Dews. . .

. . . Tom, that is. . .

(based upon http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomdews and http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomdews2)
Georgia-born singer/songwriter/bluesman TOM DEWS puts guitar/simultaneous harmonica and vocals together to create a satisfying blend of original acoustic folk and blues. Growing up in South Georgia and Central Florida he soaked up roots rhythms and fished the Flint, Ocmulgee, Chatahoochee and Oklawaha rivers. After recent sojourns in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Dews makes his home now in Washington, DC.

Tom released his first recording, EPIPHANIES & EPITAPHS, after a successful tour in Ireland several years ago. The CD features original songs and instrumentals, some collected from years of playing coffeehouses and bars from Savannah to Minneapolis, and some stuff inspired by the time in Ireland. Reflecting on his musical adventures Dews says, " A novelist creates a fictive dream, and when done well there are revelations for the reader. My interest is in creating a mood, at once mirthful and melancholy - a sort of re-creation of the old 'hearth' experience. Created by artist and audience together, this mood-edifice can generate spontaneous improvisations that are nourishing for everybody - a sort of musical epiphany can strike its seal into the world."

Tom surrounds gritty vocals with deft acoustic guitar and haunting harmonica to provide a satisfying foray down the back roads of literate folk/blues. Collected on his third CD (DRIVING DREAMS), are songs of loss and regret, blues to soothe, and anthems of hope. He counts among his influences Mose Allison, Lyle Lovett, J.J. Walker, Delbert McClinton, Pierce Pettis, Keb Mo and Tom Kimmel. You’ll hear him in his familiar mode here doing the simultaneous guitar/harp thing in an inimitable way, but there are also two piano solo pieces and several National Resophonic instrumentals.

Hear the songs.

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Dear Dave. . .

Writing to (once again) query about a booking on Late Night with David Letterman.

My two current musical endeavors (of which either can be booked but hopefully both [[on different shows, of course]]) are my solo, acoustic piano performances of "Gonzo Piano" and my ensemble performances of original music by rock group OHO (consisting of Jay Graboski, David Reeve and Ray Jozwiak).  OHO began as Baltimore's answer to Pink Floyd, an American underground icon, a band that came out of nowhere playing music the chroniclers swore was years ahead of its time. OHO sneaks around the musical conventions that have mummified so many others, unleashing sliders where you'd expect curve balls, fast balls where you'd expect change-ups. Part of it is their sense of humor, part of it their unerring humanity. A curious anomaly, the band was totally out of synch with current musical trends when they formed in late 73, a five-piece multi-instrumental, avant garde, acid-progressive band from Baltimore with a do-it-yourself lifestyle and album/label/outlook who were either seven years too late or seventeen years too early.  After almost forty years of evolution from precocious prog-rock darlings to pre-punk garage rebels, to female-lead-folk-jazz free fliers to power-trio original and sophisticated-covers band, OHO (now consisting of founders Jay Graboski and David Reeve, reunited with thirty-year musical collaborator [1970s Ful Treatment] Ray Jozwiak and occasional, special, when-available, musical guests) now belts out a bevy of thought-provoking original material blended with classics and the cream of current, intelligent rock and roll, spiced with musical influences from everywhere-including the kitchen sink- for your dancing, dining, drinking (and listening) pleasure. 

To hear a track by OHO, simply click on this hyperlink (or copy-and-paste it to your internet browser)  http://soundcloud.com/rayjozwiak/shouts-in-the-street-oho.


Creative Musician Ray Jozwiak's new, digital-download only, solo, instrumental piano music release  BLACK & WHITE then BACK transports you to aural locales inhabited by emotions, sentiments, memories, hopes, joys and challenges we've all encountered. You may even hear a snippet of a song you remember from childhood, have flashes of your first date, recall aromas from the kitchen when you visited your grandmother, remember your favorite summer vacation or when you fell in love. BLACK & WHITE then BACK is available through digital distribution only at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3.

To hear a track by Ray Jozwiak-Gonzo Piano, simply click on this hyperlink (or copy-and-paste it to your internet browser)  http://soundcloud.com/rayjozwiak/01-cheer.


Hoping to have the opportunity to perform for your fine audience on Late Night with David Letterman in the near future.  Looking forward to hearing from you.  A CD of the current incarnation of OHO and free a download card (to experience the rich history of OHO) and a CD (burned copy of digital release and or a free download card of Ray Jozwiak-Gonzo Piano's latest release Black & White Then Back) can be sent by mail at your request. 

Very truly yours,
Ray Jozwiak


P.S. I hope the fact that I have never been married to John Lennon will not adversely affect your decision.

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Tails?. . .

