Album Notes

Jack Brag's take on pop music is a clear departure from what you’ll hear in the mainstream. By fusing orchestral cello, vaudeville piano, and catchy pop/rock hooks, Jack Brag delivers a sound that’s well beyond the expected. The phrase "energetic chamber pop" is a good way to describe the collaborative output, much of which owes itself to the orchestral-stringed undertones simmering throughout each song.

Jack Brag got its start in the summer of 2007, when primary songwriter/bassist Tony Donato partnered with vocalist/keyboardist Jim Robertazzi. Together, the pair quickly realized a shared fascination in musical theater-inspired aggressive pop/rock. Tony's interest in 19th century idioms, expressions, and culture ultimately led him to label the project "Jack Brag," a 19th century expression meaning "a pretender who ingratiates himself with people above him."

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that Jack Brag is some kind of "intellectual exercise." The band punches along with the ferocity and style you’d expect from such influences as The Who, The Pixies, Queen, REM, Talking Heads, and Husker Du. After enlisting cellist Jay Varga, guitarist Rich Ferreira, and drummer Bill Quinn, the quintet put all of the elements together to arrive at a unique style of high-energy music that captures the dynamic of today’s pop music scene while subtly hinting at vaudeville and whimsy theatrics.

In December 2008, Jack Brag completed its 13-song debut album, blending elements of pop/rock, theater, and hints of chamber orchestration. Shortly thereafter, the band contributed a series of recordings to an array of tribute albums released by Main Man Records, starting with “A Few Uneven Rhymes,” which commemorated the 20th anniversary of New Jersey band Winter Hours. Other contributions have included cuts by the Cars, Devo, Alice Cooper, and Queen.

In addition to recording cover tracks for several Main Man tribute releases, Jack Brag spent much of 2010 recording its second release, "Unbroken White," for Main Man Records. The band is already preparing new music, including some covers, for future recordings and live performances.