Genre: USA/Canada, New Classic Rock/Power Pop/Adult Contemporary Rock-Pop/Rock/Indie
Europe/Asia, Melodic Rock/AOR(Independent/Underground)
Compared To: Robert Palmer, Eddie Money
Group Members: Mark Regula, Keyboards/guitar/vocals
Tony Novarro, Guitars/backup vocals
Fernando Menendez, Drums
Former Member, Johnny Jace
Studio Musicians: Ivan Elias, Bass (formerly with Patty Smyth & Scandal)
Richie Cauuata, Sax (formerly with Billy Joel)
Mike Carbone, Drums, percussion
Joey Bruno, Electronic Drums, percussion
Bio:
Ivory Tower Project (ITP) was founded by NY veteran songwriters: Johnny Jace and Mark Regula. Their objective was to write memorable songs from the heart and soul. Jace and Regula’s collaboration evolved into an extensive catalog of Pop/Rock songs. NYC veteran guitarist: Tony Novarro was soon recruited, and Novarro and Regula formed the core of the band: Ivory Tower.
Sadly, just a few months after the bands first recording session, their original drummer: Sal DiAngelo who was previously diagnosed with leukemia, had passed away. Soon after that, the group’s original bass player: Kevin Joyce gave notice that he was going to leave. As Ivory Tower lost their band members, they were replaced by the NY Metro area’s finest studio musicians that transcended Ivory Tower from being a band into a studio Project.
ITP signed with Guerrilla Records who released a four-song EP entitled: “Red Hot”. The EP received medium air play on college, public (community) and internet radio in the USA and was later released internationally. In 2003, the signature single from the EP: “Burning” charted #1 on MP3Songs.com: Adult Contemporary Rock Chart for both the USA and later in England.
“Red Hot” has received rave reviews and airplay on over 300 radio stations in 26 countries worldwide. Tracks from the EP have charted in the Top 20 on scores of internet radio stations and have been included on 6 compilation CDs in 4 countries. In December of 2003, songwriter and group lyricist: Johnny Jace died from complications of heart disease.
In December of 2005, ITP received the Gold Artist Award from internet radio station: Radio Gets Wild in England. And in December of 2006, ITP charted #19 on the Top 30 Songs for 2006 on internet station: WCH. Currently ITP is in the recording studio working on a full length CD release.
My Review: This is classic rock at its best, folks! Ivory Tower Project reminds me so much of the 80’s and 90s rock music its unbelievable! Good hard driving music with a clear message! Throw this one in your car CD player, but be sure your radar detector is on too! In “My Name” we see the struggle to lift oneself above the “just a another number” status that so many people hold today. I think this song also has a darker side to it, though. How many serial or horrendous crimes have been committed so that “you’ll know my name”? Burning is a hot and steamy rock love song with a little bit more funky beat. Both songs treat the listener to some nice guitar solos about ¾ of the way through. I found both of these songs very appealing and a pleasure to listen to. Way Too Late is a hard driving, well done song about a woman cheating on her lover and how its too late for them to get back together. My only regret is that I only had 3 tracks to work with. Ivory Tower Project should appeal more to the adult, 25 and up listener. I give it a 9 out of 10 and a “thumbs up”! If you love hard driving, hard hitting classic rock, get Red Hot!
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