Rolling Stone Magazine gives Rock School Three Stars out of Four

You cheered Jack Black in School of Rock, now give it up for Paul Green in the real thing. Green runs the Paul Green School of Rock Music in Philadelphia, and this fireball documentary from director Don Argott shows Green preaching the rock gospel to students ages nine to seventeen. "Dynamo" doesn't begin to describe Frank Zappa freak Green, who brings the cream of his crop to Germany to compete in the yearly Zappanale and makes believers of us all.

PETER TRAVERS
(Posted Jun 02, 2005)

Tonight: Rock School New York City premiere

Marky Ramone with Rock School All Stars Joey Randazzo, Eric Slick, and Grace Hollander.



Sooo...that's David Bowie's guitarist, Carlos Alomar, who will be performing with the Rock School All-Stars at CBGB's tonight following the premiere of Rock School in New York City tonight. My son, Eric, will be on drums behind Carlos on "Heroes" and "Fame". Think I'm a little excited? The rest of the set list is incredible as well but I'm not going to give it away -- I'll report back with a review tomorrow.

And on the drums tonight performing Ramones' hit I Wanna Be Sedated fresh off the Rock School soundtrack, Marky Ramone.

A brief history about guitarist Carlos Alomar -- he's played on more David Bowie albums than any other six stringer has (including Mick Ronson, who was perhaps the most identifiable with Bowie). In 1974, Alomar crossed paths with Bowie, who was interested in penning an album that explored dance/funk sounds of Philadelphia soul. The two hit it off, which would signal the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the singer and guitarist. 1975's classic Young Americans soon followed, as Alomar also helped co-write one of Bowie's biggest hits, "Fame," along with Bowie and John Lennon. It was also around this time that Alomar supposedly 'discovered' soul singer Luther Vandross, having him sing on Bowie's album, which ultimately led to a successful solo career of his own. Alomar quickly figured out that Bowie wasn't set on a single musical style for any period of time, as Alomar kept pace on such experimental and musically varied Bowie albums as 1976's Station to Station, 1977's Low and Heroes, 1979's Lodger, and 1980's Scary Monsters. The guitarist and Bowie also helped revive the career of punk icon Iggy Pop during this period, helping produce and co-write two of Pop's finest solo albums, 1977's The Idiot and 1978's Lust For Life.

So yep, I'm pretty excited about tonight.

In other news, I'm waiting for Eric to wake up because apparently he got in late last night and mumbled something about Rolling Stone giving Rock School three stars out of four. I don't know if he was talking about the movie or the soundtrack; if it's the soundtrack I don't know if specific kids' performances are mentioned or they just concentrate on the "names" like Ann Wilson, Jon Anderson, Billy Idol etc....arghhh...I'm so dying to wake Eric up but since he has the big NYC show tonight, I wouldn't dare.

I did see this very nice review of Rock School the movie this morning in the Seattle Weekly:

One of the principal ideas behind Don Argott's debut documentary, Rock School, is summed up in its first five minutes by an adorable, adenoidal little boy. Wearing an Angus Young–style shirt and tie, 9-year-old drummer Asa explains that "AC/DC's really easy, all you do is . . . , " then bangs out a beat that every AC/DC fan will immediately recognize. Rock music isn't rocket science, and the point is well-made by the students of Paul Green's irreverent Philadelphia-based music school. But Argott's film would be pretty one-note if all it did was show that elementary-school kids can play elementary riffs.

Fortunately, Rock School is really about relationships—primarily the ones between Green and his students (ages 9 to 17). And it's about how those relationships push young musicians past 4/4 rock rhythms, all the way to a Frank Zappa festival in Germany.

Anyone who has played in bands will recognize Green as that guy who always took it a tad too seriously. He confesses to having failed at the rock and roll dream of making it big, although he also says he'd only want to make it big if he could make it big in 1972. Still, it's clear that he's living out some vicarious fantasies through his students, but that would only be a problem if they weren't also having a genuinely good time and benefiting from his outside-the-box pedagogy.

