Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The Vincent James Explosion - Blown




2/12/2010 Flyer, Thank you Vince!




Blown CD art.






Photo by Joe Tell from the Central Park Grill.




Blown CD Review by Joe Tell.

On Track 1 Blown both the Guitar and Bass make their presence instantly known, I really dig the bass sound and the guitar sweeps and fast blues/metal lead breaks. The psychedelic middle pt. is great and the bass/drums stacatto fills @ the end, blew me away.
Big Poppi has some Awesum! Jeff Beck inspired soundz.
Merrimac St. is a pure Jazz/Sex groovefest.
Love Is The Word starts off mellow 'n jazzy then, The VJX turn it in and out into a rock inspired throw down with some blazing rock solos and a bass solo thrown in @ the end for good measure.
Track 6 is a funky rocker thru 'n thru with some interesting sounding sample trax which add to the track rather than detract from it.
Naurel strikes me as a Jeff Beck, melancholy Guitar instrumental, which I really, really enjoyed being a big, big J.B. fan myself. The title name may be an interesting take on someones name?...
City Slicker has some inspired Stevie Ray Vaughan type soloing exposing yet another skill Vincent James has mastered and obviously enjoys playing.
Any serious fan/student of the Guitar should check out this CD. Funk, Blues and Rock fans will not be disappointed by this CD.

All The Vincent James Explosion releases are available Music City, tell 'em JoTell sent ya!



Monday, December 7, 2009

Glenn Colton, 2009 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee


The Glenn Colton Christmas Album is a great holiday CD for the entire family. This highly entertaining CD is full of all the holiday favorites that we all grew up with. Kiddies will be able to learn these songs easily while having fun and I think parents will like the CD too! I liked his reading of "The Night Before Christmas" - it adds a special touch to the CD. Included on this CD is a version of "Must Be Santa" which was also covered on Bob Dylan's new Christmas CD, both versions are "hip" and enjoyable to listen to. There's even some songs that I haven't heard since I was a wee little kid myself, like "Up On The Rooftop". I highly recommend this for your children.
I recently had the pleasure of witnessing Glenn Colton working his magic live and in color, he puts on a highly entertaining family show, all the kids in attendance had a great time.
Glenn has been performing for Buffalo audiences for a long time and he has perfected his craft and sharpened his skills over the years. Glenn's performance was a professional, seemless presentation of singing, guitar playing and entertaining, knowing exactly what to say and what to play to keep the audience interested and entertained the entire show.
Glenn's music, performace schedule and booking information are all available on his website, goto www.glenncolton.com for all his information.
Thank You, Glenn! You Rock!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Queen City Bookstore - Buffalo NY









All interior photos provided by Emil Novak. Thank You, Emil!!!!

Established in 1969 Queen City Bookstore is one of, if not, the most popular comic book stores in all of Buffalo.
In terms of the volume of new and back issue comic quantities available Queen City is certainly the best.
Queen City's main focus is comics and they also carry many comic collectibles, specialty toys and action figures for all ages to enjoy and collect.
Queen City's knowledgeable, friendly, outgoing staff will be glad to help you with any special orders you have and they also have a subscription department to fulfill any monthly orders you need.
So whether you're an avid collector looking for that rare back issue to round out your collection or just a casual reader stop by Queen City Bookstore, 3184 Main St., Buffalo N.Y. 14214 and get your comic fix today.
Phone 716-833-6220
Fax 716-833-1781
Thank You, Emil!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

BM Linx "The Portable Genius"

The Portable Genius, BM Linx's 2006 debut release is best described, in my humble opinion, as a New wave version of N.I.N.s with a good dose of Punk/Metal Angst throw in for good measure.
Track 4 "Some Girl" has a really nice, melancholy keyboard intro.
"The Guest List" has a sweet, distorted guitar intro and some special punk/rap like lyrics.
I really enjoy the light and airy, spacy retro feel of "Freezing".
"The Chance" has some great upfront bass playing, rebel/punk/metal lyrics and some awesome psuedo metal guitar solos.
My favorite U.O. remix is UO vs. Jason Tyler.
Overall my fave Understanding Orange version is the version on "Black Entertainment" having heard that version first.
Good Job guys, hope to see you back in Buffalo soon.


