Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America by Vinnie Zummo

Cutz line for Zero G is a best seller all over the world and Kocktail Kollection, the ultimate collection of Lounge Music loops, has just been released to great acclaim. Every album he’s done has been a completely diferent style of music. VZ, as his friends call him, is just as comfortable playing serious jazz, & shred metal as he is playing authentic western swing, chicken picking, African, Blues, or Slide guitar. Vinnie is one of the few people who is as delighted to hear a song by The Shaggs or Paul Revere and The Raiders as he is hearing music by John Coltrane, Death Cab For Cutie or Arnold Schoenberg. He recently played to a packed audience at new York city’s famed Blue Note club then the next day worked on some hip hop drum loops for a sample project as well as composing music for the Oprah show. Vinnie Zummo is famed for his amazing grasp of the many styles of guitar playing and writing he’s mastered. To quote VZ: “Amazing things happen when a Beatle fan is introduced to Be Bop, finds that he loves it equally, then plays with the Joe Jackson Band for more than 6 years!”

Swinging Guitar Sounds Of Young America marks the first time all aspects of Vinnie’s playing can be heard on one album. He’s well known for his quirky soloing but on this album, he takes it to new heights of musical schizophrenia. His loving tributes to George Harrison’s unique slide style on the songs "Fab Gear", "Ringo", and "Without You Here" are astonishing & will bring a smile to any Beatle fan’s face. His drumming on the song "Ringo" is so dead on U can almost see the real Ringo in your mind’s eye swaying back & forth in that unique Ringo way. An accomplished drummer, Vinnie plays drums on many of the tracks. His song "Kool Bop", a free form guitar drum duet, is supposed to be kind of an imaginary encounter between Elvin Jones & a John Scofield / Pat Martino genetic splice clone! A big fan of all three this song is his tribute to them. The CD even features a song called Pancakes that is a Western Swing tribute to the late great musical pioneer Bob Wills.

In addition to all the guitar styles on this CD, check out his accordion playing on SPJ and Waffles as well as his languid chromatic harmonica solo on "Quantes Vezes". U have never heard an album like this before.

The transition from track to track is sometimes startling but it all kind of works together somehow to make up a cohesive album.

VZ plays most of the instruments but has some special guests on several cuts. Joe Jackson plays a burner of a solo on "SPJ" . Barry Miles & Terry Silverlight play scathingly on the song "Retro Fuso". The song really captures the early fusion mojo from the late 70’s early 80’s. Graham Maby and Marshall Crenshaw add some Beatley vocals on "Fab Gear".

Joe Jackson, Gary Burke, Joy Askew, Will Lee, and more all add their unique talent to the CD.

Every cut on SGSOYA is radically different than the one that precedes it. A Beatle like song is followed by a bebop guitar/drum duet followed by a country pickin’ song, Jeff Beck like blues, Beach Boys ballad, Earth Wind & Fire deep groover, bluegrass mandolin pickin’ tip, etc... The songs sound remarkably like the groups they are supposed to honor. ("Fab Gear" sounds like an undiscovered rhythm track left off a Sgt. Pepper era Beatle’s LP. ) That being said, the songs always manage to branch out into unique territory . The Earth Wind & Fire tribute "EWF" is similar to their kind of groove but it features a fretless guitar vocal unison melody which is decidedly un -Earth Wind & Fire- like!

The Cream tribute song "Take The Cream" featuring heavyweight players Graham Maby and Shawn Pelton, is so similar to a late 1960’s era live Cream track that U will start to get flash backs but it too veers off into a unique place. Those of U who are hard core Cream fans will fall over laughing when they hear the band introductions at the end. Graham Maby does the vocal as well for this song.

"Wilson Beach" has a Beach Boys flavor and features a stunning accapella perfomance by Graham Maby with a Jeff Beck flavored guitar line from Vinnie.

Let Vinnie tell U himself:

“Most songs on this album pay homage to artists who have shaped my music: Beatles, Beach Boys, Elvin Jones, Earth Wind & Fire, Cream, Jeff Beck, John Scofield, Ringo Starr, Pat Martino, Bob Wills, Charlie Christian, Freddie King, ... The list could go on forever. I’ve peppered the songs with their little trademarks plus some unexpected twists.

