J-RODDY WALSTON & THE BUSINESS
J.B. RITCHIE
Power Blues
Steeped in the rich blues tradition of Chicago, J.B. Ritchie is known as “that wicked slide player”, and has worked with Luther Allison. The rest of the band also carries some pretty hefty credentials. Frank Bandy on bass has been nominated for a W.C. Handy Award and drummer Marty Binder has appeared on the Tonight Show. Both men have toured with several top name blues performers. If the new generation of guitar driven blues rock would-be comers (Johnny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepard) have failed to deliver what you want, look no further than Power Blues by J.B. Ritchie. “With his strong persona, even a “blues virgin” cannot help but respond when he asks “I said do you dig the blues?” He is the ultimate in cool and has the talent and expertise to back it up. Definitely a musician to see, especially if you are a musician.” – Chicago Rocker Newsletter. A fine and powerful tribute to Chicago blues. For those of you who like blues rock in the vein of ZZTop, Canned Heat and the Allman Brothers – dig in and dig it!
J+J+J
JACK IN SPACE
JACK RAASCH
JACK SALAMANDER plays freaky, funny, funky mind-bending music direct from Chicago. The two main songwriters are guitarist Lem Roby and Bassist Jon Rogers. Each has a unique approach to soulful, funky songs that will make you move, make you think, and make you laugh. Guitarist Barrett Tasky acts as utility man, covering guitar, keyboard and stealing Lem’s beer. Their live shows have been called: “Tasteful and tight, filled with the magical experience of the unexpected.”
JACK SALAMANDER
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ryan Churchill and drummer Joe Kunkle. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
JACK STRAW
Jack Straw was born in the winter of 2000 as the result of a meeting between guitarist Jon Gram and keyboardist Barry Brown, brought together by a music-loving mutual friend who saw some possibilities. Jon added to the mix bassist Ben Wilson. With Jon and Barry leading the way, Jack Straw brings forth a richly diverse array of music, mixing together songs by the likes of Phish, the Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia’s bluegrass band Old and in the Way, and Jon’s original music.
JADIID
JAGUAR LOVE
JAH SAFE
JAHMAN BRAHMAN
JAI’ALAI SAVANT
JAIK WILLIS
Jaik Willis is a nationally touring independent performer based in Chicago. He has shared bills with artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Wilco, Bela Fleck, MMW, Del McCoury, NIN, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Leftover Salmon, Justin Townes Earle, Digital Underground, Blueground Undergrass, Garaj Mahal, EOTO,The Schwag, Ekoostik Hookah, Tea Leaf Green, Split Lip Rayfield, and performed on stage with acoustic blues dynamo, Corey Harris, and Chicago blues legend Billy Branch as well. He has performed at innumerable festivals and major venues around the US. In the Summer of 2010 he performed at Bonnaroo (Stevie Wonder & Jay-Z headline), Summer Camp Festival (Govt Mule, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Avett Brothers), Cavefest, Funk You Festival, Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering, Wuhnurth Festival, Michigan Peace Fest, Widow’s Peak Music Fest & dozens of others.
JAK FROST
JAKE ALLEN
JAKE DILLEY AND THE COLOR PHARMACY
JAKE MOON AND KORY QUINN
JAKE ZAGGER
JAKKED RABBITS
JAM AND THE PLAYGROUND KIDS
JAM ONE
JAMAL DOSE
JAMES CURLEY
JAMES CURLEY & RADIO FADE
JAMES MITCHELL
JAMS DEAN
INCUBATOR CRIMES
INDIAN
INDIGNANT
INDISCREET
INEPT
INFINIEN
INFINITE MISSILES
INFINITUM OBSCURE
INHALE EXHALE
INKBLOT
INN CINEMA
INNER CITY SURFERS
INNERPARTYSYSTEM
We love you and we ROCK!
INNERVISIONISTS
INNOSPHERE
INSECTOID
INTERNAL DIVINE
INTERNATIONAL WATERS
INTIFADA
INTO ARCADIA
Into Arcadia are a contemporary music group hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin,though they donʼt operate within a particular regional sound or musical sphere. There are certain reference points that can be gleaned by the listener, but the final output is something uniquely their own.
The band began with the musical partnership of singer/guitarist Otto Ohlsson and guitarist Ken Buesing. The first incarnation of the band recorded and released their debut ep Maps For Children. Though it was comprised of early material, Maps contained a blueprint for many of the elements that define Into Arcadia. The release contained orchestral embellishments as well as the digital flourishes by producer Simon Bundy that would become a mainstay in the bandʼs recorded output.
Into Arcadia then underwent a personnel shakeup in which bassist Zach Steiner and drummer Antonio Ninham were introduced into the lineup. Riding the momentum of a more stabilized working unit, the band released the single Panic.
The band is now presenting the culmination of their efforts in the form of their first full length, Escaper. The album features a more expansive sound, exploring territory that had been hinted at in earlier material. The band is currently bringing its live representation to dates in support of the album, while simultaneously still forging ahead composing material with intentions for a short turnaround period for a followup release.
