Interview and Live Photos : Robert Cavuoto
Enuff Z’Nuff is back and dishing out a delicious dose with Xtra Cherries —their highly anticipated 21st studio album, dropping July 25th via Cleopatra Records.
The album is packed with their signature blend of power pop and melodic rock. Just when you think it couldn’t get sweeter, Chip Z’nuff (vocal, bass, guitar), Jason Camino (guitar), Luis Kalil (guitar), and Daxx Nielsen (drums) brought their musical vision to life by tapping into a diverse pool of talented musicians from the rock world to add some extra flavor. The all-star guests include Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Robert Fleischman (ex-Journey/Vinnie Vincent Invasion), Neal Schon (Journey), Steven Adler (ex-Guns n’ Roses), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), and Gunnar Nelson.
If that’s not enuff for you, guitarist Derek Frigo makes a posthumous cameo guitar solo thanks to an unearthed demo of “You Make Me Wanna Lie.” That track gets a fresh twist with brand-new vocals from Cheap Trick’s own Robin Zander, making it the perfect sleazy blues rocker that could have been on the band’s debut album.
Songs like “Sanibel Island,” “Heavy Metal,” and “Magnificent” are bursting with electrifying riffs, infectious melodies, and undeniable swagger. This album is a continued testament to the band’s enduring talent and creative spark.
Digital buy link: https://orcd.co/enuffznuff_xtracherries
CD/vinyl buy link: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=enuff+z%27nuff+xtra+cherries
It was a pleasure speaking with Chip Z’nuff about the release and how decades old musical friendships helped shape the album’s vibrant sound. During our conversation, Chip revealed he has a vault of 400–500 unreleased demos, many of which inspired tracks on the new record. One particularly meaningful moment for him is “You Make Me Wanna Lie,” which features a haunting guitar solo by late bandmate Derek Frigo—so powerful it feels as though Derek is right there in the studio recording with his old friend.
While Donnie Vie doesn’t contribute vocals to the album, Chip shared that he co-wrote and played piano on “Sanibel Island” while expressing an interest in eventually releasing a box set of unreleased material featuring Donnie’s work. Much of the band’s rich and turbulent history will be on display in the upcoming documentary Strength and Innocence, which promises to tell Enuff Z’Nuff’s story—”warts, scars, and all.” Chip also spoke with pride about the band’s upcoming induction into the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where they’ll be honored alongside fellow legends like Smashing Pumpkins and Disturbed. Please follow My Global Mind on Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
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