Sundad
Ossining, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2001 | INDIE
Music
Press
Sundad is the name of the band and their album "Journey to Eternity" sounds like the sorcerer and his apprentice are weaving their magic on acoustic and electric guitars. How exciting to have father and son play with and against each other musically and blend so well in harmony. Sundad is John Eurell Sr. and John Eurell Jr. on guitars and masterful percussionist Chet Soares.
Sundad’s music is crafted with intensely animated fretwork and inviting, echoing composition. There are Spanish influences as well as some sound effects that add to the songs. Nothing overt, just swatches that create color and interest.
...No matter how many times I play the album, the tune "New Mexico, Land of Magic" is the one I keep repeating. It is a great soundtrack for driving through New Mexico or any parts of the south west with its earthy colors to the hills, the cactus sculptures and those booming thunderstorms out on the desert that rumble down to the earth like words from an angry god.
...Sundad’s music is highly entertaining and will appeal to several kinds of audiences; mellow guitar, New Age or World fusion listeners. It is the soundtrack for a modern lifestyle that deserves a little breather. - RJ Lannan - Zone Music Reporter (formerly NAR)
The trio known as Sundad (father-son team John Eurell, Sr. and John, Jr. and Chet Soares) serve up some tasty (and sometimes quite spicy) acoustic world/jazz fusion music on their second release, The Journey Continues (follow-up to the well-received Journey to Eternity). Both of the Eurells play acoustic guitar and Soares contributes on assorted percussion and their chemistry and sense of simpatico is evident throughout the recording. The Journey Continues is a true ensemble recording with no one person left behind in the shadows as all the players get a chance to shine, displaying both their musical technique from a technical standpoint as well as demonstrating ample artistic flair. Like all good world fusion music, one may catch a whiff now and then of direct influence, e.g. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, etc. Spanish, but the music itself represents a true hybrid, a melting pot if you will, of assorted styles and flavors so that it all merges into a pleasing cross-cultural/genre-smash. Overall, the CD is definitely uptempo so if you’re on the lookout for something in a more relaxed vein, (something more new age in nature), this ain’t it, as far as I’m concerned. The artists themselves list Strunz and Farah as being similar and I would add Shahin and Sepehr to that list as well.
During the opening strains of Out of Body I hear echoes of early Shadowfax, featuring a myriad of percussion and drums underneath subdued yet fiery lead guitar backed by solid rhythm guitar accompaniment. Soloing on the track may also evoke Pat Metheny to some degree. The exotic hand drums pounding out a passionate freneticism on The Veil might bring to mind The Winter Consort, whereas Spanish lace meets desert hues on Chet’s Favorite (this track is a virtual showcase for one of the Eurells, although I can't say which one is spinning out notes with alarming speed and dexterity). One would expect some heavy nuevo flamenco shadings on The Conquistador and it’s there for sure, but the song also holds a palpable air of mystery and shadow, too. The heat and passion get turned up on East Meets West a revved-up assault that kicks ass and takes names with Soares contributing on hand percussion and joined by guest accompanist Abe Speller who pounds out some nifty rhythms on trap kit drums. The Midnight Express flits into view at a breakneck pace painting a musical portrait of a train flying down the tracks (the rapid and syncopated percussion at the song’s onset further aids in the mental image). Things do quiet down on the romantic Moonlight in Manhattan a track that might come across as Craig Chaquico's quieter side crossed with the aforementioned Shahin and Sepehr.
Regardless of how one categorizes Sundad's music and The Journey Continues, it's evident these guys know how to play. With its jazz riffs, world beat spice, mixture of earthy/sensual and kinetic energizing rhythms, as well as enough guitar fireworks to fulfill any lover of the instrument, the trio’s latest release is almost certain to please acoustic instrumental music fans who seek an alum which engages the listener's body and mind. Kick up your feet, tap your toes, drum your fingers or just sit if that's your preference, but the main thing to do is put this album in your CD player and enjoy what comes next. That doesn’t sound too hard, does it? - Bill Binkelman - Independent Reviewer
Sundad's CD "The Journey Continues" has ranked # 13 in radio airplay for radio stations reporting for 2008. The chart is available for viewing at ZoneMusicReporter.com - Sundad Records
It’s often said that musicians, particularly singers that come from the same family, create the kind of harmonies you could never attain with non-blood relatives. Well, the Sundad team of John Eurell and his son John Jr. prove that family members achieve the same “harmony” with guitars. With father John on acoustic and son John on acoustic, the two make uncannily beautiful music; melodic, wondrous and as tightly wound as the DNA helix the two share.
