Performer’s Mag – Musician’s Resource

Zach Hillyard Band – Self-titled EP

Recorded and Engineered by Michael Woodrum at SoundMoves Audio in Burbank, CA, except for tracks 3 and 7 Recorded and Engineered by Wesley Cole Switzer at Firefly Recording in Cambridge, MA. Mastered by Nathan James at “The Vault Mastering Studios” in NY

Complete with lush, soulful melodies, head-bobbing grooves and funked out breakdowns that tastefully merge rock with soul, the Zach Hillyard Band possesses a clear sense of self despite this being their first official release. This innate confidence is a result of the well-conceived creations of songwriter/keyboardist Zach Hillyard. Pervasive lyrical themes revolve around the archetypal search to find one’s way through life and love, and are consistent with that of a young man (Hillyard) who recently concluded his apprenticeship at Berklee College of Music and is now prowling out into the world. The songs often evoke feelings of melancholy and uncertainty, but impressively, never of lament.

“Dharma Bum” and “Back For More” stand out with their infectious grooves that merge into unforgettable choruses, elevating both the sonic and thematic/lyrical import of the verses. And while “Dharma Bum” is an inherently cliché song title given the notoriety of Jack Kerouac’s seminal work of the same name, the vocal performance of Hillyard and the fleshed-out orchestration from his band wins over a skeptical listener almost immediately.

Adding a refreshing deviation to the rock/soul formula that drives the album is the samba-inspired tune “All The Same.” While this is a carefully chosen track designed to offer listeners an expanded sonic context, it delivers in showcasing the exceptional talents of the musicians and offers a more exploratory sound that should be exploited by the band in the future.

Rounding out the EP are two piano ballads (“Rain Like This” and “Gone”) that prove a fitting conclusion to the album. Rich orchestration and astounding vocal performances from guest Isabella Canana combine with Hillyard’s wistful baritone to offer a highly personal and evocative

glimpse into the mind and heart of one of New England’s most talented songwriters. (self-released)

www.zachhillyardband.com

- Michael Oliveri http://www.performermag.com/nep.recordedreviews.0807.php