Sleepy Hollow: News

Joe Dell completed his vocal tracks yesterday in the studio. He put the first 2 verses of Un-Self-concious to rest with the help of Bob Both. He also laid down some final synth tracks. Now they are awaiting Mole's flute track for Too Late and the 3 year project will be ready to mix, master and press! Joe Dell will also be heading into the studio tonight with Tom Catuosco to lay tracks down for famous Arabic rapper NOOSE. They will be joined by manager AD. Joe Dell, "Ah! finally! Finished with the vocal and keyboard tracks. We have a masterpiece in waiting for you guys! I am excited to enter the studio and lay some synth tracks down for NOOSE. He is a kool guy and ambitious. He has an open mind towards his art and Junior and I will be there to help expand his horizons. We have had rappers sample tracks for songs alread, but this is the first time we are actually going to lay down tracks."

Joe Dell will be entering the studio with Bob Both today. He is planning on finalizing his keyboard tracks. Preparing for the final mixes of the new double CD release 'Legend'. Junior, friend and old band mate of Joe's, will be joining him and may lay down guest lead. Junior, Tom Catuosco, is now working with speed metal band Vengeful Few.

Joe Dell popped out his kidney stone Tuesday and now is heading up to the studio to record vocals with Bob Both. Joe. "yeah, between all the lemon juice and honey n stuff I used to rid myself of the stone. I think I have my voice back to full range, so I will head in to redo some vocals. Thank you for all the prayers."

Joe Dell, keyboardist for Sleepy Hollow, has been struck ill with kidney stones this past week. He was at his mother-in-law's home in Bergenfield, NJ when he woke to a searing pain in his lower back. The ambulence was called on the scene. He later went to his family physician, for a urine test. The test showed traces of blood, thus signifying kidney stones. Joe Dell, "I could only say, that I have never felt this much pain before. I put a knife through my hand and laughed it off. I am known for being able to handle pain, but man! This is something different. My sister said its likened to giving birth. I told her that it aint the same! Birth is the result of a couples love. This is just the result of a bad diet" Joe will enter the studio with Bob Both in early February after he recovers from his illness.

Sleepy Hollow wishes their fans a happy new year. The band has plans to finish up the Legend album with Mr Bob Both in the beginning of the new year. Work has started in the creation of what will be the band's 5th release to date. It will be a 45 minute or so concept piece. Joe Dell has written approximately 20 minutes of music for the piece already. The band is anxious to complete Legend and get started on the new project ASAP. Joe Dell, " I have always wanted to be a part of the creation of a concept piece much in the vein of Jethro Tull's Thick as a Brick. We have always been big fans of the band and our music never hid that fact. It has been 38 years since that album was released and no one has ever created an album in that context since. We are planning to release all of our albums on vinyl. So, we feel that this would be hand made for vinyl as well. I have been writing sections during the recording of Legend. We are going to do this in a different way. We will be in the studio a week strait. Creating as a band and bringing in pieces that are written. We have grown in our 10 years of existence and this new album will explore and present our progression." More new as it developes...

Sleepy Hollow would like to thank thousands of their fans for another great year and their patience and dedication. We all wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year! God Bless! see you in 2010

Sleepy Hollow who are finishing work on their latest project Legend will resume the recordings after the new year. There are several lead tracks that will be redone. The band feels they are 95% there. Due to the passing of Mike Allen, there will be a change of plans. He was going to lay down several lead tracks, which will be handled by Mole. Joe Dell will be redoing some lead keyboards and vocals. The band is hoping to have the new double cd project ready for release by spring of 2010.

