Biography
“Rosenthal can draw you into his lyrics much the same way that James Taylor and Don Henley can”.
“Take Jackson Brownes’ personal confessions and wrap them in Kris Kristofferson’s world weary tales of broken relationships and you have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo Rosenthal.”
“This is Americana with real teeth in the lyrics”
This and more is what the critics are saying about Tokyo Rosenthal. But it wasn’t an overnight trip. Hardly, as “Toke” has spanned the music scene for three decades. But it’s most recently that recognition has finally reached him through the recording of his latest CD, “One Score And Ten”.
The song “Edmonton” off this album led to Rosenthal receiving the key to the city of Edmonton as an award for cultural and artistic contributions to Alberta’s capital city. This led to a month long tour of Canada last Summer, TV and Radio appearances, and an opening slot for several nights in Toronto for Rock n Roll Hall of Famer and former Byrd and Burrito Brother Chris Hillman. Toke was personally picked by Chris to share the bill. He has also opened for the likes of America, Rick Roberts and Come On In My Kitchen in addition to headlining shows. His recent festival work includes The Edmonton Fringe Festival, The Carrboro Music Festival andTyler’s Americana Festival. He’s also set to headline World Music United 2008 in Austin this November.
In a career that started with the country rock boom, Rosenthal has honed his craft and tooled his “rootsy, Americana with a little blues thrown in” sound to perfection. His recent move to Chapel Hill, North Carolina has allowed him to team up with the “master of the electric bass”, Alex Little on stage and famed producer and recording star Chris Stamey in the studio.
But prior to the move Rosenthal made his reputation while living in Rhode Island, New York, and Los Angeles. He headed such groups as the legendary Harpo and Slapshot and Treo Gato as well as his solo endeavors. This has helped the new CD receive radio airplay in the U.S. as well as Canada and radio stations in the UK and Europe are spinning Tokyo now too.
While content to let the critics compare his style to others Tokyo doesn’t hesitate to point out his influences, who include The Band, The Byrds, The Indigo Girls, Gene Clark, Emmylou Harris, and believe it or not Janis Joplin. Toke’s version of “Piece Of My Heart” always sets off a crowd reaction.
In 2008 we see Tokyo Rosenthal releasing a new CD entitled “Love Won Out” that features the single “St. Patrick’s Day”. He completed a Northeast US tour in March and a UK tour in April. In August he toured Japan and he debuts in The Netherlands in October. November sees Toke back in New York City and then making a “Heartland” tour from North Carolina to Texas and back. And of course he’s always playing all over North Carolina. Always writing and always gigging, his musical journey continues.
For further information visit www.tokyorosenthal.com and www.myspace.com/tokyor
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