On "Fab Gear" the intro is not real studio chatter. I assembled it sound by sound to resemble a faux Beatles’ session and the piece is riddled lovingly with Beatle touches.

"SPJ" & "Take The Cream" were recorded live “Guerilla” style. No rehearsal. Just a quick talk through and one take. I love the energy this created. Joe Jackson contributes a burning Hammond organ solo on "SPJ" as well.

In fact, most of my solos were first takes. "Kool Bop", "EWF", "Photograph", "So Relaxed"... all first takes. Some editing, but first takes.

"Without You Here" is for my Mom who we lost recently. Moments after my wife Janice Zummo and I wrote the song, we recorded a rough vocal & knew we’d never get a more emotional take, so that’s what you’re hearing, the rough vocal. It’s the only time we ever sang the song. If you’ve ever suffered great loss, we hope U get some comfort from it. I originally meant it to sound like a Beach Boys song but it turned into what it became. This cut has my favorite guitar solo I’ve ever played.

For "Aloo Bobbily", I sent ruff mp3 guides out & got vocal mp3s via e mail, from fans and friends all over the world to create a “Global Chant Choir.” Over 80 voices!

I don’t think anyone has ever assembled a choir from emailed mp3s before.

On "Retro Fuso", I was lucky enough to get Barry Miles and Terry Silverlight to play with me. This is a HUGE thing for me as their groundbreaking Fusion work thrilled and inspired me.

"Ringo" deals with my obsession with Ringo Starr’s playing. More Beatle touches abound. WIll Lee and Frank Agnello from the Fab Faux, were nice enough to add some backup singing here. Check out the Beatle touches in the end. I had a great time doing my best Ringo impersonation on the drum track.

My tastes in music are eclectic and this CD is meant to show many sides of my playing. I hope U enjoy it and can hear the fun I had in making it. it was written as an expression of love and admiration for the groups that are emulated.”

Peace,

VZ

SOME MORE BACKGROUND

Last year Vinnie produced and directed four guitar demo videos for Steinberger Guitars that feature his wide ranging styles. View them at:

http://www.steinberger.com/multimedia.aspx

Though best known for his 7 seven year stint as a featured soloist in The Joe Jackson Band. Vinnie has also recorded with Art Garfunkel, Shawn Colvin, Paul Carrack, Marti Jones, Paul Stanley, etc.......

He’s also written songs for the films Must Love Dogs & The Weathermen as well as for Guiding Light, CNN, MTVs Can’t Get a Date, Oprah, and many other TV shows. In NYC, he is a first call session player on guitar, accordion, chromatic harmonica, and custom sampling.

Read an interview with Vinnie Zummo at:

http://www.steinbergerworld.com/

Check out Vinnie’s site at:

www.vinniezummo.com

Vinnie also has several videos on You Tube from a recent appearance at NYC's famed Blue Note with with his Jazz trio. Just do a search of his name there.

RAVES ABOUT THIS CD

"In a word, Zummo-rific..."

Marshall Crenshaw, pop artist.

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"There's something sort of touching about how many songs are obvious tributes to specific people . . . and also how there is no obvious connection between them (Earth Wind and Fire and Les Paul?!) In the end it kind of makes me chuckle. It comes across very much as a musician doing something from the heart rather than thinking like an A&R man. And of course there's great playing."

Joe Jackson, pop genius

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"It was a gas to listen to, and Vinnie is a great guitar player"

Chris Lord Algae, Mega producer

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"Vinnie is one of those quiet, eccentric genii lurking in a corner of the music business sadly but inevitably overlooked. An accomplished, no, a phenominal musician, a savvy producer and arranger, and someone with a better voice than he gives himself credit for, not to mention a fine head of hair. Vinnie always does good work, and this album delivers. It's really an impressive showcase for all his varied talents, a long time in the making. I really don't know anyone else who could pull off what he's done here: brought Clapton, Beck, Brian Wilson, the Beatles , EW&F, et al., together in a joyous musical celebration---without them knowing about it (yet!).

I'm proud to be representin' here, on vocals and on bass---not to mention voiceover!

Oh, and the sessions were fun, too. Thanks Vinnie! GM"

Graham Maby, legendary bassist with the Joe Jackson Band

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"An affectionate and insightful guided tour through the recent history of rock and pop. The tunes are original, yet Zummo totally nails several well-known styles, including the Beatles and Cream."

