One-Word Folk

Nuvo, Indy's Alternative Voice
May 2, 2007

Zach

Cleveland-based Zach has found his Indianapolis home at Spencer’s Stadium Tavern. “I tour over 230 dates a year and am always happy to bring my show to Indianapolis,” he says. “The last time I performed there, I made a passing comment to the bartender about wishing they had something chocolate, and 15 minutes later, Spencer comes over with three different kinds of candy bars he bought at the store up the road!”

Tavern owner Spencer Valentine says, “Zach is a great talent and an awesome performer. His song, ‘Distracted,’ has such a good hook; I swear you’ll be singing it in the shower for a week. If that isn’t enough, he usually gives out free car air fresheners too.”

Zach is celebrating his latest release, 1-19-2007. The CD is a live recording of his acoustic folk rock show. The album is named for the date of what would have been his father’s 56th birthday. Chuck Freidhof died Feb. 18, 2006, of pancreatic cancer.

“For the last seven years of his life, he was my manager and soundman,” Zach says. “He always said that he had more fun and made more meaningful friends than he had in over 30 years in the business world. He was and still is an inspiration and a guide. We had the great blessing of having a wonderful relationship and were able to work together very positively. He always liked my live show better than my recordings, and so I couldn’t really not have this live CD in tribute to him.”

-- Nora Spitznogle

The Kids Are All Right

Akron Life and Leisure
June 2006, page 26

"The Kids Are All Right." British rock'n roll legends The Who penned that song title more than 40 years ago and, ever since, it has been a rallying cry for generations of youthful music lovers who feel their musical tastes are misunderstood, if not vilified, by their elders.  While there will always be youthful music that deserves a little elder paranoia, plenty of adult-friendly music is created by musicians barely out of their teens.

In recent years, the Akron area has been blessed with a bumper crop of such performers, along with high quality venues in which to perform.  Our area is home to a growing assortment of respectable small clubs where today's young musicians can creatively hone their skills and try out new songs to cozy but appreciative audiences that seem to have no age barriers.

So, who's making music that transverses a once insurmountable generation gap?  On any given night, there are honestly many.  Leading the charge are two guys not yet 25...

...Singer-songwriter Zach Freidhof was y our typical clean-cut Brecksville High School student who turned to music to pass the time when temporary health concerns sidelined his basketball game.  Basketball's loss was music's gain.  In the ensuing years, "Zach," his official performance moniker, has released six CDs and has piqued the curiosity of more than one major record label.

The very definition of "working musician," Zach performs more than 200 shows a year, playing on stage with both contemporary and classic performers like Chicago, Bad Company, Catie Curtis, Rick Springfield, Rusted Root and Michael Bolton.  A repeat winner of many regional music awards, Zach channels smart and sensitive James Taylor-esque lyrics and melodies, peppered with the contemporary zing of Gavin DeGraw or Jason Mraz.  His spunky live shows are mostly Zach originals, and his goose-bump-inducing cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" is worth the price of admission.  Rarely a week goes by that Zach, solo acoustic, or with his full band, isn't playing someplace in the Akron area.

Ratings:
Zach CD-"Face With A View" released 5-05 4/5 stars
http://www.zachmusic.net

--Bill Gruber

RELISH MAGAZINE

March 30, 2006 (WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL, Page 8)

 It's hard to imagine that anybody who goes to clubs hasn't heard of Zach Freidhof, a young singer-songwriter known, simply, as ZACH (at least there's no exclamation point). ZACH (why is he shouting?) essentially lives on the road, playing 200-plus shows a year in every club, room or lean-to that will have him. He has released a pair of good albums, and his better-than-average songwriting -- emotional, witty and surprisingly kinetic folk-pop – has started to win him a legion of fans. He sounds a bit like Dave Matthews – make of that what you will – but he carries himself with soul and elegance.

