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From Jim in Delaware: My wife and I have been going to the Rusty Rudder for more than fifteen years, and your Saturday evening show was the most fun we've ever had there! And we enjoyed you for an extra hour listening to your CD. M'am, you have a superb talent, and we know that we are going to be hearing and seeing more of you on the national stage. And, as credentials, let me say that we "found" Norah Jones before the rest of the world did. Good wishes for the future. Although, to be sure, I don't think that opening number, "F___ it!" will ever be heard on Leno or Letterman. Sigh.
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From Sharon in Harrisburg: Hi Deni- I just received your CD in the mail and am so excited to listen to it! Thanks for the personal note attached in the mailing. My friend Tom introduced me to your music about two weeks ago. He saw you perform at the Harrisburg Arts Festival (in PA) Memorial Day weekend and picked up your CD. He played it for me and I fell in love with your music and your voice and had to have my own copy. The violin is awesome.You aren't just fiddlin' around girl! It is similar to the music of 10,000 Maniacs with Natalie Merchant. And the lyrics are hilarious. We were wondering if you will be playing anywhere near Harrisburg again this year? I would love to meet you in person. I will hang on to the personal note and some day when you are a big star- I'll have memorabilia! I've signed up for your email list. Take care- good luck. From Jen in Houston: I believe I found your site through Robyn Hitchcock's official site, and I remembered you'd been in Storefront Hitchcock and gave an excellent performance. I love the violin, so I figured I'd definitely enjoy your CD, and sure enough, I was correct! By the way, "Sunshine" is a VERY catchy song. Actually, there are more than a few catchy songs on your CD that I might find myself humming at some point throughout the day. I almost certainly wouldn't have written to tell you this had you not written me first, but I should also thank you for putting a link to Daisy Rock guitars on your site. I clicked through out of curiosity, checked out their guitars and decided to buy one. It's been sort of an almost lifelong desire of mine to be able to play a guitar, and I actually had one when I was about 10 years old, but it was way too large for my small fingers, so I just couldn't play it. Seven musically-frustrated years later, I figured I'd give the violin a try - had successful lessons for about 5 months, absolutely LOVED the thing, but was forced to trade it in for something I could control the volume on. I'd moved to a dorm and the noise would disturb people, apparently. I was not pleased, to put it mildly! I wound up trading my violin for a bass and a small amp, which turned out to be a mistake because while the neck was almost narrow enough, it was huge, heavy and generally unwieldy - impossible for me to play. Anyway, we drove 40 minutes away to the only dealer in Houston who sells Daisy Rock, tried one out and it's perfect! In fact, a powder pink acoustic guitar should have shipped to me directly from Daisy Rock today, and I figure that if I can manage this one, I'll probably break down and get their gorgeous red Heartbreaker guitar. So basically, if I can finally learn to play guitar after all these years of wanting to, I'll have you to thank for it. :) Enough of my babbling, though. Thanks again for the wonderful CD! I'm looking forward to your next one! From Bonnie
in Pennsylvania: You must be so happy, having your own show now! I watched it online and was quite impressed. Not as good as seeing you in person, but it served the purpose. Nice going. Keep it up. From Mark in New York: Deni, I hope this congrat has a lot of company in your mailbox. Friday's debut was one of the most satisfying indiemusic showcases to appear on cable, and not just because of the strength of the material and performances. The duets by Sean and yourself would have made for a great half-hour on the Times Sq. IRT--what kicked "Duets With Deni" several bars above the current standard was the show's format. What hurts practically every other cablemusic show is its lack of connection with the viewer. Indiemusic has depended for too long on its garage-demo legacy to bond with its audience, and tedium and predictibility have set in. Worse, it has had the side-effect of making indie acts seem shallow and interchangeable. That's why the more garagey a cablemusic show appears, the more an attuned listener is liable to think, "I've seen this before and done by better people." "Duets With Deni" was charming and refreshing