Complete Recollection Reviews
These guys must have had a blast writing and recording this CD. It just reeks of "fun." When an artist has a lot of fun recording, it comes through the music so well. Steve Vai is a great example of this. Although if I had to classify this, I would say it's a cross between early Eric Johnson and the well rounded playing of guitar great Steve Lukather.This a power trio that is destined for greatness. They have talent in every area; playing, recording, production, and especially songwriting. These tracks feature complex rhythm chord progressions that are usually found on mature acts such as Dream Theater, Rush and the Dixie Dregs. And I dare say, that for some reason, the actual songwriting itself is reminiscent of very early Black Sabbath. I'm actually going to move this CD to my car for a while, It will make a great cruising disc!House of Shred
greenhouse effect Reviews
JRZ System, one of the top 150 live performances to see.ROLLING STONE
Just back from a 36-city tour with Ratt's frontman Stephen Pearcy, Omaha-based JRZ System will jam at this popular nightspot. Band members Troy Johnson, Todd Roberson and Mark Zavon, who describe their music as a hard-rock/funk fusion, are currently working on their second full-length album, which they hope to release around Christmas. The record will be half vocal, half instrumental and is still untitled. Several songs - including "Tropical Cancer" and "Riverside"- off the group's first album, "Greenhouse Effect," have been getting considerable airtime on the River (KIWR 89.7 FM) and the City (KCTY 106.9 FM). Local band Strange Pleasures will open the concert at 9 p.m. Kim Roberts, staff writer OMAHA WORLD HERALD
Right da fu*k on! A three piece instrumental band that is just bad ass. Keep it basic, guitar, bass, and drums. They do it all, from hammer on's, slapping, guitar screams, and with the drums behind them keeping a strong back bone to the music. Mark Zavon, the guitarist, doesn't sound like he shows off but god damn, whatever he does it works. He definitely has his own style. Doesn't sound like your everyday guitarist, Satch, Vai, Johnson. Bassist Troy Johnson does an awesome job backing up the guitarist but keeping his part independent from the rest of the band. If your into the musician's band and are all about chops and technique, JRZ System is your way to go. 420BANDS.COM
Great instrumental fusion. JRZ is only a trio, and it's amazing that all of this sound is coming from only three musicians. Each member of the band is a virtuoso on their instrument, but the music never gets to a point where technicality replaces feeling. The guitar playing of Mark Zavon is some of the tastiest stuff I've heard in recent years. Troy Johnson just grooves on bass, and drummer Todd Roberson plugs every open space with great jazz fills. To me, the highlights of this album are "What the Funk" (..7), "Tropical Cancer" (..1), and "Savannah Woman" (..3), which was written by Tommy Bolin. Bolin's style and influence can be heard on many of the tracks, but is taken to another level. WSUM
PROGRESSION - JRZ System: Greenhouse Effect (CD, 29:53); Novox Music. Spunky Nebraska fusion trio Troy Johnson (bass), Todd Roberson (drums) and Mark Zavon (guitar) returns from a long hiatus with a delightful little album that emphasizes melody, harmony and playful arrangements over generic chopzilla. Interestingly, these guys pack a lot of virtuosity and variety into eight tracks spanning a mere 30 minutes. Like gourmet fast food, Greenhouse Effect is a quick but exquisitely satisfying aural feast. Things get off to a joyously rockin' beginning with "Tropical Cancer" and "Riverside" before the emphasis downshifts to tasty grooves on Tommy Bolin's "Savannah Woman," and "Floating in a Bowl." Deft country-jazz pickin' is explored a la Dixie Dregs on "R.R. ..1" and "Polk County Shuffle." The album then closes with the aptly titled "What the Funk" and the sole vocal track, "Bonedaddy ... Don't Ask." The eight-minute finale is an especially classy number with jarring guitar leads and an accomplished sense of swing. Hats off to the JRZ System for proving that progressive fusion can transcend pointless instrumental indulgence on behalf of genuine songwriting. PROGRESSION
JRZ System, "Greenhouse Effect" (Novox Music): JRZ System has recorded an impressive set of instrumentals that will dazzle the ears of those who get stoked on the electric-guitar-driven compositions of such axmen as Steve Vai and Eric Johnson. Led by the fast but controlled playing of guitarist Mark Zavon and supported by the thundering backbeats of bassman Troy Johnson and drummer Todd Roberson, JRZ System isn't about obsessive noodling. These are good songs --- from the complex "Tropical Cancer" to the country-spiced slide guitar of "RR..1" to the funky "What the Funk." Stick around for the one vocal track, hidden at the end. OMAHA WORLD HERALD
JRZ System brings funk, rock and blistering instrumentals to life. Troy Johnson, Todd Roberson and Mark Zavon make music that is far beyond the imagination of most capable players. THE READER
This is a fantastic CD. I became a fan of JRZ System when they did a remake of my composition entitled "MIND TRANSPLANT" on their first CD. These guys can really play and compose great music! ALPHONSE MOUZON
Great character and sound -- It's nice to hear something fresh that's not gimmicky. PROFESSOR OF COMPOSITION ~ UNIV. OF NEBRASKA/OMAHA
BASSICS JRZ System Greenhouse Effect [Novox Music/JRZ System] Bassist Troy Johnson kicks this one off with a double-handed tapping riff on "Tropical Cancer," and then settles into a slap and pop groove behind Mark Zavons screaming guitar. It gets heavy, but not too scary. Thick yet melodic riffs are just the ticket when you consider that there are no vocals! These guys, including drummer Todd Roberson, are working hard for ya'. Speedy it is, with a little slap and pop funk thrown in for tunes like "What the Funk." There's also a cool little a cappella ditty at the very end, how unusual! You can reach the System at http://jrzsystem.com. BASSICS