-- Ed Bumgardner relish staff writer

Cleveland Plain Dealer

January 27, 2006 (Friday Magazine)
"Mesmerize"
(Crooked River Groove Records)

If you're a fan of old-school Dave Matthews Band, Parma native Zach Friedhof's "Mesmerize" is worth your attention. The 11 acoustic-guitar-filled tracks feature solid vocals and confident songwriting that might be folk-based but possess a distinct classic-rock vibe. Friedhof's passion is evident on standout track "California," which features biting lyrics ("Do you like your life . . . is this what you wanted?") coupled with an impressive guitar break that requires multiple listens to fully comprehend its gripping beauty. Still decidedly in the shadow of obvious vocal influence Matthews, this 23-year-old shows plenty of promise. Here's hoping he finds his own voice soon. Grade: B+
-John Benson

Artist Spotlight: Zach

Saturday, 07 January 2006

Zach A Face With A View

I First met Zach back in 2000 during the taping of our local music program which was on our previous Internet Radio project. I was impressed with this young, energetic, and very talented Singer / Songwriter. I kept a close eye on him, and have tried my best to support his efforts over the years.

Zach is definitely a local Cleveland artist worthy of national exposure!

Legato Cafe artist, Maia Sharp had this to say about Zach:

"He's (Zach) very cool. I think "Distracted" is my favorite one. I also love the guitars in "Son Of The Circus." Nice and crunchy. I hope it does well. He definitely deserves to be heard." -- Maia Sharp

His latest release "Face with a view" showcases his latest works, and finds Zach revisiting some of his earlier works. We feel you'll be impressed with his latest release.

For information on how to obtain his latest CD, visit his website www.zachmusic.net

- C. Gould

RELISH

December 29, 2005 (Smitty's Notes, Winston-Salem, NC)

ROCKIN' ZACH RETURNING TO RUBBER SOUL TONIGHT

ZACH is back. Zach, a tree-time Cleveland Music Award winner, returns to the Triad bringing his blend or rockin' folk-pop songs and love on the rocks ballads for an evening of awesome entertainment. Zach is getting to be a regular at Rubber Soul, making Winston-Salem his new Southern base camp. Don't miss it!

-Jeff Smith

The CLEVELAND FREE TIMES

December 7-13, 2005 (Vol. 13, No. 33)
ZACH
Mesmerize
(Crooked River Groove)
www.zachmusic.net

The second release on the Crooked River Groove label, Zach’s Mesmerize was recorded by student recording engineers Kevin McFadden and Thomas Jeffries at the Cuyahoga Community College studios.  The guys have done a masterful job here, as the semi-acoustic music sounds crisp and Zach’s soulful vocals really resonate.  You can even hear every last whisper in the title track.  It helps that Zach, a singer-songwriter who performs some 200 shows a year, is a seasoned musician and a great songwriter, even if he tends to evoke that faux hippie Dave Matthews on some of the ballads.  While most of the 11 songs here fall roughly into the singer/songwriter genre, Zach branches out a bit, adding vocal percussion to “Life” and rocking out for “The Fade,” one of the disc’s best tracks.

-- Jeff Niesel

CLEVELAND FREE TIMES

August 24-30^th, 2005  (Vol.13  No.18 Pg. 28)           

ZACH
Face With a View (Buffalo Zef Records) zachmusic.net  

Between the John Mayers and Jason Mrazs cluttering up the airwaves, there’s a surplus of male singer-songwriters these days. That’s why it’s remarkable that Zach stands out. The 22-year-old’s latest album features everything from self-righteous folk songs (“BLT”) to radio-ready pop tunes (“Distracted”) and love-on-the-rocks ballads (“Traces”). Recorded in Cleveland at Buffalo ZEF and Metrosync Studios and produced by Jason Lustig and Zach, it’s a professional sounding recording. It features a number of cameos, including an appearance by bassist Jeff Berlin (Al DiMeola, George Benson), who adds an understated elegance to the Dave Matthews-like ballad “Girl in the Corner (Chase Me Away).”

– Jeff Niesel

GO TRIAD 

May 12th, 2005. Winston-Salem, NC

Last year, I stumbled upon a new singer on the horizon, and I'm pleased to announce that he is returning to the Twin City. Simply known as ZACH, this talented singer/songwriter has performed more than 200 shows a year for the past three years. He has toured all over the country and shared the stage with Chicago, Bad Company, Rusted Root, Jen Chapin, and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Zach's high-energy shows and spiritually emotional material have generated a devoted following and give him the ability to win audiences both in and outside his genre.

