DEAN ZUCCHERO It’s All About The Bass!

WORDS: Colin Campbell PIX: Dale Gunnoe

Dean Zucchero, a bassist, songwriter, and producer, is a driving force in the contemporary blues and roots music scene. Known for his dynamic grooves and soulful presence, Dean has performed with an impressive array of artists, including Bobby Rush, Bill Sims Jr., and countless others who have shaped the modern blues landscape.

His musical style combines the raw energy of traditional blues with a fresh, innovative approach. In this interview, we explore Dean’s inspirations, his career highlights, and the creative process behind his unmistakable sound and mostly discuss his new release Song For The Sinners.

The Origins: From Clarinet to Bass

“Growing up, I always fantasised about being a musician,” Zucchero begins. While his initial foray into music came through the clarinet, it was the allure of playing in a band that truly captivated him. “In 10th grade, I watched my friends jam together. My best friend was a drummer, and another was an advanced guitar player. One day, they said they needed a bass player. I didn’t own a bass or know how to play it, but I told them I could.”

With $35 borrowed from his mother, Zucchero biked across town to purchase his first bass and amp. That marked the beginning of his musical journey. “They taught me a few songs, The Ocean by Led Zeppelin, My Sharona by The Knack, and some Joe Jackson tunes. From there, I put in the hours, joined a band, and started playing gigs.”

Finding the Groove

Zucchero’s musical influences were as eclectic as his upbringing. From Elvis and The Beatles to Sinatra and the crooners his parents adored, his love for melody and rhythm was deeply rooted. “I’d listen to entire albums through those 70s pillow headphones,” he recalls. “It was a nightly ritual that opened my ears to all kinds of music.”

By the early 80s, Zucchero was performing live, with his first official gig taking place at Freeport’s Long Island’s The Right Track Inn. “Playing there was a rite of passage,” he says. “We were in a band called Anastasia, writing songs, and dreaming of making it big. We soon hooked up with solid management and started playing legendary New York venues like The Bitter End.”

A Life of Blues: New Orleans and Beyond

Zucchero’s journey eventually led him to New Orleans, but not before an extended stint in Europe. “After leaving New York in 2005, I spent about nine years in Europe, ending up in Italy playing with pop swing bands. By 2013, it felt like time for a change. New York rents

I’d listen to entire albums through those 70s pillow headphones

were impossible, so I took a chance on New Orleans.” Within a week of arriving, he secured a residency at a blues club. “That’s when I knew I’d found my next home,” he says. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant blues scene and further refining his craft.

The Instrument That Defines Him

For Zucchero, the bass guitar is more than an instrument; it’s the foundation of his musical expression. “Everything I create comes from the bass,” he explains. “From melodies to harmonies, it’s all rooted in those grooves. A cool bassline can inspire an entire song.”

The Legacy of Groove

For Zucchero, it’s always been about the music. Whether he’s slapping a funky bassline or crafting introspective lyrics, his dedication to the groove is unwavering. As he reflects on his career, he’s grateful for the journey that’s brought him from high school dances to the heart of New Orleans blues.

“Music was always in my blood,” Zucchero concludes. “And as long as I have my bass, the groove will keep going.”

Songs for the Sinners: A New Chapter

Zucchero’s new album, Songs for the Sinners, is a testament to his evolution as a musician and storyteller. “It’s more focused than my previous work,” he says. “Every track was written within a year, unlike my first album, which was cobbled together over time. This one’s 100% my music, my production, and my arrangements.”

Tracks like “Lullaby” highlight Zucchero’s lyrical growth. “Last year was introspective for me, and it’s reflected in the stories I’m telling. I think the lyrics are the strongest I’ve ever done.”

Pushing Boundaries

Songs like Lullaby and Crawfish No More exemplify the ability to blend traditional blues elements with modern storytelling. Lullaby, draws

inspiration from Where the Wild Things Are, exploring Freudian themes through Delta blues melodies. Meanwhile, Crawfish No More turns heartbreak into art, transforming communal traditions into metaphors for loss. “We aim to take listeners on a journey,” Dean notes, emphasising the importance of lyrical depth.

A Vision for Modern Blues

Zucchero emphasises his mission is to elevate blues with thoughtful songwriting and compelling narratives. “A lot of modern blues focuses on riffs and solos,” Zucchero observes. “We’re bringing the story back.”

Eclectic Sounds: A Musical Gumbo

Dean’s latest album is a testament to his eclectic style. “You couldn’t just say, well, that’s blues or that’s jazz,” he explained. “It’s got your New Orleans gumbo.” True to the spirit of the city he calls home, his music weaves together blues, jazz, ragtime, and more. Tracks like Mama’s Bottle, displays this diversity, evoking the feel of a dark New Orleans rag with lyrics that could have been penned in the early 1900s.

“I love the blues, but I also try to venture out,” Dean noted, citing influences like the Allman Brothers. Their ability to seamlessly transition between blues and progressive instrumentals inspired him to embrace creative freedom. “It’s my music. I don’t have to answer to anybody except the audience.”

Sequencing the Journey

When asked about the album’s structure, Dean revealed his deliberate approach to sequencing. “It’s easy to write slow songs,” he admitted, “but I try to keep upbeat tracks in there too.” Balancing dark themes with lighter, more playful tunes, Dean meticulously arranged the album to provide a dynamic listening experience. The opener, Biting Through, sets a strong tone,” I spend time thinking about what I think would be the best sequence for the songs,” he said, emphasising the importance of flow.

Road Testing and Reinvention

While most of the album hasn’t been road-tested, Dean shared that the tune, Lullaby had its debut last summer. Looking ahead, he plans to bring his songs to life in a live setting, potentially as part of a stripped-down singer-songwriter project.

“I’ll be playing the tunes on the bass, maybe with an accompanist,” he mused. This approach reflects Dean’s commitment to exploring new ways to connect with his audience. “It’s very rewarding listening to songs and thinking, okay, I like this. I think this is a good song.”

Dean’s journey in music hasn’t been without challenges. “The best advice I’ve heard,” he shared, “is to keep pushing.” Citing Bruce Springsteen’s philosophy of striving for greatness, Dean underscored the value of patience and persistence.

This persistence extends to his career’s broader trajectory. “At some point, you realise you won’t be the next Mick Jagger,” he laughed. “You have to ask yourself: are you in it for the glory or the love?” For Dean, the answer is clear. “I’m in it for the love.”

Dean’s passion for production is another facet of his artistry. Currently, he’s working with a promising blues rocker, combining his vision with the artist’s raw talent to create something remarkable.

Looking ahead, Dean’s schedule is packed. With his new album set to release in February and projects lined up through 2026, he remains committed to pushing his creative boundaries. “I’m planning ahead, writing songs that range from funk to Motown,” he said. “It motivates

As our conversation drew to a close, Dean expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans. “Thank you to everyone who still appreciates the blues,” he said. “It’s the foundation of all American music.”

With his unwavering dedication and boundless creativity, Dean Zucchero embodies the spirit of the blues while carving out his unique path. Whether performing in intimate New Orleans clubs or crafting songs for future generations, he remains a beacon of passion and persistence in the music world. For further information see website: www.deanzucchero.com