Tony Diodore and Andrew Griffiths.


http://www.bmlinx.com/


www.myspace.com/bmlinx


www.facebook.com/bmlinx


www.twitter.com/bmlinx

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Vincent James Explosion

Vincent James, Master Guitar Player. Pick up VJXs latest CD, Blown at Music City.
http://www.musiccitybuffalo.com/
Visit www.myspace.com/thevincentjamesexplosion for additional info on The Vincent James Explosion.

Righteous R&B Bassist and '09 BMA award winner, Jerry Sampson.


Jim Linsner, drummer extraordinaire and multiple BMA award winner.


Visit Jims website http://www.jimlinsner.com/.


For some displaced paradiddle licks by Jim goto http://www.buffalodrumoutlet.com/.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Bitter Sweet, Buffalo, NY

Bitter Sweet, "Buffalo's Hottest New Party Band!" www.myspace.com/bittersweetwny

Nick from Bitter Sweet and Maria from Hey You enjoying the festivities @ the B.M.A.s.
 
Big Dangerous World... Nick from Bitter Sweet, Tim from eXit!, Kelly from Hit 'n Run and JoTell circa 1998.

No Split Image is not playing tonight, this is an old B&W pic I scanned from an old Gusto I had stashed away.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Revelation by The Vincent James Explosion


The Vincent James Explosion is an innovative, explosive, outstanding, accomplished & polished trio of musicians who mix Rock/Jazz/Jazz Fusion/Blues/Funk/Acid Jazz Blues styles with a little bit of vocals thrown in for good measure. I ask you how can you go wrong when mixing these styles? You can't, these guys stir the pot up resulting in a very interesting and unique sonic brew which is highly palatable to even to the most discerning of eardrums.
The Vincent James Explosion is compromised of Vincent James - Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals, Jerry Sampson - Bass, Vocals & Jim Linsner - Drums, Percussion, this CD is significant because it marked the inclusion of Award Winning bassist Jerry Sampson into The Vincent James Explosion replacing former bassist Tom Zielinski.
This CD features also features some excellent saxophone playing by Eric Crittenden on Track 3, JB's Bounce.
The Vincent James Explosion sound can best be compared to Jeff Beck Jazz/Fusion era, Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughn to name a few.
Track #4 Jialu is a Must Listen to...for any serious guitarists out there, way cool effects going on throughout the instrumental.
Track #2 Into The Light has some impressive tremolo bar/fuzz work.
If you're looking for something new & exciting to listen to pick up a copy of this CD today @ http://www.musiccitybuffalo.com/

Monday, November 16, 2009

Female Musicians Fighting Breast Cancer '09

The beauty and the brains behind the benefit, Ida. www.myspace.com/idaonbass with Maria, Thank You, Ida. Great Show, Great Bands, Awesome Cause!

 






4th band up and worth the wait...Passion Works. http://www.passionworksband.net/







3rd band up...East Of Eden.








2nd band up...Whatsie. www.myspace.com/whatsie







First band up... Mystic Traversion. www.myspace.com/mystictraversion





A few of the guitars so generously donated for the benefit. http://www.crossroadsmusicdirect.com/





Violin donated by Music City. http://www.musiccitybuffalo.com/


Visit www.myspace.com/fmfbc for more info.

Thank You Ida & Music City.


Sunday, November 15, 2009

Dogghouse Rocks!


Dogghouse is a Rockin' cover band who play a wide range of music from the 60s to 2009.
Aiming to please, Dogghouse also plays cover tunes in the Alternative, Easy Listening, Grunge & Reggae style. I recently had the pleasure to be invited out a Dogghouse gig where I took a few photos. www.myspace.com/jtellfotos

Dogghouse is comprised of Scott K - Guitar and Vocals, Frank C - Guitar and Vocals, Chris W - Bass and Vocals, Dave L - Lead Vocals & Mark K - Drums and Vocals.

