NEW SINGLE – LITTLE RED CORVETTE GOING FOR ADDS! (08.20.08)

Eclecto Groove Records has selected “Little Red Corvette” as the second single to release to radio. Taken from Zito’s album “Today,” the song offers a fresh take on the classic hit originally penned by mega-superstar Prince. “Little Red Corvette” is one of Prince’s most well-known songs and peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles back in 1983. Ironically, Zito’s album was also produced by acclaimed producer and engineer David Z, whose input, recording techniques and production were an integral part on many of Prince’s early recordings including the Grammy winning smash album “Purple Rain.” Eclecto Groove Records will also be launching an ad campaign to coincide with the release of the single that will include full page ads in Radio & Records along with email/print ads during the Radio & Records National Convention which takes place September 17-19th in Austin, TX. “Little Red Corvette” will be going for adds on Triple A, NPR, Satellite, College and Americana radio this Fall!

MIKE ZITO PERFORMS AT TRIPLE A RADIO SUMMIT (08.20.08)

MIKE ZITO DEBUTS ON BILLBOARD! (08.20.08)

MIKE ZITO INVADES SAN FRANCISCO (08.20.08)

MIKE ZITO IN LA: (06.06.08)

Mike Zito recently wrapped up a string of electrifying dates as he blazed a trail through Los Angeles in honor of his smashing debut release "Today" on Eclecto Groove Records. Zito kicked off his promotional West Coast tour on Tuesday, May 27th with a special record release party where he packed in the crowds at The Mint, a landmark live music venue in Los Angeles established in 1937 historically known for supporting live blues in the clubs' early years. The following evening at Genghis Cohen, Zito offered up a special intimate acoustic performance for an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd backed only by drums and percussion. The audience was also treated to a special impromptu jam as label CEO Randy Chortkoff sat in for one song on harmonica. On Thursday, May 29th, Zito played the VIP Foundation Room at the world famous House of Blues in West Hollywood winning over the respect and admiration on an unsuspecting crowd of L.A. hipsters and industry veterans. Heading into the weekend, Zito got the party started on Friday night at L.A.’s home of the blues, Cozy’s Bar & Grill in Sherman Oaks, for a riveting performance where he was also joined by label mate John Black. Zito then closed out his stay in Los Angeles at the South Bay’s hottest spot for blues, The Café Boogaloo in Hermosa Beach, where he was joined on stage by Delta Groove recording artist Kirk “Eli” Fletcher for a blazing display of guitar histrionics that ended the night on an especially high note. It was an incredible week of music and one not soon to be forgotten. Keep your eyes on the calendar for your opportunity to catch this amazing and remarkable rising talent and be sure not to miss him when he comes to your town!

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW PHOTOS:
Live @ Cafe Boogaloo 5.31.08 (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Live @ Cozy's, 5.30.08 (Sherman Oaks, CA)

NEW RELEASE - MIKE ZITO "TODAY" - CD IN STORES 05.20.08: (05.19.08)

Retail: $17.99 Street Date_05/20/08! NEW DISCOUNTED PRICE: $12.99 + s&h BUY IT NOW!!! “Zito’s voice is smooth and sexy, and yet his razor-sharp guitar licks are totally badass. He’s like a ninja assassin dressed up like Fred Astaire!” -- Michael Molenda, Editor in Chief, GUITAR PLAYER "Mike’s soul shines brightly through his sweet bluesy guitar tone, rich vocals, and well crafted songs." - Aaron Lee (“Stone Blue” on XM’s Bluesville) "Mike Zito is one of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists I have ever heard." - Walter Trout

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Mike Zito grew up in St. Louis, immersed in the gritty and soulful sounds of the city’s south side that would help provide the groundwork for his future in music. He began singing and performing at the age of five and has been touring heavily since the age of nineteen. But throwing himself headfirst into the pursuit of his art had a toll, and Zito paid it. The non-stop Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle led to a dark and dangerous period during which Zito came close to destroying all that he’d worked so hard to establish. It took time, but thankfully, with the help and intervention of friends and supporters in the music business, loved ones, and the woman who would become his wife, Zito regained his faith in himself and his music, cleaned up his act, and settled down in Southeast Texas to begin anew. With a clean slate, a fresh outlook, and a new found dedication to his music, Zito now embraces a positive message of hope and redemption; illuminating his music with a deeper relevance and validity, while elevating his craft to all new artistic heights. Together with producers David Z and Tony Braunagel, Zito’s previously untapped potential is fully realized and complimented by an assemblage of world class musicians that can best be described as “The Dream Team.” Joining Zito on “Today” are bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs, Joe Cocker), keyboardist Benmont Tench (Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash), drummer Tony Braunagel (Eric Burdon, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal) and Michito Sanchez (Joe Walsh, Elton John, Crosby, Stills & Nash) on percussion. “Today” showcases Zito’s music in a distinctly contemporary setting, without any gimmicks or artifice. The producers perfectly captured the earthy essence and intimacy of Zito’s voice and the driving intensity of his music, creating a recording that sounds simultaneously comfortable and familiar, yet urgently fresh and vital. With all the pieces now in place, the time is right for Zito to break through as a major voice on the contemporary music scene.