Jim Aikin, famed music magazine reviewer.

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"On his tribute to The Beatles titled 'Fab Gear' - Vinnie Zummo demonstrates his complete mastery and understanding of all the varied Beatles guitar sounds and their nuances. Few, if any, could have done this with such spirit and style. Bravo Vinnie!"

Jazz artist, Steve Khan

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"VZ--

Man the CD is f-----g  awesome!!

loving it

really digging on your drumming!!

f-----g great

really proud to be a part it!!!"

Shawn Pelton, Groove Doctor, NYC Drummer heavyweight from SNL and countless albums.

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Swinging Guitar Sounds Of Young America

"One of my lasting memories from childhood was hunkering down in front of the B&W tv on Sunday nights to watch "The Ed Sullivan Show" (I'm dating myself here). It's where I (and millions of other baby boomers) first saw The Beatles. It's also where I got regular doses of top shelf impressionists like Frank Gorshin, John Byner and Rich Little. These guys could imitate every Hollywood celebrity of note from that era, and they did it with a combination of flawless technique, old school flair and a touch of reverence for their subjects. Their impressions were invariably more homage than mean-spirited mockery, as some impressionists today tend to resort to.

Guitarist Vinnie Zummo invests that same kind of heart into paying homage to some of his own personal guitar heroes on Swinging Guitar Sounds Of Young America. Whether he's channeling Abbey Road-era Beatles ("Fab Gear"), laying down funky-slick rhythm guitar tracks and infectious bass grooves ("EWF") or summoning up the spirit of Bob Willis and & Texas Playboys ("CP Heart"), Zummo's playing is authentic and imbued with a touch of reverence and deep soul. Like impressionists Gorshin, Byner and Little, he shifts seamlessly from guitar hero to guitar hero with stunningly accurate results. There's a touch of Jeff Beck on the ballad "Sanpaku Eyes" (reminiscent of Beck's "Because We Ended As Lovers"), a nod to Eric "Slowhand" Clapton on the raucous power trio number "Take The Cream," and a spot-on imitation of B.B. King on "So Relaxed I'm Nearly Dead Blues," which is imbued with all of B.B.'s signature blues licks. The jaunty novelty swinger "Waffles" has a distinct Les Paul-Mary Ford vibe (with Vinnie's wife Janice handling the vocals) while the blazing "Retro Fuso," with brothers Barry Miles on Mini Moog and Terry Silverlight on drums, is a Joe Satriani-meets-Al Di Meola chops showcase.

Elsewhere, Zummo pays homage to Brian Wilson with his lush vocal harmonies on "Wilson Beach" and he tips his hat to jazz guitar great Pat Martino and jazz drumming legend Elvin Jones on the closing duet number "Kool Bop." Throw in a seductive bossa nova in "Quantes Vezes," some Indian flavoring with "Aloo Bobbily," an authentic bluegrass romp in "Doing The Best That I Can," a vintage early '80s power pop New Wave number in "You're The One" and a funky N'awlins flavored zydeco romp with "SPJ" (featuring Zummo's former employer Joe Jackson on clavinet) and you have a veritable kaleidoscope of guitar sounds coming from this remarkably talented six-string impressionist. Highly recommended to guitar fans." -- Bill Milkowski

Bill Milkowski is a regular contributor to Jazz Times, Jazziz, Modern Drummer and Bass Player magazines. He is also the author of "JACO: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius" (Backbeat Books)

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"With superb musicianship and imagination Vinnie Zummo steers "The Swinging Guitar Sounds of Young America" through sometimes new and sometimes familiar waters. Often funny and always melodic, the songs will make you want to sing alongj!

More reminiscent than derivative the sounds on this CD hearken back to such bands as The Beatles and Cream but will appeal to everyone who loves a good tune, from baby boomers to young aspiring musicians.

