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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.

 

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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 live theatre and music performances. For more than 10 years, John has photographed live music events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions to capture that perfect moment that tells a story in a single image. Currently, John has photographed over 110 productions for over 70 different theatres and venues. Click here for John's website.

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

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