Larry Zarella
In the spring of 1989, Larry left his hometown of Sagamore Beach, Ma and drove to Alaska with the dream of building a log cabin. He found his place in the woods, built his cabin and began writing songs. In contrast to his time at Berklee and living in Boston, life without electricity and running water sparked creativity. Larry formed the band 'Denali Cooks' and developed a very large and loyal following playing all the major festivals and venues around Alaska.
In 2006, Larry returned to the east coast with his latest release, No Place Special.
His songs have been used on television, compilation cd's and featured on Boston's WUMB folk radio.
Since his return, Larry is quickly becoming recognized as a top notch performing songwriter, often sharing the stage with the legendary Bill Staines.
Discography
1995- Larry Zarella It's True
1996- Denali Cooks It's Good
1999- Denali Cooks Live 99
2000- Larry Zarella Stay Alive
2006- No Place Special
*PROMOTERS*: Live material available upon request
Quotes
"Larry is a great songwriter, not only are his lyrics and melodies compelling, on top of that, he has something worthwhile to say." -Bill Staines
"Larry's recordings are immediately listenable. They are almost as good as seeing him live. This guy has a voice that is both powerful and sensitive, a sincere and engaging stage presence, and a strong, expressive guitar style. He writes from the heart about love, friendships, community, and humorous situations that pervade life in rural Alaska...."-Esther Golton, Whole Wheat Radio
"When Larry Zarella opens his suitcase of original songs, there's no telling what will get pulled out. Heartbreakingly beautiful... clever... as well as laugh-out-loud funny songs. He draws the audience in with his stories and powerful music. He's clearly one of Alaska's best-kept secrets." - Trudy Heffernan, Acoustic Adventures Promotions
"Alaskan-based Larry Zarella’s homegrown, folky sound has a touch of humor in it but he also ranges across more serious fare and he scores points for his original approach." -Charlie McEnerney, Well Rounded Radio
"Zarella's music exudes a peacefulness similiar to that of James Taylor" Metronome Magazine
"Larry has a natural and responsive gift for telling stories, humorous or heartfelt and true" Northeast In-Tune
"Larry’s greatest performances are the live ones. There is a magic in his stage presence, there is drama and humor. When Larry sings, you not only believe him, you know him and therefore know your own feelings all the better. Whether the song is quiet and understated, loud and triumphant, or simply tickling our funny bone, Larry captures and wins over the audience. This isn’t a capture like that of an opera diva or the Mormon Choir. It is the capture of a friend’s voice around the campfire or in a living room on a dark evening after a wedding or a blizzard or a long canoe paddle." -Jeff Fair, alaskan author
Some places Larry has played
Talkeetna Blue Grass Festival (AK)
Hunter Creek (Ak)
Moose Dropping Festival (Ak)
Plymouth Folk Festival (Vt)
Millenium Music Conference (Pa.)
Alice's Champagne Palace (Ak)
Beartooth Theatre (Ak)
Moose's Tooth (Ak)
University of Alaska Anchorage/Fairbanks (Ak)
The Blue Loon (Ak)
The Salmon Bake (Ak)
Vagabond Blues Cafe (Ak)
Club Passim (Ma)
Caffe Lena (NY)
Eddie's Attic (Ga)
The Grey Eagle (N.C.)
The Vanilla Bean (Ct.)
Tupelo Music Hall (N.H.)
Midtown Scholar (Pa)
Tin Angel (Pa.)
-various coffeehouses, bars, weddings, private parties,schools, and nursing homes throughout the country!
Some performers Larry has shared the stage with:
Tom Russell
Susan Werner
Guy Davis
Todd Snider
Janis Ian
Bill Staines
Pierce Pettis
Fred Eaglesmith
Les Sampou
Mark Erelli
Dan Bern
Natalia Zukerman
Chuck Brodsky
Paul Thorn
Denali Cooks