Christine Martucci

http://www.theaquarian.com/2015/04/01/shoreworld-christine-martucci-angels-of-war/ - Aquarian Weekly

Christine Martucci: Doing It Her Way And Winning

The Stone Pony, March 19

SunsetsWest Records is proud to announce the release of Christine Martucci’s new album, Sin And Redemption. This is an important record for Martucci as it marks a significant parting with general comparisons to Janis Joplin or Melissa Etheridge. While she loves those influential divas, she’s moved past that general club and into her own throaty and dynamic direction. And it’s always awesome to be around just at the moment when an artist finally comes into his or her own. Sin And Redemption is Martucci’s moment. Mixing blues, rock and roll and country crossover, Martucci and crew roll up their sleeves and get the job done old school style.

The first single, “Moving On,” is available this month exclusively on iTunes as a little taste of the big picture. And let me tell you, the big picture is on fire. “Moving On” is a riff-laden monster with infectious choruses and bigger than life visuals. Down home country rock mixed with leather clad rock and blues, soul and sexy badass boogie. The lyrical message is focused around our tough and tumble times of economics, war and in the end, getting along. It’s a rock and roll diamond and you can’t take your ears off of it.

Sin And Redemption is Martucci’s third studio album and it’s her first time in the studio with acclaimed guitarist, producer and songwriter Anthony Krizan. Krizan first rose to fame in the ‘90s as a member of the Spin Doctors and as a collaborator of Lenny Kravitz. As a songwriter, Krizan has worked with artists such as Kravitz and John Waite among others. Krizan and Martucci co-wrote most of the songs with “All My Life” being co-written by Tim Quick and Barbara Young.

Martucci, who was born and raised in New Jersey, expressed just what Sin And Redemption means in her press release. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally have completed this album… there is a ton of emotion and soul-searching in this one. I feel that I was meant to go through difficult times in life, and then tell the world my life story through song, that’s how Sin And Redemption came to life. We go through life making mistakes, our hearts get broken, we experience loss, but somehow we keep on going and never give up. That’s the beauty of the human spirit. Faith has a lot to do with it. We also experience love, peace and bliss. My world is painted the way I see it, and that is with love and forgiveness.”

Christine is renowned for her soulful tenacity, kind-hearted interaction and emotional songwriting, pulling hearts and opening minds across the country. Her ability to deploy completely loyal fans everywhere she plays is an almost unheard of feat these days as well. Calling themselves the “Tucci Train,” Martucci’s bunch has literally made it possible for her to outdraw headlining nationals by showing up in droves to cheer her on and support her newest projects.

Her critically acclaimed second CD, I’m All In, featured the single “There You Are,” which received national airplay. The video for “There You Are” is also featured on VH1, MTV and Logo. The CD also earned the prestigious 2007 Asbury Park Music Award for Top Local Release, and the recipient of the Asbury Park Music Award for Top Female Vocalist. Not a bad feat for someone who stays on the periphery of the Asbury circuit and its self-appointed dignitaries.

In July of 2009, Christine turned 180 degrees, putting down the guitar and showcasing her acting talents with her original rock musical, Breakfast With Janis, an event that also came with a concert at The Paramount Theatre in town. Her song “There You Are” received an OUTMusic Award and was honored as the theme song for the 2009 OUTMusic Awards held at Webster Hall in NYC.

On top of all these accolades and successes, Christine has also launched her own line of tequila, which you can find more info about at 201lunanueva.com. This is a huge deal and endorsement talks with some big names are already in the works. As with all big deals, my attempt to elicit said names could not be accommodated as of now, but I think its safe to say it’s a big ole’ name in the music biz. Martucci is no quitter and while other musicians might cower at this career multi-tasking, her endemic production is paying off well in 2011.

The CD Release concert for Sin And Redemption will be this Saturday, March 19, 2011 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ. Tickets are available by visiting Christine’s website christinemartucci.com, or ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door.

- The Aquarian

New Jersey rocker Christine Martucci is on a mission to bring her Sin and Redemption nationwide. SunsetsWest Records is proud to announce the release of Christine Martucci's new album, Sin and Redemption. The first single "Moving On" will be released in March 2011 exclusively on iTunes. The release will be celebrated with a special Sin and Redemption CD release concert at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on March 19, 2011. The concert will include special guests The Banjo Boyz, featuring Grammy Award winner Damon Elliot. Tickets are available at www.christinemartucci.com.

