(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- New Jersey groovy rock-blues outfit BARD (a.k.a. The BARD Band) present their new single "Angels Got His Back", bringing us a sublime dose of their soulful sound and groovy spirit. This is the first taste of their debut album Angels Got His Back, slated for release on October 4, 2024 with label backing thanks to their recently inked deal with Magic Door Records.

In the capable hands of producer Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Elk City, Luna, Gramercy Arms), this album was recorded, mixed and mastered at the famed Magic Door Recording studio in Montclair. "We’re thrilled to announce the first single from The BARD Band, a new addition to our roster. This is the title track to their upcoming LP 'Angels Got His Back'! Try to resist this airy groove of a song we’re dubbing New Classic Rock," says Ray Ketchem.

BARD was formed in 2017 in Montclair by college friends Jamie Pagliaro (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Michael Schreiber (keyboard, organ, vocals), who reunited after losing touch for two decades. The band's lineup grew to include Dave Menez (bass guitar, vocals), Mike Potenza (electric guitar, vocals) and David Kolk (drums, percussion, vocals), each bringing his own unique musical sensibilities. This fusion resulted in a rich texture of sounds, enhanced by the band's cohesive approach to dynamics, tone, and articulate sound mix.

Jamie Pagliaro shares, "'Angels Got His Back' is a poignant adaptation of Vachel Lindsay's timeless poem 'In Memory of a Child'. The song paints a vivid picture of a child embraced by celestial guardians, wandering through idyllic landscapes of eternal spring. It captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, celebrating the belief that the departed are safe in the care of angels, their spirits forever bright and untarnished."

A tribute to enduring love and hope that lights up even the darkest moments, this funky dark-themed track tenderly imagines a departed child now in the care of angels, playing and exploring in a heavenly realm. Surrounded by beauty and joy, he roams through eternal spring, safe and enlightened.

With a soulful groove-rock sound, BARD craft uplifting music that inspires and unites through a contagious rhythm. Initially drawing inspiration from Shakespeare, BARD's vision of setting poems to music quickly expanded to include works from poets like Robert Browning, Langston Hughes, in addition to original poems by Jamie Pagliaro. A product of their collaborative process, each member makes their own unique contribution to the structure and composition of each song.

BARD's music is as much inspired by soulful singers like Marvin Gaye and Van Morrison, the funky sounds of the Doobie Brothers and Grover Washington's jazz as they are by classic rock influences like Neil Young and The Band, the Allman Brothers' southern rock and the jam band style of the Grateful Dead, not to mention a touch of country sensibility.

In contrast to their 2002 debut EP Come Back Often, which leans on their indie-folk roots with elements of country and rock, BARD's new album represents an evolutionary step forward, highlighting the incorporation of funk and soul elements, while also allowing space for more improvisation and textured percussive elements.

From their inception to their evolving sound and dedicated live performances, BARD continues to build a dedicated following and make their mark in the music scene. Thriving on live performances, delighting diverse audiences at festivals, community events, breweries and coffee shops, they are known for their engaging shows, energizing audiences with positive vibes.

The "Angels Got His Back" single is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Their debut album, out October 4, can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp. On August 23, BARD will be holding a soft-launch album release party at Tierney’s Montclair.

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS

Aug 21  Highlands, NJ - Bard Down The Shore
Aug 23  Montclair, NJ - Tierney's
Aug 24  Denville, NJ - Diamond Spring Brewery
Sept 7   Asbury, NJ - Ironbound Farm
Dec 14  Denville, NJ - Diamond Spring Brewery
Dec 28  Montclair, NJ - Bard For The Holidays