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Saul Zonana Is Still Keeping Watch at the Mockingbird Theater in Franklin
by Rich and Laura Lynch
When we first learned of Saul Zonana around the turn of the century he was one of the darlings of the online indie music fanzines and regularly cited as an up-and-comer to keep an eye on. Upon first listen we instantly became a fan of his infectious and energetic pop rock offerings just as we were beginning our careers in music journalism. So, when we learned that he was playing a show with a full band at The Mockingbird Theater in Franklin, Tennessee on Friday, July 12, 2024 we rearranged our schedule to make sure we could finally watch the man in action.
Saul Zonana at the Mockingbird Theater in Franklin.
While Zonana may not yet be a household name he is a prolific artist and songwriter with an inspiring body of solo work. In addition, fans of classic rock might be aware of his stints touring with an impressive list of acts including Ace Frehley, Adrian Belew and the Crash Test Dummies to name just a few of the many contemporary associates he has worked with.
The new video for "The World Is Watching" comes out in late July.
On Friday, Saul handled guitar, keys and lead vocals while fronting a very capable six-piece band. His set opened with a triple dose of hard rockers showcasing a winning "Words", "You Don't" and the catchy "Comeback". Zonana greeted the crowd and mentioned that he would be playing a mix of new material as well as some of his classics going way back for "Something Unusual" from his debut album that still had all of the snap, crackle and pop that put him on so many insider's radar a quarter of a century ago.
Saul Zonana and band will be back at the venue in December for a Holiday Show.
Saul then moved into a three-pack of new numbers mentioning that a video for "The World is Watching" would be coming out soon. It was another winner as was "Big Blue House" and "Our Creator" which quickly followed revealing that Zonana's creative side is still very much alive and alluring as it ever was as he still chases his dreams from his Mid-Tenn homebase. Zonana mentioned that "Chasing It" was produced by the aforementioned Adrian Belew giving a shout-out to his collaborator of many years. It was another solid song as were the closing numbers "4U" and "I Gotta Go" that ended his show on a rocking note.
What Nicole McKenna and Saul Zonana were up to way back in 2002.
As revealed, we became fans of Saul Zonana in 2002 when he released a critically-acclaimed record Guinea Pigs at the same time he was producing a record Stay Awhile for an amazing artist named Nicole McKenna. Turns out the pair married with Nicole putting her musical pursuits to the side in order to raise their family. When we met her at the show in Franklin we asked if she might every return to the craft. Responding, she smiled and replied "yes" and our quest was complete. The Mockingbird Theater at The Factory in Franklin is a state-of-the-art venue that has a full bar. It is available for events and live concerts from an array of artists such as Saul Zonana.
The Mockingbird Theater is a great place to see a show at the ever-expanding Factory complex.
Related Links:
For more information on SAUL ZONANA and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -
Saul Zonana |
Saul Zonana - "The World Is Watching" |
Nicole McKenna - "Take Me Over" |
Mockingbird Theater
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