CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWS

Kz Guitar Works is a local all-handmade guitar factory in Zushi City, Japan.

Kz Guitar Works was established in 2001 by ESP Craft Academy graduate Kaz Ijyuin as a one-man operated shop specialized in building a close copy of Queen’s Brian May’s Red Special guitar to honor Queen’s music with May’s unique signature guitar sound.

Kaz’s curiosity and passion towards Brian May’s homemade guitar paid off when his Red Special copy guitar “Super” model version officially became Brian May’s actual back up guitar in 2007.

In 2016, Kz Guitar Works came to Anaheim for the Winter NAMM show to introduce KzOne Standard guitar, which is their take of the Red Special guitar for today’s modern applications and players.   When Kaz heard the band “The Struts”, they instantly became his next favorite band after Queen.  Soon after, Kaz contacted The Struts’ guitarist Adam Slack in hopes of building a guitar for him.

The two ended up developing KzOne Adam Slack model in 2017, which became Kz’s first Artist Signature guitar.

In 2018, Kz made their first bass guitar for The Struts’ Jed Elliott that also became his signature model.

In 2019, coinciding with The Struts’ 3rd Summer Sonic concert appearance in Japan, Kz made a second Adam Slack signature model, known as the“Adamoo”, Jed’s Jazz style bass “J-Edo”, as well as a red painted acoustic-electric model guitar which was ordered from by lead singer Luke Spiller, who named it “Cherry Dandy”. 

The Struts Signature Collection Guitars can be ordered in the exact specifications as the artist models or as a custom order in different colors and other options from Kz factory.

www.kzguitarworks.com

Photos by Chuck Walker

Thursday, November 7, 2019, 6:30 p.m.

at PINZ Bowling Center, Studio City, CA

Hosted by Broadcast Personality Eddie Trunk

Bringing together rock musicians and celebrities to benefit

RONNIE JAMES DIO STAND UP AND SHOUT CANCER FUND

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the world-renowned voice of Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell and Dio, will host its 5th Annual BOWL FOR RONNIE Celebrity Bowling Party to raise awareness and funds for its mission of cancer prevention, early detection research and education. Hosted by broadcast personality Eddie Trunk.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

6:30-8:30 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals

8:30 p.m. PBA World Champion bowler Jason Belmonte bowling demonstration

9 p.m. Celebrity Bowling Tournament

PINZ Bowling Center

12655 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California

Eddie Trunk’s team tried to defend their 2018 1st Place win with a celebrity team comprised of Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and Brent Woods (Sebastian Bach) plus eBay auction winner Dan Hayes.

Also joining the festivities this year was PBA World Champion bowler Jason Belmonte. Those planning to attend include musicians Dewey Bragg (Kill Devil Hill), Phil Buckman (Fuel, Petty Cash), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Jason Cornwell and Jimmy Burkard of Westbound, Jeff Dewbray, Logan Nikolic, and Patrick Stone of Budderside, Jeff Duncan (Armored Saint, DC4), Matt and Shawn Duncan of DC4, Fred Coury (Cinderella), Art Cruz (Lamb of God),Bjorn Englen (Dio), Marc Ferrari (Keel, Cold Sweat), David “Rock” Feinstein (Elf, The Rods), Damon Fox (The Cult), Craig Goldy and Scott Warren of Dio, members of Granny 4 Barrel, Rita Haney, Sonia Harley, Terry Ilous (XYZ, Great White), Richie Kotzen (Winery Dogs), Frank Kramer (KLOS Radio), actor/musician Sean McNabb (Lynch Mob), Dave “Chili” Moreno (Westbound, Puddle of Mudd), Todd Morse (Offspring, Petty Cash), Ronny Munroe (TSO, Metal Church), Sadie Nardini (Sadie and the Tribe), Rob “Blasko” Nicholson (Ozzy Osbourne), The Stray Cats’ Slim Jim Phantom, Rowan Robertson (Dio, DC4), Gonzo and Phil Sandoval (Armored Saint), Rudy Sarzo (Dio, Quiet Riot), Brett Scallions (Fuel), Ernie Snair (The Loveless), Steve Smyth (One Machine, Testament), Michael Spencer (Flotsam & Jetsam), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake), Jennie Vee (Eagles of Death Metal), Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Fates Warning), Chas West (Westbound, Bonham), Roy Z (Westbound, Halford) and actors Star Fields (Sons of Anarchy), Al Coronel (The Last Ship), Frankie Loyal (Mayans MC) and James St. Vincent (Being, The Depths). 

