There was only one: Vermont's own, the late, great Richard "Zoot" Wilson. Leader of the band the N-Zones in the late 70's and early 80's, Wilson's musical career spanned 26 years, and he was a pivotal figure in the busy world of the arts and music scene in Burlington and throughout Vermont. Packing in hundreds of devoted dancing fans, the "Indestructible" N-Zones would reign night after night at Nectar's and the R.W. Hunt and Hill's Mining Company, and drew the crowd again to The Mill in Winooski and the old "Upstairs Nectar's," while touring regularly throughout the state.
Wilson's talent was all-around. He was a highly original guitarist, with a piercing pure tone and a relentless, hopping, popcorn rhythm that kept people on the dance floor all night long. He was also a brilliant and hilarious songwriter, equally at home with a biting comic swing number and a mournful, haunted, grieving blues. He had a big, baritone voice that sounded fully mature when he was twenty, and he sang with the ease of talking. His control, unique timing and vocal agility gave way to a full range of expression. He could produce an outrageous scream for rock and roll, and then croon with subtle, melodic tenderness in the next number. But perhaps what made Wilson greatest was his sheer energy as a performer, when he brought it all together for the crowd. He was dedicated to the proposition that life was meant for having fun, and he was determined to go to great lengths to ensure the most fun was had by the most people most of the time. This idea was a central force in his love of music, and he took great pride and joy in bringing people to their feet.
Wilson's death in 1997 was shattering news to the Vermont musical community. Production of the CD was a project that was only possible through an outpouring of volunteers and donors, including top-flight professional services, and unflagging support from many musicians and former band-mates. The Dog Show fund-raiser in 1997, and the CD release event in 1998 at Nectar's in Burlington both brought out hundreds of people, and generous donations, but most movingly, they featured deep, heartfelt performances by scores of musicians, coming from all over the country, who all felt Zoot's music and presence was a driving and integral influence in their own artistic development. The loyalty and admiration he engendered with his work remains real and palpable. While the CD aimed to represent all of Wilson's songwriting, it serves as another record for all the musicians he worked and recorded with. It is a picture of a distinct place and time, with lots of music, tremendous energy, and enthusiasm. Many bands were drawing crowds alongside the N-Zones, in all genres of music. It was a time of fertile ground into which many present Vermont and former-Vermont musicians sank their early roots, going on and branching out to successful and prolific professional careers. Preserving a part of this Vermont music history is another major success in the CD story.
Today, the run of 1500 copies of the ZW CD is nearly sold out, achieving the goal of keeping his music alive, and making it available for people to enjoy. It was a memorial not-for-profit release, and proceeds benefit Very Special Arts Vermont, providing art supplies to children throughout the state.The CD is available through Pure Pop Records, Burlington, Vermont: (purepoponline.com)This page sponsored by The Wilson Institute, the non-profit label and producer of the CD.
