A four-piece powerhouse, Zopiclone is being unleashed on audiences throughout Southern Ontario. Their original material blends elements of Rock Funk, Jazz, 80s New Wave and Progressive into a distinctive, original sound, featured on their debut album, Marble Sky.
Founded in October of 2004, Zopiclone is the brainchild of Jeff Parkinson (bass/backing vocals) and Christian Gundlack (lead vocals/keyboards/trombone) -- the band's writers, producers and managers. Jeff, a journeyman bassist, suggested the project. Christian, a classically trained trombonist (BMA) and multi-instrumentalist jumped in with both feet, and the duo began writing original material that would be the basis for their album, Marble Sky.
Soon, they were ready to tackle the challenge of finding great performers who could bring the monster to life. With style, feel and power, Duke Thornley (drums/percussion, Sloth Machine and The iD) was the perfect person to bring in.
Christian had hoped to work with Duke again, having worked together previously in London's The iD, and in various jazz ensembles throughout highschool. They had even been neighbours for a period when both lived in Milton. Duke had returned to Burlington after several years living in Vancouver (and some time spent trekking/guiding in Nepal), and was soon making regular trips down the 403 and 401 to rehearse in London.
In the spring of 2006, Greg Lirette (guitar/backing vocals) added his wizardry to the mix. An experienced performer (The Pro Wallys, Press, The Guyz) and tremendous player, Greg made an immediate impact, rounding out the band's sound. Greg and Jeff had performed together in high school, and had reconnected after losing track of one another for several years. The line-up was set.
Factoids:
- Jeff's killer tone is a result of careful study, practice practice practice, great gear, and influences such as Jaco, Flea, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris and (of course) Victor Wooten.
- Yes - Duke is related to Ian Thornley (Thornley, Big Wreck). They don't know one another very well, having met only once.
- Duke is a frequent guest on stage with Spirit of the West.
- Christian is a competetive long-distance runner, having won races up to 50 miles in distance.
- Christian's longest run (September 2004) took him from London to Toronto (186 km) in 22h20min to raise money for United Way.
- Christian has been a puppeteer, Bingo caller, blacksmith, busker, educational asisstant, actor, playwright, DJ, waiter, data analyst and manager. His best instrument: Trombone.
- Greg is an avid paddler, canoeing and camping throughout Ontario whenever possible. He loves his hand-made Martin accoustic guitar. His favourite electric is a Strat, although he is fast becoming a PRS fan.
- Zopiclone's first demo was recorded in Greg's home studio.
- Jeff and Greg are both independent music instructors
- Superfantastic is a term used in morning pre-opening sales staff meetings at Future Shop
- The 13th song written for Marble Sky was "October". This song was completed five days before the first bed tracks were recorded at Emac Recording Studios in London, Ontario.
- A full moon and marbled sky on the night that Jeff and Christian first discussed Zopiclone. Marble Sky was the first idea the duo recorded, eventually becoming the title track for Zopiclone's debut album.
For more information on the band, email info@zopicloneentertainment.com, visit our website http://zopicloneentertainment.com
http://myspace.com/zopicloneentertainment
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