Mike Zito is one of those rare artist that can sing like nobody’s business, can write songs that instantly grip you, play one hell of a mean Gulf Coast style guitar and has the stage presence to draw in any audience.
His new cd, “Pearl River” is already garnering significant airplay and has broke out of the starting block with gusto and fire.
“His bluesy Americana vibe finds an impressively restrained balance between melody and musicianship.” – Blues Revue
“Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Zito boasts a road-hardened voice that spews the fiery tales of life’s ups and downs with a serious conviction that’s impossible to ignore.” – Metronome
“Zito’s voice is so incredibly soulful that it can be placed into that diminutive group of elite male blue-eyed soul/blues singers like Steve Winwood, Michael McDonald and Rod Stewart… A fine guitarist and composer as well, it’s a winning combination of a genuine and complete performer.” - Modern Guitars Magazine
Mike Zito's passion for music has long been fueled by his love of the guitar and the icons who helped propel the instrument to its legendary status. While growing up Zito was initially captivated by the innovative guitar sounds of Eddie Van Halen, but later discovered the soulful blues inspired playing of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. A job fresh out of high school working at the local music store, Tower Grove Music, near his home in St. Louis, Missouri, further solidified his enthusiasm and devotion to his craft. The journey towards stardom and a life long career in music was officially underway.
After years of tirelessly touring and four independently released projects under his belt, 2008 heralded the national debut of Zito’s album "Today" on Eclecto Groove Records. Boasting top notch production values with the guidance of producers David Z. (Prince, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Jonny Lang) and Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Taj Mahal, Phantom Blues Band), along with assistance from a team of world class musicians including keyboardist Bentmont Tench (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash) and bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker), Zito realized his most satisfying and accomplished work to date. “Today” garnered high praise and critical acclaim for Zito’s strengthened focus on songwriting and his resulting efforts landed his album on the Billboard Blues charts for six weeks, in addition to daily rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio over the past year.
Now Zito returns with his follow up effort "Pearl River", accompanied by the skillfully adept David Z. sitting in once again at the helm of the producer’s chair, along with label CEO Randy Chortkoff. With his guitar back to the forefront, Zito revisits his musical roots while still maintaining an emphasis on his affective songwriting. “Pearl River” stands as another solid achievement by Mike Zito who is joined this time out by a handful of special guests including Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), Susan Cowsill, Lynwood Slim and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone. The result is a rollicking slice of Americana served up with heaping slabs of greasy New Orleans funk, gritty blues and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll.
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