Denim Road

Denim Road is music without boundaries. Denim Road is music that is exciting, catchy, soulful, and sincere. Denim Road is fun, upbeat, head bobbing music, rooted in the classic sounds of Memphis, Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago, Philly, and New York's 52nd Street. The musicians in Denim Road have a rapport that allows each player's individual influences and ideas to elevate the music while still remaining soulful and grounded. Denim Road is adventurous, fun, exciting, tasteful, and heartfelt. Denim Road released its debut CD in August 2008 and is nearing completion of its second CD to be released early in 2010. Guitarist Jim Zuzow's songs are melodic and harmonically captivating. George Harp's soaring and sensitive vocal interpretations bring the songs to life. The solid, tasteful drumming of Kevin Ross is complimented by percussionist Craig Ballard's energetic, creative, and playful interaction. Bassist Robbie Lewis provides the bottom end sound and soul that anchors the rhythm section and still drives the band. Keyboardist Gary Grawe’s solid musicianship is the glue that pulls the tunes together. Denim Road was formed by Jim Zuzow and George Harp, nearly eight years ago. Always looking to build the best balance of talent and creativity, the band made several personnel changes until the current lineup eventually came to be. George’s experience with progressive rock icon Starcastle is evident during his performances, though Denim Road’s music could not be farther from that of George’s earlier touring band. Craig Ballard, has played percussion for more than forty years, having cut his teeth in Cincinnati band Mad Lydia & Cincinnati Joe. (Craig once spent the night as Miles Davis’ houseguest.) Rock solid bassist Robbie Lewis’ obsession to play is evident. Robbie performs with several other projects, including jazz, fusion, and gospel groups. Kevin Ross’ previous bands include many Top-40, classic rock, R&B and original outfits. He played in funky rock powerhouse I.C.Hot and was the original drummer in the award winning Warsaw Falcons. The newest addition to the band, keyboardist Gary Grawe, has also played for many decades, both on the road and locally. Gary has also performed as a solo artist, which is where he honed his skills to cover multiple parts simultaneously. People immediately acknowledge a sound that is refreshing and original on its own yet still reminiscent of the approach of classic bands such as Santana, Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers, and many other classic rock and R&B artists. Denim Road takes listeners to a place where the song still matters the most and the presentation enhances the song. Denim Road's passion is playing great music: Great songs, delivered with feeling, energy, and spirit. The members of this band have played in groups encompassing all styles of contemporary music from driving rock and dance bands to country, fusion, funk, and jazz groups. Together these influences have combined to shape a sound that is, simultaneously, recognizable and fresh. The original tunes speak for themselves. Even Denim Road's cover tunes soar to new heights with twists and turns that make them more than just clones of the original version.