Puzzleroot is an eclectic, genre-bending and blending band from Vancouver Island. They have been labeled roots, altfolk, dark folk, altcountry, bluegrass, and punkgrass.
Drawing on primarily original material, this band encompasses adept vocal harmonies, with poetic and yet, often humourous and insightful lyrics. From gorgeous vocal harmonies to foot-stomping fun, this band includes slide banjo and country picking at its best.
Puzzleroot is releasing their 2nd CD in the spring of 2012. Their first CD was released in late 2009 and has not only received airplay on CBC, Village 900, CHLY, CJSF, CIUT, CiTR and CFUV, but hit the charts on CFUV, CJSF, CIUT and CHLY. It has also garnered positive reviews from the media, musicians, and fans.
Puzzleroot has performed at music festivals, house concerts, open air farmer and craft markets, bars, pubs, coffeehouses, fundraisers, and even illegally - on pirate radio. A versatile band, Puzzleroot is right at home on a festival stage, at a large urban venue, or in your living room. They have shared bills with many talented performers, including David Essig and Rick Scott, Annabelle Chvostek, Annie Lou, Wil, The Fugitives, Linda McRae, Headwater, Ben Sures, and the Lonesome Valley Singers.
Gary Eugene (guitar, vocals) is the primary songwriter and has been a songwriter for over 20 years. He easily moves across musical genres, having been part of punk (Mickey Christ, The Remanes), rock (96 Tears), altcountry (The Hardluck Angels), and folk bands throughout his life. He is a versatile musician and a powerful player. He writes with a dry wit and powerful social commentary. Clever and poetic lyrics are matched with melodic compositions that range from foot-stomping fun to hauntingly beautiful tunes that don’t easily escape the mind. He has a wide vocal range to complement his playing, able to belt out a raucous line or reach that sweet harmony note.
Marian van der Zon (banjo, slide guitar & slide banjo, vocals) is a mostly self-taught musician who has developed her own style on the 5-string banjo. This innovator is experimental in her playing (perhaps due in part to a background in sound art) and incorporates extensive slide banjo into her playing. Her picking and slide have been inspired by the early slide banjo work of 1920’s and 1930’s blues players, and yet mixed with a contemporary feel that allows her to provide sparse melody lines or slide into a punk tune. She has a wide vocal range to complement her playing, a voice that is distinctive and memorable.
Shelley Brown joins Puzzleroot on upright bass and vocals. Shelley is a strong and versatile player, well known across Vancouver Island. She has played with numerous bands including, David Essig and Rick Scott, Tuber, The Flying Accusations, and Wise Acre. She has joined many more bands in the recording studio, and is an absolute pleasure to have on board. She gives Puzzleroot the third harmony and keeps things grounded.
© 2009-2012 Puzzleroot
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