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Hazel's Latest Release Breaks Norm, Molds Form...

on August 3, 2009

Posted by: DentonR

(read all my reviews)

from Waco, TX

It's All For New: Hazel's Latest Release Breaks The Norm, Molds A Form...
By Denton Ramsey

Fifteen years and seven studio albums into their career, Sister Hazel is soaring to new heights -- and from their self-titled white album days to their latest Release, these guys don't miss a beat. Ken Block, Drew Copeland, Ryan Newell, Jett Beres, and Mark Trojanowski are the masterminds behind the magic -- running through new musical scores like an All-Duke Basketball Team led by Coach K.

The five Hazel members are more than just band buddies -- they take music and their passion for writing and composing music to a brand new level with Release, breaking the norm by a long-shot in their approach to their newest album, due to hit stores on Aug. 18.

With Release, Sister Hazel has jumped into a category that may very well stand alone. This musical masterpiece, the bands seventh disc of original material, was a true team effort in its creation.

All five band members came to the table with numerous songs, and each member was given two tracks for the album, with Copeland and Newell garnering three apiece.

“We felt it was time for a different type of record, and we figured the best way to make a different kind of record is to change the record making process,” Newell said.

The band also used a similar approach when recording their 2007 Christmas album, Santa's Playlist. In addition to contributing a song, the songwriter would then guide his design through the recording process.

“The concept worked so well for us,” Trojanowski said. “We thought we'd use it on our studio album.”

Compiling their songs and meeting at the band's favorite Gainesville rehearsal place, these five amazing musicians played through the material before traveling to Nashville to demo the tunes prior to Newell working on the tracks at his home studio, with band members dropping in from time to time.

In my opinion, the concept worked to perfection -- and I hope to see a similar approach in future records from the band. It’s just amazing how much talent each and every Hazel member brings to the table. They’re my modern-day Pink Floyd. I love these guys…

It’s absolutely amazing how much these guys have grown since first forming in the early 90’s in Gainesville. And from the Rock Boat to Lyrics for Life, these guys give it their all -- and that’s why I love them. So what’s next from this group we’ve all come to know as Sister Hazel?

“Right now, we’re on a tear,” Block said. “And we hope to keep things really rolling.”

Roll on, Sister Hazel. Rock and Roll on…

*****

For full text of the new Sister Hazel CD Review, visit dentonramsey.wordpress.com

What's great about it: Great music from a great band...

What's not so great: n/a

I would recommend this to a friend!

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