Chartattack
Jason Zumpano Reemerges As Sparrow
Now that Carl Newman is once again an indie rock superstar thanks to his involvement in The New Pornographers, people are beginning to rediscover his old band: the late, great Zumpano. Zumpano put out two fabulous albums in the mid-90s and then quietly broke up. We all know what happened to lead singer Newman, but what became of the rest of the Zumpano boys, especially the bands namesake, drummer Jason Zumpano?
For the last few years Zumpano, has been leading a trio called The Sparrow, specializing in piano-based “baroque pop.” Last year Zumpano expanded the trio into a full-fledged band and dropped the “the” from the band name. Since then, Sparrow have been building a following and have recently recorded a self-titled album for Chicagos Overcoat Recordings.
Taking cues from Phil Spector and The Beach Boys, Sparrow is a six-piece band, complete with a small string section. In addition to Zumpano, former Zumpano guitarist, Michael Ledwidge is also a member of the band. The group is rounded out by bass player Pete Mills, drummer Scott Morgan, cellist Nyla Raney and violinist Robin Jacob. The album was produced by Mills in Vancouver.