Chaz: I signed my first record deal in 2000 with my last band Biogenesis when we signed with "Rowe Productions". Ironically the American representative of the label happened to be riding in a car with Jacobs Dream guitarist John Berry when she first listened to our demo and he told her to snag us while she could.

Being a vocalist, do you miss playing an instrument?

No not at all. I can play guitar, bass and a little drums but being a vocalist is what I've always wanted to do. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Have you ever had any vocal lessons and what are your thoughts on taking them?

Yes. I studied with a personal instructor when I was in my teens and what I learned was invaluable. I think that taking vocal lessons is a must for anyone really wanting to know what they are doing and to want to learn to understand how to utilize their voice to it's full capacity.

Who is your biggest influence, vocally and musically?

Honestly Id have to say Jimmy P. Brown vocalist/guitarist of the 90's band Deliverance. They were my favorite band during my teen years and some say that we sound nearly identical at times.

What do you do to warm-up your voice before a show or a studio session?

I run through a few scales briefly and sometimes I don't do anything. I do however try to stay away from soda, milk and greasy foods before a performance.

How did you come to get the gig with Jacobs Dream?

Bio's label hooked us up with them for a mini tour since both bands were based in Ohio. We played several shows with JD while they were touring in support of Theater Of War. I got to know them well. I was and still am very close friends with David Taylor and John Berry so when Dave chose to leave they approached me quickly because they knew me and knew what I could do so I was immediately offered an audition. At the time I wasn't willing to leave Biogenesis and they were still talking to Dave who was considering coming back so nothing happened the first time around. Six months later they contacted me again and before I knew it I was the new vocalist.

I've read that aside from Jacob's Dream, you're also in a band called Bio-Genesis. What are the advantages and disadvantages to fronting 2 different bands?

Actually I chose to disband Bio a few months ago but my original intention was to keep both bands going. It was hard to do both bands but the advantage was that I felt more complete as an artist since the two bands were nothing alike and I love diversity done right.

How does your family feel about your choice of career?

Well I'm not married and I have no children but my girlfriend supports me 100%. In fact sometimes I think that she is just as into the band as I am. She is also a singer and we like the same kind of music for the most part.

Recently, Jacobs Dream released "Drama Of The Ages". What are your thoughts on the final product?

I am very happy with it. I am very proud to be a part of the resurrection of Jacobs Dream.

Do you have favorites or least favorites off the album?

I have favorites off of every album. From Drama though I at least like every song. I love "Stand or fall", "Cutting Words", "Drowning Man", "Spinning Leaf", "Victory", "Keeper Of The Crown" and "At The Gates". Those are probably my favorites.

There is an instrumental track on the album that is hidden entitled "Cannon". Did you have any input whatsoever in writing or performing it?

No. Actually it's an old classical tune but I don't know exactly how old it is or who wrote it but we redid it JD style and I think that it turned out great. However I didn't play any instruments on the song.

As well you know from the review I wrote of the cd, "Cannon" touched me in the most surprising way. Is there specific meaning to the track or was it just jam session?

I was told that it is often used for weddings but I really don't know much about it's origin. The other guys could tell you more about it.

With Jacobs Dream, do you share the writing duties or do you leave it up to the other guys?

They pretty much wrote the new album before I arrived but I will be equally involved in the future. Spinning Leaf was one of my songs and when I joined we made it a JD song. They also allowed me to add a few lines and melodies to the songs that were already written.

Jacob's Dream was already signed to Metal Blade Records and had already released few albums previously. Were you a fan of the band before joining?

I hadn't heard them until we met up with them for the tour but I loved their music the first time I heard it. You just don't hear power metal bands around here. That made them unique in a good way. It was also nice to hear a good singer around here since we don't get much of that here either.

Since your signed to Metal Blade Records, do you check out any of your label mates releases and if so what are some of your favorites?

Not to much up to this point but I like Brainstorms "liquid Monster" pretty well.

Come to think of it, what bands out today would we find you listening to on an average day, or do you indulge in the old school?

Iced Earth, Evergrey and Iron Maiden for the most part. I am very open minded as long as there is a good vocalist involved.

How well do you think the hardcore fan base of the band has accepted you?

So far from what I have heard, seen and read it seems to be 90% for 10% against. Any time you replace a front man you are always gonna have those "bring back the old guy" crowd no matter how good you are. I knew that I would have to face that when I was deciding whether or not to join JD. Fans have responded very well and I even got the seal of approval from Tim Ripper Owens of Iced Earth and formerly of Judas Priest when he saw us perform so I'm happy.

When you are not working JD or BG, what do you do to occupy your time?

I hang out with the blonde, play Madden Football, teach Martial Arts and do as little as possible whenever possible.

With the summer coming on, I am sure the tour offers have been pouring in. Have you guys booked a summer tour? Any preferences of tour slots you'd like to be on?

So far no major tour is planned. Personally I want to travel to Europe where most of our fan base lies but anywhere were there are JD freaks I want to be there and I want to put on a show for them.

Can I get your thoughts on the following bands?
Falconer

Pretty good band from what little I've heard.

Queensryche

Love the older stuff but not sure about the newer material but I haven't really heard enough of it to say.

Helloween

Sounded good when I heard them but I think it was like one song.

Six Feet Under

If I remember correctly aren't they death metal or thrash? I'm not a big fan of growling like some demonic figure. It takes no skill and it bores me to death. However many of those bands have very skilled musicians. Just wish that some of those bands would play what they do and go out and get a vocalist who has as much talent with his/her voice as the rest of the band.

Judas Priest

Love most of it due to some of the greatest vocals ever recorded by both Halford and Owens.

Can we expect to see you on the next Jacobs Dream cd, or this one shot deal?

Absolutely. The fans that want Dave back are stuck with me. Sorry guys but I like this way too much so I'm not goin anywhere.

Can you leave our readers with any last word in which you live your life by?