Green's star pupils are C.J., a preternaturally talented preteen guitar player whom Argott paints as a mini Carlos Santana, and Madi, a high-school-aged Sheryl Crow–ish singer/songwriter who moonlights with the Friendly Gangsters, a Quaker rap group. Dry-ice clouds surround confident C.J. wherever he goes, while Madi needs—or does she?—cajoling, editing, and lots of direction from Green. Perhaps reminiscent of Jack Black in School of Rock, Green tells us he utilizes the kids' aptitude for learning without actually treating them like kids. You do get the sense that Green would scream and carry on with his shtick even with his mother.

Argott gets some narrative shape for his documentary as it culminates with the kids' big performance at the Zappa fest. Music fans will recognize that these particular students are beyond AC/DC; Zappa was a complex composer, and the students have expertly mastered his music. Even if you're not a Zappa fan, it's hard not to be thrilled by C.J.'s deft solo and Madi's slightly hesitant but bright smile when her band nails the toughest song of the festival.

You do worry about these kids, however—about their stars burning too bright too soon. Will they burn out or fade away while juggling their chores and homework? We'll have to wait for Rock School 2 to see. (R) LAURA CASSIDY

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I like this review because she's got a better handle on what goes on at Rock School and she understands Paul and gets it. She also appreciates how Don Argott portrayed him. I was distressed by the review in the Village Voice because again, it was as if the critic was looking to attack Paul and totally missed the point that the kids are there because they want to be there; that he does bring out the best in them; and anyone who has spent time with this group of musicians on the road knows about the unique bond they have with each other and with Paul. Yeah, there's a lot of screaming but there's a lot more laughing and good times. Rock School is a family...and that's what families do. People who love each other also lose their tempers with each other. That's just the way life is. So some critics choose to focus on the negative and completely overlook the positive. Again, that's why they are critics and not artists.

Which would you rather be? No wonder some are, um....small minded and bitter.

But all anyone has to do is view the tape I have of Eddie Vedder singing with the Rock School All-Stars backstage in Seattle and you will see how much they love Paul, each other, and how much they love the music.

Getting back to this reviewer's comments where she worries about whether the kids will burn out/fade away....sure, some might, but that's the way it is. Many will go on to music college; I predict many will go on the road with their bands or be studio musicians - they're in it for the long haul. Actually, I think a good portion of Rock School graduates will go on to be major stars...and you're going to see a whole slew of them who make it and credit Paul Green. In any case, these kids have a life long love of music which will never fade or burn out and they'll pass that on to their kids and maybe there's some hope for the future of music after all...Britney and 50 Cent be damned.

Meanwhile, how about that Rock School soundtrack? I've played it for anyone who will listen; everyone who heard it yesterday is in awe. I had phone calls from relatives, friends...people are blown away.

Funny stage mother story here. I went, against all of my principles, to Tower Records to buy it because my son went into town earlier and said he couldn't find it at any of the indie stores. He said he couldn't find it at Tower, either, which I found impossible to believe. So I go to the store, and where do I fucking find it? In the same bin, under soundtracks, as "School of Rock". In other words, they just put it in the same exact place; no separate divider, nothing. What, did the salespeople just think it was the same Jack Black CD, new cover?

I complained and then stood there while the clerk changed it. No way was I leaving that store until it was fixed. Now. Where are the accompanying posters? Why isn't it getting special attention in "New Releases"? Trust me, I got on that, too.

Rock School Soundtrack - in stores today!

Rock School
Original Soundtrack
Format: CD (84605200032)
Release Date: May 31, 2005
Original release year: 2005
Label: Calvin Records
Producer: Phil Nicolo
Stereo: Stereo
Studio/Live: Studio
Pieces in Set: 1
Catalog #: 3
Desc: Performer


Genre: Soundtracks


1. Black Magic Woman - Gregg Rolie
2. I Wanna Be Sedated - Marky Ramone/Tyson Ritter of The All American Rejects
3. School's Out - Alice Cooper
4. Barracuda - Ann Wilson
5. Highway Star - Ian Gillan
6. LA Woman - The Paul Green School of Rock Music
7. Heart Of The Sunrise - Jon Anderson
8. Rebel Yell - Billy Idol
9. Don't Stand So Close To Me - Stewart Copeland
10. Iron Man - The Paul Green School of Rock Music
11. Peace Sells - Dave Mustaine
12. Hocus Pocus - The Paul Green School of Rock Music


