Meet The Rockers In Recovery All Star Band
Ricky Byrd- Byrd is probably most closely identified with the monstrous power chords that helped define Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ platinum cover of “I Love Rock & Roll,” and ensure its eternal rotation daily throughout the universe. His blistering rhythms and soaring leads played equally powerful roles in the Blackhearts’ subsequent great hits.
Byrd remains eternally grateful for the opportunity to orbit the globe more frequently than the space shuttle and live out the “Number One with a Bullet” dream most mortals only fantasize about. But after a dozen years, it was time for a change. And the confines of what Joni Mitchell has so poignantly called “the star making machinery” could never have satisfied, much less revealed, the soulful, complete musician and mature artist Byrd proves himself to be on what is, astoundingly, for a dude who’s been making major label albums for decades, his solo debut, Lifer. Just to name a few Byrd has recorded with or played with Ian Hunter, Joan Jett,Roger Daltrey, Mavis Staple, and Southside Johnny.
Ricky a 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominee for his work with Joan Jett is ready to release his solo debut, Lifer. I have been privileged to hear cuts off the new music and I believe it will be a huge success. Ricky’s skills as a musician and producer will shine once again as always.
Christine Ohlman – The Beehive Queen – This queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul, who grew up loving equally the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, whether played by Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, or Pop Staples, teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector and never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. She’s the current, long-time vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band, whose latest CD, 2010’s The Deep End, was honored on five national Top Ten lists and features special guests/duet partners Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, and Marshall Crenshaw, plus Levon Helm, GE Smith, Andy York, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Catherine Russell, Big Al Anderson, and others.
Ohlman’s legendary voice and stage presence were featured on SNL’s 25th Anniversary telecast; Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde, and others) the 2009 Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C.; The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting, Lou Reed and Van Dyke Parks; and the Central Park Summerstage Tribute To Janis Joplin (where she fronted both Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band).
This is just the tip of the iceberg of the who’s who The Beehive Queen has fronted for. Christine’s must listen to CD “The Deep End” is not only touching but is hard driven.
Richie Supa- Richie is an American songwriter and guitarist best known for his work with Aerosmith and Richie Sambora. A longtime friend ofAerosmith, he has made a number of musical contributions to the band and has offered moral support. He temporarily replaced Joe Perry when he left the band in 1979 until a replacement was found. Additionally, he helped co-write several songs, including the hits “Chip Away the Stone” (1978), “Lightning Strikes” (1982), “Amazing” (1993), and “Pink” (1997), among others.
Supa co-wrote most of the songs on Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora’s second solo album Undiscovered Soul. He wrote the song “Misery” for the album Missundaztood by Pink, on which Aerosmith’s singer Steve Tyler and Richie Sambora collaborated and co-wrote the song “My Interpretation” from Mika‘s debut album Life in Cartoon Motion. Richie also co wrote Back on Earth for OZZY.
Richie keeps his playing skills honed by keeping busy playing his hits live at songwriter events all over the country, along with his passion for helping with charities like The Boys and Girls Club.
Kasim Sulton - Kasim a highly coveted sideman, singer/songwriter. He is recognized and respected for his work with other artists, including Todd Rundgren and Utopia, Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, Hall and Oates, Patti Smith, Patty Smyth, Mick Jagger, and Celine Dion to name just a few. His level of involvement has ranged from playing bass, keyboards, and/or guitar, to adding vocal harmonies, singing lead, and contributing as a songwriter, to producing entire albums, as he did with the Meat Loaf VH-1 Storytellers CD, released in 1999. There isn’t much he hasn’t done in his 25 years in the music industry.
In April of 2001, Sulton began showcasing his own music for the first time since the early 80’s release of his self-titled debut album. He scheduled a few solo acoustic shows in his home state of New York. They were to be small, quiet shows just to test the waters, but word quickly spread and fans traveled from miles around to show their support. Enthusiastic fans welcomed him with open arms, and venues were soon asking when he’d be back. The overwhelming success of these early shows prompted Sulton to hit the road for a full tour that summer. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and some stories from his past and present, he played his way across the U.S. including stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, and Milwaukee. In Chicago, Sulton made an appearance at the Guitar Center where he met with fans, signed autographs, and posed for photos.
Mark Stein- Mark is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger of Vanilla Fudge. Mark first founded Vanilla Fudge in 1966 at the age of 18 with members Tim Bogert, Vinny Martell, and Carmine Appice. In the short time they were together the band enjoyed their giant success with their first Atco album release self-entitled Vanilla Fudge. Groundbreaking work since it was the first album to reach the top ten on Billboard’s charts without a hit single. The legendary rock arrangement of You Keep Me Hangin’ On became the band’s first hit single nearly two years after the release of their album.
During the 1960′s the Fudge were one of rock’s most exciting, high-energy touring bands, setting the stage for the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Deep Purple, and even Led Zeppelin. Through a total of five albums and the tireless touring, the legendary Vanilla Fudge influenced artists around the world with their inspired performances and unique musical interpretations. Bands like Yes, The Who, Deep Purple, and many others have credited Vanilla Fudge with having a profound effect on their music, and the overall musical renaissance of the late ’60s. The band’s influence is still felt even today.
Mark’s new book “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”. MORE THAN A BIOGRAPHY, or a tell-all, You Keep Me Hangin’ On is a cultural and social history, music criticism, and the story of generational change. Enriched by first-hand perspective of Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge, the reader will be transported into scenes and conversations with some of Rock’s most celebrated innovators.
Liberty Devitto- Drummer for Billy Joel band for 30 years. In 1968, the same year he graduated from high school, after constant practice, (playing to records – Liberty never took lessons) and playing in local bands, he received a phone call from a guy that said he was Mitch Ryder’s tour manager. He said Mitch’s drummer was very sick and they needed someone to fill in. Liberty said, “When?” They said “Tonight.” Next thing he knew he was on stage with Mitch, taking cues from the sax player. They did “Jenny Takes a Ride”, “Devil with a Blue Dress”, “Sock it to Me Baby”, and others. That tour lasted for 6 weeks, playing up and down the East Coast.
Right after Mitch Ryder, Liberty got a gig with Long Island alumni, Richie Supa, and had his first recording experience. The album “Supa’s Jamboree” was recorded in Atlanta, 1969-70, and was produced by Buddy Buie of the Classics 4 and Atlanta Rhythm Section Fame. The album was released on Paramount Records and a tour immediately followed. The band sometimes opened for groups like the James Gang and Grand Funk Railroad. Then one day, a friend, who was playing weddings at a catering hall, asked if Liberty would sit in for him. Liberty said, during those years the group Topper was formed. The band consisted of Liberty on drums, Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Russell Javors on guitar and vocals, Howie Emerson on guitar, slide guitar and dobro. The band had a sound of it’s own, with all original material. Topper, with the addition of sax player Richie Cannata, eventually became Billy Joel’s band.
In 2003, Liberty DeVitto signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization that provides free musical instruments and instruction to children in underserved public schools throughout the U.S.A. Liberty has personally delivered instruments to children in the program, performed at benefit events for the cause, and sits on the organization’s Honorary Board of Directors.
Contact Rockers In Recovery for band bookings or sponsorship opportunities by phone 954-826-4920.
