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Ronnie Penque Bass and Vocals
Ronnie Penque has been playing music for over 30 years. When not working with NRPS or his band Neon Gods, which includes his brother Chris Penque on guitar, Ron is busy as a session player. Through the years Ron has also played with many other bands and great musicians including Bobby Weir, Mickey Hart, Vassar Clements, Peter Rowan, Jeff Chimenti, Mark Karan, Bob Matthews, Darlene DiDomenico, Melvin Seals, Robert Hunter, John Popper, Tony Trischka, Maria Muldaur, Gary Vogensen, Professor Louie, Pete Sears, Barry Sless, Keller Williams, Donna Jean Godchaux, Jeff Pevar, Commander Cody, and Kenny Kosek.
Ronnie Penque and Neon Gods playing Mallory
If the name Penque is familiar, Ron's uncle the late Romeo Penque was one of the most famous woodwind and flute players in the industry who was best known for his work with Miles Davis. At age 12 Ronnie was taught to play bass by his father Ron Penque Sr., an accomplished session bass player for 20 years, who gave Ronnie his 57 Precision bass (Dads Bass) upon his retirement. Some of Ronnie's musical influences are The Grateful Deads Phil Lesh, NRPS bass player Dave Torbert, Donald Duck Dunn, John Entwistle, Paul McCartney and Jack Casady, among others.
The New Riders Of The Purple Sage
From Robert Hunters journal
4.8.06
Just got back from the New Riders show at the Mystic in Petaluma. It sure took
me back. Packed out house singing along lustily on songs they didn't know they
loved so much and suddenly discovered they did. Friends crawled out of the
woodwork for this one. Betty Cantor was there and Annette Flowers; Michelle, who
is to the Riders what Sue Swanson is to the Dead, first fan and lifetime helper.
Dan and Patty Healy both looking great. Ramblin' Jack Elliot spry, spare,
ancient and smiling. Other faces half remembered but accounted for. An aura of
Joy quickly established itself, similar to the first night of the Dead at Alpine
on an intimate scale (a weird parallel I know, but there you go) - the
resurrection feel, not repeatable on demand. The spirit bloweth where it listeth.
Everyone realized pdq it was one of those nights destined to be remembered, what
the music is all about, all it was ever about: love, magic and kick ass songs.
I spent the night on my feet way up front, soaking it all in. Finally went to the back of the house, dead on said feet, with Maureen and Kate to await the encore, which was, fittingly, the late Buck Owen's "Truck Drivin Man" a song no Riders show ever omitted to play. The band's manager spotted me seated in the rear of the Mystic, said the band wanted me to do the last number with them. I said I'd worn my voice out singing along with the crowd, which was true, not to mention not having been on stage since opening for the Dead & the ABB at the Gorge a century or two ago - but there was some part of "no" he didn't understand, as a good manager shouldn't, so without bothering to have my arm politely ripped out of the socket I went up and did it.
Long time since I've been on stage but I can always pull a Ripple out of the hat. How sweet it was to finally sing with the New Riders of the Purple Sage after nearly forty years. A deep emotional experience on the heels of one of the best NRPS shows I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot of them. Old Nelson had tears in his eyes, Buddy sitting there like a great glowing Buddha of the pedal steel. Old home night in the 21st Century. The ghosts of Spencer Dryden, Dave Torbert, Skip Batten and Dale Franklin singing along on the chorus, JG present in the melody itself.
The missing Marmaduke seemed supernaturally imminent in the voices of Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna, whose rhythm guitar is simple and absolutely superb, and of Ronnie Penque and Johnny Markowski of the DN band who acquitted themselves with honors. Each of the three is capable of believably copping the Dawson style without which it wouldn't be the Riders. So much so that it seemed like a chorus of Marmadukes on the harmony parts! I won't even get into what a storm Nelson picked on his Telecaster, and of course, Buddy is Buddy. Nuff said. If this sounds like a rave review, so be it. Go get 'em Riders!
Neon Gods Bio & History
Neon Gods Press release March 23 2007
The Neon Gods are a rocking jam band lead by Ronnie Penque of The New Riders of the Purple Sage. The Neon Gods stand out in the jam band scene with musical grooves and songs that you can't help but like. The band features strong vocals, smoking harmonies and really cool song writing. When Ronnie is not touring with the New Riders he's working with The Neon Gods. Penque plays bass and sings most of the lead vocals in the band. The Neon Gods also feature Ron's brother Chris Penque on rhythm guitar, who has been jamming with Ronnie since they were kids. The two Penque brothers formed the Neons a couple of years ago as a duo side project for fun. The boys were then introduced to Jeff and Katie Pearlman. With Katie on drums with her powerful vocals and harmonies and Jeff on keyboards with his strong vocals and harmonies, the band knew they had something. With the addition of Andy Trister, their fluid lead guitarist, the band rocks and has their own heartfelt sound. Neon Gods started as a cover band playing mostly Grateful Dead along with Neil Young, Hot Tuna, and NRPS. The band is still mixing up the sets with smoking versions of Dead tunes and others, but their main focus has been on their own music and its sounding great. Check out Ronnie Penque and The Neon Gods.
NRPS Make a Colorful Return!
A Kweevak.com Rock
Report
The New Riders of the Purple Sage emerged in the early 1970's an offshoot and side project of the Grateful Dead. Now, with the absence of The Dead and Phish on the annual touring circuit, NRPS stand poised to emerge among the leaders of the jam band pack. Case in point just one week into their reunion tour found them headlining the three-day Harvest Festival in Bainbridge, New York an event that included many of the east coast's finest improvisational rock outfits.
