Hailing from just outside Manhattan, IZZ is a talented young band that has made a name for itself through heavy gigging and a diverse and unique debut CD, 1999’s Sliver of a Sun. The lead track from Sliver of a Sun, “Endless Calling”, received an award in the 1998 Billboard Song Contest.

Living proof that progressive rock need not be stuck in the 70s, IZZ’s take on the style is one that marries the influences of the “classic” bands with a fearlessly modern sound. Celtic, classical, funk, fusion, jazz and Latin styles are interwoven with their accessible yet forward-thinking rock, always retaining a keen sense of melody and an overall appreciation for the song as a cohesive whole. The compositions may take the listener in unexpected directions, but the way back is always marked with a great hook or melody

The band released its second CD, I Move, in 2002. I Move solidified IZZ as a major player in the field of melodic progressive rock. Ranging from short pop-inflected tracks infused with their signature quirky sound to long epics in the Yes or Genesis mold, I Move is progressive rock for the new millennium.

IZZ’s musicians are talented multi-instrumentalists and adept at multi-part vocal harmonies. Lead vocals are shared between the Galgano brothers (Tom and John), while the percussion duties are split in a decidedly unique way: Greg DiMiceli plays an acoustic kit while Brian Coralian uses his various acoustic and electronic percussive to accent and enhance the rhythmic structure of IZZ’s tunes. The result is a fascinating palette of sounds and a bold statement in a genre where fans and musicians too often cringe at the thought of any kind of electronic percussion.

IZZ will begin 2004 by releasing its third offering entitled Ampersand, a collection of previously unreleased studio and live tracks that will span virtually the band’s entire career. IZZ is wasting no time as they will go right back into the studio to finish work on their 4^th CD, the next full studio album. In addition, guitarist Paul Bremner is also set to release his first solo album, Wombsong. IZZ has played at two of progressive rock’s major festivals, ProgDay and ProgWest and is looking forward to a busy 2004.

Official website - http://www.izznet.com/