ZBB's "Uncaged" comes from "chemistry"

"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."