TY STEPHENS: News

Divine Ones!

We are ever closer to getting home, and I can hardly wait, yet, I am having such a great time! We have finally made a break in the scene here, due to our man, Phil Woo. We've been hitting for the past 3 weeks at local spots, as the New York Allstars, with each of us sitting in on the others' gig. Felicia has been the featured vocalist for the past 3 gigs, but Yuri ans I have been hangin' at each and WE BE JAMMIN'!!!! It has been one of those dream gigs, where you get to soar with the best players and, enjoy each performance and then your turn comes, too! NICE! Toshi's fans show up there, too, and are equally supportive and enthusiastic! I know we're laying the foundation to return and hit with my own tunes and with my guys! Feels good.

The CD sales are still doing well, and the hand-shaking and photo-taking continue. The cold and the cough are long gone! Thank GOD! Been getting radio play in the U.K., here in Japan and online, tho', I've yet to check out any of the locations. The response has been great! We got a review in German, which has yet to be translated, and our friends Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault are keeping us in rotation in Bridgeport, Conn.! I'll post the stations and locations here, too, and maybe you can check them out?! I'll send out a mailing with that info, too.

Lastly, I hope you have been finding good, loving, positive and artistically fulfilling music (besides, mine, I mean---Ha!), here are some that I recommend:
"A TIME 2 LOVE" Stevie Wonder (aside from a few unsingable melodies, it is a return to classic Stevie!); "TESTIMONY: VOLUME 1" India.Arie (a very perspective-oriented lp, with more good, positive messages and great music and vocals); "ON THE JUNGLE FLOOR" Van Hunt (you can see, I'm a big Van Hunt fan! You gotta listen to his lyrics, along with the great music and musicianship, he is quite the poet, brilliant!); "3121"
Prince (he manages to keep the kinky, the funky, the sensuous and the sacred all in tact without losing the funk!); "ILLUMINATION" Earth, Wind & Fire (my concern about this one was unnecessary, once I heard it! I worried that too many (young) producers would take away their sound and identity, as current producers do. Didn't happen! The are EWF thru and thru, and it seems the producers respected that...or maybe Maurice insisted! Ha!); "MORPH THE CAT" Donald Fagan (Steely Dan)(great words, music, perpsective and as always, great session cats, including our own Jerry Barnes!!!), and ""IF YOU COULD LOVE ME" Mica Paris (when's the last time you heard from her? I have been keeping my eye out for her since she left the major labels, because I am one of her biggest fans! That voice and those confident blasts of vocal bravura!! She's a force! Underrated, as are so many of the best! She and Jeffrey Osborne have both recently released cover albums of classic Soul material. Both are good, because they are both top-notch, but I still prefer their original expressions, and often, that of the original artist they cover).
Enough rambling. Gotta go!

Namaste, Ty

Divine Ones!

We are past the halfway point in the tour! I can almost see my bed and garden....! Ha! The shows have been more regular, so the time is moving faster, now! The CD sales have been going VERY well. I am out at the concession stand after every show, signing autographs on my CDs and taking pictures with the fans. I will have some posted here when I return home. I am not able to do it, yet, from here, but if I can, I will.

I have had a minor cold or something, and it may have been encouraged by so much hand-shaking with Fans; the persistent rain; the air-conditioned bus... but also, we spent a few nights in a hotel that I think was actually making me sick, I felt so strange there the whole time (just 2 nights, but..). Other band members felt it, too. We think it was mold. I am wondering if that is the cause of this lingering cough I have. If it persists I will see about it, I promise!

Other than that, the sales at CDBaby are going very well, and I am looking into more live performances to expose the album when I return home. The majority of our sales are from right here in Japan, the rest are the U.K.! We have a great response from the Soul Music media community: websites, radio and publications in London, Germany and Finland have been requesting CDs and Bio info! Very exciting and encouraging!

We just got word that we are returning to Japan in October to perform at the MTV Asia awards with Toshi! That will be nice, and, who knows, I may be able to hook some kind of gigs up, for then. I was finally introduced to a sister here who is connected to the scene! Been getting out to see as much local entertainment as my budget can afford.