Damon Elliott is a Grammy award winning and multi-platinum record producer, songwriter, and performer. He has produced music for numerous artists including P!NK, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Wynonna Judd, Willie Nelson, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Website: www.banjoboyz.com.

Sin and Redemption is Martucci's third studio album and it's her first time in the studio with acclaimed guitarist, producer, and songwriter Anthony Krizan. Krizan first rose to fame in the 90s as a member of the Spin Doctors and as a collaborator of Lenny Kravitz. As a songwriter, Krizan has had songs recorded by such artists as Lenny Kravitz, the Spin Doctors, and John Waite. Krizan co-wrote the songs "Ocean Ave.," "I'll Stop The Rain," "Moving On," Shake It," "Working Man" and "Bad Things". The song "All My Life" was co-written by Tim Quick and Barbara Young.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have completed this album... there is a ton of emotion and soul searching in this one. I feel that I was meant to go through difficult times in life, then tell the world my life story through song, that's how Sin and Redemption came to life. We go through life making mistakes, our hearts get broken, we experience loss, but somehow we keep on going and never give up. That's the beauty of the human spirit. Faith has a lot to do with it. We also experience love, peace, and bliss. My world is painted the way I see it, and that is with love and forgiveness." - Christine Martucci

Sin and Redemption will be available at CDBaby (www.cdbaby.com) in March 2011.

Christine Martucci: Hailed by critics and audiences alike as an energetic and captivating live rock artist. Christine is renowned for her soulful voice and her powerful songwriting which has touched hearts across the country. Her loyal fans that have packed her concerts call themselves "Tucci Train." Born and raised in New Jersey, Christine comes from a musical family and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Her critically acclaimed second CD, "I'm All In," featured the single "There You Are," which received national airplay. The video for "There You Are" is also featured on VH1, MTV, and Logo. The CD was also voted the "Editors Pick" in the August 2007 edition of Curve Magazine and also earned the prestigious 2007 Asbury Park Music Award for "Top Local Release". Ms. Martucci was also the recipient of the Asbury Park Music Award for Top Female Vocalist. Christine has opened for many national acts as well as headlined major venues throughout the country. In July 2009, Christine previewed her original new rock musical, Breakfast with Janis, with a concert and launch party at The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. Her song "There You Are" received an OUTMusic Award and was honored as the theme song for the 2009 OUTMusic Awards held at Webster Hall in NYC. Christine has also launched her very own special line of tequila, www.201lunanueva.com.

The CD Release concert for Sin and Redemption will be March 19, 2011 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ Tickets are available by visiting Christine's website www.christinemartucci.com, or www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door.








©2011, Chorus and Verse








More Recent News

The Return Of Rick Barry's A Night In Progress In Asbury Park

New Rock'N'Roll Cook Book By Bruce Moore: For Those About To Cook

Watch The New Video, Wait, From EG Daily [Video]

Maniac Shoots Music Video Over iChat - On Two Continents - For $0

Elam Mcknight And Bob Bogdal Team Up On Zombie Nation

A Message From Erin Hamilton For Musicares

Maniac Announces SXSW Alt Press Showcase March 19

Adeline Records To Release Green Day's Live Album On Pink 180-Gram Double Disc Gatefold Vinyl April 26

Bonnaroo And VEVO Announce Partnership

Owl City Emerges From The Cold Winter With New Full-Length Studio Album – All Things Bright And Beautiful

Rob Roper To Release Misfit On April 26

Avon Voices Announces First Round Of Global Singing Talent Search Contenders

Sunspot Bridges Gap Between Hard Rock And Dance With New EP

Christina Perri Exits The Studio And Gets Ready To Tour As Main Support For James Blunt

Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, And Old Crow Medicine Show Announce Railroad Revi - Chrous and Verse

New Jersey rocker Christine Martucci is on a mission to bring her "Sin and Redemption" nationwide. SunsetsWest Records is proud to announce the release of Christine Martucci's new album "Sin and Redemption." The first single "Moving On" will be released in March, 2011 exclusively on itunes. The release will be celebrated with a special "Sin and Redemption" CD release concert at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on March 19, 2011. The concert will include special guests The Banjo Boyz, featuring Grammy Award winner Damon Elliot. Tickets are available at www.christinemartucci.com

Damon Elliott is a Grammy award winning and multi-platinum record producer, songwriter, and performer. He has produced music for numerous artists including P!NK, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Wynonna Judd, Willie Nelson, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Website: www.banjoboyz.com

"Sin and Redemption" is Martucci's third studio album and it's her first time in the studio with acclaimed guitarist, producer, and songwriter Anthony Krizan. Krizan first rose to fame in the 90s as a member of the Spin Doctors and as a collaborator of Lenny Kravitz. As a songwriter, Krizan has had songs recorded by such artists as Lenny Kravitz, the Spin Doctors, and John Waite. Krizan co-wrote the songs "Ocean Ave.", "I'll Stop The Rain" , "Moving On", Shake It" , "Working Man" and "Bad Things". The song "All My Life" was co-written by Tim Quick and Barbara Young.

