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JRZ System

About Me


Performing high-energy innovative music focusing on songwriting and technical ability, JRZ System present a unique blend of funk, rock and fusion. JRZ System provides three friends, three very talented musicians, a release for their creativity. Troy Johnson's massive bass in perfect time with Todd Roberson's precise drumming lays a solid foundation for Mark Zavon's guitar assault. JRZ System has received rave reviews from around the world about their self-titled debut CD, released their second CD "greenhouse effect" to more great reviews and recently released their third CD, "complete recollection." A new CD is in the works and will be released Christmas 2006.
Bassist Troy Johnson, a professional player over half his life, has thousands of live performances to his credit. Performing at the Musicians Institute or alongside a diverse range of guitarists, Johnson feels at home on any stage. Guitar Player described his funk/rock chops and two-handed taps and harmonics as "extremely solid" and Bass Player said Johnson "tears it up on interesting tunes with a modern sound."
Drummer Todd Roberson began his career with a study of percussion fundamentals and a dedicated practice regimen. His natural talents flourished and for three consecutive years he won all-state awards for drum-kit and snare solo. Through teaching, studio work and live performance Roberson continues to develop as a master of syncopated rhythms. DRUM! has featured his playing and arranging skills and stated "Roberson has startling technical ability as well as a melodic ear for drum-set orchestration."
Guitarist Mark Zavon, influenced by many styles of music, has developed a technique combining speed and control of the instrument. Applying slides, harmonics and classical music studies to a blues based playing gives Zavon his individuality as a guitarist. Guitar Player described him as "a very thematic player with a good vibrato who conveys a strong sense of conviction in the notes he plays." Zavon's interview as a featured artist on "The Instrumentals Of Rock" gave him the opportunity to share his thoughts on music to a worldwide audience and showcase his playing skills.
since relocating to l.a. in 2000 and teaming up with multi-platinum original "ratt" frontman, stephen pearcy, a lot has happened to the three boys from omaha (troy johnson-bass, todd roberson-drums and mark zavon-guitar).
countless tours of north america followed, first as "nitronic", later as "ratt featuring stephen pearcy" and most recently simply as the "stephen pearcy band"(a.k.a. "rattbastards"), which is currently finishing a new studio album of revamped "ratt" classics. this latest recording features jrz system plus heavy-hitting special guest guitarists jake e. lee (ozzy osbourne, badlands) and george lynch (dokken, lynch mob), scheduled for release late this year on cleopatra records.
over the years jrz system have received rave reviews in magazines and print around the world, including; "rolling stone", "metal edge", "guitar player", "bass player" and "drum", to name a few. they have performed at hollywood's famed "musicians institute" as well as other l.a. landmarks, including the "whisky-a-go-go", the "baked potato", and most recently as mainstays at the "cat club" on the sunset strip.
between touring, recording and videos (including appearances on vh-1 and even an episode of "judge judy"), jrz system has continued to evolve into a three-legged musical monster with over 40,000 mp3 plays at http://www.mp3.com/jrzsystem.

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Music:

Member Since: 04/08/2006
Band Website: http://jrzsystem.com
Band Members:

"Complete Recollection"
JRZ System Featuring Neil Zaza - cosmic string theory

More JRZ System @
The Instrumentals Of Rock


Influences:

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

JRZ System; greenhouse effect - I've listened to this CD about 10 times already. Very tastefully done. It's not an overdose of any one of the instruments. The guitarist, while showing that he can play fast runs with the best of them, demonstrates more creativity through his phrasing; the bassist, well, all I can say is "wow". And the drummer creates the link between the other two. Kind of like an interpreter. Not that the guitarists were playing in different worlds, but more like Spanish and Italian being different but similar languages, and the interpreter knows both and keeps the other two communicating. DAN DRUSZKOWSKI - CHICAGO

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

JRZ System debut CD Reviews

"Nationally acclaimed players Troy Johnson (bass,) Mark Zavon (guitar,) and Todd Roberson (drums) have joined forces to issue music without words that speaks volumes quite eloquently." METAL EDGE

"Guitarist Mark Zavon is a very thematic player with a good vibrato who conveys a strong sense of conviction in the notes he plays." GUITAR PLAYER

"Troy Johnson tears it up on this four song EP of Steve Vai-ish rock instrumentals. Interesting tunes with a modern sound." BASS PLAYER

"Drummer Todd Roberson has startling technical ability as well as a melodic ear for drum-set orchestration." DRUM!

