JOHN PIEPLOW
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JOHN PIEPLOW

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"Levine Breaking News"

LBN-HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: Los Angeles-June 2006- Whether you'd call it a lucky break or a hit sensation, one thing's for sure-John Pieplow's rise to the top is moving fast and furious. John Pieplow (both the man and the group) never counted on this much recognition, yet it's clear that with a new album out this week and because they're opening for Chicago and Huey Lewis & The News, there's no looking back.


- Levine Publishing


"Christopher Cross/House of Blues Los Angeles"



I saw the legendary Christopher Cross at the House of Blues in LA last March. I was prepared for a bit of Sailing and was ready to be Caught Between the Moon and New York City, but I had no idea that I was about to discover such a phenomenal group of musicians. Chris was sensational as always, but I'm referring to his opening act, John Pieplow. I’m now a huge fan of the band; so I'd like to give them a shout out here. John Pieplow is difficult to categorize. Blues, jazz, R&B and rock influences are apparent, but they make the music completely their own. Almost all of the songs they performed at the HOB that night were original. Pieplow, himself, has a smooth, velvety voice that eases you into the blues and then kicks your EKG into high gear when it’s time to rock and roll. There’s a sensuality to the music, helped in large part by Pieplow’s soul sister back-up singers-- Jenine Mayring and Ashley Mortimer. No offense to the lead singer, but I found it difficult to take my eyes off them. Overall, this is a rocking, live music experience with tons of showmanship and music that will keep you on your feet, shaking your booty and shimmying your hips. Best of all, there’s no hang-over afterwards (At least not from the music). I highly recommend checking this band out.


- POLLSTAR


"A Double Shot of Pieplow"

April 1, 2004 // By Aaron D. Settipane

HOLLYWOOD – John Pieplow is an artist previously known for his commercial directing and, most recently, directing the motion picture Strangeland, written by and starring Dee Snider (yes, that guy from Twisted Sister some of you grew up with shouting “We’re Not Gonna Take It!). We caught a double-shot of Pieplow playing his brand of jazzy blues on either end of the Sunset Strip; starting first at House of Blues and ending at the Sunset Room.

Opening for Christopher Cross (who looked scarier than I could remember), John Pieplow played to a quite respectable 300+ person audience, growing to around 450 by Cross’ call time (according to one very large and very mellow security guard).

Pieplow showcased his standard set list, which doesn’t really seem to change from gig to gig…and it didn’t this time around either. Flanked by singers Ashley Mortimer and Jenine Mayring, Pieplow played his standard fare of familiar tunes for his hollering and howling fans, with his trademark energy and enthusiasm.

Performance-wise, John Pieplow presented a show to new and old fans that featured crisp vocals, a playful banter and a tight showcase. Pieplow’s stage imagery was somewhat inconsistent, as Mortimer and harmonica player/manager Joel Gotler dressed in black and often visually vanished off the stage when the lighting turned toward the darker colors – or went dark altogether, while Mayring held her 6-foot-tall statuesque position which played perfectly off Pieplow’s bluesy banter, her go-go boots, short skirt, white “chicks rule” tee and long, blonde and red streaked hair fell across the lighting with gorgeous flair.

Pieplow regulars Jeremy Neese on bass and chapman stick and percussionist Bastos Moenho cruised through the set with a flawless performance, nailing every beat and note with the precision of true professionals, while backed up by keyboardist Bruce Dumes with exceptional skill, although noticeably lower key than the others.

With songs such as “Guess I’m Stuck” and “Cleanhead Blues”, John Pieplow powerfully exhibits the band’s soul and blues influences with spirited performances by all players, especially Mortimer and Mayring in “…Stuck”, as they lament their frustrations over being stuck on a lover in an unusual duet.

At the Sunset Room, Pieplow played a more abbreviated set to an unusually structured room. Pieplow played a bit more of a subdued show, on par with a bit more of a subdued room (although you wouldn’t be able to tell by the pandemonium going on in the foyer as it was flooded by groups of twenty and thirtysomething's dressed to the nines, out for a good time.)

For fans of true blues, this may be something to sample, as John Pieplow’s music is a combination of soulful blues with a folky-pop edge, although some purists may not be content with the sometimes-campy choreography. John Pieplow is a fun and invigorating show to experience, especially if you like to enjoy excellent and talented musicianship with your music.
- Night Society


""Recommended""

as published in the weekly "Recommended Music" section - LA Weekly


""Highly Recommended""

as it appeared on its website - AOL Digital City Los Angeles


""Class Act""

"Each show gets better..."
"John Pieplow performed his class act... and rocked The El Rey."
"The voices of t'Maaja & Jenine have become as tight as a drum, as clear as crystal."
"John's voice has an enriched tone... stabled by his creative and well-scripted stage presence."
"John Pieplow... making news and on the way to becoming part of Sunset Strip history." - Rock City News (Vol. 21, No.11)


Discography

John Pieplow

Photos

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Bio

John Pieplow recently opened for The English Beat in Santa Barbara, played the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with Huey Lewis and the News and Chicago in June 2006, and played there again with Earth, Wind and Fire and Chris Botti in August 2006. He's opened for five-time Grammy-nominees Ambrosia at the 1500 seat El Rey Theater in Los Angeles and multi-Grammy and Oscar-winner Christopher Cross at the House of Blues Sunset Strip. Sean Healy Presents, leading music promoter/booker in Los Angeles, says, "It's the combination of Johns velvety vocals, original lyrics and unique musical style which blends blues, jazz and pop sounds that draws the crowds." Current band lineup features renowned literary agent/manager Joel Gotler (Sting, James Elroy) on harmonica, and offers audiences an intimate experience that fuels the soul. This year, John has entered the film and television music world by writing and performing the music for the NBC-produced, ABC prime-time show "Sons and Daughters", produced by Lorne Michaels. John Pieplow has won several music awards including, "Best Album of Year 2006," "Best Alternative Band 2004" and "Best Solo Artist 2003" and a 2005 nomination for "Best Guitarist" by LA's Rock City News. In addition to his musical appeal, John's career as a film director of cult favorite "StrangeLand" has earned him a dedicated following of fans. In the past year and a half, John Pieplow has performed more than 80 shows at premiere music venues in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas. Famed hotspots include House of Blues, Key Club, Whiskey A Go Go, The Roxy, The El Rey Theatre and Viper Room. John recently completed his first album with gold-record recipient and producer Kevin Valentine in Los Angeles. A more complete venue list is available online at the band's official website: www.johnpieplow.com.