It’s no mystery where Jack Zerby’s roots lie. Having grown up in Hollidaysburg, PA listening to his father’s Stevie Wonder and James Brown vinyls, Jack’s soulful, funky style runs deep. As a child he followed the family tradition of playing the trumpet, but after joining the school marching band it didn’t take long for the drums to catch his ear. However, the school band lacked the type of rhythms he had found so inspiring in his father’s records.
Jack soon abandoned the school band and joined several local bands, ranging from punk, rock and even metal. Eventually the chance came for Jack to move from behind the drum set and play the front man for a local rock band. He seized the opportunity without any hesitation and Jack’s voice was a secret no more. His charisma wowed the crowds as he thrived off the live interaction and improvisational vibe. But as many high school bands will have it, the musicians parted ways after graduation.
Jack went on to attend college in New York, all the while searching for his own style so as to pursue a solo career in music. Jack picked up the guitar during his freshman year and began jazz lessons. These lessons opened the door to a whole new world of sounds and possibilities. 45 Circle Drive was completed soon after, a 6 song acoustic EP said to be “simple and honest†according to Jack’s mantra. However Jack’s vision exceeded those frames. He wanted a richer, livelier sound, but he knew this could only be achieved with a full band.
After six years of countless investments of time and money, Jack pulled together his second self-produced EP, mixed by Jamie Seigel (Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone). This time the album captured a larger, all encompassing version of Jack’s musical vision. Drummer Brenden Wyant (Meshelle Ndegeocello, Janita) not only can be heard on all the tracks but was also crucial in pulling together the other musicians on the album, each one taking Jack’s concept one step further. “I feel like this EP represents everything that I have worked towards in the last 6 years. It feels really good,†says Jack.
With thoughtful lyrics and a pleasurable medley of styles, Jack’s music continues to represent the dynamic person that he is.
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