Moose Archives

Mr. Moose and Friends have been playing music in the great state of Vermont since 2009! Between then and now the group has taken many forms with many eclectic and extremely talented musicians joining the group at different times. The group began by Zak playing on the streets in Poultney during town-wide tag sales. Using a food service cart and a boombox, Zak walked the streets playing anywhere he could. Shortly thereafter a fabulous friend and guitar player Mike Ray joined the fun and the Moose was loose. The two began playing at the Pub in Poultney and at local fairs and festivals. Joined later by a college professor and mentor on the piano the trio played locally out of the Great American Songbook. As time went on Mike Ray went on to peruse his calling and one of Zak's best friends (then unrealized ) Joe Plotts joined in on the bass. Shortly thereafter local percussion legend Bob Campbell joined the team as well as another face that would remain a staple in the group for years to come, Mr. Tim "The Mayor" Duch on keys. The Moose Crossing Quartet was Zak, Joe Plotts on bass, Tim Duch on keys, and Bob Campbell on the drums. The Quartet continued to add to their repertoire from their roots which is the Great American Song Book. As time went on and venues were quick to shy away from drums, the group transformed from quartet to trio. Moose Crossing would remain Zak, Joe, and Tim for a number of funky years. The three worked together to rehearse, record, develop, and perform more! And so it was. Many of the following archives are with this powerhouse trio. This is when the group began exploring funky-jazzy-fusion arrangements of popular hit TV show theme songs like Game Of Thrones, and West World to name a couple. As time went on Joe took some time to pursue his passions and the powerhouse that is Johnny Rieter on the bass joined the team. A metal-trained rocker, this man has the tenderness of a seasoned jazz bassist on the ol' upright. Many archives here include Johnny as well. Johnny, Tim, and Zak, among others continued as Mooose Crossing continuing to develop and gain popularity. Johnny moved away, and once again Tim and Joe and Zak were together. Joined by great percussionists like Jack McChesney the Moose remained loose! Things changed dramatically when Tim moved away and Zak met his newest brother, "Buffalo" Brian DeAngelo-DeAngelo, who had subbed in with Zak and yet another incredible pianist, Adam Shiny for some gigs in the past. For a time the band had morphed once again into a quartet. Adam on keys, Joe on bass, and Brian on percussion. Once again, a move changed the dynamic. We lost Adam to the West, and the bass, drums, sax power trio of Brian, Zak, and Joe was born. For many years prior to covid, into, and out the other end of the pandemic, this trio of Meece was the go-to for entertainment! The brotherhood, the talent, the dedication, the drive; it all led to countless gigs and thousands of hours of music making! Many recent and professionally recorded archives include this last official form of "Moose Crossing."  But they didn't stop there. Through a friendship with Brian, a partnership with Bennington's Vermont Arts Exchange helped foster a new moose: Moose Junior! The same three, Zak, Brian, and Joe, plus a movement-specialist put their dedication to music and performance to work in the kids sector! Born out of the need for live music the pandemic created, Moose Crossing and Moose Junior became household names in the region. But another move would change the group again. The deep bond forged among Zak, Brian, and Joe meant that Moose Crossing was something different. Something new. It wasnt the same as it was in 2009, and with the time put into this trio, it was clear that there was only one form of Moose Crossing from now on: The trio of Brian, Zak, and Joe. While Brian is off in Buffalo, the group remains in tact and is sure to pop up at an event near you! Those shows have been and will always be special, so keep your eyes peeled. Finally today we have Mr. Moose & Friends!" Playing everything they can put their hooves on, Mr. Moose (Zak Hampton) carries on the moose-legacy and plans to showcase a number of moose-friends from over the years. At its core will be Joe Plotts on bass, and Ryan Carney on percussion. Bringing us full circle back to when the three meece played as students in the Castleton State College Jazz Ensemble and Combos. Additionally the archives contain samples of other projects from Zak's past: Carl's Corner Basement Band, Minor Trible Scuffles, and Paved Groovement to name a few.  Enjoy the archives! Dig deep. There is even more out there!!