Zito’s Packing Up, He’s On the Move…He’s Coming Out to HOLLYWOOD!!!: (02.27.08)

Eclecto Groove Records is gearing up for the Los Angeles debut of Mike Zito!  In honor of the May 20th release of Zito’s debut album, Today, Mike Zito will be coming out west for a week of performances in and around Hollywood.  Zito has been working hard, touring non-stop and writing music for the soundtrack of the Big Sky Motion Picture release, Spring Break ’83.  Says Mike Zito in his song, Hollywood, “I’m packing up, I’m on the move.  I’m gonna live in Hollywood.”  On Tuesday, May 27th, Mike Zito will be appearing in North Hills at The Witches Brew.  Wednesday, May 28th, Zito will be in Los Angeles at Genghis Cohen performing a solo/acoustic set.  Thursday, May 29th, he’ll join the ranks of musical legends performing in the Foundation Room at the famed House of Blues on Sunset Blvd.  On Friday, May 30th, Zito will be at Cozy’s in Sherman Oaks, CA where he may be joined by a who’s who of special surprise guests.  And on Saturday night, May 31st Mike Zito will be performing in Hermosa Beach at Los Angeles’ best blues bar, Café Boogaloo.  For all you local Mike Zito fans, please join us for a week of incredible music by a remarkable young, up and coming artist.  If you’re not yet hip to Zito’s music, come check him out.  It’ll be a night you won’t soon forget!  Show your support by coming out to the gigs and having a great time!  And for all you Zito fans who stay tuned through the radio waves, you can show your support by calling into the all the Triple A Radio stations and requesting that they play the new Mike Zito single, Love Like This from his debut album, Today.  Click here for a link to all the Triple A radio stations serviced by Eclecto Groove Records.  Help saturate the radio waves with the sounds of Mike Zito.  Let’s make Zito’s music and his head spin!

LOS ANGELES DATES Tuesday, May 27th The Mint - 6010 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 / (323)954-9400 7:30-9pm / NO COVER! / record release SHOW! w/ special guest Jim Hanft! Wednesday, May 28th Genghis Cohen - 740 N. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 / (323)653-0640 (45 minute set - Solo/Acoustic) 10:30pm / $7 Cover Thursday, May 29th The House of Blues,Foundation Room - 8430 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood, CA 90069 / (323)848-5100 (35 minute set) 10:30pm / $15 Cover - $10 with Flyer - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE FLYER! Friday, May 30th Cozy’s - 14058 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 / (818)986-6000 9:45pm / $12 Cover / With special guests! Saturday, May 31st Café Boogaloo - 1238 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 / (310) 318-2324 9:30pm / $10 Cover CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SHOWS!

RADIO: (05.19.08)

Mike Zito is pictured on the cover of the April edition of “A Taste Of Triple A” which features his first single “Love Like This.” The monthly CD sampler is serviced to 223 commercial and non-commercial Triple A Radio, satellite, cable and online outlets, along with three radio airplay monitoring companies, radio consultants, the editors of No Depression, Paste and Performing Songwriter and representatives of the 59 member stores of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores. Along side MIke Zito on this compellation is Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: http://www.atasteoftriplea.com/liners41.htm

NEWS: (02.27.08)

TEAM ZITO
The effort being made on Mike Zito’s debut release, Today, is progressing rapidly.  Team Zito is focused and determined on making Mike Zito a force to be reckoned with!  The most exciting part about Mike Zito is his vast collection of talents, be it the sultry rumblings of his vocal quality, his distinguished guitar skills, his commanding musical arrangements or his revolutionary lyrics and song writing capabilities.  With a stellar line up behind the Zito machine, all the cards are being put into place to rock the world with Zito’s message of second chances.  Zito could be the spokesman for the entire country during these trying times while the majority of the population is fighting for a positive change to come.  Team Zito is comprised of the entire staff at Eclecto Groove Records, as well as publicists Karen Leipziger and booking agency, Intrepid Artists, the musicians on the album; Hutch Hutchinson on bass, who has played on nearly thirty Grammy winning albums, Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on the keys, on drums, Tony Braunagel, whose steady foot has led a number of legendary musicians, including Taj Majal for a number of years and Michito Sanchez, who has played with Nelly Furtado and many others, on percussion.  The album, Today, is produced and engineered by producer David Z, who is responsible for a number of projects by renowned musicians, Prince, Etta James and many others.  Additionally, gifted musician and producer, Tony Braunagel also produced the album.  Not only was Tony in the studio producing, as he has done in the past with Eric Burdon’s release “Soul of a Man,” he arranged the entire lineup of stellar musicians, budgeted the session, as well as met with Zito and worked on the arrangement of the songs long before anybody ever set foot in the recording studio.  Stay tuned for more information on the ever expanding lineup of Team Zito, as well as more information on his upcoming release, Today, available in stores May 20.  And don’t forget to keep your ears open for the hot release of Zito’s first single, taking over the airwaves in the very near future!!

