brian bonz

brian bonz (brooklyn, ny)

Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter Brian Bonz originally began, like most of us, as a young cub. His growing interest in songwriting led him to make ardent use of his older brother's four-track machine and digital recording programs. His first record of seven songs, Sunday Theory (2003), was self-released and sold at shows. Susan The Boy Scout (2004) followed and was put out by Bay Ridge-based Electric Frog Recordings.

Forging ahead, a full band sound started coalescing with various line-ups. The band then pegged Kevin McMahon at Marcata Studios in Harlem to produce their next EP. A Veteran Approach To The Summer Sequence (2005) had a limited self-release and musically was a significant departure from Brian's previous work.

After a brief hiatus, Brian started work on what would become From Sumi To Japan . Bassist Jinda Phommavongsa and keyboardist/vocalist E.J. DeCoske - once ancillary and now heavily involved - helped stretch boundaries and lend invigorating energy to the new material. By the summer of '07 the band commenced tracking at Seaside Lounge in Sunset Park with Chris Bracco (Kevin Devine, Cazwell) at the helm; mixing continued at his Buckingham-Nicks studio.

Employing horns, cello, banjo, and hammered dulcimer (in addition to layers of guitars), From Sumi To Japan shows a foremost transformation in both the band's songwriting structure and entire sonic palette. "Christa McCauliffe's Cacophony (Reprise)" and "Judy & The Alpha Queen", for instance, are evidence of deft economy and use of the studio-as-instrument. The record saw further support from session players who've worked with Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, Arcade Fire, TV on the Radio, and Tom Waits. After the necessary tweaks and knob-turning, From Sumi To Japan will see release sometime in 2009.

Brian Bonz & The Dot Hongs have played with a number of different acts, including Kevin Devine, Do Make Say Think, Jesse Lacey (Brand New), Apollo Sunshine, Roger Miller (Mission of Burma), Owen, Joan of Arc, and Melissa Ferrick. The band has also performed live on KEXP Seattle radio.

brian bonz is:
Brian Bonz - vocals, guitars, drums

The Dot Hongs:
EJ De Coske - Noise, Keys
Mike Strandberg - Guitar
Jinda - Bass
Mike Rizzo - Drums
Adam Christgau - Drums
Kenny Warren - Trumpet
Brett Gregory -Baritone Sax & Clarinet
Amy Bracco - Vocals

Did You Know...
Brian Bonz played percussion and keys on Kevin Devine's new album "Brother's Blood" along with his brother and Dot Hongs guitarist Mike Strandberg.

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