Blind

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your favorite hippie DJs from The Zoo Crew, spinning the wildest tracks at THE ZOO radio station! Right now, we’re grooving to the electrifying riffs of “Blind” by Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch from their 2023 album Rise Up Lights. This song kicks off with an acoustic vibe that nods to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “4 + 20” before exploding into a Led Zeppelin-esque groove with Page-inspired guitar work. According to a review from Bluestown Music, “Blind” sets the tone for the album’s shift from the band’s blues roots to a heavier classic rock sound, showcasing Jason Elmore’s masterful guitar and lyrical journey of self-discovery. In a 2023 Vivascene interview, Jason revealed that the song, like much of the album, was written after the passing of Eddie Van Halen, serving as a tribute to his hero without copying his style. The track’s dynamic ebb and flow make it a perfect fit for our free-spirited Zoo Freaks out there!

Let’s dive into another cool tidbit about “Blind.” In a Buddy Magazine feature from November 2023, Jason shared that he draws inspiration from songwriters like Roger Miller and Louis Jordan, aiming for clever, double-entendre-filled lyrics. He described “Blind” as a musical journey where the guitar and vocals weave a story that’s open to interpretation, letting listeners find their own meaning. Jason’s refusal to break down the song’s lyrics in interviews adds to its mystique—he wants you, the listener, to experience its 46-minute sonic adventure firsthand. The band’s Facebook page also hyped the track as part of their Halloween-themed rollout for Rise Up Lights, with singles dropping every two weeks leading up to the album’s October 31, 2023 release. That spooky vibe totally resonates with our Zoo Crew ethos!

Now, let’s talk about how Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch got their start. Based out of Dallas, Texas, this high-energy trio—Jason Elmore on guitar and vocals, Brandon Katona on bass, and Mike Talbot on drums—has been rocking together since 2010. According to their official bio, Jason’s musical journey began in the Texoma region, where he played in metal bands as a teen. His dad, a huge music fan, took him to see bands like Pantera and AC/DC, but also introduced him to blues legends like Bugs Henderson and Mike Morgan at venues like Poor David’s Pub. Tired of the ego-driven metal scene, Jason pivoted to blues, forming Hoodoo Witch after some trial-and-error lineups. The addition of a young Brandon Katona, whose dad brought him to gigs to sit in on guitar, and the steady Mike Talbot on drums solidified the trio’s chemistry. Their unique blend of blues, rock, soul, and even traces of ‘60s country has earned them accolades, including the 2017 Dallas Observer’s “Best Blues Act” award.

Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch have built a loyal fanbase, and you can connect with them across the web. Check out their official website for merch, tour dates, and more. Follow their vibe on Facebook, where they’ve got over 4,600 likes and share updates about gigs and releases. Their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots and Halloween-themed posts tied to Rise Up Lights. You can also catch their latest riffs and fan interactions on X. For fans looking to dive deeper, join the community on the Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories and share their love for the band’s music. Keep rocking, and stay tuned for more from THE ZOO!