Noah Zacharin

This feature article--a preview of "Waiting on Your Love"--in Canada's national newspaper is no longer available on-line. The URL below is a scan of the original. - The Globe and Mail

excellent review of aLIVE!. this magazine has ceased publication. a scan of the original page is available at the listed URL.
excerpts:
"...most of the those...don't have half the lyrical precision and musical skill of Noah Zacharin. The acoustic fingerpicking on this record will have you scanning the liner notes to find out who the other guitarist is on this live recording, only to leave you astounded when you realize it's only one guy, but it's the songs that keep you listening." "A real gem." - Scene (Canada) -- has ceased publication

excellent review of aLIVE!. this magazine has ceased publication. a scan of the original page is available at the listed URL.
excerpts:
"...most of the those...don't have half the lyrical precision and musical skill of Noah Zacharin. The acoustic fingerpicking on this record will have you scanning the liner notes to find out who the other guitarist is on this live recording, only to leave you astounded when you realize it's only one guy, but it's the songs that keep you listening." "A real gem." - Scene (Canada) -- has ceased publication

Noah Zacharin, "Waiting on Your Love," Soffwin Music 2007



The heart of a poet, the mind of a lyricist, the skill of a composer, the fingers of a musician -- rare attributes singly, but rarer still in one artistic package. Still, singer/songwriter Noah Zacharin often puts it all together on "Waiting on Your Love," his sixth CD. His thoughtful songs of love and ache, pairing and parting, and yearning and wistfulness may have been born in the manger of folk, but Zacharin infuses these 11 tracks with a fully realized instrumentation. He assembles a talented stable of musicians, including longtime Tom Waits alum Ralph Carney (on tenor sax and clarinet) to breathe life and mood into this collecton. Lines such as this reward the careful listener: "I wake at the crack and the creak and the least of sounds hammer my heart shut and hope the dark will take us down ..." (from the title track). Zacharin, who grew up in Montreal and now lives in Toronto, includes tuba, pedal steel, vox, tin whistle, guitar, and accordion to bring his creations to life. While repeated listenings reward the dedicated, Zacharin can be playful as well, with the infectious and mandolin-inflected "All Go Blind." Repeated listenings bring higher rewards. Nice stuff nicely done.
© Fred Kraus - Minor 7th

Noah Zacharin, "Waiting on Your Love," Soffwin Music 2007



The heart of a poet, the mind of a lyricist, the skill of a composer, the fingers of a musician -- rare attributes singly, but rarer still in one artistic package. Still, singer/songwriter Noah Zacharin often puts it all together on "Waiting on Your Love," his sixth CD. His thoughtful songs of love and ache, pairing and parting, and yearning and wistfulness may have been born in the manger of folk, but Zacharin infuses these 11 tracks with a fully realized instrumentation. He assembles a talented stable of musicians, including longtime Tom Waits alum Ralph Carney (on tenor sax and clarinet) to breathe life and mood into this collecton. Lines such as this reward the careful listener: "I wake at the crack and the creak and the least of sounds hammer my heart shut and hope the dark will take us down ..." (from the title track). Zacharin, who grew up in Montreal and now lives in Toronto, includes tuba, pedal steel, vox, tin whistle, guitar, and accordion to bring his creations to life. While repeated listenings reward the dedicated, Zacharin can be playful as well, with the infectious and mandolin-inflected "All Go Blind." Repeated listenings bring higher rewards. Nice stuff nicely done.
© Fred Kraus - Minor 7th

"Crow Dark Wind", Soffwin Music SW601, 2002 Like Bruce Cockburn, Ry Cooder, and Bonnie Raitt, Noah Zacharin posses a virtuoso command of the guitar to complement his thoughtful lyrics and wistful melodies. Though a myriad of folk, acid-rock, jazz, blues, European, and classical influences coalesce on this collection, Zacharin's world-wise songwriting is the driving force behind Crow Dark Wind. Among the many highlights are "Sky," a haunting "Requiem for John Fahey" and the rambling Leonard Cohen-meets-Dylan-at-the-border "What She Don't Want." Ably accompanied by percussionist Geoff Bennett on just two cuts, Zacharin's deft use of multi-tracking and vocal harmonies proves that alot less adds up to alot more. ©Tom Semioli - Minor 7th

