MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE FEATURE 2/18-3/2/08 issue
WOULD YOU LIKE DENISE TO PERFORM IN YOUR TOWN?
DENISE VASQUEZ Performs extensively as a solo artist, and from time to time shares the stage with many amazing musicians including: Randy Martinez, Cyn Rivera, Todd Wolf (Beth Hart), Rio (Wicked Wisdom), Stevie Blacke (The Charltons UK), Les July, Clayton Halsey, Chris Olds, Michael Paige, David Leach (Chris Pierce), FALLOUT (SANG BACKUP OPENING UP FOR PETER FRAMPTON @SUMMERFEST), Gregg Jones, Bobby Matos, Curtis Byrd, Chris Valenti, Sarah Cloud, Kat Lague, Cassie Burns, T-Bird, Randy Singer, Eddie Bruce, Cyhndi Mora...and many more....Denise Says "The most important part of my band for me, are my friends, fans & family who have supported me over the years, and because of them, I continue to live my dream!!!
Peace, Love, Rock & Soul ;0) Denise"
DENISE VASQUEZ co-produced & self-released her third album "FRAME OF MIND" (Recognized by The Recording Academy during the Grammy Nomination process 2006 in 4 categories)...was recorded in Nashville with producer Lauren Stalknecker. "FRAME OF MIND" features 10 songs written by Denise Vasquez where she sings & performs acoustic guitar, and track 11 is her spanish/english version of her friends Lowen & Navarro's Hit "We Belong". Click on the link below to order your copy today...
Denise has TWO other self-produced LIVE ACOUSTIC albums
"FIGHTING DARKNESS"
"LIVE IN ONE TAKE"
Influences
COMMUNITY
Artists with a Cause, People who aspire to make a difference, Mother Earth, Mother Nature, My Mom, The Dali Lama, Mother Theresa, Ghandi, Carl Jung, Robert Frost, The Beatles, John Lennon, Laura Love, Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, Mike Stern, Dennis Chambers, Jeff Buckley, Bob Marley, U2, Queen, Ben Harper, Soul II Soul, Prince, Sade, Beth Hart, Eric Clapton, Cindy Lauper, Bonnie Rait, Eurythmics, Buffy St. Marie, Aretha Franklin, Rikki Lee Jones, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, The Carpenters, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Goo Goo Dolls, Nirvana, Collective Soul, Amy Grant, Linda Perry, Tracy Chapman, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, James Brown , Pink Floyd, The Who, Led Zepellin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, The Police, Elvis, Mazzy Star, Mary J., Sugar Hill Gang, Run DMC, Astrud Gilberto, Dianna Krall, James Taylor, Johnny Cash, Buena Vista Social Club, George Winston, All Motown, Eagles, Guns & Roses, Tom Petty, Lowen & Navarro, Vilvaldi and the Four Seasons, my FRIEND KENNY CHESNEY, Menudo (Robbi "Draco" Rosa, Ricky Martin, Roba), Stacy Latissal, Denice Williams, Blondie, Pat Benetar, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Dave Valentin, Tony Randall, Spike Lee, Forrest Whitaker, Martin Scorcese, Oliver Stone, Brian De Palma, Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare, Henry Wyatt, Miriam Colon, Al Pacino, John Leguizamo, Sean Penn, Robert Deniro, Meryll Streep, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg...
Traveling has certainly had a BIG influence in my life! Living in places like Scotland, London, The Virgin Islands and Los Angeles have exposed me to many wonderful things life has to offer.
This summer, I had the pleasure of touring Ireland, Scotland & the UK...I'm looking forward to many more travels where I can really experience people, life, cultures...
Below: The Roman Forum, Italy
Below: Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
"I AM NOT WHAT HAPPENED TO ME, I AM WHAT I CHOSE TO BECOME"-Carl Jung
"BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD"-Ghandi
Sounds Like
Been compared to Janis Joplin meets Jewel by Music Connection Magazine...Been told I sound like "Buffy St. Marie" and Dolores from "Cranberries" by many, depending on what songs I sing, my mood & vibe...being compared to these great ladies are all the highest compliments...but I think I sound like...ME!
