The Angie Haze Project
Akron, Ohio, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | SELF
Music
Press
The Angie Haze Project. Heat to Cold.
2014, TheAngieHazeProject. The Angie Haze Project: http://theangiehazeproject.com/
When we reviewed Angie Haze’s The Addiction EP back in October, Gottfried Klaas had great things to say about her. I went back and listened to it before reviewing the first full-length release from this Akron-based band. Everything he said is true. Haze has a delightful, supple voice that can change as the song requires from folksy-exuberant to sexy/desperate to blues mama. She employs a variety of styles, ranging from gypsy to cabaret to folk, with tinges of jazz and rock. She’s also a versatile musician. Here she has a bit more help than on the EP, and uses quite a few instruments on every track to good effect. Haze produced the album, and David Mayfield mixed it. The band has opened for the David Mayfield Parade.
Let’s start with the three songs that overlap the two albums. They’ve been rearranged, in large part to good effect. “Addiction” is about a minute shorter here than on the EP but retains all of its gypsy/cabaret feel and sensuality. “Fireflies” is also a bit abbreviated compared to the EP but loses none of hits joyous atmosphere (although it uses a little less accordion). The song is incredibly infectious, and should be a hit on some radio somewhere. “Wave Goodbye” is the most different. Both versions are excellent, with Haze singing in her most bluesy voice, but the EP version has her singing more down and dirty, more closely miked, more Janis Joplin. The mix here is lighter and she feels further away. Either way, I wish the song was longer, because I love it.
But on the new album we’ve got seven more songs to hear. “Step into Freedom” is a little like “Fireflies” in mood, but has a touch of country flavor (except for the cello). It’s very effective, the sort of song people will sing along to. “Make Me Beautiful” is a gorgeous ballad with a sweetness that reaches into the heart. There’s a lot of interesting background instrumentation going on, but it doesn’t distract in the slightest from Haze’s voice, front, center, and commanding full attention. She soars, cries, and whispers, running the gamut of emotions through the wringer in five minutes. “Poison,” as one might imagine, is a sort of a breakup song filled with regret and pain as well as indecision, piano and percussion driven and full of cabaret/blues style. Wow. “Second Movement” (which is supposed to follow “Poison” but seems to precede it on the album. Perhaps I'm confused.) is another gorgeous vocal ballad, with Haze getting the opportunity to hit some extended high notes that pull strongly at the emotions.
The album takes a turn with “Switzerland,” a more hard-edged, soulful song, a story of not taking sides. The pointed lyrics are matched by both the complex instrumentation and Haze’s strong, insistent voice. In “March On” Haze takes sides politically, with some poignant statements about war, the environment, and class struggle. It has a folk rock protest feel to it, with Haze’s voice taking a more plaintive turn. The edge continues with “Wave Goodbye,” but an uplifting theme is found in the last track, “We Will Lead,” an anthemic folk song with chorus.
The Angie Haze Project displays a quirky versatility that few other bands can match. Lyrically, stylistically, musically, emotionally, this album is a many-faceted gem. But whichever side one observes, Angie Haze’s expressive, exquisite voice intertwines and holds the parts together. Everyone is likely to have their favorites, but there are no weak songs here, only strength upon strength. The CD release show is on May 24th at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron. Be there.
Personnel: Angie Haze (vocals, piano, guitar, percussion, accordion, mandolin), Hoseff García (upright bass), Timothy Ellinger (drums, percussion). Assisting musicians include Christina Colletti (flute), Sam Kristoff (clarinet, cello), Christian Lee Hutson (tenor banjo), Jen Maurer (harmony vocals), Leigh Ann Wise (harmony vocals), David Mayfield (harmony vocals, production, and other stuff).
Tracks: Addiction, Fireflies, Step into Freedom, Make Me Beautiful, Poison, Second Movement, Switzerland, March On, Wave Goodbye, We Will Lead.
Jeff Wanser - Jeff Wanser with Buzzard Tracks Authors
Buzzard Tracks: Northeast Ohio Music News and Reviews: Haze. The Addiction EP
buzzardtracks.blogspot.com
Angie Haze is a marvel. On this three-song EP the Akron singer-songwriter manages to sound like three different singers, with three different bands, all of them consisting of her and one other person, either Spencer Martin, or Hoseff. She also plays so many instruments (sometimes simultaneously) that it’s hard to keep track. Nevertheless, from song to song, what is consistent is her lovely, strong voice that is both memorable and sensuous. She calls herself a “vaudevillian.” She is different in many wonderful ways. For example, please note the EP cover, where she has bells on one ankle, and a tambourine on the other.
On “Wave Goodbye,” Haze sounds most rock/blues-like in style, with the ghost of Janis Joplin hovering nearby. She growls, she soars, and she mesmerizes. With “Addiction” she shows the gypsy influence in her singing and playing, The guitar work is lovely, and she changes her singing style to fit the music. The third track, “Fireflies,” is a bit more folk-like, celebratory about love (unlike the first track), and full of joy. Her voice sounds musky here when she sings softly, a very appealing sound. She wrote all the songs. She is a chameleon.
