Breaking new ground within the exploration of pure-styled rock & roll, Ike Reilly unveils an unusual ability as a songwriter, venturing to assault the ruggedness of hard rock tones and forwarding crude and fierce lyrics within his songs. Born in the little town of Libertyville, IL, Reilly follows a separated trail of most of the singer/songwriters of the late ’90s. Unlike other artists, Reilly prefers the harshness of intrepid rocking riffs, sustained by ingenious melodies and exalting words. The arrival of a nationwide wave of enthusiasm surrounding his creations within the indie music scene turned out to be motivated by his thrilling debut album, Salesmen & Racists, which hit record stores in 2001. Nevertheless, his path within the music world began years before in the late ’80s, and still in Libertyville, where he always lived.
Ike’s songs feature his signature gritty yet soothing voice and brutally honest lyrics (though he claims that none of his songs are really about him). “Last time, I couldn’t make you come,” blurts the opening line, proving that making music, for Ike, isn’t about impressing anyone. Backed up by Tinley’s catchy and innovative guitar and keyboard riffs and a tight cast of band members, “Salesmen and Racists” showed that garage band rock revival music can become a well mastered art form.
For Academy Award nominated actor Danny Aiello’s second CD he was inspired by Atlantic City, Sinatras old stomping ground. It was the place where old blue eyes performed his final public US concert while Danny Aiello watched from the audience. “My wife Sandy and I got a call from my agent inviting us down to Atlantic City to see the show and meet Frank. I loved Sinatra and jumped at the chance not knowing what to expect. He was everything and more and the Copa Room, well, it was the perfect setting.”
And so it is fitting when a friend suggests in 2005 that he record one of those Atlantic City shows, preferably from The Sands so he and his band could preserve a little history for themselves, Aiello agrees, “Given Sinatra’s history on that stage and my memories of seeing him there, the Sands really captured the spirit of the resort’s history among the excitement of a new Atlantic City. For me, it made perfect sense.”
A lifelong resident of New York City, Danny Aiello began acting in his mid 30’s. With a reputation for no-holds-barred stage and screen performances which are brimming with honest emotion. Aiello received unanimous acclaim including Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor, and was named Best Supporting Actor by the Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago Film Critics Associations.
“Nothing great happens without taking risks,” says Chris Volz. And while this comment can apply to almost anything in life, he means it in relation to his forthcoming album, “Redemption,” his first as a solo artist. As someone who has always performed in a band scenario (formerly with FLAW and the recently-disbanded Five.Bolt.Main), the solo thing has been a leap for him, yet one he was ready to make. And his lyrics, while always deep and introspective in the past, seem to plumb new depths here, opening Volz wide to listeners and fans. “The lyrics on this record are very personal,” he says. “I don’t sing about anything I haven’t felt or don’t mean.”
Volz embraced the opportunity to make music in a different way than he ever has before. “Personally, this record was my turn to grab the reins. This album is, with no offense meant to any of my former bandmates, the chance to do everything I’ve always wanted to do.” While past studio time with his bands may have taken considerably longer and was likely rife with a number of strong, artistic personalities coming together, sometimes clashing, sometimes making musical magic, the recording process on “Redemption” took two weeks, the fastest recording experience of Volz’s career. “I have never recorded that expediently. The musicians we worked with were extremely professional and productive. It all flowed very well and everything fell right into place.”