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Zach Bandolin Back Home After Lots of World Travelling
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April 4, 2010 – The smart ones in life know that it’s not how you fall down in life that counts but ...April 4, 2010 – The smart ones in life know that it’s not how you fall down in life that counts but how you get up. Zach Bandolin has had his fair share of topsy-turvy moments but the guitarist keeps swinging. His new album “Pages from My Book,” as the title states, is a travelogue into his past, present and even future. Bandolin consciously went into the project with an intention to be transparent with his skills and life lessons.
After touring stints in Seoul and Japan the guitarist is firmly planted back home in Canada.
Bandolin dropped by the Smooth Jazz studios recently and talked to Program Director John Beaudin. Here is a transcript of that on-air interview. – by Shannon Edwards
JOHN - Hi Zach. Good morning and welcome to the show.
ZACH - Hi John, good morning to you too and to all the listeners of Smoothjazznow.
JOHN - “Pages from my Book” is a wonderful project and even though it sounds current, brings me back to the early guitar works of Carlton and Ritenour. How did you come up with the title?
ZACH - When I decided to make an album, I wanted to relate my life experiences to my music, so I compared the process to writing my own book. Basically, every chapter tells a different story and that's how the title "Pages From My Book" came to be.
JOHN - How conscious are these guitar heroes of yours when you go into a recording?
ZACH - I look up to my guitar heroes for a deeper understanding of melodic guitar playing and for inspiration. But I do focus on my own technique and style of playing, rather than trying to mimic their style.
JOHN - 13 years in Seoul, tell me about that?
ZACH - After a 3 year stint in Japan in 1994,I was given an offer that I could not refuse - to play in Seoul, South Korea. At that time, live performances were really in demand. The beauty of the place smote me - the people were nice and friendly, the technology was abundant and the money was good too! My original plan of staying for 2 years ended up with me staying for 13, playing in major cities all over the country, in honky - tonk bars, disco clubs and even theme parks. We played various styles of music ranging from Rock to Country to Pop and Techno, but my favourite was definitely playing Smooth Jazz in some of the more popular hotels in the city of Seoul. The song "Memories of Summer" speaks directly to my experience in Korea - as vivid as the changing colors of its seasons.
JOHN - Zach, what keeps you plugged in and what keeps you grounded?
ZACH - I’ve had lots of ups and downs in my personal life and career. I’ve been in and out of bad relationships and ignored them, hoping that they would run their natural course, but many situations still haunted me. When a friend of mine introduced me to the practice of meditation, it was then that I was able to listen to my inner self, fine-tune and get a hold of things. I learned to live in and embrace the real world, always remembering to take a step back when I need to put things into perspective.
JOHN - Tell me about “ Yin Yang”
ZACH - This song is about what I’ve learned during my stay in Fuzhou, China. The Chinese believe that in order to attain stability, there must be a balance between good and evil, strong and weak, black and white or Yin and Yang. The energy of the universe is harnessed in the equity of the Yin and Yang, bringing peace and harmony. This song attempts to interpret this in the form of the 2 – chord progression that is very dominant throughout the piece. I try to blend improvised melodies to the syncopated tempo of the song.
JOHN - and “T Skyline” is also getting some requests, what about that one?
ZACH - This song was originally titled “Toronto Skyline” but in the final minutes of production, I decided to call it “T Skyline” to leave a bit of mystery. This tune was playing in my mind as I took a stroll along the Lakeshore boardwalk, admiring the beauty of the city under a clear blue sky one summer day.
JOHN - What do you consider the defining moment of your career?
ZACH - Watching my music video on TV, completing my album and seeing it sold in online music stores. Mostly, that I’m finally out there and that people other than my relatives are complimenting my songs.
JOHN - What do you hope people come away with after listening to your music?
ZACH - Writing instrumental music is comparable to abstract painting, these songs are personal to the writer, but have a different meaning each time a new listener tunes into it. I just hope that people will enjoy my music and that it takes them to their own happy place every time they hear my songs.
JOHN - Do you have any projects in the pipeline?
ZACH - I am currently working on another album and plan to explore more of North America, hopefully sharing some music along the way.
