Music
Press
Zach sounds like a cross between John Mayer and Jason Mraz, if they were each pushed into a bubbling vat of whatever causes California dreaming. On songs like “Small Places” and “California” his breathy croon sounds so laid back him and Jack Johnson could have a dude off.
On second listen though, his finger-picked hooks and inviting song writing have more in common with James Taylor than any of the musicians mentioned above. Instead of blatantly copping the sounds of artists in the mainstream there are reoccurring musical themes to his song writing that he uses to create his own style. In a few years, instead of the obvious John Mayer comparisons that are bound to litter his reviews (including this one), we could hear someone say, “hey, this new guy sounds like Zach Hurd”.
- Zack Dinerstein (freelance writer and producer) from his blog page.
Discography
"The Small Places EP" released on April 2, 2008.
"Changing Landscapes" released on September 23, 2009.
Photos
Bio
Zach Hurd grew up in Bath, ME. After graduating from college, he toured in the duo Causeway, performing at colleges, clubs and festivals across the country. More recently, he has established himself as a solo artist in the New York City music scene, appearing in clubs like The Living Room, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, and Canal Room.
In 2008, he released his first solo CD; The Small Places EP, a five song effort that captures Hurd's soulful, reflective lyrics and acoustic grooves all in a full band setting. He now follows this with his debut full length album, released in September of 2009, Changing Landscapes. This new album covers the personal and professional gamut of Hurd's talents. He is a soulful writer, a creative and driving performer and a skilled producer. The album is a collection of 9 songs which thoroughly exhibit the melodic variety and sophistication of his music. Once again a full band sound derives from very talented co-players from greater Manhattan and Brooklyn; and his own musical prowess with instruments as varied as the moog, glockenspiel and banjo is featured as well. Zach wrote and produced the songs, from the timeless "Broken World" to the unique vibe of "Upside Down".
Hurd's live performances are worth going out of your way to see. Soulful vocal hooks, top-notch guitar playing, and his knack for layered looping, leave audiences captivated.
Zach's song "Small Places" received an honorable mention in the 2008 New York Songwriter's Circle Song Contest.
The EP and full-length album are available on iTunes.
Links
