Album Notes

LIKE A MOTH TO THE FLAME, the solo debut EP from Gary Smejkal, features three new original compositions written for the bass. In further exploring the bass as a lead instrument, Smejkal contrasts driving hard rock rhythms with unexpected interludes and fusionist stylings.

The new band, Carbon Based Life Forms, was founded by Gary Smejkal and drummer Kevin Crowley (Rampage Trio) in 2007 and brings into the studio an impressive roster of musicians including Rob Austin on guitar, Kevin Federico on piano and keyboards, and Christa Centola (Cheshire Cat, Blended) on vocals.

The CD has been called “Fluid, expansive and filled with flurries of bass notes” in Metronome Magazine. Christa Centola’s spoken French on the title track combined with Kevin Federico’s haunting counter melodies have been described as \"Ethereal, jazzy and sexy\" in recent review. Smejkal has been featured in Bass Player Magazine, and the new CD has received critical acclaim in the HIPPO and Encore music magazines. WSCA 106.1 FM called him “Truly an amazing musician.”