NEWS

Verona Downs spent a few days in the studio putting down tracks for some new tunes. Frontman Greg Jacobs is known for his intelligent lyrics and creative melodies and his new batch of songs are loaded with mood as well as beautiful instrumental and lyrical textures. Verona Downs has a great Myspace page check it out! http://www.myspace.com/veronadownsmusic


Philip Bell has begun working on recording his second CD. Philip has been compared to Jeff Buckley for his soaring/ subtle vocal style. Philip's highly developed songwriting skills as well as his "real music played by real musicians" approach to the recording proccess are contributing favorably to this exciting new effort. For more info about Philip visit his myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/philipbell  

Dynamic musical duo- YEW have been in this month mixing their upcoming CD. Ireland native- Patricia O'Sullivan (lyrics/lead vocals), and Boston local- Jay Berry (mutli-instrumentalist/ sonic MD) join forces to take what began as a "home-spun" recording and polish it to completion with engineer/ producer Brian Charles. Yew's music has a way of getting into one's bloodstream quickly, and staying there for a while. Keep your ears open as we expect great things from these two.

Jeffrey Simmons brought his rhythm section in to put down basic tracks for Jeffrey's upcoming album. Simmons (far right facing forward in picture), combines georgouos melodies, "smart" lyrical content, and a strong rhythmic foundation to this new batch of tunes. Recording is scheduled to continue throughout the year...we'll keep you posted. If you would like more info visit Jeffrey's website at http://www.jeffreysimmons.com/

Steve Chaggaris Came in this month to record a song that was originally written by Tears for Fears founding member Curt Smith and songwriting partner- Charlton Pettus. Steve is a long time patron of Zippah, he's also one of the busiest drummers around. Pete Weiss and Brian Charles worked as a team (just like old times) to help produce a hauntingly intimate version of the song. Mixing is set to take place at Pete's Vt. studio- Verdant verdantstudio.com. Visit Steve's awesome website at: http://www.stevechaggaris.com

"Maine Rockers"- Gully just finished up mixing their soon to be released six-song E.P. here at Zippah. Engineers Shaun Curran, and Tristan Rhodes tracked the album at the New England Institute of Art and Communications as their senior project, and then brought the tracks to Brian Charles for collaboration. We all fell in love with the band's melodic yet rough around the edges style. The end result is a record that has a hip yet timeless quality to it. Check out their myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/gullytheband

 

Camel City Drivers finished out 2006 in the studio, completing their freshest record. The band resides in three states- Virginia, Florida and Boston. With the help of studio drummer Steve Scully , the band recorded 99% of the record "live" in the studio. It was quite refreshing to get "keeper" vocals and backups down at the same time as the musical take. If you like Wilco and Ryan Adams- you'll like these guys for sure! Visit their Myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/camelcitydrivers

Ken Kokubo and Rafi Sofer were in working on Miskatonic Rock's forthcoming release. Tha band consists of ex members of Calendar Girl, Cheater Pint, and Utrabreakfast. Elizabeth Firger (pictured above) shares vocal duties with Tim Farrelll and Paul Wisner contributing to the "new wave" B52's-esque aspect of the band's sound. These guys are no "one-trick pony" though check them out on Myspace! http://www.myspace.com/miskatonicrock

Pete Weiss came by the old stomping ground for a pre-tour rehearsal with his fabulous band The Weisstronauts.
Ex Velvet Underground Member Doug Yule will be covering Bass duties this "go-around". For more info on The Weisstronauts' touring schedule vist www.weissy.com

Karen from the band Barnicle made a quick stop in to have Brian and Matt mix the title track "Take Me to Your Room" for the band's debut CD to be released on Dec 7th (Record release party will be held at Bill's Bar on Lansdowne St. ). Barnicle has a fresh sound and likens themselves to "The Go Go's meet Superdrag". If you would like more info visit Barnicle's Myspace page: www.myspace.com/barnicle



Paddy Saul was in- putting the final touches on his first full length album. The album was recorded to analog tape, which lends itself well to the "timeless" quality of Paddy's music. The Irish native (now residing in Boston) has a poetic style lyrically, and fills this out with a creative soundscape of natural and creative sounds throughout the collection of songs. Paddy is picking up much steam in the live venues around town, and we think his album is great and wish him much success. www.paddysaul.com

The Clydesdale Cowboys - Moseyd on in to record a "one off" single- an original tune called "Quallude Thunder" . I think I recall JR Clydesdale saying something about the song being written about George Jones and a "coming home from tour incident" involving his wife- Tammi Winet, and a 4MPH trip into town on a riding lawnmower. In any event the song features some world class players (the Clydesdales) and a hook that can't be beat. www.clydesdalecowboys.com/

Zippah "regular"- Steve Scully took a break from his busy drumming schedule to come in and record a few drum tracks for California singer/songwriter Karisa Winett. Producer Michael James has been producing her album on the west coast- and sent the Protools files to Zippah for some extra special drum treatment. We sent the files back to L.A. with the new tracks and came to realize that by strange coincedence - the bass player on the basic track happened to be Steve Scully's childhood friend from Fla...small world! www.myspace.com/karisawinett

Jazz harmonica legend Mike Turk enlisted Matt and Brian to mix his upcoming full length. The arrangements are beautifully done, and have a jobim feel to many of them. Mike always plays with great musicians, and this time was no exception- John Lockwood (bass) and Bob Moses (drums) played as well as many talented others. Release date TBA. http://www.aahome.com/turk/startfr.htm

Worchester, Ma Hardcore favorites Change of System came in and recorded an E.P. in anticipation of their festival date the following month.Worchester is serious about their hard rock- and these guys seem like the only game in town. Check out their wild myspace page: www.myspace.com/changeofsystem

Bain Ennis- and Mathew Williams just finished up their full length album at Zippah with Brian C. and Matt J. producing/engineering. The songs were cut live- vocals and all -very refreshing this day and age. The music although Texas influenced has an almost vintage "James Taylor" sound and feel to it. Look for it in late 2006 or early 2007.