ZBB's "Uncaged" comes from "chemistry"
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 – Zac Brown Band's "Uncaged" is the culmination of the "powerful chemistry that's developed by living, traveling and working as a band," said front man Zac Brown.
"We're always trying to push the barrier of our musicianship and I'm proud to say that there is a little bit of something for everyone," he said about the Georgia seven-piece's disc dropping July 10.
From the rocking title track to the slow-burning Goodbye in Her Eyes that guitarist Coy Bowles calls "the biggest sounding song we've ever recorded," the 11-song CD is driven by ZBB harmonies, including guest vocals by Amos Lee on the Day That I Die.
New Orleans' Trombone Shorty contributes trumpet and trombone on Overnight.
Co-writers included Jason Mraz and longtime collaborator Wyatt Durrette along with Southern Ground Artists Sonia Leigh, Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.
Said violinist Jimmy De Martini of the diverse mix of songs, "it remains true to the Zac Brown Band sound, which has become a style in itself."
"Uncaged" marked the introduction of Zac Brown Band's newest member, percussionist Daniel de los Reyes, who has toured with Stevie Nicks, Sting, Peter Frampton and Earth, Wind & Fire. "We sat and played djembe one night until our hands bled," Brown said of meeting de los Reyes. "I love his spirit."
The album was recorded at studios in Atlanta, Asheville, Nashville and Key West and follows 2008's "The Foundation" (Atlantic Records/Home Grown/Big Picture) and 2010's "You Get What You Give" (Atlantic/Southern Ground Artists). Both albums have gone platinum and remain on the Billboard 200, in addition to producing 9 straight number 1 radio singles.
"This is first record that we've made from start to finish in one thought," said multi-instrumentalist Clay Cook. "The previous albums have been a collection of songs... this is an album."
More news for Zac Brown Band
CD reviews for Zac Brown Band
Uncaged
Zac Brown Band's "Uncaged" album opens with Jump Right In, which finds singer/bandleader Brown admonishing, "Let the music pull you in," which might just be Brown's motto. He's all about forgetting the cares of the day and giving in wholeheartedly to the magnetic attraction of good music. Although Brown writes, sings and plays well throughout, there are nevertheless few truly standout tracks or unexpected surprises on "Uncaged."
With that said, »»» |
You Get What You Give
The Zac Brown Band's major label debut, "The Foundation," stormed onto radio waves just a few short years ago, challenging all to embrace the Country Fried and get our Toes in the sand. ZBB's latest builds upon that sound structure, offering up yet more island-flavored jams (Knee Deep, Settle Me Down), some classic country (Cold Hearted, Martin) and some smoky barroom jam sessions (Who Knows). They also bring along a few friends in Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson whose presence »»» |
Pass The Jar - Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre In Atlanta
Just as there is comfort food, so also is there comfort music. And the Zac Brown Band is unquestionably comfort music. "Pass the Jar" documents a recent benefit concert to rebuild the Georgia Theatre and features an all-star lineup made up of both country and non-country performers.
A few of Brown's biggest feel-good hits are naturally performed during this 23-song set, including Whatever It Is, Toes and an especially fine take on Free, which - with the vocal help of Joey + Rory - »»» |
Editorial: Walking the talk –
When names like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon and the Hag are invoked, you're talking hard core country. These are the touchstones of country , the guys who made country music what it was and still is (or maybe can be). When these folks would sing about being down-and-out and the rough-and-tumble, they knew of what they were singing about. Fast forward a few years to the country singers of today. »»»
Concert Review: Size doesn't matter to Winslow-King –
Luke Winslow-King may have a fine new CD out ("The Coming Tide") on a long respected indie country/roots label (Bloodshot), but that didn't mean the throngs were going to fill the club. In fact, in a second night of shows in the Boston area, Winslow-King drew a handful of people. Well, make that literally two handfuls of people.
As in 10 people.... »»»
Concert Review: McGraw has plenty of fight left –
Despite the fact that Tim McGraw is five years sober, fit as a triathlete and touring behind a number one album, he is still in an unenviable position. As he approaches 50, McGraw has to stay a step ahead of the current crop of young country hunks with TV shows, cross format radio airplay and wider appeal. But as he proved at First Niagara's... »»»
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