"I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have completed this album...there is a ton of emotion and soul searching in this one. I feel that I was meant to go through difficult times in life, then tell the world my life story through song, that's how Sin and Redemption came to life. We go through life making mistakes, our hearts get broken, we experience loss, but somehow we keep on going and never give up. That's the beauty of the human spirt. Faith has alot to do with it. We also experience love, peace, and bliss. My world is painted the way I see it, and that is with love and forgiveness." - Christine Martucci
"Sin and Redemption" will be available at CDBaby - www.cdbaby.com in March, 2011.

Christine Martucci: Hailed by critics and audiences alike as an energetic and captivating live rock artist. Christine is renown for her soulful voice and her powerful songwriting which has touched hearts across the country. Her loyal fans that have packed her concerts call themselves "Tucci Train." Born and raised in New Jersey, Christine comes from a musical family and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Her critically acclaimed second CD, "I'm All In", featured the single "There You Are", which received national airplay. The video for "There You Are" is also featured on VH1, MTV, and Logo. The CD was also voted the "Editors Pick" in the August 2007 edition of Curve Magazine and also earned the prestigious 2007 Asbury Park Music Award for "Top Local Release". Ms. Martucci was also the recipient of the Asbury Park Music Award for Top Female Vocalist. Christine has opened for many national acts as well as headlined major venues throughout the country. In July of 2009, Christine previewed her original new rock musical, Breakfast with Janis, with a concert and launch party at The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. Her song "There You Are" received an OUTMusic Award and was honored as the theme song for the 2009 OUTMusic Awards held at Webster Hall in NYC. Christine has also launched her very own special line of tequila www.201lunanueva.com .

The CD Release concert for "Sin and Redemption" will be March 19th, 2011 at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ Tickets are available by visiting Christine's webiste www.christinemartucci.com, or www.ticketmaster.com . Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door.

WHEN:Saturday March 19, 2011
Doors @ 7:30 pm
WHERE:The Stone Pony
913 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 502-0600
www.stoneponyonline.com

To buy tickets: www.christinemartucci.com , or www.ticketmaster.com

Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door.



Read more: http://nj.broadwayworld.com/article/Christine_Martucci_Brings_SIN_and_REDEMPTION_To_The_Stone_Pony_319_20110318#ixzz1II7iY8Vp - Broadway World

Christine Martucci
Mama Says
Premanufactured girl singers and pop trios come and go before I can even learn their names, but there aren't many women vocalists out there right now who are truly carrying the torch of Rock as in RAWK. I knew there was something really special about New Jersey rocker Christine Martucci when, from the first song on her debut CD, Mama Says, her voice went through me like a spear.

Christine's gutsy, intensely soulful rock vocal style will draw immediate comparisons to Melissa Etheridge, Tina Turner and Janis Joplin, but her voice is unique and exciting. And musically speaking, the ten songs on Mama Says will appeal to fans of classic blues rockers from Eric Clapton and The Allman Brothers to Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge. Make no mistake about it, this is an old fashioned, guitar-driven, blues-based rock record of the highest order. Christine's emotionally rich voice commands attention; whether she's delivering a tender ballad like the timeless, thinly-veiled war protest song "She Don't Know" or belting out one of her rock anthems like the feverish, driving rocker, "Hearts On Fire." (The organ accompaniment on that song also adds an engaging sense of urgency similar to that of Rod Stewart's "I'm Losing You.")

To dig way down deep again for a point of reference, the passionate undercurrent of the transcendent, anthemic "Release Me" reminded me of Melani's '60s hit, "Lay Down." Stones fans will love the honky tonk, free-wheeling rock feel of "Home." Christine is a truly gifted songwriter whose songs recall the Americana-flavored storytelling of John Mellencamp or Bruce Springsteen. Finally, it's worth noting that Christine's band is comprised of staggeringly talented blues musicians. I just wish their names were listed on the CD so I could give them some props, because they add so much to the overall quality and impact of this CD. Christine Martucci's Mama Says will lift you up, touch your heart and rock your soul. This woman is the real deal.

