365 day 88 – ellen page

morning sex download: Red Tail Hawk EP

For the record, I think the production on this EP is spectacular.

Lyrically speaking, Benny Z has a tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve. In the past, with a more pared down sound, his style has been almost too vulnerable and diaphanous. This new incarnation of Ben Zanfagna’s music, however, which includes Mike Gruen on Bass, Brett Bashaw on Drums, Alexander Sandman on Guitar/Keys/Production, and Ben on Vocals, Guitar, & Tenor/Soprano Saxophone lends itself better to his style of writing. His straightforward and transparent words are supported more substantially by the multiple tracks of instrumentation and harmony, and the arrangement of said layers is ideal.

The acoustic beginning of “Trees” into the symphonic harmony-ridden climax is an energetic and organic opener, leading into the the 70’s arena acid-rock “Bilderberg” that reminds me, strangely enough of Twin Shadow’s “Castles in the Snow” mixed with Pink Floyd’s whole Dark Side of the Moon (ok I know that’s a crazy comparison but I think it’s the harmonies – “Your Elvis song in my ear That moonlit voice that I hear”/ “All that is now All that is gone All that’s to come”). A tiny hint of an organ on “I Do” is  my favorite little touch, a sweet marriage of sax into a rhodes-ish fade out.

This feels like a tentative taste of what this band is capable of. I’m looking forward to their show on March 12 at the Firehouse to see what else they’ve got up their sleeves.

(photos by lydia see, no use w/o permission)

from the band:

“Songwriter/singer/saxophonist, Benny Zanfagna, bassist/arranger, Mike Gruen, producer/multi-instrumentalist, Alex Sandman and drummer/arranger,Brett Bashaw have teamed up to form “Red Tail Hawk.” All members are Newburyport natives and were friends growing up. According to Benny, “We all studied music formally and independently, toured with national and semi-national acts and came home to reconnect. The result is a culmination of worldly experiences…”
Both Benny and Alex played with the band “Endway” during separate periods. First Benny helped co-write and produce Endway’s sophomore release ‘Action,’ and toured with the band for one year. After being signed with Wind-up Records as the producer/guitarist of “The Rideaways,” Alex joined “Endway” filling the role of bassist and co-writer on Endway’s third release, ‘Running Man’ (each available for free at endway.com). Among Mike Gruen’s accolades he studied at Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA and has shared the stage with some of the most prominent jazz cats in New England. Brett returned to Newburyport after playing professionally with pianist, Rob Gonzalez.

Zanfagna continues, “We are grateful to one another. Each player brings a unique approach to the songs and we all contribute to the arrangements. It is a rare artistic collaboration and the ceiling is much higher because of this…”

“Red Tail Hawk” will be releasing their debut record in the form of an EP this Spring. The band’s performance of Benny’s songs and Alex’s production create an eclectic mix of roots, rock, world, jazz and psychedelic. Inspired by a love for nature, and passion for living, look for “Red Tail Hawk” everywhere online and at http://theredtailhawk.com”

Purchase tickets online here: http://www.firehouse.org or call the Firehouse Box Office directly at 978.462.7336.

365 day 9 – the red tail hawk

all images by lydiasee. please don’t steal without asking first.

“Not Scared” of YARDWORK, rather, in love

Yardwork, a band from Charlotte, NC, played at the New French two weekends ago, on Feb. 28th. I went to the show, knowing that anyone that If You Wannas shared a bill with was probably of high musical integrity, and damn, was I right. And although I missed the Wannas due to shooting five other bands at two other venues that night (Josh Carpenter, Nerd Parade, Baker Family Band, and Jar-e, posts for those shows forthcoming) I caught the bulk of Yardwork’s set and was blown away by their incredibly energetic and impressively fun rock ‘n’ roll. These kids know how to put on a proper rock show, complete with two drummers, several vocalists, lots of guitars and bass, tambourines, and a bell lyre (essentially a portable glockenspiel which is arranged in the shape of a harp).

Yardwork’s live show, and surprisingly, their self-titled EP, echo Yeasayer (“Germs,” “Wait for the Summer”), the Dodos (“Jodi,” “Fools”) , and since I’m on a Grizzly Bear kick, a grittier version of  “Southern Point” off Veckatimest.
They are amazingly able to capture the energy and eclectic performance of seeing them live on this sweet little 7-song EP, to which the tracks “Track One,” “Brotherer,” “Soda Sprouts,” and “Wet Digital Red Storm” I have become quite partial.

There’s something reminiscent of summer days hiking through a line of trees and being surprised by a sunny, private, 360 degree view of the parkway,  mixed with a little bit of drinking PBR on the porch-couch with friends, with a side-helping of a really good road trip in the seven songs on this album, and I get really excited every time I listen to them.

A favorite line, thus far, from “Soda Sprouts” states:  “I’ve got tiny limbs, but I’m not scared to use them.”  So Watch Out for you face, it might get rocked off.

Arizona @ Broadways’s tonight with Gift Horse

Fresh off a West Coast tour, these cats are ready to rock Asheville for the first time since PopAsheville last month. A highlight at the fest, Arizona gained quite a few local fans, myself included. I am really looking forward to the show tonight, and to get everyone pumped up, here’s a few videos from Pampelmoose, Dave Allen’s blog.

First: Dave Allen’s Interview with Ben from Arizona

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about "An Interview with Ben of the band Ari…", posted with vodpod

and then, Arizona’s response video, the unreleased “Where is Wallace” from a soundcheck in Santa Cruz:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Arizona send a Message From The Road …“, posted with vodpod

“Arizona the band are on tour and have hit the West Coast. They made this exclusive video of a new song, Wallace, during their soundcheck in Santa Cruz, CA and sent it to me to post to my Pampelmoose.com music blog. Smart guys. This is how to win fans and get their support….” -Dave Allen on Pampelmoose