For those unaware, New York guitarist James Zito has been praised for his masterful touch and soulful melodies, earning him the nickname “The Natural” from Artslife Magazine. Born in Orlando, Florida, Zito’s style is deeply rooted in the influences of jazz greats like Wes Montgomery and George Benson.

At 28 years old, Zito has already graced many of New York City’s premier jazz venues, including Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland Theatre, The Django, Minton’s Jazz Club, and The Blue Note, among others. A recent graduate of Juilliard’s prestigious “Artist Diploma” program, he toured NYC and abroad with their elite quintet.

His brand new album is entitled Zito’s Jump, is self-released, and thus is out now via James Zito Music.

1. Zito’s Jump
2. Bird in the Wind
3. Island Girl
4. Time Zone
5. Ready ’N Able
6. Pense Nisso
7. Minor Lies
8. The Nearness of You
9. The End of a Love Affair
10. After You’ve Gone
11. It Could Happen to You
12. After You’ve Gone (Alternate Take)

This vibrantly sumptuous new recording opens on the swinging shuffle grooves of the title track Zito’s Jump and a languishing beauty that resides within Bird in the Wind and they are followed by the beachfront hipsway of Island Girl, the upbeat and perky Time Zone, the propulsively forthright Ready ’N Able and then we get the sheer elegance of Pense Nisso brought forth.

Along next is the dutiful finger snapper Minor Lies and the low slung ballad The Nearness of You and they are in turn backed supremely by the free flowing musical majesties that drive The End of a Love Affair, the gently propagated rhythms of After You’ve Gone, the album rounding out on the veritably shimmering balladry of It Could Happen to You, coming to a close on a lovely alternative version of After You’ve Gone.

James Zito Quartet - Zito’s Jump [Official Music Video]

www.jameszitomusic.com