Three well versed leaders in the world of music joined forces to form the band who knows no boundaries: “Zen Brother.” Each member holds a detailed understanding of what it means as well as what it takes to truly come together as individual masterly musicians and compose melodic, clear and technical arrangements that’ll temp any and every spectator, young and old, to get on their feet and groove.
Tony Lewis on the drum sets the foundation and provides the neat pulses for each and every tune. His drumming has taken him as far as playing alongside numerous artists including but not limited to jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Baldwin and Special EFX. Not a soul can resist a tapping their feet when Tony takes his place behind his set.
John “Smat” Smatla dominates the keys in this trio. He uses his fingers to deliver his take on iconic songs’ melodies. His abilities as a keyboardist has taken him far and wide as well. He produced two CD’s for “Ultrablue” that earned themselves the #4 spots on the Amazon Smooth Jazz charts. In his younger years he served as the musical director for Debbie Gibson, as the year went on he also worked with figures Dave Strykler, David Mann and many more musical figures.
To complete this triune bassist Gary Foote uses his instrument to bond the percussion and the melodic aspects of the band. He’s mastered the art of plucking the bass’ strings to complete the full sound this trio composes. Gary, a long time member of the legendary Motown family, studied music composition at Florida State University. After moving to NYC he was soon recognized as a face on the music scene. Since, he’s played with jazz drummer Billy Cobham, Wu Tang Clan, Smokey Robinson and again, numerous other iconic figures in music.
In total all three hold individual accolades but each accomplishment is a result of their deep love and passion for music.
It’s notable that each of these musicians have crossed a multitude of genres and have played in over 100 countries before thousands of crowds. Their inability to fit into a specific genre makes them who they are. They perform their interpretations of classic tunes, lean toward alternative jazz but implicate their host of experiences into their music. Together they gratify each crowd's desire for fine music. Each and every ear that hears this group is given a dose of Zen and everyone needs some Zen in their lives.