Patterns by Zane Kuchera

But if the production is a "labor of love," the songs themselves, and Zane's performance of them, are a labor of love, heartache, grief, healing and redemption - the work of a lifetime. Indeed, the songs on Patterns were written over the span of two decades, and as such, serve as the story of Zane's life. Or, perhaps more accurately, the songs tell the story of his love life, from the first forays into puppy love (and hangdog disillusionment), through a sad marriage, to a growing self-awareness and centeredness as a gay man.

In every song, Zane wears his heart on his sleeve, and it's a gorgeous heart. His lyrics are forthright and unpretentious as they examine love gone bad, the tension between romance and long-term commitment, and the yearning for something sure and lasting. Zane's strong tenor rings out with understated candor, expressing the emotion through words and music rather than any vocal dramatics. This clear-eyed exploration of love ultimately offers hope, if only the hope of getting beyond the hurt and becoming stronger.

The style ranges between lush ballads and mid-tempo pop, suggesting Zane's roots in contemporary cabaret and torch song - Peter Allen, Barbra Streisand, and (don't laugh) Barry Manilow come to mind (Zane does confess in the notes that he wrote one of his prettier songs, Tell Me When, while having "a Diana Ross moment"). Some particularly catchy melodies include Haven't Got a Clue, Simon Says, Fantasy, the anthem-like Isn't Enough, and a sweet, almost baroque instrumental called Somewhere in This World.

In fact, now that Zane has proven himself as a talented singer-songwriter (arranger- producer-musician-engineer), my wish for him is that he could eventually develop enough financial backing to hire a band. On a few songs I could imagine female back-up singers joining the chorus, and the energy created by musicians playing together is often difficult, though not impossible to attain in a solo effort. But this is not the first recording by one man and his MIDI, and very few sound even half as lovely, or achieve half the energy that Zane achieves here. You have to start somewhere, and on Patterns Zane Kuchera is off to a running leap.

(P.S.: such rugged individualism has been paying off. "Patterns" has received glowing reviews on several web pages, including http://mp3.boston.com/bands/zane.shtml, and stage.vitaminic.com/zane_kuchera/singles, http://www.stonewallsociety.com/EqualPride/ep20zanekucherareview.htm.)

TRACK LIST:

All My Life

Haven't Got a Clue

In Your Eyes (lyrics: Debra Kuchera)

Simon Says (lyrics: Katie Sieber)

Tell Me When

Cathedrals (lyrics: June Santucci)

Fantasy

Somewhere in This World

Isn't Enough

All My Life (unplugged)

In Your Eyes (unplugged) (lyrics: Debra Kuchera)

Isn't Enough (unplugged)

A review written for StoneWall Society by Codi

Copyright 2002, StoneWall Society.

A basic premise of all art is to share. Zane Kuchera strongly achieves this with "Patterns". The more I listened the more I felt like I was taking part in a personal invitation to experience what is Zane Kuchera. The experience is first of all extremely pleasant. Kuchera's music takes you to many places and diverse viewpoints. I frequently found myself associating what I was hearing on "Patterns" with the character of Pippin from the musical of the same name. Possibly because Zane's vocal talent would lend itself very well to the roll. However, I think it is more probable that Kuchera's thought provoking lyrics and topics are easily linked to Pippin's search for understanding from within himself. Like the musical, the CD "Patterns" had me on more than one occasion taking a look at my own experiences.

Zane's lyrics are not overstated nor exaggerated, they are genuine and honest in their statements. Covering a range of experiences and emotions with which most will have strong associations. Delivered in such a manner as to showcase the lyrics and vocal talent of Kuchera. On his website it is easily known that these lyrics are a strong point to Zane, as he supplies a brief description of each song.

From the opening instrumental of track one, "All My Life", I was intrigued by Kuchera's style and lyrics. His clever ability to combine serious subject matter with lively, lingering melody as in "Haven't Got A Clue" and "Simon Says" further demonstrates his appeal. Overall "Patterns" is of a romantic nature. Not the gushy type, but more in a classic sense in dealing with the true romance of life and its opportunities. In "Cathedrals" a change in direction to addressing a religious theme, Kuchera shares an interesting view based on the sheep in wolves clothing theme. The romance Zane examines in his art deals with that of love, doubt, hope, and happiness. While the subjects are universal in understanding, they are not presented from the usual point of view. This brings a fresh honesty to the power of Kuchera's lyrics. Everything, and I do mean everything about "Patterns" is Zane Kuchera, and you couldn't ask for more.

On his website, Zane has added two new songs. A heart wrenching ballad about domestic violence with a happy ending called "Childhood In A Storm". The other is Jon Gilbert Leavitt's "ballad for the new millennium", "Believe". The combination of Leavitt and Kuchera is as would be expected pure quality! A definite to added for your surfing pleasure. As for your listening pleasure be sure to add "Patterns" to your collection.

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