John Roy Zat is a San Francisco based singer, songwriter, fiddler and guitar picker with a few miles on his chassis and a lot of this world traveled. His work has garnered the attention of, and been recorded by, music legend Kate Wolf, by Banish Misfortune, Caroline Herring, and others. "His lyrics are stunning and his rich vocals bring life to each song, taking us on a journey. . . This man has honed his craft to a fine edge and it shows in his work." Indie Showcase.
With Appalachian influences, Cajun, dust bowl, and a dash of rockabilly, "JRZ comes from a long line of American singer-songwriters who occupy that space between traditional country and folk music." Leichester Bangs Think Bob Dylan, Gram Parsons, John Prine and Jessie Winchester - you get the idea.
JRZ's latest CD, Who Zat - newly released in February 2015 - has songs about how to succeed in life (Fake It 'Til You Make It), what it takes to be a working singer songwriter (Gasoline & Guitar Strings), and what to do on Saturday night (Got to let my devil out!) It also includes a beautiful love ballad inspired by the writings of Willa Cather (A Promise & A Rose), and two traditional fiddle tunes: one, a sweet, haunting waltz about facing failure and going home (Back To The Mountains) and the other, a toe-tapping dance tune (Cluck Old Hen). And there's more!
JRZ's two previous CDs, released in 2011, received consistent airplay on independent radio and charted in the top ten on Roots Music Report and Airplay Direct. The first, Solo, features just JRZ's singing and playing, as when he performs solo. On the second, Collaborations, he recorded with a group of like-minded musicians, adding texture and dimension without messing with his intrinsic Americana roots sound. Who Zat, strikes a middle ground, featuring his vocals, guitar and fiddle, with some added banjo, female duets, bass and even drums on several of the tracks.