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Jazz Musician Plays host to pleasant night out
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By Phillip Smalley
Published: April 10th, 2009
Oh Canada is playing, but it’s not the version you ...By Phillip Smalley
Published: April 10th, 2009
Oh Canada is playing, but it’s not the version you would expect. More of a Jimi Hendrix take, with the regular ensemble replaced by a single guitarist.
The man with the guitar looks up with his eyes closed as he hits the notes more from instinct than from practice.
His name is Zach Bandolin and he is the headliner. Bandolin has played his moody style of instrumental music on stages in Japan and Germany, and now he’s playing to Scarborough.
The Burrows Hall Community Center was host to “A night out with Zach Bandolin and friends” Saturday evening.
It was a first for newly formed Your Night Out Entertainment, and rep Jen Paragas was pleased with the result.
“Overall, it was successful. We learned a lot and the experience and feedback will definitely help us to improve our future events.”
The spectacle began just after 7 p.m. as a nice roast beef dinner was served, while the husband-wife team of Ed and Judith Flores serenaded diners with renditions of Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra and other classics.
Bandolin’s keyboard player Ken Jones had rehearsed with him only a couple of times before and was unaware of what to expect from the evening.
“It will be interesting to see what this is like,” he said, right before the music started.
He was referring to the other two acts: Peter Mangaser, and Joshua Lopez and his band.
“Sometimes they are just opening acts, but in this case, I’m not sure,” Jones said.
Well, the openers did not disappoint, with equally impressive amounts of talent and skill between them.
Also, Abby de Guzman sang with Bandolin on a couple of his tunes and really got the crowd’s attention with her soulful voice.
But the highlight of the night was definitely at the end when Mangaser, Lopez and Bandolin all took turns flipping hammer-ons and pull-offs.They had all joined together for a big solo-exchanging finale.
“By what we have heard here tonight, these guys have a lot of potential,” Bandolin said.
Bandolin, a man of few words but very many notes, graciously thanked the audience before he made his rounds. But he did made sure to plug his next gig at the Augusta House in Kensington Market on May 29 before everyone emptied out.
That too will be represented by Your Night Out Entertainment Company, and they are looking forward to doing more shows with local talent. While the talent is there, it is in need of more local support in order to flourish.
“Surprisingly, there weren’t that many Scarborough locals that attended the show,” Paragas said.
“Most people were from Mississauga, Brampton, downtown and even as far as Sarnia.It’s nice to know that people are willing to travel to enjoy the event.
“We hope this will continue in the future, and that more people from Scarborough will join us too.”
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Zach Bandolin Debut CD Single Release
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Canada (Press Release) December 10, 2008 -- Zach Bandolin's debut single featuring the first single ...Canada (Press Release) December 10, 2008 -- Zach Bandolin's debut single featuring the first single "Song for Mae" will be available for purchase early January 2009 via iTunes, Amazon (MP3), Rhapsody, Napster, eMusic, GroupieTunes and Lala.
He is currently in the process of completing his first full-length album entitled "Pages from my book," co-produced by New Elk Records. This album will be compilation of new material including his first single "Song for Mae." "Pages from my book" reflects his life story, experiences as a musician and his life abroad. It is a journey through melancholy melodies and heartfelt interweaving guitar lines. Zach is influenced by the likes of Larry Carlton, Wes Montgomery and George Benson.
As an independent artist, Zach continues to develop his songs in hopes to spread his music throughout the world. "Pages from my book" will be released in Spring 2009.
An accomplished guitarist with international credentials, Zach Bandolin has worked as a professional musician for over 20 years. From touring across Asia to his current endeavours in Canada, his skills have taken him across the globe.
Born into a musically talented family, Bandolin excelled at music from a very young age. His father, a multi-instrumentalist, was the conductor of their local orchestra, while his sister, a gifted pianist, introduced Bandolin to the guitar.
Now known as one of the best guitarists in Seoul, Bandolin continues to share his talent with others. An innovative jazz musician whose improvisation is based on melody rather than chords, he aims to tell stories using his guitar. Bandolin's delightful songs capture his many moods, and he hopes his audience will relate to every emotionally charged note.
After wowing crowds around the world, Bandolin now brings his talents to Canada and will be performing a solo concert on April 4, 2009 in association with Your Night Out entertainment. He hopes you will join him!
For more information on Zach Bandolin and his music, please check out the following websites:
http://www.nextcat.com/Zach_Bandolin
http://www.last.fm/music/Zach+Bandolin
