Friday, November 28, 2014

Balsamo-Deighton new album live on Pledge music

Hey friends, we just went live on Pledge Music! Check it out - pledge for some great things and there will be lots more goodies to come and teasers and snippets and all sorts. We're so excited! Please share away and spread the love.


http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/balsamodeighton


Hello and welcome everyone, Steve Balsamo and Rosalie Deighton here!
We are so excited to be collaborating with PledgeMusic to bring you our beautiful debut album, which we’re very proud of. Over the last few years, we’ve been been working diligently, crafting and creating the best songs we possibly can, and now is a chance for you to get involved and be a part of our campaign.
This will not merely involve pre-ordering the album on CD and vinyl, but also includes paranormal activity and cakes! On top of this, we’ve created some really individual items and experiences for you – come and spend some time with us in the studio, own a guitar we played on the album or even the opportunity to write and record a song with us. Read on below to browse the selection of goodies we’ve exclusively created for you.
We’re planning on releasing the music to you by early May 2015 and would be thrilled to have your involvement. During the course of the campaign we’ll be posting news and updates from behind the scenes in our Pledgers Only Updates section. We’ll take you through the process to where you’ll find photos, videos, mp3s and our blog covering the release and the promotion plus our experiences playing up and down the country. Those of you who join us at some of these experiences may be photographed and filmed (with consent of course) and we’ll feature you in the Updates section.
10% of any money raised after the goal is reached will go to a charity very close to our hearts, Harry’s Fund. Please visit http://www.harrysfund.org.uk/ to learn more.
So, THANK YOU in advance for your Pledges – we’re so looking forward to get this going with you and really appreciate your interest in our music and this release.
See you soon,
Steve & Rosalie x



http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Steve Balsamo to be Patron for new BMus in Contemporary Music Performance in Cardiff


Steve Balsamo Head Shot
 
 
The Institute and the University of South Wales is delighted to announce that renowned vocalist Steve Balsamo has agreed to become the Patron for the new BMus in Contemporary Music Performance launching in Cardiff this October.
As patron Steve will take an active role in providing feedback and guidance to the course team, as well as providing one-off lectures and masterclasses to students on the programme.
Steve is a singer-songwriter from Swansea, Wales who shot to prominence in 1997 after playing Jesus to great critical acclaim in the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. He has since released a top-40 solo album (All I Am); formed the critically acclaimed band The Storys with whom he recorded and toured until 2010 (Elton John, who thought The Storys were ‘fantastic’, felt the need to call Steve at home to ask them to tour with him!); featured in the film ‘Bank Job’; toured with keyboard legend Jon Lord (Deep Purple) and written songs performed by artists as diverse as Meat Loaf, Anthony Callea, Jonatan Cerrada and Slash of Guns n' Roses fame.
The BMus Contemporary Music Performance is the first course of its kind to provide such comprehensive instrumental tuition in Wales, offering guitarists, bassists, drummers and vocalists the opportunity to build the skills and expertise required to develop sustainable careers as musicians in the modern music industry. This will not only provide musicians the premier opportunity to study contemporary music to the highest standards in Wales, but will allow them access to the University’s inspiring facilities and environment. The programme will be delivered at the custom-built ATRiuM building situated in the heart of Cardiff city centre, allowing student’s unrivalled access to work alongside fellow music production students and cutting edge music recording facilities.
Pete Whittard, Director of the Institute commented “it is an honour to have a musician, vocalist and songwriter of Steve’s pedigree as our patron. We believe in what we are doing, but to have such an artist support us in this way, validates our conviction!”
Steve commented “Having heard the amazing music talent the Institute is producing I'm delighted to be Patron for new BMus Contemporary Music Performance. Education is extremely important to me, and as a vocalist I am constantly learning. The tutors in all disciplines are world class, and the visiting tutors are some of the best players on planet earth

Steve Balsamo

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Jack Bruce was crème de la crème of Cream for Steve Balsamo

Swansea singing star Steve Balsamo recalls the time he rocked out for the late '60s music legend Jack Bruce, who he says was the 'real star' of the band