I nearly forgot, (THE) Phillip Woo (one of our keyboardists) has been gigging around Tokyo and has invited each of the vocalists to join him. I will be doing a hit here on August 2nd! We should be doing a few of my tunes, along with the covers we have planned. Phil knows as much material as I do, and we are same generation Americans, so we know all the same stuff. Should be easy and fun! Well, that's all for now!

Namaste, Ty

Hey Folks!

The rain in Japan falls mainly---EVERYWHERE! It has subsided and today is lovely, but it's still the "rainy season", so who knows...!

I finally opened my mouth to ask for what I needed and it was granted immediately! Toshi is so gracious and supportive! I realized that no one was buying my CD because they didn't know it was there! I asked Toshi if there was a way it could be announced before, during or after the show on the house system. Since that couldn't be done, he has taken to mentioning it onsatge during the show and the sales have boomed!

We're sold out at CDBaby for the 2nd time, too! Although, there are some issues on the amount of CDs we have in stock, which we are working out.
A good many of the sales are from right here in Japan. We're very excited and, hopefully. will have some more news regarding contacts here, in the near future! Keep posted!

Namaste, Ty

Well, Toshi is back in action and looking and sounding great! The tour is back on track, but THE RAIN won't stop!!!

I've sold a few CDs from here but the CDBABY sales are going like hotcakes!!! WE are working on a more effective way of letting Toshi's audience know that the CDs are here and available, so things will improve soon!

If you've left any emails on this site, please bear with me since I cannot remember my password and can't get them to send it without being on this site to receive it! Catch 22!

Anyway, things are good here, for the most part and I'll keep you posted!

Namaste, Ty

Divine Ones!

Things, here are pretty well, all things considered. After only our 1st show, last Thursday, Toshi fell ill. We have been on an unexpected 2 week hiatus, until he has recovered. He works very hard and has worn himself out. We are scheduled to pick up the tour on the 19th and, hopefully, replace some of the dates that had to be cancelled.

We send love and healing to Toshi, and can't wait to get this thing back up and running. But, we know first and foremost, that Toshi's recovery will be full and complete and speedy!

Meanwhile, we find fun, creative and constructive things to do with this new-found time! Seeking the possibility of gigging somewhere around town. Could open the doors I've been searching for! Keep posted!

Namaste, Ty

Ohayo!!!

I'm finally back in Japan with Toshi Kubota....my 4th tour with him! It's like a class reunion, really. Good crew!!!!

Toshi is always so gracious to allow us to use his concessions to sell our wares. I've got "Aquarian Mind" here with me and I expect it'll sell out! I sure hope so...I could sure stand to make the returns on my investment asap! Ha!

To those of you who were able to make the Release Events in NJ and NYC, THANK YOU, SO MUCH! They were both great successes and only the beginning of the exposure of our new music. Toshi and Co. were able to make it to Dillon's in NYC and Adam Wade did a fantastic job of Hosting at Trumpets in Montclair---and boy, was he "fly"!

Dave Schwab is close to finished with the new Press/Bio Package, too. Our new look is sure to create new, exciting possibilities for bookings and PR for us!

I am opening myself up for more time spent in reflection and creativity, since I have so much time to myself, here. It's a good time for renewal...just like Spring!! I look forward to much inspired writing. Meanwhile, keep posted for all the news from here in Japan. Plans are underway for Release Events in Philly and NYC to alert the media and the larger public to "AQUARIAN MIND"!

Love, Light, Peace and Music, Ty

FINALLY!!!!! "AQUARIAN MIND" is HERE! We've got it in our hands and READY FOR YOU at both upcoming Release Celebrations (See Calendar page!)! YOU made it possible with your love, support and encouragement! I'm so proud of this whole process and the final product!

Again, a VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to RONDEW (Ron Monroe) for his assistance with this project. It was a huge pleasure having you working beside me!

See you at the Celebrations!

Love, Light, Peace and Music---Namaste! Ty

Yes! We're moving full speed ahead with the Sunday April 9th date at Trumpets, here in Montclair! See our Calendar page for details.

It looks like we'll have the new CD ready in time for the event, too!

