New Jersey Stage October 2014 | Page 103

First Time”) featuring a duo with Deirdre Forrest while “My Love” features the vocals of Jerzy Jung. Having female voices on these two tracks help solidify the concept of the album. “I feel that both of those amazing ladies (Jerzy and Deirdre) made those songs equally relatable to both men and women. Something I obviously couldn’t have done on my own,” said Strazza. “I think they also shed some light on the fact that we’re all feeling the very same things, when love is lost. They did an amazing job, and we got their takes down fast. They understood the songs. I am very grateful for that.” Even though budget reasons were largely behind why it’s been several years since his last release, Strazza says he wouldn’t have wanted to simply release a single or an EP. Albums are special to him. “I personally like to make an album. I like having a beginning, middle and ending. I like how a lot of Bruce’s albums have a nar- rative thread through all of the songs, like they are scenes in a movie. I like a group of songs that tell an even bigger story. They don’t necessarily have to be concept albums, as much as describing a period in either the writer or listener’s lives. Many times it’s both.” His Beatles tribute band, Hey Bulldog celebrated their 10th anniversary in October. He’s also got a 3-piece band called The Strazzacasters with Mark Stewart (Bass) and Brian Prokop (Drums) that started out as a cover band but is getting ready to record an album of original tunes. Reality and pain sometimes create the best art. Strazza believes that art doesn’t just provide an escape, but can also put an image, face, sound, and possibly even a solution to what one, or all of us are going through in a certain period of our lives. He doesn’t know what his ex thinks of the album. She’s got a copy though. It’s called closure. Advertise here for $25 - $100 call 732-280-7625 pg 103