Christine Martucci: http://www.christinemartucci.com/
Gail Worley
- Ink19

On March 26th, Whoopi Goldberg, Julianne Moore, Jennifer Hudson and John Waters were among the dozens of celebrities who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) as it honored Patti LaBelle, Tom Ford, Kate Clinton and the best in film, television and journalism last night at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor mainstream media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.

At the ceremony, Jennifer Hudson presented the Excellence in Media Award to Patti LaBelle in recognition of LaBelle's strong support of full equality for the LGBT community and her work to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Also at the event, Julianne Moore presented the Vito Russo Award to fashion designer Tom Ford. The Vito Russo Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for the LGBT community. Cynthia Nixon presented the Pioneer Award to comedian Kate Clinton. In 2006, Clinton celebrated her twenty-fifth year as an openly lesbian humorist and social commentator. Rosie O'Donnell and director Shari Cookson accepted the award for Outstanding Documentary for All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise.

Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg opened the show, and comedian Judy Gold performed for the capacity audience of 1,600. Other guests and presenters at the event included: John Waters; Billie Jean King; Phil Donahue; Kelli Carpenter O'Donnell; Urvashi Vaid; Stephanie March; Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"); Heather Matarazzo; Hilary Duff; Dana Delany; Eden Riegel, Jeffrey Carlson ("All My Children"); Van Hansis, Jennifer Landon, Jake Silbermann (As the World Turns); B.D. Wong; Paul Dawson, PJ DeBoy (Shortbus); Sarah Wynter; Tony Goldwyn; the Rev. Jay Bakker; Jackie Warner, Rebecca Cardon; Lee Rose; Melrose Bickerstaff; Malan Breton; Grant James Varjas; writer, activist Keith Boykin; Nathan Hale Williams; musician Willie Colon; comedian Jim David; singer Christine Martucci; and former NBA player John Amaechi. Guests at the after-party enjoyed the music of renowned DJ Junior Vasquez.

For the third consecutive year, the GLAAD Media Awards will be televised on Logo, MTV Networks' cable channel for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender viewers and their allies. The Logo airdate for the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards is April 21, 2007, with subsequent airings.

Visit this link for a complete list of GLAAD Award-winners.

- Broadwayworld.com

Flemington rocker Christine Martucci celebrates CD release Sunday


Published in the Courier News on July 10, 2003

Christine Martucci is one of New Jersey's most energetic rockers, and, thankfully, that energy is captured on her indie debut CD, "Mama Says." Such classic rock-inspired anthems as the opening "Can You Feel It," the single "Hearts on Fire," the fired-up "Full Steam Ahead," the peace-seeking "She Don't Know," the passionate "Release Me" and the surging "Home" will get the crowd up on its feet and its fists in the air on Sunday for a CD release party at Havana's in New Hope.

While Martucci's songs sometimes sound the same and there isn't much range in her high-voltage vocals, like her inspirations, Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin, she has a rough 'n' tumble charm and strong lyrical sense that's easy for a classic-rock fan to enjoy. She isn't breaking new ground with an original sound, but like much of the Hunterdon County music scene, she draws on classic-rock influences with great determination, passion and enthusiasm. The results are extremely entertaining, especially live.

Martucci works a crowd into a frenzy like a show-biz veteran. With her face reddened and sweating, hair matted and vocals roaring from her soul like strange fruit, she reminded me so much of Joplin, that I couldn't help smiling throughout her set.

As far as "Mama Says" goes, producer Matt Angus can place another feather in his sonic cap. He's crafted another great rock record by a Hunterdon County female singer-songwriter. "Mama Says" makes a fine follow-up to Kathy Phillips' excellent "Sway." Both albums would deserve commercial airplay if a New Jersey radio station that had the guts to play them. This is especially true of Martucci's powerfully poppy "Can You Feel It" and "Hearts on Fire" and the topical "She Don't Know."

Martucci has the potential to take her act far beyond the Garden State. She's a finalist in the Cabo Wabo Meltdown. If she gets enough votes at www.hardrock.com/promo/cabowabo, she'll get to open for Sammy Hagar at his Cabo Wabo club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Sharing the bill at Havana's will be the fun rock act Jody Joseph & the Average Joes. For more info about Christine Martucci, visit www.ChristineMartucci.com.


