The guys from the Zzymzzy Quartet have simple ambitions: they just want to play it like it was when it was unamplified, melodic, swinging, dreamy, full of sly surprise. From the Prohibition through the Second Big War, the glory days of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are being recaptured humbly and with humor in San Diego by four musicians who know it don't mean a thing without that swing. Peter Miesner is the guy on the right with the megaphone and the librarian's knowledge of old show tunes; Beston Barnett, the guitar in the middle, went so far as to name his first-born son after the famous Gypsy jazz guitar player Django Reinhardt; Patrick Marion plays that bass he's holding like a big fish swims in the surf; and Matt Gill, he'll be the one with the mellow tone playing Mood Indigo. Click on the "calendar" button above to catch the Zzymzzy (rhymes with "whimsy") Quartet at a swing dance or coffeehouse near you.
Booking
Yes, the Zzymzzy Quartet is very much available for weddings, cocktails, birthdays, retirements, art openings, or pretty much any circumstance that lets them play the music they love to play.
Call: (six, one, nine) four, zero, five - zero, six, two, two
Write: info (at) arthurtsrecords (dot) com
Testimonials
Here's a wonderful thank-you note they received after playing a recent wedding in Ocean Beach:
Thank you so much for your wonderful music at our wedding! It was perfect! Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed your music and wondered how we found you - a number of them took your card! Thank you also for playing with my cousin Megan. It meant alot to us. Thanks guys! Keep playing - you guys are fun!
from a local favorite coffeehouse:
Thank you Zzymzzy. We always have a blast when you play at CDL. You`re welcome anytime; you keep us all dancing and smiling. Much love, - Jackie, Talent Buyer, Claire de Lune Coffeehouse
And another from a retirement party at the library:
Thank you so very much for the great music at my retirement party - you helped make it extra special. All the best...
And another from a La Jolla bride:
We are so happy you guys played at our wedding! You were fantastic, and everyone noticed. We got so many comments about you, all raving. Rebecca (the wedding coordinator) also loved you and is hoping to work with you again. All the best, and thanks again!
And another from a private party at the Balboa Park Club:
I want to congratulate you guys on your top drawer presentation. It really added the perfect musical element for the party. Many times music is just a background noise at a party, but your style really augmented the energy and helped make it a very successful event.
Repertoire
The Zzymzzy Quartet has enough original material to play a whole set if the event requires it, but we also love to play the jazz standards of the Twenties and Thirties. Here's a partial list of some of our favorites (if one of yours isn't here, let us know!):
Beginning to See the Light
Blue Skies
Blues Claire
Bugle Call Rag
Caravan
Crazy 'Bout My Baby
Django
Les Feuilles Mortes
Footprints
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You
Hep to the Jive
Hungaria
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
In a Sentimental Mood
Just Squeeze Me
Memories of You
Minor Swing
Mood Indigo
Sheik of Araby
Solitude
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Sway
Sweet Georgia Brown
Tico Tico
Topsy
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Tuxedo Junction
Two Sleepy People
La Vie En Rose
What'll I Do
Why Don't You Do Right?
