A video of our first gig with Zonder Kennedy on baritone guitar...Amy Madden on bass and Roger Murdock on drums
Hey Folks…I’m having trouble with my CD and Streaming services.
If you are interested in a CD, drop me a note here at this web-site. Many Thanks!
Dave Achelis and 8 ACE
We were very happy to be returning to our favorite club on December 9th, opening for our good friends Binky Phillips and The Planets!
We look forward to returning ASAP Keep your eyes on this space!
Great show headlining with our friends Tender Beats,
featuring John Moses on guitar, and a guest appearance from Jon Paris on harp!
Check out our photo section, with some great shots by my friend Phil Oetiker
Hey everybody! We had such a good time at Arlene's Grocery last gig that the y invited us back, and asked us to invite some of our favorite bands to play with us...we will be playing Tuesday, August 20th sharing the bill with the Martinets, and Zonder Kennedy and the Scoville Junkies! Sets start at 8. There is a $5 pre-show admission, and $8 charge day of the show. Three of NY's finest bands for the price of one!
Arlene's Grocery is located at
95 Stanton Street New York City
The Martinets
Formed shortly before the turn of the century, and inspired by pre-punk artists such as the ny dolls, mott the hoople, stooges, flamin’ groovies and mc5, the martinets have been bashing out rock and roll with a 1977 new yawk city vibe for over two decades. With daniel rey on guitar (producer/guitarist/songwriter for ramones, joey ramone, Ronnie spector , dictators nyc, masters of reality, ad infinatum), dave rick on bass (bongwater, yo la tengo, king missile, phantom tollbooth, Robert pollard, etc), roger mudock on drums (king missile, Ronnie spector, joey ramone, leslie west) and eamonn bowles on vocal and guitar, the martinets have been called a “nyc supergroup” by famed station wfmu. They’ve unleashied their latest disc ‘rock and roll will probably never die’ from musick recordings. It marks the fourth recording from the band, following ‘love! hate!’ (2000), ‘new stories for men’ (2003), both from scooch pooch records and 2011’s ‘comeback tour’ on tornado ride records.
Veteran guitarist Zonder Kennedy has been rocking on the New Your club scene for years as well as on the wold stage including performing at the Montrose Jazz Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Kennedy has performed with legendary recording artists including, John Campbell, Johnny Johnson and Dr. John, and Jimmy Vaughn and shared the stage, opening for Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, BB King, Buddy Guy and The Black Crows.
Zonder Kennedy & the Scoville Junkies, Amy Madden on bass, and Mark Brotter on drums, meld stripped-down blues with dirty rock and roll to forge a sound that's as equally dark and brooding as it is razor-sharp. On Last Days Of Dreamland, the trio concoct a modern day witches brew that fuses the Texas and Chicago schools of blues with Lower East Side grit.
Dave Achelis and 8ACE
Dave was born in NYC a long time ago. Hearing “Louie Louie” by the Kingsmen in 1963 changed his life forever. Already adequate on the guitar from playing along with his sister’s folk music collection, and propelled by The Beatles a year later, he has played in bands ever since. The early 70s found him on radio stations as a disc jockey, and he later found work as an engineer/producer recording an array of artists, such as The New York Dolls, Binky Phillips and The Planets, Elliot Murphy, Jon Paris, Stu Daye, and perhaps most famously, The Misfits. Coincidently, he also was lucky enough to work with Jazz Greats like Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond ,Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Duke Jordan and many others!
He has also played guitar with almost everybody in the city at one time or another, highlights being Larry Estridge and Nightwatch, The Law, Mr Lucky, The Cash Cows, and his present day band, 8 ACE, featuring Roger Murdock on drums, Amy Madden on bass, and Zonder Kennedy on guitar.
Not finding the type of music he likes on radio, the internet, or on TV, he took it upon himself to write and record his first solo CD, with the help of 8 ACE. He hopes kids as well as adults will find music that might drift in tempo, or vocals that aren’t auto-tuned, will remind them of the excitement rock music should be providing.
