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Community Corner

Sister Hazel @ Infinity Music Hall & Bistro

Sister hazel is of the most revered American alternative rock bands ever. Their unique sound is characterized by an infectious blend of folk rock, pop, classic rock 'n' roll and southern rock. Best known for the mega radio hit “All for You”, their music is defined by highly melodic tunes, prominent harmonies and optimistic lyrics. The band's instrumentation often features abrupt shifts among electric, acoustic and a cappella, with a striking use of tacets.


Sister Hazel's creative train just keeps rolling. Last year's well-received "Release" reached the band's highest ever spot (#37) on the Billboard Album Charts, topping even their platinum disc "Somewhere More Familiar," and they are keeping the momentum going with "Heartland Highway" (Oct. 12, 2010, Rock Ridge Music), marking the band's quickest album-to-album turnaround in their 15-plus-year career.

According to bassist Jett Beres, "Release" "sparked a creativity" in the Gainesville, FL-bred band (vocalist Ken Block, guitarist/vocalist Drew Copeland, lead guitarist Ryan Newell, drummer Mark Trojanowski and Beres) that led to "Heartland Highway," a collection that they all agree is their most diverse-sounding disc. "All of us like a lot of different music," says Trojanowski, "but we have a vibe together," – one that helps to create the Sister Hazel signature mix of Southern pop hooks and country rock harmonies. "There are a lot of moments that have never been in Sister Hazel songs before," notes Newell, adding, "We strive to give our audience something different each time."

The group's 8th full-length, "Heartland Highway" reflects a rootsy journey for both the band and the listeners. Beres describes the album as "American road trip music" while Copeland suggests, "It's one of those discs you can put on and listen to front to back." The disc ebbs and flows between rockin' tracks (Block's "Great Escape" and Copeland's "She's Got A Hold On Me" and "Where You're Going") and more poignant numbers (Newell's "Far Away" and Block's "Saddest Song [Not Coming Home]").

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