Hailing from Southern California, Ted Z and the Wranglers are offering a unique take on Americana, deeply rooted in rock. Formed back in 2012 with Ted Z at the helm, their style draws on the rich musical traditions of the American West, infusing them with modern energy. The Wranglers consist of Jackson Leverone (lead guitar, vocals), Marcos de la Cruz (drums, vocals), Henry Clift (bass guitar, vocals), James Hamilton (guitar, vocals), and, of course, Ted Zakka, the glue that holds it all together.
Their album “Ghost Train,” recorded at Yellow Dog Studios in Texas, was a sleeper hit that generated plenty of buzz and quickly put them on the map. They followed it up with another standout release, “Southland,” which was featured on Billboard.
Now, Ted Z and the Wranglers are back with yet another album. These guys are relentless, and they never tire of surprising audiences! “Kerosene” marks a natural evolution of what they’ve been building since “Ghost Train.” The album features ten songs guaranteed to lift your spirits. The opening track and lead single, “Right That Wrong,” tells a timeless love story, reminding listeners that sometimes the best course of action is to savor the present instead of fixating on the future. As Ted Z puts it, “The song ignites the heart's desire to follow our passion and take a chance on chasing dreams.”
Other standout tracks include the cheekily titled “Let Me Be Your Sin,” with smooth guitars, driving drums, and Ted Z’s captivating vocals—an instant Americana classic. In “Lovin You Today,” Ted Z and the Wranglers deliver a heartbreaking story wrapped in a soothing melody, offering solace to anyone grappling with a recent breakup. Meanwhile, “Mercy,” featuring lush guitar picking, soulful vocals, and stacked harmonies, stands out as a captivating folk anthem. “This song is about the idea of living too fast, while at the same time addressing a lost love. It is a search for hope in the idea of embracing a finite existence. ‘No pity in your soul’, the last phrase of the chorus, is more so expressing the emptiness of the human condition and can parallel the lover that is no more,” Ted Z explains.
“Kerosene” is another outstanding release from Ted Z and the Wranglers. With this album, they have firmly established themselves at the forefront of the Americana and folk music scene. Their ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with fantastic melodies sets them apart as one of the finest representations of the genre.
Ted Z and the Wranglers are gearing up for a tour across the United States and Europe to support the album’s release. Wherever they play, they deliver on their unmistakable sound and undeniable talent. It’s no secret that Ted Z and the Wranglers are here to stay, leaving their mark on the American music scene with every song they perform.
