John Parker & Forced Call
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John Parker & Forced Call

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"Hottest Tracks I've Heard In Years"

In a day when most of what you hear is techno-hi speed sampling, this is raw music, directed to the soul and with no holds barred. A pleasure to listen to and you'll find yourself playing it over and over. It is a "must buy" for any serious music lover. If you get the chance you need to check them out live. It's a bomb. After over 25 years in the music business, I know a hit when I hear it. - George Moses, Rhythm & Blues Radio Hour


"John Parker Spills Guts at Redondo Pier Show"

Forced Call's John Parker spills guts, (not quite) literally at pier show!


Forced Call's John Parker didn't let a little liver transplant stop him from a season opening performance of the Redondo Beach Pier last Saturday.

Forced Call's lead guitarist and vocalist John Parker laid claim to the title of the hardest working man in rock n roll last Saturday night when he and his band opened the Redondo Pier concert season with a two hour show.

Just three weeks earlier, Parker underwent a liver transplant. A set of metal clamps were keeping his guts from spilling out, literally, while, more figuratively, he belted out his bluesy "Walking Out On You".

Parker's songs, including three he wrote in the hospital, have a bluesy Buffet sound, but a distinctly harder edge. In "City Nights", he growls the lyrics "Street justice is the law of the land - the law will tell you it's out of their hands - This city is out of control - Tonight's special is terror on a roll - City Nights, City Nights.

Parker, a dock captain in King Harbor where he keeps his 50-foot ketch, shares song writing and vocal duties with Danny Costello. The rest of Forced Call, which has built a strong local following, includes Tom Costello on drums, Steve Halter on keyboards, Jeff Ackerman on sax and Chris Carson on bass.

Parker will share his story and his music at the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" at Burbank's Robert E. Gross Park later this month. He also plans to walk in the Redondo Beach Relay For Life Survivors Lap at Aviation Park on July 27th.

John Parker & Forced Call returns to the Redondo Pier for a second time during the Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 27th.
- The Easy Reader, 7/05, Barbara Ramsey-Duke


"What A Great Blend of Rock & Blues"

A DJ friend of mine turned me on to "Off The Clock" by Forced Call and I was amazed when I gave it a listen....half rock, half blues and a great mix of both. This band is really entertaining and the music on this new cd shows how much heart and soul went into the production. Very good, guys! I hope another cd is soon in the works - I can't wait to hear it. - Kyle Jones, Blues City Radio Review


"I Was Completely Blown Away"

Just caught these guys at a concert at the Redondo Beach Pier and I was completely blown away!! They're just bigger than life on stage and put on a really great show. I couldn't wait to get my hands on their CD "Off The Clock" to play it for the world. I hear a new cd is in the works for an early 2006 release and I have faith it will be equally wonderful. - Bluesorama Radio Review


""Off The Clock" Songs Appear On The Hit TV Series "NCIS""

We've recently signed a deal with CBS/Paramount for the songs on our "Off The Clock" cd to appear on their television shows.

John Parker's "When I Reach My Destination" will appear on the hit series "NCIS" on Tuesday, November 20th. - John Parker


"John Parker & Forced Call Wins "Best Blues Band" Trophy at 2007 Rock City Music Awards"

John Parker & Forced Call was awarded the "Best Blues Band" Trophy at the 2007 Rock City Music Awards held at BB Kings in Hollywood on Dec. 7th, 2007
- Rock City News


"The Joy of Blues Shows"

John Parker, Lead Guitar and Vocals, previously with Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats and the late Piano Red, is the leader of this high energy Blues Rock Band. I've known Parker for years while he was crafting and performing his songs at late night blues jams in the South Bay. Now, as I watch his high energy guitar blues licks and listen to his powerful growling vocals, I realize that now, even more, he is incredibly gregarious and fun on stage as the lead man of this powerful band. Considering all he's been thru with chemotherapy treatments and having had a liver transplant just three weeks before getting back on stage. Talk about the blues! The joy of Blues shows in his love for his music and his unbeatable faith of life and humor. - N. Diotte, Coverunner Radio


"The Lord Of The Boards"

It has been said of Steve Halter, Forced Call's "Lord of the Boards", that "When its time for his solo, he just closes his eyes, feels the vibe and lets his soul take over." This certainly was evident during his performance on the stage at the Redondo Pier Concert on Saturday night. The physical movement of his work on the keyboard also makes for great energy for the whole band as well for great playing virtuosity.
- N. Diotte, Coverunner Radio Review


"John Parker is Chicago Music Guide Featured Artist - July/07"

Interview with John Parker of "Forced Call"
07/07

Dennis: Now John, you�ve played music for hire since the age of 14, when did you realize that music was in your blood?

John: I was always fascinated with music when I was growing up. I flirted with several instruments like tenor sax and piano before I found the guitar and their mystifying spell.

Dennis: What types of paying jobs did you get at age 14, anyway?