Photos by Manny Dominguez

Scott Medlock-Robby Krieger Golf Classic and All-Star Concert 2019 Night 2 Concert to Benefit Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The 12th Annual Scott Medlock-Robby Krieger Invitational and All-Star Concert benefiting Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology & St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® with Jerry Cantrell and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, actor/musician Dennis Quaid, Phil Chen of Jeff Beck, Cherie Currie of The Runaways, Mike Phillips of Prince, Platinum recording artist Haley Reinhart, and Robby Krieger of The Doors.

In addition to the Golf Classic, the All-Star Concert – hosted by internationally- renowned artist Scott Medlock and legendary guitarist for The Doors, Robby Krieger – raises funds for two important organizations dedicated to people touched by cancer. So many legendary Hall of Fame musicians have signed up, the concert will now be held on (2) two nights for one ticket! Talent lineup includes (not complete list): Danny Seraphine and Jason Scheff of CTA/Chicago, Tommy Thayer of Kiss, David Sikes and David Victor of Boston and Adrian Young of No Doubt, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, actor/musician Dennis Quaid, Phil Chen of Jeff Beck, Platinum recording artist Haley Reinhart, and Robby Krieger of The Doors. *Special guests included Cedric The Entertainer, actor Robert Hays, actor Dennis Haysbert and more…

Gourmet tastings by Bogie’s Mastro’s, Q Sushi, Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ and other premier restaurants, fine wines and premiere cocktails will be the fare for both evenings. “It’s a great event we created to share with our friends and music lovers, and an incredibly important this year, as many of us are currently staring cancer in the face,” noted founder Scott Medlock. “Participation at any level will help ensure that monies raised can go directly to research and treatment of this insidious disease that has somehow touched all of us at some time.” Concert Tickets are $500 for the two-night concert; Golf entries are $1,500 for individual golf spots/$6,000 per foursome. All can be purchased online at TheMedlockKrieger.com. (more) Sunday, October 27, 2019: Welcome Party and All-Star Concert 5:30pm All-Star Concert Bogie’s at Westlake Village Inn Monday, October 28, 2019: All-Star Concert and Golf Tournament 10:30am Golf Tournament at North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village for the Golf Tournament 6:00pm All-Star Concert at the Bogie’s at Westlake Village Inn.

About Scotty Medlock and Robby Krieger

Twelve years ago, avid golfers Scott Medlock, renowned PGA artist and Robby Krieger, famed guitarists from The Doors have been friends more than 25 years decided to dedicate their time to raising money and awareness for their community. Now 12 years later the Medlock Krieger has created a significant milestone, becoming one of the most consistent fundraisers for cancer research and support. To be part of this history and to learn more, please visit: http://www.TheMedlockKrieger.com facebook.com/MedlockKriegerInvitational instagram.com/themedlockkrieger @MedlockKrieger About Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology For 25 years, the Simms/Mann – UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology has stood side-by-side with patients and families living with cancer and its treatments. They understand that when dealing with cancer, medicine alone is not enough. Throughout UCLA Health, the Simms/ Mann team provides whole-person care, a place of hope and healing, and immediate integrative support through psychological, nutritional and mind/body guidance to the whole family during the most challenging time in our patients’ lives. The Center’s services are provided at no cost to those who need them now. While other organizations do the important work of finding a cure for cancer someday, the Simms/Mann Center is here for those meeting the challenge of cancer head on today. Please stand with us in making a difference for them. https://www.simmsmanncenter.ucla.edu/ About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. https://www.stjude.org/

