A Violinist in a Prog Rock Band? Exclusive Interview with Kansas's Violinist - Joe Deninzon
12/03/24 • 36 min
Joe Deninzon, widely celebrated as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” is a trailblazing musician known for his groundbreaking work with the “Viper,” a seven-string electric violin. His innovative style and virtuosity have redefined the possibilities of the instrument.
Currently, Joe is the electric violinist, backup vocalist, and rhythm guitarist for the legendary rock band Kansas. He also serves as the lead vocalist and violinist for the progressive rock band Stratospheerius, which recently released its critically acclaimed sixth album, Impostor!
Joe’s illustrious career includes collaborations with iconic artists such as The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, and many more. He has also performed as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A prolific recording artist, Joe can be heard on over 100 albums and jingles, showcasing his talent as both a violinist and string arranger.
A recipient of a BMI Composer’s Grant and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Joe has composed solo and chamber works for renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine and premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in 2015.
Joe’s diverse projects include his work with the Sweet Plantain String Quartet, blending Latin Jazz, hip-hop, and classical music, as well as annual performances at the Grand Canyon Music Festival with harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio.
As an educator, Joe co-founded the Grand Canyon School of Rock in 2007, an annual program for high school students in Northern Arizona. He is also a faculty member at New Jersey City University’s Multi-Style Strings Program and travels globally as a clinician. His instructional book, Plugging In, was published by Mel Bay in 2012.
Chris Haigh’s book Discovering Rock Violin lists one of Joe’s solos among the “Top 20 greatest rock violin solos of all time.” Joe has also contributed articles to Strings Magazine, Downbeat, American String Teachers Journal, and Making Music Magazine.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Master’s in Jazz Violin from Manhattan School of Music. He resides in New Jersey with his wife, Yulia Ziskel, a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, and their two children, Max and Arianna.
https://joedeninzon.com/
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https://thetroutshow.com/
Joe Deninzon, widely celebrated as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” is a trailblazing musician known for his groundbreaking work with the “Viper,” a seven-string electric violin. His innovative style and virtuosity have redefined the possibilities of the instrument.
Currently, Joe is the electric violinist, backup vocalist, and rhythm guitarist for the legendary rock band Kansas. He also serves as the lead vocalist and violinist for the progressive rock band Stratospheerius, which recently released its critically acclaimed sixth album, Impostor!
Joe’s illustrious career includes collaborations with iconic artists such as The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Smokey Robinson, Les Paul, and many more. He has also performed as a soloist with Jazz at Lincoln Center and the New York City Ballet. A prolific recording artist, Joe can be heard on over 100 albums and jingles, showcasing his talent as both a violinist and string arranger.
A recipient of a BMI Composer’s Grant and winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Joe has composed solo and chamber works for renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine and premiered his Electric Violin Concerto with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra in 2015.
Joe’s diverse projects include his work with the Sweet Plantain String Quartet, blending Latin Jazz, hip-hop, and classical music, as well as annual performances at the Grand Canyon Music Festival with harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio.
As an educator, Joe co-founded the Grand Canyon School of Rock in 2007, an annual program for high school students in Northern Arizona. He is also a faculty member at New Jersey City University’s Multi-Style Strings Program and travels globally as a clinician. His instructional book, Plugging In, was published by Mel Bay in 2012.
Chris Haigh’s book Discovering Rock Violin lists one of Joe’s solos among the “Top 20 greatest rock violin solos of all time.” Joe has also contributed articles to Strings Magazine, Downbeat, American String Teachers Journal, and Making Music Magazine.
Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from Indiana University and a Master’s in Jazz Violin from Manhattan School of Music. He resides in New Jersey with his wife, Yulia Ziskel, a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, and their two children, Max and Arianna.
https://joedeninzon.com/
Your comments are appreciated!
Thanks for listening for more information or to listen to other podcasts or watch YouTube videos click on this link >
https://thetroutshow.com/
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Thanks for listening for more information or to listen to other podcasts or watch YouTube videos click on this link >
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