Ex-drummer returns on his own as bassist

The musician hopes the new band catches on, but not too quickly.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Perhaps it may seem like a dream, but there exists a world where celebrities and children of celebrities mingle in rock star fashion. Where parties aren't so much glamorous as they are indulgent of talent and opportunity.
Take Sean Lennon for example, son of Yoko Ono and John Lennon. A few years ago during a birthday celebration at the Dakota -- the famed building where his father was murdered -- Sean was holding court, passing around spirits and requiring all of the party-goers to participate in drunken karaoke. It gets better.
At some point, after Rufus Wainwright had taken his turn at the microphone, film school student Chantal Claret belted out in a Billie Holiday-esque fashion a buzz kill of a song that left everybody's jaws on the floor. Also in attendance on that special night (or perhaps morning by then) was former Wallflowers and Natalie Merchant drummer Pedro Yanowitz, who at the time was looking to form a new band.
Not-so-humble beginnings
"It was an inspiring moment," said Yanowitz, calling from his home in New York City. Soon the singer and drummer-turned-bassist formed the core of what would become rock act Morningwood, but there was a fear that the band's earnest beginnings would forever be associated with coattail riding.
"We were kind of embarrassed because we didn't want to be dropping names but the truth is that's where we met," Yanowitz said. "We recently saw Sean and were like everybody is asking us [about it] and he was so happy to be mentioned as part of the birth of Morningwood."
The birth of Morningwood was complete earlier this year with the release of the band's self-titled debut. However, from a musical standpoint, there is very little connection to Lennon (both John and Sean), the Wallflowers or Merchant.
Instead, it appears as though this New York quartet is hoping to put the tongue back in the cheek -- a la AC/DC lyricwise -- with its batch of over-the-top, fist-pumping anthems ("Take Off Your Clothes," "New York Girls" and "Body 21").
"I feel like this is the first record I ever made in a strange way because this is my music," Yanowitz said. "When I was in the Wallflowers and Natalie Merchant, I was definitely in those bands but ... this is my statement finally and I want it to be loud and rocking and fun."
Hoping for more gradual rise
Such will be the case this winter when Morningwood tours as opener for Head Automatica. You can see the rambunctious act Saturday at the Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh. Having already experienced the quick rise of success, Yanowitz said he hopes his new band's trajectory is less steep.
"I think hopefully it happens naturally and organically. In this day and age, new bands, we're not delusional. We know it's going to be a build. People don't know who we are. I think bands that come out and are so much hyped, that it can really hurt you. Hopefully that won't be the case, it won't be a quick burn. Hopefully it's a long, hard rise that people can ride for a long time."
Let the rocking begin.