PeAcE LOvE & aRt NoT wAr!
SOME FAVORITE MOMENTS @LIVE GIGS:
"WE ARE AN EXPERIMENT, CAN WE LIVE TOGETHER, GROW TOGETHER, AS ONE RACE, THE HUMAN RACE...WE ARE CRAYONS IN THE BOX, DIFFERENT COLORS, BUT ALL MADE THE SAME, FOR ONE PURPOSE, TO COLOR THE PICTURE..."-Denise Vasquez
DENISE PAYS TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS & PEACE DURING THE SOCAL MUSICIAN "LADIES ROCK NIGHT" @THE WORLD FAMOUS DERBY...See videos...
AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER DENISE VASQUEZ HAS BEEN ENDORSING AUDIX MICS FOR YEARS! DENISE LOVES PERFORMING WITH HER VX10, OM5 & OM6 LIVE AS WELL AS IN THE STUDIO!
DENISE VASQUEZ CURRENTLY ENDORSES DAISY ROCK GUITARS-sketch below is a self portrait by Denise Vasquez called "I'VE GOT LOVE IN MY EYES" (Denise is shown in the sketch playing her Retro-H Deluxe!
DENISE ABSOLUTELY LOVES HER NEW G7TH NASHVILLE CAPO
DENISE ALWAYS LOVES PLAYING HER FAVORITE CLASSIC YAMAHA APX-8A
FUN PHOTOS DETAILS IN MY ALBUMS:
REVIEW:
MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
September 10, 2007-September 23, 2007 ISSUE
DENISE VASQUEZ
@The Gig
Hollywood
THE PLAYERS: Denise Vasquez, vocals, acoustic guitar; Clayton Halsey, lead guitar; Randy Martinez, bass; Cynthia Rivera, drums.
MATERIAL: Music Connection has reviewed this artist previously, and each time we've noticed an improvement. Well this time, Denise Vasquez has finally taken it over the top. Her songs which were originally unique singer/songwriter fare, now have a rockin' mainstream commercial appeal. The change is dramatic and impressive. Though intimate in nature, her material has become larger than life. Now all Vasquez has to do is to continue writing songs in the same manner, with an even stronger focus on the choruses.
MUSICIANSHIP: The players are excellent musicians, and each of them contributes significantly to the overall sound. Halsey is a tasty and precise lead guitarist. His licks are like lightening strikes, hot and intense. Rivera and Martinez form a solid rhythm section that propels the songs into the arena-rock stratosphere. This allows Vasquez to burn brightly. Her voice is bluesy at its core and sweet at heart. If you didn't know better, you'd think that she was the love child of Aaron Neville and Jewel.
PERFORMANCE: Denise Vasquez owned the stage. Her warm, charming personality and absolute joy in performing completely enchanted the packed venue. On this night, she was truly a star. Her bandmates, on the other hand, could have picked up their game and brought it up to her level. One major distraction-and a pet peeve of this reviewer-is that both Halsey and Martinez hardly ever took their eyes off their fret hand. With players of this caliber, that's simply inexcusable.
SUMMARY: This artist has set the bar high for herself. Now, her band must follow her lead. Based on this gig, Denise Vasquez has the potential to do big things and is prime for industry attention. In fact, indie labels and publishers should take note. This is an artist ready to break-BernardBaur, MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
REVIEW:
"Her strong, seductive vocals have given her comparison to the likes of Janis Joplin and Jewel...the flow of her lyrics along with the beauty of the music takes the listener on a delighful journey...Denise's latest release "Frame Of Mind" consists of 11 amazing tracks."
