at Kennet Flash in Kennett, PA with Tim Motzer

June 28th at Starlight in Southbridge, MA with Peruvian guitarist Beledo, culminating in our December 15h Album Release Party/my 50th Birthday Bash at the “Progstock Presents” Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ with our friends Simon Godfrey, Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), The Tea Club (feat. Kansas bassist Dan McGowan, and Stratospheerius.

We played the epic closing track, “Chasing the Dragon” live for the first time, and the best gift, for me, was my daughter Arianna sitting in as a guest vocalist. Here are some photos from that night taken by Jody Gianni.

Kansas Highlights

In 2024, I completed my 115th show with Kansas, and the third and final leg of the massive 50th Anniversary Tour! This was the experience of a lifetime! Highlights this year were performing in Topeka, the band’s hometown, alongside founding members Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope, playing “Dust in the Wind” on Robby Steingardt’s white Barcus Berry violin on the final show of the tour at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, performing in front of 15,000 people singing along at theFestival d’été de Québec in July.

There are many more tour dates for Kansas in 2025. You can see them all at www.kansasband.com

Education Station

In July, I had the privilege of returning for my 14th year to teach and perform at the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp Music Festival! I played my entire 30-minute Electric Violin Concerto, the performance of which will be posted next month. Also had the chance to work with Mark‘s Electrify Your Symphonyprogram at the Westbury, LI high school in November. Looking forward to more MWROC and EYS in 2025!

Press Press Press!

Here’s a recent interview I did with Prog UK Magazine!

More critical acclaim for “Impostor!”

“Impeccably played progressive rock music by a solid core of players assisted by an impressive array of guest artists.”

Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius – Impostor! | The Phantom Tollbooth

“When a band jumps several levels from one record to the next as Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius have done, I am reminded of all the unsung artists toiling away, pouring their hearts and souls into the music, chasing the dragon as it were. In this case, I think Impostor! is an example of watching the band grab that fire-breathing reptile by the tail. Well done, gentlemen!”

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius – Impostor! – T P A

Joe Deninzon Interview with Howard Whitman (Goldmine Magazine)

Stratospheerius First Show of 2025

We are psyched to kick of the year with our first show, “Winter Fusion Fest” with the Andy Rothstein Band. Sunday, Jan 12th

BUY TICKETS HERE!

Crossroads
https://www.xxroads.com
(908) 232-5666
78 North Ave.
Garwood, 07027

Stratospheerius is:

Joe Deninzon-lead vocals, electric violin
Jason Gianni-drums, backing vocals
Michelangelo Quirinale-guitars/vocals
Dan Asher-bass

VISIT OUR STORE! for music & merch

Wishing you a happy and fulfilling 2025. I’ll see you down the road. Carry on!

Love, -JD

Ladies & Gentlemen,
It’s finally here!
The lead off-single from our forthcoming album is out on all streaming services and also available from the 7d Media Bandcamp!

HERE is the landing page with ALL the links to the song!

…and HERE is the video!

Two days of filming. Over a hundred hrs of editing! The official video for Stratospheerius new song, “Outrage Olympics,” is now LIVE!

Band:

Joe Deninzon-electric violin/lead vocals
Jason Gianni-drums/backing vocals
Paul Ranieri-bass/backing vocals
Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar/backing vocals
Bill Hubauer-keyboards/backing vocals

Directed by David P. Levin

Edited by Joe Deninzon

Filmed at Alphawave Studios and Paterson Art Factory.
Camera operators: David Silver (drone), David Milone, Martin Cole, Brennan Dopwell
Artwork and photography.”: Jody Levine Gianni

Assistants: Mike Polese Bella Gianni Bob Konig

Thank you to everyone who took part in making this video, and particularly to our good friend/video editing sensei David P. Levin!
Between writing and recording this song and finishing the video, it took a year! Really proud of this one and happy to share it with the universe. Can’t wait for you all to hear the full album from 7d Media out on October 11th!

New Album, “Impostor!” out on October 11th!

We’re happy to announce that the pre-order link to the new Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius album “Impostor!” is NOW available from 7d Media. The album will be released worldwide on October 11th on all platforms.

Special guests include Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Michael Sadler (Saga), Fernando Perdomo Rachel Flowers Val Vigoda Chloe Lowery (Trans Siberian Orchestra) Angus Clark (Trans Siberian Orchestra) Neel Murgai Jennifer DeVore Ruti Celli Steve Benson and many more! Mixed and mastered by the great Rich Mouser (Tears for Fears, Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater).

