Michael Zapruder Played Bottom Of The Hill - Pictures, Review

Sunday night at Bottom Of The Hill Michael Zapruder delivered on the promise of his latest record Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope. Accompanied by bass, keyboards, violin, and a woodwind multi-instrumentalist, Zapruder quite successfully managed to recreate the intricate feel and sound that permeates the record. Zapruder effortlessly led the quintet through the set, while at the same time delivering an incredibly solid performance himself on vocals and guitar duties.

One of the most striking aspects of the performance was that Zapruder seems completely at home on stage. From the second he stepped on, not only was he relaxed and jovial, but he had a clear sense of confidence about the songs and where the arrangements were headed. This was no small feat considering that there were five parts going strong at any given time, and a fair number of less-than-standard song structures. Even the chaotic and fluttering instrumental breaks of "Ads For Feelings" managed to come across as completely composed and solid.

The only part of the show we would have changed was the absence of any sort of percussion. While the record doesn't have a huge preponderance of percussive elements, the beats do drive a number of the songs, and it wouldn't have hurt to pick things up just a tad in the live environment. Even perhaps just a drum machine or some canned beats where necessary might have been just the ticket to keep some of the songs true to their upbeat origins.

That being said, our favorite moment of the show was one of the most serene. At the end of the set Zapruder played a solo rendition of the fantastic song "Harbor Saints" that absolutely hit home. The song's sweet simple melody served to close out the rainy night with a gentle coda that served to perfectly illustrate not only Zapruder's fantastic voice, but his gift for composition as well. We're looking forward to hearing what comes next.

Michael Zapruder is headed to the East coast for three dates next week.

Michael Zapruder Comes To Bottom Of The Hill Next Weekend

First, can we just get something off of our chest? Every time we hear the name Zapruder, the first thing that comes to mind is the Zapruder film. Which, to be honest, is a bit of a shame, because Bay Area local Michael Zapruder is really far more deserving of the honor. With Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope, Zapruder has crafted one of the most intricate, lovely albums we've heard in quite some time. Not only is it loaded with fantastic melodies and compositions, but it also manages to craftily defy categorization, existing in the ether somewhere between folk, rock, and indie pop.

At their core, Zapruder's compositions are relatively standard (albeit top notch) fare: they are folk driven singer-songwriter compositions, with solid melodic and lyrical components. However, the bit that really sets Zapruder's record apart are the intricate arrangements that span the album.

There's a certain sensibility that Zapruder lends to the application of electronics and drum beats to folk music that is consistent throughout. Pianos, guitars, and drums form the foundation of many of the songs, but lurking in the background are creatively layered electronic textures and rhythms. These elements work themselves into the songs so effortlessly that they take on an organic texture that removes any premise of "electronica" from the record's persona.

On top of the electronics, Zapruder also manages to pull in his fair share from the analog world as well. Flurries of flutes ("Ads For Feelings"), Ray Charles-esque backing choirs ("Black Wine"), and silky smooth string sections (Can't We Bring You Home") all serve to fill the album's tracks with a feeling that is simultaneously meticulous and classic.

One could have easily released the demos for this record as an album, and they would have been assuredly strong enough to stand up on their own. As a singer songwriter, the Zapruder is unquestionablty gifted. However, in taking the time to explore all the nooks and crannies of his compositions, he has delivered a record that is a far more unified in its vision, and unquestionably much more of a sonic journey for the listener.

Michael Zapruder is headed out on the road this month in support of the record. After a night in LA, he'll be making a stop next Sunday at Bottom Of The Hill. From there he moves on to the east coast for a quick three city stopover. If we may, we heartily recommend that you stop in and see what Michael has to offer.

Michael Zapruder Spring 2009 Dates
Feb 20 2009 House of Blues Foundation Room West Hollywood, California
Feb 22 2009 Bottom Of The Hill San Francisco, California
Feb 27 2009 Union Pool Brooklyn, New York
Feb 28 2009 Milkboy Coffee Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Mar 1 2009 The Red and The Black Washington, Washington DC

mp3: Michael Zapruder - Ads For Feelings