Pictures by Chuck Walker

THE 8TH ANNUAL ROCKGODZ HALL OF FAME AWARDS 2019
THE CANYON CLUB, AGOURA HILLS, CA OCTOBER 27TH 2019

Sunday October 27th at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills for the RockGodz Hall of Fame annual induction ceremony and concert, honoring rock n’roll luminaries.

The RockGodz Hall of Fame is an event that brings recognition to the musicians who built the legacy of rock music, honoring incredible artists and their work. Rock and roll legends will honor their own during a celebration of music with passion and talent at its core, spotlighting the lesser-known musicians who built the legacy of rock music.

The RockGodz Hall of Fame annual induction ceremony and concert, honoring rock n’roll luminaries.

The RockGodz Hall of Fame is an event that brings recognition to the musicians who built the legacy of rock music, honoring incredible artists and their work. Rock and roll legends will honor their own during a celebration of music with passion and talent at its core, spotlighting the lesser-known musicians who built the legacy of rock music.

www.rockgodzhalloffame.com

All RockGodz Hall of Fame inductees are selected by inductee alumni, their peers, which continues to make the organization highly respected by the music community.

2019 presenters included:

GREGG BISSONETTE

FRAZER SMITH

JOHN GOOD

PHIL CHEN

RICHIE KOTZEN

TIM PIERCE

2019 honorees are:

ALEX SKOLNICK

Alex Skolnick is both an original member of Testament and a respected New
York improviser of multiple styles. Emerging as one of the original melodic
thrash guitarists, he has gone on to release several critically acclaimed
albums with the Alex Skolnick Trio. In 2005, he reunited with Testament, the impact of which has eclipsed the band’s initial run, including being featured on Slayer’s recent farewell tour. As a writer, Alex has been a contributor to UNBUILT (a biannual lifestyle and cultural magazine that included fellow “metal intellectual,” D Randall Blythe -vocalist of Lamb of God). He has also written for The Talkhouse, Guitar World, Guitar Player and other publications. Whether carefully listening and playing alongside improvising instrumentalists or loudly shredding with Testament or Metal Allegiance, it’s safe to say that Skolnick has found his own niche as a guitarist.

BOB GLAUB

Bob Glaub is a session bass player from Los Angeles who’s had the good fortune to record and tour over the last five decades with legendary artists and bands that include; Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, Donna Summer, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bob Seger,
Neil Diamond, Bee Gees, The Doors, The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Journey, Bon Jovi, Dwight Yoakam, Dolly Parton, Taj Mahal, Aaron Neville, Lucinda Williams, Warren Zevon as well as hundreds of others. Bob currently tours with Jackson Browne and continues to be in demand on a wide variety of recording projects.

BRETT TUGGLE

An award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist, Brett Tuggle is one of the most in-demand players in the music industry. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Page, David Lee Roth, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Steven Tyler. Brett played and toured with Rick Springfield on the heels of Rick’s hit single Jesse’s Girl, and later, David Lee Roth after he had split from Van Halen. During this period, Brett was able to stretch his songwriting legs, co-writing several songs with Roth including the top 10 single Just Like Paradise in 1988. Brett lives in Los Angeles and does session work when not on tour.

BURLEIGH DRUMMOND

Burleigh Drummond, born 9-25-51, grew up as an Army brat on military bases around the world, most notably four years in Ankara, Turkey. The enchantment with drumming began here and still runs rampant through his system. Burleigh was a founding member of Ambrosia in 1970 and has also performed-recorded- produced with Alan Parsons, The Lost Dogs, Player, Bill Champlin, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Michael McDonaldetc. To date Burleigh and his wife and musical partner Mary Harris have recorded three albums of their own group Tin Drum and produced over 200 albums for other artists.