Original Soundtrack: Madi Diaz (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Dave Mustaine, Gregg Rolie, Ian Gillan, Jon Anderson , Alice Cooper, Ann Wilson, Billy Idol, Tyson Ritter, Chuck Flavor (vocals); CJ Tywoniak, Phillip Kingsford, Grace Hollaender, Louis Graff, Jeremy Blessing, Jim Suard, Haffy, Madison Flego, Dan Nitz (guitar); Stevie Roberts, Alie Hauptman, Lauren Pollock (keyboards); Matt Rothstein, Harry Tipper, Julie Slick, Peter White (bass guitar); Marky Ramone, Stewart Copeland, Eric Slick, Joseph Randazzo III, BK (drums); Jalea Cooner, Asa Collins, Tucker Collins, The Collins Family Singers (background vocals); The Paul Green School Of Rock Music.

Recording information: 2005.
**********************************

Okay, proud mother time here: My son, Eric, plays drums and daughter Julie plays bass on Barracuda and Heart of the Sunrise; Eric plays drums on Black Magic Woman, LA Woman, and Rebel Yell; Julie plays bass on School's Out, Don't Stand So Close to Me, and Peace Sells.

www.allmusic.com is in the process of updating the credits so that you'll be able to see which kids plays on each track though it is of course listed on the CD itself; but if All Music doesn't get their ass in gear and fix it within the next few days, I'll type the complete credit list here. Right now they have a half-assed list up which makes no sense. The one I have listed above I lifted from Tower Records website but it's still not good enough for me - they don't break it down and just lump all the kids together.

And errr...a personal note here. Please buy this CD at an individually owned CD store (we're lucky to still have several in Philadelphia). Don't pay $18 at some stupid corporate chain.

A Final Word on Eddie Vedder/Seattle and then back to Hollywood

So just one more thing I want to add about the show in Seattle.

As some fans may have read, a music critic in Seattle pretty much fried the kids' show. He was so bent on attacking Paul Green, teacher and founder of the Paul Green School of Rock Music, he didn't even bother to learn the names of any of the kids performing nor point out any stellar performances; he just stressed the negative and basically went after kids and said they were "pretending to be rock stars". Ahem. Did he even bother to check his facts...i.e., these are kids who've studied music most of their lives as opposed to say, being hate filled or destructive or wasting hours playing video games or worse, vegging out or gag..practicing dance moves in front of Britney and Justin on MTV?

Sooo...maybe this guy is just bitter, who knows, who cares, but I stumbled on the blog of someone who was at the film and the show, and here's what she has to say:

May 26, 2005
Hangin' with the Gits Women Pt 1/Rock School Jam
Gillian G. Gaar

"Started out Weds. with an interview with “Rock School” crew. Karla talked to them too, so you’ll prob get more than you wanted from them on this blog…talked w/guitar prodigy CJ, teacher Paul Green, director Don Argott and producer Sheena Joyce! Whew! Was quick and easy though. I assured them they’d have a great screening that night, packed house, responsive audience, good questions. That seemed to relax them.

That eve met up with Kerri O’Kane and Jessy Bender, director and producer, respectively, of the “The Gits.” We met at Linda’s, where they’d never been. They were excessively pleased to see me, shouting, hugging, leaping all over me. Such fun. They plied me with beers, excessively, first a pitcher, then a drunken but nice young man offered us the rest of his pitcher as his group was leaving. I showed them the plug they got in this week’s Strangler, they’re a “Strangler Suggests” for Mon., when the film is a “Talking Pictures” presentation. Their Sat. screening is almost sold out.

They were excited to be in Seattle, had already visited the Hospitality Suite, had passes, party invites, etc. They did some press, they’re being taken out to dinner with other “Emerging Masters” at Compagne. Kerri wanted to know if they served margaritas, I suggested going for a fancy red wine. She wasn’t sure.