Joy Askew, Pop artist, former member of the Joe Jackson Band

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"I hear very heart warming melodies and reminiscence of, of course The Beatles and even The Beach Boys and Earth Wind And Fire. I also hear the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. Bottom line, it's all good. Let's face it, every piece of music that has something special to offer has some quality that is a derivative of something else. That's what keeps the ball rolling. I love your record and you are one of the true artists. "

Billy Alessi, of Pop Artists The Alessi brothers

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"That's one f----d up disc! I love it! I just had to laugh at how the whole thing doesn't make any sense, but yet it makes the most sense at the same time. I love how it starts, for one thing! (Mr. Martin's the man). That's some seriously cool playing and great great production. Hope this doesn't come through as an insult, but I can actually hear this disc being played as the "canned music" in a REALLY cool, funky boutique type music instrument shop...you know, the kind that you love to go to cuz the owner's way cool, staff knows what they're doing, and all your coolest musician friends always hang out at, and you just never know when they'll all show up at once and just sit around in a circle and jam for the afternoon? Well, yeah, we have a couple like that here in town, so...

But anyway, I hear it as much being playing in that context as I do in the car CD player, cranked way up while clippin' along the freeway with the top down. Or, spinning over a crowd of friends at a house party. It's just a lot of fun."

Jason Scott Alexander, famed reviewer and dance artist

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"Vinnie Zummo has made a beautiful eclectic CD, a psychedelic fun house of great tunes and great playing." Blue Lou Marini, Blues Brothers band, SNL

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"I can't begin to tell you how great your CD is! It's absolutely outstanding and you did a bang up job. I've been listening to it over and over again and with each listen I hear more great things. There's so much amazing music there. Every element is awesome: production/writing/playing/recording/concepts/groove/vibe.

I'm real proud to be a part of it and I think "Retro Fuso" came out slammin'!"

Terry Silverlight, NYC drum legend

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"I love it! A virtual musical travelogue. I'm amazed at how many styles

you've mastered in your playing and writing. I especially got a kick

out of the Esquivel(!) flavored "Waffles". All great stuff and well put

together."

Barry Miles, famed Jazz artist and arranger

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"Vinnie......I love your Chromatic harmonica work on Quantes Vezes" It 'swings' with perfection. The perfect placement of lines too! 

The rest of the CD is AWESOME and has already been added to my ipod for MANY listens."

Rob Paparozzi, NYC harmonica legend and leader of the Hudson River Rats.

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VZ,

"Just received the CD. It is truly a masterpiece. A real homage to everything thats good about what we do. It has it all, Rock, Jazz, Fusion with a common pop thread through the entire CD. Truly Brillant. Pat yourself on the back with this one. Best of luck."

JOEY KELLY , Rock and Roll artist

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"Some of the best guitar work I've heard in a long time...tasty with finesse."

Bill Mann, Pop artist

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Yo Vin....The CD is great!!

"My Favs are the BEATLE Style tracks...You are ALL of those MOP TOPS rolled into one...PLUS..a huge dose of George Martin.

My other favs are the BOB WILLS and BOSSA tracks..the song about MOM was very touchng...Love Janice's vocals BUT, I thinkyou should watch out for her around the apartment playing with matches.I'm proud to be part of the "GCC"

All the Best cugino...~ Johnny Angel, Pop star

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"I love the new CD! Eclectic doesn't even begin to describe it, but I

love this kind of thing. It's very cool the way you paid tribute to

the greats and at the same time made it quite original sounding.

Excellent, excellent guitar playing!   I  really love Janice's

vocals, especially on "Doing the Best That I Can".

Great work!  You made yourself quite the showcase album."

Daniel A. Weiss. NYC guitarist, Keyboardist, arranger.

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"Vinne's music will rip the top right off your head..."

Bradley Dean Whyte, Pop Artist

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"I thought the CD was really great! You touched on so many influences and genres, but did them all equally well. Also, you did more than capture their little trade marks. In many instances, you captured their essence, but still made them your own as well." 

Russel Deinstadt, Dennis Peters Band 

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"I LOVE it!! It is such a great concept, which could have been done in a really wimpy, cabaret style….but you haven’t. It’s strong, clever, intelligent and especially humorous. GREAT! Plus it seems that we have many musical pathways in common. The Beatles, Brian Wilson and I nearly fell over when I heard those Crossroads-like guitar solos! "

Stephen Manassah, from What It Is Records

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"It's very satisfying to come across this level of skill and musical

understanding. Such sensitivity towards, and sheer command over the

various genres represented, is a rarity indeed.".

Peter Kearns, Pop Artist

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