DANNY KORTCHMAR

Danny Kortchmar’s resume reads like a Who’s Who of the music industry. A renown guitarist, producer, songwriter and session musician, Kortchmar has played, produced and written for James Taylor, Don Henley, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and many more. As a songwriter, Kortchmar has either written alone or collaborated with numerous artists and has penned such indelible tracks like Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry,” “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “New York Minute,” as well as Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby” and “Shaky Town,” to name a few. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Kortchmar was a member of The Section, best known for both their work in support of some of the top selling singer/songwriters and solo singers in the history of music. Together, Recently, Kortchmar put members of The Section back together again and they now perform regularly live around the world as The Immediate Family.

GREG LEISZ

Greg Leisz is a Southern California-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. He has worked as a touring and recording musician with many of the best known artists in the music world. He plays guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, mandolin and banjo. Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Joe Cocker, David Crosby, Bill Frisell, Bonnie Raittand Robert Plant are a few of the artists with whom he has recorded and performed.
He is currently touring and recording with Jackson Browneand is a member of the group Charles Lloyd and the Marvels. He appeared on back to back Grammy award winning albums of the year in 2014 (Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories”) and in 2015 (Beck’s “Morning Phase”). The Americana Music Association awarded Leisz a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He was awarded a Grammy in 2011 for his work with Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs on the album “God Willing & The Creek Don’t Rise”

JEFF BOVA

Grammy Award-winning producer and musician, Bova won his Album of the Year Grammy as a producer on Celine Dion’s, Falling Into You. Jeff’s rock roots have always been a major part of his work. Jeff is featured as keyboardist and synthesizers on some recordings by: Meat Loaf, Robert Palmer, Eric Clapton, Iggy Pop to name a few. During a career spanning over 40 years, he has contributed to hundreds of recordings by significant mainstream artists including Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and many more. Jeff has been the creative muse for legendary producer/songwriter Jim Steinman’s over-the-top operatic rock and pop songs since they began working together in the 80’s.
Jeff continues to produce, arrange and collaborate with new and exciting young artists.

JIM KELTNER

Born in Oklahoma, he grew up in Pasadena, California and started doing session work, launching a quite a career. His drumming style typically melds deceptively simple drum patterns and a casual, loose feel with extraordinary precision. Keltner is best known for his session work on solo recordings by three of The Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr. He and Starr were the drummers on the Concert for Bangladesh, rock music’s first charity benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York. In addition, he has also worked with Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Steely Dan, Ry Cooder, Randy Newman, Dolly Parton, Harry Nilsson, Simon and Garfunkel, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Ziggy Marley, Bill Frisell, John Mayer, Diana Krall,, Conor Oberst, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boz Scaggs, Sara Bareilles, Jenny Lewis, and Phoebe Bridgers and many more.

JOHN ‘JR’ ROBINSON

John ‘JR’ Robinson started playing piano at age 5 and drums at age 8. He turned pro when he started his first band at the young age of 10. JR won his first Grammy with the hit record, Chaka Khan’s Rufus “Ain’t Nobody” in 1983.
JR has become the most recorded drummer in history. He has played on over 500,000,000 records! Some of the hits are, We Are The World, All Night Long and You Are by Lionel Richie, I’m Just A Gigolo and California Girls by David Lee Roth, Higher Love, The Finer Things and Back In The Highlife by Steve Winwood, Change The World by Eric Clapton, Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories”, and Rod Stewart’s Rhythm Of Your Heart, just to name a few. JR will continue to add his magic on many hits, movies and jingles to come with his recognized sound employing great time, great songs and a great groove.