Mike "Triple B" Allen was found today dead in his appartment. Mike who was an old friend and band mate to Joe Dell was found deceased after the police broke down his door. He wasn't heard from since Friday.
Mike was named triple B by Joe Dell back in the Spectrum Green day. He came in for an audition and tripped over Soldiers bass amp. So Joe called him triple B, Blind Blues Boy. He plugged in and played better than anyone they ever heard in the tristate area. He was a true virtuoso. He would later appear on several Sleepy Hollow tracks:Armageddon and Farewell to Wilderness, where he played bass and sang. He also appears on lead guitar on the bonus tracks on the Lazarus Project. The lost Spectrum Green rehersal tapes. Joe Dell "Mike was a dear friend and top shelf musician. He was a gentle guy and always there for me. We had good laughs. I will never find another musician that I will work with better. We came from the same stock. I loved him dearly and will be deeply missed"

Matt joins the Castle Rock orchestra again Nov. 1 for their "Harry Potter" concert, getting a harp solo on "Fluffy and His Harp". Check out the gig page for details.

This is the Sleepy Hollow band's favorite time of year! We are still working on the upcoming release 'Legend' Don't forget us! OK, that being said. We love a good scary Holloween story. If you have any, please go to the guest book and share one with us! For reminders, The title track 'Sleepy Hollow' off of our first release was written in the legendary jam room in candlelight on Holloween 1999!

Matt "the Mole" has begun work with engineer Matt Rose (who worked on the "Journeyman Harper" album) on a harp/vocal album of traditional British songs and ballads. The intent of this album is to present the songs as Matt performs them live - just harp and voice, with no overdubs or additional accompaniment. Thus far, the focus has been on traditional songs of the Brisish Isles, saving the Scandinavian songs Matt does for a future album. Four songs so far have been recorded, and they and some of the planned songs include:
Thomas The Rhymer
Searching For Lambs
The Bard of Armagh
Jock O' Hazeldean
Henry Martin
Sweet Lovely Joan
Hal-An-Tow

Joe Dell, not happy with some of his performances, has decided to enter the studio to redo some of his vocals and keyboard leads. Joe Dell. "Legend is going to be our fourth release. I feel that a band's fourth release should usually sum up their developement and show a professional side and sound. We released the Lazarus project so we can sit on Legend and take the time to 'GET IT RIGHT'. This is our 10 year anniversary and we want to make the Legend release special" More news as it developes.

The mole did harp for 14 tracks of the Castle Musicale "Irish Jam" CD - which is a CD of 20 Irish jigs, reels, etc. from the CO Ren Faire Irish jams. The CD (as well as the Castle Musical Christmas CD, which Matt also guests on) will be available from Castle Musicale at the CO Ren Faire this season (weekends from now until Aug. 3). http://www.castlerockorchestra.org

It's that time of year again, and Matt can be found harping (and even sometimes crooning) at the Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, CO (south of Denver) for 8 weekends - June 13- Aug 2. As well as trying out some new tunes, Matt will have his new solo harp CD for sale, and Castle Musicale will have their new medieval Christmas CD (with Matt as a guest performer on much of it) for sale also! Check out the gigs page or http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/ for more details.

We've also posted a photo of the Mole with the Castle Rock Orchestra in our photo gallery.

Sad news reached the band today. Tony DeSimone, the voice of the main character Tony Peace on the Goin Over album, passed away. He was the main inspiration to the Goin Over epic written mostly by Joe Dell. Joe Dell, "Tony is an old, dear friend of mine. 20 years he has been in my life. We had alot of good times and laughs together. Back when I was a teenager, he and I along with a few friends actually had the honor of meeting Yankees legend Lou Pinella. Tony was one of the koolest guys you would ever meet. Unfortunately, he got mixed up with bad situations. Sad, how that changes a person. When I was writing Goin Over, I melted the personalities of myself along with Tony into the character of Tony Peace. My middle name is Anthony, so it fit. I thought Tony did a fantastic job with the character on the second disc. He was gifted in whatever he did. We sold out of the first run of the Goin Over albums and are planning on remixing the album with Bob Both before rereleasing it. Prayers for the family are appreciated at this time."
Joe had a realm of actors and actresses availible and willing, but he felt using someone like Tony along with other friends would give the story a more street level feel, rather than a blown out Hollywood production. Erol Kotsev was the only professional to portray a charater in the epic.

