Recording History
As well as the Mixed Business album and the Chockablock CD, The Zarsoff Bros recorded two EPs (Bumsweat and Nose-Pickin Boogie), a single (’Handyman’) and a studio album on vinyl (Rude Awakening), as well as a semi-acoustic CD EP (Zarsoffs Unplugged). This page will feature details and images of these earlier recordings
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The Bumsweat and Nose-Pickin Boogie EPs were recorded at Kanangra Studios in Westmead (Sydney). The first EP featured Terry Zarsoff on drums, with Bernie Zarsoff on keys and Bluey Zarsoff on guitar. Izzy did his usual thing, and everybody played kazoos and sang harmonies, etc.
The second EP featured Rocky Zarsoff on drums, Bluey, Bernie and Izzy, plus Rudi Zarsoff on sax and Smokey Zarsoff on lead guitar.
The single was lifted from the first studio album Rude Awakening, with ‘Handyman’ on the A-side and ‘Working It Out’ on the backside.
The Back Catalogue CD is a direct-from-vinyl transfer compilation of the first two EPs.
The Zarsoffs Unplugged EP was recorded specifically for selling at the band’s performances during the Jamberoo Folk Festival - their first foray into the world of semi-acoustic rock. It features some reworkings of classic Zarsoffs songs, and a preview of a song that appears on the Mixed Business album.
Leigh Howlett on 05 Oct 2008 at 9:35 pm #
A couple of days ago i was at an vinnies op shop in a small town in the central west when i came across the ‘handyman’ single, i was intrigued by the label as it was the first time i had seen the ‘piranha bros’ label so i got around to researching the band as i had only ever heard the name before but knew no info, will have to find out more, cheers.
Izzy on 07 Oct 2008 at 12:04 am #
Leigh,
I sent an email response to you. One thing I didn’t mention it that message is: I’m about to start preliminary rehearsals with Rory Zarsoff (Danny Haynes) up here in the Gold Coast / Tweed area, with some hand-picked musicians for a possible series of performances in South-East Queensland and the NSW North Coast. There’s more info on the Facebook ZARSOFF BROTHERS FAN CLUB group, but this mini-tour might involve ‘Willy Zarsoff’ (Willy Qua) and some local musicians. There could be an EP of new material from it - though things are still at planning stage only.
Izzy
Izzy on 07 Oct 2008 at 12:07 am #
(Above message continued):
I’m quite happy these days just to pursue my own semi-acoustic projects, and I have a Zarsoff Brothers lineup down south who are always at the ready to perform with me. However, Rory Zarsoff is keen to do something up here, and I’m up for the next adventure.
Izzy