Dave can be reached at:
Roger Murdock is an multi-instrumentalist American,and former member of avante-garde band King MIsssle. His primary role in King Missile was that of drummer ,but he is also proficient at such instruments as guitar, piano, and Emulator. Murdock has performed and/or recorded with Joey Ramone, Ronnie Spector, Debbie Harry, Leslie West, The Martinets, The Messyheads, Wide Right, and Laurie and The Sighs, among others, and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and the U.K. In addition to performing, Murdock has written or co-written for many of the bands in which he has played, and has composed incidental music for Off-Off-Broadway plays.
A long-time fixture on the New York music scene, Amy Madden is an accomplished bassist and member of the New York Blues Hall of Fame. Having worked with scores of blues and rock acts over the years in the UK, Sweden, and the US., she frequently appears with local legends Jon Paris, Alan Merrill, Zonder Kennedy and Ricky Byrd, as well as having played with Paul Butterfield, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Thunders, and Adam Bomb.
As a solo artist, her songwriting is acclaimed for its cinematic story-telling and unusual lyrics. On the literary front, she maintains a blog-site of essays, and has released her third collection of poetry.
Veteran guitarist Zonder Kennedy has been rocking on the New Your club scene for years as well as on the wold stage including performing at the Montrose Jazz Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Kennedy has performed with legendary recording artists including, John Campbell, Doyle Bramhall, Johnny Johnson , Dr. John, and Jimmy Vaughn, and shared the stage opening for Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, BB King, Buddy Guy and The Black Crows.
Zonder Kennedy & the Scoville Junkies, Amy Madden on bass, and Mark Brotter on drums, meld stripped-down blues with dirty rock and roll to forge a sound that's as equally dark and brooding as it is razor-sharp. On Last Days Of Dreamland, the trio concoct a modern day witches brew that fuses the Texas and Chicago schools of blues with Lower East Side grit.
Overall Impression:
Fool's Paradise by Dave Achelis and 8 ACE is the sort of song that sounds like it's always been there. Supported expertly by classic instrumentation and warmly gravel-filled vocal approach, Fool's Paradise features a darkly relatable lyrical narrative that's designed to inspire reflection and mindfulness. Bright harmonica and joyful strings balance out the striking story to make Fools Paradise a modern hit with a classic feel!
Strongest Point(s):
Fantastic structure and composition! The song tells the story succinctly and doesn't drag on - fitting a tried and true formula for musical exposition. Awesome instrumental work - especially the solo portions on harmonica and what sounds to be mandolin. The bass has a nice warm tone and holds down the rhythm section nicely with the drums. Lyrically, this is a timeless story - but delivered in a way that feels unique, fresh, and tethered to the group's sound. Really great work!
Target Audience Appeal:
Fans of Classic Rock and more organic, alternative sub-genres of the style will find themselves entranced by Dave Acheliis and 8 ACE's sound, while the lyrical and narrative content found in Fool's Paradise is sure to resonate with a wide audience. Marketing Fool's Paradise towards listeners who hold fast to the sound and feel of Classic, Folk-infused Rock should work well. Thanks for submitting this! - Jon W.
Artist target suggestions:
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Blues Traveler, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cheap Trick, The Doobie Brothers, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull
About the Reviewer: Jon Wright is a trained multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and music educator with nearly twenty years of experience in the field. Working with musicians and their individual sounds is his passion and profession, and he strives to interact with and understand every aspect of the production process - from theory and songwriting to recording and mastering. He continues to teach students of all ages and is currently collaborating with artists in a wide variety of genres. Say something interesting about your business here.
Here's the title track from my CD!
The CD
The CD was recorded at the Bach to Rock school in Port Washington, LI.
11 basic tracks were done over three sessions of 4 hours each, and all vocals and some guitar overdubs were done at home on Protools.
9 songs are original, with 2 covers, one being The Misfit’s “TV Casualty”, the other, “The Great Unknown”, written by drummer Roger Murdock and Russ Seeger.
All drumming by Roger Murdock, all bass by Mike Leslie, all adequate guitars by Dave Achelis.
