Zachary Ross
& Desolation Angels
Zachary Ross, the Bay area’s fast-breaking modern-vintage soul
singer/songwriter, and his 9 piece R&B orchestra, Desolation Angels, recently released their debut album “For the Love I’m Forgetting” to a sold out audience at San Francisco’s Boom Boom Room. Although the title of the new record is slightly vague (it could easily be read as a hope to remember one’s anniversary or an homage to getting over that last nasty break-up) there is nothing vague about Ross’ poignant, heartfelt songs. The group’s sound, usually part horn-section funk / part “Quiet Storm” ballad calls to mind some of the old-school soul artists of the 60’s but Ross’ lilting, smoke & honey voice and his non-standard approach to songwriting give things a twist that keep his music fresh while maintaing a classic appeal.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Zachary developed his craft sitting in with older, more experienced players in seedy blues clubs, where he was invariably the youngest guy on stage. “Seeing the passion and soul that poured from those players, watching them connect with an audience in such an honest way was a huge motivation,” recalls Zachary. That listener connection is what hooked him for good, fueling his love of soul and gospel music and inspiring his almost folk approach to lyricism. His pure and sincere words string together an imagery filled recollection of his life. But as Zachary says, “these are scenes that we’ve all been through and my hope is that people get something of their own from the tunes. My job is to take something true, make it beautiful with words, and accessible with groove.” More information on Zachary, including tour dates, full press kit, images, and information about the record release can be found at www.zacharyross.net.
CATEGORY:
“Modern Vintage Soul”, “Rock/Pop” (record stores), “Adult Rock” (radio)
COMPARED WITH SUCH ARTISTS AS:
Stevie Wonder Joss Stone Al Green Black Eyed Peas Norah Jones Van Hunt Ray Charles
Ricky Fante Robert Randolph Alicia Keys Boz Scaggs Earth Wind & Fire
PRESS QUOTES:
San Francisco's next generation soul maestro channels the spirits of old-school R&B virtuosos like Al Green, Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye...his seductive grooves have the ability to temporarily transform ord-inary men into smooth talking Don Juan's.
-Bill Picture, San Francisco Examiner
How could anyone pass up an event called the "Funkalicious Valentineous Get Down"? Yes, that's the program tonight at the Boom Boom Room where Zachary Ross and his nine-piece soul orchestra, Desolation Angels headline. The group's debut album, "For the Love I'm Forgetting" could be viewed two ways: the plan to remember your anniversary, or celebrating the breakup that just didn't happen fast enough. Either way, the music sounds great. Check out that horn section!
-Best of the Bay, San Mateo Times
Modern-Vintage Soul with tinges of everything from Donny Hathaway to Norah Jones to Jeff Buckley. This is a fresh, horn-powered, guitar rocking zing informed by the tradition but reaching towards the future.
-Derek Sivers, CD Baby
