by Joe | Apr 21, 2003 | Live Wires, Reviews
Live Wires ÷ Joe Deninzon and Stratospheerius
D-Zone Entertainment, 2004
Originally published October 21, 2004
by Jedd Beaudoin
jbeaudoin@f5wichita.com
Classic fusion lives and breathes via Russian-born, classically-trained Joe Deninzon and his amazing band Stratospheerius. Captured blazingly bright live and in the moment on this 10-song live outing, Joe and his magic band bring old music (Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orchestra) and new music (fans of the Dave Matthews Band’s most transcendental moments won’t feel lost here) together with a heavenly blend of originals from Deninzon’s two previous studio affairs, Electric/Blue and Adventures of Stratospheerius, covers, and previously unreleased material.
From the latter disc comes the inspiring “Contusion,” the ass-shaking “What’s That Thang” and the aptly-titled Acid Rabbits” (think Jeff Beck’sBlow By Blow), from the former; there’s also Frank Zappa’s “Magic Fingers,” Danny Elfman’s theme from The Simpsons and “Heavy Shtettle,” co-written by ex-Testament guitarist and current jazz ax meister Alex Skolnick (who guests on two tracks here).
While Deninzon’s studio outings served as fine introductions to the New York-based maestro, this little sonic boom captures him unhinged and unencumbered as he leads his fiendishly good mates into strange and bold new worlds that leave now jaw snapped together, no heart beating at anything approaching a normal rate. Sounding more relaxed and confident than ever, Deninzon unleashes the fury on “Shock Therapy,” “The Perfect Storm” and shines in the vocal department on the lovely and amazing “An Evening Nap In The Afternoon.”
As at home in the world of Grappelli and O’Connor as he is in the world of Steve Vai and Jimi Hendrix, Joe Deninzon may very well be our next national violin treasure.
by Joe | Mar 29, 2003 | Adventures of Stratospheerius, Reviews
Released under the name of Joe Deninzon, this album is by the same group who released Electric Blue under the moniker of Stratospheerius. The group of musicians on the album are Deninzon (who quite capably handles multiple duties, the most prominent of which are violin and vocals), Scott Chasolen, Grisha Alexiev, Rufus Philpot, DJ Big Wiz, and guitarist Alex Skolnick (Attention Deficit, Testament). In Adventures in the Stratospheerius, they have produced a very intriguing album that combines some quite disparate musical styles. The group’s music includes elements of fusion, jam rock, and even down-home hoe-down Southern rock. While that combination sounds pretty odd on paper, it really makes for an exciting album and a great listening experience. ~ Gary Hill, All Music Guide
by Joe | Nov 1, 2002 | Adventures of Stratospheerius, Reviews
The Adventures Of Stratospheerius
By Glenn Astarita
Violinist Joe Deninzon boasts some impressive credentials! He’s performed with soul/pop icon Smokey Robinson, rock/pop diva Sheryl Crow, and others of note. This Russian born, Cleveland Ohio bred artist displays hearty doses of flair and dazzle throughout this somewhat asymmetrical outing. Featuring electric guitar maestro Alex Skolnick and a strong backing band, the violinist launches the proceedings with a snappy, jazz-fusion motif on the opening number, “What’s That Thang?” The musicians also explore balladry and funk-grooves in concert with Skolnick’s crunch chords and a few folksy movements. At times, notions of the Mahavishnu Orchestra emerge. A passable vocalist, Deninzon’s expressiveness provides a rock-crooner style edge to several tracks.
No doubt, Mr. Deninzon possesses monster chops, whereas many of these pieces feature tricky rhythmic maneuvers amid his electrifying violin passages. But, the overly compressed sonic qualities elicit a rather dated or perhaps antiquated sound. Otherwise, Deninzon possesses the compulsory goods to become a major force in the progressive rock and jazz-fusion arenas.
Track Listing: 1.What’s That Thang? 2.Pleasurepain 3.Peppermint Patty 4.Hindsight 5.Hope Alive 6.StoryTime 7.Sun Goes Down 8.Contusion 9.Ants In The Pants 10.Rise 11.Nefertiti 12.Chunga Changa
Personnel: Joe Deninzon: electric & acoustic violin, vocals, mandolin – Alex Skolnick: guitar – Scott Chasolen: keyboards – Rufus Philpot: electric bass – DJ Big Wiz: turntables – Dave Archer: keyboards – Chris Karlic: bass clarinet, baritone saxophone – Grisha Alexiev: drums – Annette Argentine Aguillar: percussion – Jann Klose: backup vocals – Joe Tomino: drums – Matt Murphy: backup vocals – Daniel Sadownick: percussion
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock
by Joe | Aug 29, 2002 | Articles
Roll Over Beethoven: Violinist Joe Deninzon spikes classical sounds with raucous rock and roll. Quick: Name three rock violinists. If you’re a ’60s person, you might remember Jerry Goodman of the Flock, and Jean-Luc Ponty is an obvious choice (though he’s more jazz than rock). But who else is there?