Basic tracks recorded by Mike Leslie, mix and production by Dave Achelis
©2017
This video of a home demo cost $18 to make!
Here's a shut in home video of the Misfits song TV Casualty, live, with a backing track...
FOOL’S PARADISE
Dave Achelis ©2013
In the still of the night, Ace stole into town,
His health was failing, his fortunes were down.
The hungry dogman was hot on his trail,
The bounty was big, Ace had just skipped bail
Chorus
At night when he’s not sleeping, he tries to catch his breath.
He thinks of all he once had…now there’s nothing left,
Nothing except to die a young man’s death
A story so old the pages turn into dust
One dream of fortune, one dream of lust.
To look back on your life, and see all you’ve done…
Nothing but waiting for the end to come.
Chorus
His blood is racing like his heart’s in a vice
But he still keep searching for that Fool’s Paradise
One more payday then he’ll pack it all in
He’s played by his own rules for the wages of sin…
Chorus
The Great Unknown
©Roger Murdock& Rusty Seeger
The Ties that bind, your lips unwind
The hurt that stay while the hours grind
I must be stupid that my excuse
For falling facedown in love with you
You throw my red bathrobe on,
You’re out the door
Where you goin’?
You’re walking to the great unknown
What’s underneath is overgrown
You think your rolling back the stones but really,
They don’t move at all
I wanted fun
Should have just played dumb
Started acting smart and
I lost my heart
You said” hey babe, we can work it out”
Then you left me here top twist and shout
You’ve got places you must go
And so and so And so and so
You’re walking to the great unknown
What’s underneath is overgrown
You think your rolling back the stones but really,
They don’t move at all
CHASING SHADOWS
By Dave Achelis
©2013
Jonnie served his country in Afghanistan
Now he’s home from his tour
But his service cost him dearly and he’s hurting quite bad
Seems we don’t have a cure
It’s like chasing shadows,
A cry from the deep
The rain falls so slowly,
Close your eyes go to sleep
Joannie works at night in the emergency room
10 or 12 hours a day
But when she finally gets home to her husband and kids,
She’s got nothing to say
It’s like chasing shadows,
A cry from the deep
The rain falls so slowly,
Close your eyes go to sleep
Eddie got a Harley on the 4th of July
Took it out for a whirl
That wall couldn’t stop him but his wife’s gonna try
It’s the end of the world
It’s like chasing shadows,
A cry from the deep
The rain falls so slowly,
Close your eyes go to sleep
It’s like chasing shadows,
A cry from the deep
The rain falls so slowly,
Close your eyes go to sleep
MOVIE STAR
Dave Achelis ©2013
I’m gonna show you something you’ve never seen
I’m gonna show you what the Dreamers dream.
It’s 95 acres, a big, big estate
If there’s something you want, you won’t have to wait
Some fine new clothes, a shiny new car
The money flows
When you’re a Movie Star!
Wear out that mirror going over your lines
Can’t watch the children ‘cause you don’t have the time.
You know that stand in, he looks nothing like me,
I assumed that all this champagne was supposed to be free
Strike a pose…look how fine you are
The money grows
When you’re a Movie Star!
This chateau only has a four car garage,
This RV is too small for my entourage
That script you gave me is really sub-par,
Don’t forget you’re dealing with a big Movie Star!
Some fine new clothes, and a shiny new car
The money flows when you’re a Movie Star!
DON’T LOOK BACK
Dave Achelis © 2013
My Cadillac was motivating over the hill
I got my 8 track on playin’ Cheap Thrills
Got a fresh pack of Luckies sitting on my dash
Levi pocket’s with a whole weeks cash
Gas is cheap, life’s cheaper, still,
It’s easier to split than to pay those bills
You old folks just don’t understand…
I way to young to give a damn!
Every stranger is a brand new lover
It’s either that, or “duck and cover”
Life’s way to short for those who care,
But there’s people like us everywhere
There’s a simple answer a simple plan,
Grab your partner and dance while you can
You old folks just don’t understand…
I way to young to give a damn!