"Crow Dark Wind", Soffwin Music SW601, 2002 Like Bruce Cockburn, Ry Cooder, and Bonnie Raitt, Noah Zacharin posses a virtuoso command of the guitar to complement his thoughtful lyrics and wistful melodies. Though a myriad of folk, acid-rock, jazz, blues, European, and classical influences coalesce on this collection, Zacharin's world-wise songwriting is the driving force behind Crow Dark Wind. Among the many highlights are "Sky," a haunting "Requiem for John Fahey" and the rambling Leonard Cohen-meets-Dylan-at-the-border "What She Don't Want." Ably accompanied by percussionist Geoff Bennett on just two cuts, Zacharin's deft use of multi-tracking and vocal harmonies proves that alot less adds up to alot more. ©Tom Semioli - Minor 7th

It’s a rare pleasure to hear a recording by an independent artist who is simultaneously gifted at guitar, poetic songwriting and singing who hasn’t already been snatched away by a label to be reproduced to their specifications. If nothing else, there’s no more rock-solid proof that his or her artistic intentions are brutally honest and from the heart. On "aLIVE!", Noah Zacharin, by himself and with acoustic guitar in hand at a live performance at a Toronto club, proves just that. Zacharin has a remarkable gift for juxtaposing words in his songs which move and soothe by their sound and meaning, so it’s not surprising to learn that a literary history as a poet precedes the troubadour. Combine that with a very engaging and bluesy fingerstyle ability on guitar, and you’ll see why Zacharin deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with names such as James Taylor and David Wilcox, whom he resembles stylistically. Although Zacharin’s voice might be his one arguable Achille’s Heel, it can modulate chameleon-like from sounding like Alan Wilson on Canned Heat’s "On the Road Again" to the rich quality of Michael Martin Murphey on the sad "Did Not Reach". Zacharin says of the melancholy tone of his songs: "The songs might seem sad, but I don’t feel sad when I’m playing. I feel like the ability to make something out of it, to make some order from this chaos, is positive". If making order of chaos is truly the essence of the purpose of music and people, Zacharin is one musician and person who is fulfilling his purpose. - Minor 7th

It’s a rare pleasure to hear a recording by an independent artist who is simultaneously gifted at guitar, poetic songwriting and singing who hasn’t already been snatched away by a label to be reproduced to their specifications. If nothing else, there’s no more rock-solid proof that his or her artistic intentions are brutally honest and from the heart. On "aLIVE!", Noah Zacharin, by himself and with acoustic guitar in hand at a live performance at a Toronto club, proves just that. Zacharin has a remarkable gift for juxtaposing words in his songs which move and soothe by their sound and meaning, so it’s not surprising to learn that a literary history as a poet precedes the troubadour. Combine that with a very engaging and bluesy fingerstyle ability on guitar, and you’ll see why Zacharin deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with names such as James Taylor and David Wilcox, whom he resembles stylistically. Although Zacharin’s voice might be his one arguable Achille’s Heel, it can modulate chameleon-like from sounding like Alan Wilson on Canned Heat’s "On the Road Again" to the rich quality of Michael Martin Murphey on the sad "Did Not Reach". Zacharin says of the melancholy tone of his songs: "The songs might seem sad, but I don’t feel sad when I’m playing. I feel like the ability to make something out of it, to make some order from this chaos, is positive". If making order of chaos is truly the essence of the purpose of music and people, Zacharin is one musician and person who is fulfilling his purpose. - Minor 7th

