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Dictators Scott Kempner Solo CD Coming


02/28/2008
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(PR) Scott Kempner (Ex-Dictators, Del-Lords) finishes first solo album in 16 years. The album called 'Saving Grace,' due June 10 on 00:02:59 Records, features Dion, Frank Funaro (Del-Lords), Mike Mesaros (Smithereens), Ed Greene and Bob Babbitt (Motown) and Ed Pettersen

�This is a rock �n �roll album . . . if that means anything to anyone anymore,� says Scott Kempner of his forthcoming album Saving Grace (00:02:59 Records, street date June 10, 2008). �It sure as hell means something to me!� Kempner�s rock �n� roll career dates back 30 years to his stint as co-founder of The Dictators (when he was known as �Top 10�) and later the Del-Lords, who in turn inspired the comeback of Dion, with whom Kempner recorded as the Little Kings. That�s a lot to look back on � and Kempner can reminisce with the best of �em � but he is squarely focused on the present and the future.

�This album is the first record in my career that I feel 100% about,� says the South Bronx native, who was born the year Elvis Presley recorded his first Sun Records single. �It�s who I am, for better or worse.� The album, his first solo work since 1992�s Tenement Angels (which featured Springfield, Mo.�s mighty Skeletons), includes no other guitarists � Kempner plays all parts. However, he did surround himself with an array of kindred musicians: Del-Lords drummer Frank Funaro, Smithereens bassist Mike Mesaros, Chris and Mike Russo, Chris Amplo, and last but not least Dion, with whom he sings �Heartbeat of Time.� Recorded mainly at Coyote Studios in Brooklyn�s Williamsburg district, Saving Grace was co-produced by Kempner and Mike Caiati.

The road to Saving Grace was a rough one. While making the record, Kempner went through a terrible breakup and a life-changing long-term illness. Now, clarity, health and happiness have been restored. Kempner has a band he�s pleased with. And he�s headed to the road this summer and fall.

A few other reasons to be cheerful found Kempner along the way. He�s the subject of a documentary film now in progress; The Del-Lords� EMI/Enigma albums are soon to be reissued on the American Beat label; and the legendary Norton Records label is about to release Every Day Is Saturday � an anthology of The Dictators� unreleased odds and sods.

�Rock �n� roll is a living history and I feel connected to this music,� says Kempner, �I feel connected to Robert Johnson and Woody Guthrie and Elvis Presley, to the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Otis and Aretha, to the Stooges and Bruce Springsteen. I have staked out a claim to the music�s past, present and future. This is where I find my voice, my own expression, my little shout-out to the world.

�Hopefully the ghosts of all my heroes will come dancing right in your living room when you hear the new record. American guitar music. Rock �n� roll. Don�t tread on me!�

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