.: News

Hiya Folks!

Well, 2011 has been a thrill ride. Lots of ups, a few downs, tons of twists and more than a few breakthroughs. I've written more new songs in the last year than in the previous 5 combined. I'm thrilled to be doing my most quality work to date. I've finally phased out most projects as a sideman and stepped into more of a lead role. This has been a challenging, healthy move and a looong time comin'. This new batch of songs deserves the best so I'm currently rehearsing the band that will showcase the hungry beasts. This one is an edgy, electric soul-tinged outing featuring Jason Montgomery (Jackrabbit, Low Bones) on electric guitar, Lap and pedal steel, Simon Lucas (Bear & Moose, Tapwater) on full kit, and Jesse Emerson (Words to Blows, Norway Rats) on basses and backing vocals.

My other most recent obsession, the tricky Brazilian jazz called "choro" and my trio The Brazillionaires after a year and a half of intensive arranging and rehearsal, have come full circle and we are finally gearing up to record. We are adding the phenomenal clarinetist Rosalynn Deroos from Seattle to the mix for quartet shows and currently applying for grants to study and record in Brazil!! I'm also leading a fun little trio side project playing bluegrass standards with banjo wizard Peter Schwimmer and Jered Whidman, and I'm booked to host a monthly songwriter night in Portland at the Jade lounge featuring the best songwriters in the area and beyond. With brief interviews about the creative process. ...Phew!

The only drawback of spending my time fine tuning the craft and creating new works is that there's been little time to promote and get it all out there. That is what 2012 is all about. I'm busting out of the Batcave my friends. New streamlined website is finally now in the works and pre-order and kickstarter fundraising campaigns to start A.S.A.P.

Please stay in touch!! I'll be needing all the help I can get to share my new sounds with you.

Blessings to all, Happy Holidays and a fruitful New Year!!

-Zakie

Howdy Folks.

My Brazilian Choro trio "THe BraZillIOnaIReS" will be playing every 2nd and last Wednesday for happy hour at The Secret Society Ballroom and Lounge (116 NE Russell, PDX 97211). This is a very hip sexy joint with great cocktails and dark red curtains. Perfect for a date night. The place has been hopping with weekly performances by Tony Furtado and flute wizard Hanz Araki and others.

We are excited about this new gig. The regular spot commences on Sept 29th! Come on by and say hello!

Obrigado,
The Brazillionaires

Hey Folks,

I am now offering lessons for mandolin, Guitar and Songwriting via SKYPE and iChat!
This is a surprisingly easy and comfortable format for lessons. And best of all, it is cheaper and offers more flexible scheduling! All you need is a webcam and the free skype or ichat applications (easily downloaded online). Secure payments of only $40 per hour can be made via the Paypal link on my homepage. Email me with any questions.

zak (AT) zakborden (DOT) com
Thanks!

Hey folks! well, it's been a wonderful, crazy long tour of Europe and now I'm settling into my new home: Portland! I am now accepting mandolin and guitar students with an emphasis on adults. I love beginners and helping folks who at one time may have played music but have developed bad habits and/or lost their way. Write me at:

zak (at)zakborden (dot) com

Well, I'm finally getting a bit of a break after an exhausting but rewarding 3 month tour of Europe with Rachel Harrington. I'm off tonight to play a program with my insanely talented Aunt, Jemima James and guests. Show includes a selection of songs by Hazel Dickens (Duets with Kate Taylor). I'll be back on Island time next week doing a show of my own at Che's Lounge. only 2 gigs this week. It's a nice change of pace. When I get back to Portland, I'll be cramming for the new record, teaching some, playing solo gigs and working in a new project with my old mates Casey Neill and Hanz Araki backing a lovely Irish singer named Colleen Raney.

Drop a line, stay in touch!
xoxo Zakie

Hi folks,
Just a heads up...Rachel Harrington and I have been zig zagging the U.K., Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and now we're back in the U.K. We have traveled at least 6,000 miles and played 56 engagements including BBC radio spots, Interviews and gigs in Theatres, Clubs, the odd house concert. Only 17 left to go!! Then I go back east, play a couple solo gigs but mostly rest up and spend time picking on the front porch with my family....a much needed break. This tour, although completely exhausting, has renewed my utter resolve to play, record, teach and compose music for the rest of my life. Now if I can just figure out how to make it pay just a wee bit more...life will be perfect. : ) Thanks to all the crazy music-hungry Europeans who have come out to the gigs. We really appreciate you and your enthusiasm. Cheers!!

Well, in the last two days it's been a fester in Belfast, played live on an RTE radio program in Dublin and a beautiful little last minute booking in Co. Waterford. Then 4 hrs to airport, 35 minute flight to Manchester, then 4 to Scarborough where we had a nice crowd of very sweet people come out to our gig at the lovely Stephen Joseph Theatre an old renovated Odeon cinema house. Now it's 4 more dates and then a much deserved 2 days off at a friend's place in B'ham.

Drop a line, sign the guestlist. It's always nice to hear from folks.

Cheers, Zakie

Well, I can't believe it, but it's almost time to cross the pond again and tour Europe. Rachel Harrington and I will be mostly in the UK and Netherlands from April through June. Till then, My new CD IS AVAILABLE HERE:

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Also, after going out of print, Zak’s debut CD “Whistles & Steam” is now available again via digital download only on itunes and CD Baby. Listen to samples and get it here:

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Already armed with a load of new material, a third CD is in the works too!! Stay tuned for NEW VIDEO, FREE DOWNLOADS, and MANDO LESSONS Coming soon!!! Stop by and say hi on the new GUESTBOOK!