Dann Zinn - Two Roads (2024)

Zinn’s resume includes working with Omar Hakim, Rachel Z, Peter Erskine, Mike Stern, Leni Stern, Taylor Eigsti, Terri Lynn Carrington, Allison Miller, Derrick Hodge, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Cuong Vu, David Weiss, Dave Eshelman, Chuck Findly, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, and Barry Finnerty, among many others. In addition to his six CDs, Ten Songs, Wish, Grace’s Song, Shangri La, Day Of Reckoning, and his newest, Two Roads, his impressive discography includes over 100 appearances as a featured soloist and sideman on albums with prominent musicians. Zinn’s performances have spanned top venues including being featured at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, New York City's Smalls, and the world famous Yoshi’s, where he has played to sold-out crowds. He has garnered critical acclaim from prestigious publications such as DownBeat Magazine, Jazz Times, Jazziz, and local media such as the Oakland Magazine. Zinn’s other performance history includes television, radio, and multi media videos, and even children’s specials.

Zinn entered the Bay Area music scene as a teenager and after studying and working in L.A. and Aspen, found himself in New York. In his early years, he mentored with Lenny Pickett, Eddie Daniels, and Ernie Watts. Zinn spent time gigging and touring New England only to return to California where he has become one of the most sought after sax players around.

Two Roads, Zinn's newest project, is inspired by the opening line of Robert Frost’s famous poem, The Road Not Taken. Zinn states that this recording is the culmination of many decisions Zinn has made over the years. When faced with a fork in the road, he has always chosen the path of music - even, as he says, when other paths may have been more prudent.

Two Roads covers a wide range of Zinn's musical interests. Each composition was written or arranged specifically for Rachel Z on piano, Jeff Denson on bass, and Omar Hakim on drums. Zinn's signature melodies mark these compositions and when combined with his virtuosic playing, provide the listener with a beautiful and exciting musical experience. Each musician brilliantly took the notes from the page and made them their own. This group's artistry, sensitivity, and musicality are on full display. Z's intros to Prayer Again and The Sound of Ice melting are completely sublime. Hakim brings a fire and power that is undeniable. Denson's bass and vocals are beautiful and lush.