Joe D'Urso, an Americana/Jersey Shore/Rock & Roll songwriter, will be releasing his 14th CD on SCR/Schoolhouse Records, titled "Jersey Diner" in January 2018. The CD was recorded in Nyack, Rockland County, NY at OK Records and will feature D’Urso originals as well as a few songs written by some of Rock and Roll’s greatest songwriters.

The CD runs from straight-up Americana rock and roll, singer-songwriter offerings, Jersey Shore and Greenwich Villages influences as well as Catskill Mountain country tinged instrumentation.

Joe has performed in 25 countries with his band Stone Caravan as well as a solo artist. D'Urso remains true to an ideal inspired by the late Harry Chapin: that it is essential to help the less fortunate. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Light of Day Foundation, which raises funds and awareness for Parkinson's disease. Joe is a founding member of PinkFest, whose sole purpose is to battle Breast Cancer, and also sits on the board of WhyHunger and is a founding member of Artists Against Hunger and Poverty. Joe is also the owner of Rockland-Bergen Music Festival and a partner in C.B.G.B.

Website: JDCaravan.com

Costello said of Prowse’s 2019 album, ‘Here I Lie’: “I always come to an Ian Prowse record prepared to learn. Ian doesn’t just sing of the here and now but also reaches back into the past for a passionate tale to tell, to sing of an injustice that might tell us something about today. The truth is probably the best thing about Here I Lie.”

The album has racked up an impressive array of plaudits from other fellow songwriters, including Jean-Jacques Burnel and Baz Warne from The Stranglers, Miles Hunt and Damien Dempsey, who described it as a “sublime and majestic masterpiece [with] stunning imagery”. It has also amassed top reviews from the Daily Mirror, The Skinny, R2 and Louder Than War.

Prowse’s ‘90s band Pele garnered hits abroad, most notably a number 1 in South Africa. It was with Pele that Prowse gained a reputation for his astonishing live performances and had multiple singles playlisted on Radio 1.

Even though Prowse is known to sing many a heartbreak tune, conviction songs have remained his passion and, with his rousing performance of ‘My Name is Dessie Warren’, Prowse has helped to highlight the injustice of the late trade unionist.

'Rousing, inspirational rocking anthems and celtic soul finery' Daily Mirror 4/5 'Dynamic, hugely enjoyable and ultimately uplifting' R2 Magazine 4/5 'Passionate, engrossing, evocative songs'. Record Collector 4/5 'A Magnificent collection of songs' Liverpool Echo

YouTube Home (2007) Does This Train Stop on Merseyside (2005) My Name is Dessie Warren (2015) Here I Lie (2019)

Soundcloud The Story of Ian Prowse The People Not The Crown EP

Socials Facebook @ianprowse Band Facebook @amsterdamuk Twitter @IanProwse

Websites Artist: https://amsterdam-music.com Label: https://www.kitchendiscorecords.com/ian-prowse

In the words of ROLLING STONE Magazine, “Jeffrey Gaines is the voice of a new generation.”

Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances.

With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Jeffrey Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer entertaining his audiences everywhere he goes. On the road for over 150 nights a year, Gaines is preparing to record his eighth CD, featuring all previously unreleased songs (first studio album since 2003’s “Toward The Sun”).

Raised in Harrisburg, PA by parents more inclined to spin soul classics by Aretha and Otis than the New Wave and Brit Rock blasting from their son’s room, a teenaged Gaines began playing guitar in several local garage bands covering The Who, The Kinks, and The Jam. He soon decided to set out on his own and quickly landed a record deal in 1992, releasing Jeffrey Gaines, the first of his five studio releases. The album garnered four stars from The Philadelphia Inquirer, describing Gaines as “…an ethereal soul…insistent, impassioned, full of self-knowledge.” 1994’s Somewhat Slightly Dazed, and 1998’s Galore followed suite. Interview Magazine called Gaines’ music “soul-searching” and “refreshingly free of jargon, sentiment or cliché.”

In 2001, Gaines released Always Be (Artemis) to both critical and commercial praise. Featuring his emotional interpretation of “In Your Eyes” and his own soaringly beautiful “Always Be,” the album hit #5 on R&R Callout America CHR/Pop list, also reaching #45 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. The New York Post proclaimed Always Be as “a dozen-song mix…that completely illustrates the depth he is capable of.”

Gaines’ impressive catalogue grew with 2003’s Toward The Sun, produced by Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, and Crowded House). The Boston Globe declared that “Gaines’ soulful, wounded vocals make a case for his being one of pop’s finest singers…an artist who deserves far more attention than some of his more hyped, yet less talented peers.” Mojo noted, “This established soul-folkie’s sexy growl has an underlying edge, making it a memorable album. Heartfelt unpretentious.”

