I was invited to attend the debut performance of Zach Rogue's new project, Release the Sunbird, on the same day they released a CD called Come Back To Us on Brushfire Records at the Hotel Cafe on Tuesday, July 26. Rogue Wave has always kept me fascinated with their splashy, multi-layered music, so I looked forward to hearing what he was up to now.
I wasn't sure what to expect as I hadn't heard a note of the new band's music, but having seen Rogue Wave four times before and Zach solo at the Walt Disney Concert Hall program, Concrete Frequency back in 2008, I've always highly prized his angelic vocals. I only knew this would be a new direction for him.
I got there around nine and they came on stage a few minutes after that. In place of the lush and sweeping sound of the other band, Release the Sunbird has the a more modest approach. Very folky, but sophisticated in composition and, with equal importance given to Kate Long's voice, the male/female harmonies are both lilting and soaring. Zach has a wonderful vocal compatibility with Kate Long so most of the songs are duet-focused.
Introspective lyrics about life questions, both big and small, from romance to immortality, are on display in songs my favorites that rock like "It's All Around You", "No Light" "Running Away From Me" or in quieter numbers like "Come Back To Us", "Everytime You Go" or "Outlook's Anonymous", which features some gorgeous three-part harmonies. Though I have to say, the chattering that goes on at that club often gives the quiet performer unfair competition.
Got to thank and congratulate Zack after the set and met Kate Long and drummer Pete Schreiner and was glad to tell them how much I enjoyed their set. Also picked up the CD, Come Back To Us on my way out. Very nice evening.
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