Aaron Ball Band

Aaron Ball “New Beginnings” CD Review 10/17/2013





Aaron Ball keeps his musical ball rolling in his thirteen-track solo CD, New Beginnings. He keeps his listeners’ ears perked up with his many styles of music and themes of songs. Here is what to expect from this awesome CD.

According to George Strait, the smell of oil wells in the wind is a good reason to stay away from Tulsa. Aaron Ball has more than enough reason to not go back to “Omaha”. For someone who’s from New Zealand, he sings quite well about the Midwest, including mentioning Des Moines while playing some rockabilly music while justifying his decision to not go back to Omaha.

But would he go back if he were in “Second Gear”? When one is, they don’t know whether something is wrong or right, or black or white. But if they switch off all the lights, maybe they can switch to a better gear and would be more decisive.

Or maybe take a drive to clear your head on “This Road.” There’s some Bryan Adams influence in the guitar intro; do you hear “Run to You”? Ball’s grittiness and the guitar make this song. A good song while on a highway road trip. If you’re going too fast, especially when you hear the brief guitar break at the end, this song may prevent you from getting a speeding ticket.

While on the road, you may not want to meet someone named “Nancy.” Whose bed have your…uh…pumps been under? The first song I’ve ever known about that describes a cross-dresser. Great timing, in light of all of the controversy about “Blurred Lines.” And we thought “Papa Don’t Preach” was bad!

What’s just as bad is if you have “One More.” A song about drug dependency-“the last time is the last time”…“never again”…“I promise, I swear”… But to have one more for the road?…This is when things have gotten out of hand, I must admit. If this stuff was hard to find, it would be so much easier. Will empty pockets and a pounding headache stop him? Oh, no, he doesn’t quit; just one more. Great rhythm guitar for an intense rock appeal. Then there’s “Disco.” The bass in the intro, the cowbell at the instrument break (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”), and the changes in the tempo and style of music all make a great song with some subtle 70’s music elements. What does is have in common with such 70’s hard rock songs as “Black Dog” or “Hair of the Dog”? The title isn’t mentioned in the song. You dig?…Right on!

Does that make you want to dance, shout, shake your body down to the ground and…“Clap.” A bass and a clap -very original arrangement for the intro. Take a pill to ease your pain? Well, why not just clap your hands. You might feel better doing that.

You may feel “On Top of the World.” Ball gets his blues on while he sings about being on top of the world. What a great musical and lyrical genius!

For someone like that, what great “New Beginnings”! Ball says this is a song about new beginnings, about starting over. Speech habits from a novice in a song. But Aaron was an effective public speaker/musician in this song: he told the audience what he’s going to talk about, proceed to do so, and recapped it at the end. Great job on this speech…er…song, Aaron. Did imagining listeners in their underwear help you?

If you did was it “Everything That’s Nice”? It’s a dialogue between a hard-working man and a young woman with an entitlement mindset. Bottom line: You work hard for what you want, you appreciate it more as a result, and that right there is everything that’s nice.

That renders him the “Lucky One.” Come hear the softer more spiritual side of Aaron. A power ballad straight from his heart.

Because of that, he’s a “Better Man.” Aaron is a nice guy and very talented musician; we all know that. You couldn’t have chosen a better man to play at your venue or event. A little bit of self-promotion, and a lot of wearing his heart on his sleeve, only helps him.

It’s better than trying to interact with a “Ghost.” Do you hear a little bit of Boston in the intro? Well, don’t look back lest you lose your peace of mind. And don’t go where you and your former mate used to be. Their ghost is there. Take heed! This is a public service announcement on behalf of Aaron Ball. - Echoing-Zine

Somewhere In the Middle’s EP contains four songs, “Inspiration,” “Wounds,” “Piece of Me” and “Second Gear,” the latter currently on regular rotation on 98.5 FM and on The Buzz in Twin Falls. The band has toured from Los Angeles to Nashville, performing over 100 shows last year, including guest spots with Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Great White and Hawthorne Heights. - Idaho State Journal

Idaho bands Somewhere In The Middle and Audio Moonshine set to perform at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ontario

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 11:04 AM PDT


The alternative rock band Somewhere In The Middle (pictured), from Idaho, will perform with Audio Moonshine starting at about 5:30 p.m. today at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub, 111 S.W. First St., Ontario. Somewhere In The Middle recently released a self-titled EP. The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist, Aaron Ball, Jake Tolle on lead guitar, Chris McElprang on bass and Johnathan Brownly on drums and vocals.
ONTARIO — Southeast-Idaho based alternative rock band Somewhere In The Middle recently released a CD and will be performing in Ontario tonight.