With their debut recording, Journey to Eternity, the father-son tandem, along with percussionist Chet Soares, proved they were up to the task of creating demanding, worthwhile, and immensely pleasurable instrumental music, as easy on the ears as it is melodically and rhythmically complex. Well, on their latest release, The Journey Continues, the journey does indeed continue, with majestic track after majestic track featuring magnificent guitar work, gratifying chemistry, superb percussion, and a great bottom with bass player Eddie Denise.
All tolled, The Journey Continues is ten gorgeous, father and son acoustic compositions, each more striking than the last. As the duo traverses from folky and jazzy instrumentals to rock, funk, and flamenco, they let the sparks fly, with virtuosic but crisp licks. “The Veil,” for example, recalls up-tempo Windham Hill, ala Michael Hedges, or rock revisionism of, say, progressive artists like Yes or Kansas. “Out of Body” takes it down a notch but hits impulsively with Soares’ keen percussion. “Chet’s Favorite” has a distinctive Latin flair suggesting Alex De Grassi, with a propulsive acoustic guitar rhythm as a bed. “Somewhat Celtic” is just that, with an unpredictable and tricky chord progression. “The Midnight Express” also moves briskly, and memorably, gaining steam as it bears down the track, with layers of shimmering guitar strings and percussion. Dave Kline’s violin adds a sweet element of surprise.
Sundad’s debut disc earned them significant acclaim when it came out back in 2005, including best New Artist and Best Acoustic Instrumental Album nominations from New Age Reporter. The Journey Continues promises even greater notice for the group. Already it has made it onto the preliminary Grammy ballot and it’s currently receiving airplay both here and on radio stations around the world that are undoubtedly responding to Sundad’s spicy international flavors. For its part, “The Veil,” Journey’s lead track, has also been garnering all kinds of acclaim from Garageband.com in the “World Fusion” category for its dazzling instrumental work.
Overall, Sundad’s work is intricate yet accessible, challenging yet superbly melodic. In other words, it’s a lot like the relationship between family members: complex and rewarding, with substance, passion, and feel good vibes to make it all worthwhile.
SOURCE: Mixed Media
- AllAboutJazz.com - Oct 2008
Sundad's CD "Journey To Eternity" has ranked # 23 in radio airplay for stations reporting for 2005. The chart is available for viewing at ZoneMusicReporter.com - Zone Music Reporter
Sundad's 1st CD, Journey To Eternity, has moved up to Number 7 on the Amazon.com "INDIE, NEW AGE, JAZZ" sales chart. - Amazon.com
“... Imagine Chet Atkins meets Mark Knopfler and you will get a good idea of what this sounds like.
“... articulate guitar that would force even the most accomplished musician to go back to the drawing board and take lessons …again! (I forgot to mention the superb conga playing in the background. I can’t say enough about their percussionist.)
"... Their cut, “Birdman”, is an ethereal, blissful song that one can easily get lost in.
"If you overlooked anyone on your Christmas list and want to make amends with a belated gift, I would suggest this CD. If the recipient appreciates sophisticated guitar work, the present will be accepted and all will be forgiven." - Mark Staudte of Northeast In-Tune Magazine
NewAgeReporter is proud to inform you that you were nominated for the following 2005 awards:
* Best New Artist
* Best Intrumental Album - Acoustic
These nominations were selected by the Producers/Hosts of the radio shows reporting playlists in 2005.
With over 2800 new albums receiving airplay over the last year and only 5 nominees in each category, this is quite an achievement.
You can view all the nominees at:
http://www.newagereporter.com/admin/nominees.asp
Congratulations and best of luck...
From the Staff of NewAgeReporter - NewAgeReporter.com
Once again the high energy Sundad team of John Eurell, John Eurell Jr. and Chet Soares take to the studio and come out with a remarkable album of World guitar compositions with enough ensemble to make a treat for the ear. If your day has been rough and you need a lift or you just want to get the evening started, then Sundad is your band. The new album The Journey Continues is ten tracks of father and son acoustic compositions that are powerful, energetic and unforgettable.
Between father John Sr. and son John Eurell Jr. they probably have over fifty years of guitar playing experience. They blend their unique music style with a mixture of rock and jazz; throw in a little funk and now and then add a few flamenco guitar licks. Eclectic? You bet. Entertaining? Without a doubt. Finally, put in Chet Soares brilliant percussion with a decidedly Latin beat and you have – Sundad.
The first cut, The Veil, is deceptive. It starts out with a mellow rift of sparkling guitar and bass courtesy of guest artist Eddie Denise and then POW! This sweet tune turns into a quick tempo samba full of great fretwork and banging gongs. What is behind the veil? It is the entryway to a journey of discovery. Not just for the artist, but the listener as well. It is not only a doorway, but also an invitation to join along with the musicians and I for one, accept.
