Adam Ezra Group

Artist Information

Biography

“After 2 hours of almost nonstop playing, Adam Ezra gives everything he has to the audience. Not since Springsteen and Bono have I seen a lead singer with his talent and charisma.”
-- Jack Casey, General Manager WERS radio in Boston

"They are one of the few bands out right now whose music is deep and real. It was an honor to tour with them."
--Michael Glabicki, Rusted Root

"Ragtop Angel" is the debut CD on Royal Avenue Records and was produced by multiplatinum producer Aaron Johnson, best known for his work with The Fray.

Having toured with Rusted Root, The Avett Brothers, Jason Mraz, The Goo Goo Dolls, Blues Traveler, Los Lobos, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dwight Yoakam, and more, the Adam Ezra Group has graduated from the local Boston scene to the national level.

Bringing their sound together with rich and hook laden melodies, the band's energetic performance creates a buzz everywhere they play. Adam and the band ignite the stage with a power that has been compared to that of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Over the past 8 years the band has had a consistent tour schedule and recently sold out several northeastern area shows including The Paradise Rock Club, Brighton Music Hall, Club Passim, Cafe 939 (2 months in advance), Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry, NH (twice), The Stone Church in New Market,NH and the Mercury Lounge, NYC.

The Adam Ezra Group (AEG) is not just a band, they are a force to be reckoned with musically, personally and socially. Selling records and tickets is important to AEG, but they are committed to changing the world with their songs and their actions along the way. Ezra and his band are activist and community leaders as much as they are musicians and songwriters. Ezra has spent time living out of a van, farming in Canada, volunteering for the relief effort in Kosovo, and practicing environmental geography in South Africa.

Whether as a kitchen hand or carpenter, teacher, athlete, or traveler, Ezra crams it all into the music, always challenging our perspective and often teetering somewhere between the ballsy rocker and sensitive poet.

AEG has been building their fan-base exponentially. The Group has been touring non-stop and packing venues across the country including the Mercury Lounge in New York City, Shubas in Chicago, The Roxy in Los Angeles, The Belly Up in Aspen, and their sold out show at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston (where the band had one of their fans, Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, join them on stage). After having shared the stage with Jason Mraz, Rusted Root, Bela Fleck, John Hiatt, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Ziggy Marley, Little Feat and many others, The band has been a festival favorite around the country, including appearances at Oyster Ridge (WY), Rothbury (MI), Wildflower (TX), Nateva (ME), Earthfest (MA), and The Download Festival (MA). With their new release underway the Adam Ezra Group will continue their national tour with new music and a momentum that is catapulting them towards being one of the country's most talked about bands.

Instrumentation

Adam Ezra - Vocals, Guitar, VOX, harp, and More
Turtle - Percussion
Josh Gold - keyboard
Robin Vincent Soper - Bass
Alex Martin - Drums

Discography

Adam Ezra - Self Titled
Adam Ezra Group - Sessions
Adam Ezra Group - Tumble Down Slow
Adam Ezra Group - Crawl
Adam Ezra - Chain
Adam Ezra Group - View From The Root
Adam Ezra Group - Part 1
Adam Ezra Group - Ragtop Angel

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Last.fm
• Ragtop Angel on iTunes
• Addam Ezra Group on Amazon
• youtube
• PureVolume
• Justin.tv

Audio

• Takin' Off
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• 14 Days
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• Miss Hallelujah
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• Colder Days
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• Devil's Side
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• Serenade
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• Basement Song
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• Katie
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• Scandal
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• Wagon Wheel
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Lyrics

• Basement Song

Video

Miss Hallelujah (official video)

Takin' Off (live - filmed by the fans)

Photo Gallery

Press

• Boston Phoenix
  

  Boston's new voice in acoustic rock.

• Providence Journal
  

  "Adam Ezra ... made an impact with his muscular voice and his sharp lyrics."

