Hazel (band)

Hazel is an American alternative rock band based in Portland , Oregon . The group consisted of a quartet consisting of Jody Bleil (drums, vocals), Pete Krebs (guitar, vocals), Brady Smith (bass) and Fred Nemo (dancer).

The group was created on Valentine's Day in 1992 . Despite the fact that Hazel belonged to the Pacific Northwest scene and existed during the grunge movement in rock music, their music distinguished them from most grunge bands: their characteristics were male and female vocals, a more melodic sound that could be characterized as power pop. Their melodies were not particularly intricate, based on several chords, wild energy (many songs were performed at a very fast pace) and powerful vocals. It is interesting that Krebs and Bleil, instead of singing in the same key, often performed completely different parts that were intertwined and complemented each other. Most of the texts focused on relationship issues and human emotions, for example, feelings of regret and resentment from a break in the song “Everybody's Best Friend” or anxiety when trying to start a relationship in “Day Glo”.

The group was also notable for the fact that the dancer Fred Nemo was a full member of the collective. Often dressed in fancy costumes, Nemo, a tall bearded man, madly rode around the stage, climbing on amplifiers and brandishing heavy objects in the air. This imaginary sense of danger in the audience gave Hazel performances a special risky feeling.

In addition to their performances, Hazel recorded several clips (Comet, Quick Jerk), two full albums: Toreador of Love and Are You Going To Eat That at Sub Pop Studios. The latest LP, Airiana , which included 5 songs, was released in 1997 . After experiencing many personal conflicts within the group, Hazel officially broke up on February 13, 1997 , after their last performance in their hometown of Oregon, although they played a couple of shows a year later.

By 2005, Nemo had performed with Tara Jane O'Neill and was a cycling activist in Portland. Krebs, also living in Portland, gave guitar lessons and performed with a large musical group. Blaile, now living in Los Angeles , continued to perform in the USA (reunion with female punk rock legend Tim Dresh , duet “Family Outing” with brother Allen, tour with Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls , classic jazz performances in Los Angeles) . Smith is the head of the groundbreaking school in the Bronx , New York .