ZORAMENA
Sophisticated pop that surges with rock n’ roll energy.
Whether live or on record, expect nothing less from Ben Vogel. The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based songwriter/performer gained his musical experience the old-fashioned way; playing rock, blues, jazz, and soul, entertaining bar crowds and backyard party-goers from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, all while earning college degrees in classical music.
Over time, Vogel has distilled these wide-ranging influences into his own sound, borrowing from all these traditions, while remaining unbound by their rules. One listen to his new album Revealed makes it clear - the Beatlesque pop of the title track, the yacht-rock groove of “Autumn,” and the soulful slow-dance of “Write You a Letter” all highlight Vogel’s eclectic, open-hearted songwriting approach.
Furthermore, the full-tilt rock n’ roll of “Some Things Never Change,” and the instrumental jazz fusion of “Just the Facts” show off his lightning-quick guitar work. Every instrument and all of the vocals on Revealed were performed by Vogel, who also self-produced the album in his home studio.
Vogel keeps a busy schedule of live shows around the Inland Northwest, flanked by Zoramena - featuring Chuck LASTNAMETBD on bass, and Paul Barbieri on drums. The band offers dynamic renditions of both the new material, as well as songs from Ben’s debut album Whistling After Midnight (I Don’t Hear a Single’s #9 album of 2019.) Their live shows, and Vogel’s catalog of songs, attest to the joy of making music. Ben Vogel & the Contraband look forward to making more music and spreading more joy in the months and years to come.
LIVE VIDEOS
MUSIC
PRESS QUOTES
“Keep “Silent Supper” a constant in your playlist because you will not regret it.”
“...the type of well written, beautifully produced offering that you hear less and less these days”