Paying his dues with over 20 years on the New York City club scene, this master of guitar phrasing and elegance has added his touch to a series of instrumental pieces as varied as his influences.

As Timothy Klugh wrote :

"Zen does not seem to fear taking on the established genres and twisting them out of proportion. In fact, he seems to break the rules joyfully. Zen is one of a kind, and I am glad I've heard his work!"

The founder of The Second Step, a second generation ska band in NYC in the 80's who quickly absorbed the work of NYC musicians in punk, jazz, funk and latin flavors. Zen toured the country with acts such as the Toasters, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Gil Scott Heron, The Maura McCabe Band and others. "I got away from that scene for a total disdain for touring", he explains, but has kept music as a private obsession.

Over the last 7 years you might have seen him sitting in at jam sessions around town -- blowing through Thelonius Monk or Charlie Parker compositions.

"I love playing and have no illusions about setting the world on fire or fame and money. Music is in my bones. It's just something I do."




http://www.myspace.com/zenskinsoundlab

Soundclick sorta sucks: Total lack of innovation or integration. The layout is drab. There is no meaningful search engine, no reasonable way to attract listeners without paying money. The forums are that old tired PHP vBulletin with no customization ... and the forums are generally a ghost town.

I can't link to Blogger, Facebook, TomSpace ... it's really a hole in the wall where you pay to play.

Almost as bad as TomSpace -- I mean ... I wouldn't go that far ... TomSpace is the 8th circle of hell so far as sites go "Wanna meet singles? Want more ads?"

But SoundClick demonstrates an utter disinterest in innovation. "Here's the site -- it suck. Sign up, please"

It's like someone took a stake in this ...

On the watch: Lionel Louke -- From Benin. This Afro-beat and jazz musician is working with Herbie Hancock. Truly inspiring sounds!

The always inspiring Ray Phiri from South Africa has been reunited for several sessions and concerts with old friend Paul Simon.

Bad Brains have reformed and released a new recording -- ahead of their time Bad Brains fused hardcore punk with sweet reggae riddims and became a favorite of the NYHC scene. They were too big for that scene and have transcended styles and labels to keep on rocking.

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