Reviews of the new Stratospheerius album, “Impostor!”

Reviews of the new Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius album, “Impostor!” from 7D Media

“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

JOE DENINZON Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius: Impostor! music review by BBKron

 

Prog Report Awards:

https://progreport.com/vote-for-the-2024-prog-report-awards/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHF5E5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaoaS-XaqRm8oTbSoZ_gDkAasJf0qd_jqcaMIQ3JWuG3X-kgNkudVpJgNA_aem_I9rBh6_4q5N_Adit68Swfw

Best of 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Evh-gDRvzA

DMME

https://dmme.net/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius-impostor/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1xr85L8ikdCvi4bT2SSc7Dv0ImBeNLYkx8yDpChiS1mkgf4hC8BkJMQbY_aem_QnHJ2GRHXs-oSe8NQAo3Pw

Progressive aspect review 

“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

Howard Whitman interview

https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/living-the-dream-joe-deninzon-reflects-on-life-in-kansas

Ray Shasho:

https://www.classicrockhereandnow.com/2024/11/kansas-member-and-prolific-violinist.html

https://www.progsheet.com/impostortbt2024.html

Sea of tranquility review

Impostor! stands out for its refined blend of progressive rock, fusion and jazz-rock. Fans of intricate musicianship and complex compositions will find this album captivating… just like I did.”-Jose Antonio Marmoi 

Review: “Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius: Impostor!” – Sea of Tranquility – The Web Destination for Progressive Music!

South FL music magazine

https://www.sflmusic.com/joe-deninzon/

https://output.reportmule.com/web/dtQKbiFiRN#full_article_2911982

SONIC PERSPECTIVES

https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius-impostor/

“…Ushering the violin into its rightful place as a lead prog instrument, Joe Deninzon and his band serve up a diverse and inspired collection of original songs plus one choice cover. Accept no impostors, Stratospheerius are the real deal…”

THE PROG REPORT

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius – Impostor! (Album Review) – The Prog Report

“With excellent composition and production, a seven-stringed instrument conferred by the angels, brilliant drumming, guitar, bass, keys and vocals and outstanding production, this album is more than just another good Prog album. It is a veritable classical gas.”

https://vintagerock.com/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius-imposter-new-studio-release-review/

Deane Wolfe interview

 

2024 YEAR-IN-REVIEW/2025 UPCOMING EVENTS

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

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS Nov-Dec 2024

STRATOSPHEERIUS NEWS Nov-Dec 2024

Stratospheerius & Friends album release party Dec 15th!

Dear friends,

Coming home after the conclusion of the Kansas 50th Anniversary Tour, I’m excited to play the final 2024 show with Stratospheerius and also celebrate my 50th birthday! Our shows are few and far between these days due to my touring schedule, so we hope you can join us for an incredible evening of music!

Sunday, December 15th
6:30 P.M.
Black Box Theater at the Williams Center
15 Sylvan St, Rutherford, NJ 07070
Phone: (973) 886-6077
Tickets for the in-person show are available at:

progstock.simpletix.com

Tickets for the LIVESTREAM, available at:

https://www.stageit.com/ProgStock/

With very special guests:

The Tea Club (featuring Kansas bassist Dan McGowan)

For years, we have heard rave reviews about the Tea Club in the NJ Prog scene. Stratospheerius was supposed to do some double bills with this incredible band, but it never materialized. Flash forward to 2024, when bassist/vocalist Dan McGowan became a full-time member of Kansas. We instantly hit it off and became good friends…. and now the long awaited Tea Club/Stratospheerius show is finally happening!

David Bainbridge (The Strawbs, Lifesigns, Iona)

Dave Bainbridge is an incredibly talented guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter/producer. Best known for his work with the Strawbs, Lifesigns, Dave & Sally, & Celestial Fire. Dave sat in with Stratospheerius at our Orion show in Baltimore a few years ago. He will blow your mind!

Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree, Steven Wilson, Stu Hamm)

Randy McStine is one of the most talented people we’ve ever met! We swear he’s been abducted by aliens. He is the only person who has toured with Stratospheerius on guitar, bass, and drums! If he ever takes up violin, I’m out of a job. Randy is a guest vocalist and guitarist on our new album and has numerous solo projects out, the latest of which, “Mutual Hallucinations”,” is a true masterpiece! He has toured with Stu Hamm, as a member of Porcupine Tree, and most recently, Steven Wilson’s band.

Stratospheerius is:

Joe Deninzon-Electric violin/lead vocal
Jason Gianni-drums/background vocals
Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar/background vocals
Bill Hubuaer-keys/background vocals
Dan Asher-bass

“…Ushering the violin into its rightful place as a lead prog instrument, Joe Deninzon and his band serve up a diverse and inspired collection of original songs plus one choice cover. Accept no impostors, Stratospheerius are the real deal…”

Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius – Impostor! (Album Review) – The Prog Report

“With excellent composition and production, a seven-stringed instrument conferred by the angels, brilliant drumming, guitar, bass, keys and vocals and outstanding production, this album is more than just another good Prog album. It is a veritable classical gas.”

https://vintagerock.com/joe-deninzon-stratospheerius-imposter-new-studio-release-review/

https://output.reportmule.com/web/dtQKbiFiRN#full_article_2911982

Education Station

For the past two decades, I have travelled the country doing residencies with college and high school orchestras, teaching improv workshops and putting together concerts incorporating my original music and arrangements of rock and pop classics. This past week, I had the pleasure of working for my friend Mark Wood as part of his 25-year nationwide Electrify Your Symphony program. The teachers and the kids at Westbury High School in Long Island were incredibly inspiring and did an amazing job! Here are some highlights from the performance.

Pt 2. This the actual music | #iammusic #joedeninzon | ft. Joe deninzon from the supergroup Kansas!

After a year and a half of touring, there are only 10 shows left of the Kansas 50th Anniversary tour! Purchase your tickets now at www.kansasband.com.
See you down the road!

Love,

-JD