PETER BECKETT

Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley met each other at a Hollywood Party in early 1977. Beckett was a rock musician from Liverpool & Crowley was a country singer from Texas. Within a week, they started writing songs together. A short time later, they enlisted the help of Ronn Moss on bass and John Friesen on drums and Player was born. Player enjoyed success following their number one single “Baby Come Back” which was written by Beckett and Crowley and sung by Beckett. Their second single “This Time I’m In It For Love” reached #10. Eventually J.C. Crowley & Ronn Moss. Beckett continued to write and produce several more albums as Player. Concurrently, he spent 9 years touring with Little River Band as a song-writer, vocalist & rhythm guitarist. Peter Beckett is still going strong, both as a solo artist touring with many other classic 70’s bands and with his own band.

RACHEL BOLAN

Rachel Bolan is the co-founder and songwriter for the band SKID ROW. Rachel realized that he wanted to be a performer at a very young age when he went to see Liberacewith his parents and Grandmother. “I was only 5 years old, but was taken aback by the energy that filled the venue” Rachel said. It was after that moment he began listening to all the records that his brother and sisters owned. The first record he purchased was The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers. It changed his life. After that he was turned on to the likes of Alice Cooper, Kiss, Sex Pistols and Ramonesto name a few. His first gig was in 1978 at Manasquan high school in Manasquan, NJ. In 1986 Rachel met Snake and the rest is history. Outside of Skid Row, Rachel produces other bands and writes songs for other artists, sports teams and with Snake writes music for ESPN.

RICHIE ZITO

Richie Zito’s career began at 15 years old, when Gerry Wexler signed him to Atlantic Records. In 1973, Richie moved to L.A. and soon attained success as a prolific Session Musician, recording with artists including Elton John, Ringo Starr, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, Rick James, Donna Summer, Barbara Streisand, Lionel Richie and Giorgio Moroder. In 1980 Richie became a member of Elton John’s Band. They recorded 3 albums and toured the world culminating in a Concert at Central Park for 450,000 people. Richie played guitar on the notable motion picture soundtracks for Scarface , Top Gun American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, and Streets of Fire. Richie continued his career by Producing records for Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector, Joe Cocker, The Cult, Cher, Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Poison, Heart a #1 for Cheap Trick, and a # 1 for Bad English to name a few. In 1990 Richie was honored with Billboard’s Producer of the Year Award. As a songwriter, Richie Zito wrote songs for Diana Ross, Roger Daltrey, and Graham Nash.

Photos by Chuck Walker

The RockGodz Hall of Fame annual induction ceremony and concert, honoring rock n’roll luminaries.

The RockGodz Hall of Fame is an event that brings recognition to the musicians who built the legacy of rock music, honoring incredible artists and their work. Rock and roll legends will honor their own during a celebration of music with passion and talent at its core, spotlighting the lesser-known musicians who built the legacy of rock music.

www.rockgodzhalloffame.com

All RockGodz Hall of Fame inductees are selected by inductee alumni, their peers, which continues to make the organization highly respected by the music community.

2019 presenters included:

GREGG BISSONETTE

FRAZER SMITH

JOHN GOOD

PHIL CHEN

RICHIE KOTZEN

TIM PIERCE

2019 honorees are:

ALEX SKOLNICK

Alex Skolnick is both an original member of Testament and a respected New
York improviser of multiple styles. Emerging as one of the original melodic
thrash guitarists, he has gone on to release several critically acclaimed
albums with the Alex Skolnick Trio. In 2005, he reunited with Testament, the impact of which has eclipsed the band’s initial run, including being featured on Slayer’s recent farewell tour. As a writer, Alex has been a contributor to UNBUILT (a biannual lifestyle and cultural magazine that included fellow “metal intellectual,” D Randall Blythe -vocalist of Lamb of God). He has also written for The Talkhouse, Guitar World, Guitar Player and other publications. Whether carefully listening and playing alongside improvising instrumentalists or loudly shredding with Testament or Metal Allegiance, it’s safe to say that Skolnick has found his own niche as a guitarist.

