Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
We’ve known area musician Johnny Higbee a long time, back to when his rock-metal group, Sacred Sword, was one of the most popular bands at the Jersey Shore.
When Tune In Turn On learned that Higbee and Sacred Sword were recording a new song, “The Jersey Devil,” with special appearances by two of the most in-demand musicians in the Tri-State area – Billy Walton and Destinee Monroe (pictured above) of the popular Billy Walton Band, we had to get the 411 from Higbee himself.
“I wrote this because I wanted to write my own rock and roll version of The Jersey Devil,” explains Higbee, who recorded the track locally at Kit Worton’s Right Touch Studio in Northfield. “I believe (the Jersey Devil) wasn’t a monster; rather, a whiskey-drinking Jersey kid who helped fight the British in the Battle of Chestnut Neck. He and his friends would dress up to scare the British. They were called ‘land pirates.’
“My plan is to pitch this song to documentaries about the Jersey Devil. I asked Billy (Walton) and Destinee (Monroe) to be on the recording because I respect their talent and belief in music. They are the hardest-working band around. They helped bring the song to the next level. Our styles are different, but collaborating sometimes makes magic. I plan to make a video (of ‘The Jersey Devil’) in the fall,” concludes Higbee.
Besides Walton and Monroe, current Sacred Sword members are Dave Lefko (guitar), John Grasso (bass), Angelo Martelli (drums), and Higbee (lead vocals, rhythm guitar).
Last April, area residents might recall Higbee’s song, “Save The Whales,” which became a rallying cry for all of us here who are against offshore wind development activity, which has been found to be very dangerous to whales and other animals in the ocean.
Besides the success the aforementioned Sacred Sword enjoyed in the mid-80s; for a few decades, Higbee and his childhood friends – former AC sound engineer pro Bumper DeMari, and Angelo Martelli, Higbee was the recipient of a leasing deal with New World Pictures in Los Angeles via a meeting set up by longtime AC drummer Jimmy Paxon (Stevie Nicks). That resulted in four of his songs being used as background music for the soap opera, “Santa Barbara,” which aired on NBC from 1984 to 1993.
Higbee and Sacred Sword opened for many big rock acts in their time, including David Lee Roth at the Borgata Casino, Johnny Winter and Robin Trower; and many of the famous South Jersey clubs including Dunes Til Dawn, Blondie’s and The Stone Pony.
We Won’t Forget Remember Jones: Took in a fabulous performance last weekend by a musical ensemble called Remember Jones, who performed an Amy Winehouse tribute as part of the Atlantic City Theatre Company’s Annual Fundraising Gala at The Claridge’s Celebrity Theatre.
With a full orchestra and five featured vocalists, Remember Jones lovingly and wonderfully reimagined the classic 2008 Winehouse album, “Back to Black.” Terrific choreography and solid solos by each of the musicians made for a very enjoyable concert. Go see this New Jersey-based group next time they’re around.
Upcoming Shows: Our favorite David Bowie tribute, HaZY Cosmic Jive, debuts at Anchor Rock Club Feb. 23…what do you get when mixing classic Italian and American country, rock and Western swing? The Italian band Lovesick, an internationally-acclaimed trio who play Rhythm & Spirits on Tennessee Ave. on Feb. 29. The Looms (indie-folk trio we love) and The Williamsboy open.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
