Music Minute: The Shazzbots - Lightspeed!

With a lift-off from Columbus, Ohio, The Shazzbots, a triple Emmy Award-winning kindie band, powered by their intergalactic rock 'n roll persona and carrying a payload of irresistible, surefire, supersonic hits, proudly announce the March 1, 2019 launch of their much-anticipated third album, LIGHTSPEED!

Twice voted "Best Band in Columbus" by readers of Columbus Monthly, the interstellar crew members of The Shazzbots include Ian Hummel ("Captain Captain"), Dianne Hummel ("Luna Stardust"), Steve Frye ("Watts Watson"), Mike Heslop ("Navigator Scopes"), and Josh Tully (Professor Swiss Vanderburton"). Traveling the multiverse to play rocking tunes for the entire family, they vow, with every mission, to perform songs that push the boundary between kids' music and adult music, not just to entertain children, but also to inspire their creativity, curiosity, and sense of wonder.

LIGHTSPEED! blasts off with the rocking-to-the-max "On The Playground," spiced with some fine honky-tonk piano from guest keyboardist Kevin Sweeney.  Country music is Shazzbots founder Ian Hummel's songwriting sweet spot, and "If You Knew Yuri Like I Know Yuri," a rollicking country number, is performed at warp speed with vocal patter and lyrics reminiscent of the great Roger Miller. "Chuggin'" unloads a full boxcar of railroad onomatopoeia with drummer Steve Frye's joyful "train beat à la Johnny Cash" dressed up with some splendid blues harp interjections from guest artist Jeff Tobin.

The humorous novelty track, "Something's Stuck In My Kazoo," could rightly be considered a grandchild of country entertainers like The Hoosier Hot-Shots or Homer and Jethro. "Snow Day!" is a fine wintertime stomp that's as bright and cheerful as beams of sunshine glistening on the snow. Notes Shazzbots founder Ian Hummel, "We were going for a Beach Boys vibe with this one. We like the idea of juxtaposing the feel of the ultimate summer band in a winter scene!"

Previous releases by The Shazzbots include the band's triple Emmy Award-winning TV pilot, We're The Shazzbots: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs (2016) and the albums Blast Off! (2012) and Shazzbots GO(2008).

LIGHTSPEED! will be available at iTunes, Amazon, and other digital retailers, as well as at select specialty stores in the Columbus, Ohio area and www.theshazzbots.com.

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Album Details: LIGHTSPEED!
Release Date: March 1, 2019
For ages 2 - 7
Label: The Shazzbots, LLC
SRP:  $9.99 digital download; $12.99 CD; $24.99 vinyl
Run Time: 34 minutes

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Visit The Shazzbots website HERE.

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