The Ragbirds
Yes Nearby
© 2005 The Ragbirds LLC (783707092003)
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An engaging mix of world music influenced pop, fol-rock, reggae, with African, Middle Eastern, and Indian rhythms stirred with a Celtic fiddlers bow and soaring lush vocal harmonies. "This is evidence of the best of what independent pop music has to offer
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The Ragbirds began with songwriter and vocalist Erin Zindle and percussionist Randall Moore as they searched to create fresh original songs sprouting out of their love for world music and their desire to weave these distant sounds into more familiar genres. With the addition of guitarist/vocalist Matthew Melody, percussionist Tim Dziekan, and their new bassist Dan Hildebrandt who share the vision of creating honest, creative music combining these global and local elements, The Ragbirds fully realized their sound. In April 2005, The Ragbirds released their debut CD, Yes Nearby, an independent, full-length album consisting of 12 well-crafted songs. The CD continues to garner critical acclaim & was nominated for a Detroit Music Award. In January of 2006 The Ragbirds followed up with "Catching Fire" a live album recorded in their hometown of Ypsilanti MI. The Ragbirds can be seen performing all over the Mid-West music scene, spreading in ever widening circles throughout Michigan, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and beyond, stirring up a buzz everywhere they go. They can be heard on local and Mid-West radio and read about in numerous papers and online reviews. Their unique fusion of roots folk, world groove, and pop sensibility gets audiences of all ages and sizes up and dancing.
THE MUSIC The Ragbirds use many traditional folk instruments including violin, guitar, mandolin, banjo, accordion, piano and harmonica. But this folky root is firmly embedded in the soil of rhythm, ancient and new, incorporating African poly-rhythms and Afro-Cuban tumbaos, over sometimes rock, hip-hop or reggae style drum-kit. Melodic lines are often built of ethnic scales and techniques, sometimes Celtic in style, sometimes Gypsy, or Latin, or African, and there is an improvisational element to the songs that keeps them fresh. In live performances, the band incorporates variations on traditional African drum pieces, each member trading their instrument for a nearby hand drum. They have a strong belief in the beauty of poetry and positive music, and the power of dance-able rhythm.
"Yes Nearby is a rare debut for the poetic intensity of its focus, the high quality of its musicianship and the quiet, yet astonishing precision of its songwriting. It marks a musical terrain where spirit and flesh, the sacred and profane, the moral and the ambiguous come together in an intoxicating, instructive dance of truth and beauty in everyday life. This is evidence of the very best of what contemporary, independent pop music has to offer."-Thom Jurek, All Music 4 Star Review
"The Ragbirds have gestated a sound and experience so unlike anything you've seen in these parts, that you may begin to wonder if you have teleported to another land. Although the familiar dark, smoky surroundings of the divided pub, with its pool tables, bare brick walls, old worn plank floors and frat boys doing shots to impress the girls is nothing really all that new, you WILL find a feeling of growing anticipation clouding the air as soon as they hit the stage. Then, gradually, as the violin spirals through the crowd and the tribal drums, harmonizing vocals, and rich bass become more and more mesmerizing, you notice the bodies that have begun to swirl around you taking on new shape and form while your own torso starts to sway, and you find you're flying with The Ragbirds to enchanting rhythmic destinations around the globe." The Uncommon Sense Magazine
reviews
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if you were ever a kid...
author: waggoner reviews etc...the Ragbird 'yes, nearby' If you were ever a kid, and your toys had been lost, the joy of play has escaped you...this is the cd that will put you in touch with your inner child again. Childhood is something to build on, not place into your memories. so when thinking of those childhood moments, left behind, just remember, yes, they are nearby.
Inspiring thought-provoking lyrics and creative talent abounds!
author: LeslieThis CD is like listening to a personal journey put to music, it makes the listener think about more than the beat, though there sure is alot of beat! Every time I listen to it, I grow to love it more.
Deep thoughts and rhythms, a must have.
author: Steve PierceThis CD is well thought out and assembled with an eye on the ear. Rhythms abound in various persuasions offering an exciting listening experience. This CD is a must have. I'd buy it for all my friends if I had a million dollars...
Outstanding songwriting, both melodies and lyrics.
author: VandeerveckenA wonderful debut CD from a band I expect to issue many more for a long time to come. The musical influences that permeate this work are widely varied yet work together to produce an audio tapestry of incredibly rich hue. You will hear Celtic, African, Middle Eastern, Island, and even a dusting of Gypsy rhythms and musical styling weaving in and out of the songs. It is obviously being performed by a group of gifted and involved musicians. In a time of facile and disposable pop songs this is a CD built to last. The first listen hooks you but every time you listen you realize it is better than you first thought, even when your first thought is that it was great.