"People want to be entertained, but you can't always be mindlessly entertained," Zach says. "That only goes so far and only fulfills so much. You need substance, too."

The coffee-shop scene permitted Zach the opportunity to begin and grow as a performer, and he still gravitates toward more intimate settings.

Case in point: He'll perform Tuesday night at RUBBER SOUL, 1148 Burke St, and it's a free show. That's right, free.

Zach's heavy performance schedule has also landed him such accolades as No.3 All-Time Best Artist as nominated by the 20,000 listeners of WAPS (91.3 FM), a popular public radio station in Akron, Ohio. (Think WNCW, except in Ohio.) Zach also earned a spot as a finalist in the Soul City Cafe Music Quest sponsored by pop-star Jewel. Zach is hitting the road to promote his new CD, "Face with a View," which may quite possibly be his best effort to date.

Check and see for yourself. Next Tuesday. Remember, it's free.  

--Kim Thore

Cleveland Musician to Perform on Show Today

Ashland Times-Gazette April 30^th, 2005

Kim Sweet hosts a weekly radio show, “The Sweet Spot,” 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday on Ashland University ’s radio station WRDL 88.9. Each week, an artist or band is featured on “The Sweet Spot.” Cleveland performer Zach will be the guest today.

  Not many artists can say actor Kevin Spacey called to say he liked their CD. Especially not an independent artist from Cleveland . Given that criteria, Cleveland-based Zach probably is in a pretty exclusive club.

  Zach’s last album, “Beautiful Possession,” somehow ended up in the Academy Award Winner’s hands. The actor liked the 2002 project so much, he called Zach to let him know. Spacey obviously has a good ear for music.

  Zach is a prolific singer-songwriter who plays acoustic and electric guitar, as well as harmonica. His music is catchy pop/rock with a touch of folk.

  Zach’s new project, “Face With a View,” is scheduled to be released Tuesday.

  A song from that CD, “Chase Me Away,” is licensed for use on the next season of MTV’s “The Real World.”

  On his new project, Zach again falls nicely into that singer/songwriter niche popularized recently by artists such as John Mayer and Jason Mraz.

  However, Zach is no carbon copy of any other artist. His originality is welcome in an industry that oftentimes relies on cookie cutters to create “The Next Big Thing.”

  At times, Zach’s vocals are reminiscent if Bono’s falsetto croonings, other times you’d think he was channeling Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows.

  Zach’s music has won him numerous awards and opened doors for him to open for artists such as Chicago, Michael Bolton, and Bad Company.

Zach will be performing May 6^th at Friendzy’s.

  For more information on Zach, visit www.zachmusic.net.  

--Tim Busbey
  T-G News Editor

GO TRIAD/www.strutteronthetown.com

Zach - Kim's Review

My personal taste in music may be as varied as my wardrobe but there's one characteristic that must remain consistent -energy and passion. There is nothing that will bore me faster than a musician or band that plays their music with the vigor of a slug. I'm not saying once on stage you have to act like you've been on a steady diet of Hydroxy Cut and Mountain Dew, but please at least act like you are enjoying what you are doing.

If there is one musician that I will never have to worry about fitting into the afore-mentioned slug category, it's Zach Friedhof. Zach is a young 23 yr old singer songwriter from Ohio who has started making some rather impressive waves in the music industry and my guess is after seeing him perform at Rubber Soul Thursday, he and his music might hit Sunami proportions in the near future. When I wasn't watching Zach move effortlessly from acoustic to electric guitar and from profound and evocative songs to crowd pleasing covers, I was watching the crowd. Not many singers can boast a fan base that ranges in age from 21 to 51, and in that Zach has an edge over most. His youth and effervescent personality draws the younger crowd in as this feels like "their" music and the more mature listeners wish for the same. As one person commented to me, "you can't "act" like you're having that much fun". Indeed it is no act. Zach is truly enjoying himself and it comes through in his music. Songs like "A Beautiful Possession" and "Liar" stick with you in a catchy way but there's also another quality to Zach's music that is often a rare find. His songs weave a tapestry that paints you a landscape and serve as a backdrop. Much like the last words of a good novel stick with the reader so do the notes of his guitar and the echo of his voice. So good are both, you don't want to shake them off. Zach's cd "A Beautiful Possession" is a must have , if for no other reason than it is probably the most aptly named cd of the summer.