(from the desk of Rod Deacey, Frederick (MD) area impresario, bluesman, singer/songwriter, poet, gentleman and scholar)


". . . The featured singer-songwriter at Brewer’s Alley Songwriters’ Showcase on Monday, August 26, is Maryland resident, frequent Nashville visitor and studio musician JACK BOND, who regularly returns to Music City to record, co-write and to perform at the famous Bluebird Café and other venues. Jack’s songwriting credits include the title cut on Roy Buchanan’s album, “That’s What I'm Here For.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGLL_yzNkZ0

In his Maryland performances, Jack is known for his rich baritone voice and exceptional guitar work, both on his own compositions and his covers of classic rock and country songs. We have seen him many times accompanying other performers here, such as our friend DULCIE TAYLOR (now in California; hi Dulcie!), but it is always a treat to hear Jack on his own! Ron put a video link of Jack playing a Telecaster up on Facebook, but he will be playing an acoustic for us…

The gonzo piano prelude will be played by our favorite piano workout instructor ROCKIN’ RAY JOZWIAK, http://www.rayjozwiak.com/  who keeps the embryonic grand in shape with his rigorous monthly routines – a dose of Oscar Peterson, an infusion of Thelonious Monk and a liberal application of Keith Jarrett and the keys are ready to play themselves out of any corner… Come and hear Ray put them through their paces, including finding them some especially difficult corners from which to escape… Don't be scared off by the jazz references, Ray is also a highly respected classical composer; he has even been known to wear tails to play, and he doesn't smoke funny tobacco…  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPqB_8BDXUk. . . "

What do you think?
Tell me at
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

My latest release, Black & White Then Back,
can be downloaded digitally at:

(or you can copy-and-paste this URL directly to
your browser:  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayjozwiak3)

Also, be sure to visit:
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Hear Ye. . .

. . . Hear Ye!!

This is the Day. . . April 2, 2013

My new, digital-download only, solo, instrumental piano music release BLACK & WHITE then BACK is now available at www.cdbaby.com.  The first exclusively solo acoustic piano music release since 2008's critically acclaimed 'Put A Finger On It'. 

BLACK & WHITE then BACK transports you to aural locales inhabited by emotions, sentiments, memories, hopes, joys and challenges- life events that we have all encountered. You may even hear a snippet of an old song you remember from childhood, have flashes from your first date with that special person, recall the evocative aromas from the kitchen while visiting your grandmother, remember your favorite summer vacation . . . or maybe even the first time you fell in love.

BLACK & WHITE then BACK is a digital download-only release brought to you by Boskey Dell & Sylvan Glade Records and www.cdbaby.com.

What do YOU think?
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

You can NOW download your
very own copy of Ray Jozwiak's
newest release:
AMBIENCE & WINE

Please visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Ah, the internet. . .

 . . . it's a hell of a thing. . . 

(from http://www.londonburningradio.com/2013/03/ray-jozwiak-black-white-then-back.html)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Ray Jozwiak - Black & White Then Back (Release Date: 2 April 2013)

Creative musician, Baltimore-based Ray Jozwiak offers recordings and performances of eclectic, instrumental solo piano (and piano-based) compositions that have been referred to as 'Fractured Jazz' laced with generous amounts of 'Improvisational Terror Tactics' . In addition to his solo activities, Ray contributes keyboard to the iconic Baltimore mainstay band OHO, with long-time musical collaborators Jay Graboski and Dave Reeve.

Ray has been nominated for a WAMMIE Award in the Jazz Instrumentalist category, named Baltimore Magazine's BEST LOUNGE PIANIST and was a finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for the composition ALWAYS YOU.

Performances in and around Baltimore include the 13th Floor Lounge - The Belvedere, The Kiss Cafe, Gardel's Supper Club, The Full Moon Saloon, The Baltimore Songwriters Association, Border's Books and Music, GBMC, Tyson's Tavern, Elk Run Vineyard and Brewer's Alley. 

Ray's CDs (CHROMATOSE, CRITIC'S CHOICE, PUT A FINGER ON IT, FOR THE RIDE and digital downloads-only ANOTHER SHOT, AMBIENCE & WINE and BLACK & WHITE THEN BACK [release April 2, 2013]) are available for purchase at http://www.cdbaby.com/all/rjozwiak as well as a host of cyber-outlets for download (cdbaby has a list). 

Record Label: Bosky Dell & Sylvan Glade

Helpful Links

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Soundcloud - Vimeo - YouTube - MySpace

What do YOU think?

http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

You can NOW download your
very own copy of Ray Jozwiak's
newest release:
AMBIENCE & WINE

Please visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Brewer's. . .

(

  (from Rod Deacey, Frederick (MD)-area musician, songwriter, performer, impressario)     
 ". . . At Brewer’s Alley Songwriters’ Showcase this Monday, Jan 14, we are delighted to welcome back JASON MYLES GOSS, who I first met when he played for me at the late, lamented WestSide café. Since those days, Jason has been busy touring around the U.S. and recording. He moved from Massachusetts to Brooklyn, NY, about six years ago and his latest CD, his fourth, called Radio Dial, has met with critical acclaim across the country…He’s really good – come and check him out!