Out of Body is a mystical expedition unto itself. It has a smooth jazz feel and a good flow. Great drums by guest Abe Speller and Chet puts in some good congas. I imagined I was on a fast sailing ship, the blue water gleaming, the sun shining on my face and having the time of my life keeping up with the wind and frankly, I never left my living room.
Sultry Spanish guitar song fills the night air in the ballad The Conquistador. This is tribute to the great explorers that traveled the Caribbean Sea during the sixteenth century in search gold and fame. Along the way, they kept their eye peeled for the Fountain of Youth. It was not long before South America would draw their attention and the search renewed.
The Midnight Express is one of the most underrated modes of travel. Fortunately, Sundad, along with Dave Kline on violin stirs up the dust, breaks ground and leads us on a foray that will not end until the light of dawn illuminates the day. This tune is reminiscent of a Crosby, Stills and Nash song and something I compared them to in my last review. I call this one my favorite.
Here comes the funky part. The song Were You There has a quirky lead and a great beat. The odd title may be a question and maybe not. It has a kind of "we are them and they are us" feel and the puzzle remains unsolved. Remarkable musical duet with a spiraling lead that takes you back to the beginning. One of the best on The Journey Continues.
Sundad has garnered several Best and Best Acoustic nominations and it stands to reason. Their harmonies are complex, but always accessible to the listener. You can sit back, relax and let the music flow and you will pick up on the energy within seconds. Whether it be a party of one or a hundred, this is the music you want in the background. Feel free to turn it up. - RJ Lannan - New Age Reporter
“The Journey Continues” is the follow-up to Sundad’s 2005 “Journey to Eternity,” which was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Instrumental Acoustic Album by New Age Reporter. Sundad is a father and son acoustic guitar duo, John Eurell Sr. and John Eurell Jr., and includes percussionist Chet Soares as well as several guest artists. They describe their music as “world fusion/new age music with a heavy dose of percussion,” which puts it in a nutshell. Rhythmic, joyous, and up-tempo, this is some mighty-fine finger-picking accompanied by Soares’ hand drums and light percussion. All of the music is original and is improvised to a large degree. The musicians are in complete synch with each other, making this a sophisticated yet very accessible and enjoyable listening experience.
The CD opens with “The Veil,” which has already won multiple awards. Light and airy, with some interesting chord and rhythmic changes, it’s a wonderful beginning. “Chet’s Favorite” steps up the energy level and lets the music soar with an infectious rhythm and free-flowing melody. “The Conquistador” is smooth as silk with a dreamy, slow Spanish dance feeling. Gorgeous! My favorite track is “East Meets West.” A sense of mystery as well as multiple ethnic influences make this piece a real standout. I also really like “The Midnight Express,” which features Dave Kline on violin. High energy and full of fun, this piece must be a blast in concert! From there, we cool off to the sensuous “Moonlight in Manhattan” - a beauty. Another favorite is “Dancing in the Park.” Some of the “percussion” in this is hand clapping, which heightens the carefree mood. You can almost feel the warm sunshine and smell the grass as the dancers move freely to the beat - a little picnic for the mind!
“The Journey Continues” is a wonderful musical expedition that will calm as well as energize. When musicians play this well together, the result is magic! Recommended!" - Kathy Parsons - MainlyPiano.com
The heart of Sundad is father/son team John Eurell and John Eurell, Jr. Accompanied by percussionist Chet Soares and bass player Eddie Denise, the two acoustic guitarists write and perform some of the most soaring and relevant instrumental guitar music since the early days of Windham Hill. Their 2008 release, The Journey Continues, displays a parent-child connection that extends to their musical expression. It becomes difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins as father & son’s guitars cascade over one another and intertwine in the conjunction of musical spirits and mores.
The Journey Continues opens with "The Veil", a Michael Hedges style progressive/new age composition full of musical and rhythmic complexities that can’t be unravelled with just a few listens. "Out of Body" builds to a release that is dark and transformational before morphing back into the sunlight. "The Conquistador" brings a very mellow Latin sound that plays like watching a leaf dive and dart in the wind. The rhythm of the moments is always clear but the eddies and currents are unpredictable. "Moonlight In Manhattan" has a serene yet complicated melody that suggests a certain tension in the face of what should be an aesthetic delight. Other highlights include "Somewhat Celtic" and "Dancing In The Park".
