When Joe Deninzon moved from the previous Soviet Union to the US and found MTV, he couldn’t have dreamed he’d wind up as a member of Kansas, one of many bands who instantly influenced him. With a brand new album from his personal group, Stratospheerius, out now, the violinist, guitarist and vocalist supplied Prog a glimps into his musical world.
The place’s residence?
Outdated Tappan in New Jersey, which is about 45 minutes away from midtown Manhattan.
What’s your earliest reminiscence of prog?
Watching MTV within the early 80s and seeing a video of Kansas’ Mud In The Wind and Sure’ Proprietor Of A Lonely Coronary heart. MTV performed some good music again in these days! We had simply emigrated from the Soviet Union and I’m the son of a classical musician – MTV was a tradition shock, and my gateway to the ‘darkish aspect.’
What was your first prog album?
One of many first prog bands I received deeply into was Rush. I purchased Presto once I was 14 – I dug it and I shortly purchased their complete again catalogue, then began going to their exhibits usually.
And the newest?
Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks’ True. It’s a masterpiece! The writing, the manufacturing, the musicianship; and Jon can nonetheless sing in addition to he did 50 years in the past. One among my favorite albums of 2024.
What was your first prog gig?
The Rush Presto tour on the previous Richfield Coliseum close to Cleveland, Ohio in June of 1990, with Mr Large opening. Rising up in Cleveland, The Coliseum was like a second residence for me.
And the newest?
Beat on the Depend Basie Theater in Purple Financial institution, NJ, final October. The early 80s was my favorite period of King Crimson and it was nice to see that music carried out stay by musicians on the high of their recreation. Only a mind- blowing live performance! Stratospheerius cowl Body By Body on our new album, Impostor!, which is out now on 7D, Trey Gunn’s label.
What’s your responsible musical pleasure?
I’m a lifelong Bruce Springsteen fan, and I had the privilege of enjoying some exhibits with him in a backup string part. Take a look at Jungleland – an epic 10-minute observe, in all probability my favorite of his. I’m additionally a fan of some pop music – Pink and Bruno Mars, and my daughter just lately received me into Sabrina Carpenter.
Exterior of music, what else are you into?
I like to run. I ran the New York Marathon in 2016 and have run many 5ks, 10ks and half marathons. It’s one thing I do to clear my head. I run in silence and get right into a meditative state.I give you loads of musical concepts once I get within the groove.
What are you studying?
I just lately learn Rick Rubin’s The Artistic Act and may’t advocate it sufficient. Actually nice recommendation for artists, particularly if you happen to’re experiencing author’s block. He has all the time fascinated me together with his method to creativity, and the way he manages to coax the very best efficiency out of artists. Positively a producer I’d like to work with.
Ever had a prog-related date?
Many, with my spouse Yulia, who’s a violinist with the New York Philharmonic. She grew up in Russia and was bootlegging Deep Purple and Scorpions albums, which have been banned there at the moment. One of many causes I fell in love along with her is as a result of she loves laborious rock and prog along with classical music.
Your prog hero?
Frank Zappa – he broke all the principles and created a cottage trade for his music. His physique of labor is so eclectic and he launched the world to an extended record of groundbreaking musicians who received their begin enjoying in his band.
What’s the quintessential prog rock piece?
Shut To The Edge. The whole lot about it’s simply excellent – the groove, the harmonies, Chris Squire’s melodic bass groove in verse two. I can go on and on. A real masterpiece.
Which prog muso would you most prefer to work with?
Zappa. A few of my favorite rock violin solos – by Jean-Luc Ponty, Sugarcane Harris, Eddie Jobson – are on his albums. Additionally Neal Morse: Spock’s Beard are one of the vital underrated bands of all time, and I really like his writing each with them and solo.
Which prog album will get you in a cheerful temper?
McStine & Minnemann’s II; Zappa’s Roxy & Elsewhere or something from that period.
What’s your favorite prog album cowl?
Something by Roger Dean, however I additionally like intelligent covers which are a play on phrases – like Rush’s Transferring Footage or Zappa’s Ship Arriving Too Late To Save A Drowning Witch.
What are you as much as in the intervening time?
Stratospheerius’s new album, Impostor!, was six years within the making. We’re planning some exhibits quickly, and there will likely be extra Kansas dates too. Additionally, 10 years in the past I wrote a 30-minute electrical violin concerto for full orchestra and I’m lastly getting round to recording that. The conductor who premiered it described it as “Philip Glass meets Rush meets Led Zeppelin.”