What you can do this weekend

What: Christine Martucci CD release party

When: 3-6 p.m. Sunday

Where: Havana's, New Hope, Pa.

- Bob Makin

New York's PM Magazine

"Christine Martucci sets a high standard for her music right in the beginning
and carries it right on through the rest of the CD.
To say that Christine Martucci connects personally with her listening
audience is an understatement. In both her live performances and on her CD
(I've had the privilege of hearing Ms. Martucci live as well as on the disc), she
surrenders herself to her listeners, and relinquishes some degree of control to
her loyal rock subjects. Yet at the same time, she also dominates that audience
with her music.

"Jedstar"- staff writer
- Jed Star

Christine Martucci - " Mama Says "

ISWM INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH - (review)... THE CD: At first, we thought that the vocals trailed off (lost power at the end of the verse) because of limitations in vocal range. Then after listening to the whole album, we came to the conclusion that it's more of a style issue. Christine does seem to be holding back vocally, but it seems to work in the songs on her self-titled CD.
WHY IT WAS SELECTED: Not only is it rare to hear rock vocals without all the loud music drowning out the lyrics, it's also a treat to have a rock album that dares to have ballads stripped down to the core essentials.

SUMMARY: The reason we focused so much on the vocals was because that seemed to be one of the selling points of the album. Yes, the songs themselves were wonderful, but if a singer is being promoted along with the song...if the songwriter is thinking about becoming a successful artist in addition to a writing career, they need to be aware that the whole presentation takes on a different angle of review. But all that aside, any fan of bare-bones rock music will absolutely love this album.

Send your own music review to the Music Review Dept. at:
My.CD.Review@independentsongwriter.com

- Independent Songwriter

New York, NY - (May 28, 2009) Hailed by critics and audiences as one of New Jersey's most energetic and captivating live performers, Christine Martucci presents a special Sneak Peek and Launch Party for her original new musical Breakfast with Janis. Special guests include the Bob Burger Band, the Mike Montrey Band, the Linda Chorney Band, and guest host comic Amy Beckerman.

The Breakfast with Janis Sneak Peek and Launch Party will be performed at The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, NJ. Tickets are $15.00 in advance and $18.00 at the door. Tickets are available at www.christinemartucci.com and www.livenation.com. All ages admitted, 21 to drink.

"I wanted to finally tell my story and Janis came to me in a dream. I was going through one of the worst periods of my life and Janis spoke to me in the dream. We had breakfast together, we laughed, we cried, and ultimately her visit saved my life. This is the story about how Janis saved me from my own destruction. I live again and hopefully through me Janis lives as well." - Christine Martucci

Breakfast with Janis is a semi-autobiographical story of the epic struggle of an extremely talented and wonderfully imperfect musician: Christine Martucci. We see her myriad conflicts such as depression, alcohol abuse, drugs, and loneliness...unfold at the kitchen table, with Janis Joplin, the iconic presence that influenced a generation, as her muse and conscience. Christine's efforts to overcome the many obstacles to her ultimate success are chronicled in a classic, self reflective style. Christine ponders her options life or death. She seeks inspiration and comfort from the parallels in their lives.

Ultimately, Breakfast with Janis is an inspirational story which will leave the audience hopeful for Christine and her future as a rock and roller!

Christine Martucci: Christine's first CD "Mama Says" was released in August 2003 and was followed up by "I'm All In" released March 2007 on her indie label Sunsetswest. She is presently working on her third full length CD. She has headlined such major venues as The Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square and Atlantic City, The Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ, The Stone Pony and more. She will be performing at New Yorks Gay Pride this year and is also scheduled to open the Out Music Awards this September in New York City.

WHEN: Saturday July 18 @ 8pm - Doors @ 7pm

WHERE: The Paramount Theater
1300 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 897-8810

To buy tickets:
www.christinemartucci.com or www.livenation.com
Live Nation ticketing phone: 877-598-8694
Tickets are $15.00 in advance, or $18.00 at the door.
All tickets are general admission seating.







©2009, Chorus and Verse




- Chours and Verse

It would probably be fair to call the upcoming theatrical production "Breakfast with Janis" a "dream project" for Readington native Christine Martucci, because the first inspiration for the show came to her in her sleep over a decade ago.

"(The show) actually is based on a dream I had a few years back, (in) like 1996," Martucci revealed to Metromix Jersey Shore. "I was a young rock ‘n' roll wannabe trying to climb up the ladder and going down the wrong path pretty much, and Janis (Joplin) came to me in a dream and we had breakfast together, and she told me that it's not about the drinking and the drugging, it's about the music, and that's what inspired me to write the play."

