British guitarist Mario Parga has announced that he has formed a new Los Angeles based all-acoustic trio called BONNET, PARGA & HEAVENSTONE with his longtime friend Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ) on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Beth-Ami Heavenstone (HARDLY DANGEROUS, TOMI RAE BROWN) on acoustic bass and backing vocals. Mario will provide lead acoustic guitar and backing vocals to the trio, who are currently recording new material and rehearsing for live shows around the world. Said Bonnet: "For years now, I have always been asked why don't I play an acoustic segment in ALCATRAZZ shows, as some people know my earlier music, from solo albums, with me playing guitar and writing different kinds of music, not just the obvious hard rock tunes. "I was always nervous to do this after all these years being in a rock band, because you are out there semi-naked, guitar slinging with no Marshalls, loud drums to cover any bad notes or just getting through shows with screaming and yelling. "Time to show that's not the only voice I have again. "I love real singing with real emotions. "Sometimes hard rock becomes a little fake and tainted, so every song has to be sort of heavy. "I won't give up the rock influence I have in the new venture. I'll be there, but just dynamics that give the band space and air and me catching my breath. "To have a good friend and amazing guitarist to play alongside of, Mario Parga, is somewhat daunting but he was one person that has asked for years why don't I do what we are now doing as an acoustic band. His versatility is perfect for me to attempt jazz, rock, pop, anything with confidence and a smile as this new band is making me very happy. "Mario and I will play acoustic guitars and will be joined by Beth-Ami Heavenstone, playing acoustic /electric bass. Yes, a woman... and there's a novelty!!!!??? "I sang with Beth-Ami and her band and was somewhat inspired by her enthusiasm. When I spoke with her after the gig and told her of my idea of some day trying to change my musical direction, she was interested in that concept as for her also the same old song was getting very old. She said, 'Why don't you do it now?' "So here I am, Beth-Ami, Mario and I writing new tunes and feeling that spirit again that seems to have neglected us for too long. "Beth-Ami has great musical ideas, though sometimes I think I am right about everything. Well, I am not.... Mario and Beth-Ami remind me this is a group effort and I am so happy with that!! "I hope this will bring those who are curious to see what this is and where it will lead. "I hope to do a new album and live shows. I also have to thank Mandy Wheatcroft for her input into all I have done over the past few years. Again she told me: 'Go for this, Graham. Show the world there is still a lot more music in you.' Yes, there is... "So then there are three."
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