and, compared to other cablemusic, a window thrown open on a dark and musty dungeon. In addition to the ease with which it engaged its audience, DWD also boasted production values light years beyond what passes for audio on cablemusic today. I have a Cambridge SoundWorks Model 88 stereo radio (eat yer heart out, Bose) handling the audio on my television and I put it through its paces during the show. I'm happy to announce that DWD possessed no noticeable hiss, hum or noise during any of the five songs, nor during the banter that bridged them (this can't be said for many typical broadcasts by the major networks--sometimes their signal is almost unlistenable). The strikingly high level of material, performance and production has made me an instant fan of Duets With Deni, and based upon Episode One, I would recommend that anyone fond of home recording step up from VHS to DVD to keep copies for posterity. It's that good. There, I got all that said without once resorting to an eat-your-vegetables plea of "watch Duets With Deni and support indie music." From Warren in New Jersey: I had come to see you because you are a dynamic, engaging performer. I was not disappointed. I love your lyrics, your prancing around on stage. I love the way you play the hell out of that violin...classically trained...I think so. Hell, I even love the accordian! |
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From Ariana in New York: I bought your disc at the Knitting Factory show and all I can say is...LOVED IT! You rule, thanks for a great night... Ariana |
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From Bonnie in Virginia Beach: Hi Deni, I was pleased to be staying at Dolphin Run the weekend of the Surfing Championships in Virginia Beach in August. What a thrill to hear you and see you from our balcony. I was so impressed that I bought your CD and play it constantly. Tonight, I was on your site for the first time and was amazed to see that you played at the Twin Lakes Festival in Greensburg, Pa., which is where I live! I am crushed that I did not know about you then, and hope that you will be back next year. You're great. Thanks for a great show at Virginia Beach. |
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From Kelly in Berlin, CT: Hi! I was at your concert in New Britain, CT the other night...I'm an 18 year old female and I met you for a few minutes, but was too shy to really tell you how wonderful you and your band were. We had sooo much fun! I absolutely loved the music! I can't even explain to you how refreshing it was to hear such a unique sound! Your songs were a cool mixture of fun and cynicism. I hope that I can see you again in concert. It was better than concerts that I have had to actually pay for!! I really liked the spontaneity (like the calling your boyfriend and the whole solo fiddling thing). I'll try to buy your tapes from online because I think that you are worth listening to over and over again....The whole world should know about your band!!! GOOD LUCK/ Break a Leg in the future...Love, a new fan named ~Kelly From Pat in Portland, OR: While in Hawaii in May to dog sit for a friend, I saw an article about you in the local paper at the neighborhood coffee house. The write-up was very complimentary so I took down the info about your new cd for a future purchase. I just put myself on the order list. Looking forward to it & hope it's just the beginning of great things to come for you. From Bob in Pittsburgh: Deni, I very much enjoyed your concert at the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival. As a rock music fan, I find myself drawn to rock music with a touch of violin thrown in. When I read your story in the Tribune-Review newspaper I knew I had to attend. I was not disappointed at all. I especially enjoyed the violin solos during the performance. I purchased both CDs and can't wait for the new one. I know that the music business is tough; hang in there. I plan to e-mail our local radio stations and encourage them to air some of your music. I wish you the best! From Nelson in Cincinnati: Your CD and note arrived a few days ago, and it more than met my expectations. I'm starting to spread the word here in Cincinnati since we've got to get you out this way. In fact, I gave my brothers--one in Seattle, the other in San Jose, CA--a definite "Buy"; I'm sure you'll be hearing from them as well. Your handwritten note was a great touch, and it says more about you and your passion for music than a dozen CDs or WSJ articles...although neither are chopped liver, that's for sure... I've placed an order, and my refrigerator has saved a spot for you. Take care, and although your Cincinnati fans can't be there for your