Mazeppa – Three tracks by brad-cityscape
Three demos Mazeppa recorded after their only album, Kick it for the Low Times but just before they imploded and much of their best stuff was lost, unrecorded . . . includes the gorgeous “Frame by Frame” – if only they’d completed that second album . . .
Sadly Mazeppa are no more but they leave behind them two great disks and a huge amount of memories. Mazeppa were: Otto Ohlsson – Vocals and Acoustic guitar, Paul Swannell – Piano and Organ, Brad B. Wood – Bass and Phil Holmes – Drums.
Otto has moved to the states and continues to write and perform his solo project – listen to his stuff and find out how he’s doing at www.otto-music.co.uk. Paul’s currently a session pianist with the Leicester band Ist with whom he has recently been recording Toothpick Bridge having played on King Martha previously. To check out their material visit www.istianity.co.uk .
Paul’s also been recording with St. Helens band The Loungs and his string arrangements are on their album We Are The Champ. Paul continues to write original material for a new solo album which he is hoping to complete in the nesr future. Paul can be contacted by emailing paulswannell@hotmail.com.
Since before Mazeppa, Brad has been recording with Conrad Astley as Merchandise and continues to do so. All Merchandise’s output is available on Cityscape Records – go to the Merchandise pages on this site or visit their myspace: www.myspace.com/merchandisetheband
Phil continues to play session drums and write and produce music playing in Hollton which you can hear on their myspace: www.myspace.com/hollton
‘Kick it for the low times’ is unmistakable evidence that mazeppa deserve to go places.
Exactly how far can be measured not only in the miles they’re clocking up playing acclaimed gigs around the country, but also in the eight monumental tracks on their debut album.
Taking their moniker from a Ukrainian folk hero immortalised by Byron and Tchaikovsky among others, mazeppa signal their ambition from the outset.
The journey from opener introit to closing track facing the sun is so intense and downright epic that it’s almost impossible to believe the album comes in at just over half an hour long.
A string section moonlighting from various orchestras and lush production by James Singleton augment mazeppa’s trademark soaring piano-led songs.
The strings are put to compelling effect on introit, the emotionally charged on the run and the sublime blindfolds removed.
Elsewhere mazeppa show their heavier side, most notably on the verses of killing time which segue into a swinging chorus which has no right to work.
And they prove they can do poppier too on the irresistible one last look and been a long time. Come along for the ride.
‘Kick it for the low times’ is out on Cityscape Records, an independent label with a do-it-yourself ethic and a growing reputation for quality.
Mazeppa don’t have electric guitars.
But it’s more than that which makes them stand out from the crowd.
The Bolton-based four piece meld piano, bass, acoustic guitar and drums to make intense and arresting music.
The soaring darkness of “When You’re Gone”, the pop impact of “Find Drive” and the pendulous mood swings of “Lost in the City Lights” on show here give a taster of the range they have at their disposal.
Mazeppa e.p. was the first release by the magnificent Mazeppa.
New converts will recognise Mazeppa’s trade mark sound and people who have been won over by Mazeppa’s live show will have to own the live, classic, anti-war song “When You’re Gone”.
The e.p. is on Cityscape Records, an independent label with a do-it-yourself ethic and a growing reputation for quality.
‘Very impressive . . . a broad, majestic, sweeping beauty of a sound’ – Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 1
‘They were really great and definitely different to other stuff out there’ – Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 1
Mazeppa are being hailed as one of the most promising acts in the North West . . . the mini-epics which make up much of their set are ultimately uplifting’ – The Bolton Evening News
