With a name taken from a local landmark, fronted by a Bowling Green native and a BGSU
graduate, The Cla-Zels certainly have roots deep in the terrain of the Black
Swamp.
The Cincinnati-based band is returning to Bowling Green to introduce its third studio
CD, "Flower of the Gold Rush." The CD, a follow up to "I Own
Hawaii" and "In a Canyon," will be formally released Dec. 8.
The band will preview the new music in a show Friday at 10 p.m. at Howard’s Club H,
210 N. Main St. The Joe Baker Band will play an opening show from 6 to 9 p.m.
Though done in the studio the intent of the session is to better capture the energy
of The Cla-Zels’ live shows. Much was recorded live in the studio. Even some of
the vocals are those original tracks.
"It just packs a powerful rock ‘n’ roll punch," said Joanie Whittaker, a
1981 graduate of BG high, who fronts the band with co-founder Jason Erickson,
who attended Bowling Green State University in the mid-1990s.
While the pair’s signature two-part harmonies still resonate over the band’s rocking
foundation, the singers are no longer a couple.
"There was a breakup," Whittaker said in a recent telephone interview.
"But we decided to keep the band together. It’s been difficult but
fruitful."
Whittaker also plays rhythm guitar and Erickson adds razor sharp and raucous lead
guitar.
For two years the foundation of the sound has been provided by drummer Brian Baverman
and bassist Chris Barlow.
"Now that we had a solid band for two years, we had the luxury of playing this
music out live before recording."
The mixes up rock raves, some sneering, prowling grooves, a bit of tenderness and
even a tribute to Wood Country with an appropriate country flair.
This is what she’s wanted to do since was 12 years old, serving as a gofer for her
brother’s band. "I just never let go," Whittaker said.
