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behind the band

Hailing from NYC, Hazel Gaze is comprised of veteran musicians from diverse backgrounds ranging from recording / touring to Broadway pits to formal classical training to bars and clubs - all wrapped up in rock 'n roll goodness!    Their 2017 debut was the brainchild of Guitarist / Keyboardist / Songwriter Russ Soper and Lead Vocalist Hanz, creating music purely for the love of it. 

 

Blending 90s rock influences ranging from The Black Crowes, Lenny Kravitz and Soundgarden to 70s icons such as Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie, the material that would become Hazel Gaze’s debut album was recorded in Russ’ Brooklyn basement studio.  Bassist Konrad Payne joined the project shortly afterward and the band completed a string of highly-successful NYC-area shows.

 

During a COVID-induced hiatus, Russ crafted the material that would become Hazel Gaze II.  With the assistance of Grammy-winning Producer / Engineer Daniel Alba (Jack White, Tom Morello, Norah Jones), Hazel Gaze is now back with their sophomore effort, mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Oscar Zambrano (Sting, Justin Timberlake).  The band has expanded to include Vocalist / Pianist Mary Jo Verruto, Drummer Spiros Arnakis and Vocalists Molly Klein and Nicole Riolo.  With this newly enhanced lineup, the band is eagerly anticipating bringing their new music to NYC-area stages. 

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