THE PAT ZELENKA PROJECT
"The guitar is my church - Music is spirituality" Pat Zelenka
The Pat Zelenka Project was formed in the summer of 2004 by guitarist Pat Zelenka and drummer/vocalist Steve Chapko, after a chance meeting/reunion. Pat and Steve have known each other for over 20 years, but until then had yet to join together in a band. This meeting led to the writing and recording of the CD "Radiosoul" , which was released in January 2005.
This CD featured many jointly composed tunes by Pat and Steve, and currently receives airplay on over thirty internet radio stations, as well as enjoying steady online sales from such sites as I-Tunes, Rhapsody, and Napster. Podcasts and college FM radio play have also helped to spread the word about this powerful album.
In 2006, Pat Zelenka released the solo CD's "Lo Fi Happiness" in March, and "Sonic Experiments" in September of that year. During this time, songs from the "Lo Fi Happiness" CD appeared on the compilation CD's "It Takes A Village To Make Records" issued in March of 2006, and the "Demons & Angels" compilation issued by Jib Machine Records of Cleveland Ohio in November of 2006.
After a temporary break from playing together in late 2006, and most of 2007, Steve and Pat joined forces once again in October 2007, and began work on new material ASAP. Though Pat had tried various line ups during this time, he and Steve had always wished to return to the energy that created the "Radiosoul" CD, and events leading up to late 2007 made it clear to both of them that the time was now.
After much trial and error, The Pat Zelenka Project now also features Rich Bates on bass and vocals, along with Steve and Pat. Rich Bates comes from a long musical background, and is also a fine guitarist in his own right. He can be heard on lead guitar (along with Pat) on the CD "Tales From The Lansing Underground" , released in April 2008. This CD is a stellar side project by Rich and Pat, and we encourage you to check it out in our top friends here at My Space.
Steve Chapko brings a progressive edge to the sound of the band, and with some very powerful vocals. Steve and Rich are also great writers, and bring great arrangements and ideas to the songs.
The Pat Zelenka Project continues to rehearse and perform all over the quad-state area, and is also preparing tracks for their new CD, "Better Days", slated for a June/July 2008 release. Current sets are heavy with tunes from both the "Radiosoul" and the soon to be released "Better Days" CD's. With performances scheduled throughout the Midwest into the new year, the future is looking bright for this potent trio.
This is my man Daryl Hayott tearing up the bass. I’m going to be working with Daryl soon, and for the record, I am proud to be doing so. Click right here to see more of Daryl and hear more of his great music!!!