album release party, we'll be there in spirit. Hasta la vista, and keep the faith. From Mark via E-mail: Deni: I saw the story in WSJ and remembered seeing you live and buying your CD. I'm glad you're keeping at it-- good luck with that! "Sunshine" sticks in my mind years later, and believe me, I'm a former band member (Pseudo-Realists, Without Warning) and rock critic (Side Effects, Jet Lag, etc. etc.), I have heard a million songs and not many of them stay in the long-term memory. I see the comparisons of you to Chrissie Hynde and Deborah Harry, and I throw another one into the loop: Patti Smith. What I see as similar is: readiness to be unconventional, readiness not to pussyfoot around about female sensuality (sorry about the bad pun, but "thinking outside the box" is just as bad), and a delerious engagement with the joymaking potential of rock and roll. I mean this as a great compliment. First time I ever heard the electric violin was "It's a Beautiful Day" and it fit perfectly into the romantic, fey hippie sound of the late 1960s. The second time I heard it was Jean Luc Ponty's fusion drivel, and I almost gave up on it. You are redeeming the sound, so keep it up, and keep on rocking. From Mike in Herndon, Virginia: Hi Deni, My wife and I attended your Herndon gig last night and had a great time being introduced to your music. You and your band have a unique sound and it's a real shame more people didn't brave the weather and check out your music. I bought the EP you had on sale (hey, you signed it for me too. Thanks.) I really enjoy that CD and can't wait to buy your album when it comes out. I hope many more people start listening to you; you deserve a huge audience. I hope your album is a huge hit. All the best. From Del in Pocatello, Idaho: Hi Deni, Thanks for sending your CDs along so swiftly. Intrigued by your accompaniment in Storefront Hitchcock, I sought out your solo stuff. I'm very impressed! Excellent songs, arrangements and attitudes (incl humor...)! I appreciate your music! You've stuff I like to hear, presented the way I like to hear it. (And appropriate musical references for my tastes: "and the skinny white boys sing...") It's like sharp, modern playing used to color your catchy tunes and nifty lyrics. Great package, overall! I should mention something about your wonderfully expressive vocals and the way your arrangements and instrumentation seem tailored to suit the individual songs--instead of striving for a same-y sound all the way through the way less innovative artists seem to do. I'll be listening forward to your upcoming CD... Best wishes. (From LIFEBeat - an HIV/AIDS support organization to which mucians volunteer their time, help raise funds, and give shows to people with HIV/AIDS in New York and other cities. You can find out more about them at www.lifebeat.org) LIFEbeat's
Hearts & Voices E-NEWS #34 From Pete at New York LIFEbeat: Hi Deni: Debbie a volunteer at Bellevue, was totally blown away by your generous spirit and talent. I understand that at showtime there wasn't anyone available in the room, and that you insisted on going room to room for those patients interested in music. That was a very kind gesture that not only moved the patients that couldn't get out of bed, but inspired the volunteers who witnessed it. Please pass along my appreciation to Dave as well. It makes me proud to be associated with artists such as you and Dave. Hope you'll come back for another show when time permits. Stay cool. From Michael in Nashville: Deni, I saw you recently during the NAMM show in Nashville at the club on 3rd Street. I became an instant fan. I've rarely seen a performer put more of themself into a show than you did. In addition, your guitarist and back up singer was great. His playing was flawless and his harmonies were right on and not overbearing; just complementing. Though I am indeed far from New York, I have found your web site and will continue to keep tabs on when you choose to grace those of us to the south with another performance. Perhaps I may even have the pleasure of providing sound for you sometimes. As I'm sure you would agree, the nicest part about this business is the people you meet. I look forward to our next meeting. From Ilgin in Turkey: When you
came to Turkey with the Pleasure Slaves gave some suggestions about playin
rock. Now I have heavymetal band called Knight Errant. I hope u write
From Scott in New York: Howdy: I adore your music... moving to the New York area might not be the end of the world after all. Please sell more CDs and videos!! From Gurhan in Turkey: I watch you
on Turkey and I was be fun a few years. I hope I will find your cd and
