Noah Zacharin - Strange Rider (2016)

Noah Zacharin’s new album Strange Rider marks a welcome return to the spotlight by the acclaimed singer/songwriter. The seventh full-length from this Montreal-born, Toronto-based artist, it emerges as his most adventurous and eclectic yet.
Though often labeled ‘folk,’ Zacharin has never been constrained by genre barriers, placing his eloquent and well-crafted compositions in a wide variety of musical settings. On Strange Rider, jazz, folk, r ‘n b, blues and even doo-wop strains seamlessly coalesce.
This is not a sparse acoustic record, but rather a wide-screen sonic canvas featuring imaginative arrangements and instrumental contributions. An elite grouping of Toronto musicians and backing vocalists guest on the album, alongside famed veterans Ralph Carney (Tom Waits) and Ken Pearson (Janis Joplin), while Zacharin’s highly-regarded skills as a guitarist are showcased on the record by his fluent work—primarily on a variety of electric guitars.
Strange Rider was recorded in unhurried and meticulous fashion over two and a half years with co-producer Douglas September at his Toronto studio, The Mines. September proved an ideal collaborator for Zacharin, encouraging him to step outside his usual comfort zone in the studio.
“I did things I’d never done before, like tracking voice and guitar separately,” reports Noah. “Douglas is easy to work with, has a great sense of humor, and his studio is a very comfortable environment that I simply enjoyed being and working in.”
The rapport between the two is audible on Strange Rider, an album with a relaxed yet richly resonant vibe. Zacharin’s vocals are warm and mellow, while his songs possess the emotional eloquence for which the songsmith (and widely published poet) has long been known.
Noah’s earlier albums gained major critical praise and brought him serious peer respect. His prowess as a guitarist has placed him in demand as a player with other artists, and he has recorded and performed with the likes of Penny Lang, Rick Fielding, Bruce Murdoch, Danny Marks, Tony Quarrington, Steve Payne (UK), Sue Fink (US), and Laura Fernandez.
Already a lifer, having recently decided to be a full-time maker of words and song, Zacharin returns to his art with real passion and commitment. Following his creative journey promises to be a thrilling ride.