We're also still working on a small "do" in NYC to launch "Aquarian Mind" to our supporters, before I'm off to Japan, probably on Thursday April 13th!! Keep posted!

Namaste, Ty

IT'S IN! DISCMAKERS has the files and payment and "AQUARIAN MIND" is being manufactured as we speak!

The plans are also underway for 2 Release Celebrations, so keep posted to our Calendar for details!

The countdown is also on for my departure back to Japan to tour with Toshi Kubota, once again! So, we're moving to get alot done before we leave!

Let us know you're out there and will be in the house for these events!

Namaste, Ty

We are FINALLY out of the mixing phase of the new "AQUARIAN MIND" CD, and moving into MASTERING and MANUFACTURING! As many of you know, this process of making a musical product we can be proud of is very time-consuming, but it's worth the time and effort! See, once it's out in the world, it a done-deal, so it best be as good as you can muster! It's often difficult to maintain any kind of patience, but I am reminded by experience that it's engraved in stone after this--for posterity! So, chill, Ty! I'm so excited, I can see the results and response already!

The new Press/Bio package is underway, as well, and then watch us take-off!! I promise you!

Anyway, thanks for your continued patience and support, and for the wonderful, kind messages in our Guestbook!

Plans are underway for the Release Party/Performances, before I leave for Japan! Keep posted!!

Namaste! Ty

Well, my loves, we are finally in the mixing stages of "AQUARIAN MIND"! Next we will plan our release party(s), so if you have any ideas on locations/contacts, let us know! We'd love to hear from you, so leave a message at this site! More news to follow...!

It's HERE! You can hear 4 NEW SONGS from my UPCOMING 3rd CD RELEASE, "AQUARIAN MIND", on our NEW SAMPLER! It's AVAILABLE for $5.00 ea., plus shipping and $2.50 handling, EXCLUSIVELY, RIGHT HERE!

Just send check or money order to:
TY STEPHENS/ROMANTASY MUSIC
115 LINCOLN ST
MONTCLAIR, NJ 07042

"AQUARIAN MIND" IS CLOSER THAN EVER, BUT YOU CAN BE THE FIRST TO HEAR THESE SONGS--AND OWN THEM!

I'm so excited and proud of this work! I just KNOW you're gonna dig this!

Peace, Ty

HEY FOLKS!
For some reason, I cannot access my email and, you may have noticed that YOU cannot send to my address. It has been being returned! I don't yet know what the problem is, but will keep you posted via THIS SITE. You may even be able to email me here. I will look into that. Meanwhile, keep posted here for all the latest info and updates, as ususal. We will be adding some song samples from the new CD, "AQUARIAN MIND", in the coming days!

I hope your NEW YEAR has started off in the most affirmative and positive way for you and yours!

Love, Light, Peace and Music, Ty

BE THAT WHICH YOU SEEK: BE the LOVE you seek, the PEACE you seek, the SUCCESS you seek, etc...! All is already given by the great I AM, we simply ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTENCE of our blessings, our desired, and ACT ACCORDINGLY. Simply put whatever you desire behind the words: I AM.

New year, new opportunity to have the life you seek. Every breath, every heartbeat, every blink of the eye, every pulse of your blood. As long as you have those, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

Love, Light , Peace and Music, Ty

Well, time is fleeting, and the CD ("Aquarian Mind") is ever closer to completion! The experience is so enjoyable and the flow of music and ideas are so constant, it's almost tempting to keep going and end up with an LP of 100 songs (exaggeration, of course! ha!)! The CD layout is being done by David Schwab, a fantastic bassist, person, husband and dad, who is a member of our spiritual center: Religious Science of Montclair, and the production is being Associate-Produced by MY bassist, Ron "Rondew" Monroe and some great producers he's turned me on to. Guess I've got a thing for that bass, huh?!

Other life things continue, of course...my dear Dad passed away from cancer on Nov. 22nd, and it is more surreal than anything. I've had my moments, but overall I am content that he is at peace and knowing that he was well-loved and so were we, by him. I dedicate this new CD to him and other relatives and friends who have "gone home". As the year transits to a new one, I WISH YOU THE BEST OF HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND "ALL THE LOVE" (Don't forget to tell and show how much you love them! It's very important! We ALWAYS told Dad we love him and he ALWAYS said it back! A nice thing I'll always cherish).