GO TRIAD / www.strutteronthetown.com

Published June 24th, 2004

Zach - Thursday, June 24th at Rubber Soul

Thank goodness for appendicitis. If it weren't for a rather nasty attack of it, you wouldn't have the chance to see a "on the rise" musical star this Thursday at Rubber Soul. Meet Zach, an award winning Cleveland based singer songwriter, who after recuperating from the antics of a surly appendix with a mind of its own, decided to take up music and become a singer -songwriter. I interviewed Zach by phone, listened to some of his songs and I have to admit I was quite impressed. His lyrics are more world weary than is his age and he's been pounding the music circuit for the past 5 ½ years. His very first open mic set caused the club owner to book him for an entire year afterwards. His performance opening up for Chicago ended with band waiting for him offstage to congratulate him. His last cd netted him a phone call from actor Kevin Spacey who wanted to tell him how much he enjoyed it. Zach's music is thoughtful and provocative in a Lennon-esque- U2 kind of way and you can catch him live at Rubber Soul June 24. Rubber Soul is located at 1148 Burke Street . Call 721-0570 for ticket info. Oh, and did I forget to mention MTV came calling and his song "Chase Me Away" is slated for the next Real World? Catch Zach quickly, this may be your last chance to see him in a small club. Kim will be reviewing the show so ck back for the details. In the meantime, click here for a link to Zach's website http://www.zachmusic.net/

RELISH MAGAZINE

Published June 24th, 2004
Smitty's Notes
Weekend to bring some excellent sounds
Thursday, June 24, 2004

A musician name Zach is coming to attack Winston-Salem . You can beat the heat if you head to the foothills after work this Friday. A singles party is coming to the Piedmont Club, and a blast of Fleetwood Mac is coming to The Garage.

Looking for something to do after Alive after Five this week? You just might enjoy a - ZACH Attack! An award-winning pop/rock artist from Cleveland , Zach Freidhof will bring his solo act to the Rubber Soul for a 10 o'clock show tonight.

Friedhof has been named Best Pop/Rock Act at the Cleveland Music Festival for the past three years, nominated Best Singer/Songwriter by the Free Times Music Awards, and has opened for such acts as Bo Diddley, Michael Bolton, Buckwheat Zydeco, Chicago and Bad Company.

Sounds like Zach is coming to Winston-Salem to put on a show. Admission is free.

 Don't let anything stop you from your ZACH Attack!

RubberSoul Bar is at 1148 Burke St . For more information, call 721-0570.

--Jeff Smith -- relish columnist

REGION ROCK MAGAZINE

Published June 2004

CLEVELAND FREE TIMES

Published July 9th, 2003

Zach- A Beautiful Possession

Earnest to a fault, side-burned singer/songwriter Zach Freidhof is one of Cleveland's most active musicians. When he's not playing the city's assortment of coffeehouses and small clubs, he's opening for acts such as folk icon Richard Thompson and classic rock acts Chicago and Bad Company. Freidhof comes off as Counting Crows without the schtick. Unlike the Corw's Adam Duritz, to whom he bears a vocal resemblance, he doesn't get too pretentious and just writes good songs.

Produced by Jon Denney and Freidhof, A Beautiful Possession, has a full, rich sound, as Freidhof, who plays guitar and harmonica, is assisted by keyboardist Jon Denney and percussionist Mike Holloran as well as guests such as guitarist Jeff Nagel, drummer Charley Newcomer, and bassist Mike Crow. One of the albums best songs, "Distracted," is an infectious ballad about a dreamer, and it's already gotten some well-deserved airplay on local college radio stations. On occasion, Zach's feel-good sentiments get in the way -- he's a bit too cheery in "Here is Today" and too lovey-dovey on the synth-heavy track "Lavender (Part Two)" -- but in these troubled times, it's hard to fault a guy for sounding too happy.  --Jeff Niesel.   

