[Harp-L] Comeback Announcement from Jason Ricci

[Jonathan Metts <prairiedogpr@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jason just posted this on his MySpace blog, but I thought the larger 
Harp-L community would be interested. Note that his website is still 
currently offline.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



JASON RICCI:  Alive and Well



2010 BMA Best Harmonica Award-winner, health improving following recent 
hospitalization;  resumes touring in late August with a revitalized band



(New Orleans, LA)  We would first like to inform Jason Ricci's fans, 
colleagues and business associates that, despite widespread and 
far-fetched rumors to the contrary, Jason is alive and well.   He was 
recently hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection but is now 
almost fully recovered and getting better daily.   Despite his illness, 
Jason stood ready to fulfill his most recent touring schedule and 
regrets that he was forced to cancel several U.S. dates and a short 
European tour due to the un-professional actions of some former members 
of his band and business team.   Jason will resume touring on August 
21st at the White Mountain Boogie and Blues festival in Thornton, NH 
with a new team behind him with a restored energy and focus in his music.

?The Blues Music Association's "Harmonica Player of the Year" Jason 
Ricci has lived amongst rumors most of his life.   Like David Bowie, 
James Cotton, Iggy Pop and Muddy Waters, Jason has lived life on the 
edge, an edge where sometimes life gets ugly.  On that edge the truth 
eventually surfaces.  For Jason the result was exhaustion and just plain 
boredom from the lack of professional direction in everyone around him. 
??In June when Jason Ricci and New Blood endured a poorly booked 
European tour Jason was unaware that he had been suffering from 
pneumonia for six months.   He was rapidly losing weight but refused to 
slow down his lifestyle and his touring.   Fatigue eventually overcame 
him and in mid-June he was hospitalized and began treatment for his 
illness.  It is deeply disappointing that at the same time, the people 
who had made their living off of Jason's raw talent, hard work, and 
lifelong dedication to his instrument, would stage a dramatic departure 
from his band, business, and life. ??Jason Ricci is young man who is 
passionate about life and has a unique approach to everything that he 
does.   There are enough truths about Jason that are just as interesting 
as the rumors often spread about him.   He cares deeply for his fans and 
all the people who have believed in him throughout his career.  He sends 
his deepest apologies to the promoters and venues of the performances he 
was forced to cancel.   As bandleader, he also apologizes for the 
unprofessional actions of his former team that left him no choice. ?? 
Jason wants everyone to know and understand that he is looking forward 
to the future with new management, agent, and band that together will 
change the way people look and listen to the harmonica and his music. 
??He sincerely appreciates all the cards, emails, prayers, and letters 
that fans from throughout the world have sent wishing him a speedy 
recovery. ??You can be sure that he is looking forward to seeing you all 
again soon.

Read more: 
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=45122033&blogID=537393064#ixzz0uNC6rKKS


--
Jonathan Metts
Prairie Dog PR
Ph: 205.435.0991
prairiedogpr@xxxxxxxxx