Plus Some That Don't Fit The Mold

My record Plus Some That Don't Fit The Mold is now up on iTunes.

I get a kick out of hearing back songs that I record. I get an even bigger kick out of seeing and hearing peoples' reactions. So, I'd like to hear what you think by leaving a comment on the review section on iTunes (no pressure though), but please as soon as your done reading this, buy it and review it (only if you have the time and financial capabilities) but really, I'll probably hurt you if you don't buy it (I'm just kidding?). Enough of that nonsense.

If I'd write a review as a listener/composer, I'd say that this particular group of songs is really colorful and neat for the ears to hear. The melodies are supported by deep underlying chordal harmonies and swirling slide guitars. On a technical note, I used my 1938 Epiphone Electar seven string lap steel guitar in conjunction with my 1959 tweed Fender Princeton Amp through my '63 reissue reverb tank throughout the entire album. I also used the stand-up bass for most of the numbers. It's one of my favorite records I've done because it reminds me of my basement in Pittsburgh, where most of the album was recorded, and it also reminds me of touring with Steve Vai in Europe and USA (because that's the record I took with me to sign and sell at all the shows).

Overall, it's mostly instrumental, but there are some interesting vocals too. I hope you at least get a minute to enjoy the free free samples on iTunes. Thanks for reviewing. I enjoy reading the honest comments (whether good or negative).
Thanks,
Zack

Hey- It's been a long while!

I'm back in LA now. Many neat things happened since I last blogged. I went to Pittsburgh, PA for the summer. I played at Harvey Wilner's Tavern. I met one of my favorite modern musicians Beck at the Hollywood Bowl. I acquired many great LPs including a Hendrix Bootleg, AC/DC Back in Black, The Beatles Revolver, an autographed Albert Collins record, and many more. I toured the West Coast with my new band, unnamed at the time, but later dubbed "Carbon Thunder" to promote my Misaligned Mind record (which is available on iTunes). I met Matt Groening the creator of the Simpsons, and he drew me a Bart and signed it. I got paid to make a hand-drawn animated cartoon at my day job (yes, a day job... at a social media marketing company called Heavybag Media). I saw the Raconteurs in Cincinnati, OH with my pretty, pretty girlfriend. I bought an Echoplex and have been recording a new instrumental album concentrating on mainly my guitar playing. I've also been using the Jemini Guitar Pedal that I received from Mr. Steve Vai himself in the mail, and I really enjoy it's deep soloing tone. I usually try to expand as far as I can musically for my recordings, and touch on many different styles along with experimenting in odd rhythms, but this time it's a tad more straight forward; just neat guitar stuff. I'm really excited about it. I'm also now a part of a Beatles cover band called "Mean Mister Mustard" which is a really fun time from learning the tunes to playing them live. I purchased a big black Astro Van to haul all the gear and to get around town. I can't wait to play some Christmas Shows with Ron and Dave in Pittsburgh coming up in the next few weeks. I'm heading down to San Diego for Thanksgiving. I have been following the Steelers season, and have good hopes for a sixth ring. I got a new tune out on my website as well. The main song to check out is "Days with You" written and recorded by me and my roommate/guitar-slingin'-bandmate Andy Alt who does the solo on the track. I'm looking forward to hearing comments from everyone who would dare read this blog. Let me know what you think about the tune.