Rock, blues, swing jazz-blues; when Stray Cats are Asleep at the Wheel, and having used up all their nine lives with exhaustive fun, Grateful to be Dead.

14 MP3 Songs
BLUES: Jazzy Blues, JAZZ: Swing/Big Band



Details:
This group of musicians formed in the fall of 2001. Each member brings an eclectic mix of musical experiences and history. One developed a unique songwriting style by playing in and soaking up influences from Denver's various musical scenes. One traveled across California with the Rock-O-Fellars and another strummed with Jango - a Denver Celtic/American Band. One blew his rock and blues with the Jill Watkins Band and another played rock with Kilmore Quay and Excalibur.

From these varied backgrounds comes a combined musical effort that hints of blues, swing, and rock Ân roll, spiced with hints of Latin, 50's pop, big band jump jazz, and even Âcountrified music. It's a mix of styles that immediately feels familiar, yet comes only from RAZ - It's American music. RAZ finds a wide range of appeal from younger to older listeners: from blues, rock-a-billy, bee-bop and twist crowds to swing-dance and country crowds. The dance beat is infectious, while the humorous, romantic and serious lyrics keep the listener curious.

One original song entitled 'Blue Hair Cruise' was written about a friend's experience on a Carribean cruise ship. She was led to believe her Âcruise experience would be full of swingin' singles activities. The first sign that all would not be as expected came when she boarded. She saw several coffins being loaded onto the ship. The song tells of her Âcruising experiences, including happy hour with the bartender and a 70 year-old swinger. The tune rocks with a hard driving swing progression and blazing harmonica and guitar solos.

Song lists include RAZ's original tunes intermingled with new and old favorites, such as "Mack the Knife" and "Brown Eyed Girl". All members of RAZ enjoy jammin' together and with their audience. They're not satisfied unless the audience can't help but Âshake itÂ. RAZ was featured on the Denver Channel Seven Early Morning News and has performed at benefits for the American Cancer Society and Colorado Victim Advocate Fund. RAZ takes pride in being versatile enough to successfully perform at music clubs, coffeehouses, sports bars, business holiday parties, private parties and family celebrations.

NEW RELEASE CD - Feel Real Good, October 2002 RAZ is celebrating the release of their 2nd CD and its unique brand of "Rockin' Happy Blues" and "Swing-a-Billy". The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered by band member Frank Mastroianna of the M3 Recording and Production Studio.

DEBUT CD - Good Time Mama, 2001
Jim Primock, Reviewer for the Colorado Blues Society's Hollar, stated the Debut CD was "energetic and danceable" and "should put a smile on your face. There is an element of humor though out Pedraza's lyrics; clearly, he doesn't take himself too seriously."