Album Notes

In the middle 1990's four musicians in Dallas, Texas started a rock band called "Big Picture." It didn't take long for them to move into the Dallas Deep Ellum music scene with shows at the legendary Video Bar and Galaxy Club.

Over the next year the band grew rapidly by writing new material, recording demos and performing at other area clubs such as Club DaDa, Club Clearview and Trees. The shows included black and white movie segments along with visuals supplied to the band by good friend (Tripping Daisy's light genius) Scott Berman.

In 1995 the group hired a manager, rented a regular rehearsal space at the DLP Hilton (next door to the yet unsigned Toadies) and decided it was time to change the name and put out a real record! The name chosen.... Zen YoYos from a quote from the book by Tom Robbins, "Another Roadside Attraction." The music proved to be powerful, guitar driven, rootsy rock with strong vocals and harmonies, virtuoso guitar licks, solid bass and drums. They opened for regional acts Tablet, Cabbage, Old 97's, Hagfish, and Fastball.

The group soon took the advice of Trees sound man (Russell) and headed to Little Rock, Arkansas to work with Ardent Records artists/producer and engineer Barry Pointer. The resulting album "Planet Earth" was tracked and mixed in 40 hours using ADAT and analog recording gear. Mastering was done by Keith Rust at Crystal Clear Studios, Dallas.

After the release of the debut album Zen YoYos continued climbing the local music scene "ladder of success" with regular bookings and a steady following of loyal fans. The group became active in fund raising efforts, working with local artists, musicians and comedians to raise funding for various charitable causes.

The group became inactive during the fall of 1996 when bass player Beau Beard and singer (Brent) Kirstan Rogers took time to have new babies, and drummer Brad Coffelt left the band for greener pastures. Within a few months, Beau moved out of state and the remaining members including guitarist/vocalist Rich Ellis and Brent decided to put the project on indefinite hold. In 1998 Brent relocated to Portland, Oregon where he now works as a professional musician, producer and arranger at Sound Impressions Studios and other facilities. (See www.BrentRogers.com) Zen YoYos recordings are available through CDBaby.com and PdxNewMusic.com.

In the center ring, a collection of paradoxed was exhibited. Deja vu displays. Infinity chambers, Fire-crackers. Chants. Cave paintings. Symbologies. Obscurities. Meditations. Inscrutabilities. Zen YoYos.
-Tom Robbins