Then we headed off to the Rock School Jam at Neumo’s. They showed me the Mia and Gits graffiti in the sidewalk on Broadway kinda between the Blockbuster and the gas station on the corner. I’d never known it was there before. Arrived at Neumo’s, there was quite the line, the show was sold out. Saw Tara Morgan, SIFF membership person, I stopped to introduce the Gits women to her, which also helped us cut in line, ha ha. A fair number of SIFF staffers in attendance, actually, Gary Tucker, Brian Blue, Beth Barrett, Carl Spence, Andy Spletzer.… We tried to get in the VIP section, no dice. So we crammed onto the main floor, which was stuffed.

A bit too stuffed, actually, and very hot, every so often we’d have to duck out by the bar for some air. The kids opened with “Black Magic Woman,” did other numbers by Yes, Pink Floyd, Zappa. Paul Green was out front directing, everyone looked like they were having fun. The kids are great, CJ is awesome. Ann Wilson did a guest vocal, as soon as the opening riff began everyone started screaming because the song was — “Barracuda”! Whee! Def one of my very favorite Heart songs. It was a sizzling version too, compared very favorably with versions I’ve seen the real Heart do. Eddie Vedder was also on hand, did “I Wanna Be Sedated” and some other song, I think a Pearl Jam one (yeah, I’m a big fan). “I wasn’t going to play this,” he said, “but Paul the teacher told me I had to!” Everyone cheered and laughed."

*************************


So, who are you going to believe? People in the audience having a blast or some bitter twisted music critic who doesn't really care about music at all.

I'm glad I got to read that blog...it really made me smile and now I can end the Seattle trip on a positive note, though, I mean, really, what could have been a more positive finale than the time the kids spent with Eddie backstage.

**************


THE HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE










So that's the marquee in L.A. and I snapped the pic of the marquee and the one below of Julie and Eric prior to going inside and finally seeing the movie.



Here's a group shot of the Rock School All-Stars assembled inside the movie theater in Hollywood. From left to right on the first row: Brian Purcell, Joey Randazzo, C.J. Tywoniak, Louis Graff, and Larry Allen. Second row: My son Eric, Teddi Tarnoff, Our Uberlord - Paul Green; my daughter, Julie, Madison Flego, Julia Rainer, Matt Rothstein, and former Rock School student now living in L.A. and making a brief appearance in the movie as well - Ms. Kelly Crimmins.





As I said, it was totally incredible - it comes out in theaters near you starting this Friday, the soundtrack comes out this Tuesday, blah blah blah, and without further ado, let me post some pics from Tuesday night at the premiere party at the LA Knitting Factory. The kids opened with the always brilliant Black Magic Woman, followed by Rebel Yell, then City of Tiny Lights, Barracuda...and then Eric gets up from the drums and out walks Alice Cooper to do an unbelievable rendition with Stewart Copeland on the drums.

Julie:



Louie:



Teddi, Julie, and Julia:



Teddi, Julia, Eric, and Julie:



Teddi, Alice Cooper, and Julie:




Louie and Madison:



And then Paul brings out his very special guest, Mr. Jon Anderson, who performed Heart of the Sunrise with Eric on drums, Julie on bass, Louie on guitar, and Larry on keyboards:






Anyway, it was the most amazing night ever -- of music, movies, a great enthusiastic audience...and I never thought anything in my life could ever top that...but then of course we went to Seattle...

And, err, there's the New York premiere and party this Wednesday, with special guests Marky Ramone and Carlos Alomar and nah nah nah, I know the set list....

...More later....

Seattle - Pizza with Eddie Vedder Part III

Okay, this is incredible. A link to my blog somehow ended up on the Pearl Jam Forum site and I came downstairs this morning to several hundred emails. You guys are so totally cool! Thanks so much for all the links, photos, and kind words. Rather than reply to each email individually, here are the answers to most questions asked:

Rock School, The Movie opens in Seattle on June 3, 2005 and if you'll click on the link, it will give you the play dates as to where the movie opens in cities across the United States. More cities are being added from time to time so check back if you don't see it at a theater near you.

Rock School, the soundtrack will be in stores this Tuesday, May 31, and it features the kids performing with Gregg Rollie, Ann Wilson, Dave Mustaine, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper, Stewart Copeland, Ian Gillan, Marky Ramone, and Jon Anderson.

Will Eddie be doing any future gigs with Rock School? Quite possibly. He is just so amazing and had a blast playing and hanging out with the kids he indicated he might be available for future projects. You know as soon as I hear something, I'll post it here.