Throughout his career, Gaines has built a rapport with his fans unlike any other in popular music today. Gaines goes as far as letting his fans influence the songs he performs each night. “When its just me playing, I only know the first song I’m going to play, but from there the energy and the vibe tell me what the next song is gonna be. Someone may yell a song, and I’m like ‘Exactly! Good call.’ That’s so fun to me, keeping it really exciting and spontaneous. I don’t even know what's around the corner, and the crowd doesn’t either.” Based on that relastionship with the audience, Gaines released Jeffrey Gaines Live (CD / DVD) in 2004, followed by 2012’s Live In Europe, which was recordied during his 25-city tour with Joe Jackson.

Her music spans genres, crosses barriers and creates bridges. Her voice soars to emotional heights and reaches down into the grittiness of the soul. Her performances are foot-stomping, heart-wrenching adventures in rhythm, blues, jazz and rock and roll. For more than a decade Miss Emily has captivated audiences across Canada, the US and the United Kingdom with her unique combination of passion and talent. Her most recent record ‘Rise’ featured Gord Sinclair and Rob Baker of the Tragically Hip as well as Chris Brown of Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and Eric Schenkman of Spin Doctors. Support like that doesn’t come along “just because.” Over the years, these renowned musicians have recognized something that elevates her. But that’s the thing with Miss Emily – she uses her talent to elevate others. Her commitment to local and international charities like The United Way, The Schizophrenic Society and Light of Day is unequalled. Perhaps it’s this combination of generosity and an unparalleled musical gift that has allowed her to assemble a list of accomplishments that include:

– Five appearances at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest – Being the first Canadian on the Light of Day UK Tour – Touring with Canadian Pacific Holiday Train – Opening spots for The Tragically Hip, The Trews and other notable acts, as well as work with Gene Simmons of KISS – Singing “Because the Night” with Bruce Springsteen at Light of Day in 2015 It’s an impressive list and one that will expand soon. Miss Emily is currently working on a new record that traces back to her roots in music and already includes some of the best song-writing of her young career. Emily’s full-length albums to date include: Miss Emily – ‘Rise’ (2014), Emily Fennell Band – ‘Red’ (2009), Sugarplum – ‘Miss Twisted’ (2009) and Emily Fennell – ‘Green’ (2004).

Ben Arnold has toured throughout the United States and Europe with various line-ups both solo and with his rollicking live band. He has shared a stage with everyone from Ryan Adams, David Gray, Ben Folds and Lucinda Williams to Ron Sexsmith, Randy Newman, Martin Sexton, David Johanson, Jackson Browne, Amos Lee and even a strangely mysterious week in Holland with Townes Van Zandt in the last year of his life. His lyrics remind you of John Hiatt and he's been told he sings a bit like Randy Newman, but writes hooks like Springsteen used to do in the '80s. His songs explore strong emotions while his music draws on rock, folk, R&B and all genres in between. Ben is also a member of US Rails, which tours regularly in Europe and has released 5 of their own records to date.

After releasing an independent cd in the early 90's Ben was quickly signed to Ruffhouse/Columbia Records where he released "Almost Speechless" a slacker songwriter disc which opened him up to wider international audiences. He has since released several independent records as well as "Calico" on The String Cheese Incidents' label, SciFidelity Records, Nevermind My Blues on Ropeadope and "Simplify" on Blue Rose.

His latest solo release "Lost Keys" is already drawing very positive reviews nationally and is in rotation quite regularly on Philadelphia's WXPN Radio. Featuring the songs "Stupid Love", "Nobody Hurtin' Like Me" and "When Love Fades Away", It is a collection of material drawn from the music of Motown, Stax, The Sound of Philadelphia and street corner Doo-Wop. WXPN Radio says "Lost Keys" is "A sleek and soulful work from a refined tunesmith. The brass arrangements paired with his husky baritone recall The Afghan Whigs’ New Orleans-rooted LP 1965; his self-described “sad guy drinking alone at the bar” ballads .(“Nobody Hurtin’ Like Me”) have a bit of Closing Time-era Tom Waits in them; and his pop nuggets are impossibly poppy, like the Randy Newman-esque bounce of “Stupid Love” that, I guarantee you, will be stuck in your head in the best possible way!"

On February 9, 2004 a young Brit named Micky Kemp made his Borderline debut and gave a roomful of punters another story to tell in years to come. This blue-collar lad from Surrey, who grew up immersed in Johnny Cash and Elvis, tore through a ten-song opening set that had the audience on its feet and gasping for breath. From the opening power chords of Sweet Rock & Roll to the thunderous ovation that followed Last Goodbye, Kemp’s passion and energy carried the night.

