Legendary Drummer Zigaboo Modeliste Releases “New Life” CD
Album Provides a Rejuvenated Take on Classic FUNK New Orleans R&B
Oakland, CA. – Legendary drummer Zigaboo Modeliste has released his 4th solo album on his label JZM Records entitled “New Life”. With elements of rock, funk, and blues on a timeless R&B base, this record features the iconic drumming and celebratory songwriting style of Zigaboo and his hometown of New Orleans. It also incorporates the talents of several music icons including legendary arranger Wardell Quezerque, saxophonist Norbert Stachel, and trumpeter Mic Gillet of Tower of Power fame.
A key ingredient in the outstanding flavor of “New Life” is the musical rapport these truly skilled artists created with Zigaboo. Musicians from both New Orleans and the San Francisco Bay Area came together to create a fun, upbeat album that is a notable addition to the New Orleans musical tradition. Included in the star-studded lineup is guitarist Shane Theriot (Neville Brothers, Madeleine Peyroux), master percussionist Bill Summers (Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder), keyboardist Eamonn Flynn (The Commitments), and organist Joe Krown (Gatemouth Brown).
“New Life,” which is also the title of the lead single, offers musical reflection and healing for the everyday ups and downs we all face and a heavy dose of rejuvenating spirit. “At the Mardi Gras” elaborates on the epicenter of New Orleans musical culture, the Carnival heritage. “Human Race” is an inspiring message from Zigaboo that “every man, woman, child of every nationality should be concerned with the human race as it is sacred.” Zigaboo’s songwriting talent is best featured on “Holiday Kiss” which is destined to be a classic ballad for all seasons. Taken in full, this album reminds the listener of all that can be gained from a fresh outlook on life while enriching them in a spiritual way with grooves, soul, and funk purism.
Check out “New Life” today for an earful of hope and happiness, Zigaboo-style! For more information about “New Life” and upcoming Zigaboo concerts, visit www.zigaboo.com and ‘Like’ Zigaboo on Facebook. To request a press kit or interview with Zigaboo, contact JZM Records at: kwebster1234@gmail.com.
Zigaboo Modeliste gives us the revitalizing funk that we all need. ….a joyful, carefree collection of upbeat dance songs and mellow R & B grooves. “New Life” also demonstrates Zig’s ability to incorporate other styles into his music, from the bubbly poppiness of “Was Not Mean To Be” to the blade’s edge blues guitar solo in “New Life” he supports it all with the backbone of his impeccably funky drumming. Relix Review October 2011
“Zigaboo Modeliste, the high performance engine behind the funk limousine of the Meters, has tinkered with his identity as a leader, but appears to have arrived at a perfect medium for his solo persona with New Life.” John Swenson – Offbeat Magazine May 2011
“Ass-shaking instant classics, each and every one. But New Life, issued by Oakland, Calif.-based JZM Records, wouldn’t have been nearly so interesting without its unexpected earlier detours into some seriously fonky R&B side roads. Modeliste shows he’s can still conjure up the Meters magic, but also that his brilliance is not confined to those old records.”
Something Else Reviews July 2011 All About Jazz July 2011
“New Life” has this whole positive vibe of it. Every Track has this great optimism to it, it’s so upbeat and it’s thinking about the future in a positive way.” Jambands October 2011
“He’s still throwing down those funky beats like it’s as natural as breathing, and he also has a strong new album out with his 2011 release, New Life. It’s got the classic funky sound Zig is known for, but it’s got a fresh vibe too as well as some inspiring lyrics” Pop Matters October 2011
“In Funk, It all starts with the beat, and no drummer is tighter or snappier than Ziggy Modeliste. He’s been compulsively funky over the past decade, releasing a series of ever-grooving solo albums, including his latest “New Life”.” LA Weekly October 2011
“New Life” is his latest and best…. an amazing slide of funk rendered…provides further proof that Modeliste’s fountain of rhythmic imagination show no signs of running dry.” Lee Hildebrand Living Blues November 2011