The Carrie Zazz Band- Harmonies, Family & Fun! (Band, Performers, & Rising Talent) (October 2021)

Issue Eighteen- October 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

What holds someone back when they have true potential? Should stage fright be a factor in holding you back, and could someone surpass that obstacle, if they are destined for greatness? The Carrie Zazz Band is a band that just gets better and better, despite a member of the band having overcome this such obstacle, and now unlocking the keys to her musical potential. We read more about their most recent success, in this guided, yet informative article (an interview with Carrie Zazzarino of the Carrie Zazz Band).

What inspired or motivated the beginning of this? Why and how so?

“Music has always been a part of my life. One of my fondest memories was when I was about 10 years old and my mother bought me a used copy of The Beatles Rubber Soul at a garage sale. I played it until the grooves were worn out! I had always dreamed of being in a band, and while I had a couple of starts with your typical garage band as a teenager, I always had debilitating stage fright. About 10 years ago, I was at a local restaurant and there was a musician there hosting an open mic. With shaky knees and a quivering voice, I mustered up the courage to get up in public and sing. The following week I brought my guitar. With each passing week, my fears were reduced… fast forward to about a few years ago. Having met a couple of musicians at various open mics, we put a band together. With time, this band has evolved. Now, the heart of the band is me and my oldest daughter, Pam. We are having the time of our lives singing and playing together and are playing in various venues from Westchester County to Dutchess County to Orange County.”

Has Covid played a role in the functions of the band? Has the pandemic been positive or negative for the group, and in what way?

“While the temporary closing of many of our favorite venues brought the live music scene to a halt during the pandemic, It also brought Pam back from teaching in Chile; she lived with me and my husband during 2020. It was during this time that we began compiling all of our favorite songs and working on the harmonies that we’ve become so well known for. I look back fondly on this time and truly believe we would not have found this musical direction if it were not for the pandemic. So, for us, the pandemic has affected us positively. The band as well, as we would not have happened if it were not for Covid.”

If you could describe in three words what makes The Carrie Zazz Band special, what are those three words, and why?

“Harmonies – A love for The Beatles and their amazing harmonies and backing vocals has been passed along to my children. It is evident in every song we sing.

Family – There is a closeness that you can’t describe when you get to sing and play alongside your children. While Pam is a permanent member of the band, my son Matt and daughter Jen have joined me in my musical travels throughout the years.

Fun – We have fun when we play and we smile when we sing. I think there is a reciprocal sense of joy between the band and the audience, and it keeps us and them coming back for more!”

What original song would you play, if you could play that song for 5 minutes to the world, and the whole world had to hear it?

“If there is a sentiment that I could shout out to the world through the lyrics of a song, that sentiment would be one that definitely inspires people to go after their dreams and not let the fear of failure win… you can’t say “I did it” if you never tried. There is also the sense of accomplishment for just having tried!”

What achievements have been made so far in this year 2021, and what are some advancements in store for the band?

“I think we have truly perfected our sound this year. We’ve learned to highlight what we do well and we’ve learned to engage and interact with our audience better than ever before. Our biggest achievement in 2021 was gracing the stage at Daryl’s House in Pawling. For me, it was a very proud moment to play on the same stage as musicians I’ve admired my whole life! What’s in store going forward? Let’s just say, we’ve got a couple of pretty prestigious venues booked that we have to keep under wraps for a bit longer. We are also working on a couple of original songs and are working with some musicians with impressive resumes!”

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Where can we find more information about the band and their music, and why should we? What makes this band special, above all else?

“You can learn more about us at our website: carriezazz.com and on our Facebook page. I think there are two things that make us stand out. The first is our song choices. We play songs that remind us and the audience of great times in their lives. We feel the songs that we sing, and people can relate. We have very different, yet complementary vocals that allow us to play a variety of genres. We always get compliments that we play “something for everyone”. Our biggest compliment though is getting invited back! Second, I’ve said it before, but it is worth repeating. – we have fun. We smile and laugh and interact with the audience. While we are serious musicians… we don’t take ourselves too seriously, if that makes sense.”

Anything to add?

Music has brought a joy to my life that I never could have imagined. For a long time, I let the fear of failure hold me back from following this amazing passion. I encourage anyone that is battling those same fears to go out to an open mic or to a local music venue. There is such a wonderful community of people out there that share the same love of music and we are waiting for you!”

Questions For The Photographer-

What enticed your photoshoot, and what made it original, in your perspective as a photographer? What is the unique driving factor here in both the shoot and in the photos themselves of the band?

“I have worked with Carrie before, and she is a true professional when it comes to being a musician. She constantly changes to better herself, does solo gigs, duos with her daughter, and rotates members of the band to suit the show she is doing and the venue they are playing in. Love working with her and I hope to again.”

If you could photograph The Carrie Zazz Band at a given time, what do you see as the outcome for them? What success do you see for the group in such a given time further along? Is this deserving, or to be expected?

“I know Carrie has played at the famous Daryls House, in Pawling, NY, the owner being non-other than Daryl Hall from Hall and Oates. I would love to capture a show she puts on there, with great lights, stage, and sound. The more Carrie works, the better she gets, obtaining better and better venues to perform in, and always gets asked back for future shows. What could be better than that?”

(Photography Courtesy of Joe Mack’s Event Photography)