Joe D’Urso has personally asked for Lisa to support him at the Half Mon on Sunday 17th July 2022. She was support for him 3 years ago and he never forgot her music, style, energy and creativity.

Lisa will be performing a 30 minute set from 7.30pm prior to Joe coming on stage to deliver his personal take on life with his music.

A special additional link between them is also their personal fight against Parkinson’s Disease due each having family members who are suffering. Both belong to Parkinson’s Worldwide as well as Joe being heavily involved as a board Director with the “Light & Day Foundation” in New York USA which raises awareness and funds to research into the Parkinson’s disease, and Lisa has new initiatives with Parkinson’s UK in the second half of 2022 of which more will be announced over the next 2 months.

Lisa Kwei You Tube Channel Link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/dannyc343/featured

Rob Dye: Days To Here

The ten songs that comprise Days To Here, the debut CD from New Jersey native Rob Dye, are a journey through the rich landscape of American music’s roots. With feet firmly planted in those roots, Dye’s music incorporates elements of rock, old school country, Stax-influenced R&B, gospel and more while remaining true to the essence of each style. Guitars wail, the pedal steel and piano bring us into a honky-tonk saloon, a trio of singers takes us to church, an accordion whisks us into bayou country, while a saxophone echoes the famed Jersey Shore sound. Through it all, the lyrics tell classic stories of love, faith, drinking and hitting the road.

The songs on Days To Here are split into two sides. The disc’s first 5 songs are straight ahead rock with a touch of rhythm and blues and the last 5 songs are country-based. “I wanted to capture the days of vinyl, when you listened to an album and had to get up and turn the record over,” Dye says. “You were always excited to hear what new and different sounds the other side would bring. The first song on the second side was always great. It had to be or you might not listen to the rest! Neil Young’s Rust Never Sleeps is a perfect example. Side One was classic acoustic Neil – reflective, introspective storytelling – while Side Two was flat-out rock, beginning with the first notes of ‘Powderfinger’ (a song Dye often performs) to the last chord of ‘Hey Hey My My (Into The Black)’!”

From the eerie, ominous minor chord opening notes of ‘Maybe Some Day’ to the uplifting gospel-influenced ending of ‘You Called Me Here’, the five songs on Days To Here’s first side explore lost love, true love, faith, uncertainty and hope. ‘Believe’ and ‘Loose Ends’ are bona-fide Jersey-style rockers, while ‘Precious One’ is a heartfelt, soulful ballad complete with classic Memphis R&B horns. Side Two’s first track ‘Here Comes Loneliness’ continues these themes, but the pedal steel sounds make it clear we are on a ride through country music territory. Along the way, stops are made in Cajun country (‘My Baby Left Me Yesterday’) and honky-tonks (‘I’ll Have Another Drink’), with the ride ending (appropriately) on ‘Cars Trucks And Buses,’ an infectious toe-tapper that recalls classic truck driving songs, complete with rip-roaring guitar solos.

Music has always been a part of Dye’s life. He logs over 150 shows a year, whether it’s as a duo or with a band playing covers along the Jersey Shore to touring the country and overseas in the groups Holiday Express and Light Of Day. “I love music, all styles. Period. It can be a great ballad, a silly sing-along, a hard-hitting social commentary or just a great riff. If it’s written well and moves you, then ‘mission accomplished’ – the songwriter has done his or her job. I’m more than happy to take what these great songwriters have done and share that with an audience. Hopefully my music will do the same.”

To achieve the sounds on Days To Here, Dye enlisted a stellar cast of some of the Jersey area’s finest musicians. “I wanted the right player to bring out the best in each song. Everyone involved delivered beyond my wildest expectations. It truly was a collaborative effort with an eclectic cast of musicians. I am so thankful I was surrounded by such talent.”

The cover of Days To Here accents the CD’s theme and features a beautiful, emotive photograph of two people under trees on a foggy early morning, taken by renowned photographer Danny Clinch. A fellow New Jersey native, Clinch’s resume is a virtual who’s who of today’s music stars, including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, Ben Harper, Metallica and many more. The CD’s accompanying images of Dye were taken by rising star Jimmy Hubbard, who has shot bands such as Mastodon, Slayer, Judas Priest and more. For Dye, the days to here are much more than the culmination of years of live shows, writing and recording. It marks the beginning of a journey – for both the listener and the artist. The journey to get to here took many years. The journey forward is just beginning.