December 19, 2009
Merry Christmas!
Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, and a very happy holiday season...whatever and however you celebrate.
November 9, 2009
Like Mark Twain....
Mark Twain once wrote in a letter, in his inimitable style,..."the report of my death was an exaggeration". The quote has been misshapened into "News of my death has been greatly exaggerated", but the point is...he was still above ground, despite rumors to the contrary. And that is what I'd like to report to you. Of course, no one (I hope!) is reporting of my expiration...but perhaps believing that my music life is over. Let me assure everyone, I'm still "alive", but greatly despondent due to my long-term throat condition that has kept me down so long. To elaborate, the "injury" I have is a strain of tissue in my throat...an area around my Adam's Apple that I use, probably incorrectly, when I sing higher notes. I first did the damage all the way back in 1996 singing a song that was pretty high for my range. Since then I've strained this area a few times...and it always comes back. I just never know when. Anyway, it's kept me from performing and recording for well over a year now...but I'm hopeful that it will come back around soon. And I will certainly let you guys know when that day comes. Please excuse the long absence...and thanks for checking in.
February 20, 2009
Waitin' Game
Hey there! Just a quick note to let you know that I'm still waiting on my throat problem to clear up. It's been a year! That's right...a year since we've gigged. It'll come back...it's just a matter of when. Hopefully soon!
Meanwhile, thanks to those of you who continue to support my music online. More later....
January 6, 2009
Reflection Time
Just as I'm doing in the photo to the right, it's time to reflect on a positive 2008. Despite some vocal setbacks we were able to have some impact last year. We had two singles out over the past 12 months: "It's A Long Road", and "Those Aren't Tears". Both did nicely for us, each landing for a time on the Music Row Mag chart. Thank you Music Row stations for your support. And much gratitude to Jan and Regina, The Girlfriends...along with Joe Kelly at Aspirion for their efforts all throughout the year.
Going back to March, it was a big month for us. First of all we had a blast hosting 30+ Music Row stations at our CRS dinner on Tuesday of that week. The Stockyard never knew what hit 'em...it was a memorable night. Thanks to the folks at the restaurant, to Jan Woods for her mighty efforts, and to Michael Bonagura and Kathie Baillie for their stage "presents"...their music. After that it was onto Michael's "Treetop" studio for recording with Ed and Nashville's finest. Thanks Ed for your mastery at the helm, and to Brent, Paul, Stewart, Howard, Pat, Wanda, et.al. for your serious contributions.
On the PR front my man Clif Doyal weighed in heavily by getting us into "Country Weekly" and into "Today's Country", both big outlets for spreading the word. It was great to meet and chat with so many of you who read CW and got in touch with us through MySpace. And thanks surely go to all of you who listened to our stuff this past year...either on MySpace, or on this web site, or through downloading it on iTunes or Rhapsody or wherever...or who contacted us in support of what we're doing. Bless ya for your time...here's to an even bigger 2009! Happy New Year!!!
September 26, 2008
Single Minded
Well, it's been a waiting game the last six months to heal up a throat problem, but it is much better. For those of you in the Four Corners area, I hope to be setting some dates before the year is out. And as for some wider touring, we hope to be out and about next year promoting a new CD. The first step once the voice is full steam is to wrap up the vocals on our new 18-song disc. With any luck it'll be early next year on that. Please stay tuned!
Meanwhile, our single is making a steady climb on the Music Row Magazine chart. We've reached #87 on the chart that came out yesterday, and I think we still have plenty of upside potential. The tune we're pitching is "Those Aren't Tears (In My Eyes)". It's a dance tune that roots itself firmly in traditional country rhythms. It's been gaining a little steam every week for the past 12 weeks or so. Anyway, if you get a chance, give your local country station a call and ask if they'll spin it. Thanks for that...and thanks for checking in. Talk at you later...Zack.
July 29, 2008
Country Weekly!
Couldn't be more excited! We're in this week's issue of Country Weekly magazine. There's a short profile and a chance to go online and listen to IYD, the song. I have to thank Clif Doyal for making this happen. And thanks to all the folks on MySpace who've stopped by after seeing the profile in the magazine. It's all very gratifying since we work hard at the music and Clif works hard at getting us out there in the media.
Speaking of getting out there, our new single has started big at country radio. It has surpassed any other song we've put out there for charging out of the gate. The song is "Those Aren't Tears", and it features a kickin' harmony vocal by Alyssa Bonagura. Anyway, we'll let you know how it's doing. But hey, if you get a chance, call up your fav radio station and see if they'll spin it. Thanks...and thanks for stopping by the site. Have a great rest of the summer!Zack
May 31, 2008
Waitin' It Out
It's been a bummer but I've had to sideline myself while I wait for a strain in my throat to get better. It happens every once and again for me...then I have to wait it out while Mother Nature does her thing. So, no gigging, and a halt to our recording schedule for the new CD. But the excitement is still high for the new disc...can't wait for you to hear it. Please check back and we'll let you know when the recording has resumed. Thanks for stopping by! Zack
April 21, 2008
Back in the Rockies
It was a beautiful 6 1/2 week trip to Music City, but I am now back out west...in the good ole Rocky Mountains. Having spent that time in Tennessee I watched the bare trees sprout leaves, and the dogwoods, cherry trees, azaleas and Bradford pear trees blossom. But here at 6,500 feet in Colorado, spring ain't even really her yet. I'll get to experience it again!