The band will perform with Boise-based Audio Moonshine at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at about 5:30 p.m. today on the patio at the pub, 111 S.W. First St., Ontario.

Rooted in southeast Idaho, the alt-rock band Somewhere in the Middle is rapidly climbing to the top of the regional rock scene, according to a press release. Their recent self-titled EP recorded at Fudge Studio in New Orleans was just released last week. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Aaron Ball, lead guitarist Jake Tolle, bassist Chris McElprang and drummer and vocalist Johnathan Brownly. The band reaches a broad audience by performing and writing original music that spans genres, from sad ballads to danceable disco songs to humorous ditties. They have been compared to bands such as Better Than Ezra, Kings of Leon and The Bare Naked Ladies. Amber Alder, of “Inside Pocatello Magazine,” reported that the band is “energetic, enthusiastic and passionate, while playing melodic, soulful rock music.”

With stand-out tracks like “Second Gear,” “Nancy” and their signature segment, “Great Moments in Cowbell History,” Somewhere in the Middle has performed for crowds of all ages. They have also reached out to a larger national audience with two recent national tours, hitting cities from Los Angeles to Nashville, and performed more than 100 shows last year. The band has performed at colleges, festivals and clubs across the region and has been a supporting act for bands such as Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Great White and Hawthorne Heights, to name a few. Last year, they were named in the top 100 independent bands in the country by the independent artist registry and currently have their newest single “Second Gear” in the rotation at radio stations across the region. Somewhere In The Middle looks forward to a bright future and is growing a regional and national fan base with extensive and consistent touring. For more information, check out www.sitmband.com. - Argus Observer

Idaho bands Somewhere In The Middle and Audio Moonshine set to perform at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Ontario

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 11:04 AM PDT


The alternative rock band Somewhere In The Middle (pictured), from Idaho, will perform with Audio Moonshine starting at about 5:30 p.m. today at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub, 111 S.W. First St., Ontario. Somewhere In The Middle recently released a self-titled EP. The band is comprised of lead singer and guitarist, Aaron Ball, Jake Tolle on lead guitar, Chris McElprang on bass and Johnathan Brownly on drums and vocals.
ONTARIO — Southeast-Idaho based alternative rock band Somewhere In The Middle recently released a CD and will be performing in Ontario tonight.

The band will perform with Boise-based Audio Moonshine at Mackey’s Steakhouse & Pub’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting at about 5:30 p.m. today on the patio at the pub, 111 S.W. First St., Ontario.

Rooted in southeast Idaho, the alt-rock band Somewhere in the Middle is rapidly climbing to the top of the regional rock scene, according to a press release. Their recent self-titled EP recorded at Fudge Studio in New Orleans was just released last week. The band consists of lead singer and guitarist, Aaron Ball, lead guitarist Jake Tolle, bassist Chris McElprang and drummer and vocalist Johnathan Brownly. The band reaches a broad audience by performing and writing original music that spans genres, from sad ballads to danceable disco songs to humorous ditties. They have been compared to bands such as Better Than Ezra, Kings of Leon and The Bare Naked Ladies. Amber Alder, of “Inside Pocatello Magazine,” reported that the band is “energetic, enthusiastic and passionate, while playing melodic, soulful rock music.”

With stand-out tracks like “Second Gear,” “Nancy” and their signature segment, “Great Moments in Cowbell History,” Somewhere in the Middle has performed for crowds of all ages. They have also reached out to a larger national audience with two recent national tours, hitting cities from Los Angeles to Nashville, and performed more than 100 shows last year. The band has performed at colleges, festivals and clubs across the region and has been a supporting act for bands such as Shinedown, Sick Puppies, Great White and Hawthorne Heights, to name a few. Last year, they were named in the top 100 independent bands in the country by the independent artist registry and currently have their newest single “Second Gear” in the rotation at radio stations across the region. Somewhere In The Middle looks forward to a bright future and is growing a regional and national fan base with extensive and consistent touring. For more information, check out www.sitmband.com. - Argus Observer

Stepping Stones by Somewhere In The Middle listed as one of the albums in the region - Slow Loose Gravel

Energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate, melodic, soulful rock music. - -Amber Alder, Inside Pocatello Magazine

“This band displays an energy and remarkable ability to communicate with their audience” KC Holt, Clear Channel Communications, Pocatello, ID - KC Holt, Clear Channel Communications, Pocatello, ID

“I love these guys! I love their songs! I love the way they perform! They are going to do such great things!” - Liz Ferron, morning show host, KKCH, NRC Broadcasting, Avon CO

Broc Johnson
Operations Manager
Lee Family Broadcasting
KZDX/KKMV/KBAR/KFTA
Cellular: 1-208-312-7284
kzdxblastoff@yahoo.com
http://www.thebuzz999.com



I've had the pleasure of working with and playing The Aaron Ball Experience on The Buzz, and they truly are a must-see band. They're uber-energetic presence on stage bleeds through to the crowds who come back time and again to see this dynamite group of rockers express their true musical talent and passion in concert.


