MIKE ZITO Source: Natchel Blues Network Date: 01/2009 Writer: Alan Kurzer

Working in a St. Louis music store following high school, the talented Midwestern songwriting guitarist Mike Zito began absorbing the styles of the many artists entering its doors. He also picked up his playing chops listening to the music of Danny Gatton, Albert King and Jimi Hendrix. Following a successful drug/alcohol intervention by guitarist Walter Trout and Zito’s wife, plus our independent releases, the Missouri-bred musician was signed by Randy Chortkoff from Eclecto Groove Records.

With an impressive lineup including keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), drummer Tony Braunagle (Taj Mahal) and bassist Hutch Hutchinson (Joe Cocker), Zito pumps true grit vocals and distorted guitar over the radio-friendly rocker, “Love Like This.” Jazzy octave guitar lines cue an R&B/Pop vibe on “Holding Out for Love,” where vocalist Teresa James’ harmonies match Zito’s own. Laying down a trail of blues guitar fills, Zito constantly hits the mark without ever being excessive. Zito picks up a popular cover tune, this time a piano-fed version of Prince’s “Little Red Corvette.” His raspy vocals, a rich mixture of Boz Scaggs and Jonny Lang, will reach right out and grab you.

Bringing in a bone crunching guitar groove right out of ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Deep Down in Love” streams along like a heat-seeking missile loaded with sultry female back up singing, wailing sax and trumpet, and Zito’s intense shouting and accomplished guitar work. Mike Zito’s release Today is a bold, soulful step for an artist clearly on the move.