Artwork & design by Jody Gianni

PRE-ORDER TODAY!

Joe Deninzon interview with Anne Leighton

Anne Leighton is my longtime manager, publicist, and close friend who has stood by me through thick and thin. Here’s a recent interview I did for her podcast.

Joe Deninzon interview with Jeff Gaudiosi

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jeff Gaudiosi for his show, “Misplaced Straws.” Check it out!

Kansas violinist Joe Deninzon & his band Stratospheerius return to the IRIDIUM!

read more…

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius News SPRING 2023

Happy Spring, beautiful people!

We are psyched, overwhelmed with giddiness and excitement to share with you the official release of the new Stratospheerius double LIVE CD/DVD/BLU RAY: “Behind the Curtain (Live at ProgStock)!” We have almost 2 hrs of music taken from our 2019 and 2021 performance at our favorite music festival, ProgStock in Rahway, NJ. During the pandemic, I learned to edit videos, and this baby was. LOT of editing! The world changed during the pandemic, and these performances are a snapshot of where we were before, and after the world turned upside down. The 2021 performance features guest appearances by our good friend Alex Skolnick (guitarist from Testament and former guitarist from Stratospheerius) and Rachel Flowers , the blind multi-instrumental genius, who joins us on piano and flute. All these performances were completely spontaneous with little or no rehearsal, and we were able to capture lightning in a bottle! We want to thank our mixing engineer, Matt Vanacoro, mastering engineer Dave Kerzner, assistant editor David P. Levin, Melodic Revolution Records president Nick Katona, our manager Anne Leighton, and our graphics designer/DVD author Joel Barrios, for countless hours that they devoted to this project. Big thank you to Tom Palmieri and Ann Rinaldi for creating the festival and keeping it alive, and for all the volunteers who work there! This is the culmination of three years of work, and we’re very proud of it and can’t wait to share it with you! The official release date is May 19th! But you can pre-order it if you click on the graphic below!

Celebrate the CD Release with us on May 31st at the Iridium NYC!

Join us on Wednesday, May 31st for our live CD/DVD release party at NYC’s greatest rock/jazz/fusion venue, The Iridium!
Opening the night will be our good friend and longtime collaborator, guitarist/singer/songwriter Randy McStine from Porcupine Tree.
And joining us on stage will be our 5th member, keyboardist/vocalist Bill Hubauer, best known for his work with Neal Morse and his. band, “We Came from Space.”

BUY TICKETS HERE! 

Here are two of our favorite videos from the upcoming live release; “Game of Chicken,” and “Spain (Feat. Rachel Flowers & Alex Skolnick.”

Indiegogo THANK YOU!

Our Indiegogo campaign to raise funds for the new Stratospheerius live and studio albums is officially over. We have surpassed our goal of raising $10k, and have had over 150 contributors from all over the United States, Canada, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and France! We are extremely grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support! If you are among the contributors, please know that we are in the process of organizing all the perks and will get them to you before the end of the month! Thank you for your patience an your support!

Have a great spring and I hope to see you soon!

Love, Joe, Jason, Paul, and Michelangelo

 Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Spring  2022 News

Hey, everyone. Happy Spring!

While I look forward to all the super cool performances, recordings, and other projects awaiting me in the coming months, I write this with a heavy heart. My family is from Russia. My grandparents and their ancestors on my father’s side were from Ukraine. We have many close friends from the Ukraine. Our hearts are breaking for the unprovoked invasion by the tyrant Putin and the unbelievable hardships the people of Ukraine are going through. We pray for peace and a swift end to this terrible war, for Putin to be removed from of power and punished for war crimes, and the Ukraine to be rebuilt and restored to the thriving democracy it deserves to be. We are also concerned that ignorant people in the United States and other countries do not blame Russian immigrants living among them for the invasion. People have to realize that we escaped this country decades ago because we distrusted its government and couldn’t see a future for our kids there. Most Russians I know, even the ones living in Russia who can’t speak openly about it, condemn this invasion and despise the many who started it.

If you want to help people in Ukraine, a good thing to do is reserve an Air BNB. While you don’t plan on traveling and staying in the Ukraine, you are supporting the folks that own the Air BNB and helping them provide for their families.

You can also help by donating to the International Rescue Committee and other charitable organizations.

And now for the news…

NEW STRATOS SINGLE, “THE PRISM (LIVE AT PROGSTOCK) OUT APRIL 8TH on MELODIC REVOLUTION RECORDS!