Love, Light, Peace and Music----ALWAYS! ..., Ty

Hey Ya'll!

Well, the new CD, entitled AQUARIAN MIND is closer than ever to being done! We've been keeping things going and the results are soooo satisfying!

Meanwhile, may I continue to recommend some recent and new music from some of the best?! STEVIE WONDER'S new CD is WONDERful (to coin a phrase), I've been immersing myself in it! EARTH, WIND & FIRE's newest one is slammin', as well--they can't beat down the real thing, no matter how hard they try, knowattamean? If you are an American Idol watcher, then go get LATOYA LONDON's new CD--this girl is the real thing! Pipes and good taste, as well as a good contemporary sound! Just picked up k.d. lang's latest with covers of some great writers, including Joni Mitchell, can't wait to give it a listen, too! All is not lost in the music world!

Love & keep listening, Ty

Kids!!!

I am so buzzed! We are FINALLY making real progress on the new CD and I can't wait for you to hear it! When we are closer to done, I'll post some previews here on the site--just for your ears!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR YOU PURCHASE OF ADVANCE COPIES! Your support has made it possible to bring the music closer to completion!

JEREE & ADAM WADE
KAREN CALHOUN
AUDREY & BOBBY MADISON
MICHAEL AMERICAN
TONI HAMILTON
ANITA THOMAS
REV. MICHELLE WADLEIGH (Religious Science Of Montclair)
SANDRA SALGADO
CAMILLE DULLAGHAN
JIM MOREHAND & DAVID POLAZZO (Parlorjazz)

I will be in the photo studio 9/14/05, taking new, fresh pix for the CD and general publicity, and we're getting the new press package ready, too!

GET READY FOR SOME REAL BUTT KICKIN' TO FINISH OUT 2005! That will include a RELEASE PARTY (Date, location, etc, TBA)!

Well, folks!

It's been a few weeks since I've settled in at home! We have jumped right in to getting the new CD done for the Fall, with scouting new studios and photographers--gotta have a whole new image for the next phase. We're having the new Press/Bio package done and will be getting this new site overhauled soon for a more impactful look and to encourage repeat visits! Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated! Just drop us a line in our guestbook!

Don't forget to check our Calendar for upcoming dates! Well, back to work!

Love, Ty

I'm in Eugene, OR gigging with Dick Hyman and a wonderful cast of vocalists and musicians, here celebrating Cole Porter's music at the Oregon Festival Of American Music!

Already done the first week of 3 shows--all different songs, each show! Lots to cram into this brain of mine, but I love the challenge and the fun! It's been going quite well and I got to share the stage with Ann Hampton-Calloway! Randy Sandke on Trumpet, Peter Appleyard on Vibes, Mike Denny on Guitar, and Doug Miller on Bass, and the great Dick Hyman on piano and conductiing, along with some great local vocal talent, Shirley Andress, Michael Stone, Julie Alsin and Vicki Brabham!

Got to see some wonderful countryside with local patrons Liz and Ken Paul and went hiking this morning with Michael Stone. I'm not slouching out here! This is an area you should see and a festival (OFAM) that you should experience!

Love ya, Ty

Well, in the end, I had a marvelous experience with some very wonderful people! People I look forward to working---and playing with---again!

Our experience proves that it all flows from the head--meaning everything comes from the top. The dealings with this show were chaotic and that's what we got---chaos! We never did the same show twice, with all the missing people and injuries! There was adjustment after adjustment. We could never settle in a develope the show and our characters, tho' we did a pretty damn good job under the circumstances, if I may say so, myself!

My last show on Saturday night was a difficult one! Because I cannot work in a situation without connecting with the people with whom I am working, it was hard not to cry. There were tears and they were sweet. But we know we will be doing it again, somehwere, so we don't say goodbye, just "see ya, later"! I'll be posting the reviews here on the site after I scan them in, so keep posted!

Next I'm off to Japan, again, for the Tao Drum Festival with Shohei Narabe. Back in the air as of Wednesday!

Thanks for your love!

Love, Light, Peace and Music, Ty