kasette on Turkey. I looking for everywhere but nothing here. I hope you
visit Turkey soon again. Good Days and works. From Valerie
in New York City: From Gary in New Orleans: Thanks again for the CD. Great stuff! I can definitely understand why your fans were so hot to get the infamous solo on CD. I was the manager at the House of Blues in New Orleans the night you were there. Hope we get to see you on our stage again soon! From Alex
in Brooklyn: I just wanted to say that I LOVE the CD!!! I have been listening and listening. Very impressed and it certainly makes me VERY excited to hear you in concert. Also, a friend, a painter, walked in the door while CD was on. Friend stopped and said, "Wow, what is this? Great music!" So there. From Theresa in Utica: I saw you in Utica NY. You were great. Keep making people happy with your music. From Garry in Utica: Hi Deni - hope you had a successful show last night at the Mercury Lounge. I enjoyed meeting you last week in Utica at the festival. Thank you so much for the conversation and graciously posing for photographs. Being the only audience for the sound check was great! The show was very good. I have been listening to your CD's. "The Girlfriends of Dorian Grey" gets into my head and won't leave. You opened and closed the Utica show with an instrumental. Have you recorded it? I would love to have it. Also - the new tune "Small Talk" was really good. I hope you have someone promoting that one, because it sounds like a hit. I look forward to your next EP. From Tony in Portland, Oregon: I seem to have the "EP" disk playing over and over. It is REALLY GREAT!!! My two favorites are "Sunshine" and "Bigger Is Always Better". Thanks for the CDs, Deni -- I'm a big fan now. Think I'll stick it in the car today and listen while travelling around. From Mary
Lou in East Providence, RI: Come down south again!!!!!! After meeting you and watching you perform at the East Providence Heritage Festival in Rhode Island on July 29, I purchased both of your CD's (and you kindly autographed them for me!). My 4-year old grandson (who was in the audience that night) was visiting last week and when your CD came on he said, "Grandma, that's the lady we saw at the Festival!" How's that for a discerning pair of ears!! Keep up the great work -- I love your musicianship! It's definitely OK if you want to print my letter; anything to promote the cause! I hope to have another opportunity to see you perform soon. Take care and keep up the great work. From Francis in West Virginia: Deni on the Today Show, and with Johnny Staats! Great! From Lesley in Toronto: Hi, I saw you back in September in New York City while I was in town for a trade show, and I was blown away!!! I have been telling everyone about you guys. Are you ever going to come to Toronto for a show??? I hope so!! Keep up the great stuff. Cheers, Lesley From Dean in Connecticut: Deni, I heard your music for the first time at the SONO Arts Festival in Norwalk, CT. I must say your music was wonderful. Excellent music with lots of energy. I tell my friends all about your music and I let them borrow both CD's. (Of course I keep the autographed CD covers). You remind me so much of Susan Tedeschi, your music are so different but that personal, energetic, well trained musician, having fun delivery is the same. I really hope you can find a way to get back to Connecticut.... From Martin in Philadelphia: Hi Deni, I saw your shows at the Tin Angel and just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed it. You are a very talented musician, a great singer and a fantastic entertainer. In general I do not like opening acts as they just extend the waiting period until the top act starts. In your case I not only liked the show, I also bought the E.P.'s and love 'em. Hope you are coming back to Philadelphia soon to perform your own shows. Have you ever performed in Europe (except for Turkey) and released records overseas? I am a native German - now a Philly citizen though - and think you would have a great chance to succeed in Europe. There is a German band called Farfarello, a rock band with a violin as the lead instrument, that plays classical rock festivals and has a huge following. The best of luck to you! From a new fan, Martin From Patrick in Philadelphia: Hello I had the chance to see you perform in Phila with Fairport Convention on Sat night. It seems most of the time the opening acts - well let's just say many times they are lacking. But when you started playing "Alone" I thought "Wow you're good really good!" then you did "The Girlfriends of Dorian Grey" you had me from then on as a fan. You are great and I hope you come back to Phila soon. I bought your 2 EP's but found I now want more. Patrick |
