Following the release of their sophomore album we caught up with NYC rock band Hazel Gaze to find out more about what goes into their eclectic sound. If you enjoy Hazel Gaze's picks be sure to check out 'Hazel Gaze II' at the end of the article.
1. Hanz (Lead Vocals): Humble Pie: 30 Days in the Hole
"Most of my favorite songs possess what I call “the three B’s”: Balls-y, Bluesy and Basic. But I also love songs with soulful harmonies. This song combines all of that, with an a cappella intro, sleazy wah-wah guitar, a great back beat, and a bluesy harmonica solo. This was Humble Pie’s biggest hit, and they have sadly all but faded into obscurity when compared to some of their contemporaries. But lead singer Steve Marriott was a huge influence on my vocal style, and I am not alone. He was an early choice to front the band that became Led Zeppelin, and The Black Crowes were also huge fans."
2. Russ Soper (Guitars / Vocals): Beth Hart: Mama
"Beth Hart is one of my favorite female vocalists of all-time. This song is the absolute epitome of a stripped down arrangement and an incredible vocal performance. To me, there’s a certain haunting vulnerability within this song that draws you in. The lyrics are a wonderful and moving tribute to her mother – something every listener can relate to at some point in their lives. In my humble opinion, few people on the planet can sing the blues with the soul, depth, raw emotion and power like Beth Hart. If this song doesn’t make you pause, listen and reflect for at least a moment, then you just might be a little dead inside."
3. Russ Soper (Guitars / Vocals): Boston: Foreplay / Long Time
"After the prelude of “Foreplay”, the second part of this medley, “Long Time” is such a special song. It has an uplifting quality, you can’t help but feel good when listening. This track has everything: amazing vocals, killer guitars, sing-along choruses with handclaps and harmonies everywhere! I was a huge Boston fan in my youth, so this song certainly has nostalgia for me, however to this day, I cannot help but tap my foot, bop my head and sing along whenever I hear Long Time. The song builds with energy throughout – culminating in the electric guitar breakdown with handclaps at the end – just killer. This entire album is amazing start to finish – such an iconic piece of work, particularly for a debut album!"
4. Mary Jo Verruto (Keys / Vocals): Tori Amos: Precious Things
"Pick a clip—ANY clip, of a live Tori Amos performance, you will never hear the same song you hear on the record. She lives in the moment with each piece, a conduit for these musical stories to tell themselves over and over again through her and with (or without) the support of her band who always appears so steadfast and chill. Although no visual container is big enough to hold the essence of a live Tori performance, I picked this clip because because it has all the elements that conspire to create a Toriphile out of the most skeptical contender. From making them wait, to coming out in her bedazzled apron (which I remember from that tour!), bowing to the audience, taking their energy to the piano with her, then using her voice, body, even the fallboard of the piano all as tangible instruments that can be thrust about and distorted to set the song free— I can’t explain any further. Just watch and listen… and learn!"
5. Nicole Riolo (Vocals): Grace Potter & The Nocturnal: The Lion, The Beast, The Beat
"There’s nothing more that I appreciate in a song than being taken on a journey. From the start this Grace Potter & The Nocturnal’s track, “The Lion, The Beast, The Beat”, the listener is taking on what feels like an angelic triumphant slow uphill climb to an unforeseeable detour around 1/3 in, a sped up beat, eerie yet throbbing strings, and a veering guitar that thunderously makes its mark. One can’t help but visualize someone determined, fighting tooth and nail even to take hold of their destiny which is a stark contrast to what now seems like a sweet entrance. Also Grace Potter’s voice has an undeniably range and is a spectacle to see live."
Listen to Hazel Gaze 'Hazel Gaze II'
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