ASHLAND TIMES-GAZETTE

Published March 8th, 2003

Cleveland musician to be on AU radio show today

by Tim Busbey

Kim Sweet-Buzzard hosts a weekly radio show, "The Sweet Spot," every Saturday from 9am to noon on Ashland University's radio station 88.9. Each week, an artist or artists from Ohio are featured on "The Sweet Spot." Zach of Cleveland will be the guest today.

Zach

Although he has been playing the guitar for just more than four years, Zach has already accomplished much in his relatively short musical career.

Cleveland-based Zach is a prolific songwriter, having released four CDs since 1999, including his latest, 2002's "Beautiful Possession."

Zach plays acoustic and electric guitar as well as harmonica. 

His music is pop/rock at its best, with catchy hooks and insightful, clever lyrics. At times, Zach sounds like James Taylor, others like "80's group Crowded House. But through it all, he is forging his own unique sound that is getting attention.

Music legend Dick Clark wrote Zach after hearing his CD and said that he "really enjoyed it." There is talk of him performing on Jay Leno's "Tonight Show."

Last year, he was invited to showcase at S.I.R. studios in New York City in front of three major labels.

His work has also earned him many awards and honors. Zach was named best acoustic act and best overall band in the 2001 Cleveland Music Festival and best pop/rock act in the 2002 festival. He was also a nominee for best singer/songwriter in the 2002 Free Times Music Awards. 

He has opened for acts such as Chicago, Michael Bolton, Bad Company, Bo Diddley, and the 2001 Farm Aid show featuring Dave Matthews, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and the Doobie Brothers.

Zach plays every other Tuesday at the Riverfront Coffee Mill in Cuyahoga Falls form 7-9pm. For more information on Zach, visit his website at www.zachmusic.net.

Zach Wins CMF Award Third Time

Musician tops in CMF Pop/Rock

from the Record-Courier Thursday, March 13th, 2003

Local singer/songwriter Zach has taken home the award for best pop/rock act in the Cleveland Music Awards for the third straight year, as part of the third annual Cleveland Music Festival. Because of his past success, this hard-working musician was selected by the CMF to headline one of its venues, the HiFi Club in Lakewood. After all the performances, people who attended the showcases were asked to vote for the best artist or band in the various genres, and Zach once again came out on top in his. Zach is being deemed a "breath of fresh air" with a unique pop/rock sound that earned him an invitation to showcase at S.I.R. Studios in New York City this past September in front of three major labels. His first two albums, Delusions and Turquoise Dreams, have sold out. Currently, Zach is touring in support of his 2002 releases, A Beautiful Possession and Zach Live. In addition, he has just signed a distribution deal with Cleveland-based UnderCover Records.

Zach Once Again to Headline Cleveland Music Festival

Posted on Sunday, February 09 @ 14:27:33 GMT -6 by sergio_101

CLEVELAND , Ohio , February 8— Coming off a very successful Florida tour, local singer/songwriter Zach is preparing once again to headline the Cleveland Music Festival, a showcase that has brought him much recognition the past two years both locally and nationally.  His showcase, with a full band, will take place at the Hi-Fi in Lakewood on Saturday, February 22^nd at 10:00 PM . 

Zach is being deemed as a “breath of fresh air” with a unique pop/rock sound that earned him an invitation to showcase at S.I.R. Studios in New York City this past September in front of three major labels.  “His soft voice has immense range and depth and his well-written lyrics are clearly understandable on every track,” says music critic Marly Koskinski of the Record Courier.

But great songs are only part of the reason for the label interest.  Zach has been a fixture at coffeehouses and clubs in Northeast Ohio both solo and with his band.  Last summer he opened for national acts such as Bad Company, Chicago, Richard Thompson, Christopher Cross and Michael Bolton. 

