I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting this past weekend. You see it was two years ago around this time that I suffered my heart attack. I’m mentioning this because as I look back, I believe strongly in the positive medicinal and psychological affect music can offer. There’s no greater healer in my mind. Music possesses special powers, and the blues especially has the capability to make you feel better through the sharing of other’s life experiences. That’s not exactly a secret, but perhaps I can say I’ve experienced it a little myself. It was always music that got me through some tough times. So when you hear a good thing, especially one that motivates you, I believe it’s important to pass that information along.
This Past Weekend
Between having so much to do and drifting off into my recent past, I found myself genuinely impressed when I listened to Mike Zito’s latest release Pearl River. It’s so upbeat and positive that after a few listens, I accomplished so many tasks around the house with such little effort I didn’t know what hit me. It comes at the perfect time as I think back to a very arduous moment. It was the songs on Pearl River this past weekend that kept reminding me what can be accomplished if you put your mind to it and set the right tone…
Things start cooking with the opening track Dirty Blonde; a gritty and infectious groove that showcases Zito’s fantastic fretwork and earthy vocals. The title track “Pearl River” is a rousing song featuring Cyril Neville’s (Neville Brothers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson…) tasteful vocals enhanced by keyboardist Reese Wynan’s (Double Trouble) pensive touch. The third track “Big Mouth” is a fabulous funky R&B number with plenty of foot tapping vivacity… With the rock n soul “Change My Ways,” to Shoes Blues,” (a variation of “Walking Blues”) which introduces singer Susan Cowsill, the catchy tunes kept coming. From the haunting “The Dead of Night” to the closer “C’mon Baby,” the music here never disappoints. This is a fantastic sequel to Zito’s previous 2008 Eclecto Groove release “Today.” It’s addictive and a very captivating album. With “Pearl River,” David Z once again sits at the producer’s helm along with label CEO Randy Chortkoff.
Mike Zito
“Music can change everything – how you feel, how you see and what
you believe,” Zito explains.
Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and became immersed in the musical sounds of the Southside. He was inspired enough to start singing and performing at the age of five. After receiving a Van Halen record as a birthday gift, the guitar would became his main focus; setting the stage for his future. As time progressed, he would gain further influence from artists such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Walter Trout, B.B. King and Buddy Guy.
At the age of 19 Zito worked in the local St. Louis music scene and continued to develop his sound. In 1996 he launched his debut independent release Blue Room, followed by 1999’s America’s Most Wanted.
Zito began to tour, and when he was off the road would continue to perform regularly six nights a week in and around St. Louis. He had many challenges along the way. But Zito was able to gain some focus when he took the advice of fellow musicians who warned him of the needless journey of heading down the wrong road. Eventually he found the love and support from his now wife who helped him clean-up and refocus on his career.
With a fresh outlook, Zito formed a new band and released “Slow it Down” in 2004. He once again began performing across the country doing 250 shows in 2005… With his fourth release Superman in 2006, Zito’s soulful influences were starting to really show.
In 2007 Zito signed with Eclecto Groove Records which resulted in 2008’s David Z. (Prince, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Jonny Lang) and Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal, Phantom Blues Band) produced album “Today.” Along with top notch world class musicians that included keyboardist Bentmont Tench (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash) and bassist James “Hutch Hutchinson. (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker) Zito generated his most critically acclaimed work.
Over the course of time his experiences have led him to larger audiences where he’s shared the stage with performers such as Chuck Berry, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tab Benoit, Walter Trout, Bernard Allison, Coco Montoya, Joe Bonamassa just to name a few.
“There is something in Zito’s music that went straight to my heart that goes way beyond his incredible talent as a musician…it’s that his music has such a message of positivity and hope. That’s universal, and when you pair that up with music that appeals on so many levels simply as great contemporary music, it makes Mike Zito a guy who truly deserves to be heard.” ~ Randy Chortkoff
Zito is a very talented artist that is sure to be a household name in the very near future. The result on his latest release is an enthusiastic production with an infectious blues/rock tone dripping with a cool soulful vibe. If you’re looking for a push start to your day then this record should give you the energy required to sail through. Be sure to check it out, you won’t be disappointed. It just may be what the doctor ordered.
Are you familiar with Mike Zito’s work? Any songs or moments in his career you’d like to share? Your comments are always welcome!
