A Transcendent Traneumentary – You’ve got 33 episodes combining some of the best music that Coltrane played accompanied by the commentary of those who either played with him or were influenced by him. Where else will you find this? Music and conversation about music. For a jazz fan, for a Coltrane fan, it doesn’t get any better than this. Download it now; listen to it immediately; learn from it forever. – Vijay Sky, iTunes Review *****

Born out of the desire to introduce John Coltrane’s music to a new audience and celebrate the legendary artist, VI created The Traneumentary. This original and innovative 33 part podcast documentary highlights the musical legacy of John Coltrane through intimate interviews and track commentaries featuring an eclectic cast of bandmates, colleagues, musicians, producers, journalists and educators including McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Billy Taylor, Terence Blanchard, Joshua Redman and more.

The Traneumentary is a great illustration of VI’s ability to bring a story to life combined with a strong digital acumen. From concept to production to blog creation to online marketing and public relations, VI developed, administered and successfully managed the project in its entirety. The series is not only regarded as the definitive Coltrane podcast but it is also one of the most successful and creative catalog initiatives applied to a legendary artist. Since its launch, The Traneumentary has served over 1 million episode downloads and continues to remain popular well after its release in 2007. The series succeeded in creating great awareness of Coltrane and is responsible for increased sales of the artist’s digital tracks and albums, physical CDs and custom ringtones. The work is also the first to be collaboratively commissioned by Blue Note, Concord Music Group, Rhino and Verve Records.

The Traneumentary Blog

VI launched the original web site for renowned guitarist Pat Metheny in 1994 and has since been working as an online consultant, producer and strategist for the artist’s company Metheny Group Productions. Teaming with Cyclone Interactive, who now maintains the web site programming, production and maintenance, VI’s role is to develop and produce original content and marketing initiatives for the site that engage the artist’s fan base. VI programs and maintains Pat Metheny Radio, a 24/7 online accessible streaming music channel devoted to the music of Metheny. Playing new and previously released recordings of the artist, the station enjoys a consistent monthly listenership that has not only proven to be valued and monetized content for the site but also offers an effective tool to engage the audience on an ongoing basis. Frequent user interactive programs are administered through the web site and then run through the station programming. The station also offers advance listens to new music and podcasts plus news and information. VI has also integrated the station activities and programs into Metheny’s social media network and overall online strategy.

VI also produces an ongoing podcast series (About The Music) featuring Metheny and special guests discussing the artist’s vast recorded works and collaborations. The series was one of the first such podcast series launched by a recording artist reflecting and breaking down their work. The series draws a consistent audience and is updated on a regular basis. In addition, VI consults on a number of other online fronts such integration of social media strategies, online tour programs for fans and e-commerce. Currently, VI is constructing and preparing content for Pat Metheny branded video channels (You Tube, Daily Motion, Vimeo et al).

Initially launched as an online marketing initiative in 2006, Masterworks Broadway Podcast Theatre evolved into the first cast recording/musical theater specific podcast specific series. Under the direction of VI, this ongoing podcast driven marketing program documents many of the greatest musicals ever brought to stage showcasing an all-star lineup of performers, producers and directors. Among the shows featured on the series are Chicago, A Chorus Line, Hair, La Cage Aux Folles, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Mame, Hello Dolly, Grease, Hairspray, and Avenue Q. To date the series consists of over 90 episodes with additional in production for 2010.

Stephen Sondheim – The Story So Far

“Wonderful, insightful podcasts. If you are a fan of Sondheim or musical theater, this podcast is a godsend. Even if you are already deeply familiar with Sondheim’s work, there are tons of new insights to be gained. Excellent!” – AllyPally22, iTunes *****

As part of the popular Masterworks Broadway Podcast Theatre series, VI produced a special 30 episode production on the major works of the famed composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim. The series titled The Story So Far coincided with the release of a four-disc box set retrospective on the composer’s most treasured works selected by the artist himself. The audio documentary is designed as a commentary on the legendary shows and music featured on The Story So Far. It also stands alone as an historic celebration of the composer’s work as told by through his own words and that of his closets and most associated collaborators including Hal Prince, Angela Lansbury, Elaine Stritch, James Lapine, Bernadette Peters, Len Cariou, Patti LuPone, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Benanti, Lonny Price, Paul Gemignani, Frank Rich and others.

“This podcast is great. If you love music, you’ll love this podcast”

- Luke Wienecke, iTunes *****

VI co-produced The Beach Boys Pet Sounds 40th Anniversary Podcast Series featuring remaining band members Brian Wilson, MIke Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston. The podcast series was the first of its kind that documented a classic popular recording with the famed creators using the podcast avenue as its main format and delivery channel. The campaigns’s focus was aimed at introducing the 1966 classic remastered work to a new, young and digital savvy audience.  Aside from placement throughout the iTunes music store, which was also administered by VI, the series was also distributed to an array of music focused webzines. The series succeeded in not only selling an impressive amount of digital albums but also garnered an equal amount of physical CD sales.  The podcast series became one of the first #1 music podcast series on the iTunes charts and set the standard for other like music podcast series that followed.  Vella and deMartin went on to record another major series with the Beach Boys titled The Warmth of the Sun which was released in 2007 and had equal success.

Pictured: Co-producer Michael deMartin, Brian Wilson and Joseph Vella

Billy Joel – The Stranger
Billy Bob Thornton – Beautiful Door
Bob Marley – Exodus
Chick Corea – Return To Forever
Christian McBride – Conversations with Christian
Derek Trucks Band – Already Free
Elvis Costello – The First 10 Years
Herbie Hancock – River: The Joni Letters
Island Records 50 with Chris Blackwell
Jeff Buckley – Grace Around The World
Queen Latifah – Travlin’ Light
Stax Records @ 50

Patti Smith – Twelve (Watch Video Here)

Messiah Rocks (Watch Video Here)

Liberacion-The Songs of the New Cuban Underground (Watch Video Here)