Los Angeles-based multi-instrumentalist, Paz Lenchantin, is best known for her run as bassist/ violinist in the Tool offshoot band, A Perfect Circle (as her website says, she's the one who did "the cool-ass hair-tying trick in the 'Judith' video"), as well as fulfilling bass duties for the short-lived Billy Corgan-lead supergroup, Zwan (you have to love the wonderful New Orderness of the bassline to "Settle Down"). Following Zwan's demise she played in Papa M with her Zwan-cohort David Pajo, toured with Jennifer Herrema's RTX, and even formed another supergroup with Hole/Smashing Pumpkins' bassist, Melissa Auf Der Maur, The Need's Radio Sloan, and Hole/Motley Crue drummer Samantha Maloney, called The Chelsea (the name was later used by Courtney Love when Maloney and Sloan became part of her ill-fated back-up group). However, the band had a lifespan that only lasted a few rehearsals and one now-legendary Los Angeles show. Lenchantin has also collaborated with Jarboe of the Swans, Queen Adreena, Queens of the Stone Age, and most recently with Brightblack Morning Light.

Lately, Lenchantin has been working on music for films, working with Michael Mann on the Miami Vice score and composing as well as performing the score for the forthcoming Japanese film Hen.

Having jumped around from band to band and project to project, Paz has finally rooted herself somewhat with Los Angeles psych-rockers Entrance, having recorded two albums and toured with them as well as co-producing the outfit's just released third full length, Prayer of Death. Lenchantin also recently released a new collection of solo material entitled Songs For Luci, her first solo outing since her 2000 solo debut, Yellow My Skycaptain. Songs is an homage to her late brother, Luciano, singer/songwriter for the band Big Milk and sometimes Perfect Circle collaborator, who committed suicide in 2003. The album is a lovely tribute full of hazy and ethereal yet earthy violin and vocal layers gliding effortlessly from track to track, creating a warm aural portrait of a lost loved one. It floats like a lost treasure from the 4AD catalog.


(Paz with Entrance bandmate, Guy Blakeslee. Photo By Sasha Eisenman)

Lenchantin has forgone normal retail outlets for the sale of Songs, and is selling the disc exclusively through her Myspace page. Paz recently explained her reasoning behind this to Bassgirls Magazine.

Paz will be out on the road with Entrance beginning in January.

Recommended Viewing:
Paz Lenchantin's video for "Kentucky Hymn" from Songs For Luci.