BOB GLAUB

Bob Glaub is a session bass player from Los Angeles who’s had the good fortune to record and tour over the last five decades with legendary artists and bands that include; Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, Randy Newman, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, Donna Summer, Carole King, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Bob Seger,
Neil Diamond, Bee Gees, The Doors, The Beach Boys, The Doobie Brothers, Journey, Bon Jovi, Dwight Yoakam, Dolly Parton, Taj Mahal, Aaron Neville, Lucinda Williams, Warren Zevon as well as hundreds of others. Bob currently tours with Jackson Browne and continues to be in demand on a wide variety of recording projects.

BRETT TUGGLE

An award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist, Brett Tuggle is one of the most in-demand players in the music industry. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Page, David Lee Roth, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Steven Tyler. Brett played and toured with Rick Springfield on the heels of Rick’s hit single Jesse’s Girl, and later, David Lee Roth after he had split from Van Halen. During this period, Brett was able to stretch his songwriting legs, co-writing several songs with Roth including the top 10 single Just Like Paradise in 1988. Brett lives in Los Angeles and does session work when not on tour.

BURLEIGH DRUMMOND

Burleigh Drummond, born 9-25-51, grew up as an Army brat on military bases around the world, most notably four years in Ankara, Turkey. The enchantment with drumming began here and still runs rampant through his system. Burleigh was a founding member of Ambrosia in 1970 and has also performed-recorded- produced with Alan Parsons, The Lost Dogs, Player, Bill Champlin, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Michael McDonaldetc. To date Burleigh and his wife and musical partner Mary Harris have recorded three albums of their own group Tin Drum and produced over 200 albums for other artists.

DANNY KORTCHMAR

Danny Kortchmar’s resume reads like a Who’s Who of the music industry. A renown guitarist, producer, songwriter and session musician, Kortchmar has played, produced and written for James Taylor, Don Henley, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and many more. As a songwriter, Kortchmar has either written alone or collaborated with numerous artists and has penned such indelible tracks like Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry,” “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “New York Minute,” as well as Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby” and “Shaky Town,” to name a few. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, Kortchmar was a member of The Section, best known for both their work in support of some of the top selling singer/songwriters and solo singers in the history of music. Together, Recently, Kortchmar put members of The Section back together again and they now perform regularly live around the world as The Immediate Family.

GREG LEISZ

Greg Leisz is a Southern California-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. He has worked as a touring and recording musician with many of the best known artists in the music world. He plays guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, mandolin and banjo. Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Joe Cocker, David Crosby, Bill Frisell, Bonnie Raittand Robert Plant are a few of the artists with whom he has recorded and performed.
He is currently touring and recording with Jackson Browneand is a member of the group Charles Lloyd and the Marvels. He appeared on back to back Grammy award winning albums of the year in 2014 (Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories”) and in 2015 (Beck’s “Morning Phase”). The Americana Music Association awarded Leisz a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He was awarded a Grammy in 2011 for his work with Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs on the album “God Willing & The Creek Don’t Rise”

JEFF BOVA

Grammy Award-winning producer and musician, Bova won his Album of the Year Grammy as a producer on Celine Dion’s, Falling Into You. Jeff’s rock roots have always been a major part of his work. Jeff is featured as keyboardist and synthesizers on some recordings by: Meat Loaf, Robert Palmer, Eric Clapton, Iggy Pop to name a few. During a career spanning over 40 years, he has contributed to hundreds of recordings by significant mainstream artists including Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and many more. Jeff has been the creative muse for legendary producer/songwriter Jim Steinman’s over-the-top operatic rock and pop songs since they began working together in the 80’s.
Jeff continues to produce, arrange and collaborate with new and exciting young artists.

