Jeff Zittrain
Berkeley, California, United States
Music
Press
Jeff Zittrain obviously is a true student of his instrument being able to take a song into his capable hands and transform it at will - Mark Kramer, West Coast Performer Magazine
When one can play the guitar with an emotional intuition as naturally as Jeff can, it will be a journey to remember. He travels with an economy of motion. He accelerates with a philosophy of intent, not of flashy theatrics and fretboard somersaults. When you get to the end of the song, you remember the way you went and what you saw, not how shiny the car was that got you there...Jeff's deep, soulful voice begs Johnny Cash to sit up and listen. Louis Armstrong, the master of phrasing, would be proud. - Mike Dakota
Artfully juxtaposes a cool 60's vibe with a modern-day sensibility...full of startling guitar work...the band jams with intensity and vision. - Mick Skidmore, Relix Magazine
...weaves a fulfilling sonic tapestry of unsheltered emotion and instrumental prowess... - Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide (4 stars)
...summoning up silt and twang in every improvisation...Extended jams evince a grooving virtuosity, but we equally dig on the shorter, sweeter moments as well, such as the humbler blues instrumental "1928 Z-Trane" - Peter Dedman, Hear Music
I am in love with this band - a renaissance humanist musical artist. - Dave Terpeny, Kynd Music
Good feel, high level imagery and fine playing...Guitartastic! - Rob Ellen, Medicine Music, Scotland
Man, you play a very talented guitar. From start to finish I enjoyed every selection. Impressed with everything and will be airing on my shows! - Eddie Russell, Outlaw for Peace Radio
Discography
Famous Last Words (with Famous Last Words)
Underground Acoustic (with Famous Last Words)
Personal Demons (with Personal Demons)
Banish (single included on "Voices in the Wilderness" compilation cd)
United Sheep (Jeff produced this cd and plays guitar on 3 tracks)
"Lullaby" sold to NBC-TV
Streaming and Radio Airplay for "Matter of Time", "Sloe Hank", "Lullaby", "1928 Z-trane", "Banish"
Photos
Bio
Jeff is currently finding success leading the Z-Trane Electric Band as both a rocking electric trio and as a stripped-down acoustic duo with guitar and bass. They have wowed crowds in venues throughout the Bay Area, including the Mystic Theater, Starry Plough, Rockit Room, Fillmore Poster Room, Kimo's, Connecticut Yankee, Fort Mason, and Pier 23.
Combining meaningful songwriting with soulful heartfelt improvisation and experimentation "the band jams with intensity and vision" (Relix Magazine). Along with Jeff, drummer Patrick Friedman and bassist/vocalist Eric Podolsky (also known for his work on Jambase) have established Z-Trane as a band known for impressive chops in the service of passionate, powerful, smart music, recently earning them a streaming slot on the Rex Foundation website. They also welcome distinguished guests such as former JGB bassist Rob Wenig and saxophonist Eric Schultz.
Z-Trane shows draw on an extensive catalogue of past and present material. As the primary songwriter in Famous Last Words Jeff released two cd's, receiving an All Music Guide 4 Stars, a CD Baby Editors Pick, a feature on NBC TV and in Relix Magazine and was voted by the staff at KyndMusic as a Top 10 Bands to Watch in 06. He also has received features and reviews in Hittin' the Note and An Honest Tune, and has been invited to perform at Neil Young's Living With War Hootenany, The San Francisco Folk Festival, The British Invasion Showcase, and the prestigious Music and Dance Collaboration Project, where he graced the program's cover.
In the midst of all that excitement Jeff, who's shared a bill with Steve Kimock, Carlos Santana, Mike Gordon, Leo Kottke, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Leftover Salmon, Little Feat, Derek Trucks and Eliza Gilkyson, has continued playing select shows throughout the Bay Area highlighting his guitar playing with both Z-Trane and his new side-project Flaming Telepaths (exploring the music of Blue Oyster Cult) and signed with KyndManagement out of Washington D.C. and Spirit Vibrations Booking.
Links