Paul Green School of Rock Music started out in Philadelphia and will be taking over the world, unleashing thousands of kids playing real rock music, not MTV dumb dance crap, out into society. How fucking cool is that. And no, the Rock School in Seattle is not affiliated with Paul Green...when you see the movie, you will know that there is only one Paul and any other schools popping up now (and surely after the movie) are just not the same. If you click on the above link and go to "locations", you'll see where the current schools are now as well as future sites.

Anyway, I think that covers it...here's some more photos from the show!



Teddi Tarnoff




Eddie with my son, Eric, on drums


Eddie singing with guitarists extraordinaires Julia Rainer and Louis Graff


C.J. Tywoniak


Julia Rainer


Louie and Julie


Teddi again (I love this pic; knowing Teddi, she'll hate it)


Eric and Joey Randazzo (or, The Hair Club for Men)(just kidding)


Eric


Eric and Ann Wilson of Heart


Louie, Julie, and Ann

Seattle - Pizza with Eddie Vedder, con't

Okay, I realize that last post was just me babbling. I was really struggling uploading those pics to my new server and wanted the benefit of the photographs I took the first night in Hollywood so I could relate the story as it unfolded. But because Julie and Eric won't be home until tomorrow and I can't wait, just pretend this is that Seinfeld episode where it's all backwards...I'll start with Day 2 in Seattle and work my way back to Hollywood tomorrow.

Just as in L.A., Picturehouse Films arranged for drivers to meet us at the Seattle airport and take us to our hotel. We stayed at the W, which is just about the most gorgeous hotel ever. It's such a hip place; outrageous artwork, ultra modern decor with free standing sculpture as railings...and nice little touches like a lobby with a roaring fireplace and fresh unsweetened juice with orange, lime, lemon and grapefruit slices (and sprigs of mint) in a glass dispenser sitting on a table with a large bowl of green apples -- all complimentary. Terry cloth robes in the bathroom...and a view of the waterfront. I could live there forever.

When we pull up at the hotel, we're immediately met by staff from the Seattle Film Festival. That's where we get the news that Eddie Vedder would like to have dinner with us before the show.

You can't imagine what it's like -- as a long time fan -- to hear those words said so casually.

"Yes, you're going to meet him at one of his favorite restaurants - they have the best pizza in Seattle".

The kids were more subdued; I acted like a complete idiot practically jumping up and down and screaming "We're having pizza with Eddie Vedder; we're having pizza with Eddie Vedder!"

Anyway...

We had a bit of down time later in the afternoon and Julie and the other girls: Madison Flego, Julia Rainer, and Teddi Tarnoff - the three most talented vocalists and guitarists EVER actually asked me if I wanted to go out and see the city with them. I tried not to act too much like a dork thanking them over and over for including me (oh, it's so pathetic getting older) and I had a blast with them. They are four incredible girls - so smart and beautiful and fun to hang out with. We went into some boutiques, walked down by the water, and totally fell in love with Seattle. It's easy to see why people are so enamoured of the Pacific northwest.

We had just enough time to get back to our rooms and change. Our driver was so awesome - his name is Holden and he used to be a singer in a punk band and now he's connected with the Seattle Film Festival. He takes us to the restaurant where we are whisked upstairs to a private room. There's already two pizzas on the table and we were met by a very pretty woman named Kate Jackson who introduced herself to me as Eddie Vedder's assistant. With her was his equipment man, George, another really cool guy who sat next to Julie and asked her all about her equipment...what kind of basses does she have, what amps does she play through, etc. Kate's phone rang twice - both times it was Eddie who was running late and stuck in traffic. She said "Oh my god, Eddie is really sweating - he's so sorry he's late". In other words, he's no prima donna; this is an honestly down to earth guy, one of the nicest men I've ever met, who was worried we would think he wasn't coming.

About ten minutes later he walks in, wearing jeans, a Ramone's t-shirt, and an open plaid shirt. If you think he is beautiful in photographs, to see him in person is to die. Oh god, it was so hard not to stare at him like a crazed groupie. Anyway, he sits down, takes a piece of pizza, and immediately starts talking with the kids. He's really easy going; he didn't mind we were snapping pictures; he said he wanted to go to soundcheck/rehearsal with us after dinner and just hang out and talk and maybe sit around and play.

