Led by electric violinist/vocalist Joe Deninzon, who has been called “The Jimi Hendrix of the violin,” Stratospheerius has showcased their unique brand of progressive, violin-driven hard rock throughout the world. The New York-based group has opened for Tony Levin, John Scofield, Alex Skolnick, Gary Hoey, John 5, Mike Stern, Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart, and Martin Barre from Jethro Tull. Their influences include Mahavishnu Orchestra, Frank Zappa, Muse, Rush, King Crimson, and Spock’s Beard.
Stratospheerius was a winner of the John
Lennon International Songwriting Competition and the Musicians Atlas
Independend Music Awards. Their last CD, “Guilty of Innocence” on Melodic
Revolution records climbed to number 4 on the Relix Jamband charts (between
Willie Nelson and David Byrne) and was in the top 100 Indy releases in Europe. During
the 2020 pandemic, they released a critically acclaimed single, “Storm Surge,”
with guest vocalist Michael Sadler from Saga.
Stratospheerius is currently working on their next studio release as well as a live album/DVD.
Stratospheerius is:
Joe Deninzon-lead
vocals/electric violin
Paul Ranieri-bass
Jason Gianni-drums
Michelangelo Quirinale-guitar
Critic quote highlights
“When
you put distorted guitars up against a violin you get magic. When you put a
violin solo in a metal song, you get Fucking amazing shit! I love it when
artists push the boundaries of what is perceived as the norm … I tip my
hat and bow my head in awe ..”-Act/one Magazine.
“Stratospheerius music is otherworldly!” They can tear out ear hairs and stomp them flat!…sounding both ahead of the curve and accessible at the same time. ”
-#cirdecsongs.
“Joe
Deninzon has pioneered a new standard for rock violin,
much the same way Ian Anderson did for the flute.”
-Nick
Tate, Progression Magazine
"(Violinist/singer)
Joe's talents are flat out phenomenal, and the progressive rock tapestry he
weaves around himself is carried out to perfection by his amazing band."
-www.musicmorsels.com
"––On
the stage with strings smoking and thoughts flying faster than the Concorde on
amphetamines. (Joe Deninzon’s) compositions (are) living, fire-breathing
monsters."
-Jedd
Beaudoin
www.seaoftranquility.org
"As
at home in the world of Grappeli and O'Connor as he is in the world of Steve
Vai and Jimi Hendrix, Joe Deninzon may very well be our next national violin
treasure!!"
-Jedd
Beaudoin
www.seaoftranquility.org
"If the violin has a future in rock and jazz, it is with Joe Deninzon"
-Relix Magazine
“Fleshing
out the Stratospheerius sound are: Out of This World strings, sultry guitar,
rumbling basslines, frantic drumming, and celebratory vocals that enunciate
lyrical outlines of life. The songs are gripping and energetic… Insistent
melodies made compelling by the violin passion.”
-Matt Howarth (Soniccuriosity.com)
“…a
frenzied mélange of alt-bluegrass, progressive rock, jazz fusion and
funkabilly, with shades of neo-hippie 90’s and space rock for good measure. If
Bela Fleck and Frank Zappa had a love child in outer space, it might grow up to
sound like these guys do.”
-www.coolcleveland.com
Joe leads Master Classes, Seminars, Clinics and Workshops for people of all ages. Oklahoma State University's Honors Orchestra performed Stratospheerius' compositions with Joe Deninzon featured on electric violin; this program (along with master classes) is also available for your school.
Topics:
Exploring Alternative Styles for Strings.
Electrifying Your Strings: The "Effective String Player."