Those that can’t, they have to teach
Your neighbor’s dreams seem out of reach
You try to live like you’ve been told,
But no one ever plans on growing old
Break that mirror and don’t look back
Just drive that engine right off the track
You old folks just don’t understand…
I way to young to give a damn!
Countdown
Dave Achelis © 2013
Just another day…the temperature was rising,
There was bad news on the radio
Over in the middle lane was a crazy driver
He pushed me off the road he had a lot of nerve
Countdown, countdown who can you trust?
Countdown, countdown, turn into dust
Driving through the summer haze
Burning like a house on fire
This heat has made me mad,
I’ve got to getaway
My throat was raw and dry
I stopped off at a roadside tavern
There she sat alone
I tried to catch her eye
Countdown
Looking at her broken watch
She turned to me and asked the time
I told her that I didn’t know and that I didn’t care.
Lying in a pool of light the bartender just mumbled,
“ Just another night”
We made our getaway….
Countdown
TV Casualty
© By Glenn Danzig
There are paint smears on everything I own
The Vapo Rub lies on a table of filth
Christmas cards to which I never reply
My eyeballs absorb only blue filtered light
TV casualty TV casualty
It’s alright
TV casualty TV casualty
I wish they’d put prince Namor on the tube,
Hold on, I think I have to puke
There’s a spot in the corner where I always go
I like to feed the flies that I know
But please don’t feed my television screen
But please don’t feed my television screen
But please don’t feed my television screen
TV casualty TV casualty
It’s alright
TV casualty TV casualty
Babies in prison, they call it a womb
Nine months sentence, no parole
Slivers of steal stuck in your lungs,
Breath deep, we need a donor for blood
Jaguars at the cemetery
Cadillac grazing at your grave
Sonys grazing at your grave Zeniths grazing at your grave
TV casualty TV casualty
It’s alright
TV casualty TV casualty
Ceremony
By Dave Achelis 2013
You’ve got to lock down your windows
Pull down your shade
Hear that cold wind howling
You’re right to be afraid
The sky keeps getting darker
It fades from grey to black
And if you’ve made it this far
You can never go back
It’s a ritual you live by
A ceremony of hate
And whatever your plans are
There’s no changing your fate
The sky keeps getting darker
It fades from grey to black
And if you’ve made it this far
You can never go back
When the moments over
And the dust has cleared
You’ll just be starting over
It’s everything you feared
The sky keeps getting darker
It fades from grey to black
And if you’ve made it this far
You can never go back
Noonday Sun
Dave Achelis© 2013
Why is there something Instead of nothing,
Why do I think the little that I do
There’ got to be something
I can believe in There’s got to be something I know is true
Did I sleepwalk through life Or dream it instead?
And if I’m not dreaming, it’s just like I’m dead..
Is life really this simple or really this hard
It’s like betting against the house
When you can’t see the cards
It’s so hot
In this noonday sun.
It almost over
But I’ve barely begun
The whole worlds alive But to be self aware…
Where does that come from
And why do I care
If you ask the right questions
it will soon ease your doubt
Or you can sleep through the ages
While the sun burns out
It’s so hot
In this noonday sun.
It almost over
But I’ve barely begun
Time flows like a river
It’s relative they say
And as I keep getting older
A month seems like a day
Put away your cell phone
Turn off your TV
Unplug your IPod
Let your mind roam free
The Same Song
Dave Achelis©2017
I was trying to write this song but I couldn’t think of
Nothing to say
That didn’t sound worn out, used, lifted, just another cliché
Ain’t it funny how emotions sometime get you carried away
It’s the same song, the same words, the same old way
Now when you left me you hurt me, but I won’t say
It cuts like a knife
And though I really love you, you won’t ever be my wife!
You know I love you honey, I didn’t sleep at all last night
It’s the same song, the same words, the same old way
I’m looking at the TV, but I only have eyes for you,
Just yesterday my Mama told me
“Breakin’ up is hard to do!”
I still love you baby, But what’s a poor boy to do?
It’s the same song, the same words, the same old way
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