Martin Zellar

Martin Zellar - (Record Release) - Guest - Guest Saturday 02/18/2012 9:00 PM |21+|$20.00|Listen Martin Zellar has fashioned a music career firmly grounded in the quality craftsmanship of his songwriting. The magic of his songs is a combination of lyrical sincerity, inspired yet simple arrangements, and unmistakable raspy vocals. His lyrics turn the spotlight on what is remarkable in the ordinary, as noted by Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times: “Writers, from Dylan to Springsteen, often tell us far more about the human condition by concentrating on life’s everyday moments. That’s the strength of Martin Zellar.”Martin Zellar rose from the ashes of the legendary Gear Daddies, the Midwest-based country-rock team led by the singer-songwriter. The Gear Daddies formed in 1985. A rabid fan-base soon developed and the band dished out two releases on a major label, Let’s Go Scare Al (1988) and Billy’s Live Bait (1990). Critics gushed about the band’s “gutsy, country-tinged songs filled with heartland angst” as the group spawned a string of tunes about lost souls, drunken nights and unrequited love. Zellar also delivered ”Zamboni,” the now famous hockey anthem and story of boyhood innocence. The group even appeared on David Letterman. In 1992, much to the chagrin of the band’s now nationwide fan-base, the Gear Daddies amicably disbanded, leaving a mark on the Minneapolis music scene that continues to this dayWith his solo career and independent record label flourishing, Martin Zellar continues to charm fans with his songwriting, live performances with his band The Hardways, and solo acoustic shows. His two most recent releases (2003) are “Live from the Mercury Lounge”, a live recording of a show early in Martin’s solo career, and “…they even use the hooves”, a compilation of new and previously released studio recordings from throughout his distinguished career