History

* September 1989 - March 1994

The original concept of Ya-Ne-Zniyoo formed through the magic of local classified ads by guitarist Stephen Bailey, bassist/vocalist Ed "Edzo" Zimmer and keyboardist Rob Keifer. They had a tendency to rely on gut instinct rather than music theory when writing songs. Their desire was to create a melting pot for their uniquely experimental words and music.

Edzo was a poet who loved to toy with words and emotions, Stephen had a knack for creating guitar parts that sounded layered which were, in fact, not. Rob was a budding songwriter in his own right. Stephen's old friend and collaborator, Nelson Pla soon joined as the band's drummer. Their strong musical bond developed over many years of impromptu jam sessions with local musicians. At this point, the only question that remained was what to call the group. The obvious answer was Ya-Ne-Zniyoo. Brush up on your Russian, listen to the music and you'll know why.

Due to creative differences, Ya-Ne-Zniyoo saw the first in what would be a long string of member shifts as Rob departed.

One of Rob's songs River of Insanity saw new life in the summer of 1991 as part of the band's first full length cassette called Whatever Goes Where. The cassette garnered much praise as did the band's live performances which consisted of a combination of songs and psychedelic sonic jams. Stephen placed a label upon their sound, one which he used to describe his own philosophy and spirituality ... "spyrodelik". Read more about it on his site. This sound was best represented on the breakout track "Prometheus Fate" which enjoyed some college radio airplay. The track was also found on several homemade cassettes compilations that were traded extensively in the mail underground. This was a network of musicians and artists who were beyond independent. They were DIY.

Another track from Whatever Goes Where which enjoyed some notoriety was "The Man in My Dream". This was featured on a Dromedary Records compilation "Nothing Smells Quite Like Elizabeth". The CD, whose title was coined by Edzo, featured a plethora of great NJ bands.

1993 saw the release of a 7" single of the songs Shattered Suns and Pure. Shattered Suns enjoyed extensive college radio play and a fair amount of exposure on European radio. In one instance, as the song was ending, a DJ on WFMU in NJ stated, "...and the guitar gods are smiling."

During the recording, Pla decided to leave to work on his own projects full time. Shattered Suns was recorded sans percussion, until engineer and owner of Big Blue Meenie studios in NJ Tim Gilles asked to take a crack at it. The track he laid down fit the feel and passion of the tune perfectly. Unfortunately, as the owner of a studio which was growing in popularity, Tim was not available to be the band's full time drummer.

Edzo and Stephen pushed on as best they could first with drummer John Caton and then with Greg Farah. However, the two founding members were so haunted by inner turmoil and personal strife that, despite their critical acclaim and growing popularity, they were forced to call it quits in the March of 1994.

At around that same time, another popular NY Area band called Fin also disbanded. Soon after, Fin vocalist Eric Schmitz and Ya-Ne-Zniyoo's Stephen and Greg began writing together and their search began for a lineup to complete this new found creative outlet. In Eric, Stephen had found a kindred spirit. One who shared his desire to create for the sake of the art and not necessarily for the fame and fortune.