TheBluesBlogger
Mike Zito 2009 Tour Schedule
September
09/22/09: Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic
09/23/09: Sallisaw, OK – Cherokee Casino
09/24/09: W. Siloam Springs, OK – Cherokee Casino
09/25/09: Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
09/26/09: Columbia, MO – Roots n Blues Festival
09/27/09: Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
October
10/01/09: New Orleans, LA – Ogden Museum of Southern Art
10/02/09: Port Arthur, TX – Dylan’s
10/03/09: Baytown, TX – TX Nat’l Motorcycle Rally
10/06/09: Austin, TX – Continental Club
10/08-10/09: Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
10/11/09: Houma, LA – The Balcony
10/22/09: Cape Griardeau, MO – Rude Dog Pub
10/23/09: St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
10/24/09: Springfield, MO – Cartoon’s
10/25/09: Kansas City, MO – Knucklehead’s
10/27/09: Omaha, NE – Murphy’s Lounge
10/28/09: Lincoln, NE – Zoo Bar
10/29/09: Cedar Rapids, IA – Chappy’s Safari Lounge
10/30/09: Des Moines, IA – Blues On Grand
10/31/09: St. Louis, MO – Private
November
11/06/09: Big Pine Key, FL – Rob’s Island Grill
11/07/09: Key West, FL – 12-Step Music Festival
11/07/09: Pig Pine Key, FL – Rob’s Island Grill (after party)
11/09/09: Nashville, TN – TBA
11/11/09: Tuscarawas, OH – The Canal House
11/13/09: New York, NY – Sullivan Hall w/Tab Benoit
11/14/09: Buffalo, NY – Lafayette Tap Room w/Ana Popovic & Jason Ricci
11/17/09: Dubois, PA – Treasure Lake Ski Lodge
11/18/09: New York, NY – Terra Blues
11/19/09: New Castle, DE – J.B. McGinnes Pub
11/20/09: Fall River, MA – The Narrows Center For The Arts w/Tab Benoit
11/25/09: Boulder, CO – Boulder Outlook Hotel
11/26-28/09: Blackhawk, CO – Blackhawk, CO
11/29/09: Evergreen, CO – Little Bear Saloon
December
12/04/09: Humble, TX – Rock, Wine & Blues
12/05/09: New Orleans, LA – Rock n’Bowl
12/06/09: Houma, LA – The Balcony
12/10-12/09: Biloxi, MS – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Lovely find..never heard of him ..but he is definitely a big future star ..wow!..great sound and a interesting variety of songs..very cool….i will look out for this guy,buy his music and see what happens…might get that house cleaned pretty fast then open a cold beer….thanks a lot..Could very well be be road music too…gee, its for many situations…
I opened this just as I was trying desperately to wake up the moring after a long, night of business networking. I started reading (I love your writing) and got to the video and woke right up. Much better than coffee.
I love this guy’s music and am definitely going to look for more. Thanks for sharing.
Very Tasty!
Thanks for sharing.
tihs is the first time i have heard Mike Zito this is going to be an awesome album he has every type of blues on this cd from deep blues to toe tapping i can see myself listening to this all day!!! what a gret blog to start my day with now i’m ready to get going!! i also believe music is sooo good for the oul and it does make you feel better i’m proof this morning thanks for the great post and for turning me on to such talent!!!
Mike Zito is new to me, but his sound is great, cool… and I’m going to find more on his music. Thanks Blues Blogger for sharing.
Thanks for all your comments… So many catchy tunes! Haven’t stopped listening… Anybody else had a chance to preview / listen to Mike Zito’s Pearl River?
I have been following Zito for the past two years and have seen him live numerous times. He is fantastic. I have always thought he has the secret sauce to make it big and I do believe he will. He is a triple threat who can sing (love that raspy voice of his), writes his own songs and plays the hell out of the guitar. Pearl River is an awesome CD. I just got my signed copy from Mike on Sunday!!. These songs capture what it is like to be at his show. I think all of the songs are fantastic but I love Pearl River, Eyesight to the Blind, Natural Born Lover and C’mon Baby. The Pearl River CD and his prior release “Today” feature screaming guitar licks and soaring vocals and will not disappoint. You should buy them both online today! I?ll guarantee you will wear out your CD player with these two CD’s playing them over and over.
Just wanted to say that I read this post when you initially posted, and I came back to it again tonight because I’ve been listening to Pearl River lately and enjoyed your post. I’m not really someone who comments much on blogs, but I can’t express how much I enjoy your posts and your tweets… your knowledge, expertise, and passion make this one of the best music blogs anywhere – bar none.
@ Aaron — Thanks. That’s very nice of you to say. With talent like Mike Zito and all the other artists which are featured on my site, it makes the writing, not only a pleasure but very natural. Glad you’re enjoying the blog. All the Best!