Martucci, a singer-songwriter with two studio albums under her belt, is about to see her dream become a reality: "Breakfast with Janis" will have a sneak-preview performance of its first act and a launch party on Saturday (July 18) at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. The show will also feature Garden State-based singer CC Coletti as Joplin along with the fretwork of New Jersey-based guitarist Anthony Krizan, formerly of the Spin Doctors.

Metromix recently spoke with Martucci about her show and the importance of Joplin in her life.

Before this show, have you had any theatrical aspirations or acting desires or anything like that?
No, and that's a good question, because basically I've always been just a singer-songwriter on stage to play rock ‘n' roll music. But I was at the point in my life where (I was thinking) you know, "How many places can you play, how many songs can you write?"

I figured it was time to bring my creativity to the next level and give my fans something about what it's like to be behind the scenes, what it's like for a musician or a songwriter or any kind of artist, what you go through, the inner struggles and stuff like that. I felt that this was the time to do that and that I was strong enough now to tell my story and to do it theatrically. I may crash and burn or it may be totally brilliant, we don't know, but I'm a risk-taker, so that's why I wanted to do this.

How long have you been working on this show? I know you said you got the first inspiration in 1996, but how long have you been writing and rehearsing?
I've been writing it in my mind, in my head, jotting down notes, since 1996, but actually rehearsing the music and the actual script, we've been working on this ... I'd say it's probably about six months to get it, to fine tune it and stuff like that.

Can you tell me a bit about how you first got into Janis and her music and the importance her work has had on your life and career?
The first time that I really appreciated Janis Joplin was when I was really starting, because my background is mostly in R&B, Motown, horn sections, blues and so I was really into a lot of blues artists and stuff and women with very powerful voices.

So, out of that I started to grow up musically more, and I started to listen to Janis Joplin and really listen to her I would say probably like in my early 20's, and at that point I really started to appreciate her as she was an icon and the way she sang and the way she presented herself on stage. She was just so powerful and yet so vulnerable, and to me, I was like, "Wow, I feel that way too," and so that's what really attracted me to her. And her voice, I mean, my God, and just her stage presence, I always wanted to emulate that as well as a young singer-songwriter and to give everything that I have and leave nothing left on that stage at every performance, even if you don't feel well, that's what I try to do every performance.

Looking back over her life and career, you can see her as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.
That's the reason why I'm writing this play; it's not about the self-destructive path that a lot of artists take. A lot of artists, they're so vulnerable and so self-destructive in a way, it's like, "I'm never good enough." You don't have to take that road. You don't have to drink a case a beer and party all night long to be a rock star.

You can just delve into your craft ... and that's what this play is about. (Janis) comes to me, not as the Janis Joplin that we all saw but the Janis Joplin that is a savior, so to speak. I call it "divine intervention," coming in and going, "Baby, it's not about that, don't remember me for that, remember me for my music, remember me for breaking down barriers and singing." I mean, she wasn't the only one that did; there were a lot of amazing African American blues artists that had come way before Janis, but that's where she got her inspiration.

So, she comes to me and we talk about that and we laugh and cry and do all kinds of crazy comparisons. But the message is that it's about the music, it's about your art and it's about your craft and that's so important that you're given a gift and you shouldn't blow it.

On this show, you're also working with CC Coletti and Anthony Kri - Metromix, NJ

Christine Martucci grew up in the Flemington area and still lives there. But as a musician, her base is in Asbury Park.

"Every time I set foot in the Stone Pony, on that stage, I feel like I'm home," says the singer-songwriter-guitarist.

Martucci, a blues-rocker whose strong voice and fiery attitude has inspired comparisons to Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin, will perform at a free outdoor street festival that is part of this year's Wave Gathering.

It won't be her first Gathering appearance. "Any time that people get together and say, 'Hey, we're a community, let's celebrate the music and the artists, and the diversity in the styles of music,' I think it's awesome," she says. "Since the onset of the Wave Gathering, I've always been a big supporter of it. I love the fact that I can go see a country band or a blues band or an avant-garde fusion thing, all in one night."

For her Saturday performance with guitarist Tim Quick, Martucci will feature a few songs from "Breakfast With Janis," a musical she has written about herself and Joplin.

"It's based on a dream I had when I was going through a very dark time in my life," she says. "She came to me in a dream, and we had breakfast together."