• Alternate Root Magazine [+ Show ]
  

  You immediately get two things out of Adam Ezra's music. One, He's a damn good songwriter surrounded...You immediately get two things out of Adam Ezra's music. One, He's a damn good songwriter surrounded by a formidable cast of players. Two, he's thinking about things on a different level...brilliant singer/songwriter

• WERS [+ Show ]
  

  "After 2 hours of almost nonstop playing... Adam Ezra gives everything he has to the audience. Not s..."After 2 hours of almost nonstop playing... Adam Ezra gives everything he has to the audience. Not since Springsteen and Bono have I seen a lead singer with his talent and Charisma."

• VH1 [+ Show ]
  

  "Adam Ezra is one of the most promising songwriters to come along in years... with the craftsmanship..."Adam Ezra is one of the most promising songwriters to come along in years... with the craftsmanship and insight to become a major voice in American music."

• Phil Simon
  

  "I don't know that I have seen a room explode as it did when the Adam Ezra Group came out. Superb!"

• ACE [+ Show ]
  

  "If Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, and Jack Johnson had a baby, this would be it. L..."If Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, and Jack Johnson had a baby, this would be it. Lyrics are unique. A melding of sounds, all enjoyable. This must be heard!"

• MTV
  

  Adam writes with haunting ballads that stay with you. He's a rich musical storyteller.

• National Recording Artist [+ Show ]
  

  Adam Ezra writes with the heart of a troubadour and sings like a rock star. He's a truly fresh voic...Adam Ezra writes with the heart of a troubadour and sings like a rock star. He's a truly fresh voice in the singer/songwriter scene.

• Tupelo Music Hall [+ Show ]
  

  "Adam Ezra has the uncanny ability to attract and hold the attention of concertgoers of all ages. As..."Adam Ezra has the uncanny ability to attract and hold the attention of concertgoers of all ages. As a songwriter, his words connect with his audience on many levels. As a performer, Adam gives all of his energy, attention, and emotion to every show. It's difficult not to get caught up in what he's doing onstage, a fact proven by his quickly growing audience."

• The David Adler Review [+ Show ]
  

  “-engaging and thought provoking with a modern edge, yet thoroughly grounded in the acoustic folk tr...“-engaging and thought provoking with a modern edge, yet thoroughly grounded in the acoustic folk tradition,”
  

• Sold Out At The Middle East [+ Show ]
  

  During their sold out performance at The Middle East on November 10, the Adam Ezra group rocked th...During their sold out performance at The Middle East on November
  10, the Adam Ezra group rocked the house. Deceptively easing into the
  show with the fine introspective "Small Town City", the band then
  kicked into high gear with the great "Kill Like This." They continued
  to display their eclectic mix of mostly originals (with a couple of
  covers), as they presented themselves as an extremely tight musical
  unit during a 16 song set that was a lot of fun, as well as edgy and
  thought provoking. The influences of their music were clearly all over
  the place, however, they also forged a sound of their own that made
  everything fit together, not mention make it feel fresh and original. I
  don't know how you would categorize them, except to say that they were
  good - REALLY GOOD!
  
  Ezra drove the band throughout the evening with his excellent
  guitar playing & terrific lead vocals. As the group's front man his
  voice grabbed your attention and made you listen throughout the
  performance. He was also charming and funny, often projecting the sense
  that he was speaking directly to you in the audience during his banter
  between songs.
  
  The rest of the band responded by taking the already strong
  material to greater heights. Front and center was the collaboration
  between percussionist Jeff "The Turtle" Goulart and Dan Berglund.
  During the slower numbers they efficiently provided sympathetic rhythms
  that added to those songs. On the heavier or faster numbers, they
  proved to be an intense force that could not help but mesmerize
  everyone in the audience. This was most notable during the explosive
  percussion jam that followed "Things You Know Best". Bassist Justin
  Panariello also contributed to the hypnotic feel of the bands
  instrumental passages with his bass playing that was (at times all at
  once) melodic, funky, and steady. Keyboardist Josh Gold proved himself
  to be the secret weapon of the band offering an amazing range of
  different sounds that varied, depending on what the different songs
  called for. On some songs he added colors, on others played lead, then
  on others rhythm - his contributions and styles so different it often
  took me a bit to realize the great sounds I was hearing were coming
  from him. Last, but definitely not least, was the wonderful vocalist
  Abbie Barrett, who sang background on several of the songs and even
  took lead on the excellent "Judas" as well as a fun cover of Def
  Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me".
  
