who: IZZ | Valdez
http://izznet.com | https://www.facebook.com/simon.godfrey.980
when: Friday, April 29, 2016 | 8:00PM Show | 7:30PM Doors
where: Roxy & Dukes | 745 Bound Brook Rd, Dunellen, NJ (map)
Cost: Online Presale $22 ($20 plus $2 processing )
Walk ups day of show $30 (Cash Only) Beginning at 7:30PM
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
IZZ
“Without question, one of the brightest lights on the American progressive/art rock scene, IZZ melds classic and modern prog influences, strong melodies, and stirring guitar and synthesizer solos into a familiar yet refreshing musical stew” – NEARfest (www.nearfest.com).
IZZ was formed under the musical vision of brothers Tom and John Galgano. In 1996, Tom brought together fellow Manhattanville College classmates — all musically trained — to write, arrange and perform original music.
In addition to Tom (keys and vocals) and John (guitar/bass), IZZ’s first lineup included Greg DiMiceli (drums), Danielle Altieri (vocals), Michele Salustri (vocals) and Brian Coralian (drums) and Phil Gaita (bass/guitar). Together they wrote and released Sliver of a Sun in 1999.
After Danielle, Michele and Phil left the band to pursue other ventures, IZZ continued to write new material and performed intensely in and around New York City between 1999-2002. During this time, Paul Bremner joined the band and brought new elements that helped define the band’s signature sound.
In 2002, IZZ released I Move, their second studio album, to rave reviews and was invited to play at an increasing number of national music festivals, including Progday 2002 in North Carolina and Progwest in Southern California.
Vocalists Anmarie Byrnes and Laura Meade became more involved during the completion of Ampersand, Volume 1, which was released in 2004, and followed by a live performance at Rosfest 2004.
The following year, IZZ completed My River Flows, which was released in 2005. The album was toured at numerous festivals in the American progressive/art rock circuit including festival stalwarts Calprog 2005, 2006 and 2008 and the North East Art Rock Festival (NEARFest 2007).
After an electrifying NEARFest performance, IZZ released their first full-length live album titled IZZ Live at NEARFes” in late 2007.
Released in 2009, The Darkened Room quickly became a favorite among IZZ fans for the intensity and uniqueness of the compositions and performances. The tracks “Can’t Feel the Earth, Part I” and “Can’t Feel the Earth, Part II” in particular display the band’s prowess for melding intricate playing and memorable melodies. In true innovative form IZZ also produced several shorter, concise songs such as “Ticking Away,” “Regret,” and “The Message.” The penultimate piece on the album, “23 Minutes of Tragedy” has become one of IZZ’s most requested live songs as its compelling emotional and dramatic style captures the audience from the first acoustic guitar notes.
Between 2010-2014, IZZ continued to perform live, including three times at the Terra Incognita Festival in Quebec City, Canada. In 2011, IZZ released their first live DVD, IZZ Live featuring performances from NEARFest 2007 and clips from ProgWest (2002).
In 2012, work was completed on Crush of Night. For the Crush of Night album, IZZ had the distinct pleasure of recruiting former Gentle Giant and current 3 Friends guitarist, Gary Green. Gary added his unique playing on two songs. The track “Words and Miracles” includes classic Gary Green guitar playing as well as some backing vocals by Green. The merging of the IZZ sound with this progressive rock guitar idol provided a unique listening experience for IZZ and Gentle Giant fans alike. Tracks such as “Solid Ground” and “You’ve Got a Time” instantly became a mainstay of the IZZ live catalog while the epic Crush of Night suite which spans over 20 minutes of the album, adds to the IZZ canon of adventurous and melodic music.
In 2015, IZZ releasd its 6th full length studio album, Everlasting Instant, which also serves as the final album of the trilogy. The album received critical acclaim throughout the prog rock world. Classic Rock Revisted notes: “It is wonderful to be captivated by music that actually challenges the listener. This album makes one pay attention and it demands multiple listens, repaying the listener with something new and fresh each time the music is played.”
IZZ guitarist Paul Bremner is set to release his solo album in 2016 which features all the members of IZZ.
Valdez
https://www.facebook.com/simon.godfrey.980
Valdez is an acoustic/electric band from Philadelphia, comprising UK singer/songwriter Simon Godfrey, Echolyn bassist Tom Hyatt, and Joe Cardillo, keyboard player for jazz-rock fusionists Cold Blue Electric.
The group came together as part of series of informal get-togethers at Simon’s Duckland Studios in Philadelphia. The chemistry proved so good, the three decided to form a band and named it Valdez after a ’70s western movie Joe had liked.
Simon Godfrey had fronted the UK band Tinyfish for 5 years before moving from the UK to live and work full time in the US. In those first weeks he met Echolyn bassist Tom Hyatt, during a night out at a Philly comedy club.
“We hit it off immediately” said Tom. “Having a shared sense of humor goes a long way when it comes to creating good music.”
“After that night, Tom and I would get together Thursday evenings just to play songs.” added Simon “When you do as much laughing as you do playing, you know in your heart there is a special chemistry at work.”
In January of 2015 Tom suggested keyboard player Joe Cardillo join in on the sessions. The results we’re immediate. “It was if I we had been playing together for years. The way the three of us locked in with each other’s playing was uncanny.” said Simon. Joe has spent the better part of his life playing keys in a wide variety of bands, performing classics and original music throughout the tri-state area.
In 2016 the band was joined by drummer Scott Miller
The four are currently writing material as Valdez for a release later in the year.