Toronto guitarist, singer and songwriter Noah Zacharin played his first full length concert in two years on Saturday, Dec. 6th at the Free Times Café on College St. Zacharin has spent the better part of those two years touring extensively through Canada, the US, and the UK. promoting his most recent CD, Waiting on Your Love.
I have followed Zacharin’s career since my first days at the Free Times in early 2000 and have always been captivated by his superior ability and original and inventive guitar technique, as well as the finely crafted songs and impressive instrumentals he has composed over the years. Zacharin is also a published poet, and when he applies this gift to the art of song the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Last night’s concert was certainly in line with my ‘Noah Zacharin’ experience to date and in many ways surpassed my expectations of this mature and gifted artist. When I arrived at about 8:30 the room was already bristling with anticipation. The club’s back room is arguably one of the best for intimate acoustic music in this city. This very month, it is celebrating its 25th year of hosting musical acts.


Noah Zacharin
The crowd was an impressive mix of ages. Many were young musicians who are admirers of Zacharin’s style and frequent his weekly Wednesday jam at the Liberty Bistro. By the time Zacharin took the stage the room was full. Zacharin performed solo and set up his own sound; from the start he struck a perfect balance between guitar and vocals, and the sound was exceptional.
The evening took off with his energetic adaptation of Robert Johnson’s "Sweet Home Chicago" and the audience was immediately captivated. The beautiful and melodic love song "Moon on My Side" and the witty and hopeful "Tom Morrow" followed. It was clear, having seen him perform many times, that he was comfortable and enjoying himself on stage. Bob Dylan’s "Just like Tom Thumb’s Blues" — his own arrangement (and apparently one of his biggest sellers on Itunes) — came next, after which he continued with "Can’t Wake Up", a bluesy number off his Big Daddy Z CD. This he preceded with a humorous monologue about his afternoon nap with his cat. Throughout the evening Zacharin was warm, witty, and charming, and made the gathering feel like an intimate evening in his living room. One of the things I enjoyed most about this concert was the easy exchange he had with the audience and the gentle humility with which he approached each introduction, albeit with a touch of his trademark biting humour.

I have to say the songs from Waiting on Your Love were probably my favourites, ranging from the poignant "Nothing I Can Do" to the sexy and provocative "Convertible Kind" to the romantic and beautiful jazzy "In Love Again". The instrumental nod to Bert Jansch "Chasing After Bert" and the classically inspired "Ten Tons Of Road", demonstrated precision and discipline while gorgeous songs like "In The Heather" and "Reflection" highlighted a quieter and more poetic side. Every so often he would lighten things up with fun arrangements of songs such as "It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie". I found the evening to be perfectly paced, and the song choices varied, taking the listeners through a full range of emotion.

The best thing about Zacharin’s body of work is the wide variety of styles it encompasses, ranging from folk to country to jazz to blues to classical to bluegrass and more. It is clear he is not afraid to experiment and that pushing himself as an artist rather than getting comfortable in one specific area is what propels his work. This may also be why he is still one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. He may be commercially hard to pin down, but I for one prefer to see an artist who is constantly evolving and driving himself to new and uncomfortable heights. Last night’s performance truly reflected his embrace of a wide variety of influences and this meant the show was exciting and always experimental in its approach.

The climax of the night, late in his second 50 minute set, was a superb version of the Allman Brothers’ "Whipping Post" which showed why he has long been considered a guitar master. It was as exciting and edgy a performance as I have ever seen from him. Zacharin closed, as he often does, with Lead Belly’s "Good Night Irene". Calling for audience participation, the entire crowd happily complied by singing along, and they even did their own improvising during his guitar solo, spontaneously whistling along. Thus ended a very classy, entertaining and satisfying concert experience!
- The Live Music Report

