Today we have the pleasure of sharing the first peek of the new single from New Jersey groovy rock-blues outfit BARD – ‘Dread Not The Ferryman’once again takes listeners on a dark funkadelic journey through mythical realms and eerie encounters, showcasing BARD’s versatility in storytelling and musical depth. With its haunting narrative, dark themes and long jams, it portrays a world where mythical creatures like the demon fairy lurk, stealing teeth in the night. The eerie atmosphere intensifies as the story unfolds, from a diner scene with a mysterious figure to a tense encounter over stolen teeth. The repeated chorus, urging not to fear the ferryman, underscores a sense of impending doom and supernatural intrigue that sets this song apart from the album’s other tracks.
Traveling in their self-crafted sonic time capsule, BARD revisits the golden age of American rock, translating its very fibre into our present-day reality. With its infectious grooves, soulful vocals, and nostalgic guitar riffs, this feels both familiar and fresh. Think Van Morrison’s soulful croon, the Steve Miller Band’s funky grooves, and the Doobie Brothers’ classic rock sensibilities, all wrapped up in a highly distinctive package. BARD’s music is a must-listen for fans of vintage rock and those seeking a taste of a bygone era.
This is the first taste of their debut album ‘Angels Got His Back’, out October 4 via the dynamic indie Montclair imprint Magic Door Records, following up the soulful title track ‘Angels Got His Back’. Recorded, mixed & mastered at the state-of-the-art studio Magic Door Recording by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Luna, Gramercy Arms), who has dubbed this “New Classic Rock:.
BARD was formed in 2017 by college friends Jamie Pagliaro (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Michael Schreiber (keyboard, organ, vocals), who had lost touch for two decades. The lineup grew to include Dave Menez (bass guitar, vocals), Mike Potenza (electric guitar, vocals) and David Kolk (drums, percussion, vocals), each bringing his own unique musical sensibilities. This fusion resulted in a rich texture of sounds, enhanced by a cohesive approach to dynamics, tone, and articulate sound mix.
“‘Dread Not the Ferryman’ delves into a haunting narrative where mythical creatures and eerie encounters blur the lines between reality and the supernatural. Through its chilling lyrics, the song explores themes of fate and the unseen forces that shape our destinies, inviting listeners into a world where every silver dollar carries a weight of secrets, and every encounter holds a hint of otherworldly danger,” says Jamie Pagliaro.
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.
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.
BARD’s music is 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.
Pre-released on Bandcamp today, the ‘Dread Not the Ferryman’ single will be available everywhere else on September 10, including Spotify and Apple Music). The full album can also be pre-ordered there at Bandcamp. BARD next performs in Asbury, NJ on September 7 at Ironbound Farm.
ALBUM CREDITS
Written 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
LIVE SHOWS
Sept 7 Asbury, NJ – Ironbound Farm
Dec 14 Denville, NJ – Diamond Spring Brewery
Dec 28 Montclair, NJ – Bard For The Holidays
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