I was having a conversation with a friend a while back… we were talking about the most influential and significant figures in the modern blues and blues rock world. Most of the usual names were being bandied about… Bonamassa, Trout, Clapton, Vaughan. I tossed out Mike Zito, to which my friend responded, “Who?” It was at that point I started to wonder just how good a friend this guy really was.
I mean, where do we start with Mike Zito? Fabulous guitar player. Outstanding vocalist. Exceptional songwriter. Producer/mentor to some of the biggest young stars in the blues rock world, including the likes of Samantha Fish and Ally Venable. Multi-time Blues Music Awards winner, including Blues Rock Album of the Year for his 2024 release, Life is Hard. Zito has been making outstanding blues rock music, both as a solo artist and as a member of several collaborations, for well over two decades.
So you know what? This past Saturday I dragged my so-called friend’s sorry backside with me to Colorado Springs, to the 5th Annual Blues On The Mesa Festival, to see Mike Zito in concert. It was one of those bucket list things for me… I’ve seen and covered Zito a couple of times, performing with Albert Castiglia as Blood Brothers, but I’d never had the pleasure of seeing him perform solo. Until Saturday, when both I, and my friend who will remain unnamed, were mightily impressed.
Zito was the next to last performer for the one day festival, following terrific blues pianist Eden Brent, and preceding the renowned Ruthie Foster. Zito and his band took the stage at 3:20 pm, and proceeded to deliver a barn burning nine-song, hour and fifteen minute set. My friend who’s name shall not be written stood there through about half of the first song, looking dumfounded but quite obviously delighted. Then he started to wiggle a little. Then he started to wiggle a lot. It was starting to get embarrassing, so I pretended I didn’t know him.
One of the things I like most about Zito is that he covers a lot of sub-genre ground. From scorching blues rock to smooth soul and rhythm and blues to down and dirty Texas blues, the man crosses sub-genres without missing a beat. He’s as adept with a roadhouse rocker as he is with a soul crushing love song. He gave all of that to the Blues On The Mesa crowd on this afternoon. I couldn’t have scripted a better setlist had the opportunity been granted me, given the time restrictions associated with a festival schedule.
Zito took us on a whirlwind tour of his career, delivering songs from six different albums, spanning sixteen years. The set was absolutely electric, from start to oh-too-soon finish. I mean that quite literally. If you look at the original setlist (see the photo gallery below), you’ll see ten songs, not nine. Compare that to the actual set list (below) and you’ll note that the ninth song on the original list was “Back Problems” (from Zito’s 2018 album First Class Life). Time restrictions forced the band to skip over that funky crowd pleaser. (Bummer, man… I love that song.)
For me, the highlight of the set was “Forever My Love,” from the 2024 award-winning Life Is Hard album. The song is a tribute to Zito’s late wife, and is hauntingly beautiful, tender, and poignant. Zito completely poured his heart out playing the song – you could see it in his facial expressions. The vocals, the crying guitar… it was absolutely breathtaking.
The comical moment of the set came during the title track from the Life Is Hard album, when the power to the stage suddenly went out, leaving only Matt Johnson’s drum audible to the crowd. Zito’s comment about how good the drums sounded lightened and carried the moment, until the sound came back a minute or two later. The band picked up right where they left off, without missing a beat.
Zito’s backup band is one heck of a well-oiled machine. These guys have been together for a while, and it shows. They tour both with Zito as a solo act and as half of the Blood Brothers collaboration with Albert Castiglia. Matt Johnson on drums and Scot Sutherland on bass make up the perfectly in synch rhythm section. Not a lot of flash – a whole lot of substance. On keys, you have the legendary Lewis Stephens, who over his more than five decade career has recorded with an amazing array of artists across multiple genres, including Freddie King, Bobby Bare, Marty Stuart, Delbert McClinton, and Vassar Clements.
And Zito himself? He was absolutely sensational. Far and away the best I’ve ever seen him. And that’s not just my opinion. I talked to several people afterwards, people who had all seen him play multiple times before, and they all said the same thing. This was the best they’d ever seen him. I was only a few feet away from Zito after his set, when he was graciously chatting with members of the audience who made their way behind the stage, hoping to get a moment of his time. I heard multiple people tell him this was the best they’d ever seen him.
He was animated and emotive. His guitar playing was flawless, his vocals pitch perfect. His interactions with the crowd were genuine (both during and after the show). It was as good a performance as I’ve seen this year. But man, I would have loved to have heard “Back Problems”.
BIG SHOUTOUT to the Blues On The Mesa Festival organizers and staff. This was my first trip to this awesome festival, and I certainly hope it won’t be my last. This thing was first class, all the way. From the vendor booths to the food trucks to the beverage options to the acts themselves, this was a terrific way to spend a beautiful fall day in Colorado. Special thanks to the festival staff who so graciously made my time there smooth and enjoyable.
And oh… If you’re wondering about that friend of mine, the one whose name shall not be written… Let’s just say the dude talked non-stop on the drive back from the Springs about how amazing Zito was, and how he couldn’t believe he’d not heard of him before. Ah, another convert. My work here is done.
Story and pictures by Rick Witt www.rickwittphotography.com
This post is dedicated to the memory of Maggie Jean Witt. Forever in my heart.
Side note: This post is my 100th since joining forces with Denver Entertainment Hub. Many thanks to those of you who follow my work, and provide me with feedback. Please spread the word to friends you think might be interested. Many more thanks to Alan Sperry for giving me a shot.
