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Sister Hazel
Rock groups have taken their names from fictional characters, films, songs, cities, states, catch phrases and slang. Tired of the usual, some sought more unconventional sources. Down in Gainesville, FL, there was Sister Hazel's Rescue Mission. An African-American woman, Sister Hazel, ran the mission in the '70s and '80s. So it seemed natural for five Gainesville Rockers to lift the name as a tribute. Probably the only rescue mission operator so honored in Rock's entire history.
Sister Hazel formed in '94 and released a self-titled CD. That effort built help build a strong local following. The next step was the addition of Ryan Newell on guitar. Their second self-produced CD "… Somewhere More Familiar" rolled out in '96 and sold 10,000 copies. Universal Records picked it up and re-released it in '97. "Concede," an acoustic/electric-Rocker featuring a swishing Hammond organ was a perfect example of Sister Hazel's sound. "All For You" and the driving "Happy" launched them on the road for a year-plus.
After a brief break, the group pulled itself together in beautiful L.A. to work on their next CD. Numerous songs, approximately 60, came and went. Dissatisfaction set in and another break was deemed necessary. With both Block and Copeland recharged, additional songs were written and the group decided to continue recording in Atlanta. "Fortress," released in '00, had the epic title track closing the CD. It was one of those "pressures of the world, price of fame" etc. songs. Artistic statements notwithstanding the first single, "Change Your Mind," the Rocker "Surreal," "Beautiful Thing" and "Strange Cup Of Tea" were the CD's click points.
When a group parts with a major label it usually means a quick ticket to oblivion. But Sister Hazel had other ideas. In '03, they "amicably" split with Universal. Some people choose artistic freedom over a shot at fame and fortune. Imagine that.
Sister Hazel found a new home on the indie Sixthman imprint and released their fourth studio album, "Chasing Daylight." They toured throughout the year and built a significant online presence developing a cult of devoted fans who referred to themselves as "Hazelnuts" (cute). The group issued "Live LIVE" toward the end of the year along with "A Day In The Life," a live DVD.
"Lift" was issued in '04 with "Lift: Acoustic Renditions" arriving the next year. For the latter, the group again looked online for the distribution of acoustic versions of five songs from "Lift." This time it was an exclusive arrangement with Apple's iTunes music service. "Absolutely," was the group's '06 offering.
Touching Folk, Alt. Rock and Southern Rock, along with other lesser influences, it is difficult to pigeon-hole Sister Hazel. That must have made it difficult for a label's marketing people but good for fans who appreciated the group's rather eclectic approach.
Sister Hazel's sophomore effort and major label debut "… Somewhere More Familiar" is the best place to start. "Fortress" has more grit to it as the group expands its sound but it doesn't measure up to "… Something More Familiar."
Moving back to the indie world, "Chasing Daylight" is a charming album in the Counting Crows vein. Led by the appealing "Your Mistake" and the touching ballad, "Best I'll Ever Be," the group shakes loose on "Life Got In The Way," which was co-written by '80s pop star Richard Marx.
Sister Hazel steps it up a notch for "Lift." The set has a loose, no pretensions feel to it as they continue to blend acoustic and electric elements. Block's thick drawl is expressive and earnest as he sings about the twists and turns of love.
"Surrender," a mournful yet tuneful ballad, opens the album. Things pick up with "Lay It Down" and "World Inside My Head." The group travels from funky neo-Soul ("I Will Come Through") to an intimate acoustic ballad ("In The Moment") and are able to pull it off. They even take a shot at the Cars' "Just What I Needed." While the guitar on Sister Hazel's take doesn't match the synth part on the original the laid back arrangement (compared to the Cars version) gives the song a fresh reading.
"Absolutely" continues a unique Sister Hazel trait. To say a Rock group effectively handles uptempo songs isn't really much of a claim. If they couldn't, they wouldn't be a Rock group. Sister Hazel is no exception.
However, most bands struggle with ballads. They are a necessary evil; a change of pace, allows greater lyrical depth or a chance for the lead singer to emote. Rarely do groups come up with anything remotely listenable much less moving. But Sister Hazel, and Block in particular, have consistently stepped out on the ballads. On "Absolutely" there's the piano based "This Kind Of Love" and "Everything Else Disappears."
Oddly, it's the mid-tempo songs where the group stumbles. "Tear By Tear," "Where Do You Go" and "Anyway" seem indistinguishable as do "Truth Is" and "On Time." For a group with diverse musical tastes/influences, this sameness is puzzling. However, not all the mid-tempo songs suffer this problem. "Beautiful High," "Met Me In The Memory" and "Mandolin Moon" have strong melodies and tight performances. The latter sounds like a lean Hootie & The Blowfish track. The set kicks of with "Shame," a great little Rocker. "Hey Hey" is another fun romp.