I Ain’t Ever Growing Up, article by Robin James

Southern California singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak (Sir Zak) offers up an infectious blend of energetic rhythms, danceable beats and powerful storytelling lyrics that make you think you are listening to a crossbreed of Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon and Steve Earle, complete with Eagles-esque harmonies and hook-laden Eric Clapton style guitar work. Playing live several times a week in small venues throughout Southern California, Ciurczak entertains his listeners with his unique version of outlaw rock, a sound that is simultaneously classic and modern. He embraces the fading tradition of perfecting his songs live on stage, often inviting others to sit in, and telling the stories behind the music along the way. A natural showman, Ciurczak plans to debut a new stage band in late August; dates will be announced on his calendar: https://tomciurczak.com/calendar

The Bandcamp Diaries referred to the album as, “a nostalgic journey that strikes a perfect balance between raw energy and soulful introspection, leaving listeners in the mood to look back on their own memories and cherish the good times they experienced and all the connections they made.

“With his powerful vocals and jangly guitars, Tom provides authenticity and realness to his fans… As a guitar player, Tom set out to combine his technical mastery and a creative approach to create compelling harmonies and melodies. His style is rooted in his love of old-school rock sounds, but there is also a lot of blues and Americana in the mix of influences that have inspired him. Looking up to iconic guitarists like Eric Clapton and Joe Walsh, Tom developed a style that stands out, leaving an indelible mark and defining the trajectory of the music.

“True to its title, I Ain’t Ever Growing Up is a celebration of being young, but not necessarily in terms of age. Youth isn’t just a number but a state of mind, which we can carry on until the very end if we are open to it. These songs are strong reminders to seize life with the spark of youth, regardless of our age. As a whole, this record is also a heartfelt tribute to the music that shaped Tom’s formative years. It takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to the time when Tom was discovering his voice in music and life. I Ain’t Ever Growing Up is a powerful musical and personal statement. It stands as an artistic testament to the power of music and how it relates to personal growth and transformation. It’s beautiful to see how Tom is open to celebrating his roots and paying respect to the artists who influenced him. Many artists aren’t very transparent about their inspirations, so it’s truly refreshing to see a songwriter who wears his heart on a sleeve. By being so upfront about celebrating the music he grew up with, Tom is able to carry the torch of creativity forward, hopefully inspiring newer generations to follow suit and keep the thread going.”

MakeMusicWith.Me writes that his storytelling abilities “paint vivid imagery and deliver suspenseful twists that instantly captivate the listener’s attention.” Focusing on one track, the MakeMusicWith.Me Team continues:

“”The Vault” is more than just a song; it’s a captivating saga that delves into the multifaceted nature of human existence. Through poignant lyrics and an enthralling melody, it immerses listeners in a tale of regret, redemption, and the complexities of navigating our past. Tom Ciurczak’s musical masterpiece serves as a poignant reminder that the echoes of our youth continue to shape and define us, calling us to confront our deepest truths and embrace the ghosts of our past with both introspection and growth. As the protagonist’s journey unfolds, “The Vault” becomes an enduring testament to the indomitable spirit of classic outlaw rock, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its listeners.

“At the core of “The Vault” lies a reflective and introspective narrative, where the protagonist delves into the trials and tribulations of his youth. In this mesmerizing journey, a gripping subplot takes center stage, introducing us to a group of “blood brothers” entangled in a fateful and daring scheme revolving around The Vault, an enigmatic bar that becomes the focal point of their clandestine plans.

“Tom’s gift for storytelling shines through in every verse, painting vivid imagery and delivering suspenseful twists that instantly captivate the listener’s attention. The enigmatic “one-armed man who always had a gun tucked into his pants” emerges as a figure that commands both fear and respect, serving as an unlikely mentor who guides the blood brothers down a ruthless and dangerous path. As the narrative unfolds, intrigue and moral dilemmas abound, as the “blood brothers til the end” grapple with the consequences of their actions while fiercely protecting their shared secret from relentless law enforcement and media scrutiny.

“With an all-star lineup of producers behind “The Vault,” including Stephen Haaker and sound engineer Brett Grossman, known for their collaborations with esteemed artists like Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon, the song’s production quality is simply impeccable. Tom’s distinct vision melds seamlessly with the timeless allure of classic outlaw rock, crafting a captivating journey of sound that draws listeners deep into his world.”

With this album, Ciurczak finally shows his full range of musical styles and influences from Heartland Rock (“The Vault”), to ’70s Prog (“Nights on Fire”), and Peter Gabriel-inspired World music (“Kilimanjaro Skies”). The styles of songs on the album, he says, pay homage to his musical heroes, and listeners will enjoy all new music with a retro feel inspired by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Tom Petty, Paul Simon and outlaw country singer-songwriter Steve Earle.

Ciurczak chose these eight energetic pieces from decades of songs he had written over the years while building a successful business, traveling, and raising a family. A few years ago, his daughter Kelly — who sings some of the background vocals on the album — encouraged him to begin sharing his songs with the world. In an exclusive with Lazie Indie Magazine, when asked about what advice he’d give artists like himself, he stated “I would tell someone to never give up on their dreams, because there will always be that lucky 10%.”

Submitted: August 04, 2023

© Copyright 2023 Robin James. All rights reserved.

Originally published at https://www.booksie.com.