MIKE ZITO "PEARL RIVER Source: Big City Rhythm & Blues Date: 11/2009 Writer: Roger & Margaret White

Mike Zito has been on the verge of  a big breakout for some time, with his extensive touring schedule he's been honing his chop's, paying his dues and has released four CD's between 1996 and 2006. His first Eclecto Groove release “Today” brought us up to date on the life and times of Mike Zito. On his newest release “Pearl River” guest artists including Cyril Neville collaborating on the title song may grabs your attention but the real strength of this CD comes from letting Mike Zito just be Mike Zito. His years as a road warrior facing the crowds and winning them over with his strong vocals and intense guitar playing is what this recording is all about. The production by David Z and Richard “Lynwood Slim” Duran gives a studio polish to the vocals and backing tracks while the guitar solo's have the power and drive of a live show as Mike's Zito's raw talent shines through.

“Dirty Blonde” jump starts the CD with a rowdy barroom groove about the kind of women some people hope to find in a bar while “Big Mouth” is a joyful off kilter romp on the dangers of those dirty blondes and both have the feel of one of those hundreds of live gigs Zito does every year. The  brooding guitar casts a subdued atmosphere over “Pearl River” as Cyril Neville and Mike trade off vocals, the music drifts along, slow yet powerful as the lyrics hint at the secrets held within it's murky water. “Change My Ways” starts with a slow moaning guitar that settles into a tension filled groove as Mike sings this mournful lament until the guitar solo kicks in screaming protest before settling back into the groove.  A lighter acoustic guitar sets a change of pace on “One Step At A Time” with harmonizing vocals of Anders Osborne complimenting the rougher growl of Zito, as Lonnie Trevino on bass leads the melody and takes the solo. “39 Days” is a brooding but tender song of a lost love and suffering with brief glimpses of hope, as he counts the days she's been away and all he does is cry.

Adding a feminine touch Susan Cowsill joins Mike in a duet on “Shoes Blues” its honky tonk keyboards and slick guitar work giving it a spit and polish shine. With Reese Wynans organ taking the lead on “Sugar Sweet” while the guitar slides in hard and strong on “Natural Born Lover” these tunes truly rock the blues. Sonny Boy Williamson's “Eyesight To The Blind” is one of the few covers on this CD, though it features a second line rhythm, harmonica from Randy Chortkoff and the piano of Reese Wynans, it's still the guitar and vocals that dominates this classic. Mike also covers George Smith's “All Last Night” with Lynwood Slim blowing a mellow harmonica and Mike lays out some T-Bone Walker style riffs. A toy piano and the accordion of Jumpin' Johnny Sansone bring a touch of bayou mystery into “The Dead Of Night” as the off kilter rhythm winds through this swampy love story. To conclude this recording “C'mon Baby” offers gentle hope and optimism to carry you out.

“Pearl River” is the next stop on Mike Zito's journey. Every song is a keeper, from brooding to joyful, rockin' to ballads these small gems are waiting for you to take notice of and carry with you.—