zen boogie

Artist Information

Biography

Led by songwriter/singer/keyboardist Robert Linden, ZEN BOOGIE packs a potent wallop for a quartet of jazz, pop, blues, and, of course BOOGIE players. The style of the band comes directly from the divergent influences of its players. Robert's original tunes are thoughtful, fun, and quite unique. His influences start with Mozart and Offenbach, adds Lennon/McCartney, throws in a helping of Carole King and James Taylor, but adds a dash of Dan Fogelberg and Leon Russell, a taste of Steely Dan, Dr. John, Muddy Waters, Otis Redding, and for extra flavor, a pinch of Al Jolson! He remembers Bumps Blackwell gratefully for the lessons learned. The band has been honored by THE MALIBU MUSIC AWARDS in 2009 and THE LOS ANGELES MUSIC AWARDS in 2010. Their song, "Too Hip For The Room" has been honored in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition as well as Tin Pan South. The songs of others that they cover are definitely styled with ZEN BOOGIE's own musical flavors. His personal website is www.robertlinden.net .

Robert is currently working in the studio with arranger/producer Bruce Eskovitz on his next album which will feature some terrific jazz and blues guest artists.

ZEN BOOGIE plays mostly in the Southern California area, but makes itself available for special road trips a couple times a year.

Instrumentation

Songwriter Robert Linden on Keyboard/bass and lead vocals; Bob Helfant on Guitar; Doug Snyder on Bass; Bob Girnius on Drums; Larry Williams on Sax. Vocalist Deb Snyder can also be heard on many shows!

Discography

Songs that have been recorded and are currently being pitched include:

(From the album "Beginnings: The Early Live Recordings)
Seems It Never Lasts Forever
Madness
Swing Shift
Too Hip For The Room
Hurt Me Bad
I Might As Well Be Dead
Devil In Her Eyes
Go Find Your Boogie Tonight
Susan

(Unreleased recordings and demos):

So When We Love Again
More Than A Little
Fly (To My Love)
You Are Gonna Like Me

(Songs currently being recorded):

Living On A Deadline
Sweet Way To Betray
The Place To Be
Something's Got A Hold On Me (Etta James cover)
Hi-De-Ho (King-Goffin cover)

Several of our songs have been streaming on internet radio with coming regularly. For videos, you can directly visit our YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/zenboogiemusic

Official Website

http://www.zenboogie.net

Audio

• Too Hip For The Room (Studio Version)
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• Go Find Your Boogie Tonight
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• Seems It Never Lasts Forever
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• Madness
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• Hurt Me Bad
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• Swing Shift
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• Susan
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• I Might As Well Be Dead
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• Devil In Her Eyes
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• I Can't Keep
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Lyrics

• Too Hip For The Room
• Swing Shift
• Devil In Her Eyes

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Zen Boogie - Beginnings: The Early Live Recordings [+ Show ]
  

  Singer/Keyboardist Robert Linden leads an infectious band that has four beats to the bar imbedded in...Singer/Keyboardist Robert Linden leads an infectious band that has four beats to the bar imbedded in their chromosomes. Similar in vibe to Brian Setzer's orchestra and Billy Vera, Zen Boogie brims over with deep grooves in a world-wise cracking set of originals. Compositions like "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" and "Too Hip For The Room" evoke images of Sam Butera and Louis Prima in the gum popping, hip '40s and'50s. On the funky side, saxophonist David Box wails on the Average White Band-ish "Seems It Never Lasts Forever." The rockabilly "Susan" features some great licks by guitarist Alan Schlaifer, while he gets into a Memphis soul mood on the bluesy "Hurt Me Bad." If this incredibly cool live disc is anything like the real thing, a lot of good times are guaranteed when Zen Boogie comes to a town near you. Buy the record and be the first in line.
  ~ George Harris
  

• Zen Boogie - Beginnings: The Early Live Recordings [+ Show ]
  

  Robert Linden leads this lively band through nine of his songs, which they performed at local c... Robert Linden leads this lively band through nine of his songs, which they performed at local clubs in 2006 and other dates. He sings and plays a mean piano, while sharing the limelight with tenor saxophonist David Box, guitarist Alan Schlaifer, drummer Jeff Oliver and others. Box, who plays a lyrical soprano sax on "Madness," gives the band a melodic voice that wraps around the leader's vocals seamlessly.
  