  It is such a rare thing to have the pleasure of hearing a band
  for the first time that is this much fun and mind blowing at the same
  time. If you like having a really good time, get off on music that is
  varied, and enjoy awe inspiring musical interplay then you will love
  this band. Definitely check them out!
  

• Album Review: Adam Ezra Group – View from the Root [+ Show ]
  

  Based on the hit single "Basement Song," Adam Ezra can write a power ballad. But after listening to ...Based on the hit single "Basement Song," Adam Ezra can write a power ballad. But after listening to the newly re-released View from the Root it's evident the boy can write 'em all: power ballads, soft love songs, funky seventies inspired rock songs or even clever instrumental pieces. View from the Root is a well thought out, complete rock album with a uniquely Boston sound.
  The band, from Somerville, embraces the fervor and revolutionary spirit of 1776 with the fourth track off the album, "Basement Tapes." When interviewed in 2009, Adam Ezra said it was kind of a meta experience: "Writing a song in a basement about writing a song in a basement." The song observes an unnamed city as it wakes up in the morning; here, "the weather will be overcast/then it'll turn to rain/and people will be secretly be happy for an excuse to complain." Ezra notes his excitement at something as mundane as rain, and this excitement and hope weave their way throughout the song. Ezra doesn't just notice his immediate surroundings, or even just Boston—he comments on the culture at large: "Americans dig our sitcoms/ballgames and French-fries/but our teachers they need raises/and our schools they need supplies."
  Despite the catchiness of this particular track, The Adam Ezra Group is confident enough to stray and try out different rhythms, styles and tempos. "Katie" and "Have We Met" sound like the rise and fall of relationship. "Katie" is the love song every girl wants sung to her where her partner admits all of their own faults. "They say I am weak/I am weak/ I am told" and bows down to her "I'm waiting for you to shake your demons down/because I will turn your eyes around/somehow."
  But the light longing of "Katie" is quickly trampled upon by the mournful "Have We Met." This track has similar instrumentation (with slightly more finger-picking) as "Katie," but is slightly angry and nostalgic. "Have We Met" also leaves the listener wondering what "Katie" did to poor Adam Ezra: "You look through me like you knew me/can you taste my poison mind?"
  View From the Root spends very little time wallowing and instead picks up the beat with the funky-sounding "Souls For." There's some '70s inspired wah-wah guitar and Ezra sings in a call and response fashion with the rest of the band. The song really picks up during the harmonica and electric piano solos towards the middle.
  -By Kassandra Sundt
  

• Local Band Plays for Haiti [+ Show ]
  

  Until last Tuesday, the CD release party for local band Adam Ezra Group (AEG) was scheduled to be ju...Until last Tuesday, the CD release party for local band Adam Ezra Group (AEG) was scheduled to be just that: a release party. But when disaster struck in Haiti, the Boston-based musicians changed their plans.
  “Our thoughts are down there with the folks in the midst of the crisis,” said Adam Ezra of Somerville (guitar, vocals, lyrics, and of course, the band's namesake). “We thought we should share our big night with them.”
  The band – Ezra, Josh Gold (keys), Robin Vincent Soper (bass), and the enigmatic Turtle (percussion) – agreed to send all proceeds from last Saturday night’s show at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, presented by WERS 88.9, to victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti via Partners in Health.
  Like AEG, Partners in Health is based in Boston. Paul Farmer, hero of Tracy Kidder’s book “Mountains Beyond Mountains,” began the organization 20 years ago. The web of hospitals he planted is still up and running in spite of the crisis.
  This kind of social activism isn’t a first for AEG. In fact, the day after the release party/benefit show, Ezra planned to play and volunteer at a Boston homeless shelter, the Pine Street Inn.
  Ezra is armed with used copies of the band’s last album, “View from the Root” (2008), which they’ve invited fans to trade in for the revamped version being released (or, more exactly, re-released) this week. “It’s like Cash for Clunkers,” said Ezra.
  The new album, also called “View from the Root,” is technically a re-release since it features all the same songs as the last album, which AEG’s new management company was eager to promote.
  “But we had to make a couple tweaks [first],” said Ezra. “Even though it’s still called View from the Root, it feels like a new project.”
  The new “View” features three new tracks – “Scandal,” “She’s just a girl,” and “Wagon Wheel” – as well as several electric guitar remixes. Ezra had to bring the more political lyrics up to date, too.
  The folk rock group has been doling out good songs and good vibes at every show since their birth in 2002, regardless of line-up shuffling. Ezra and Turtle have been playing together even longer than that.
  Ezra’s lyrics often thrust societal issues into the limelight. Other times, he’s just singing stories. But according to Ezra, one thing never changes.
  “We’re about inspiring people and being inspired by people,” said Ezra. “We’re not musicians playing at an audience. We’re all making music together.”
  After seeing AEG live, spinning their CD is like sitting in the living room talking with a good friend, and that’s exactly how the band wants it. They see their fans as an ever-growing family, which over the past year has taken root all over New England, down the east coast, out to the Midwest and as far as California.
  But Ezra knows there’s no place like home. That’s why he was excited the release party was at the Paradise.
  “Every Boston band dreams of selling out the Paradise,” said Ezra. “But this night is about more than just ourselves.”

