The Reno Little Theater hosted The Novelists EP and “Above The Hiding” video release show this past Saturday evening. There have been some life changing and lineup changing events in the band over the last few years. The most visible of which is their new drummer / vocalist, Miguel Jiménez-Cruz who comes to the fold via the Zack Teran Band. Miguel is a wonderful addition.
The band’s new EP, “With Drawl,” is a collection of seven new original songs by The Novelists recorded over a 4- to 5-month period. It features guest artists Reno’s Whitney Myer, and, of Phil Collins fame, Daryl Stuermer.
The songs cover the challenges in life that most of us face at one time or another – relationships, love, drink, and social media. My sense is that this is, in part, a heartfelt cathartic release for writer Joel Ackerson. Everything about these songs is beautiful, from the writing to the recordings to the arrangements. It’s a must have for any music lover.
Their new video features their original song, “Above The Hiding.” This is the first song I ever heard them play back in 2014. It starts off with a beautiful four part a capella harmony that takes your breath away.
The video was produced by Bryon Evans Films of Reno, and is very well done. It features the band playing in a sort of urban noir atmosphere mixed in with surrealistic dreamy sequences with actors, versus the band.
The Reno Little Theater was the perfect venue for this event. It’s big enough to get a good crowd of Novelist fans into, yet intimate enough to make it a special up-close experience. The award for super fan goes to Syd Mooney who, according to Joel, came from Los Angeles to see the show. I got no mention for coming from Steamboat (a.k.a. South Reno).
The Novelists are:
- Joel Ackerson – Vocals / Guitars / Mandolin
- Eric Anderson – Vocals / Keyboards
- Zack Teran – Vocals Bass’s
- Miguel Jiménez-Cruz – Drums / Vocals
Website: TheNovelists.com
