IZZ: Crossover appeal

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IZZ is probably a band that goes under the radar for far too many! It’s really sad because it’s a band that often offers really, really great music. But don`t panic here are some stuff about their latest album Don`t Panic! The album is the ninth from the New York band, and here are the title track Don`t Panic, with fantastic interplay and production,

Laura Meade is one of the four vocalists in IZZ, and last year she released a very good debut solo album Remedium. However the music of IZZ are a different listening experience. IZZ is a hard core prog band that actually plays their own brand of progressive music. The new album`s is fronted of the epic and exciting and varied track 42 that is close to 19 minutes long. Here Laura Meade showcase her beautiful voice at the end of the track. The track are also filled with much progressive delights.

Moment Of Inertia is an instrumental track that really showcase the band members musicals technical ability and with many elements with pure brilliance. The song start with a cinematic piano opening and the final is pure guitar magic. IZZ is a band that demands a lot from their listeners! It has to be invested in listening to the music of the New Yorkers before all their creative songwriting abilities and all the subtle details are discovered. Promotional video,

IZZ was founded in 1994 and for more than 25 years they have delivered much very, very good music. They have obviously great pleasure in sharing their music with the world. One of IZZ strongest side are the collective and the joint forces that result in their remarkable music. In addition the musican is very, very skilled.

The band originates from the Galgano brothers. Tom (keyboards, vocals) and John (bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals) grew up listening to music together, so it was a natural step for them to join forces as musicians. John Galano met Greg DiMiceli (drums and percussion) in college, and soon DiMiceli was a part of IZZ. As mostly all bands IZZ also have some musicians come and go. 2019 version of IZZ is a septet. In addition to the four mentioned musicians Paul Bremner (electric & acoustic guitars), Anmarie Byrnes (vocals), Brian Coralian (electronic & acoustic drums and percussion).

Once IZZ was considered neoprog, but due to the complexity in the compositions and their creativity they soon was labeled modern symphonic prog. Each album has been released with evidence of significant growth ever-rising praise. This has placed IZZ in the position of being a foundational band in the modern prog scene.

In 1998 Sliver Of A Sun”was released. For the debut, John handled lead guitar, and Phil Galgano was on bass. While putting the finishing touches on the album, Tom Galgano met Laura Meade and Anmarie Byrnes. The ladies did not join the club right away, but their vocal and compositional talents would come to have a profound impact on the IZZ sound later on.

The breakthrough album My Rivers Flow came in 2005, and it really started to be a band that many enjoyed. The joining of the two before mentioned ladies was very important.  The band was very good before, but the addition of Laura and Anmarie, and the growth of the group itself drove them to create their most accomplished work to date. Enthusiasm for IZZ grew as the album got more exposure. The live shows were also met high praise. This culminated with their appearance at NEARfest 2007, which was considered one of the best performances that year. Thankfully it was recorded and released simply as Live At Nearfest.”

IZZ is frequently seen on the Progressive Rock festival circuit. They are influenced by the usual classics (Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, The Beatles, etc.), and also modern bands, like Radiohead. There are even those that see a certain pop element in the music, mostly due to Tom Galgano and Laura Meade’s vocals. They seem to have no exceptions when it comes to incorporating styles. It is not unusual to hear rock, jazz, latin, and funk. This gives them a special crossover appeal.

2012’s The Crush of Night also included contributions from prog legend Gary Green of Gentle Giant fame.

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