• Adam Ezra Group Rocks Salisbury Beach [+ Show ]
  

  Malden — Driving up Route 95 to the ocean on Saturday night, Labor Day weekend 2009, and off the exi...Malden — Driving up Route 95 to the ocean on Saturday night, Labor Day weekend 2009, and off the exit to the road to Salisbury Beach, it was hard not to notice the big yellow neon sign that read, “Adam Ezra Group,” followed by another glowing post with the group’s name in lights as you headed onto Broadway and the beach area.
  And rock the beach this group did with frontman Adam Ezra on guitar and vocals, Malden’s own Josh Gold on keyboards, Robin Vincent Soper on bass and the mysterious “Turtle” on percussion.
  There was quite a crowd as the band played many titles from their myspace.com/adamezra page, and when a tune like “Basement Song” has 27,784 spins you know there’s something special happening with this hard-working touring ensemble.
  Live on the ocean’s edge — quite literally as the fellows were on a stage with canopy that was directly on the main entrance to the water — Ezra’s appearance coincided with the reinvention of Salisbury Beach, a conscious effort by the town and its business community to bring to the area year-round entertainment. And why not? The town’s official Web site notes that the area, located “about 45 miles north of Boston on what is commonly known as the North Shore, is home to 7,800 year-round residents, many of whom work in local shops and businesses.”
  So as Adam Ezra performed tunes like “Western Man” (with 32,627 plays on the MySpace as of this writing), I looked around and took “inventory” (to quote a line from the song) of Joe’s Playland and the exquisite club, The Upper Deck, which overlooks Broadway, the beach and the live entertainment staging area. If you were on the second floor at The Upper Deck you’d have a superb view of Adam Ezra Group...many a folk artist having performed on the deck itself during summer days at the beach.
  The night was perfect for an outdoor rock concert, the percussive sounds and driving keyboards of the musicians like a contemporary Doobie Brothers meets Steely Dan, only with a bit more of an uptempo folksy punch. The group might not appreciate that summation, Dan Fogelberg-gone-hip in the new millennium with talented side mates helping bring the message across, but it is an honest assessment and is meant to be high praise for this hard working and more than competent crew.
  The Adam Ezra group is at its best when it is experimental and though “Home Again Soon” borrows much from The Beatles’ keyboards on “I Am The Walrus” and even more from the melody of Christine McVie’s lost classic “Wish You Were Here” (from Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage disc), it veers off in the right places and has that superior pop elegance that this ensemble is so capable of. With over 175,000 spins of eight songs on the MySpace it is obvious they have the potential to reach a wide audience beyond the underground and smack dab onto the mainstream.

Setlist

3+ hours of original roots rock music.

The Group also enjoys throwing in an occasional cover from an array of their favorite artists: (The Band, Police, Bob Marley, Zepplin, Dylan, and even the rare 80's classic...)

Adam also performs solo acoustic shows, as well as duo shows with Turtle.

Basic Requirements

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