I fully intended on writing a blog entry with some regularity; I really did. I mean I really DO. Somehow, things always seem to get away from me, and the next thing I know two months have passed. Perhaps raising a three year old has something do to with it.

I'm glad that 2006 is coming to a close, and eagerly anticipating '07. It's been a year of considerable change in my life, as well as that of my family, but things seem to be settling down, and I hope to have enough material to begin work on a new recording by the end of the year. I've realized that 2006 will be my 15th year doing what I love for a living, all but one (when I lived in Nashville and played, proudly and with gusto, as one of Todd Snider's Nervous Wrecks) spent here in Iowa City. I'm profoundly grateful to the people of this great state for helping support me, and proud as hell to make a living playing music in a place that has very little industry to speak of. If I had to do it all over, I'd do the same thing.

One of the hardest changes I've had to endure is the semi-retirement of long-time drummer Brad Engeldinger. Another great blessing in my life, he and I shared almost a decade of music, and in that time I've never had a closer musical bond with anybody. Unfortunately, it's part of the deal when you play independent music professionally; musician's move on and you're left to keep doing what you do. It's amazing, though, when I stop and think about all the great players I've shared the stage and a band with: Brad, Eric Griffin, Marty Christensen, Stephen "The Kid" Howard (Godfather to my son, Rocco),; the list goes on and on. I've learned everything I know about performing from these and other wonderful people, and for that, I'm thankful.

So, I"m wondering what the new year will have in store. Whatever it is, I know it'll be filled with wonderful characters, interesting locales, and lots and lots of music.

--David Zollo
10/17/06

Before I go any farther with this blogging business, I need to take a moment and thank my friend Ryan Miller.   Ryan has been encouraging me for months to set up a myspace page and, when he couldn't rouse me from my usual stupor, he went ahead and did it himself, and continues to help me maintain it.  He's a special guy, and his birthday is this Saturday, so, happy birthday, my friend, and thanks for all you do.

So, I'm still getting used to navigating the byzantine corridors of myspace, and  I didn't think anything of the sudden deluge of nice mail from people I didn't know regarding an old song of mine, "Strawberry Wine."  I wrote this song in 1995, while playing with my first band, High and Lonesome, and still play it at most live shows today.  The correspondences kept referring to having heard it on "Brad's page."  I thought they meant Brad Engeldinger, my long-time musical partner-in-crime. It wasn't until last night that I discovered they meant Brad Pitt!  Yes, that one....

At first I was convinced it was some kind of elaborate joke being played on me by one of the many people who I could imagine enjoying such a stunt, but after some poking around, I discovered it was put there by the folks who maintain Mr. Pitt's myspace page.  Somebody who works on it is aware of my music, and apparently, the man himself is very supportive of indie musicians, and tries to provide exposure to them by placing a song which plays when your computer loads his page.  Right now (or at least as of this morning) it was still "Strawberry Wine."  Crazy, the way the internet has reduced our world to such a tiny place, but more amazing is that a man of Brad Pitt's means and security would take the time to help out someone like me, who he doesn't know and probably never will.  A generous soul, no doubt, and one who should be commended at every opportunity.  And not just because I'm the current recipient of his generosity (although it's very nice) but because it seems such a rare thing in this day and age. 

All in all, it's been a surreal couple of weeks, but a most satisfying one.  Thanks to everyone who's taken a moment to check out my page and listen to the music.  You can also visit www.davidzollo.com to view some other content. 

Peace to all,

David Zollo

 

 

Hello, all. I'm finally getting around to posting this blog entry, and I intend for it to be the first of many.

This past week, I was blessed to join a fine group of musicians and friends on the Tonight Show, in support of the great Todd Snider, and his new record, "The Devil You Know." Not only was I able to make music with some of my favorite people in the world (Todd, Tommy Womack, Paul Griffith) but I made some new friends; the luminescent Molly Thomas and the most righteous Doug Lancio. I also extended to 2 the number of world famous stages I've shared with Peter; the Des Moines' legendary A.K. O'Connor's, and the above-mentioned talk show. I can't say enough about was an inspiring musical journey these people took me on; I'm already excited about the next time I'm fortunate enough to play with them.

The show itself was a fantastic experience, but I have to say, the highlight was the music, and the people with whom I shared it.

As I said, I hope to make a habit of recording the mundane details of my professional life herein, and maybe the odd tidbit about my 3 year old son Rocco's woodshedding for a try-out to secure the drum chair in AC..DC. He can already play the entirety of the High Voltage classic, "Livewire," and is currently perfecting his technique on "Girl's Got Rhythm," which is proving a tad more difficult. Please feel free to drop me a line and tell me what it is... then we'll both know.

DZ