         “This one-man-show reminded everyone packed into the small venue what live acoustic performances are all about and why the up-and-coming deserve to be heard.”
– Dissolver Magazine

          We are happy that COLETTE ROHAN has changed her working hours, so she is able to come and play some piano preludes for us this year! She starts this week – come out and hear her play!  As per normal, come early to find good seats for the evening and to catch the entire prelude. You can come upstairs at 7:15 pm (maybe 5 minutes or so earlier than that if we’re ready; performers can come up when they arrive).

          For three-song cameo performers this Monday, we are happy to see the return of RICARDO – THE DIVINING SAGE, plus BASSWOOD, and advertising his Feb 18 feature spot, BRETT BARRY! Brett is also helping me tweak the sound this week, so if you see him lurking behind the soundboard – that’s why! We will be also hearing from the regular crew; poet JOHN HOLLY, reciting his poems between other performers, and TODD C. WALKER, who also takes photos, helps emcee and helps run sound. TOMY WRIGHT is with us for the first time this new season, and will play some guitar and sing after the feature. . . "

What do YOU think?
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

You can NOW download your
very own copy of Ray Jozwiak's
newest release:
AMBIENCE & WINE

Please visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet

Rare. . .

. . . flower. . .

(from F.A.M.E. [Frederick Acoustic Music Enterprise] January 2013 Newsletter by Tom Kohlhepp)

". . Pete Seeger... Man! Where do I start? No I'm serious, where do I start? Pete will be 94 in May and his career has seen 13 U.S. presidents come and go (think about that for a minute), and he's still going strong. I'll get some of the basic information out of the way first, and then get into some of the lesser known interesting facts that I’d like to share.

Pete was born May 3, 1919 in Patterson NY. He grew up in a household filled with both music and political activism. Both his parents served on the faculty at Julliard. His mother was a violinist and his father was a musicologist and conductor who was also a member of the Industrial Workers of the World and a conscientious objector during WWI. At the age of 17 Pete heard the 5 string banjo for the first time at a Folk song festival in North Carolina and his life was changed forever. He enrolled at Harvard University (his father’s Alma mater) and after two miserable years, he left in the spring
of 1938. He had Folk music in his blood by then and it was pounding away in head.

On March 3, 1940, a date that folklorist Alan Lomax once said could be celebrated as the beginning of modern Folk music, Pete Seeger met Woody Guthrie at a “Grapes of Wrath” migrant worker benefit concert. The duo formed “The Almanac Singers” who recorded many labor union songs among others. In 1942, Pete was drafted into the army and spent most of his time performing for the troops in the South Pacific. He married in 1943. It's said that behind every great man there's a great woman, and Toshi is that woman. They have been married now for nearly 70 years. In an interview once, she joked that she wished that Pete chased women instead of causes so she could leave him.

In 1948 Seeger helped form “The Weavers” made up of Fred Hellerman, Lee Hays, and Ronnie Gilbert. I remember the first time I saw the Weavers sing. Ronnie Gilbert would throw her head back and just belt out the song like there was an old deaf lady in the back row that she was singing too. God, she was great! In 1958 the Weavers and Pete Seeger parted ways and he started out on his solo career.

Pete was never in music for the money, but for the ability to make a statement and change people’s hearts and minds. The inscription on his banjo reads “This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender.” Most people don't know that the reason he left the Weavers was because the other members agreed to do a cigarette commercial and Pete was against smoking. He stands for his principles. Granted, you might not agree with them, but you have to tip your hat to the man for his passion. His adherence to the sanctity of folk music came to a boiling point in 1965 when he literally tried to run over and pull the plug on a very electrified set of Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival.

One of Pete’s most famous songs is “Where Have All The Flowers Gone.” There's a great story about it that I'd like to share with you. He was at home reading a book called “All Quiet Flows the Don.” It's about the Don River in Russia and the Cossacks who lived along it in the 19th century. The Cossacks would gallop off to join the Czar's army, singing as they went. There were three lines from the book he liked so much he scribbled them down. “Where are the flowers? The girls plucked them. / Where are the girls? They're all married. / Where are the men? They’re all in the army.” Later, on an airplane flight, he was dozing and thought of the line “long time passing” that he had written for future use and scribbled down in his note book. He thought it would sing well with it. Then he said to himself, “When will they ever learn?” and shook his head. All of a sudden the light bulb went off and in 20 minutes he had the song. He had three verses taped to the microphone and sang it at Oberlin College in 1955. I said he had three verses. Where did the other ones we know come from? Ahh, read on Grasshopper...

One of the students in the audience at Oberlin had a summer job as a camp counselor. He took the song to the camp and sang it to the kids. It was very short and he gave it rhythm, which Pete didn't do. The kids played around with it and the counselor added two actual verses: “Where have all the soldiers gone? / Gone to grave yards everyone. / Where have all the grave yards gone? / Covered with flowers everyone.” The counselor’s name is Joe Hickerson and to this day Pete Seeger gives him 20% of the royalties from the song. How cool is that!. . ."

What do YOU think?
http://www.rayjozwiak.com/guestbook.html

You can NOW download your
very own copy of Ray Jozwiak's
newest release:
AMBIENCE & WINE

Please visit
http://www.rayjozwiak.com

Tweet