MIKE ZITO Source: Metronome - Boston Monthly Date: 06/2008 Writer: n/a

TIME TO GO HOME

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. Pumped up by this slick Fender Strat playing and a backing band that features “monster” players like Hutch Hutchinson on bass, Tony Braunagel on guitar, Benmont Tench (Tom Petty) on keyboards, Teresa James & Ce Ce Bullard on vocals, Joe Sublett on saxophone, Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Mitch Kashmar on harmonica, Zito unveils one of the best albums of the year.

Under the watchful eye of producer David Z, whose credits include work with Prince, Buddy Guy, Etta James & Jonny Lang, Zito was pushed and cajoled to give the best performance of this life for Today while exhibiting an earthy groove and contemporary vitality that’s reminiscent of the supergroup Arc Angels (which featured Dolye Bramhall III and Charlie Sexton along with the Double Trouble rhythm section of Tommy Shannon and Chris “Whipper” Layton). Infact, Zito does a soulful rendition of Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” proving there’s real substance to his delivery. Best songs include “Love Like This,” “Superman,” “Corvette,” “Blinded,” the album’s title track “Today,” and the funky “Hollywood.” In an age of myspace wannabes, it’s refreshing to hear the talented voice of Mike Zito.