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Q&A – Zakk DeBono Joins Blues Legend Jimmy D. Lane for Valentine’s Day Show

byAbigail Scott
January 18, 2016
4 minute read

Traditionally, Valentine’s day includes candy hearts with dramatic proclamations, Barry White or a dozen, overpriced red roses. This year we’re doing something different. 303 Magazine and Colorado Blues Society are hosting a unique Valentine’s Day show featuring legendary blues musician Jimmy D. Lane with opener Zakk DeBono.

In April 2015, we got the chance to sit down with Zakk and pick his brain on all things music. This time around, we delved a little deeper to see what kind of soul was on the other side of those dark glasses and poignant sound. Check out the Q&A below and be sure to grab tickets to the show!

Get your tickets here

Photo courtesy of Zakk Debono.
Photo courtesy of Zakk Debono.

303 Magazine: What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

One of my favorite childhood memories is when my parents took me to see the GrassRoots Show in Cripple Creek. The show was amazing, I was a big fan. The next morning we got up and went to breakfast at the hotel and Rob Grill and the band came over and talked and started singing at the breakfast table and visiting with us. They were such amazing guys with a great sense of humor. They visited with my parents and told me to continue music and practicing if I wanted to make it in music. I will never forget how cool that morning was. They picked up the check and ate with us. My parents took me to some amazing shows and I met some cool people.

If you had to pick one artist/group to listen to for the rest of your life who would it be and why?

My favorite genre of music I could listen to everyday would be blues.

We’re really excited for your Valentine’s show with Jimmy D. Lane. Did you comprise a certain Valentine’s themed set list?

Nothing in particular for Valentine’s Day theme other than a great song lineup. We are just going to play some heavy-duty blues and great tunes to bring great energy. It’s kinda intimidating opening up for one of your musical heroes but at the same time it is the best feeling in the world.

What did you first think when you listened to Jimmy D. Lane?

When I first heard Jimmy in 2004 I was just amazed and couldn’t get over it. Especially being involved with the blues, I listened to him 24/7 literally. I heard a man who was completely connected mind and spirit with his guitar that has one of the best vibratos I’ve ever heard. I thought to myself “who is this guy?” He is a prodigy just like his dad and I thought his music was perfect. It must run in the family because he’s one of best of all time, in my opinion. When I heard the expression of his notes I was immediately influenced and needed all of his albums. I told myself one day I will be big enough to open for him if I keep working hard. I am just very blessed and very excited to be a part of history in the making. Jimmy is a legend. This show will be huge.

What is the next place you’re hoping to travel to?

The next place I would like to travel would be back to Southern California to work on an acoustic album with my best friend Juan who’s an amazing blues musician. We played together in the same band for years in Carlsbad, California playing different places and venues all along the coast just to be seen and to keep the blues alive.

What is your dream music venue you hope to one day play?

The two music venues I would love to play someday would be the Whiskey A Go Go just because The Doors played there. And the Royal Albert Hall.

What are you most grateful for thus far?

I am very grateful for my animals, and my family and friends who support my music career. I would also like to thank the Colorado Blues Society, GHS Guitar Strings, Gibson, Fender, Peavey Amplification, InTune Guitar Picks and 303 Magazine for the strong support and amazing vibes to get me where I am today. You guys rock!

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (dead or alive) who would it be?

If I could eat with anyone dead or alive I think I would pick John Lennon. Who is a better person to talk to?

What Guitars will you be using for this event?

I will be using a few different guitars including my Red Fender Stratocaster , My Gibson SG Standard and my Gibson Les Paul Goldtop.

In your last interview with 303 you mentioned you didn’t yet have a favorite venue in the metro area being that you were a new resident. Do you have a favorite now?

I think my favorite place to play in Denver as if right now would be the City Hall building on Broadway Street, where this show will be. It’s really an amazing location and has amazing natural acoustics in the main room. The building is over three stories high with the balconies that’s really a cool view for watching shows. This place is just an amazing venue to visit. Great place and cool people.

Is there any other music genre outside of rock/blues/singer-songwriter you would like to explore in your music career?

As a guitarist and musician I always try to explore something different and unique with learning diff types of music. I will practice for weeks playing new material and learning things that are out of my comfort zone strictly to improve on what I don’t know or understand. I find it very important to expand beyond what you already know and learned as a musician. I would love to learn more Jazz Fusion like what Robby Krieger plays on the Singularity album. Such a unique sound normal guitarists can’t achieve.

Zakk Debono is a multifaceted young man with an even more complex sound. He’s much more than a young and hopeful musician trying to catch a big break. He doesn’t seem to care about big breaks, front covers, or stardom. His only concerns are about the sound coming from his Fender Deville 410’s playing out over the crowd, connecting each and every concert go-er through his music. You don’t want to miss this show!

