New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

PHOTOS from "Zydeland" Release Party by The Gumbo Gumbas


By John Posada

originally published: 03/08/2023

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Indie band The Gumbo Gumbas released their second album "Zydeland" on Mardi Gras, February 21st at Tim McLoone's Supper Club Asbury Park. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The band has decided to make the album available exclusively at live performances. Three digital singles from the album have been released and more singles will continue to be releases throughout 2023. 

Already released singles, "King Cake," "Waiting for the Cane" and "Drifting Off and Dreaming Of You" are available on most digital platforms. The album is more focused on the Zydeco influence and less on the jazz. Every up tempo song on the record is danceable and has extremely memorable hooks. "Zydeland" is a concept that addresses the ongoing division in humans worldwide and portrays a vision where people can come together no matter what their background and celebrate life harmoniously. Entertainment columnist Mike Greenblatt of the Aquarian, and The Jersey Sound wrote: "Cross-Generational to the Max, they're fun, danceable and instantly memorable like a tattoo of the brain."

There are 2 ballads on the record. The first is and ode to band leader Joe Grillos brother who tragically passed away during the making of this record. This song has all the classic New Orleans influences and was inspired by the composers brothers love for Tom Waits. Guest artists Jenn Santaccione provided a gorgeous string quartet for this track and Frank Rein played Tuba. The second is a beautiful love song and features a 16 pc. string section. Written by TV and film composers Steve Rice and Ken Morrison whose works are found in productions such as "The Green Book," "Passengers," "The Big Bang Theory," "Handmaid's Tale," "Sons of Anarchy" and many more; along with arrangements and vocals by the lead "Gumba" himself, Joe Grillo; the song evokes a feeling of simpler times.

Band members include: Vinnie Borselli on trumpet (Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, LaBamba's Big Band, Gary US Bonds) Lars Wendt on trombone (Linda Rondstadt, Aaron Neville, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Richie Cole, Princeton Symphony Orchestra) and Steph Munter (Darlene Love, Ben E. King Tim McLoone, Cats on a Smooth Surface) as well as the aforementioned Steve Rice on accordion and piano. Bandleader Joe Grillo's sings all lead vocals and plays sax and washboard. Drummer David Anthony (Glen Burtnik, Jackie DeShannon, Patty Smyth, John Waite, the B.Q.E Project, Darlene Love, Dennis DeYoung) and acoustic bassist Greg Novick (Glenn Burtnick, Bernie Worrell, Kofo the Wonderman) provide a Goldilocks bed of richness that within the rest of the band lie.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



The Gumbo Gumbas are a delicious medley of authentic New Orleans Jazz with a side of Creole; their brand of "Zydeland Music" is the perfect synergy of Zydeco, Dixieland, Blues and Swamp Funk. A fun combination which highlights their Cajun influences allows them to blend elements of Jazz, Zydeco, R&B, Country and Rock into one amazing, big, old-fashioned southern stew.

Here are more photos from their release night.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




Follow New Jersey Stage on social media
Facebook, Threads, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky



 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Capital

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents a Mother's Day Family Concert

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey presents a Mother's Day Family Concert at the New Jersey State Museum Theater on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 3:00pm.



Natasha

Natasha Paremski Returns to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra Stage for Rachmaninoff Concerto

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Audience favorite Natasha Paremski marks a third return to the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) stage May 10-11, 2025 with Sergei Rachmaninoff's demanding Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30, a perfect showcase for her expert technique and dynamic style. Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov conducts the program, which also features the Westminster Symphonic Choir.



McCarter

McCarter Theatre Center presents Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents the all-star trio of Béla Fleck, Antonio Sánchez, and Edmar Castañeda, performing on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. This is a WXPN Welcomes event. Showtime is 7:30pm.



The

The Vogel presents Carbon Leaf

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Carbon Leaf is touring in support of Time is the Playground, the band's 15th studio album. Their tour comes to The Vogel on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Special guest Zak Loy will open the night. Showtime is 7:00pm.



The

The Newton Theatre presents country star Sara Evans

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Multi-platinum entertainer Sara Evans brings her Unbroke Tour to The Newton Theatre on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm. She is the fifth most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Oldies

Oldies but Goodies Mother’s Day Concert Benefiting Families in Greater Union County

Sunday, May 11, 2025 @ 5:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: music


 

Knuffle

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical (Sensory Friendly Performance)

Sunday, May 11, 2025 @ 2:00pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: music


 

Béla

Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 @ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
category: music


 

Coyote

Coyote Jack Band with Opener: The Pettis

Thursday, May 15, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music


 

Donna

Donna McKechnie: Take Me to the World The Songs of Stephen Sondheim

Friday, May 16, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Bell Theater
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733
category: music


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info