Song Spotlight: Ted Z and The Wranglers' Williamsburg (a night at the Bigfoot Lodge)

The five piece Ted Z and The Wranglers band came up from Orange County to play the Americana Joy showcase at Atwater Village's Bigfoot Lodge. Fronted by Ted Zakka, the set was filled with Americana and roots rock music.  

Ted Z and The Wranglers at the Bigfoot Lodge

Per the band's website bio, the band formed in 2012. Those years between 2012 and 2026 were put to creative use as the band has released three albums over those years. A fourth album or EP is no doubt on the way as the band released 3 singles last year. "As a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Ted Z brings a raw authenticity to the group's music, drawing inspiration from his own experiences. His gravelly, whisky-drenched vocals and passionate delivery are trademarks of the group's sound."

Ted Z and The Wranglers at the Bigfoot Lodge

The tunes ranged from rockers such as "Sadie" to the bluesy of their recently released "Joseph Ratcliff." When it came to "Ghost Train," he told that audience he'd buy a shot to whomever was able to give the closest number to how many famous people were mentioned in the song. Some of the names I heard mentioned were James Dean, Hank (Hank Williams Jr.?) and Waylon (Waylon Jennings?). My guess would be 10. I could cheat and carefully relisten to the Spotify release, but I'm going to go with my first guess. I'm betting that is a serious undercount. 

Ted Z and The Wranglers at the Bigfoot Lodge

The song spotlight goes to "Williamsburg." He mentioned that the song was written for his son. As it should be, it is an Americana rock anthem: gravely vocals backed by melodic instrumentals of three guitarists.  

A song about realizing the errors that have been made in life.

I own what I've done.

And the advise given to his son.

Son, be a better man.
A better man than me.

The great hope that the next generation reaches a higher level in life. 

Ted Z and The Wranglers at the Bigfoot Lodge

Setlist (due to time constraints, three of the final five songs were cut from the set): Rambler, Sadie, Bobbi Don't Mind, S. S. Smoke, Joseph Ratcliff, Right That Wrong, Ghost Train, I'm Not Saying, Let Me Be Your Sin, Williamsburg, She'd Never Be, Setting Sun, Trouble, Ball and Chain, Bitter Hands.