Toronto guitarist, singer and songwriter Noah Zacharin played his first full length concert in two years on Saturday, Dec. 6th at the Free Times Café on College St. Zacharin has spent the better part of those two years touring extensively through Canada, the US, and the UK. promoting his most recent CD, Waiting on Your Love.
I have followed Zacharin’s career since my first days at the Free Times in early 2000 and have always been captivated by his superior ability and original and inventive guitar technique, as well as the finely crafted songs and impressive instrumentals he has composed over the years. Zacharin is also a published poet, and when he applies this gift to the art of song the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

Last night’s concert was certainly in line with my ‘Noah Zacharin’ experience to date and in many ways surpassed my expectations of this mature and gifted artist. When I arrived at about 8:30 the room was already bristling with anticipation. The club’s back room is arguably one of the best for intimate acoustic music in this city. This very month, it is celebrating its 25th year of hosting musical acts.


Noah Zacharin
The crowd was an impressive mix of ages. Many were young musicians who are admirers of Zacharin’s style and frequent his weekly Wednesday jam at the Liberty Bistro. By the time Zacharin took the stage the room was full. Zacharin performed solo and set up his own sound; from the start he struck a perfect balance between guitar and vocals, and the sound was exceptional.
The evening took off with his energetic adaptation of Robert Johnson’s "Sweet Home Chicago" and the audience was immediately captivated. The beautiful and melodic love song "Moon on My Side" and the witty and hopeful "Tom Morrow" followed. It was clear, having seen him perform many times, that he was comfortable and enjoying himself on stage. Bob Dylan’s "Just like Tom Thumb’s Blues" — his own arrangement (and apparently one of his biggest sellers on Itunes) — came next, after which he continued with "Can’t Wake Up", a bluesy number off his Big Daddy Z CD. This he preceded with a humorous monologue about his afternoon nap with his cat. Throughout the evening Zacharin was warm, witty, and charming, and made the gathering feel like an intimate evening in his living room. One of the things I enjoyed most about this concert was the easy exchange he had with the audience and the gentle humility with which he approached each introduction, albeit with a touch of his trademark biting humour.

I have to say the songs from Waiting on Your Love were probably my favourites, ranging from the poignant "Nothing I Can Do" to the sexy and provocative "Convertible Kind" to the romantic and beautiful jazzy "In Love Again". The instrumental nod to Bert Jansch "Chasing After Bert" and the classically inspired "Ten Tons Of Road", demonstrated precision and discipline while gorgeous songs like "In The Heather" and "Reflection" highlighted a quieter and more poetic side. Every so often he would lighten things up with fun arrangements of songs such as "It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie". I found the evening to be perfectly paced, and the song choices varied, taking the listeners through a full range of emotion.

The best thing about Zacharin’s body of work is the wide variety of styles it encompasses, ranging from folk to country to jazz to blues to classical to bluegrass and more. It is clear he is not afraid to experiment and that pushing himself as an artist rather than getting comfortable in one specific area is what propels his work. This may also be why he is still one of Canada’s best-kept secrets. He may be commercially hard to pin down, but I for one prefer to see an artist who is constantly evolving and driving himself to new and uncomfortable heights. Last night’s performance truly reflected his embrace of a wide variety of influences and this meant the show was exciting and always experimental in its approach.

The climax of the night, late in his second 50 minute set, was a superb version of the Allman Brothers’ "Whipping Post" which showed why he has long been considered a guitar master. It was as exciting and edgy a performance as I have ever seen from him. Zacharin closed, as he often does, with Lead Belly’s "Good Night Irene". Calling for audience participation, the entire crowd happily complied by singing along, and they even did their own improvising during his guitar solo, spontaneously whistling along. Thus ended a very classy, entertaining and satisfying concert experience!
- The Live Music Report

In our quest to support our Canadian artists, this blog would not be complete without a mention of Noah Zacharin, http://www.noahsong.com/ one of Toronto's most prolific acoustic guitar musicians, with 6 cd's and a weekly open mic now located at Trane Studio at 964 Bathurst Street near Davenport.