In the play, Martucci's first attempt at anything theatrical, she recounts struggling with the idea that a rock musician should die young, like Joplin did in 1970 at age 27.

"I struggle with that skewed reality," Martucci says. "If I keep playing my music, it's going to die a slow death, but if I die young, at the top of my game, then I'm going to live forever. And Janis basically comes to me and says, 'No, no, no, you've got it all wrong, baby. This is not how it works.'"

Martucci will return to Asbury Park on July 18 to showcase the first act of the play at the Paramount Theatre before presenting a mixed set of Joplin songs and her own material with her band. The Bob Burger Band and the Mike Montrey Band will also perform at the show.

Her long-term goal is to present "Breakfast With Janis" off-Broadway.

"I don't see it as a Broadway play," she says. "I want it to be really organic and independent. I've been doing music for 15, 20 years now, and I've always done it my way, and I think off-Broadway would be a better fit."

Jay Lustig may be reached at jlustig@starledger.com or (973) 392-5850
- NJ Starledger

—by John Pfeiffer, July 14, 2009

Breakfast With Janis—The Paramount Theater—July 18

When I think of Christine Martucci, I always think of that hard living singer that manages to claw her way through the dirt and out of the backyard while ending up in the hearts and minds of the music world at large. From tender beginnings to rough and tumble times of crisis, Martucci has always been an open book, making killer music no matter what the circumstance and giving concertgoers 150 percent.

She has also never been one to shy away from voicing her private ideas to the public, calling her fans the “Tucci Train,” she exudes a maternal love for every one of them and has come to view them intimately as family. She trusts them deeply enough to bare her soul to all of them in her debut confessional play this Saturday entitled Breakfast With Janice at The Paramount Theater in Asbury, where Christine ponders her options of life and near death. She seeks inspiration and comfort from the parallels in both the lives of herself as well as Janis Joplin. She took a few minutes to discuss it with me today.

What lead you to this nocturnal conversation with Janis Joplin?

I was at a point I my life that was very dark when the dream happened. I was going down a path that was definitely self-destructive and—because my self worth was down, being a young artist and trying to make it in NYC—trying to make it anywhere. I was falling into an unreachable place, and I had this dream, which I call divine intervention on behalf of Janis Joplin. We had breakfast together, we laughed, we cried, and ultimately her visit saved my life. Janis saved me from my own destruction.

Do you relate to many of the same highs and lows in life?

Absolutely. There’s one point in the middle of the play where I talk to Janis about how you feel so loved onstage and how everything is so intense, the lights, the fans. You’re just so at home. But when you’re off stage, your pushed right back into futility again. So a lot of personal sabotage went on, just stuff many artists get caught up in. Being a woman musician, there’s insecurities, second guessing, can I hang with the big boys? The similarities between Janis and me and what my story is about.

You mentioned sabotage. Did using drugs and booze make things easier for you to deal with?

That’s a great question. It just kept getting harder. Because now you’re insecure and you have an addiction so, you know it’s just a downward spiral and when you reach that point dark people start to surround you because you’re like, ‘Fuck it, I’m irrelevant so I don’t care,’ and they just move in and take pieces of you. I explore this a lot in this initial act of the play.

Is this a standard length play?

A lot of people ask me why we are just doing one act of the play and the reason is to test market it. Were inviting producers and professional theater people from New York to see if it will fly so to speak, and then we go to the next step. It’s not like the old days where you just go out and play your music and bam! I knew this was the right time to tell my story and get it out there and with the right team, and money (laughs), turn it into a full-fledged play that will also have a CD of the music to go along for fans as well.

As a gay woman in the rock world, do you feel the presence of bigotry much in the same way that Janis must have dealt with in her past?

The only obstacles I have encountered are ones that I had put up myself. I have been very lucky to have major record execs want to sign or work with me in the past and present. So I’m not one of those people that say, ‘Oh, I’m a woman in rock and roll and things are so unfair. Sometimes fear is good, sometimes it’s not. I mean, I turned down Russell Simmons for an opportunity because I wasn’t sure if I was ready and shame on my agent for not dragging me to that meeting at the time (laughs). Looking back I think I made the right decision for my present and future career.

Will you be playing any Joplin musical interpretations at The Paramount this Saturday or is it all you?

I am doing one song, its called ‘Little Girl Blue’ written by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, published in 1935. The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Jumbo. I do that right before the end of the first act. And my god, Janis nailed that song when she was alive! I tested it out at The Wave Gathering and it went over very well.

