Zach Gill (ALO/J. Johnson) Album
By Team JamBase Aug 1, 2008 • 3:33 pm PDT
Growing up in Saratoga, CA, early inspiration came from his grandmother Mabel, a church organist, and father Chuck, an ex-rocker. Zach Gill‘s future became clear during high school when he sparked a lifelong friendship with fellow musicians Dan Lebowitz and Steve Adams (aka LAG). Discovering the power of performance, the trio began playing jazz, power-pop-rock, bluegrass and everything in between. The group evolved into a variety of projects before emerging as the Animal Liberation Orchestra. Formed in 1998, ALO has been Gill’s primary musical vehicle over the last decade. The band’s deep repertoire of material has endeared legions of fans with Gill’s powerful vocals giving it all a soulful stamp. Best known for live prowess, the band has also released three critically acclaimed albums; most recently 2007’s, Roses and Clover.
In 2005, he joined forces with college pal and emerging superstar, Jack Johnson. Accepting an invitation to join Jack’s band, Gill diversified the group’s trademark sound with his multi-instrumental zest, vocals, and dancing skills. While ALO and Jack Johnson continue to tour, Gill has certainly been keeping busy. Recently he collaborated with Aimee Mann and Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) on a composition entitled, “At the Edge of the World” for the Paramount Pictures documentary, “An Arctic Tale.” His music was also featured in the “Curious George” film and soundtrack alongside Johnson.
On July, 29 Gill released his eponymous debut solo project with Johnson’s Brushfire Records. But it hardly sounds like a debut. From the moment you press play and hear the opener “Family” it’s apparent that Gill is an effortlessly strong performer: one who knows how to craft and deliver easygoing pop with a large dose of buoyant soul. Think Leon Russell or Levon Helm if they grew up near the beach, listening to a little Bob Marley (“Don’t Touch My Stuff”). With unique instrumentation and a playful spirit, Zack Gill carries on a tradition of true musicians who revel in playing and creating, whether on the beach, on the road, or with his kids. You can purchase Zach Gill’s Stuff here.
ZACH GILL’S STUFF
1. FAMILY (FEATURING JACK JOHNSON) 4:01
2. DON’T TOUCH MY STUFF* 4:49
3. WATCH THEM GROW 3:39
4. BACK IN THE DAY 3:57
5. BETTINA 2:23
6. SMALL 3:07
7. HANDY MAN* 3:37
8. POSEIDON’S NAVEL 2:57
9. BEAUTIFUL REASON 4:22
10. FINE WINE 3:21
11. LIZARD’S BRIDGE 3:24
12. LONG 3:26
* W/ TRISTAN PRETTYMAN
Produced by Robert Carranza and Zach Gill
