Tommy Z - Sometimes (2013)

Tommy Z is a singer/songwriter from Western New York. Sometimes is Tommy Z’s new album. He has been recognized as a top blues guitarists by top blues vocalists. He has also won numerous other awards including the Muddy Waters Award for “Artist of the Year” by Blues Society of Western New York and he was inducted into Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (making him ineligible to win any more awards). He has worked with various artists including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Blues Traveler, and Robert Randolph just to name a few. Tommy Z has contributed to Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan’s album. He also produced his first album with Police member Nick Blagona. Aside from musical works, Tommy Z has contributed to Red Hot Chili Pepper Biography, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and Animal Planet’s Swamp Wars.
Opening track “Roger That” is an instrumental tune backed by Damone Jackson on drums and Frank Reino on bass. Horns by Sam Guarino, Barry Arbogast and Gil DeBrasse can be heard first on “Gangster of Love.” This is a remake from Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Aside from horns, the over the top vocals add to the hearty percussion. Soulful “Old Love” has heavy bass riffs from Jerry Livingston. Livingston plays a solo which is also heard on “Snooty Funk.” This funky track has JJ Moscato on organ.
Although Tommy Z has three renditions of older songs, his original work is phenomenal. You can hear the old classic blues but with a twist of new age material.