Zach has a fan club of over 2,000 members, a mailing list of 13,000 and has been averaging 7,000 hits per month on his website, www.zachmusic.net  .  He has sold out of his first two releases, Delusions and Turquoise Dreams, and is currently planning more tours in support of his latest releases, A Beautiful Possession and Zach Live.

As part of the Cleveland Music Festival, Zach won the awards for best overall act in 2001 and best pop/rock artist in 2002.  He also was nominated for best singer/songwriter in the Cleveland Free Times Music Awards the past two years.

For more information contact:

Michael J. Media Group/Mike Farley/216-548-2434/ farleypr@yahoo.com

Management: Chuck Freidhof/440-666-3977/ cfreidhof@earthlink.net  

Zach strikes chord at Hillsdale

From Michigan ’s oldest college newspaper: The Collegian
September 19, 2002

The quad shook with the sound of music Friday night as Zach entertained an intimate, intense and involved crowd of Hillsdale students.

Kids of all classes and social groups danced, or attempted to dance, beneath a gold-and-white-striped tent illuminated by colorful kaleidoscopic lights and resonating with vibrant tones and notes.

Zach Freidhof, 21, in his black-rimmed glasses and trademark black derby, played guitar and sang with quick fingers and wailing vocals. Wally Spizak, 32, jammed on bass guitar, as his shaved head, flowing hands and bouncing knee moved rhythmically with the music. Unexpected 19-year-old Angela Cutrone, in her white T-shirt, child-like bangs and unguarded, disarming grin, attacked the drums with a forceful, yet graceful vigor that involved her entire petite body.

While Zach performed its unique, simple-but-confident tunes, the crowd jumped, laughed and swelled to at least twice its original size. With each succeeding song, bodies pressed closer to the stage and closer to one another as the steady beat overtook their minds and limbs. Not one person stood still.

The band did not sound like any other band. Though it covered the songs “With or Without You” by U2 and “All Along the Watchtower,” Zach succeeded in making them new by adding its own style and flavor.

The band’s original tracks rocked with the combination of rich vocals, solid instrumentation and fluid movements that signified self-possession and cool stage presence. The band alternated between showcasing rock, funk and punk styles and often exhibited a form that combined each of these varied modes.

As the players wound down and announced their last song, the crowd cheered and begged for more.

“Hmmm. Maybe we should,” Spizak said, followed by strong approval from the crowd.

And they continued to play.

Freidhof picked up a guitar for the first time four years ago. For three years now, he has been writing, singing and performing at places like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the 2001 Farm Aid in Indianapolis and the Cleveland Music Festival 2001, at which he was named Best Acoustic Act and Best Overall Band.

He has headlined at the Akron City Fair 2001, the Crooked River Blues, Jazz and Arts Fest in Cuyahoga Falls , the Midwest Music Festival in Indianapolis and nearly every coffee shop in northern Ohio .

Fox 8 Morning Show has featured Freidhof several times as well.

He has been billed with national acts such as Catie Curtis, Bo Diddley, Mountain, War, the Colin Johns Band, the New Rascals, Buckwheat Zydeco, and the Rugburns.

His albums include Beautiful Possession (June 2002), Turquoise Dreams (April 2000), and Delusions (Dec. 1999).

The crowd favorite “Chase Me Away” was chosen and licensed for use on MTV’s Real World series.

Spizak and Cutrone are relatively new additions to Freidhof’s band, which has played with Frank Romano, Guitar One Magazine’s New York “studio ace,” among others.

The band has recently begun touring the regional college circuit, which fortunately includes Hillsdale.

As with most campus events in Hillsdale, the crowd that gathered to hear Zach was not of epic proportions. But those that did attend will undoubtedly attest to being entertained and pleasantly surprised.

“Despite the lackluster turnout, the band performed beyond my expectations,” said senior and Student Activities Board officer Erik Butcher.

The band members seemed to enjoy themselves as well.

“You guys are awesome out there,” Freidhof said. “I want to send a little something to everyone out there because you guys are the best.”

“We love you Hillsdale,” Freidhof said at the end. “Have a good night.”

