Love songs about Athens, living in Alaska and advice about cell phone etiquette, all from a man who serenades students while they buy burritos.
Steve Zarate, who can be seen performing at night near the Burrito Buggy, has released a CD covering all these topics.
And with the help of many local musicians, he brings enough folk style to stuff a Southeast Ohio hoe down. With a mandolin player named Catfish and a bassist named Junebug, what other kind of music would do?
After gaining a $500 grant from the Ohio Arts Council, Zarate created Silver Linings, a fanfare to Athens and the local scene on Court Street. Zarate leads the instrumental accompaniment with his very competent guitar. This cheerful backup to his optimistic lyrics usually parallels the melody rather than creating a harmony to support it, which makes his vocals a little stronger.
Zarate's singing is not mind-blowing, but the speed at which he sings it all is pretty impressive. It's sort of like Randy Newman's lyrics sung by Bob Dylan high on speed.-
I couldn't believe it/ I think that he was drunk/ No doubt he such a hunk but kind of a punk.
He must have had some looks directed his way while writing the song because some callers in the song ask, Why's this guy repeating everything I say?
The sense of Athens unity is felt throughout the record, especially with the amount of special guests appearing on this album. You'd never be able to tell from his previous work, but drummer Derrick Nau of Skeletonwitch plays on a few songs. Catfish and Junebug are both part of The Paranormals, among other bands.
Summer's First Rays packs more guest performances into a song that is actually quaint and endearing. Laura Nadeau helps out on lyrics, creating a silky smooth Joni Mitchell sound. Hilarie Burhans of the Hotpoint String Band helps out along with fiddler Rusty Smith of The Appalachian Jazz Quartet. The Princes of Hollywood's Tristan Kinsley, violin student Julia Reeves and The Billycats' Dave Borowski also lend a hand.
If the authorities in Athens are smart they'll make Jewel of the Hocking the city song. It is possibly the most sanctimonious song written about a city, except perhaps New York New York.
Zarate is true to his hometown, and it shows in his music. Next time he's out on Court Street, get off the phone and give his music a listen. You might find out more about this town in the process.
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Archives
Susan Tebben
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