Known by his fans as Big Daddy Z, throughout our travels in the Toronto open mic scene all roads seem to point to Noah's gig as the best in class. Originally located in the Liberty Street Bistro, in the King and Dufferin area, this jam has relocated to Trane Studio in February of 2011.

The history of Noah's depth of music goes back many decades, as I remember him as a child, dabbling in music. His father had a keen interest in classical music, and like all great musicians, the environment spawned its disciple. Noah's fluidity on his acoustic guitar makes watching him a treat. He has the skill to surround himself with equally interesting support musicians, from piano to accordian etc. A poet, songwriter, and guitarist, Noah is the real deal when it comes to Toronto's music scene.

Amateur, professional, or retired professionals, seem to congregate at this jam. Worth the drive down Bathurst on a Wednesday eve. Jam starts at 8pm and goes to 11pm. the most civilized open mic hours in the city, for those urban professionals who may have a day job.
- TheAdventureGuy

In our quest to support our Canadian artists, this blog would not be complete without a mention of Noah Zacharin, http://www.noahsong.com/ one of Toronto's most prolific acoustic guitar musicians, with 6 cd's and a weekly open mic now located at Trane Studio at 964 Bathurst Street near Davenport.


Known by his fans as Big Daddy Z, throughout our travels in the Toronto open mic scene all roads seem to point to Noah's gig as the best in class. Originally located in the Liberty Street Bistro, in the King and Dufferin area, this jam has relocated to Trane Studio in February of 2011.

The history of Noah's depth of music goes back many decades, as I remember him as a child, dabbling in music. His father had a keen interest in classical music, and like all great musicians, the environment spawned its disciple. Noah's fluidity on his acoustic guitar makes watching him a treat. He has the skill to surround himself with equally interesting support musicians, from piano to accordian etc. A poet, songwriter, and guitarist, Noah is the real deal when it comes to Toronto's music scene.

Amateur, professional, or retired professionals, seem to congregate at this jam. Worth the drive down Bathurst on a Wednesday eve. Jam starts at 8pm and goes to 11pm. the most civilized open mic hours in the city, for those urban professionals who may have a day job.
- TheAdventureGuy

Sunlight streams through the lace curtains onto a dangling cardboard crow. Its dark silhouette is cast across the room, one of many crow artifacts in Toronto musician Noah Zacharin’s home.

“I love crows because they are highly advanced and misunderstood,” says Zacharin as he strokes his bushy sideburns and glances out the window of his study. “Kind of like poets.”

Perhaps Zacharin loves crows because he sees himself in them. Not just himself, but all his literary heroes, including Canadian poet Irving Layton. “The image of crows works with every iconoclast, especially Layton,” Zacharin says. “Many people think poetry is intimidating and not meant to be understood, but no poet is trying to be obscure or counter-intuitive. They are trying to capture their surroundings with a heightened perception … it’s not like a news article.”...

READ MORE at: http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/03/14/musician-noah-zacharin-on-poet-irving-laytons-lasting-legacy/
- National Post

Sunlight streams through the lace curtains onto a dangling cardboard crow. Its dark silhouette is cast across the room, one of many crow artifacts in Toronto musician Noah Zacharin’s home.

“I love crows because they are highly advanced and misunderstood,” says Zacharin as he strokes his bushy sideburns and glances out the window of his study. “Kind of like poets.”

Perhaps Zacharin loves crows because he sees himself in them. Not just himself, but all his literary heroes, including Canadian poet Irving Layton. “The image of crows works with every iconoclast, especially Layton,” Zacharin says. “Many people think poetry is intimidating and not meant to be understood, but no poet is trying to be obscure or counter-intuitive. They are trying to capture their surroundings with a heightened perception … it’s not like a news article.”...

READ MORE at: http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/03/14/musician-noah-zacharin-on-poet-irving-laytons-lasting-legacy/
- National Post