Greg Izor's New Album!

I'm Greg Izor.  I'm making a new album with the Box Kickers- one that features my own writing and production.  And we're going to cut it in my home. 

Here’s the super-short description for those who are already familiar with our work:

• I am recording a new independently produced album of completely original material. 

• The album will feature The Box Kickers – Mike Keller and Willie Pipkin on guitars, Corey Keller and Jason Corbiere on drums, Randy Glines and Michael Archer on bass.  It will be co-produced by Josh Fulero, Mike Keller, and myself. 

• We are going to record in January and February, and plan on a release in late May.

• We will record the album in my home with analog gear to achieve the creative atmosphere and tonality we love. 

• The album will be released on my label Tangle Eye Records.

Here’s the full description of what we are doing and why:

I play harmonica and guitar and sing, and I write my own material.  I'm surrounded by great musicians from my generation who are drawing on a broad musical vocabulary, and together we create something new that is still deeply rooted in the tradition.  We've spent our lives working at our craft, learning first-hand from the masters that defined this music. 

This record is not only a culmination of my experience but also a document of what we are doing at this time. I'm grounded in classic American music, blues, New Orleans R&B, and country in particular, but constantly push boundaries, challenging myself to move forward in new directions.  I've been writing a slew of new songs, and we've been playing them on the band-stand, refining them and making changes as we go.   We are going to record in January and February, and plan on a release in late May.

I'm proud that my records don't sound like anyone else's.  I like the challenge of doing things myself, and being free to make a record that sounds like me, with musicians who are close friends.

We recorded my last album, Close To Home, in my house, because I love the tones we get, especially the deep harmonica sound. The laid back atmosphere that comes with not having to worry about watching a clock allows for a lot of on-the-fly creativity. We use an analog board to record direct-to-tape, so the sound is rich and full.   And the food is killer!

I put our last record out on my label, Tangle Eye Records.  This allows me complete creative control, but comes at the cost of distribution and publicity. We are keeping costs down by cutting at home and through other savings.  Musicians in general are underpaid and under recognized in our industry.  I’d like to pay them for their hard work and for the inspiration they provide in the creation of my songs. Also, on this project, Josh Fulero will be bringing his experience and expertise to the table as co-producer. Having that objective ear and input, especially one as intelligent, experienced, and subtle as Josh's is invaluable! 

I've never been comfortable asking our supporters for money to do a record, but I've come to realize that I can't afford to do it on my own, and the music business is not structured in favor of a small label like mine.  I really appreciate all the support we've received through the years from friends, family, and people who appreciate American roots music. So, here goes!

Here's what the financial breakdown looks like:

Paying the musicians
Mixing and Mastering
Promotion
Printing of the CD
Artwork
Tape, rental of extra equipment