As for my trip, I really have been reflecting on how well things went there. CRS was smooth, thanks to Jan, Regina Raleigh, and Clif Doyal. Much appreciation to Honkytonk Magazine and to New Music Weekly for having us by during CRS week. And the recording went so well it's hard to think of it without busting! Thanks to Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie, and Alyssa Bonagura for hosting a great party. And thanks to Michael for rounding up the amazing session players! I'd also like to congratulate my distributor label, Aspirion Records, for landing Music Row Magazine's "Small Label of the Year" for the second year in a row. Way to go Steve, Joe and George!
If you'd like to see a few of the shots from the dinner we threw in Nashville for Music Row stations, and some of the recording sessions, please check out my MySpace page photos. Thanks so much for stopping by.
March 31, 2008
Amazing Nashville Sessions!
From March 10-19 (every day!) my producer Ed Stasium and I were involved in some very amazing recording sessions in Nashville at Treetop Sound. They were made so amazing by the players who came through, laying it down with such ease and taste. We were working with most of them for the second time...but were still blown away with their talent. They were...Pat Buchanan, electric guitars...Jim Hoke, harmonica and accordian...Wanda Vick, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitar...Stuart Duncan, fiddle...the Memphis Horns...Paul Franklin, pedal steel...Howard Duck, keyboards...and Brent Mason, guitars. What a lineup. We were also grateful to have Michael Bonagura, Kathie Baillie and Alyssa Bonagura singing background vocals on the tracks. They worked their butts off!...and sounded GREAT! We will be back in Colorado soon to do the lead vocals for the CD...and hope to have it available in the next few months...maybe by summer. We'll keep you informed. Meanwhile, thanks to all the great talent in Nashville for your top-notch licks!!!!!
March 5, 2008
A Night To Remember!
Well, it was our pleasure to help kick off CRS '08 with a dinner at the world-famous Stock-Yard Restaurant in Nashville. It was inspiring to have so many great radio folks in the room with us! The night was special for me as I was able to introduce myself in a musical way to the radio group. Jan Woods (Jan Woods Promotion) had put the event together, and beautifully so. Thanks to her...and much appreciation to the guys at Aspirion for their support. And to the radio gang, glad you made it to the Stock-Yard and thanks for spinning "It's A Long Road". I hope you enjoyed yourself Tuesday night!
January 5, 2008
Happy New Year Y'all!
HNY everyone! Hope you're staring in the face of a great 2008! It's been a while since I blogged here...I pulled away for a while to enjoy the holidays, and enjoy them I did. But it's time to start thinking about a new year. As far as last year goes, it was a fine one. We put out two singles and, I believe, had some impact with the songs...even beyond the stations and direct audience we were shooting for. We got a great review from AllMusic.com. We met some great folks at radio and at CRS. And we are underway with the recording a new CD.
With the new year here, there's some big stuff happening for us. We'll be continuing the recording process and hope to have the new disc ready by late spring. And we're releasing a new single this month; it'll be "It's A Long Road". And, this year, with a bit of luck, we'll be back out gigging...only this time with a new band and some regional destinations. Will keep you informed.
Meanwhile, I'd like to say hello to a bunch of new friends in Chama and Santa Fe, New Mexico. To Frank, Nolene, Jordan, Marianne, Sue, Les, Marilyn, Kathy, and everyone we met over New Year's, thanks for such a fun time...it was a total blast! Best wishes to you for the new year.
Well, as we get the year cranking we'll keep you informed. Talk to ya soon! ZH
October 23, 2007
Tracking With Kenny Aronoff
Howdy! This past Thursday, Friday and Saturday I was in the studio with my producer, Ed Stasium. We've started recording a new CD and we were tracking with one of the best drummers in the world, Kenny Aronoff. Check him out at kennyaronoff.com and you'll see what I mean. Kenny laid down some amazing grooves and we captured him on 18 songs! We're not sure how many of those will end up on the disc; but after hearing KA's drum tracks, it'll be hard to put any of the tunes aside! We worked long days and Ed, as usual, was brilliant at the helm. Thanks Ed! And thanks Kenny!
Sunday afternoon I was on stage at the Fort Lewis Community Concert Hall with Lisa Blue and Sterling Procter to open for the Ray Price show. I must admit I was a little nervous playing to a full house like that, but it was a blast and a true honor to be up there. Also, it was great to look out and see so many friendly faces. Ray Price put on a great show, with a superb band. He sounds as good as ever!
October 8, 2007
Re-capping a few things
A couple of weeks ago the site was offline, and when it came back, some of my journal was lost. So I thought I'd recap a few things. First off, we've doubled down our presence on the WWW with a MySpace page. There's a link from this site...but you can check us out at myspace.com/zacharyhuntermusic. You can get another version of my blog there, and watch the new IYD video as well. It's just a fun forum over there on MySpace!
I'd like to "re-visit" my wonderful visits week before last to two fine Colorado radio stations, KBCY - Steamboat Springs, and KVAY - Lamar. Both Debbie Duncan, the PD/MD and her station, KBCY, are up for New Music Weekly awards in November for their support and recognition of new artists. A fine operation! And Joey Michaels at KVAY has a 100kw powerhouse that is being programmed to pretty near perfection. We stopped by and were graciously interviewed on-air at both stations. Thanks to those two for opening up their arms like that!
After the radio tour, I'm taking my swing through Nashville and Charlotte as I usually do, before heading back to Colorado to continue time in the studio recording a new CD. Pretty soon we'll welcome Ed's pal Kenny Aronoff into the studio to lay down the drum tracks on a passel of new songs. Lookin' forward to it Kenny! The disc should be early next year...maybe springtime...when it's ready.
Please have a look at the new video! It's available on this site, and some others. If you like it and are of a mind, give GAC and CMT a jingle and let 'em know how you feel...if you are of a mind...