Mole will be performing on harp with the Castle Rock orchestra again on May 3 for a concert of John Williams's music from Star Wars. Please attend in Ewok costumes if under 4'6".

Sleepy Hollow are hard at work reshaping the 20 tracks for 'Legend' their upcoming 4th release! Triple B will be in on some of the leads, those of you who own the Lazarus project and have heard the bonus track understand why. The band will be redoing some vocals, leads and rhythm sections. Joe Dell. "This will be our fourth release, the fans expect more from us at this point. The first 2 releases were recorded in a weekend. Lazarus has first and second take leads in spots. Now we want to have the ultimate package. There will be over 2 hours of music and we don't want the album to drop at any point. This is very important and takes a lot of work. We appreciate the patience of the fans. They wont be disappointed" The artwork has been thrown around, along with some ideas. More updates as they develop.

Legendary Keyboardist of Sleepy Hollow get sandwich named after him at Leone's Deli! The Sandwich consists of Chicken Cutlet with Sundried Tomatoes, Carmalized Onions and Basil Mayo! You can get one at:
Leone's Deli
273 Valley Blvd
Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075
(201)-438-1515

Joe Dell entered the studio with Bob Both today. They worked on 8 songs for 'Legend' the upcoming 20 song album. They mixed down The wanderer, Cousin katie, Joan, Too Late, The Butterfly Queen, Come with me Melina, I'm insane and For the World is Hollow (and I have touched the sky). Don't forget to pick up a copy of The Lazarus Project!!! There is only a limited supply!!!

Dig it!

Finally out: "The Lazarus Project" now available! After 5 years - a new Sleepy Hollow release! ! This is a powerful collection of 9 songs! This is the predecesor to the double cd "Legend". The Lazarus Project features alternate versions of the heaviest songs off of "Legend".

1.Troubled X: this is the lead-off track that kicks the album into gear! It was originally written as a song titled Unity. The lyrics were changed by Matt, and he added in a heavy middle section including harmony pieces written by Joe. On this version there are trade off leads in the middle section.

2.Armageddon:This is another Sleepy Hollow classic. A borderline death metal song, it starts off with mayhem and finds its way into a hard driving rhythm that features death metal vocals by Mike Allen.

3.Out of the Mist:This is the very first song ever written by Sleepy Hollow as a band! The intro was originally written by Joe Dell for a local Warlock to chant incantations to. The lyrics tell of visions seen by those who have dabbled in witchcraft and Satanism! Joe and Mole trade off vocals. The end section features solos by all three instruments!

4.For the World is Hollow (and I Have Touched the Sky):This is the first track to feature Joe on lead vocals. This is a heavy song where Joe Dell proves that piano can be used in Heavy Metal and work! The end section is a classic lead section in Sleepy Hollow fashion.

5.Soldier's Lament:This track kicks the album back into speed. The lead section is another trade off between guitar and keys.

6.Proverb 14:12 :This is the first of two intrumentals on the album. It starts off with beautiful acoustic guitar with a synth violin lead, then - SHAZAAM!: a juggernaut of sound kicks in like a monster! This is what true metal should sound like! The piece drives into a lead synth section where each instrument is in its own timing, but together!

7.Night-Shift Blues: This is the only track on the album that will not be featured on Legend. It is a heavy blues piece that was left over from the "Goin Over" era. Joe wrote this during his stay at NJ Transit, where he worked the graveyard shift. Those who have, will understand the lyrics. Joe fills mid-sections with vintage synth leads! The end is a heavy riff where Mole features a Wah lead.

8.Sorrow's Might: Mole, being influenced by Scandinavian black metal, has decided to tribute the Swedish herritage by taking this classic medieval folk song and changing it into a Viking metal/power metal classic. The beginning is very heavy and dirgy with Mole singing opposite female vocals. Then it leads into the power metal section with the same trade off after a classic Joe Dell organ solo!

