Bio
From Grover Washington, Jr. and Pieces of a Dream to Jeff Lorber and Gamble & Huff, Philadelphia has always been a hotbed for exciting and groundbreaking R&B and jazz. Life Records recording artists ZOE’ (Zo-Ay), with their smooth yet funky grooves have incredible energy that flows just as powerfully as those legendary influences.
The group is comprised of six talented musicians whose melodic compositions produce extraordinarily compelling music. Currently, members of ZOE’ include: saxophonist, Reggie Harris, keyboardist Cleveland Belin, Jr., guitarist Ronald Segers, drummer David Ferebee; bassist H. Maurice Fonville and percussionist/trumpeter Bolivar “Chico” Guadalupe - all of which contribute to the original songwriting and vocals.
Their newly released third CD, aptly titled Let’s Fly, is a high spirited project with instantly compelling melodies over tight rhythms. The smooth balance of lead instruments between Harris’ sizzling emotional sax and Segers’ cool and crisp, yet often blistering electric guitar draws the listener in and keeps them engaged from start to finish.
On Stage
This lively group quickly became an integral part of the Philadelphia jazz scene thanks to the intense interest by Michael Tozzi, founder of ijazzglobal.com and former PD of the now defunct Philly smooth jazz station, WJJZ. Tozzi has paired the group with national musicians at the popular jazz hot spot, Warm Daddy’s in Philly. ZOE’ has performed with or opened for: Mindy Abair, Keb Mo, Phil Perry, Jeff Kashiwa, jazz flautist Sherry Winston and numerous notable, inspirational speakers. ZOE’ has captivated audiences beyond the Philly/South Jersey area with their infectious rhythms that roll from smokin’ funk to supremely sensual.
Recent Live Performances
Chris’s Jazz Café - Philadelphia
Warm Daddy’s - Philadelphia
Sadiki’s - Philadelphia
Justin’s - New York (owned by P. Diddy)
Soul Café – New York
Six Flags Great Adventure
Wiggins Park - Philadelphia
Constitution Center - Philadelphia
Philadelphia Convention Center
Clef Club - Philadelphia
National Letter Carriers Convention at Tropicana Casino
Atlantic City’s grand opening of The Walk
Review
ZOE`’s latest CD, an uplifting eleven track explosion that is perfectly titled Let’s Fly, is the group’s third project following their successful initial releases Long Time and Heaven Bound. Let’s Fly takes us on a journey from the get go, as “The Groove” rolls along with a seductive sax melody over an easy flowing rhythmic foundation featuring a bubbling guitar harmony line. The sax and guitar roles are reversed on “City of Love,” an ode to ZOE`’s hometown that keeps the mid tempo vibes moving on the strength of Segers’ energetic axe with the horns brimming just underneath. The group then goes old school on the dreamy, easy grooving title track, which trades off lead sections from sax at the start to electric guitar later on. The band taps into a mix of their influences on the next two cuts, featuring a guitar lead and a slightly amped up rhythm on John Legend’s gorgeous ballad “Ordinary People” and exploring their gospel roots on the wistful and reflective, sax driven ballad “He Is the Answer.” ZOE` mixes a classic bluesy R&B vibe with an exotic tropical vibe on the toe-tappin’ “Idaho,” then takes us to the sand and surf via lush soundscape effects at the beginning of the sweet and soulful sax ballad “Reflections”—a playful moodswing from wild back down to laid back that captures a unique range of groove and emotions. It’s easily one of the best indie urban jazz joints of 2009! --Jonathan Widran, Jazziz Magazine, All Music Guide
From the Beginning
ZOE’ in January 2001 under the leadership of Reginald “Reggie” Harris along with four other musicians: Ron Segers, Cleveland Belin, Dave Ferebee, and Bill Williams. The five talented men, with common goals and objectives decided to explore their creative potential. The result was incredible. The lineup has changed only slightly over the years and the addition of bassist H. Maurice Fonville and percussionist/trumpeter Bolivar “Chico” Guadalupe proved to be a winning combination.
ZOE’ undertook its first recording endeavor in April 2001. Self producing and self promoting their first CD entitled Long Time. Two songs from Long Time were added to a compilation project called The Pneu Crew, Itz All Brand Pneu, which is a collection of new gospel artists from up & down the east coast, produced by Mountain Top Records. The second CD from the Philadelphia/South Jersey based group, entitled Heaven Bound was released in 2004 and earned the group recognition in media with interviews in several publications including Jazz Review Magazine, on Milo’s TV program, and various radio interviews. In 2008, ZOE` performed “Heaven Bound” for the Cumberland County’s Got Talent contest and walked away with two honors: the People’s Choice award and the top prize!
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