Identical Strangers

Identical Strangers Everyone Has Gone (Holland)....4:02 In The Wind (Charles)....2:21 Solitaire (Holland/Slahetka)...3:53 Stone To Stone (Charles)....4:15 Stranger In My Own Hometown (Holland)....3:69 ************************************* Eli Holland – lead vocals and guitar Mike Slahetka – lead guitar Frank Charles – guitar and vocals Bob Bierwith – bass and vocals Steve Wyatt – piano Keith Leverault – drums and percussion Darby Wolf – Hammond organ ***************************************...

Identical Strangers Everyone Has Gone (Holland)....4:02 In The Wind (Charles)....2:21 Solitaire (Holland/Slahetka)...3:53 Stone To Stone (Charles)....4:15 Stranger In My Own Hometown (Holland)....3:69 ************************************* Eli Holland – lead vocals and guitar Mike Slahetka – lead guitar Frank Charles – guitar and vocals Bob Bierwith – bass and vocals Steve Wyatt – piano Keith Leverault – drums and percussion Darby Wolf – Hammond organ *************************************** Produced by Identical Strangers Recorded at Northern Track Studios Wilmington, VT Chief Engineer – Gary Henry Ass’t Engineer – Colby Dix Mastered by Mark Miller – Slaughterhouse Studio Cover Art by Nancy Kirk Eli Holland Eli put his first cover band together at age sixteen to overcome stagefright…and apparently it worked. He continued to hone his craft in a succession of cover bands and then starred in the first post-Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Eli then discovered that he had a talent for writing music as well, and went on to front a number of original bands in the NY tri-state/New England area, most notably “Rags” and “Steeplechase”. (“Steeplechase” regularly played on the same bill with acts such as Twisted Sister, Rick Derringer, David Johansson, Zebra and Orleans.) Eli was then introduced, by a mutual acquaintance, to Peter Baumann (formerly with techno pioneers “Tangerine Dream”). Peter was looking for a vocalist to collaborate with and together they wrote and recorded the album, “Strangers In the Night”, which was released on Portrait/CBS and Arista worldwide. The title cut (yes, that “ole’ Blue Eyes” remake) was released as a single with a video which appeared on MTV in heavy rotation. The video can be found on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z_Cy3f6FJ0 Returning from this foray into electronica, Eli turned back to his rock roots and recorded and co-wrote “One”, a CD with Japanese guitar wiz, Heday Uchiyama. The CD featured a unique blend of rock, pop and blues. One day, Eli received a phone call; “Is this the Eli Holland that used to be in “Rags”?”. It was Frank Charles from “Rags” who had been searching for Eli for two years for a re-union get together. The reunion sparked a flood of creativity, forging the rebirth of “Rags” as “Identical Strangers”. Currently, “Everyone has Gone” has been picked up by several radio stations in England, Germany and Australia as well as college radio in the U.S. Keith Leverault—drums and percussion: A seasoned session and sideman, Keith is a very sought-after musician who has played on many recording sessions throughout the New York and New England region. These days he is mainly based Western Massachusetts and has recorded with the Blood Oranges for East-West Digital and Rykodisc. Keith continues to work the New England music scene in both live and recording situations. Mike Slahetka—lead and rhythm guitar: A roots enthusiast, Slahetka finds his comfort zones in blues, rockabilly, rock 'n roll, and classic rock of the 60s and 70s, while investigating many other parameters of music styles. In the year 2000, Slahetka was invited to play on a legendary tribute recording dedicated to the early masters of rockabilly and rock 'n roll. The sessions were held in Memphis, TN at Sam Phillips' Recording Studio and produced by Ed Morgan and Roland Janes. The sessions included W. S. Holland (drums with Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins for 39 years), Hal Blantin, & Bob Moore (two of Nashville's A-Team historic bass players). Carl Perkins' son, Stan, sang and played rhythm guitar. Slahetka was brought in for his roots ability in rock and blues. The album, "Rocking on Madison" by the Rockabilly Masters, is featured on the Rockabily Hall of Fame and is still being promoted and sold around the world. Slahetka remains dedicated and a disciple of the Fender Telecaster and All-American roots music. Robert Bierwith ("Berkshire Bob")— Music is always tapping Bob on the back, reminding him this is his second language. Bob has never followed the traditional approach. Like Jamerson, McCartney, Bruce, and Squire, Bierwith searches to infuse the moment with dominating bass lines that must surface and breathe. Bierwith can play in most styles music; give him a day or two. Identical Strangers is a new band featuring a group of musicians who've long remained friends and who continue to explore their music and songwriting, joined by various special guests.