Lucid by Graham Czach

The Chicago Music Award Winner's Solo Debut Features Drummer Kris Myers (Umphrey's McGee), Keyboardist Matt Nelson (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) And Guitarist Chris Siebold (Howard Levy, Kick The Cat)-Plus Brilliant Artwork By Legendary Album Artist Jeff Jordan (The Mars Volta). Lucid- the impressively complete debut album by Chicago bassist and multi-instrumentalist Graham Czach, is a viscerally exciting, emotionally stimulating, and intellectually replete album. Through the use of lush chords, soaring melodies, and first class musicianship, some tracks reach a frenzied peak, while other moments are meditative and contemplative. The opening tracks flow seamlessly into each other, while lyrically giving some insight to the cover art, done by the legendary album artist Jeff Jordan (The Mars Volta). And from “Reincarnate”, through “Gather Round” (An obvious nod to the humanitarian exploits of John Lennon) all the way to Goodnight (Lily), Graham’s conceptual continuity is made apparent. While Czach covered all of the vocals, basses, and most of the guitar parts himself, he surrounded himself with a truly killer line-up including Kris Myers on drums (Umphrey’s McGee), Matt Nelson on keys (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos), and Chris Siebold on guitar (Howard Levy, Kick The Cat). In addition to this amazing team, Matt Nischan of Fullerton Recording helped to co-produce and engineer "Lucid". It wouldn't have been the same without him. Countless hours were spent in the studio refining the sound that you hear today. Manny Sanchez of I.V. Lab studios in Chicago also engineered and mixed the album. From hard rocking odd metered grooves, to four (and more) part vocal harmonies, to beautiful melodies, and flourishing string arrangements- this album has it all. Considering this is Czach’s debut release, we hope to hear a lot more from this talented young composer. This passionate emotional album sparks universal thought, bringing us back to the future of music that has substance. With the music industry going down the tubes these days, so to speak, Graham has found a way to brink back the organic music that touches people through universal messages and snaps them out of the bubbles they live in from day to day. “Lucid” touches upon subjects like abortion, reincarnation, love, identity, and peace to name a few. With all the mass produced garbage coming out of the music industry today, this is a fresh delicacy for your ears. “If I were to describe the music on this album in words so you can relate to it before even listening, even though I hate to classify or catagorize and put things in boxes, I would say that it sounds similar to 60's/70's classic-psychadelic rock such as the Beatles, CSNY, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd combined with early 90's grunge such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, add a singer/songwriter vibe like Jeff Buckley then top it off with some modern dark melodic rock like Radiohead. That description was based off of people’s feedback after listening to it and by my own ears reflecting on the influences apparent. The only reason I think this is necessary because you know how everyone says, what does your music sound like?, when you tell them about it. I usually reply, Take a listen and find out. “ – Graham Czach What sets this album apart from the rest is the original style and sound of the music. You can hear all the influences yet it sounds like no one but Graham Czach. In a day and age overwhelmed by millions of artists who rely on technology to sound good, you can tell that this is the real deal. There is nothing fake or superficial about it. From the arrangements to the subtle atmosphere, he creates a world of promise and hope that will change lives and make people think. Enjoy! Released June 2010 ℗ 2010 Sliced Tomato