9.Aristotle's Lantern:This is the album closer! And the best song, musically speaking! This the second instrumental on the album. It starts off with solo flute which is then accompanied by a demented piano. Gives the listen the feeling of being in a haunted lighthouse in Maine or Cali! Then after a creepy piano bridge...KERPOW! The whole band kicks in with a HEAVY riff, consistant timing changes. A total MONSTER! Written by Mole, who's brain was eaten out by an alien life form as a child and replaced with a martian pod that grew to create this song! (The "Legend" version will feature a 4-part canon, but we took that sissy-shit out here).

There it is: "The Lazarus Project"! But don't turn off your cd players just yet; there is more! Dug out of the legendary Soldier archieve, a lost Spectrum Green practice tape. For those of you who are unaware, Spectrum Green was keyboardist Joe Dell's first band. The band featured Joe Dell on Piano, Organ and Synth; Gary "Soldier" Luhrman on Bass; Mike 'BBB' Allen on Guitar; and John "Breezy" Brezinski on drums. They were ahead of their time: virtuoso playing, mixing heavy 80s guitar and 70s keyboard work. This is a lost gem. Joe decided to put this as a bonus because he felt that Sleepy Hollow has reached the potential of what he was trying to build in Spectrum Green. Though only a rough practice tape, the listener can definitely hear the potential of this band! Joe is proud of this creation and feels that the world should get to sample this music.

10. Ol' Reliable: The Soldier penned song. Has a mid 70's acoustic feel. The band would warm up with this song. The track features some of triple B's best guitar work. Joe uses a vintage 60s organ sound and beautiful piano.

11. Corporate Pig: Now here you will here the bands full potential! Heavy song with good structure. Wriiten by Joe & Soldier, the first written collectively. Starts off with a fast intro and then leads into a gallop rhythm. With several changes that carries into in a guitar lead section and ends with a classical outro!

12.Changing Thoughts: This is the only track written collectively by the whole band. An obscure structure, odd timings, and ends with a short bass solo that will bring the listener to a riff that will feature the great drumming by breezy!

13.Sympathy for a Whore: A song written by Joe Dell about a love situation between 2 friends, one of which has passed on. This track starts off with a psychedelic improv then rolls into an organ and guitar part that turns into a heavy riff; this is followed by a speed metal section featuring an organ lead. Then a minstrelesque bridge, and finally the phenomenal guitar work of Triple B once again!

14. Concerto of the Damned: This is a 5 part epic presented in under 4 minutes! A masterpiece by Joe Dell, that was only made better by the other members of the band putting in their input!

15. The Jester: Finally the only Triple B penned track. The only known recording of this track in its infancy! At the end you will hear the band fall apart. This is because one of the pots went in Joe's Korg X3. You will hear the sound of Joe pressing notes to show the rest of the band what happened and the track dissipates.

You can hear samples of some of the tracks in the website's "Songs" section.
It will be available at www.cdbaby.com , www.amazon.com , Vintage Vinyl , and other sources. You can also send a payment of $10 to:
H Rowland
130 Harcourt Ave
Bergenfield, NJ 07644

You can find it up for presale on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=370156441315
NOW - a very special auction on ebay!!! You can win a special 10 year anniversary package!
Featuring:
1 Sleepy Hollow t-shirt,
1 Ultra Rare vinyl test pressing for the EP.
1 Limited Edition numbered green vinyl Ep
1 set of four autographed Sleepy Hollow ticket stubs, by all four original members of Sleepy Hollow
1 EP on CD
1 Goin Over CD original pressing
1 Matt Schwarz Lost Way CD "Mole's solo album
1 Lazarus project CD
Here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=200301746865

