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| Mike Zito Releases New Blues Rock Album Today On May 20 Eclecto Groove Records is proud to announce the release of singer/songwriter/guitar player Mike Zito's national debut release, Today on May 20, 2008. On Today, Zito has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer David Z. (Prince, Etta James) and a lineup of studio musicians that includes bassist James "Hutch" Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker); Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch keyboardist Benmont Tench; co-producer/drummer Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, B.B. King) and percussionist Michito Sanchez (Nelly Furtado, Steve Winwood). Also appearing on Today are Joe Sublett (saxophone), Darrell Leonard (trumpet), Mitch Kashmar (harmonica) with Teresa James and Ce Ce Bullard (background vocals). Featuring Zito's powerful original songs about love, compassion and respect, (along with his unique spin on Prince's "Little Red Corvette"), his richly expressive vocals and intense solo guitar work, Today takes the listener on a journey into the mind and heart of this gifted artist. "A blazing guitarist who possesses a warm and expressive vocal style" (Bill Blankenship/Capital-Journal)." Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and now calls Southeast Texas his home. Growing up in St. Louis, it didn't take long for him to discover his instrument of choice - electric guitar - after receiving a Van Halen record for his birthday. His education and journey were just starting - little did he know he would find himself among legendary musicians at a local guitar shop just out of high school. "Everyone from Chuck Berry to Bennie Smith came in that store, " Zito shares of his experience. "I soaked up the sounds of that store and began building my own style." His first independent release arrived in 1996, titled Blue Room, which included raw and funky songs. His songwriting experience would break through on his sophomore release titled America's Most Wanted in 1999. This album shares his pop sensibilities and intense guitar work. He found his true sound from all his experiences, new and old, and released his fourth album, Superman in 2006. Touted as "Soulful pop" by critics, Zito's formative influences blend with musical heroes and legends including Prince, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. Zito's journey has lead him to sharing the stage with artists such as Chuck Berry, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tab Benoit, Walter Trout, and many more. In 2007, Mike Zito's path crossed with Randy Chortkoff of Delta Groove Music. Within months, Zito signed a deal with Chortkoff's label Eclecto Groove Records and booking agency Rick Booth/Intrepid Artists. With Mike Zito's national debut release Today due in stores on May 20, 2008, a new chapter of Mike Zito's life is unfolding. Mike Zito has only begun to scratch the musical surface. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |