THE NIGHTSHIFT BAND: a synergistic unit of veteran players from the backyards of Reading and Pottsville, where most of the gigs happen. When you witness them in action, you see the joy of players who love what they do!
DRUMS: MARK BONNES, from Mt Penn, keeps a relentless undertow going
BASS: ED MORAN, from Pottsville, delivers a vicious throbbing bass
GUITAR: AL KUNKLE, from West Lawn, unleashes the high voltage slide and sweet licks
He's been doin' it all his life, pretty much, starting with the gospel circuit in South Carolina at the age of five. Did you notice all the great ones started that way
His first mentor, Grandma Johnson, plucked him from the choir and told him to show em what he could do. From what I hear, you just didn't say no to Grandma. That dutiful child would move the congregation to jump up and applaud, sending the frightened little singer to run out, crying. Apparently he got over that and was a regular feature at several churches in the Greenville area where he used to tear up the service when he rocked Jesus Loves Me.
Later they moved To Wash. D.C. where musical ability abounded in this family of now legendary talent, including Aunt Ruth Brown and The Dixie Hummingbirds, who were frequent visitors, jamming in the parlor. Zee found his place on the street corners of D.C., blowin' doo wop Harmony till Uncle Sam dropped him off in Lake Charles, L.A. Turns out, Zee's got relatives in Creole country and in no time Richard Chenier had him hitting licks as a stand in zydeco keyboard player! From there he joined Phil Philips to record the original "Sea of Love"..no big deal, in those days after you sang backup, you collected your $15 and were on your way to Philly record hops, New York's Apollo Theatre, Atlantic City Steel Pier, any venue with a paycheck. V-Tone and Maske record companies both cut singles with Zee & The Cruisers, ("Do the Fish" and "Somebody Cares") but failed in the marketing and promotion.
Music business was going through some ugly changes and talent sometimes got pushed aside, so to survive and have a family, Zee stepped out of the limelight. That was 35 years ago, but the singing and joy of performance has never stopped. Family and friends encouraged Zee to get on the circuit again. With his bandmates, The Nightshift, Zee has been testifying to a new congregation. Things are different now in many ways and yet one thing remains the same--That Voice can still tear it up and make you jump outta that pew, barcalounger or folding chair and holler for more! Catch an earful-perk up your love of life!
the Worms play the Works 9pm on Wednesday the 25th of November. the night before Thanksgiving.. Line up is Kris Kehr , Trey LaRue, Joel Henry and James Jewell. so if you wana hear some honest to goodness Berks county music, come on out and dance... ps thanks to all for such a great time at the works last time!! the Worms play the Works Wednesday November 25, 2009 - 9:00 PM The Works 1109 Bern Road Reading, Pennsylvania 19610 USA Cost: free
All right now people--it is time to party! Get on down to the Lazy Dog if you're up north next week and we will have some fun, no doubt. Titus Inn is coming up down in Pughtown--not far from Pottstown, folks. Come out and get fed, and then get up--and DANCE! See you all there--no excuses! Zee