Everyone from the Sleepy Hollow camp would like to wish a Happy and healthy new year to all those who supported the band and its ecletic music for the past 10 years!!! May 2009 will mark the 10 year anniversary of the Sleepy Hollow band. We have seen many members come and go, along with sadly many departed friends and family. Joe Della Mast Jr., Ursula Della Mast, Johnny Nardino, Charlie Gallo, Mary Ann Callura, Mark Cavaleski, Chris Paci, Rob Semaluca, Chuck Arrabella, Will Ennis, Frank Melick Sr., Pat Morasca, Francis Petrazelli, Julia & Paul Hahoney, Rose Sticatta, Sal Mastropole. We also have had many who helped behind the scenes: Gary Luhrman, Tom Catuosco, Erol Kotsev, John Zambri, Pat Kennedy, Shannon Kennedy, Harold Rodriguez, Tony Desimone, Nick Otvos, Dominick Braico, Mike Allen, Tony Renda, Jim Duffy, Barry schwartz, West Side Dave (salt of the earth!), Metal Maniacs, CD Baby, Amazon, Vintage Vinyl, E-bay, Borders Books, A HUGE thank you to Mister Bob Both!
Line ups to date:
1999
Dan Castiel: Bass/voc
Joe Dell: Keys/voc
Frank Melick: Drums/voc
Matt Schwarz: Guitars/voc
Rod Brazil: Guitar
2000
Dan Castiel:Bass/voc
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Frank Melick:Drums/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
Jeff Patchiel:Guitar
(1st EP gets recorded)
2001
Dan Castiel:Bass/voc
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Frank Melick:Drums/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
(Going Over gets recorded)
2002
Dan Castiel:Bass/voc
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitar/voc
Gary Rinaldi:Drums
2003
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
(the band played various acoustic gigs intertwined with Matt's ongoing appearences at various reniasscence faires through out North America. Matt records his first solo album 'The Lost Way')
2004
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
Deve Guzman:Drums
2005
Band goes on hiadus. Joe Dell's fathers falls deathly ill. Joe takes time off to help his father until his passing on sept 25th of the same year. In the mean time Matt continues to play ren faires and makes several appearences solo, performing both songs from his solo album and Sleepy Hollow songs.
2006
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
Gary Rinaldi:Drums
2007
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
Gary Rinaldi:Drums
Tony Renda:Bass
(Recording for Legend and the Lazarus Project start)
2008
Joe Dell:Keys/voc
Matt Schwarz:Guitars/voc
Gary Rinaldi:Drums
Mike Allen:bass/voc
(Recording for Legend and the Lazarus project continue. The Lazarus project will be released mid January 2009, Legend will be released Spring 2009)

Merry Christmas from Sleepy Hollow! Good news from the underground! Papers are signed and proofs are in! The Lazarus Project will be pressed and ready for purchase in a few weeks! You are in for the heaviest and best Sleepy Hollow release to date!

I thought it was time to update the Sleepy Hollow and Mole bios on our website - I also cut a lot of the Mole stuff from the Sleepy Hollow section, as it was covered in his personal bio. You can now thrill to the tales of derring-do in the studio with Sleepy Hollow, and learn the exciting story of how Sarabande formed.

Matt Rose, engineer/producer of "The Journeyman Harper" and leader of Castle Musicale (who've had Matt as a guest on a number of gigs this season), has asked Matt "the Mole" to play harp for the Castle Rock Orchestra's performance of Hovhannes's 2nd Symphony. Our little Mole has finally grown up! See the gig page for details. Note Mole hasn't been posting all his gigs there - only the more public ones. Do you really care if Mole is performing at a private gig with Castle Musicale? Probably not - altough Mole cares, because he loves playng with Castle Musicale. He never knows what key they'll be in next, but the music is fun, and the band are a bunch of groovy cats.

CD has arrived at CD Baby and is available to preview, download, or order as physical CD!

http://cdbaby.com/cd/mattschwarz