November 13, 2001
For Immediate Release

 

Severn Records signs

Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte

 

Severn Records is pleased to announce the signing of ex-Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte. The Los Angeles-based Conte recently agreed to a three-record deal with Severn Records and plans are underway for the release of his self-produced recording, Bullet Proof.

 

"We are very exited to have the opportunity to work with an industry veteran like Bruce," notes Severn Records president David Earl. "His impressive history speaks for itself."

 

Conte, a West Coast native, honed his skills playing the local clubs of San Francisco. A lucky break came in the early ‘70’s when his band landed the opener for hometown heroes, Tower of Power, at the legendary Fillmore. Soon after, TOP recruited Bruce resulting in a seven-year relationship including eight recordings for the young guitarist.

 

You’ll find Bruce’s signature licks on hits like "What Is Hip" from the band’s 1973 self-titled release, and "Down to the Nightclub" (Live and In Living Color). He also added to the Tower of Power repertoire by contributing songs like "Somewhere Down" (We Came to Play), "It Can Never Be the Same" (Urban Renewal) and "Just Another Day" (Tower of Power).

 

After a stint in Las Vegas during the 80’s and brief retreat into Jazz in the late 90’s, Bruce is back on familiar ground, flexing his soul and funk-drenched skills on Bullet Proof. Conte assembled an all star cast for the twelve-song CD including guest vocalists Gavin Christopher (Rufus), Bobby Kimball (Toto) and former Tower of Power band mate, Lenny Williams, who sings the title track.

 

"I think Bruce Conte is one of the best guitarists in the business," says longtime friend and colleague Steve Perry of Journey. "(Bullet Proof) fits the current Blues style while retaining the Funk and R&B sound Bruce is famous for. I enjoy his new CD immensely."

 

The record, (originally recorded as Rhythm Meets the Blues), will be re-mastered and re-packaged before its release on the Severn label. Look for a spring 2002 street date.

 

For more information on Bruce Conte, contact Richard Papazian at 503-842-7807, Tom Penn of G.T.C. Events at 909-748-0848 or Joan Matthews of Severn Records at 410-532-2792. Or visit http://bruceconte.com.

 

To learn more about Severn Records and its growing roster of great blues and jazz artists, log on to www.severnrecords.com.