Born: March 4, 1952 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Born in Brooklyn New York, I grew up in Queens and later Nassau County in the 60's. I got addicted to the guitar back when I was a little kid in Woodside Queens. I heard the guitar work on the old tune El Paso and went nuts. I had to play the guitar. I always loved music anyway, but the guitar just got to me. I've loved it ever since. I finally started formal lessons at 10 with the Mel Bay method books with a private teacher. I went through the various phases but to make along story short. I hear the Blues on one of those crazy FM Stations in 60s way on the other side of the dial. That was my first epiphany and laid the ground work for jazz. I had my second epiphany when I heard jazz guitar on a similar station and that was it. I went through a myriad of teacher, but through a friend got introduced and accepted to study with the late great Joe Monk in Great Neck New York. He was the man. He taught me everything and sent me down the road with the right tools. I'm forever grateful and I and my fellow students think of him everyday. I've played everywhere. I had fine quartet in FT. Lauderale for 15yrs, even played with a old school R&B there. I also had the experience of being on the road for a few years in the early 70s. I love being a player. I feel Jazz is the ultimate expression and provides the sound track to existence. The Guitar is the ultimate machine for that expression. I've landed in Charlotte NC for the past 6 yrs and have met up fabulous musicians here. Former New Yorkers like my good friend George Hoar, bassist pianist along with Brian Sullivan on Drums. Both fabulous players. I'm priviledged to work with them. Together we've produced to CD's “The Roar of the Archtops” and our latest “Takin on Monk” a tribute to Thelonius Monks genius. Not bad. Here in Charlotte, we're breaking new ground and getting people into jazz which is our job. I'm having a great time. Peace. Mike Zinna.