It was so fucking incredible.

We get to the venue and there was some trouble with the sound. It's so frustrating when that happens. But they finally straightened it out...and the kids got some rehearsal time. We heard the event totally sold out and it took so long for everyone to fill the room that the show started around 10:00 or 10:30.

The kids were amazing. They started off with Black Magic Woman as is their trademark. Eric on drums, C.J. on guitar, Brian on bass, Larry Allen on keyboards, and Madison Flego singing. It doesn't get any better. The crowd went absolutely nuts.

I can't remember the order of the songs but they did a couple by Radiohead, Pigs, City of Tiny Lights, Rebel Yell...and then Paul made an announcement there was a special guest and out walked Ann Wilson of Heart. She played Barracuda with Eric on drums, Julie on bass, and Louie and Julia Rainer on guitar. Do you think it was amazing? IT WAS!



Ann sang in her bare feet, she was so obviously wowed by the kids that it was a real sobby moment for me, and then she had to rush off because she had another gig.

It was just so, so cool of her to come and perform and she really wailed. Her voice is better than ever, and I managed to snap the following picture of Madison watching her from the wings. Madison sang Barracuda the night before in Hollywood and aced it. What's so surreal is that Heart was one of the first CDs her mom bought for her when she was five years old and she's been singing along with Barracuda for years. Ann Wilson is her hero. So can you imagine what that was like for her?







Here are some more Ann Wilson photos:








Then the kids came out and played a couple more songs and here's a few photos -- they did Heart of the Sunrise which always makes me cry, White Lines, Rock Lobster...just a really great set.









Julie and Teddi Tarnoff:



Then Paul makes the announcement that we have a special guest joining us for the last two songs, Mr. Eddie Vedder. The crowd went crazy as Eddie took the stage (hahahaha - sung to Sally Simpson by The Who) and below are my Eddie pics, which, if my kids wouldn't think I was the world's biggest freak, I would print out, frame, and hang on my bedroom wall.

Just kidding.



Julie and Eric watching as Eddie plays his first song, Corduroy, with Joey on drums:





Then Eric joined Eddie for I Wanna Be Sedated, and I've already posted that pic but I think I'll post it again:



Anyway, as amazing as all of this was, the show ends, people are screaming like it's the freaking Beatles at Shea Stadium; and I decide to go backstage and check on the kids. I'd assumed Eddie had already left the premises.

WRONG!

I walked in just in time to see Eddie, my son, Eric, Joey Randazzo, a/k/a Joey Reno, and Larry Allen doing an a cappella version of The Who's A Quick One While He's Away.

How lucky am I -- my daughter videotaped the whole thing. It went on for 10-15 minutes, with Eddie singing and laughing and Don Argott, director and producer of Rock School doing harmonies. I cannot believe I own this film. We watched it as soon as we got home last night and you have no idea how terrific it is. Joey and Eric, both drummers, beat out the rhythm while everyone sings. My son played his iPod with drumsticks, Joey beat on his knees and stamped his feet, Eddie was so into it...you could tell he was having a blast.

Then Kate brought out a big carton full of Pearl Jam books and EPs because Eddie wanted the kids to have a souvenier and then he stood there and autographed every one of them personally as well as let us all take our pics with him. He's the nicest guy in the entire world.

I'm not kidding; he stayed backstage with us for over an hour, just chatting...it was like he was having the best time hanging with kids who loved rock (apparently an oddity these days, huh) and didn't want it to end, either.

Oh, one other thing about Eddie which is the coolest, most touching thing. He walks around with one of those old fashioned black and white composition books and on the first page he has a picture of his beautiful one year old daughter glued in with her name written under it...he is so in love with her and so obviously thrilled to be a dad...I guess he uses the book to write down ideas and thoughts...I don't know, as a writer, I love the idea that he does that and doesn't walk around with a laptop like most people. It was old fashioned and sweet.

Okay. That's all for now. I'm still really jet lagged and need to try and upload more pics.

And I haven't even written about Hollywood yet!