-DOOGZ.NET
REVIEW:
"One might think there is a new trend for actual musical artists to come back to the forefront of the field. Is it possible? Can we get people like Denise Vasquez to replace the dancing MTV product queens? That would be a step in the right direction. ...sultry and adventuresome persona that makes you want to come back for more...she has a good message"-Jess Mariach, SHAKE MAGAZINE
REVIEW:
"One of the best things about being a reviewer is when you are given the gift of coming across a total unknown whose fledging work is magnificent. Hearing Denise Vasquez's LIVE IN ONE TAKE was such an experience..."-Lisa Mc Sherry, THE BELTANE PAPERS ISSUE 33
REVIEW:
"There are other names to watch, standouts, both as songwriters and performing artists...Denise Vasquez who was a hit in NYC, the Caribbean, and she's winning recognition here...will knock your socks off!"-Larry Wines, FOLKWORKS
REVIEW:
"This sexy New Yorican mesmerizes her audience with her poetic, childlike demeanor & angelic yet raspy voice"-SONGWRITERS MONTHLY
REVIEW:
"When Denise picks up her guitar, the room grows quiet with admiration before her crystal clear voice & catchy melodies...if you're lucky enough to catch her show, you'll never forget it as the tunes take hold & keep you company for days to come."-B Brigitte, BIONIC SISTERS PROD
REVIEW:
"Led by her songwriting talents, Vasquez shows considerable range by delivering soothing blues-based numbers one minute and meditating on spacey, spoken word intros the next...blending elements of rock, country and a myriad of other spicings, Denise Vasquez's music possesses an earthy, soothing quality that is engaging"-Albert Vega, MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
REVIEW:
"There is a mission in her songs...there's also a sense of magic...the sound is pretty much timeless..."-Gert-Ove Fridlund, KULTUROCHHALLANDSPOSTEN.SE
REVIEW:
"She's got stage presence, voice and songs..."-Shredmistress, FEMMUSE.COM
REVIEW:
"Denise wowed them with her insightful and introspective lyrics and vocals that ranged from deep and seductive to sweetly fluttering often in the same line! The picture of feminine charm, she graciously invited us to accompany her on her life journey"-Cyhndi Mora, ALL ACCESS
REVIEW:
"Vasquez has developed a fairly strong repertoire. Her upbeat and optimistic lyrics are delivered on flowing melodies with a unique voice that has undeniable conviction and feeling. Vasquez possesses an amazing flexible voice that is as sexy and throaty as Janis Joplin one moment and as playful as a bird the next...Vasquez could trademark the way she accents her high notes with a delicate trill that sounds like it's being produced by a flute..."-Dani Barnard, MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE
NOMINATED for BEST INDIE ALBUM OF THE YEAR ONLINE 2006 BY THE LA MUSIC AWARDS & FOR BEST INDIE FEMALE VOCALIST IN 2004, FIVE time winner of the ASCAP PLU$ PERFORMING SONGWRITERS AWARD (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
SELECTED by MUSIC CONNECTION MAGAZINE for SIX consecutive years (to be on their HOT 100 UNSIGNED ARTIST LIST 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), solo artist Denise Vasquez brings her big heart and unique mix of country, folk-rock to audiences around the world. Singer/songwriter Denise Vasquez has been compared to Janis Joplin meets Jewel by Music Connection Magazine, but Denise writes and sings from her own soul. Her considerable vocal range and songwriting talents have earned her the praise of critics and the industry alike...
Denise was selected to be a FEATURED ARTIST in Westlake Audio Studio's ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, and her song YOU is one of the songs featured in the film "Suitcase Murphy".
Denise has been featured LIVE on KCLA 99.3FM, KWSS 106.7 FM, KPFK 90.7 FM ARTS IN REVIEW, 88.5 FM "TIED TO THE TRACKS", VM UNDERGROUND, IHG LIVE and FLAT CAT RADIO.... CURRENT RADIO PLAY & ROTATION ALSO INCLUDES:
89.9 FM (WERU, MAINE) 107.8 FM BLACK DIAMOND FM (MIDLOTHIAN, SCOTLAND), BLUE SKY FM (LONDON, UK), BBS RADIO(CA), MUSICTOGOUSA.COM, CLASSIC FM & NETTERADIO. Denise is a passionate singer/songwriter who performs quite extensively: especially for festivals, charity events & fundraisers (WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE, i2Y, DAISY ROCK GUITAR "PRETTY N PUNK 2008", RELAY FOR LIFE, THE RED CROSS, OVARIAN CANCER.ORG, HEP C, LADIES NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVALS , LADIES IN THE COURTYARD, BENEFIT FOR LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICE @SABOR MI CULTURA, WORLDFEST, DESSERT SONGFEST, WORLD VEGAN DAY, SOUTH CENTRAL FARM AID, HUNAB, PEACE FEST, METHOD FEST, ARTS ALIVE & MORE TO COME!)
