Originally formed in the South Shore by Bob McGrath and David McClean, Zachariah started as a country rock cover band performing Poco, Eagles, Pure Prairie League songs. In 1975, guitarist/pedal steel guitarist Scott Rath was persuaded to leave Boston University to join their ranks. Scott brought a harder guitar edge (and the necessary steel guitar sound) as well as a number of original songs to the band.
Zachariah soon had a set list that included not only originals but an eccentric selection of cover tunes that went from Commander Cody to Steely Dan to Jeff Beck. The South Shore remained the home of Zachariah and they regularly filled every club whenever they played. Although they still performed country rock based material and fit in with the Boston country rock circuit, their sound became harder and more focused on a twin guitar sound such as the Allman Brothers Band and Thin Lizzy (both of whom they frequently covered).
They soon became a popular club, college and concert act playing everywhere from New York City to Presque Isle Maine. They were regulars at a number of clubs such as the Hullaballo in Rensselaer New York, Jonathan Swifts in Cambridge, Mr. C’s in Lowell, and their official home in Nantasket Beach at Uncle Sams and the Bell Buoy in Scituate Harbor.
A co-headlining show at the Paradise with Private Lightning was the first time Don Law had non-signed local bands in the club. Zachariah continued at the Paradise as a headliner and opening act from that point on.
A co-headlining show at the Paradise with Private Lightning was the first time Don Law had non-signed local bands in the club. Zachariah continued at the Paradise as a headliner and opening act from that point on.
The band soon got a reputation as the guitar band that was called upon to open for national bands of the same genre. A small list of bands they opened for, many of them numerous times, The Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, The Dixie Dregs, Johnny Winter, Pat Travers, Rainbow, Rick Derringer, Rossington Collins, to name a few.
WCOZ brought a 24 track mobile studio to the Bell Buoy and recorded Zachariah and featured them in an hour long broadcast during prime radio hours. They also had a number of originals that were played on both WCOZ and WBCN.
WCOZ brought a 24 track mobile studio to the Bell Buoy and recorded Zachariah and featured them in an hour long broadcast during prime radio hours. They also had a number of originals that were played on both WCOZ and WBCN.
Memorable gigs were played at the Orpheum in Boston opening for their friends Molly Hatchet and the Outlaws and at the Palace theatre in Albany New York also with the Outlaws. (and then there was the Hells Angels Troy Division pig roast, but that is best not spoken of).
After the usual management problems Seth Pappas left to move to Nashville and the band disbanded.
SCOTT RATH
Scott moved to LA in 1984 after deciding he had gone as far as he could in the Boston scene and soon found himself an in demand pedal steel player, playing every honky tonk in Southern California, as well as in a number of rock bands.From these gigs he was able to procure stints with Warren Zevon and, later, Ginger Baker.
With a core band of Ginger Baker, Tim Bogart and Scott, he was able to play with many of the musicians he had been inspired by, including both Hendrix drummers Mitch Mitchell and Buddy Miles. Also, Yes drummer Alan White and original Steppenwolf guitarist Michael Monarch and many more.
Postscript
Scott is currently playing in another guitar oriented band with old friend, well known southern rocker Donnie Winters, and has come full circle.
Eric Wells continues to play locally in Boston.
Tom Kraft is a full time musician in the Orlando area.
Of course this bio was written by Scott, so there is more about him, as should be the case.
