Mine To Remember E.P. by WAZ

Everything is realized at a radio-quality level, including "Mine To Remember," a tale of unrequited love that benefits from stellar production touches. "Runaway" is a haunting pledge of devotion, spare and effective with Waz's warm, raspy, resonant voice. Based on the disc's merits and the artist's experience as a major- label sideman, we feel Waz is a truly viable prospect for A&R consideration. Waz - EP - "Mine to Remember EP" (Wazmusic, 2003) 

AMERICANA UK REVIEW

Recently heralded by no less than Bob Harris (BBC) and holder of the cool accolade of having one of the most impressive artists sites on the web (you can pick clips from any of his tracks while you browse the site), Waz on top of this has pulled together a hugely successful collection of songs on his debut EP "Mine to Remember." Originally a longtime bandmate of the excellent Pete Yorn, Waz went into the studio in December 2001 with producer R. Walt Vincent and came out with this - and album of infectious, indie-rock infused with layers of Byrds-type guitar and the odd eighties reference thrown in. From the opening energy of "Nothing Lasts Forever" (an obvious single, if you could take singles from an EP), the songs adapt themselves to a variety of different styles, with the keyboard-led and very Richard Ashcroft title track being a particular and obvious highlight, but other tracks such as "Runaway" with its Sparklehorse evocative wispy vocals, and the euphoric chorus of "Summer Love" show that Waz can be innovative but still consistent.  Waz's lyrics aren't particularly spectacular, and if there was any weakness, it's his lack of flair with language, but then it presumably was never meant to be a dissertation. Handsome, original and most importantly talented, it'll be interesting to see what he does with his first full length collection of songs - let's hope it's more of the same. 

MW

Bucket Full of Brains (UK)

Okay he's got a silly name, but he's no total wazzock as far as I can hear, in fact quite the opposite. It was R. Walt Vincent's name that first drew me to investigate this little classic. The man who, like he does here, played on and produced Pete Yorn's album, and I was not dissapointed. The opening rocker "Nothing Lasts Forever" is a catchy slab of pop but in some ways remains the most disposable track here. from there Waz lies back and lets the melodies flow and highlights a talent up there with Gus Black, Jude, Drazy Hoops, Jeremy Toback and the aforementioned Yornster. In fact if like me you love deep grown-up and emotionally resonant pop then this beautiful snapshot will lodge in your heart like a smile from your true love. Waz obviously has the goods, and a full- length album and a full-length outing from the man gets pride of place on the 'much anticipated list' I keep on my sleeve.

Mick Dillingham

Born and raised in Cleveland,Ohio, Waz grew up on the sounds of Tom Petty, Neil Young, ELO, the Pixies, and David Bowie. At the age of eight, Waz picked up his first guitar. Nearing the age of twenty-eight, Waz releases his first e.p.. For the past six years, he has played guitar with long time friend Pete Yorn.

For upcoming shows and touring info visit wazmusic.com.

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