# OF TRACKS: 13
/ RELEASE DATE: 05/20/08 / CATALOG
#: EGR CD 503
THE BAND Mike Zito: Vocals & Guitar Hutch Hutchinson: Bass Tony Braunagel: Drums Benmont Tench: Keys (All Songs Except Track 8) Teresa James: Background Vocals (Tracks 1, 3-6, 9-13) Ce Ce Bullard: Background Vocals (Tracks 1, 4-6, 9-13) Joe Sublett: Saxophone (Tracks 9, 10, 12) Darrell Leonard: Trumpet (Tracks 9, 10, 12) Mitch Kashmar: Harmonica (Track 11)
Produced by David Z & Tony Braunagel
Executive Producer: Randy Chortkoff
DESCRIPTION
Zito is that rare new artist who is completely in synch with the contemporary music scene, while at the same time having a lifetime’s worth of experience to draw from that informs his music with soul, depth, and lasting appeal that grows with repeated listening.
“Zito is one of the best…simply a great writer, a great singer and a great guitarist” – Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker)
Singer, guitarist and songwriter Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, immersed in the gritty and soulful sounds of the city’s south side that would help provide the groundwork for his future in music. He began singing and performing at the age of five and has been touring heavily since the age of nineteen. But throwing himself headfirst into the pursuit of his art had a toll, and Zito paid it. The non-stop Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle led to a dark and dangerous period during which Zito came close to destroying all that he’d worked so hard to establish. It took time, but thankfully, with the help and intervention of friends and supporters in the music business, loved ones and the woman who would become his wife, Zito regained his faith in himself and his music, cleaned up his act and settled down in Southeast Texas to begin anew.
With a clean slate, a fresh outlook and a new found dedication to his music, Zito now embraces a positive message of hope and redemption; illuminating his music with a deeper relevance and validity, while elevating his craft to all new artistic heights. Together with producers David Z and Tony Braunagel, Zito’s previously untapped potential is fully realized and complimented by an assemblage of world class musicians that can best be described as “The Dream Team.” Joining Zito on “Today” are bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker), keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash), drummer Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) and Michito Sanchez (Joe Walsh, Elton John, Crosby, Stills & Nash) on percussion.
“Today” showcases Zito’s music in a distinctly contemporary setting, without any gimmicks or artifice. The producers perfectly captured the earthy essence and intimacy of Zito’s voice and the driving intensity of his music, creating a recording that sounds simultaneously comfortable and familiar, yet urgently fresh and vital. With all the pieces now in place, the time is right for Zito to break through as a major voice on the contemporary music scene.
CREDITS
Produced by David Z & Tony Braunagel / Executive Producer: Randy Chortkoff / Recorded and Engineered by David Z (LA/FX Studios) / Mixed by David Z / Mastered by Gavin Lurssen (Lurssen Mastering, Los Angeles, CA.) / Creative Fulfillment President of Eclecto Groove: Robert Fitzpatrick / Artwork & Design by Joshua Temkin & Jim Hanft / Photography by Joshua Temkin & Josiah “Brutal 1” Stein / Additional Photographic Art Direction by Walter Martinez / Radio Promotion by Frank Roszak / Retail by Jeff Fleenor / Business Affairs by Malcolm Wiseman