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER TODAY! 

The Stratospheerius double live DVD/CD is moving forward. Expected release date is sometime in September, in the meantime, we’re dropping singles every few months just to tease ya! The next one, “The Prism,” is due out on April 8th.

In the meantime, please check out our last SINGLE (the first single form this album) and video “Game of Chicken!”

Saturday, April 17th: performing at ROSfest (Sarasota, Fla)

Joe Deninzon performs at ROSfest (www.rosfest.org)
ROSfest is one of the biggest progressive rock festivals in the world and takes place at the Sarasota Opera House
3 PM, I’ll be playing a solo set in the beer garden outside of the theater, as pat of the Minstrels in the Garden series.
8 PM, I’ll be on the main stage, performing with my friend keyboardist Dave Kerzner (Sound of Contact) and his all-star band, which includes:
Bill Sherwood-bass (Yes)
Fernando Perdomo-guitar (Jacob Dylan)
Durga McBroom-vocals (Pink Floyd)
Nick D’Virgilio-drums (Genesis, Spocks Beard, Big Big Train)

Stratospheerius is back on stage!!

We’ve been writing, recording, mixing, editing, and editing some more. But now, we are emerging from our musical manacles for a bit to perform for you all again! Two NY-area shows April 29th and May 12th.

Friday April 29th
9 PM-1 AM
Sonic Voyage Fest presents:
Brooklyn Raga Massive (celebrating the music of John McLaughlin, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Shakti)
Joe Deninzon & Strastospheerius
https://fb.me/e/3eucrqHdt

Olive’s
118 N. Main St.
Nyack, NY

Thursday, May 12th
Electric Violin Summit with
One More Once feat John Dinklage (Rush)
Stratospheerius feat Joe Deninzon

Shrine World Music Venue
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
NY, NY
https://fb.me/e/20YlCBC1H

Alex Skolnick Interviews Yulia Ziskel on WQXR/”Moods and Modes” podcast

My wife, NY–Phil violinist Yulia Ziskel was recently interviewed by my old friend and former bandmate, legendary Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick for his awesome podcast, “Moods and Modes,” in conjunction with WQXR. The topic was “Heavy Classical,” turning rock and metal fans on to classical music and finding threads that connect the two genres. Here is the main link to hear the podcast.

https://www.alexskolnick.net/podcast/2022/2/18/heavy-classical-ny-philharmonics-yulia-ziskel

Join My Patreon!

If you join right now for as low as $5 per month, I’ll send you my complete digital music catalogue as a FREE gift! Furthermore, you’ll get monthly gig diaries, unreleased downloads, exclusive behind-the-scenes stuff, and early FREE access to anything I release, as a solo artist or with Stratospheerius. We’re hard at work putting the finish touches on our live album and DVD, as well as a new studio album. It’s gonna cost a LOT to manufacture and promote both of these projects, so any help from you, my friends would be greatly appreciated. In return, I will bring you into my crazy world and share my stories, my music, and my heart and soul.

Take care of yourselves and pay for peace on earth. See ya out there!!

Love an music

-JD

BUY MUSIC, BOOKS, AND MERCH ON:
Joe Deninzon BANDCAMP
STRATOASPHEERIUS BANDCAMP

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Find Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and wherever music streams

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius News December 2021

Happy Holidays, friends!

Looking for some gifts and stocking stuffers?
We got em RIGHT HERE!

For a limited time, all the music and merch on the Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius Bandcamp pages is …..well…CHEAPER!
Downloads: 75¢
CD’s: Only $5!
T-shirts-15 (Marked down from $20
Mugs-$12
Vinyl-$15 (Marked down from $20)

To take advantage of these limited offers, visit
and www.stratospheerius.bandcamp.com

Dec 3rd, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius release first single/video from upcoming live DVD!

On Friday,  December 3rd, I’m celebrating my birthday by releasing the first single off Stratospheerius upcoming “Live at Progstock” CD/DVD, titled “Game of Chicken.”

Join the viewing party at 9:00 P.M. EST THIS FRIDAY!
We’ll be premiering the live video on YouTube and dropping the single on Bandcamp and all streaming services.
Here’s the link for the Youtube premier!

Pre-Order your copy HERE!

Here’s the link to watch the world premier on Dec 3rd at 9 PM.
https://youtu.be/0OXRCUYDjII

Wishing you all a happy holiday season!

-Joe, Jason, Paul, & Mike

www.stratosband.com
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www.instagram.com/stratospheerius
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