By Rachel Womelsduff
Collegian Reporter

Published January 16 - 22, 2002

Various Artists
91.3 The Summit Bandwith v2.0

One of the only radio stations in Northeast Ohio spinning alt-country and adult alternative, Akron’s WAPS 91.3 FM provides a much-needed regional outlet for acts such as the Old 97s, Jay Farrar and Lucinda Williams. The Summit, as the station’s known, also supports local artists in the same vein, and this disc shows that the style may be underrepresented here, but isn’t unappreciated. For the most part, the songs here compare favorably to the artists that make up the bulk of the station’s playlist. Don Dixon & Marti Jones’ live rendition of "Praying Mantis" has all the pop smarts of Squeeze, Tim Easton’s "Carry Me" recalls the tough country of Steve Earle, and Zach’s "Distracted" has the quiet intensity of Elliott Smith. Only a handful of tracks fall short of the mark. The Twistoffs’ "Rolling Over" is superficial ska and Time No Reason’s "So Gone" a cliché-ridden ballad. But on the whole, this solid collection is bound to appeal to fans of the station’s format. B — Jeff Niesel
Contact: www.913thesummit.com
The Summit CD Release Party, featuring Don Dixon, Dan Rose, Chris Allen and Time No Reason, takes place at 7 pm on Sat., January 19, at the Lime Spider (207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-2350).

CLEVELAND FREE TIMES MAGAZINE

For a guy who’s relying on his own grassroots production and distribution channels, singer/songwriter Zach Friedhof maintains an ambitious recording schedule. More than just prolific, though, Friedhof is consistent as well. Turquoise Dreams – which follows his previous effort, Delusions, by a little less than two years – is a mix of competent songwriting, solid musicianship and well-balanced arrangements.

Sounding a lot like John Lennon and a little like Bob Dylan, Friedhof pensively makes his way through 10 tracks that examine the deeper questions in typical singer-songwriter-guitarist style. Standout tracks include the uptempo "October," with bassist Mike Crow stepping up to help move the song forward, and "The Dream Is Dead," with Jon Denney’s keyboard work and Frank Romano’s electric guitar riffs helping to solidify the rhythm. More prominent, though, are the backing vocals of Cory Farinacci, who adds depth and resonance to Friedhof’s style without overpowering him. She brings personality and nuance to the quirky "There She Goes," her sole stab at lead vocals.

Despite its speedy arrival on the heels of its preceding effort, Turquoise Dreams is never rushed or forced. Friedhof obviously has a vast creative storehouse to draw from, and a good sense of songcraft and arrangement. He’s one to watch on the local scene. Grade: B PLUS – John C. Bruening

Testimonials:

• "Zach is an awesome talent! John Lennon's Compassion courses through his veins. I'm very impressed with this kid and believe he is a star. He is also a down-to-Earth, level-headed, decent human being willing to do whatever it takes to make it.  Also, I've seen him live and he's just as good live as his recorded presentation and a charmer as well.”  --Tom Kent - Elektra Records, formerly a DJ on WHBQ Memphis,  WIXY Cleveland, KLIF Dallas, WIBG Philadelphia, WLS Chicago, WAVA Washington 

• “ZACH’s performance is in a word, INCREDIBLE!  I have never seen a solo performance like it.  If you've never seen one of his solo shows you gotta go.”
  --Rick Reich - Rudedog Music Promotions
  
  

• "I put local Cds we get in the changer with four national discs to see if the local stands out... when i heard Zach's, i had to take (the CD) out and see whose it was. I said, 'Wow, this is really good. Who is this guy?'" -Bill Gruber Program Director 91.3 WAPS The Summit

• "He's (Zach) very cool. I finally caught some quality time to sit down and listen to it (Beautiful Possession) this weekend. I think "Distracted" in my favorite one today. I also love the guitars on "Son of the Circus." Nice and crunchy. I hope it does well. He definitely deserves to be heard." -Maia Sharp - Singer/Songwriter

• "What's clear is that people loved Zach's stuff. We received emails and message board postings from people who are blown away by his work. His music has touched many lives through this competition and we're all very grateful for his participation. Soul City Cafe is extremely proud of its association with Zach." -Ken Calhoun - Soul City Cafe

• "I