If you're sent out to the Dogghouse don't be sad, be glad, because these guys will rock yer sox off.
Goto www.dogghouserocks.com for upcoming dates & booking info.

For Marks MySpace pg, goto www.myspace.com/mapexdrums08

Special Thanx to Mark & Chris for letting me sit in.
Thank You Dogghouse!

Joseph Michael Mahfoud

Joe in action.





for more info on The Stevie Project.


















Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Mystic Traversion "Tattooed In You"





Check out Mystic Traversion online @
*3 Time Buffalo Music Award Nominees
July 2008 Messa Music Artist Of The Month
*Watch "Miss You" video @ youtube.com/mystictraversion

*7/27/10 Update
I recently picked up a sealed copy of this CD @ A recent Library Sale and I enjoy the mellow, melancholy feel of this all original CD, the liner notes explain the meaning behind of every song.
Kudos to M.T. for being honest and fairly revealing on the liner notes, most Buffalo bands are not that honest, if at all.
I'm looking forward to seeing M.T. live again and listening to their next release.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Music City, Buffalo N.Y.























Check out Music City for all your Musical Instrument Needs.
Music City is located at 3236 Main Street in Buffalo, N.Y.
Goto Music City for all of The Vincent James Explosion releases, Check out
for info on The Vincent James Explosion.
Once again, tell 'em JoTell sent ya!

Monday, November 2, 2009

BM Linx "Black Entertainment"

bm linx is a Highly entertaining, Very original and Extremely Talented Rockin' 3-piece band from New York City.
bm linx consists of Tony Diodore (vox, guitar, production) & Andrew Griffiths (drums).
Their latest CD "Black Entertainment" released by Craze Factory Entertainment is a Techno/Dance/Punk/Alternative/Acoustic Rock masterpiece, yup that's right I said Masterpiece, in the world of formula, replicant music their musical direction is a refreshing breath of sonic air.
Check out their website http://www.bmlinx.com/ for tour dates & how to get your copy of "Black Entertainment" & their 1st release "The Portable Genius". They're also on MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, iTunes etc. etc.
bm linxs latest CD "Black Entertainment" is a must have for drivin' 'n cryin, jumping up and down, feeding your ears, etc. etc...all that good, fun stuff.
Special Thanks to bm linx.
They frequently play Mohawk Place so check them out Live and tell 'em JoTell sent ya.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Township from Boston






Township is a 4-piece Rock group that recently hit the famed Mohawk Place on their national tour and performed their asses off.
Township captures all the BEST elements of your favorite 70s arena rock bands, a "NEW Classic" rock band if you will, but leave out the old 'n tired "I heard this song a million times before" WAY, way out of the equation.
Townships live show has all the energy, confidence, power and cock-sure swagger needed to perform their hard hitting, strong original music to win over a crowd. Mix this with enough raw talent to compose and record gothic rock anthems like "St Anthony" & "The Happy Pumpkin" which is a MUST listen if you can grab a hold of their latest CD, my fave trak is Burnin' and you have all the ingredients for a Great rock band.
Township hails from Boston, MA and is currently touring nationwide in support of their latest self-titled CD release, members include: Greg "Millions" Beadle - Lead Drums, Lead Percussion, Kitchen Trash Can Defiler, John "Floyd Pepper" Sheeran - Lead Bass, Cheekbone Cover Model, Matty "Rainbow Charles" Smart - Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals, Accidents in Overalls & Marc "Stevie Raven" Pinansky - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Lead Keys, Man-Boy Unifier.
You can pick up a copy of Townships latest self-titled CD @ Newbury Comics
http://www.newburycomics.com/ and iTunes, other Township releases include Coming Home, Ladywood & Gunnin' thru the Nite.
Check out Township on the internet @ http://www.thefamilytownship.com/
www.myspace.com/thefamilytownship
www.facebook.com/thefamilytownship
www.twitter.com/familytownship
www.sonicbids.com/township
www.reverbnation/township