Interview w/ South Jersey's Zoe'
DRIVETIME CHRONICLES
ZOE’ INTERVIEW
Chronicles, Give our readers an idea how long you guys have been together.
Moe, The band has been together for about 24 years.
Chronicles, We know of your most recent loss of one of Zoe’s founding members, Ron Segers. has this changed the nature/sound of the unit?
Moe, The loss of Ron was devastating, but we knew and felt that he would have wanted ZOE’ to continue on. Everyone adjusted and stepped up to the plate and became more creative to
keep our sound full.
Chronicles, Tell us how the changes are shaping up and how you’re crafting your material around the
new players?
Moe, We have grown tremendously; and we wanted that growth to be both heard and felt in our latest CD release, “Unstoppable”!
Chronicles, The Chronicle knows Zoe` has a very loyal following; how do you maintain it?
Moe, We love and thank our fans for their support, and we feel that they should receive our best
no matter what! We try to keep our music fresh and exciting, and we keep it real!
Chronicles, How important do you think social media is in today's Smooth Jazz Market?
Moe, Social media is very important today! It levels the playing field for the u- and- coming artist. There are so many avenues available to help with marketing, promotion, and booking. Social
media allows hundreds, thousands, and millions of people to hear your music that they never would have known existed! Our advice to young and up-and-coming artists: Learn and use social media, it can be your best friend!
Chronicles, Every time you perform, the world is listening. How do you get your players on the same page on any given gig?
Moe, Praying together before each performance brings us together and focuses our minds on giving our best no matter what! After prayer, it’s time to have fun playing music, to have a great time! We want our fans to not only hear the music but to feel the music and have fun with us!
Chronicles, ZOÉ has performed with or opened for Mindi Abair, Keb Mo, Phil Perry, Jeff Kashiwa, and jazz flutist Sherry Winston. Tell us a little about working with Mindi - and one of my favorite vocalists- the one and only Phil Perry?
Moe, Our opportunity to work with Mindi came about when someone was filming a series about smooth jazz and were following Mindi and Keb Mo’ as they traveled. They came to Warmdaddy’s in Philly to just sit in with us but Mindi and Keb were both surprised when they saw that we had learned a couple of their songs. Mindi was awesome and we had a great time and enjoyed performing with them both. We also had the opportunity to open for Phil Perry on a cruise ship that circled New York City. Phil is an amazing singer and a great guy! We have backed up Marques Johnson, Marcus Anderson, Alex Bugnon, Gail Jhonson with Karen Briggs & Althea Rene (Jazz In Pink), Cindy Bradley, among others. We also had the pleasure of opening for Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E, and Kirk Whalum. We have been very fortunate!
Chronicles, How is your latest release “Unstoppable” being received and what kind of airplay are you getting?
Moe, “Unstoppable” has been received really well! We have been getting a lot of play on various
Internet smooth jazz stations as well as radio play on I-heart Radio and various west coast stations.
Chronicles, Do you ever consider releasing singles as opposed to a full CD?
Moe, Yes. Very few people are buying hard CD discs anymore. Most music is purchased online and downloaded. Although singles are great, nothing beats the complete CD. “Unstoppable” can also be purchased as a full CD, or your favorite song/songs can be purchased and downloaded via CD-Baby and I-tunes. Pick yours up today!
Chronicles, What’s in the works for Zoe` and what’s the future look like?
Moe, We have begun working on new music and are looking to tour more in 2016. We also plan to do at least 1 or 2 shows each year in the community.
Chronicles, Do you feel that the Philly/South Jersey jazz community is supportive, or could it be more enthusiastic towards our genre?
Moe, Considering the fact that we have lost the FM smooth jazz stations, I think the jazz community in the Philly and South Jersey area has been very supportive. Social media has been the vehicle to get the word out about the jazz happenings in the area. The summer smooth jazz concerts really bring out huge crowds!
Chronicles, And last but not least, since you’re from the Philly area: Pat’s, Gino’s or Jim’s on
South Street?
Moe, If you asked each member of ZOE’ you would probably get a different answer. Each of these
places is fantastic!
Thanx again Moe, it’s been nice talking to you, The Chronicle wishes you and Zoe’ continued success and hope to meet up with you at the Grammy’s some time soon.
