B A N D B I O
Anazao (an-uh-zay'-yo) Means: To be restored to life again, To be revived
How they came together is truly God-engineered. Monty tells the story:
“Prayer". I had been playing my original music at our church for a couple years and began to ask God if this was the route He wanted me to take. I had asked Him, if that was His will, to bring the musicians together he wanted me to work with. Not much after that, I had asked Chris Pugh to play the djembe (which he said he didn’t feel very comfortable doing, because he couldn't hide behind his drum set. Imagine, Chris being shy), then Matt Baldwin and his family began coming to CWC and I found out he played bass. I asked him and Chris to help out with another song and a week or two later Mark Staley, a long time friend came to mind for an electric guitarist. Mark agreed to give us a try for a while. After Mark left to pursue a different calling, Josh was a natural fit since we had played together for youth worship services. Just the way that He has brought us all together shows God's perfect timing, and how His wisdom is so much greater than ours.
It is more than apparent as much time as these guys put into volunteering with worship services and other church projects that community outreach is high on their heart’s concerns. Whether at a coffee house or local jail, live music is definitely an outlet they use to share their message.
Matt Baldwin, says,
“Live music allows the artists to present a message that they feel needs to be delivered at that moment in time. Recorded music can deliver what was recorded, but a live show gives you the chance to speak directly to a person or people that may need a personal message.”
The guys really appreciate the time they have with each other. Monty says,
“We have a great time of prayer for each other and those that are in or lives. We are able to help build each other up and that helps us to do the right thing when times seem to be harder than normal. We are not alone, we have people we can trust to pray for us and keep us in check. Of course, coffee, sushi and camp fires (not necessarily all together) are close behind.”
Chris Pugh, adds:
that “fellowship” is what these guys enjoy more than anything together... He has some great encouragement for their listeners, “Don’t give up on what drives you, That’s God speaking.
Monty says regarding where he hopes to go in the future with this ministry,
“I want to go where God leads me. I want to be sensitive enough to hear His voice and obedient to follow. I don’t know if I feel comfortable or in tune enough to say that I’d like to be in front of 10,000 people, but I hope that I would do it if that was my task. Most of the songs that I have personally wrote have to do with lessons that God have taught me through my obedience and my disobedience. So I would say that most of our songs at this time are dealing with those who are following Christ NOW.”
For Booking or to request a press kit, email: [email protected]
MONTY ADER (Vocals, Guitars)
A NC native, Monty's lyrical insight and vocal talents combine to form the heart of Anazao. Monty writes and composes all of the band's original music, and is the glue that holds it all together, but somehow manages to remain humble. About performing live he says, “I pray that God gives me a message that someone needs to hear for that night. If it is just one person that a seed is planted and for the first time begins to understand the love of Christ, then we are helping to build the kingdom of God.” Monty is married to his lovely wife Meredith, and has 3 children - Drayton, Haley, and new arrival Selah.
Matt Baldwin (bass)
Matt was born and raised in upstate New York, and has always had a heart for music. He remembers playing the guitar to folk songs with his Mom as a kid . He is married to his beautiful wife Taya, and is blessed with 4 children - Ian, Austin, Hannah, and 'Mini Matt'. Matt feels strongly called to the ministry of Anazao, and has learned that to truly honor God, you have to try and live each minute of every day for Him, not just show up for an hour a week and be marked off on some holy attendance sheet.
Chris Pugh (drums, percussion)
The driving force on the drums, Chris has many years of experience in the music 'biz'. He has toured the U.S. with several metal bands over the years. After settling down to raise his family, Chris felt called to a music ministry, and God led him to Anazao as the answer to that call. Chris is a true 'metal-head' at heart, and a rabid Disciple fan, as well as being a paintball fanatic. He is married to wonderful wife Ashlie, and has 2 children - Zeb and Zalen.
Joshua Reich (guitar, BGV's)
Although Josh is the youngest member of Anazao, he brings years of musical experience with him. He picked up the guitar as a hobby in high school, and taught himself to play. Josh has played with several bands over the years, both in the secular world and part of FCA. He stepped away from the world of music several years ago to refocus his life on God, and to start a family. He is married to his college sweetheart Brittany, and has 2 daughters - Taylor and Madison. Josh joined ANAZAO in October 2008 and he is totally stoked about where God is leading them!