Now, some history... In 1969, writer John Dawson was looking for an opportunity to showcase his songs and Jerry Garcia was searching for an outlet to practice playing his new pedal steel guitar. These two, along with a group of other talented musicians including some members of the Grateful Dead formed The New Riders of the Purple Sage. The band went through a number of incarnations early on including the replacement of Garcia with steel player Buddy Cage. The NRPS built a strong following, especially in The Dead community, for their unique blend of country harmonies melded with pulsing rock rhythms.
Mexicali Blues was packed on Thursday, October 6, 2005 and the crowd grew electric in anticipation of the long-awaited return of The New Riders of the Purple Sage. It's been more than twenty years since The Rider's rode together and veteran fans were anxious to see what the night would hold. The current line-up is comprised of long-time core members David Nelson (guitar and vocals) and Buddy Cage (pedal steel), with Michael Falzarano of Hot Tuna fame (guitar, mandolin and vocals), and Stir Fried's Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals) rounding out the unit.
The Mexicali gig was one of the first dates on the band's reunion tour where the new line-up performed live, yet they sounded liked a tight, seasoned band who has been playing together for years. Buddy Cage was the first to appear on stage, taking a seat behind the pedal steel to tune and adjust his instrument. A few cautious fans approached him for autographs but he waived them off to focus on the music. The rest of NRPS walked on stage around 9:20 p.m. to thunderous applause.
'Henry' was the opening song of the animated first set. It is a rocking blue grass number featuring dueling guitars and a subtle rhythm. Bassist Ronnie Penque sang the lead and vocally he sounds a little like Jerry Garcia. The slide parts were magical. 'Lonesome L.A. Cowboy' is a county flavored rocker with rich guitar parts and tempos. David sang the lead as Buddy delicately handled the steel gently using the foot pedals to craft a silky, twangy sound.
Michael Falzarano sang the colorful 'Rainbow' harmonizing with David as the enchanting instrumentation ebbed and flowed into Cage's steel solo. Michael asked the crowd if anybody drinks 'Whiskey' as the drummer, Johnny Markowski tapped out the opening beats to the tune. The rest of NRPS kicked it up as Ronnie sang lead. Afterwards, Buddy mentioned that he hosts a show on Sirius Satellite Radio that features Dead/jam type music and he encouraged folks to tune in.
Johnny Markowski is an impressive player behind the kit. He is powerful yet touches the skins softly to avoid overpowering the textured guitars and steel. 'Whiskey' included an extended jam with a funky slide part and mesmerizing rhythms. The audience really enjoyed this classic swaying and getting completely caught up into the groove.
David introduced 'Contracts' as a song about a bounty hunter which is not a savory topic but their interpretation was flavorful and sizzled. It started off with the slide as the snappy beat implying movement picked up the pace while Nelson sang the story. 'Truck Driving Man' was an up-tempo bluegrass song featuring rich textures and tones. Falzarano handled the vocals as Buddy's slide snaked from soft to strong over beautiful guitar leads and lush rhythms. Roused by Michael the crowd sang along capably for a number of choruses.
'Dirty Business' had a swagger melding with slick slide that was hypnotic as they moved into 'Runnin' Back To You' a lively honky-tonk tune. The set closed with the spirited 'Take A Letter Maria' that had a Dead flavor thanks in part to Ronnie's vocals.
The first set was very well received and after a break the second set built on the momentum with more classics including 'Panama Red'. NRPS is poised to ride to the helm as a premier jam band. The quintet is filled with skillful veteran players who are still passionate about the music. They bring a freshness to songs that are decades old. Besides first class musicianship, NRPS has diversity with three lead vocalists who all have a distinctive style and sound. The New Riders of the Purple Sage are back with a vengeance
Originally Published: 10/09/2005 on Kweevak.com New Riders Of The
The new riders of the Purple Sage
Featuring original members: David Nelson & Buddy Cage
with Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried/JGB)
Stir Fried/JGB/Ripple)
)For Immediate release:
The New Riders of the Purple
Sage Ride Again.
The long-awaited return of The New Riders of the Purple Sage has fans in a
psychedelic head spin. Original members David Nelson (guitar and vocals) and
Buddy Cage (pedal Steel) along with Michael Falzarano (guitar, mandolin and
vocals), Johnny Markowski (drums and vocals) and Ronnie Penque (bass and vocals)
will treat the Northeast to a tour with shows throughout the Tri-State area, New
York City and The Harvest Festival in upstate New York.
Once called the greatest cosmic, psychedelic-country folk rock & roll band in the universe, the new lineup of NRPS will revive its legendary reputation in early October. Veterans David Nelson and Buddy Cage have put together a smokin band to perform its timeless music to fans both old and new. "David and I will be playing our NRPS catalog," says Buddy Cage who replaced Jerry Garcia on pedal steel in the band's earliest lineup in 1971.
Original bass player Dave Torbert and drummer Spencer Dryden have passed away and are now a part of the ethereal band. They will undoubtedly be smiling down as their music lives on. Co-founder John Dawson cannot lend his considerable talents due to ongoing health problems although he will be there in spirit. Formed in 1969, The New Riders were signed to Columbia Records in 1971 by Clive Davis and its eponymous first album, New Riders of the Purple Sage, was released in September of that year to widespread acclaim. For the next 11 years the band continued to tour and release over 12 albums, selling over 4 million records. The two bands that helped define country rock as we know it are The Eagles and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. If the Eagles were the Beatles of country rock, then The New Riders of the Purple Sage were The Rolling Stones - rockin', rowdy and genuine. The New Riders Of The Purple Sage Ride Again.