The Aaron Ball Experience IS the Pacific Northwest's very own Goo Goo Dolls. Listeners light up the phones to request their songs and win tickets to their shows. They are a MUST-HEAR-AND-SEE rock superpower. - Lee Family Broadcasting

"Perhaps it can best be described as family friendly and fun. It’s middle of the road rock, On stage, the group is laid back and fun." - Jenny Wixom, Idaho State Journal
- Idaho State Journal

"Energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate, melodic, soulful rock music." - Amber Alder, Inside Pocatello Magazine January 2009 - Inside Pocatello Magazine

If you’re looking for an exciting evening full of explosive fun, great music, and clean entertainment, a great bet is to attend a performance of Aaron Ball and his band Somewhere in the Middle. Listed as alternative, acoustic, pop rock, Aaron and SITM cover a mixture of songs that can be found on just about every radio station today. However, they really shine when playing original music. Their original music is best described as a mixture of Better than Ezra, Coldplay, Three Doors Down, The Calling, Gavin Degraw, John Mayer, and the list goes on.

Based out of Twin Falls, Aaron has performed across the Western US as an acoustic singer/songwriter, and makes a point to put on a great show everywhere he goes. “We pride ourselves in putting on the type of show that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or musical taste. We like to think of a show as an experience, and want everyone to come away feeling entertained,” Says Aaron. Although he is involved in several musical projects, Aaron has always made a priority of songwriting and performing with his original band, Somewhere in the Middle based locally in Pocatello.

Along with Aaron, SITM is comprised of Mark Peck on bass guitar and Jonathon Brownley on Drums, percussion and back-up vocals. The band has existed for about seven years, however the current lineup is relatively new. Mark is a native of Pocatello and has played in local bands for many years. He brings a maturity and passion to the group that shines at each performance. Jon is a recent graduate of the LA school of music and brings a creative element and personality to the stage that really rounds out the group. “Our influences are incredibly broad, and it is evident when we are on stage that we just love music, no matter what style it is,” says Mark. When this group does hit the stage, it is unmistakable how much they love what they do. Mark is all smiles, while Aaron and Jon exchange anecdotes and converse with the crowd and draw them in. “It is important to us to allow our personalities to shine on stage. We have been described as a friendly band, both listener friendly as well as just being friendly guys, the kind of people you could just hang out with and have a good time – we take this as a compliment! We want to be ourselves and have the crowd comfortable with who we are and what we do and become part of the show. It works for us.”

This dedication has appealed to fans everywhere SITM has played - and they have found themselves in some pretty interesting shows - colleges, festivals and clubs from Fremont street in Las Vegas NV, to the Hard Rock Café in Salt Lake City, UT. The band has been an opener for a few national acts including Blessid Union of Souls and John Cragie and was listed as one of the top 100 unsigned bands in the country last year by the Independent music news, featured on Local NBC affiliate Channel 6 News and involved with the Discovery Channel’s NOW series on television. “It is really neat to have been given the opportunities we have as a band and we are always excited to play for a great crowd. There are some really great musicians and bands in the area and it is always cool to be involved in music here,” Says Aaron.

Two upcoming local shows for Aaron and Somewhere in the Middle include an international collaboration show with Izumi, a popular pop singer and performer from Tokyo, Japan on September 15th at 7:00 pm in the Idaho State University ballroom, and as an opening act for the National band Quietdrive at Kruzer’s on Oct. 6th at 6:00 pm in Twin Falls. Both shows are all ages events. Upcoming plans for the group include working with producer Tom Drummond on a new album, more college and club shows, and possibly even some playing across seas. For more information or to keep up with upcoming events you can visit www.myspace.com/aaronballmusic.
- Idaho State Journal, Sept. 11, 2007

The patrons were great to support and enjoy the work and talent put into it all, as well. Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:00, the *Aaron Ball Band was back, this time starting the evening with their country rock-infused style. And what a start it was. - The Examiner