Though vocalist/guitarist and songwriter Mark Abbruzzese has played in dozens of bands across the decades, his latest project MindFree is something very unique and different.

“MindFree is the most genre eclectic band I’ve been in,” Abbruzzese says. “We focus on the song being prime. Playing with my childhood friend, since kindergarten, Keith (Walsh) is unique, most of the bands I’ve been in have been acquaintances or strangers. Moe’s (Hashem) personality and playing is the perfect missing piece for our music.”

Abbruzzese and Walsh started jamming in January 2019, after reconnecting on Facebook. In October 2019, they put out a classified ad for a drummer and found their ideal compliment in Hashem. Hashem drives the beat with a Gretsch kit and percussion, while Walsh is on synth bass and keyboards, mostly B3 and Fender Rhodes sounds.

The trio created a raw sound based on the music they have always loved to play and listen to. When Hashem met the two at a rehearsal studio in Santa Fe Springs, California for the audition, the chemistry among the three was pretty clear to all three. When Abbruzzese says Hashem is the missing piece, he’s referring to his strong beats and his gregarious personality.

Diverse and Eclectic

MindFree is eclectic, reflecting the diverse tastes of the members. “Our songs burst across the genres,” Abbruzzese says. “This is true of the sounds we get too. Our drummer Moe’s background is in jazz and world music, and Keith is rooted in glam, punk and pop, with a training in classical and ragtime. My background is rather broad too, metal, r&b, indie, rock, punk, pop, jazz, swing, classical. These blend for a crazy mix of songscapes.”

Abbruzzese, who has been vocalizing since the age of three, is a trained singer who has his mom, also a poet and vocalist, to thank for inspiring him. Abbruzzese’s guitar tones are alternately lush and biting, thanks to an array of pedals. He calls his guitars and amps his “paintbrush,” and his pedals his “watercolors and oils.” All of this may seem esoteric, but it doesn’t stop MindFree from rocking hard.

After establishing their sound, the trio had their debut at DiPiazza’s in Long Beach on November 22, 2019. and then played the legendary Doll Hut in Anaheim on Sunday December 15. Catch them again at DiPiazza’s on Friday, January 31st.

www.facebook.com/MindFreeBand/