Zygote

by John Popper

Overview

In one sense, it is fair to ask why John Popper needed to make a solo album while Blues Traveler was still active, and still one of the more popular touring bands in America. The answer is Zygote itself. Popper is undeniably a strong presence in Blues Traveler, contributing not only the lead vocals, but co-writing songs and often putting his considerable harmonica prowess at center stage. Still, Blues Traveler is a genuine band, with each member providing specific individual contributions to the overall sound. Popper's debut album, Zygote, is clearly a solo album, emphasizing everything that he contributes to the band -- his supple singing, elongated phrasing, affection for blues-rock, and astounding harmonica playing. That said, it also has the excesses of a solo record -- studio chatter, instrumental indulgences, songs that sound a little too similar to each other -- but it has a different character than a Blues Traveler record: it's laid-back and song-oriented, and it often seems introspective. Popper's lyrics wind around themselves so much it's hard to tell if they're actually introspective, but in this case, the appearance counts for more than the reality, since the feeling is more important than the details. And that feeling on Zygote is warm and mellow, helping distinguish it as a Popper album, not a Traveler side-project. True, it's unlikely to win fans outside of the group's hardcore following -- there are catchy songs here, but few outright pop songs on the level of "Run Around" -- but it does make a case that Popper is a worthwhile solo artist in his own right. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	09/07/1999
Label:	Interscope
UPC:	0606949040826

Tracks

1. Miserable Bastard
2. Once You Wake Up
3. Growing in Dirt
4. Tip the Domino
5. His Own Ideas
6. Home
7. Love For Free
8. How About Now
9. Evil in My Chair
10. Lunatic
11. Open Letter
12. Fledgling

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Popper   Primary Artist,Flute,Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica,Sound Effects,Whistle (Human)
Rob Clores   Piano,Keyboards,Organ (Hammond)
Carter Beauford   Drums,Percussion
Crugie Riccio   Guitar
Crugie   Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals
Dave Ares   Guitar (Bass),Bass

Technical Credits

Carter Beauford   Guest Artist
John Popper   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Jonny Lang   Composer
Terry Manning   Producer,Engineer,Mixing
Ted Jensen   Mastering
Christopher Riccio   Composer
Cliff Feiman   Production Coordination
Crugie Riccio   Composer
Johnny Lang   Composer
Crugie   Composer
Andrea Dunham   Illustrations,Artwork
Paul Angelli   Assistant Mastering Engineer
Dan Jurow   Assistant Engineer