  Linden, who received his degree at USC after studying classical music and theater, loves to share a raw boogie piano style with his audience while romping forcefully on the bottom keys and carrying the bass line solidly. That driving rhythm is the best part of what Zen Boogie does on these live sessions; they give each song direction and the kind of powerful force that would fill a room. Linden's voice, however keeps each selection casual and easygoing, like a backyard wedding party.
  
  He swings with throwback songs such as "Swing Shift," "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" and "Too Hip For The Room," allowing his piano to help create the band's mood. "Susan" presents a teary doo-wop state of mind, "Devil In Her Eyes" rocks with a serious thrill, and "Seems It Never Lasts Forever" revels in a fiery R&B adventure. The best song on this early album stands apart for the rest: a solid blues tune called "Hurt Me Bad" with tenor saxophone, walking bass, explosive guitar, expressive voice and plenty of driving action.
  
  ~Jim Santella

• Zen Boogie - Beginnings: The Early Live Recordings [+ Show ]
  

  Vocalist/keyboardist Robert Linden has assembled a bunch of boogie-crazy musicians to run through a ...Vocalist/keyboardist Robert Linden has assembled a bunch of boogie-crazy musicians to run through a varied program of nine tunes, all but one written by Linden. "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" kicks things off immediately with a happy, good-time feel. Everyone is blasting along, having a ball. "Seems it Never Lasts Forever" calms things down with a lover's lament. "Madness" follows in somewhat the same vein. David Box uses a soprano sax which is very effective at conveying a sense of depth and sadness.
  "Swing Shift" is a swing tune that moves well, with good lyrics. Linden's voice sounds a bit strained here. "Hurt Me Bad is a bluesy, down-home lament with a nice authenticity. Aland Schlaifer on guitar and David Box on sax add a lot of steam. Drummer Jeff Oliver keeps things moving along at a good pace throughout the entire CD. The tunes were recorded at live performances at various clubs around L.A. They have a certain rawness but also an immediate sense of excitement, especially when the audience response is heard. "Susan" is actually a pretty tune, done at a slow tempo, made nice by a sultry sax. Linden expresses his anguish in his vocals and it works well. "I Might As Well Be Dead" (Well, haven't we all said that a time or two?) Everyone digs in and swings this one out. Terry Braverman adds his husky harmonica for more flash. There are backup singers, who add so much to the tune. Suzi Oliver, Mechelle, Amber Weeks, and Aurora Jane are just terrific and I wish Linden has used their voices on more tunes. Alan Schaifer's moaning guitar sets the tone for "Devil In Her Eyes." Linden sings the lyrics with a quieter passion. Box takes an extended soprano sax solo that soars. Altogether a very good rendition. "Too Hip For The Room" is another barn-burner that closed out the CD. All hands are on board for a riotous celebration of swing-boogie heaven.
  All the musicians are very good. I loved the brief appearance of the backup singers and wanted to hear more. Linden himself is a good writer, capturing different moods well. It's a fun recording, which would appeal to a wide audience.
  ~Myrna Daniels

Setlist

Any combination of the following original songs:

Go Find Your Boogie Tonight
I Don't Want To Love You Anymore
Susan
Swing Shift
Fly (To My Love)
Too Hip For The Room
Seems It Never Lasts
Madness
Hurt Me Bad
Living On A Deadline
Devil In Her Eyes
Sweet Way To Betray
The Place To Be
You Are Gonna Like Me
I Might As Well Be Dead

Plus, we cover the following songs:
Cruella De Ville
I Saw Her Standing There
Strange Things Happen
Will You Love Me Tomorrow
All Shook Up
One After 909
I'm Walkin'
Let's Twist Again
Something's Got A Hold On Me
Hi De Ho
Chains

Basic Requirements

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