"JRZ System produce an original style of music with it's own powerful sound." THE INSTRUMENTALS OF ROCK

"JRZ System opened up the evening with a jaw-dropping instrumental set." 1998 TOMMY BOLIN TRIBUTE CONCERT

"Bassist Troy Johnson commands funk/rock chops and plays hot two-handed licks and harmonics." GUITAR PLAYER

"JRZ System create high energy instrumental songs with a lot of atmosphere." TAKE IT - GERMANY

"Well performed instrumental groovy hardrock." STRUTTER - HOLLAND

BASSICS JRZ System (NoVox) This 4-song, 16 minute CD features bassist Troy Johnson, drummer Todd Roberson, and guitarist Mark Zavon performing high power, energetic instrumental rock in the mold of the late Tommy Bolin. Also reminiscent of Sheehan's former persona Talas, Johnson's blazing, fretboard-pounding style provides the springboard for JRZ's funk/rock/fusion presentations. Three tracks are originals, which provide an opportunity for their collective creative and technical output, while the 4th track is a rendition of drummer Alphonse Mouzon's Mind Transplant. Roberson's forceful polyrhythms propel the trio into some excitingly tricky situations that always get resolved, thanks to the solidity of Johnson and Zavon. Worth keeping an eye on. BASSICS

"Because the band created a video to go with it, the most vivid song is "Safari Boots." Once seen, it is indelibly etched." EUPHONY MUSIC NEWS - DENVER

LOLLIPOP MAGAZINE Imagine a somewhat pissed-off Joe Satriani leading a ferocious hard-funk trio. Sometimes angry, sometimes melodic, but always in the groove. JRZ System (NoVox) has a four-tune CD that reeks of rock. Technically, these guys are monsters. Guitarist Mark Zavon can play just about whatever he wants, from long runs all over the neck to rippin' distorto-chords. Any bass-player who employs two-hand tapping to try your aural senses gets a thumbs up from me, and Troy Johnson gets two. In the seven-minute "Safari Boots" Troy uses the electric bass to play a tapped lead melody. Oh yeah. That's the stuff. The tune "Mind Transplant" does exactly that: crank this puppy to 11 and feel your brain ooze out your ears. JRZ System could do a little bit more in terms of composition, but this is only a four-song EP. I'd be psyched to get a full-length (hint-hint, wink-wink,nudge-nudge). Some of these musicians' individual talents have already been acknowledged by assorted musician-type magazines. And by the way, this tribe of shredders comes from Nebraska. Fu*king Nebraska. I guess there's more out there than a bunch of corn and 311. LOLLIPOP MAGAZINE

"A brilliant combination of fusion, funk and rock." THE MUSICIANS EXCHANGE

EAST COAST ROCKER JRZ SYSTEM The band--drummer Todd Roberson (the R?), bassist Troy Johnson (the J?) and guitarist Mark Zavon (the Z?)--create effortless instrumental masterpieces the way the colonel cooks fried foods. On JRZ System the talented trio are a well-lubed machine that perform pulse-pounding funky rock tunes with seemingly effortless ease. From the opening of "ClusterFunk," and on through "Cruzin' Top Down," and "Safari Boots" JRZ flex their musical muscle, showing why all three members have been featured in Spotlight articles for such magazines as Guitar Player and DRUM! The band also include an interesting retake on Alphonse Mouzon's "Mind Transplant " on the new CD/EP just for fun. EAST COAST ROCKER

PROGRESSION JRZ System: JRZ System Progressive jazz-rock metal fusion from the heartland. This Nebraska trio is out to kick some serious fanny, and succeeds on all counts with four positively blistering tracks that should (and probably will) be followed by a full-length album. Guitarist Mark Zavon is as nimble as they come, in a league with meltdown mentors Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Bassist Troy Johnson could keep pace with Billy Sheehan, and drummer Todd Roberson does a solid job of gluing it all together. If these guys added a keyboardist who could wail with equal intensity, the JRZ System probably would become dangerous enough to be outlawed. PROGRESSION

ROCKPILE JRZ SYSTEM Self-titled {NoVox} Immediately, these guys sound like the bad brothers of King Crimson, with a much more aggressive style and a mission to fry my brain. Entirely instrumental, there are times where they dive into jazz, but there are few moments that aren't full of electric fire and musical explosions. Parts of the music slip into sections that seem to disregard time signatures altogether, but the fact that they are so in sync with one another leads me to believe that they are all counting together. They've just left me out of it, I guess. It would be fair to say that JRZ System is predominantly a musician's band, but there is an effort to incorporate repeating melodies and accessible song structures that may broaden their appeal. Not for the squeamish, if you enjoy an occasional dose of semi-self-indulgent rock music, this band delivers. ROCKPILE
Record Label: NoVox Music
Type of Label: Indie

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