in concert: mike zito and jason ricci
Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by Seth in music
words > TONY ROMANO
photos > MARITA MEYER
This weekend, I received a musical injection from two master artists in the Blues and Rock world at Rock Island Live courtesy of Bad Bean Productions.
As music bellowed, Mike Potts painted Ray Charles and Marilyn Monroe on canvas opposite the stage. The patio was open to the concert room, the cool air flowing on both nights, and the sound of great music could be heard throughout the street and alleyway. This was a packed house, the crowd blended and ageless, as magic emanated from the stage. Drinking and dancing, we were all getting our groove on.
Mike Zito is a guitar God. He played Saturday night with effortless passion that put tears in my eyes – he’s that good. His style is a combo of New Orleans funk and gritty old school blues, with a rock-n-roll bad-ass feel.
A national artist nominated for best Blues/Rock album of the year award “Pearl River” by BMA, Mike’s a great guy with a passion for music and his family. Off stage, he’s quiet and calm.
His newest release, “Pearl River”, was also nominated for the best song of the year award by BMA, collaborating with famed artist Cyril Neville.
Jason Ricci, an international artist also nominated for best Blues/ Rock album of the year award with “Done with the Devil” by BMA and up for best harmonica player of the year. His performance and entertainment value rife with theatrical moves, and the crispiest harmonica playing I’ve ever witnessed. Aqua-Lung in my book. His musical style is an abstract version of gritty and contemporary blues, rock, and influences from almost any genre imaginable. Spell music with a “k”, and that’s Jason’s style. His newest release, “Done with the Devil”, is arguably his best work of art. To do his will, live and breathe music, writing, and animals are what he is passionate about. He’s extremely intelligent and different than most, with a lot of energy, he is blanketed in controversy on several levels.
During the second set, Mike Zito from the night before, dressed in drag, jumped on-stage with an electric guitar and began smoking the strings to Muddy Waters. This was an awesomely hilarious prank pulled on Jason. The crowd went wild!
I was mesmerized, held in musical bondage, both nights by these two artists presented by Don Bean of Bad Bean Productions. When either of these two great songwriters jammed a cover, they were all over it, playing better than the original, and that rocks.
These guys have played all over the world, collaborating with some of the best musicians and songwriters in the business. I’ve been to many concerts, but this weekend is etched in my memory.
Rock Island Live and Bad Bean Productions have made their mark, showcasing some of the best talent on the planet, at the most versatile music venue in the city of Wichita, KS.
Thanks for the injection guys.
