Industry Showcase to Hit Denton

Grammy-nominated producer gives the nod to five bands

by PegNews wire

PRESS RELEASE — Denton’s historic Fry Street may be on the brink of extinction, but its heart and soul – the local music scene – remains alive and well.  Long known as a haven for the cream of the crop of DFW Area musicians, the unsuspecting college town will soon be the center of attention for a slew of music industry heavyweights.  Hailing from New York, LA, and Nashville, these kingpins of media’s sights are set squarely on five bands that have garnered the acclaim and admiration of local and regional audiences and are hungry to be propelled to rock and roll stardom.  On Tuesday, October 24th at The Drink, Ben Zephyr, JJ & the Rogues, Turtle Man Jones, Archer, and LAME will put on an electric powerhouse rock show in the hopes of gaining the favor of some of the biggest names in the music business. 

And the man behind the scenes? - Grammy-nominated producer Sam Taylor of Wilde Silas Musicworks.  You might know Sam from his long time production work with the critically acclaimed bands King’s X, Galactic Cowboys, Atomic Opera and Third Day.  You might know him as the man behind the marketing and video machine of ZZ Top during the height of their success - the Eliminator album.  But you will undoubtedly know him as the man who put Denton back on the map for the first time since Bowling for Soup’s foray into the national limelight.  Sam Taylor has handpicked five acts who he believes have the potential to turn the rock world on its ear.  Apparently, Sam is on to something: his selections have piqued the interest of the industry’s movers and shakers.

Ben Zephyr recently gained national attention from American Idol Underground by placing fourth in their inaugural rock competition.  Since that time, the band has released a new album, Red Means Go, a stellar work which is receiving rave reviews from print, radio, and television media throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.  Frank Pain, program director of Clear Channel’s KEYJ Rock 108, calls Red Means Go “phenomenal! One of the best albums of the year, regardless of genre!"  Local music phenomenon TexasGigs.com regards it as a “heavyweight”, while Renegade Radio describes the group as being “one of the more unique and entertaining bands you'll find in the metroplex today”.  The album’s first single, The Beetle Therapy, is currently in rotation on Clear Channel radio in west Texas and Little Rock, Arkansas.  Ben Zephyr is no stranger to live television performance and interview, having made numerous appearances in markets across Texas as well as Good Morning Arkansas, Arkansas’s top morning show boasting over 1 million viewers.  Having been put through their paces by a vigorous touring schedule, the quality of Ben Zephyr’s songs and energetic performances have stood the test of time and won the praise of audiences and critics alike.  Ben Zephyr is August (Vocals), The Floyd (guitar), Krisz (guitar), David (bass) & Collin (drums).

JJ & the Rogues honed their exemplary musicianship through the highly competitive jazz/rock scene.  North Texas’ All-Region Jazz program was their breeding ground.  Since that time, JJATR members have released a self-titled debut album filled with infectious confections of rock.  Outstanding singer/songwriters with intelligent/pop sensibilities JJ & the Rogues (all in their early twenties) are Josh (Vocals/Guitar/Keys), Jameson (Vocals/Lead Guitar), Chris (Bass) and Daniel (Drums).

Turtle Man Jones (Brian Turton) may be better known for his songwriting and guitar work with North Texas sensations Jay Quinn and Graham Colton, but his work as a solo artist clearly stands on its own. Turtle’s songwriting and musical style can be called homage to early Elton John, Little Feat, Dylan and Petty yet is uniquely original as is evidenced by his management relationship with Coran Capshaw (Red Light Management) of Dave Matthews Band and John Mayer fame.

Archer, in many ways, is a paradox - a composite of raw energy and technical perfection, subliminal undertones and over the top intensity. A combination of the best in past and present styles brought to life in a stage show seething with pure energy. These three twenty year-olds hail from California, having survived the cutthroat music scene of Santa Cruz.  Their recently released debut album recorded in North Texas, makes this extraordinarily gifted trio feel as much at home in Dallas as in LA. Archer is Dylan (guitar), Isaiah (bass) & Duke T Mc V (drums).

LAME “– is anything but”, according to Harder Beat magazine.  The publication recently wrote a review on this eclectic North Texas group.  Calling the six-piece band “the biggest thing in metal for DFW”, their lofty claims are justified: LAME’s unique blend of styles creates an ambitious work of an album that must be heard to be believed.  With record draws at area shows, LAME has proven it is ready to break into the next level. Lame is Cameron (vocals), Bohn (keyboards), Palido (guitar), Taylor (guitar), John (bass) & Sam (drums).

The Wilde Silas Music Industry Showcase 2006, co-sponsored by Epiphone Guitars is Tuesday, October 24 at The Drink (Formerly: The Inferno; Rick’s) 125 Avenue A, Denton, TX 76201. Tickets are $3 (advance) and $5 (at the door).  Doors are at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm.

Posted by Mike