Jazz Band Zen Boogie Set to Play California's Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival Labor Day Weekend

Scheduled to play Labor Day weekend at the Airport Marriott Hotel as part of Westchester, California's "Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival", Jazz/Blues band Zen Boogie are captivating listeners with their fine instrumentations and lyrical techniques embedded within their 50's-80's musical styles. Band members Robert Linden (Vocals, Keys), Doug Snyder (Bass), Larry O. Williams (Saxophone), Bob Gimius (Drums), and Bob Helfant (Guitar) have provided extreme dedication and talents into making the music of Zen Boogie become Nationally-known. Recommended tracks from Zen Boogie's 2008 album Beginnings include "Susan" and "Too Hip For The Room".

Zen Boogie's ballad "Susan" represents a strong influential sound from the Doo-Wop era of the late 50's-early 60's, while displaying singer/songwriter Robert Linden's thoughts as he reflected on a former flame. Comparable to the melody of the Brian Setzer Orchestra track "Sleepwalk", "Susan" features the rhythmic sounds of the Bass and Drums. Regarded as being solid, dependable, and consistent, musician Doug Snyder showcases a sultry sound on his Bass Guitar. While Snyder provides the emotional depth behind the track, Drummer Bob Gimius delivers the rhythmic Drum beats to complete the song. Linden recently mentioned, "Bobby G works harder than almost anyone in the room... to find the right sound, the right tempo and the right rhythm to fit each song. It's sometimes funny how he takes each of my songs so personally as we work together to create the 'rhythmic road map' of each song." While the musicians showcase outstanding instrumentations behind the song, Linden provides the lyrical aspect to the track while singing the lyrics,"... Your eyes led me astray/That smile swept me away/But 'hello' was all I could declare/Now all I can do is dream about you/And pray that you will always be there....../" His extensive knowledge and talents have allowed Linden to become a leader in Zen Boogie. By guiding the other musicians with his newly created songs, Linden is able to incorporate his initial ideas into the collaborative efforts of the band.

While the band have become widely known for their smooth and relaxing musical styles, the members of Zen Boogie have also been able to gain much recognition and accolades for their musical instrumentations resembling the classic Swing styles of the early decades. The Swing/Jazz-influenced track "Too Hip For The Room" represents the Doo-Wop era as listeners are reminded of the distinct and influential sounds that were previously presented in the late 50's-early 60's. The instrumental break introduces Zen Boogie band member Larry O. Williams as he delivers an intimate and exceptional sound deriving from his Saxophone. Regarding Williams' sound, fellow band member Robert Linden recently stated, "He has wonderful mixed sensibilities and intuition of both rock and roll and jazz that fit very nicely into the Zen Boogie soundtrack." While Williams provides the harmonious appeal of the song, longtime Zen Boogie band member Bob Helfant introduces the resonant sounds of his Guitar. Helfant's Guitar riffs add to the personal feel of the song. Linden tells the true story about a close friend, former drummer of Zen Boogie, became known as "Mr. Goodtime". The lyrics, "....He can steal the bride away and be the best man to the groom/Yes, girls may lust but the guys all trust/He's too hip for the room.../detail the character's swagger with his personality and appearance. Since its release, "Too Hip For The Room" has received many awards and recognition. In 2009, the track won the award for Best Jazz/Big Band Song at California's Malibu Music Awards. Voted #1 by Nashville, Tennessee's Tin Pan South, "Too Hip For The Room" has also achieved great status by winning the John Lennon Songwriting Competition award.

Since releasing 2008's Beginnings, Zen Boogie have been working hard to heavily promote their music through various gigs around the Country. Most recently, Zen Boogie were chosen as an official band for the 26^th Annual L.A. Marathon. Not allowing for rain to ruin their gig, the members of Zen Boogie performed in front of 25,000 runners while delivering a phenomenal live performance of their song "The Place To Be". Many listeners have developed a strong fascination for the band and each member's individual contributions to the music. George Harris, a Writer for AllAboutJazz.com, recently regarded Zen Boogie as being "an infectious band with four beats embedded in their chromosomes".

The members of Zen Boogie are currently working on their Sophomore album, which will be their first studio album. Co-produced by Bruce Eskovitz, the album will feature special guests while showcasing Zen Boogie's extraordinary instrumentations and individual talents.

Zen Boogie are set to play the following events in 2011:

May 14 - 8:30pm to 12:30am - JAX - 339 N. Brand Blvd (Glendale, CA)

June 18 - 9pm - THE CAT CLUB ON SUNSET - 8911 Sunset Blvd. (West Hollywood, CA)

Labor Day Weekend - THE SWEET AND HOT JAZZ FESTIVAL - Airport Marriott Hotel (Westchester, CA)

For more information about Zen Boogie, please visit http://www.zenboogie.net