City Stars Introduction - Declan Remus

The next and last introduction goes to Declan Remus. Dex and I have been connected for roughly 20 years. We've always been each other's supporter. Whether it's music or biking for autism or just being a friend (cue the Golden Girls theme song) it's been a pleasure to have Dex in my life.

Dex has been playing guitar and writing music since the early 90's. He (and few other great friends of ours) started a band in college called Brandon's Art. (Get me drunk and you'll hear the demos.) Then there was a long stint of him playing in the Springsteen tribute band, Thunder Road. They toured the shore (and beyond). We reconnected about 8 years ago and Dex has been my right hand man when it comes to my music. I can't be more thankful for that. His tasty guitar work can be heard on the City Stars track "Milly" as well as a bunch of songs on my debut album, Giants Will Fall.

So make sure to venture out to the Bloomfield Public Library tomorrow at 2p for the City Stars - Album Release and to hear Dex lay down the law. Let us know if you're coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/371388376629142

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City Stars Introduction - Ken Kusama

The next introduction is Ken Kusama. Ken is a multi-instrumentalist that recorded the additional lush guitars on Amaze Me for the City Stars EP. He also contributed drum and guitar parts on my debut album Giants Will Fall.

I've known Ken for a while now. He's a fan of coffee, capos, and open tunings. We briefly played as a duo.  I got to not only to share the stage with Ken but to become close friends. Unfortunately, he won't be around for the City Stars - Album Release show but the band and I will make sure to capture the spirit of Ken on Amaze Me.

So make sure to let us know if you are coming to the release show by going here: https://www.facebook.com/events/371388376629142/

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City Stars Introduction - Christian Davis

The next City Stars - Album Release introduction goes to bassist, beer connoisseur, and amazing friend, Christian Davis. Christian recorded the low end for a bunch of songs on my first album, Giants Will Fall, and will accompany me on some of those songs this Saturday. Here's some more about Christian:

"After years of contributing to the rhythm sections of tri-state area bands, and working with some wonderful songwriters, Christian Davis set out to find his own voice. He initially worked out guitar parts on bass, with thoughts of forming a band, but in time bass became the only instrument. He’s developed a raw style, with bare bones bass tones and rhythms, and stream of consciousness lyricism. His lyrics express feelings on the future, the past, relationships, politics, and self-exploration."

Christian has really developed a unique bass/vocal performance style that is wonderful to hear. Hopefully we'll see more of his solo stuff in the future (nudge, nudge). For now, come on down Saturday to the show and see Christian tear it up.

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City Stars Introduction - Barbara Carames

Barbara Carames is a force to reckoned with. Not only did she lend her voice to the track "Amaze Me" on City Stars but gets her voice out there in many ways. Check this out:

"Unbeknownst to the world, a shy, 7 year-old girl started singing and she kept doing it because she LOVED it! Her journey of self-expression and shared-expression would ultimately lead Barbara to various forms of music and theater. In college at Stevens Institute of Technology, Barbara would become a well-rounded Renaissance woman of the arts, singing in choirs and cabarets, performing in leading stage roles, and honing her craft in just about every production role she could get her hands on. Since then, life as a corporate professional have kept Barbara very busy but she does her best to make time and embrace her passion for the arts when she can - especially when a dear “amigo” invites her to collaborate! Her experience recording with Aquino on City Stars has been nothing short of amazing and one Barbara will always appreciate and treasure!"

Same here, Barbara! Same here. I've known Barbara as a performer from a young age (we met in elementary school) and I am beyond thrilled to have her sing "Amaze Me" at the City Stars Album Release Show on Saturday. Are you coming?! Don't miss her sing!

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City Stars Introduction - Gene-Manuel Whirling

It was a little over a year ago that I asked Gene-Manuel Whirling if he would consider creating the album art for City Stars. I only had demos of the songs. I sent them to him and he felt an immediate connection. Inspired by the themes in the songs and his love for architecture, he created the current cover. He absolutely captured the essence and tone of the album. I couldn't be more happy. More on Gene-Manuel:

"Gene-Manuel Whirling is a self-taught, mixed-media artist, who follows his instincts when it comes to the work he creates. He learns by doing and does his best to not let the fear of 'not knowing' get in the way of making art."

To see more of G-M's beautiful works, you can go here: https://www.thewhirlinggene.com or consider purchasing some of his art here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhirlingArt

The City Stars Album Release show is Saturday! Please make sure to let us know your coming by heading over to the link.

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City Stars Introduction - Tony Donato

Tony Donato developed the low end for the song "Milly" on my upcoming EP City Stars. He's a dynamic bass player and energetic producer of his own projects. More on Tony:

"Tony Donato is a songwriter/musician/producer who has curated and released tribute/compilation albums (Yoko Ono tribute, Children's Tumor Foundation fundraiser) as well as three albums by his own band, Jack Brag. Watch for future projects including the debut of his new band, Take Two, as well as a tribute album to The Monkees!"

Definitely keep an out for his future projects because if they are anything like Tony, they will be fantastic. I am very lucky to have Tony playing this Saturday with me at the City Stars Album Release. Starts at 2p. Please make sure to let us know you'll be there!

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City Stars Introduction - Jim Killgore

Jim Killgore returns as engineering wizard behind City Stars. He is responsible for the mixing and mastering of the EP (as well as my first album Giants Will Fall). More on Jim:

"From humble beginnings recording his high school band to working on multi-platinum artists records, Jim has had a variety of opportunities in his young audio engineering career.

He has been teaching Pro Tools/audio at Mohawk College since the fall of 2013. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University, in 2006, with a Bachelor's degree in the Recording Industry Management program, Jim began working for Of Sound Mind Productions in the Nashville area where he learned the art of Pro Tools from Brady Barnett, an engineer who has worked on many multiplatinum records. Jim worked two years in Nashville and continued to work for Of Sound Mind as a digital editor after moving to Canada. While working for OSM, he had the opportunity to be a cog in the great machine that produces many hit records for artists, such as Brad Paisley, Lonestar, Toby Keith, Josh Turner and many more.

As an audio engineer in Canada, Jim has had the opportunity to work with many talented artists and musicians. Jim engineered Canadian music legend Skip Prokop's smooth jazz album that won "Jazz Album of the Year" at the 2012 Hamilton Music Awards. Also, he engineered and mixed The Barn Katz 2013 bluegrass album that was nominated for a Hamilton Music Award."

I am thankful that I discovered Jim when creating Giants Will Fall and that we've established this wonderful working relationship. Here's to more music!

Remember to let us know if you'll be attending the City Stars Album Release (<--click it!). All proceeds of the show will be going to ConPRmetidos and their Maria: Puerto Rico Real-Time Recovery Fund.

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