SlowBurn Records
Sun Zoom Spark plays often in local and regional venues, has contributed to small film soundtracks, invested in their own recording studio, been a featured artist on local television and radio showcases, and created their own production company, SlowBurn Records.
Sun Zoom Spark has recorded nine studio projects since their inception in 1995, yet only five have been officially released. These include Sun Zoom Spark’s Slightly Fantastic (SlowBurn Records, 1998) Electricity (SlowBurn Records, 1999), In Stereo (SlowBurn Records, 2002) and Transmissions From Satellites Volume One (SlowBurn Records, 2003). Currently, the band has completed their fifth official release, Saturn Return (SlowBurn Records, 2005).
The band has backed legendary guitarist Jesus Acedo on Black Sun Ensemble’s Hymn of the Master (Camera Obscura Records, 2001), Live At KXCI Volumes I and II (SlowBurn Records, 2002, 2005) and Starlight (Camera Obscura Records, 2003), as well as Black Sun Ensemble’s upcoming release Bolt of Apollo. Sun Zoom Spark has also served as Black Sun Ensemble’s backing band for BSE’s appearance at Austin’s SXSW music festival in 2002, 2004 and 2005.
In addition, Sun Zoom Spark, along with Black Sun Ensemble percussionist and playwright John Paul Marchand, have written and recorded an original rock opera, Twitch A Rock Opera from the Earth (SlowBurn Records, 2002). The CD also includes performances from Jesus Acedo, performance artist Mat Bevel, Cyclotron, Rey Tester and many others. In September 2002, the band served as the Twitch ‘orchestra’ for live performances of the rock opera, produced by Tucson’s Sparrow and Cicada Theater Works.
Sun Zoom Spark went on hiatus as far as live performances in 2000 in order to spend its time supporting Black Sun Ensemble. SZS reformed in 2002, marking a return to live performances with both new and old material. Currently, the band is made up of founder Eric Johnson (guitar, vocals), Black Sun Ensemble’s saxophonist Brian Maloney (bass), Greyhound Soul organist Bobby Hepworth (organ, synthesizer) and J Ratcliff (drums).
Sun Zoom Spark plays the Great Cover Up Benefit Concert, a benefit for Tucson’s homeless at Club Congress every year. The band has covered the likes of Camper Van Beethoven, Sonic Youth and 13th Floor Elevators.
Sun Zoom Spark has also contributed to a Chrome tribute album, You’ve Been Duplicated, due to be released in March 2005 on Aktivator Records.
Sun Zoom Spark creates timeless music, addictive recordings, and delivers with provocative live performances. The band has also spent time supporting local Tucson music. Sun Zoom Spark has revitalized the Black Sun Ensemble after a seven year hiatus, produced and directed the music for an original rock opera Twitch, which is currently being made into a feature-length independent film. In addition, the band has produced projects for many Tucson bands at their recording studio, SlowBurn.
(1995-present)
Musicians:
Eric Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion, Moog) 1995-present
Bryan Kohl (drums, vocals, trombone, percussion) 1995-2001
Steve Goetz (bass) 1995, 2001
Young Arnold (bass, effects) 1997-2000
Brian Maloney (bass, sax) 2002-present
Bobby Hepworth (organ, keyboards) 2002-present
J Ratcliff (drums) 2002- present
Albums:
Sun Zoom Spark Against the Giant (1995)
Sun Zoom Spark Red Planet (1996)
Sun Zoom Spark Alpha Jerk (1997)
Sun Zoom Spark Slightly Fantastic (1998)
Sun Zoom Spark Electricity (1999, 2003)
Sun Zoom Spark In Stereo (2002)
Sun Zoom Spark Transmissions From Satellites Volume I (2003)
Sun Zoom Spark Saturn Return (2005)
slowburnrecords@aol.com
Sun Zoom Spark 1998
J Ratcliff, 2003