Zojo Black is back with an all star cast for their second CD “ Imagine.”
Zojo Black is a Lethbridge blues rock band fronted by guitarist/ vocalist Greg Gomola, who used to play lead guitar with Paul Kype and Texas Flood so he decided to get his friends from Texas Flood involved with his self produced and self recorded CD.
It features former Texas Flood guitarist Steve Keenan and Paul Kype plus Texas Flood keyboardist Earl MacAuley plus bass from Tyson Maiko, drums from Brady Valgardson and Brad Valgardson plus extra percussion from Brad Brouwer and extra guitars and vocals from Tim Mulgrew, Gary Wittenbole and Greg Melvin.
Gomola “Imagine” is markedly different than working with Paul Kype and Texas Flood.
“It’s the same but also a little different. My music is more blues rock,” he said adding it is also different than the band’s 2011 debut.
“ I wrote all of the songs on this one,” he said noting on the last CD, the band covered Deep Purple’s hit “ Hush,” which ended up giving the band a lot of exposurea.
“ I write songs that are expressive and personal,” he said.
“I did everything with this one. I bought the iMac and rented Taylor Ackerman’s studio at the Farm. I even did the album art,” he said.
“It was a bit of a learning curve, but we’ve been getting very good feedback on it,” he said.
“ I think the new album is more professional sounding. I concentrated a lot more on song structures. They are a little more focussed,” he said.
“I did buy a few special mics and preamps though,” he said.
He noted he stepped down from Paul Kype and Texas Flood to concentrate on his own material.
“We’re still really good friends, but I got tired of trying to balance between two really good bands with two new identities. Paul is pretty integral to the sound,” he said.
“ He’s been playing more as a four piece with Earl McAuley. We’re all friends and we all really support each other. It’s a really tough ride for everyone if you don’t,” he continued.
“ It’s not easy to play your own music and be successful,” he observed estimating he played 80 gigs this year.
Zojo Black has several local gigs coming up beginning Dec. 20 for a Christmas Bash, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. and Jan.10 at 5 p.m. the Enmax Centre for the Lethbridge Hurricanes’ games, Feb. 14 in Picture Butte for a Valentines Day party, Feb. 27 at the Rum Runner in Coleman and March 13 and 14 at the Enmax Centre for the Hurricanes games at 5 p.m.
In the new year he is excited for Zojo Black to have a week run at the Rose and Crown in Banff.
