It’s no mystery where Jack Zerby’s roots lie. Having grown up in Hollidaysburg, PA listening to his father’s Stevie Wonder and James Brown vinyls, Jack’s soulful, funky style runs deep. As a child he followed the family tradition of playing the trumpet, but after joining the school marching band it didn’t take long for the drums to catch his ear. However, the school band lacked the type of rhythms he had found so inspiring in his father’s records.
Jack soon abandoned the school band and joined several local bands, ranging from punk, rock and even metal. Eventually the chance came for Jack to move from behind the drum set and play the front man for a local rock band. He seized the opportunity without any hesitation and Jack’s voice was a secret no more. His charisma wowed the crowds as he thrived off the live interaction and improvisational vibe. But as many high school bands will have it, the musicians parted ways after graduation.
Jack went on to attend college in New York, all the while searching for his own style so as to pursue a solo career in music. Jack picked up the guitar during his freshman year and began jazz lessons. These lessons opened the door to a whole new world of sounds and possibilities. 45 Circle Drive was completed soon after, a 6 song acoustic EP said to be “simple and honest” according to Jack’s mantra. However Jack’s vision exceeded those frames. He wanted a richer, livelier sound, but he knew this could only be achieved with a full band.
After six years of countless investments of time and money, Jack pulled together his second self-produced EP, mixed by Jamie Seigel (Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone). This time the album captured a larger, all encompassing version of Jack’s musical vision. Drummer Brenden Wyant (Meshelle Ndegeocello, Janita) not only can be heard on all the tracks but was also crucial in pulling together the other musicians on the album, each one taking Jack’s concept one step further. “I feel like this EP represents everything that I have worked towards in the last 6 years. It feels really good,” says Jack.
With thoughtful lyrics and a pleasurable medley of styles, Jack’s music continues to represent the dynamic person that he is.
just so you know for future reference, when musicians take their picture for myspace, they are supposed to look away from the camera and look pissed off. you are 0 for 2.
just wanted to let you know i totally support your flannel movement. i catch hell for it on a daily basis. maybe its b\c i button all the way up and wear a tie?
If you want to listen to real good music, Jack Zerby is your man. He's more than John Mayer and not less than R'n&B POP. I love to hear the music of you most the acapella's. So goon one tuning good music in my Radio ;-)
HEY DUDE , JUST LISTENING TO YOUR SONGS AGAIN. THEY'RE VERY ADICTIVE. I'M SURE YOU HEAR THIS A LOT BUT YOUR SONGS ACCOPELLA AND WARREN-G ROCK VERY MUCH.
Hey you! So while I was at Mercy, we went to a concert and Jimmy Needham was the opener. Some of his stuff reminded me of you, I was pretty stoked. You should check him out.
Thank you Jack Zerby, for joining Simple Groove NJ MySpace Friends!!
If you'd like a gentle reminder about our local upcoming events, return to our MySpace page and send me a message, including your email address, and I'll make sure you get our local announcements!
hey Jack, This is John from SafeJacket (my wife was the photographer for your wedding). Just checking in. We're looking to play some show's up your way and I was wondering if you had any venue suggestions? We've never played there before so any help would be appreciated. all the best, John and SafeJacket