JIM KELTNER

Born in Oklahoma, he grew up in Pasadena, California and started doing session work, launching a quite a career. His drumming style typically melds deceptively simple drum patterns and a casual, loose feel with extraordinary precision. Keltner is best known for his session work on solo recordings by three of The Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr. He and Starr were the drummers on the Concert for Bangladesh, rock music’s first charity benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York. In addition, he has also worked with Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Steely Dan, Ry Cooder, Randy Newman, Dolly Parton, Harry Nilsson, Simon and Garfunkel, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Lucinda Williams, Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Ziggy Marley, Bill Frisell, John Mayer, Diana Krall,, Conor Oberst, Jerry Lee Lewis, Boz Scaggs, Sara Bareilles, Jenny Lewis, and Phoebe Bridgers and many more.

JOHN ‘JR’ ROBINSON

John ‘JR’ Robinson started playing piano at age 5 and drums at age 8. He turned pro when he started his first band at the young age of 10. JR won his first Grammy with the hit record, Chaka Khan’s Rufus “Ain’t Nobody” in 1983.
JR has become the most recorded drummer in history. He has played on over 500,000,000 records! Some of the hits are, We Are The World, All Night Long and You Are by Lionel Richie, I’m Just A Gigolo and California Girls by David Lee Roth, Higher Love, The Finer Things and Back In The Highlife by Steve Winwood, Change The World by Eric Clapton, Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories”, and Rod Stewart’s Rhythm Of Your Heart, just to name a few. JR will continue to add his magic on many hits, movies and jingles to come with his recognized sound employing great time, great songs and a great groove.

PETER BECKETT

Peter Beckett and J.C. Crowley met each other at a Hollywood Party in early 1977. Beckett was a rock musician from Liverpool & Crowley was a country singer from Texas. Within a week, they started writing songs together. A short time later, they enlisted the help of Ronn Moss on bass and John Friesen on drums and Player was born. Player enjoyed success following their number one single “Baby Come Back” which was written by Beckett and Crowley and sung by Beckett. Their second single “This Time I’m In It For Love” reached #10. Eventually J.C. Crowley & Ronn Moss. Beckett continued to write and produce several more albums as Player. Concurrently, he spent 9 years touring with Little River Band as a song-writer, vocalist & rhythm guitarist. Peter Beckett is still going strong, both as a solo artist touring with many other classic 70’s bands and with his own band.

RACHEL BOLAN

Rachel Bolan is the co-founder and songwriter for the band SKID ROW. Rachel realized that he wanted to be a performer at a very young age when he went to see Liberacewith his parents and Grandmother. “I was only 5 years old, but was taken aback by the energy that filled the venue” Rachel said. It was after that moment he began listening to all the records that his brother and sisters owned. The first record he purchased was The Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers. It changed his life. After that he was turned on to the likes of Alice Cooper, Kiss, Sex Pistols and Ramonesto name a few. His first gig was in 1978 at Manasquan high school in Manasquan, NJ. In 1986 Rachel met Snake and the rest is history. Outside of Skid Row, Rachel produces other bands and writes songs for other artists, sports teams and with Snake writes music for ESPN.

RICHIE ZITO

Richie Zito’s career began at 15 years old, when Gerry Wexler signed him to Atlantic Records. In 1973, Richie moved to L.A. and soon attained success as a prolific Session Musician, recording with artists including Elton John, Ringo Starr, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, Rick James, Donna Summer, Barbara Streisand, Lionel Richie and Giorgio Moroder. In 1980 Richie became a member of Elton John’s Band. They recorded 3 albums and toured the world culminating in a Concert at Central Park for 450,000 people. Richie played guitar on the notable motion picture soundtracks for Scarface , Top Gun American Gigolo, Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, and Streets of Fire. Richie continued his career by Producing records for Eddie Money & Ronnie Spector, Joe Cocker, The Cult, Cher, Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Poison, Heart a #1 for Cheap Trick, and a # 1 for Bad English to name a few. In 1990 Richie was honored with Billboard’s Producer of the Year Award. As a songwriter, Richie Zito wrote songs for Diana Ross, Roger Daltrey, and Graham Nash.

Photography by Alex Kluft