Here I am with Mark Farner
 
 
 

 

Mark Farner is grand and funky

I can't believe what I am hearing about Mark's singing, song writing, and playing. In his own right he is irreplacable, and Grand Funk Railroad is simply NOT!!!!!  Grand Funk Railroad without him. His pitch and range are unchanged to this day in his mid 50's and the striking vibrato is still all there. His songs may not be everyone's cup of tea but at least admit it is a matter of taste. As far as him being a megalomaniac, well, although I've dreamed about it often over the years and have been as close as four feet away once, I have never been privileged enough to meet the man, so I guess I am not credentialed enough to comment there. However, I've played guitar and sung his songs for the past 30 years, and although I make a living as a dentist, people still tell me what they did back in my club days, that I sound just like the man when I sing, and me and the boys nailed their stuff to the delight of everyone around. I guess despite still singing and playing his stuff to happy faces, that I have to submit to you that I and my audiences also must be untalented ignorant bums in your opinion. I have no doubt about the new band line up, they are great in their own right, it's just NOT the same! I saw the Mark Farner band at Westbury Music Fair a while back and they were absolutely terrific as they obviously upstaged an also excellent Steppenwolf. Still, I liked the show better at Westbury just a few years sooner when Mark, Don, Mel, and Craig were playing. They were and still are, "The Real Deal"!!!  So, I think some of you guys who would otherwise trash Mark because of his supposed arrogance or unique views on life and politics should get off your high horses and not confuse his ideas with his talent. You then become the pompous, arrogant asses you accuse him of being. Mark Farner is one of my most admired heroes, one hell of a performer, and a wonderful icon. He pours his heart out in his singing and playing, still, to this day, to his adoring audience, ..and all for the glory of God. Mark is a devout Christian, and there is, excuse me sir, NOTHING wrong with that!!!!! Just ask the lord!!  Sincerely, Dr. Chuck Billera

 

 

 

 

Jeff Denny fact or fiction

To Whom It May Concern:

    What's the best band on the island? It's clear as hell to me! The Jeff Denny Band is! Although there may be   one too many Long Island bands', the sound of Jeff Denny transcends location and time. His music is rock and blues and the quintessential Jeff Denny "is the blues". No this is not death metal, and no, their music can not be adequately defined cross this and that. Although certain influences may be heard such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Halen, to name a few, the boys are definitely a band into their own. And we are talking about a small group of musicians, all outstanding at their own instruments, backing the extraordinary singer/master guitarist, Jeff Denny. What we have is a timeless blend of rock and blues modernized by unique original material delivered with a precision tightness and punch that can only be achieved by experienced professionals. as a guitar player of thirty years myself and an avid music fan, I believe that I have the credentials for such an opinion.

   While you won't be a witness to any head banging, when Jeff and the group play, you will see a happy captivated audience knowing they are getting more than they bargained for. The sets consist of songs from the album "Stolen Heart", intermixed with various covers of other artists.

   Jeff Denny is not only an outstanding musician, he is a proud entrepreneur, organizing public music events, such as the recent Bluesfest at the Suffolk County Fair, and the owner of the music Station, a musician's store in Shirley. Between charismatically fronting the Jeff Denny Band at many area gigs, running the store, organizing concert events and, yes, giving personalized music instructions, it's a wonder that he has the energy to smile through it all. And I know how important Jeff's smile is. You see I'm not just another satisfied fan, I'm also Jeff's dentist.

Sincerely,

 

 

   

Dr. Chuck Billera

 

 

 

 

 

Last modified: 08/19/09