John: I played with a kid band, which was managed, and with a twelve piece soul band��Corny and the Corvettes�, which also featured a 13 year old drummer, �Little Eddie Wonder�. We played fairs , VFWs and Dance Halls. I learned so much in those days and it was then that I realized I was born to be a band leader.

Dennis: What about these performers (Django Reinhardt, BB King, Freddie King and Buddy Guy) influenced you most as a child?

John: Django is the best single line player I�ve ever heard. BB�s taste and vibrato are classic. Freddie makes me want to play guitar all night long. Buddy gave me raw emotion and showed me how to �bust loose� with it. You can hear each one of them in my playing, but not because I put them there.

Dennis: What prompted the moves to Atlanta and back to California again?

John: I was touring with a band that ended up in Atlanta and fell in love with the people and the music and stayed for a few years. I began my �2nd Career� in the film industry while living there and met my soul mate who was also in the industry. We worked together for three years and then got married and she agreed to move to California so we could pursue our dreams together.
I am originally from Santa Cruz, California, having a lot of family here; of course, I have a deep love for the ocean. I�ve been sailing yachts most of my life. I currently have a 52� ketch which means it�s a 2 masted boat. I also race boats and even �win� from time to time.

Dennis: What did you like most about Atlanta�s music scene and what did you like least?

John: Atlanta was full of great people and lots of talent. The neighborhood where I lived was a hot bed of musicians and everybody from that group of friends has gone on to great things musically. What I liked the least was the constant rumor that something big was going to happen in the �Big A�, like becoming the �recording hub of the South�.

Dennis: What are some of the positive experiences that you�ve gained from being in several bands prior to forming Forced Call?

John: You grow by playing with other musicians, both musically and spiritually. You learn to participate in the thoughts and feelings of others. I absorb a lot from other players. Like someone can play a riff, then I�ll pay a riff that�s different, but it sounds the same because it�s colored the same. Playing is so personal. Personality and soul are reflected in your efforts and, to capture a little of someone�s �mojo� is what makes your �gumbo� spicy.

Dennis: I understand you all have some Hollywood backgrounds as parts of your day jobs, is that correct?

John: Yes, every one of us works on the �dirty side� of the camera. Most of us met on the set of the CBS television series �JAG�. I ran the Fixtures Department, our sax player was a prop man, our drummer was a set painter, our other guitarist ran the Backlot Labor Dept. at Universal Studios and our first bass player was a Union organizer. Our current bass player is a television show distributor and our keyboardist is a studio session player.

Dennis: So, in a sense, we all have Hollywood to thank for Forced Call�s formation, right?

John: Hollywood was definitely responsible for �Forced Call�. We used to sit around playing for fun during lunch breaks and John Jackson, who played Admiral Chedwiggen on JAG, encouraged us to put a band together for JAG�s 100th episode party and gave us the name �Forced Call�, which is a television term. We decided to give it a try, rehearsed a couple of times, played the huge JAG party�and �blew the roof off�!!

Dennis: Are there any Hollywood movie themes or influences that you inject into your music in any way, shape or form?

John: Yes, one of my new songs, �The Price of Fame� is about a celebrity-type who is always being hunted and just wants to find a place where nobody knows his name. �City Nights�, from our Off the Clock CD, sets up the action for a music video scene.

Dennis: When searching for band members for Forced Call, what were the biggest concerns for you; what qualities mattered most?

John: Forced Call fell from the sky; the band was just blessed from the start. All these guys had incredible resumes - from Joe Cocker to Elton John - but they now all have wives, kids and jobs that makes traveling and touring tough. Luckily, there are lots of clubs and festivals in Southern California, so we continue to stay busy.
Aside from being good with your ins - Dennis M. Kelly


"John Parker & Forced Call Songs Hit Broadjam's Top 10 World Charts"

07/13/06

"Off the Clock" Songs hit Top 10.

JOHN PARKER & FORCED CALL'S songs from their latest cd "OFF THE CLOCK" are doing very well on the Broadjam Top Ten Charts....2 of their songs have repeatedly hit the World Top 10 Blues Rock Charts.

John Parker's "When I Reach My Destination" is currently rated #1 Blues Gospel song in California and #6 in the world.

John Parker's "The Only Thing" is still hanging in the top charts after hitting the World Top 10 Blues Rock charts on several occasions. It is currently rated #6 in California's Blues Rock Charts.

Danny Costello's "So Good So Bad" has also done very well in the Top 10 Blues Rock charts. The song also has hit the World Top 10 several times and is currently rated #8 in California's Blues Rock Charts.

Danny Costello's "Rock N Roll" is #4 in California Classic Rock Charts.

John Parker's "City Nights" is # 7 in California Classic Rock Charts and #14 in California Blues Rock Charts.

John Parker's "Walkin' Out On You" is #15 in California's Blues Rock Charts.

