Sat 4/27 @ 8PM
After retooling the lineup, refining the songwriting and working with legendary producer Jim Wirt at Superior Sound Studios, Maura Rogers & the Bellows are back with new album Always.
The latest effort from the quintet — Rogers (vocals, guitar), Meredith Pangrace (accordion, vocals), Quinn Hyland (bass, vocals), Jeff Babinski (drums, vocals) and Al Moses (guitar) — is the follow-up to 2015’s In Light.
“My music generally tends to be very introspective, so there is a depth to everything I’m doing,” said Cleveland resident Rogers. “Compared to In Light, the new album has a very different energy. We may be examining similar themes, but Always has a life to it that the last album just didn’t because I couldn’t bring that to the table.
“I had lost both of my parents and left a very unhealthy relationship. Once I was able to move past those things, I felt kind of a rebirth in myself. My life just took a whole new direction. I got married, I’m expecting twins this summer. All of that energy has been fused in this new album.”
Something else that looms large over Always is the addition of Hyland, Babinski and Moses into the fold. The talented bunch perfectly rounded out and complimented the vision Rogers and Pangrace had for the act.
“I wanted to really focus on adding harmonies and vocals as another layer in the music,” Rogers said. “We were able to incorporate four-part harmonies at times into the album, which to me has always been a goal, but we just didn’t have the plethora of vocals that we now have in the current lineup.”
Specifically, Rogers said the addition of Moses as lead guitarist upped the ante.
“Al Moses has been a legendary blues guitarist in Cleveland for like three decades,” Rogers said. “He’s a phenomenal player, and he kind of graced himself into our life. He’s just one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever met. That he’s playing with us is very humbling and also a very exhilarating experience.
“He brings a layer of skill and talent that I think drives everybody else to perform in a way that they really want to show their chops. I hear that from each member in the band, so you’re going to hear that on the album.”
Rogers is expecting big things in 2019 from Maura Rogers & the Bellows, which has booked a CD release show for April 27 at Music Box Supper Club.
Not only will she soon be a mom, but the talented singer-songwriter also plans on promoting Always with dates outside of the Buckeye State. Previously the act has performed East Coast dates in New York City, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia; however, she admitted expanding the fanbase is more of a priority born out of Always.
“Having worked with Jim Wirt — who is an amazing producer, and has so much respect in the industry — has really opened the door for us as well,” Rogers said. “Having his hand in this, he really pulled out the best work in us and also has just helped us connect more with the industry.”
What Rogers is hoping fans connect with is the outfit’s unique alt-folk sound that now with the addition of Moses boasts a slight classic rock element. The singer said she feels like the music is a product of being such a big fan of Fleetwood Mac.
Invariably, there’s a confidence of style and direction coloring Maura Rogers & the Bellows’ current state of mind that is allowing the act to go its own way.
“I feel good about the way we’re going, I really do,” Rogers said.
Cleveland, OH 44113