ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra)

Biography

A band with a laid-back California vibe, ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) are a hit on the jam band circuit and often associated with their good friend Jack Johnson. Members Zach Gill (keyboards/vocals), Steve Adams (bass/vocals), and Dan Lebowitz (guitars/vocals) had all known one another since childhood, but it was while attending the University of California, Santa Barbara that they began taking the idea of forming a band seriously. Life at the university introduced them to their friend Jack Johnson and also to drummer David Brogan, who joined ALO while they were using the name Django. At first, numerous name changes, the addition and subtraction of a horn section, a number of new drummers after Brogan left, and other problems plagued the band. Even if they were earning a loyal following around Santa Barbara, the instability of the band convinced them to move back to their hometown of Saratoga. A couple more drummers came through the ranks before Brogan returned in 2002. An EP, Time Expander, and their debut album, Fly Between Falls, both appeared in 2005. The album was reissued a year later on Johnson's Brushfire label, coinciding with ALO touring as opening act for the Dave Matthews Band. A new album, Roses & Clover, landed in 2007.