NEWS: (02.27.08)

ZITO EXMPLIFIES THE '80s

Mike Zito has been hard at work while on the road, reliving the 80s and working on a score for the film, Spring Break 83.  Working on a portable recording studio, Zito has been busy sampling the styles from the music of the 80s to create a nostalgic sound for the film.  In addition to many iconic songs of the 80s, Zito’s score will be a highlight of the film, taking viewers back to a time when music was glamorous and flashy.  So get out your acid washed jeans and parachute pants, because it’s time to “moonwalk” your way back to “cabbage patching” to the rad decade! 

NEWS: (01.08.08)

ECLECTO GROOVE C.E.O. RANDY CHORTKOFF DISCUSSES THE DISCOVERY OF ZITO

How did you first learn about Zito?

"A production friend of mine from Mississippi, who works out of Nashville, named David Hughes referred Zito to me. Zito then contacted me through email, sent demos, myspace and YouTube links and called me repeatedly until he got me to give his stuff a listen. I finally went to his myspace and viewed the videos of his live shows as well as listened to his previous self-produced albums."

What did you think about first hearing his music? Did everybody at the label feel the same?

"Upon first listen, I felt it wasn’t very strong traditional blues music. I felt his guitar playing was too much the main focus of his music and too busy. However, on his original songs, I heard something very unique. It was obvious that he was an extremely talented and gifted guitar player and with some direction, could develop his talents tremendously. Even so, I still wasn’t sold on the idea that he was right for the label. I got a lot of negative feedback from others at the label who were focusing on his style of playing blues and guitar pyrotechnics, causing them to overlook his vocal qualities and songwriting abilities."

When was it when you realized that he needed to be on Eclecto Groove Records? What exactly happened?

"My girlfriend, Kelly, and I were on a long drive and finally got a chance to actually listen to Zito’s music. We were really starting to get into his music when we heard his song, Today and it dawned on us that the song was all about recovery. I immediately felt a connection to Zito because I too have battled demons in my life and have been able to overcome them and experience life in the good lane. Once we realized what his lyrics were all about, I was sold. In a world where so many hit songs send such negative messages, Zito’s music was a breath of fresh air. I’m so tired of hearing music talking about how much money so and so has, what kind of car they drive, how big their butts or breasts are, what kind of clothes they wear, and all this negative crap that gets forced into the minds of impressionable youth. I have a teenage daughter and I want her to be exposed to music with a positive message. Zito’s lyrics are all based upon loyalty, spirituality, recovery, love, patience, respect, compassion, positive change, taking responsibility for our actions and the genuinely important things in life. Then again, there is also just enough good-natured smut from his past to bring it all together."

What are some of Zito’s qualities that you believe make him a star?

"Zito is a shining star in so many ways. His passion for music, vocal qualities, songwriting abilities, guitar playing, original arrangement of songs, stage presence, personality, humbleness, dedication to his family and his respect for humanity and music in general are only a representation of his impeccable qualities that make him a star. All these qualities not only make him a star, but they make him a terrific role model for the youth of today, tomorrow and yesterday."

NEWS: (12.13.07)

THE DREAM TEAM:
Recording is now complete for the upcoming Eclecto Groove Records debut release “Today” by Zito, who entered the studio to lay down tracks last October. “The Dream Team,” organized by CEO Randy Chortkoff and President of Eclecto & Delta Groove Music Robert Fitzpatrick, features David Z (whose production credits include albums by Prince, Buddy Guy, Ana Popovic, Jonny Lang and Etta James), and Tony Braunagel (produced Eric Burdon’s most recent CD “Soul of a Man”). Zito’s natural talent was matched by a stellar assembly of world class musicians, thanks to Tony Branagel, that included bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson (who has recorded on numerous projects including Bonnie Raitt, Roy Orbison, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Boz Scaggs, Keb’ Mo’ and B.B. King), Keyboardist Benmont Tench (longtime pianist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and highly sought-after session player who has appeared on recordings by Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, U2, and the Rolling Stones to name just a few!), drummer Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Eric Burdon, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Phantom Blues Band) and Michito Sanchez on percussion. A great deal of effort and emphasis was placed on really developing Zito’s songs and arrangements, resulting in a powerfully majestic and unashamedly personal work that reveals a truly gifted artist has officially arrived on the scene. Look for Zito’s worldwide release on Eclecto Groove Records in early 2008!

COME ON OVER TO MY SPACE:
The official Zito myspace has just been given a new face lift. We encourage you stop on by and add Zito to your circle of friends and stay current on all the latest news, photos, tour dates and happenings in the Zito universe. And while you’re there, be sure to check out a sampling from his upcoming 2008 Eclecto Groove Records release “Today,” featuring the world premier of the single “Holding Out For Love” heard there exclusively!

Click here to view Zito's MySpace page!