Mike Zito raises the roof at World Records
A happy crowd of music lovers from Bakersfield and as far away as Idaho were treated to a superlative concert last Friday at World Records.
Mike Zito, rock/blues artist and winner of two honors from the 2024 Blues Music Awards, thrilled the crowd with his band’s performance of rock classics such as Blind Faith’s “Presence of the Lord” and soaring blues numbers from his latest album, “Life is Hard.”
What made the performance all the more amazing was the grueling day that preceded it. While driving north from San Diego on Interstate 5, a car spun off, hit the rail, then ran into Zito’s trailer. The trailer’s tire was blown and the axle bent.
Fortunately, Michael Leasure, a member of the band Walter Trout, came to the rescue and brought over a new tire. Zito and crew drove all the way to Bakersfield on a bent axle and made it to the concert on time. The show must go on!
Some performers would be rattled by such a harrowing experience, but Zito and his band rose to the occasion, and perhaps, because of the day’s close call, put on an emotionally charged concert that exceeded expectations.
When listening to other lead guitarists in concerts, sometimes riffs become repetitive and ears get rather bored.
But the sounds that emerged from Zito’s bright-blue electric guitar constantly amazed.
Soaring cries, pulsating beats, rippling scales, syncopated staccatos — all poured forth from Zito’s instrument. Each number showcased new reverberations.
His guitar captured a wide range of emotions, from pounding excitement in “No One to Talk To (but the Blues)” to grief in “Forever with Love,” which Zito wrote for his wife while she was dying of cancer.
Strong love and sorrow could be heard in Zito’s voice as he sang this beautiful tribute from his heart.
Zito’s band members proved night that they are masters of their craft, producing a cohesive sound. Matthew Johnson showed off his drumming finesse, Doug Byrkit thumped rousing bass guitar and Lewis Stephens tickled the keyboard ivories.
Even Zito’s son, Zach Zito, burnt the sky in his duets with his father on their dueling electric guitars.
The band was so generous — they gave a 2½-hour concert of pure bliss. The audience felt energized, cleansed and refreshed after being dipped in their soulful
sound.
Generosity continued after the show, when Zito signed merch and visited with concertgoers until everyone got a chance to talk with him. Not all stars take the time for fans — especially
after such a stressful day!
Zito also publicly thanked Pat Evans, owner of World Records, for all he does to bring dynamic performers to his 500-seat venue on F Street, just north of Rosemary’s, next to the Village Grill.
And it’s a record store, too, since 1982!
Elvin Bishop is the next band coming to World Records on June 15. For more information on upcoming attractions, check out ShopWorldRecords.com.