One is the Swansea-born stage star who found fame in Jesus Christ Superstar, the other the classic rocker who formed a band with the guitarist many fans claimed was ‘God’.
But for Welsh West End singer Steve Balsamo it was late bassist Jack Bruce, rather than six string wiz Eric Clapton, who was the true talent behind Cream, the infamous late ‘60s super group that sold an incredible 35 million albums during its fleeting two year career.
And, as he paid tribute to the late musician – who died from liver disease aged 71 on October 25 – Balsamo added that one of the biggest thrills of his life so far was singing some of Bruce’s most famous compositions in front of the great man himself in 2008.
“A good mate of mine who used to drum for (Paul Weller's band) The Style Council got me involved in a tribute concert at Shepherds Bush Empire in honour Ginger Baker,” he said – name-checking the polyrhythmic percussionist who made up the other third of Cream.
“It was an amazing line-up, a real who’s who including the likes of Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones and Jon Lord from Deep Purple.
“But the most incredible thing for me was getting to meet Jack during rehearsals.
“I mean, this is the guy who co-wrote such timeless tracks as Sunshine Of Your Love and I Feel Free.
“Best of all I got to perform White Room” – the seminal Bruce-penned single from ‘68 – “while he watched.
“I’ve never done anything so nerve-wracking in my life because no one could sing that song better that Jack did, but he was lovely about it.
“When I finished he just came over to me and said, ‘Great work, man’."


Balsamo, whose currently performs in a folk rock duo with Rosalie Deighton, added that while many Cream devotees may have worn badges saying ‘Clapton is God’, it was Bruce who gave the band its heart .
“He had a great voice, was a virtuoso bass-playing and a fantastic song-writer - a real triple threat.
“I’ll never forget sitting next to him on the bus back to hotel and him telling me that, whatever I do in life, I should always go with what my heart says.
“It may sound so obvious but it’s true, and it’s something I try to adhere to daily.”
However, Balsamo joked that he couldn’t say the same for Bruce’s former bandmate Ginger Baker, the notoriously cantankerous sticksman with whom he would often argue - rows that frequently descended into fisticuffs, reducing the nearby Clapton to tears of frustration.
“I remember the comedian Al Murray compering that 2008 gig and going up to Ginger afterwards to introduce himself, at which point he just blanked him and turned his back.
“Al was mortified because Ginger had been an idol of his – he just walked over to me all embarrassed and said, ‘Well, that went well’.
“Then, later on, I was in the loo and Ginger came in and stood at the urinal next to me,” remembered Balsano.
“He just looked me up and down and snarled, “Know what? None those ***** out there can swing.”

http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Friday, November 7, 2014

Boo Hewerdine: 'My Name In Brackets' Album Launch + Rosalie Deighton

Folk at KINGS PLACE

Music / Friday, 14 November 2014 - 8:00pm / Hall Two  
£12.50 | Savers £9.50*
Amazing Robot is the new single by one of England's finest songwriters Boo
Hewerdine, released by Reveal Records on June 23rd 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeQl9kQHs6s



The song is 'about the certainties of childhood and how they disappear' whilst paying tribute to the much loved 1970's board game The Amazing Magic Robot. In the game a small green robot would spin on a mirror and point at the answer to your question. The Amazing Robot was always right!

Released as either limited edition CD or digital download Amazing Robot comes backed by a second brand new track Drinking Alone of which Boo explains:
'Drinking Alone is a song for anyone who has sat up at two in the morning having just one more. Both these tracks were recorded as a one man band just like the very first recordings I made, with the exception of the drums (Chris Pepper) and clarinets (Gustaf Ljunggren), I can't do those'.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Pepper at Hub Studios in Cambridge Amazing Robot / Drinking Alone are the first tracks from Boo Hewerdine's forthcoming My Name in Brackets album currently scheduled for October 2014 release by Reveal.
Support comes from English/Dutch singer-songwriter Rosalie Deighton. Beginning her career with the musical entourage that was The Deighton Family, Rosalie released her first solo album, Truth Drug, in 2001. 21 Days followed six years later, and earlier this year Rosalie released her third album, Burning Boat, the first from newly formed UK label Bearclaw Records. Rosalie navigates her way through her Country and Folk roots, delivering a seasoned performance that engages, through a voice that inspires trust. She also performs as the critically acclaimed duo Balsamo/Deighton with long-time collaborator Steve Balsamo, as well as from time to time appearing as guest member of the band Danny & the Champions of the World. 

update Andy Collins -ex member the Storys

Track 8 ....2nd album. ..2 (or maybe 3) to go .... Spring release looks about right .. its sounding great if I do say so myself ....Thank you all for your patience .....
Andy xxx








 http://balsamo-deighton.blogspot.nl/

Monday, November 3, 2014

update Dai Smith- vote for the song YEARNING -Swiss Eurovision 2015

Hi all Could I ask a HUGE favour please? The song YEARNING that I co-wrote with Allyson Summerhayes and Kitty Brucknell (from forthcoming musical Life Happened Kid) is shortlisted for Swiss Eurovision 2015. Could you please log onto the below website and Register a vote? (click and vote next to YEARNING).

Voting starts today and I would be very grateful if you could find the time. Please share this post with your friends thank you.

Dai


http://esc.srf.ch/de/kitty-brucknell