I was luckily born into a very diverse and talented family. Our colorful genes produce singers, musicians, dancers, authors... dentists... (even the dentists write books and do stand up comedy :) ). Our once a year Fathers Day picnic was a cornucopia of personality and talent. Of course, the highlight was always the band. Every year it was made up of different players but as I remember it, my cousin Michael was always bangin' it out on the drums. After all, it was at his parents house.
I was one of the younger cousins. I remember standing in the audience observing with dreamy reverence as my famly and their friends shredded their hearts out (Ok, there were always some Beatles covers too) as we all ate our hamburgers, hot dogs and macaroni salad ... singing between bites. Younger than even me was my cousin Zak. My memories of Zak as a little pisher always start with his, family tree affirming, curly blond hair (all my older cousins used to remark... he looks just like cousin so and so or Grandpa shmaggegy...those blonde curls!) Zak's parents, Linda and Terry, were warm, loving, gentle Deadheads and avid show patrons. Zak grew up in the spinning and twirling grassy knolls of all kinds of music festivals and organic concerts par excellence.
So... all signs pointed to yes when Zak picked up a guitar and started to play... and play well.
This post features Zak's band, Native Maze. Native Maze is a PA band made up of 7 close friends bonded by their love to jam since 2008 (see the credits at the end of this post). Their sound cannot be confined to just one genre of music as their collective open mindedness lets the music move from one voice, style or rhythm to another. They have the sound of true and talented musicians, who don't need to rely on one style of music to define them from the outside. They all just play from their happy hearts. And that always feels good in my ears :).
So, check it, check it out. Here are 2 samplings. In case you are wondering, Zak plays rhythm guitar and sings. He is the bearded wonder, love you Z!
love,
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