John Parker's "Things Are Gonna Be Different" is #16 in California's Blues Rock Charts.
- Blues News & Review


Discography

"Off The Clock" - Parker/Costello 2005
1) No Place Left To Hide
2) City Nights
3) So Good So Bad
4) The Only Thing
5) Rock N Roll
6) Things Are Gonna Be Different
7) Red White And Blue
8) Walkin Out on You
9) The Truth Will Set You Free
10) When I Reach My Destination

"Off The Clock" is currently on sale at CDBABY and for download at numerous sites including BROADJAM and ITUNES. It is enjoying well recieved airplay in different areas of the US and Europe.

Photos

Bio

Forced Call's John Parker is the leader and driving force behind the popular LA group. All the group's members have much more in common than just the love of great "Hot Rock & Blues" music - they are all Union brothers and work in the Film and Television Industry as well.

Five years ago, when they originally got together to play at a "JAG" wrap party, the band never anticipated the popularity they are currently enjoying.

John & Forced Call have performed at the following music festivals:
Redondo Beach Pier Summer Concert Series (4 yrs)
Santa Clarita Valley Blues Festival
Write 4 Hope Blues Festival
Blues For The Cause Festival
Ride Across America
South Bay Navy Days
Calimigos Ranch Concerts (5 Yrs)
Lake Elizabeth Music Festival
Celebration on The Hill
Ventura Art Walk
Orange County Cultural Fair
Ventura Street Festival
Beach Cities Summer Spectacular
Lousiana Lovesong Benefit
San Clemente Fiesta
Santa Clarita Valley Relay For Life
North Hollywood Relay For Life
Burbank Relay For Life
Beach Cities Relay For Life

They've also played at some great showrooms:
The Sunset Room
The White Lotus
BB King's Blues Club
Cozy's
The Sportsmans' Lodge
The Highlands Club
Arcadia Blues Club
Yesteryears
The Pearl Room

And of course, they've performed at numerous Film and Television Union events and wrap parties. A couple of years ago, John & Forced Call had the opportunity to open for The Beach Boys at their LA concert.

The band absolutely loves playing at the big outdoor events - some of our crowds have been from 8,000 to 12,000 people. "What an adrenaline rush that is!!"

John Parker & Forced Call is more than just a group of musicians who love to play together. The individual talents of each member have a lot of history...

John Parker was raised in the Santa Cruz area, playing for hire at age 14. He grew up loving the sounds of Django Reinhardt, BB King, Freddie King and Buddy Guy. A score of bands later, he wound up in the Atlanta, Georgia music scene where he found the blues calling. Now, he's back in California playing what he loves about Georgia the most - "the Blues". Respectable names he's had the pleasure to perform with include Chicago Bob Nelson, Big Joe Jackson, Butch Travette & the Alley Cats, the Late Piano Red, Tinsley Ellis, Delbert McClinton and Doug Kershaw. He's opened for Juice Newton, Eric Burdon, Bobby Bear and Coco Montoya.

Danny Costello is originally from New Jersey and began playing at age 13. His early influences were Jimmy Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Johnny Winter. Their great technique and use of raw emotion was a great inspiration to Danny as he was moving on in his career and performing with members of Toto and Joe Cocker. Danny has also been privileged to open for Edgar Winter, B.J. Sharp, Dick Dale and Three Dog Night.

Steve Halter started playing piano at age 5 and worked as a full time session player/arranger for over 20 years. Steve grew up under the influence of the old time Rock & Roll piano and organ players like Jimmy Smith. When it's time for his solo, he just closes his eyes, feels the vibe and let's his soul take over.

Tom Costello also hails from New Jersey. His early influences were The Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Toto and drummers Jeff Pocaro and John Bonham. Tom's had the good fortune to work with such great artists as Ike & Tina Turner, The DiFranco Family, Christopher Cross, Eddie Money, Rick Springfield, The Elton John Band, Joe Cocker and Jace.

Brian Dunnagan was born in New York to Kentucky parents who exposed him to a family full of Bluegrass Musicians and he started playing guitar at a young age. In his teens, he fell in love with the Bass and he switched from 6 strings to 4. His influences are Cream, Jim Hendrix, John Mayall and Tommy Shannon and he studied with Tim Bogert and Bunny Brunel. He's spent his time in the So Cal music scene playing blues, rock and country and has opened for Joe Diffie, Tammy Wynette and Ricky Van Shelton.

The Band's first cd "Off the Clock" was released in January, 2005 and has a little something for everyone; blues, rock and a little country gospel, all wrapped up in their own unique sound.

John has just put the finishing touches on his own new "Self Titled" Cd which will have a January 2008 Release and now is also in the midst of laying down some new Blues Instrumentals for another CD that should have a Spring Release. He is also preparing some new songs so he and Forced Call can go back into the studio during the Summer of 2008 and cut their second cd. "We have some great new songs and can't wait for the rest of the world to hear them. It should be released in the Winter of 2008". And with all this going on, for this talented group of union brothers, is nothing short of spellbinding!