INTO THE LIGHT CAROL ANNE
They play in the style of progressive metal with some harsh vocals, as well as, more recently, melodic vocals and vocal harmonies, combined with progressive and jazzy instrumental breaks. Their sound incorporates traits from prog rock, sludge metal, Indian, African, and Afro-Latin rhythms, as well as a heavy jazz influence.
INTRONAUT
Los Angeles post-prog masters Intronaut return with their 4th and most impressive full length album to date; Habitual Levitations. Once again yielding thunderous, tribal drum beats, hypnotic bass patterns, angular guitar riffs and the trance-like vocals of Sacha Dunable, Intronaut pick up where they left off on 2010’s Valley of Smoke, though this time around, see the songs a bit more refined and cultivated. The band toured heavily in support of Valley, including a stint opening for Tool in the US, which may explain the more polished sound. Intronaut has always teetered close on being a jam band. With one of the greatest rhythm sections in music (drummer, Danny Walker and bassist, Joe Lester) it would be hard not to just light up and see where those two take you. Experimenting on stage, knowing exactly where each band member is going in the song and thus really becoming one as a band is what Intronaut has achieved and what producers John Haddad [Exhumed, Phobia] and Derek Donley [Bereft] managed to capture perfectly on the new album. With a US tour supporting Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders set prior to Habitual’s release, Intronaut will surely continue to mature and solidify themselves as one of the best metal bands around.
INVADE ROME
INVOX
IOMOS MARAD
ION VEIN
A wise person once said, “the only constant in this world is change,” and after releasing two albums, Beyond Tomorrow (Majesphere) andReigning Memories (Majesphere/Now&Then UK), the members of ION VEIN, were faced with one of the biggest changes of their career..the search for a new vocalist.
Guitarist/founder, Chris Lotesto explains: “The writing for the third album, sparked by the addition of Chuck White (ex-Michael Angelo Batio/ex-Winterkill) on drums, and the return of original bassist, Brian Gordon, proved to be the most inspired, unique, aggressive, and energetic music to date, the new ION VEIN began to take shape!” However, as things progressed, this newfound sound and energy also lead to the realization that these songs needed something different vocally. Lotesto continued, “The decision to part ways with original vocalist, Russ Klimczak, was incredibly difficult for all of us. He’s a great friend and we shared so many great memories together, but the new material called so strongly for us to move in a different direction that we felt this was the right thing to do for the band.” The band was also forced tomake another very difficult decision in parting ways with Gordon (who did play bass on all studio tracks) at the start of 2010 due to professional differences; he was later replaced with Rob Such (Twelfth Gate/ex-Syris).
So began the search for one of the most elusive elements in any band, an amazing lead vocalist. “It was quite a frustrating period to say the least.” adds Lotesto, “We had a lot of ups and downs, even some good potential vocalists, but when I found ‘the’ email from Scott Featherstone (Enertia/ex-Attica USA) in our inbox, I knew things were about to get really good!” Lotesto had been a huge fan of Featherstone’s since ION VEIN started playing shows with Enertia, and as luck, or fate would have it, the time was right for the two to join forces. White also added, “After hearing three tracks from Enertia’s “Force” album, I immediately knew that Scott was the guy as well!” Lotesto continued, “We were totally stoked, to say the least; IV was reborn and stronger than ever!”
Featherstone immediately began working on vocals demos to the already completed basic tracks at his home studio in upstate New York for what would become the first three songs to be released; Enough, Love/Hate, and Anger Inside. The band entered the studio once again with Grammy winning producer, Neil Kernon (Queensyrche, Judas Priest, Nile, Nevermore) at the helm in November to lay down vocals for those three tracks and have since continued working on and developing the rest of the material.
In September 2011, ION VEIN announced their partnership with Chicago based Mortal Music to release their new music world wide. The first release is a three song DR (digital release) simply entitled “IV v1.0” and is a powerful introduction into the new phase of the ION VEIN story.
The DR concept was developed by Mortal Music as taking a snap shot of an album of music and releasing it into the market a “chapter” at a time, so to speak, to allow it to work its way into the marketplace faster and to help alleviate the musical overload fans and press alike are experiencing these days with so many options available. The full length album will then be available on CD at the end of the cycle for those that still collect physical product. Added Lotesto; “We really like what the guys at Mortal have going on and think their approach to the new musical marketplace is exciting and innovative! We’re really glad that we can be a part of helping to shape the way music can be presented to fans these days in the ever changing world of music!”
“IV v2.0” was release in December 2012 thus continuing the next chapter of the ION VEIN story leading up to the long awaiting full length album simply entitled “ION VEIN” that was released in July 2014. The album contains 12 songs which include re-mixed/re-mastered versions of the six songs from the digital EPs.
ION VEIN’s new music is laden with infectious grooves, catchy hooks, dynamic shifts, and intense “in-your-face” musical and rhythmic energy. Coupled with Featherstone’s melodically guttural vocal magic this creates a sonic experience that has been missing from modern heavy music for far too long, so be prepared to crank it loud!
IROCK Z
IRON HORSE
IRON REMINDERS
