Today we are pleased to present a band that is most likely new for most of our readers – Hailing from the city of Montclair in New Jersey comes BARD (a.k.a. The BARD Band) with their new single ‘Angels Got His Back’. With a rich melodic and soulful quality, laced with infectious rhythms and laid-back vibes, this music makes for a captivating listening experience. This is recommended listening for fans of Van Morrison, Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Grateful Dead, and the Allman Brothers – this is the kind of track that makes you want to close your eyes, turn up the volume, and let the music wash over you.
bringing us a sublime dose of their soulful sound and groovy spirit. This is the first taste of their debut album ‘Angels Got His Back’, slated for release on October 4 with label backing thanks to their recently inked deal with Magic Door Records. In fact, it’s a stunning Montclair affair, as the album was also recorded, mixed and mastered by world-class producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Luna, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at one of New Jersey’s best reputed studios – Magic Door Recording Studio.
Playing original poetry-inspired music, the lyrics for ‘Angels Got His Back’ are adapted from the Vachel Lindsay poem ‘In Memory of a Child’, written in 1912. A tribute to enduring love and hope that lights up even the darkest moments, this funky dark-themed track tenderly imagines a departed child now in the care of angels, playing and exploring in a heavenly realm. Surrounded by beauty and joy, he roams through eternal spring, safe and enlightened.
BARD was formed in 2017 in Montclair by college friends Jamie Pagliaro (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Michael Schreiber (keyboard, organ, vocals), who reunited after losing touch for two decades. The band’s lineup grew to include Dave Menez (bass guitar, vocals), Mike Potenza (electric guitar, vocals) and David Kolk (drums, percussion, vocals), each bringing their own unique musical sensibilities. This fusion resulted in a rich texture of sounds, enhanced by the band’s cohesive approach to dynamics, tone, and articulate sound mix.
With a soulful groove-rock sound, BARD craft uplifting music that inspires and unites through a contagious rhythm. Initially drawing inspiration from Shakespeare, BARD’s vision of setting poems to music quickly expanded to include works from poets like Robert Browning, Langston Hughes, in addition to original poems by Jamie Pagliaro. A product of their collaborative process, each member makes their own unique contribution to the structure and composition of each song.
They are as much inspired by soulful singers like Marvin Gaye and Van Morrison, the funky sounds of the Doobie Brothers and Grover Washington’s jazz as they are by classic rock influences like Neil Young and The Band, the Allman Brothers’ southern rock and the jam band style of the Grateful Dead, not to mention a touch of country sensibility.
In contrast to their 2002 debut EP ‘Come Back Often’, which leans on their indie-folk roots with elements of country and rock, BARD’s new album represents an evolutionary step forward, highlighting the incorporation of funk and soul elements, while also allowing space for more improvisation and textured percussive elements.
From their inception to their evolving sound and dedicated live performances, BARD continues to build a dedicated following and make their mark in the music scene. Thriving on live performances, delighting diverse audiences at festivals, community events, breweries and coffee shops, they are known for their engaging shows, energizing audiences with positive vibes.
The ‘Angels Got His Back’ single is out today and available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Their debut album, out October 4, can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.
ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics from Vachel Lindsay’s “In Memory of a Child” (1912)
Adapted by Jamie Pagliaro
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Ray Ketchem
at Magic Door Studios, Montclair, NJ
Jamie Pagliaro – acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Michael Schreiber – keyboard, organ, vocals
Dave Menez – bass guitar, vocals
Mike Potenza – electric guitar, vocals
David Kolk – drums, percussion, vocals
Album Artwork by Nourhan Sandouk
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
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