When she plays with a full band in concert, she includes a cellist, clarinetist, and other musicians. I wonder several things. First, what is the name of her band? Is she going with Haze, or the Angie Haze Project? Second, why is she not better known? Angie Haze is a delight. She is apparently working on a full-length album, which I anticipate with great enthusiasm. By the way, she also sings with Hoseff’s band as well, and appeared recently at the PorchRokr Festival in Akron, where I picked up this CD. Whenever you get the chance, see her in person. She is dynamic on stage, and you too will be addicted.
Personnel: Angie Haze (vocals, percussion, synth bass, keyboard, classical guitar, synth drum, mandolin, accordion), Spencer Martin (bass, bass guitar, lead guitar, vocal harmonies); Hoseff (bass guitar, vocal effect).
Tracks: Wave Goodbye, Addiction, Fireflies.
Gottfried Klaas
- Buzzard Tracks Authors
Discography
2012: Haze The Vaudevillian ”The Addiction" EP
2014: The Angie Haze Project “Heat to Cold” LP
2016: The Angie Haze Project Treasure Box Concert Live at Kent State Stark LP
2016: The Angie Haze Project “The Skin Horse” single from “May My Stories Be Worn Like My Coats” (video album series)
2016: The Angie Haze Project “Follow” single from “May My Stories Be Worn Like My Coats”
2016: The Angie Haze Project “Gingerbread Man” single from “May My Stories Be Worn Like My Coats”
2017: Angie Haze Presents, “The Bigger Picture” featuring Miller South School for The Performing Arts DVD
Photos
Bio
Bells around her ankle, a handmade tambourine shoe, drums encircling her piano, a guitar, a cowbell, melodica, and a kazoo… We give you, Angie Haze. The Italian American, singer songwriter showcases herself as a one woman band: singing vocals while simultaneously playing multiple instruments. This unique circus act may be complemented with a caravan of energetic vaudevillians, some of Akron Ohio's most talented musicians. The Angie Haze Project's memorable ensemble has featured keys, bass, cello, violin, clarinet, flute, mandolin, classical guitar, saxophone, congas, and other instruments varying at each show. Haze says, "Because of our organic, worldly chord progressions and syncopated rhythms, we make the crowd feel like they're the ones dancing with bells around their ankles!"
Musical artist and Producer, Angie Haze performs as a remarkable solo act or shares the stage with her ensemble whose members consist of: Justin Tibbs who delivers a passionate and witty vibe to his skillful horn playing, Gina Wilson whose haunting and moving cello riffs pull at your heart strings, Rik Williger whose versatility and showmanship charms the audience as an incredible multi-instrumentalist, as well as other talented musicians who continuously impress every audience who hears them. Angie Haze’s live performances never cease to amaze all! Her music has influences from all over the globe. She incorporates diverse sounds and chord progressions in songs that define her not only as a musician, but an artist. Haze says, “We are authentic and raw. Everything you hear comes straight from the very deepest parts of our beings." Haze is an amazingly strong and influential woman. Her ambition and the message she portrays through her songs continues to uplift and inspire all who hear her. Haze shares her art as a means to connect people and show the impact and necessity that music can have on the individual and humanity as a whole.
Haze has been recognized by the 2016 International Songwriting Competition as an Honorable Mention Award Winner for her song “Wave Goodbye” and as a semi-finalist for her song “Follow.”
The Angie Haze Project has also been added to both the Concerts in Your Home network and the Listening Room network.
She was the number one Regional Artist played on 91.3 WAPS for six consecutive months in 2016.
Her song, “Fireflies” won The Akademia Music Award for Best Folk / Americana Song in the August 2016 Akademia Music Awards.
Angie is currently working on a music video album entitled, “May My Stories Be Worn Like My Coats”. Each video is being released one at a time in chronological order telling her life story and showing the importance and strength of vulnerability.
Her “Bigger Picture” project, featuring the Miller South School for The Visual and Performing Arts, has been broadcast on Western Reserve PBS.
She has appeared at numerous venues/festivals all over the East Coast and has been featured while sharing the stage with Grammy Nominated Producer, David Mayfield throughout his “Strangers” Tour. Angie Haze has opened up for artists such as Jonah Koslen, Rachael Sage, Anne E. DeChant, and Lindi Ortega. As a part of The David Mayfield Parade, she has performed alongside, Jessica Lea Mayfield and opened for The Avett Brothers, as well as other well known acts and artists.
The Angie Haze Project has made a great impression on their hometown in Akron, Ohio. They have been featured on Fox 8 News, 91.3 The Summit, and WAKR Radio Stations, while also performing at venues and festivals such as The Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 3, Musica, Jilly’s Music Room, Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, The Kent Stage, House of Blues in Cleveland, Pride Festival- Rock Hall in Cleveland, Nelson's Ledges, Porch Rokr Festival, Square Fest, The Barking Spider, and many more all over the East Coast.
Influences:
Artists such as Joni Mitchell, John Denver, Neil Young, CCR, Janis Joplin, Sarah McLachlan, Tom Waits, and Carole King... have inspired and helped develop much of Haze's approach as an artist.
Band Members
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