I.O.Z
Atlanta, Georgia, United States | SELF
Music
Press
IOZ will open for the Galactic at "The Soul Kitchen" in Mobile, Al. on Saturday, November 11th. This five piece hails from Atlanta, Ga. Their self-titled cd is available on iTunes now! - Moon Fugitive
IOZ put on a stellar performance at the Variety Playhouse, where they opened for a great band from Asheville, NC named Toubab Krewe - Moon Fugitive
Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta hosted its Independence Day celebration with $1 hot dogs, fresh off the grill, on the back patio in view of nearby fireworks demonstrations and, upstairs, a show by local band I.O.Z. As the opening act for Col. Bruce Hampton, listed as a “Phish After-Party,” one might expect I.O.Z to be a run-of-the-mill experimental jam band. Certainly, aspects of this eight-member band include a second percussionist and a mac-wielding lead guitarist, which lend themselves to an experimental feel, but I.O.Z was a pleasant surprise brimming with talented musicians who made for a fun evening among friends. Not only is the music truly enjoyable to listen and dance to, but it resonates with music professionals as praise worthy. From the bassist, Jonathan Lee, and dual drummers, Greg Perry on drumset and Jeffery Hunt on percussion, congas and even a washboard, to the delightful horn section complete with Jon Marett on tenor sax, Brad Belvin on baritone sax and Jack Rogers I.O.Z completes a talented band.
From the start of the show, which matched the first track of the self-titled release, “Sun,” fans familiar with the music understood the treat in store. Those new to I.O.Z. could feel instantly connected to the group smiling and having a blast playing. One look at the stage and anyone could understand just what it means to play music with a dedicated group of friends who not only appreciate but understand the dynamics of music including a building up and releasing of energy. This could be heard in the opening song around the fourth minute where Steven Senn’s vocals echoed, “Then you turn off the light,” trailed off into cymbal rolls and introduced Daniel Groover’s guitar riff which could have matched that from a pop-punk band. The following chorus exploded by the time the lyrics, “…don’t like it here/Find somewhere else to go/Any second now I know something’s got to blow.”
A good-time feel permeated the crowd with what could be described as a slow ska, or reggae groove driving the song “Figment,” which added the horn section to the stage. The album version of this song included the horns, but the energy and atmosphere of experiencing it live made all the difference. The audience seemed to open up even more after the brass took the stage and that vibe of freedom and celebration took hold. What made I.O.Z. worth the price of a ticket was the effortless combination of styles mixed into songs. The band performed six of the nine tracks on the self-titled album and closed with “Rahtikan Chant” and “Now.” From the electronic samples in the beginning of “Back At Me” to that island sensation emanating from “Figment,” I.O.Z entertained a musically diverse and fun-loving fanbase which is sure to grow with each show played to promote the album. Check out I.O.Z. at the band’s MySpace and see them live at The Five Spot in Atlanta on July 31. - Atlanta Music Guide - Ellen Eldridge
Groovemuse, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to bettering our community and the lives of those within it by encouraging the arts while providing opportunities for like-minded non-profits to raise funds and awareness, organizes Winter Soulstice, an art and music event to benefit WonderRoot’s Creativity for Kids program.
Winter Soulstice will take place at Smith’s Olde Bar on Saturday December 19, 2009 from 5pm until 12am. The event will host an array of local emerging musicians and artists who have helped create and sustain their respective communities here in Atlanta.
Music from I.O.Z., The Brotherland, Asherel, Dave Daniels and Friends, Jimi Ray's Lunchbox, It's Elephant's, Zentropy, Lost City, Leaf, Jon Allen, Wesley Cook, Jane and Scott Show, Cousins Atlanta, Patrick Stacey, Dwane Mann and a 4 on 1 improv comedy show!
Also featuring, up for auction, some of the most talented artists in the city including: Rachel Marshel, Chris Hamer, Jessica Lorence, Rose Barron, Paju Chaudri, Kristen Johnson, Claire Mandrycky, Angelyn Pass and more
Advance ticket sales end 2:00pm day of show
- Groovemuse
...beefy power chords, blazing solos, flirtations with funk and reggae styles, and occasional trippy touches that beg for a killer laser show. - Stomp and Stammer - Jeff Clark
Discography
Self-Titled album released March 27, 2010. Album available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-o-z/id365152478
Photos
Bio
I.O.Z is a community of musicians and visionaries. Ongoing support from Zac Recording has enabled the band to create and record their ideas.
A few things about the members:
Daniel Groover: Lead Guitar, Keyboard, Ableton Live
- graduated from the guitar program at the Atlanta Institute of Music (A.I.M.), where he took classes from Jimmy Herring, Carl Culpepper and Nite Driscoll. He later formed the instrumental Funk/Fusion band known as Ludowici. Daniel is currently working as the in-house guitar player at ZAC Recording. While at ZAC, he has had the opportunity to play for recording artists like Snoop Dogg, India Arie, Nas, Nelly, De La Soul, Monica, Keri Hilson, and many more.
Steven Senn: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Spending most of his life as a singer/songwriter, from 1998-2003 Steven was the front man for a regional act out of Atlanta, Ga. called Iratowns. During that period of his career, he shared the stage with many great musicians such as John Herman of Widespread Panic, Jeff Coffin, who is currently playing with the Dave Matthews Band, Futureman, and Col. Bruce Hampton, to name a few.
Jeffery Hunt: Percussion, Keyboard, Washboard
- While attending school at Auburn University, he gained an appreciation of world music. Jeff soon began to take an interest in Latin percussion instruments. After finishing school in 2000 he moved to Atlanta, GA and started working in the Audio Engineering Field where he met Charlie Wooton. Soon after, he was asked to join his first band Zydefunk (second line jazz, zydeco, funk), playing hand percussion and a washboard.
Jonathan Lee: Bass guitar, Vocals, Bass pedals
- picking up the bass guitar at age 14, Jonathan jumped feet first into writing and performing and has never looked back. Forming the progressive thrash group Morpheus in 1992, the band entertained a worldwide underground audience before imploding two years later. Jonathan was then a vital part of southeastern bands such as Filo Beddo, Cottonmouth and, after arriving in Atlanta, King Friday, Negative Earth, and Telestrion.
Greg Perry: Drums and Percussion
- A graduate of Georgia State University with a music degree in percussion performance. Greg has enjoyed traveling the world playing in orchestras on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries in the process.
Over the years he has shared the stage or supported such great artists as Bob Weir & Ratdog, Gov't Mule, Moe., Col. Bruce Hampton, Umphree's McGee, MOFRO, Jeff Sipe and Dosh from playing in bands such as The Soundmen and Samadha.
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