So how will these other bands (Bob Burger, Mike Montrey, Linda Chorney) tie into your theme for the night?

Well, this first installment of my play is pretty heavy and I don’t want people to feel like, ‘Oh my god, what’s gonna happen next?’ It’s a rock and roll celebration, I’m celebrating my life and survival and I want these three awesome bands to be a part of that unity, like ‘were all in this together’ feeling. So it’s, ‘Hey everything’s gonna be ok, I’m still here.’ (laughs)

Who would you cite as a major musica - The Aquarian

Theater Interview by William Gooch

published June 26, 2009



Interview with Christine Martucci

of Breakfast With Janis

Sneak Peek and Launch party on July 18



After meeting and listening to Christine Martucci’s eclectic CD “I’m All In,” I wondered why a show like American Idol hadn't discovered this young lady. As I got to know Christine a little better, I realized she has so much more to offer than the pre-packaged singers that are paraded weekly on music reality shows. With a solid foundation in blues, R&B and hard rock vocal acrobatics, Christine can electrify, wail and serenade with the best of them.



Christine Martucci’s sophisticated musical taste goes way beyond the niche marketing that far too many artists are forced to operate out of. Only a musical artist of her immense talent and vision would dare do a musical about the great iconoclast Janis Joplin. Although musicals about Janis Joplin have been done before—a few years ago a critically acclaimed version ran Off-Broadway—not until Martucci’s Breakfast with Janis do we experience Janis Joplin as confidant, sage and late-night carousing buddy.



During pre-production of Breakfast with Janis, Christine took out a little time to talk with me about her life, her passion for music, and why it is so important for her to live life on her own terms.





What are your musical influences?



Christine Martucci: My musical influences are Janis Joplin, Koko Taylor, Bessie Smith, Aretha, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight; you know, most of the R&B and Motown divas.



You named all these women that have strong voices; what attracts you to that type of voice?



Christine Martucci: Their voices come with a story. It is easy to be a trained singer, but to have a strong voice and to have soul is what attracts me. These ladies have more than good vocal skills. Their heartaches, their joys, just everything comes out in their music.



What is your musical background?



Christine Martucci: I started out by listening to my dad’s Motown Records. One day I just picked up a guitar and started playing around with. I come from a musical family; all my siblings play musical instruments. I have had some vocal classical training. That training has helped me sustain my voice and take care of my vocal instrument.



Why did you want to do a musical about Janis Joplin?



Christine Martucci: I’ve always admired Janis Joplin. During a very dark period in my life, when I had so many issues and was going through so much stuff in my personal life, Janis came to me in this dream and kind of blessed me and told me that I had a musical purpose on this planet, and that I was wasting my talent with being in this dark place and being around so many negative people. I know it sounds a little hokey, but it was a wake-up call for me, my light bulb moment. Later in the dream Janis asked me to go and have breakfast with her.



Is that where the title of your musical come from?



Yes, that’s where the title comes from. [Laughing]



How did this visitation of sorts evolve into Breakfast with Janis?



Christine Martucci: I really felt this dream in some way was a divine message. In some way there are aspects of my life at that time that corresponded to Janis’ life, performing before large crowds and getting that approval and then going home alone. I felt like I was crashing and burning. In the musical I contemplate the loneliness, the performance fatigue, and I ask Janis for help, her advice, how she dealt with some of the same issues, how she might have handled some things differently. In a nutshell, this musical is everything you would have wanted to ask Janis Joplin but couldn’t. It is really raw and out there.



Is Breakfast with Janis a one-woman show?



Christine Martucci: No. This production is still a work in progress. The first act is my having a conversation with another actress who plays Janis Joplin and the second act is a monologue.



When I listened to your CD “I’m All In,” I found that you have a raw, throaty vocal quality similar to Janis Joplin. That quality can be hard on the voice. Do you do any vocal techniques to maintain that sound without damaging your voice?



Christine Martucci: Since I naturally sing that way, I don’t do any special training to maintain that quality. My voice has always had that raw edge.



What songs by Janis are you using in the musical, and why those songs?



Christine Martucci: This musical has all original material, no covering of Joplin songs.



Where would you like this show to go?



Christine Martucci: I think this musical will play really well Off-Broadway. It may be a little too honest and raw for Broadway audiences. [Raucous laughter]



Let’s talk about the back cover of your CD “I’m All In.” You have a picture of yourself with poker chips, why the poker chip image?



Christine Mart - Stage and Cinema