Denise has performed in some of the most respected VENUES worldwide including:
The Legendary Cavern Club (Home of The Beatles-Liverpool,UK), The Dublin Castle (Camden, London), Coffee Evolution (Huddersfield, Yorkshire), The Annesley (Dublin, Ireland), Under The Boardwalk (Sheffield, Yorkshire), NAMM 2006 (AUDIX BOOTH), The Key Club (LA), Borders Bookstores (throughout CA), The Gig (LA), The Joint (LA), The El Rey Theatre (LA), The Roxy (LA), The Mint (Chick Singer Night LA), The Hard Rock Cafe (LA), The Derby (LA), Tangier (LA), The Coffee Gallery Backstage (LA), Lush(LA), Room 5 Lounge (LA), Cat Club (LA), The Viper Room (LA), Monsoon Cafe (LA), Kulaks Woodshed (LA), Club Lingerie (LA), MBar (LA), Lava Lounge (LA), The Rainbow Room (LA), Molly Malones (LA), Genghis Cohen (LA), AlterKnit Lounge (LA), Tempest (LA), Harvelles (LA), The Crooked Bar (LA), The Verity Room (LA), Cafe Bella (Ventura, CA), Muddy Waters (Santa Barbara), Music Connections' Best Kept Secret Showcases, Indie Music Show, Songsalive Showcases, Acoustic Playhouse showcases, Circle Of Songs showcases, KBH showcases, Highland Grounds (LA), Caffeinds (San Diego), Martini Lounge (Huntington Beach), Santa Clarita Seafood Co, The Bitter End (NYC), The Duplex (NYC), 55 Bar (NYC), The Burren(MA), The Westin Resort (USVI), Tillet Gardens (USVI), Skinny Legs (USVI), Caneel Bay (USVI), Island Blues (USVI), The Beach Bar (USVI), The Westin Resort (USVI), La Tapa (USVI), Ivans (USVI), Seabreeze (USVI), Olive-R-Twist (USVI), Pannini Beach (USVI), Mongoose Junction (USVI), Geko Gazebo (USVI), Alice Cooperstown (AZ)...and more!
Having grown up between New York City and the Virgin Islands, Denise proudly incorporates all of her experiences as an actress(studied at The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, NYC and the Puerto Rican Travelling Theatre, NYC- has been featured in "Carlitos Way" (Photo below: John Leguizamo & I in "Carlito's Way"),"Jungle Fever", "Law & Order", "House Of Buggin", "You Wrote It You Watch It", "Breaking The Silence", and more...)Denise has performed in NYC theatres off broadway, in improv/educational troupes like the "W.E.T. Girls" (Womens Experiemental Theatre Group) and "The Grown Ups Playground", been featured in films, tv, educational films, industrials, print as an actress...as a dancer-You can see her dance away throughout Kenny Chesney's music video "HOW FOREVER FEELS". Denise has travelled extensively living in places like Scotland, London, the US Virgin Islands, and now Los Angeles.
"Thanks to my mom who raised my sister & I on her own- for showing us through her challenges and many obstacles, that anything is possible if you believe, stay positive, work hard, focus, treat others as you would like to be treated, stay true to yourself and your dreams, to keep faith and never, NEVER GIVE UP...BELIEVE...the power of the mind! I've been through many ups and downs in this life...what a rollercoaster ride...I'm now at the point in my life, where everything kind of makes sense...everything that I have experienced has led me to become the woman I am today!"
These experiences have led Denise to be a songwriter who shares a spirit that is deep, pure and real. Her songs speak of love, life and the pursuit of happiness. Denise is an artist who creates heartfelt music because it is a part of her being. Denise's inner voice speaks her purpose through her music while communicating meaningful messages to her audience.