The Journey Continues is a sparkling album full of light moments, complicated rhythms and gorgeous, tight musical interplay. The song, The Veil, may be one of the best instrumental pieces I’ve heard in quite some time, but it is clear that Sundad shares a special connection that transcends their music and creates the perfect storm for the stretching of musical boundaries. The Journey Continues is a master class for all guitar players, and a must hear album.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5) - Wildys World - Oct 2008
Discography
Sundad has two CDs available and is currently recording their next CD at the Will Ackerman studio, Imaginary Road Studios, in Vermont.
1st CD Journey To Eternity
2nd CD The Journey Continues
Photos
Bio
SUNDAD, composed of father and son guitarists, John Eurell Sr. and John Jr., and joined by bassist Kendall Buchanan and drummer Abe Speller, is making their name as one of a new class of acoustic bands whose compositions and live performances are filled with beautiful rhythms, harmonies, and chord changes. Their original repertoire consists of acoustic guitar instrumentals that have been described as a blend of "World Fusion and New Age" music.
Sundad’s 1st CD, Journey To Eternity earned them significant acclaim, including Best New Artist and Best Acoustic Instrumental Album nominations from New Age Reporter and a 1st round Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary World album. Hitting the New Age radio spin charts at #3 it remained in the Top 50 for 6 straight months with airplay across the U.S. and Internationally.
Sundad’s next CD, The Journey Continues, brought even greater notice for the group. It hit the New Age Reporter airplay charts at #3, remained in the Top 100 for 7 of the next 8 months and ended up at #13 for the year. In addition it received a nomination for Best Instrumental Acoustic Album by NAR and a 1st round Grammy nomination for Best POP Instrumental Album. It has and still is receiving airplay on radio stations around the world that are undoubtedly responding to Sundad’s spicy international flavors.
THE MUSIC:
Acoustic World Fusion along the lines of "Strunz & Farah" and early "Acoustic Alchemy".
ACHIEVEMENTS:
* The song "East Meets West" a semi-finalist in the 2015 International Songwriting Competition.
* The song "Moonlight In Manhattan" 2012 semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.
* The song "The Midnight Express" 2009 semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.
* 1st Round Grammy Nomination "Best POP Instrumental Album" for their CD "The Journey Continues".
* 1st Round Grammy Nomination "Best Contemporary World Album" for their CD "Journey To Eternity".
* Nominated for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album (New Age Reporter Lifestyle Music Awards).
* #13 in the NAR Top 100 Airplay Chart for their CD The Journey Continues.
* "Top 40 Most Played Artists" on Sirius Channel 73 for 13 straight weeks.
* The track "Chets Favorite" ranked in the "Top 40 Songs" for 13 straight weeks including twice at Number One (Sirius/XM SPA Channel).
* Nominated for Best New Artist 2005 (New Age Reporter Lifestyle Music Awards).
* Nominated for Best Acoustic Instrumental Album (New Age Reporter Lifestyle Music Awards).
* #23 in the NAR 2005 Top 100 Airplay Chart for their CD Journey To Eternity.
Their 2nd CD, The Journey Continues, ranked #3 in the June 2008 NAR radio play charts and remained in the Top 100 there for 8 months. It was picked for airplay by more than 180 NPR radio shows, by XM/Sirius satellite radio, by the popular syndicated radio show "Echoes", by "Music Choice" - the U.S.'s largest provider of cable music channels, and by stations in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Spain, Belarus and Mexico.
Their debut CD Journey To Eternity:
1. Debuted at #3 and made the Top 100 on Radio Airplay charts at NAR for 6 straight months.
2. Selected for airplay on NPRs All Songs Considered Open Mic.
3. Featured on XM Satellites The Best Music this week on XM listing.
4. Ranked in the monthly Top 20 for radio airplay on shows in Australia, Japan, Belarus, Bucharest, Galaxie CBC Canada, and Spain.
5. Ranked in the monthly Top 20 on public radio shows across the United States over 180 times.
REVIEWS:
RJ Lannan - ZoneReporter.com
"Sundad is the name of the band and their album, Journey to Eternity, sounds like the sorcerer and his apprentice are weaving their magic on acoustic and electric guitars. How exciting to have father and son play with and against each other musically and blend so well in harmony. .....Sundads music is highly entertaining and will appeal to several kinds of audiences; mellow guitar, New Age or World fusion listeners. It is the soundtrack for a modern lifestyle that deserves a little breather."
Review by Mixed Media in All About Jazz
"Its often said that musicians, particularly singers that come from the same family, create the kind of harmonies you could never attain with non-blood relatives. Well, the Sundad team of John Eurell and his son John Jr. prove that family members achieve the same harmony with guitars. With father John on acoustic and son John on acoustic, the two make uncannily beautiful music; melodic, wondrous and as tightly wound as the DNA helix the two share...."
Band Members
Links