68 comments

  1. I saw Zakk play at the Riviera in Denver he is an amazing musician. This is definitely Denver’s Best Talent!!!

    3. This is really really cool of 303 mag to bring such an amazing artist like Jimmy Lane. I will try to bring the wife and kids if we are all free. I work at guitar center and have the opportunity to hear Zakk come in and play our guitars man he wails the blues like I’ve never heard and he’s a really nice guy. This guy reminds me of Joe Bonamassa with a darker sound almost like Gary Moore.

    4. Jimmy is one of the best guitarists of our day good for you Zack for working hard and sounding amazing.
      Miss you bud,
      Devin

    6. hey Zach good for you my friend, I wish I could come. I definitely will be at the festivals your playing. You are the most talented guitarist I have ever met. Please kill it bro✌

  2. I heard Zakk is playing the Trinidadio Blues Festival this August in Trinidad. WHOO HOO that will be an amazing show he really is amazing at playing the blues!!!! I am buying tickets for the whole family.

  3. Wow what an amazing show this will be to see
    one of the best blues stars play with Zakk DeBono

  4. Zakk DeBono is the best blues guitarist In Colorado hands down. I saw his tribute to Hendrix show put on by 303 Magazine and it was the best show
    I’ve ever seen.

  5. Awesome Jimmy is a legend of the blues. This guy must be really good to hang with the legend. I will will definitely be there

  6. 303 Magazine puts on the best shows in Denver including the fashion events. If I am in town I will be at this event because I love blues. I hear Zakk Debono is a monster at blues playing guitar. I once saw Albert King when I lived in Chicago amazing show..

  11. Zakk DeBono is really talented I highly recommend anyone in the Denver area to check him outz. That boy can play guitar for real

  12. both very talented acts, I am big fan of Jimmy’s dads work with Muddy Waters it was the best music around and still is in my opinion

  15. Congrats on the playing the Trinidaddio Blues Festival Zakk DeBono your very talented at playing your guitar

  19. When you hear Zakk DeBono play you can hear the emotion and pain through his instrument. I saw Zakk play with Em Geeves live at the Breakers. This show was one of the best shows I have ever seen s far and I’ve seen a lot of bands including Austin Young Band which is great and Michael Hornebuckle. His guitar was on fire and sounded like nothing I ever heard these days which surprised me. A lot of people trying to sound the same but Zakk is one of the most unique in Denver.

  21. I think Zach plays a lot in the cherry creek and the aurora area but I am not sure ill have to check his website for his tour dates..I would love to come this event but not sure yet if ill be in town,

  29. How this artist (zakk DeBono) is unsigned is unreal to me. How in the hell can you have such an amazing talent running around Denver playing blues like this and not be signed???????? Zakk is probably the best blues guitarist in Denver. He doesn’t act better than anyone or talk big he is very quiet and talks with real passion toward others. He really tries to influence people to play music and write songs. If you don’t go to this show your crazy.

  31. I wish 303 Magazine would have Zakk play at the Fashion Events that would be SWEEEEETTTTT!!!!! Zakk has so much talent I am so happy for him!!!!! WAY TO GO BUDDY!!!!!

  32. Denver is proud to have Zakk DeBono we really love and appreciate his music and blues he’s brought to the city. Please come jam at the 16th St. Mall again you guys were amazing my daughter still talks about how nice you were to her.

  34. More like the next Hendrix. 303 magazine actually quoted him the “modern day Hendrix” zakk is bad to the bone when it comes to playing blues and jazz. He maybe the best act I’ve seen in Denver and I’ve been living here for 40 years, I will definitely be back to the breakers restaurant he plays there on occasion,

  35. Zakk plays really heavy strings I remember holding his guitar at the Riviera when he was talking about the band of gypsies and thinking how thick can these be? 13’s? He told me his gauge but I don’t remember. My sons also uses very thick strings for acoustic but its not the same especially with how Zakk bends its amazing.

  36. Congratulations Zakk you deserve it you have worked very hard now go relax:P I actually give messages……:)

  37. Playing with the legends now huh???? I remember you loved BB King as well. Good for you man you were always a great and funny guy in school. I remember you bringing in the doors album in 8th grade.
    Gabe S

  42. Eric Clapton quoted Jimmy an amazing guitarist what does that mean then for who’s opening for Jimmy? DeBono must be that good this will be an amazing show! I also heard he is playing the trinidaddio blues festival I will get tickets for me and my friends.

  44. When I think of Blues I think of Zakk always! He used to jam at the riverside in pueblo and was always a killer musician. He was a lot better than the guy hosting the event that sounded very generic. Zakk is very different sounding and clean.

  45. Jimmy is amazing I don’t know about Zakk never have seen him hear he’s good though.

  46. Zakk is amazing and a must see in the Denver and surrounding areas and really a good looking guy!

  49. Debono is the best blues act in Denver Period. His shows are really the best. I saw Joe bonamassa and Zakk is still my favorite to see live!!!!

  53. Zakk DeBono is the best at the blues and rock and roll. Congrats on the show ill definitely be there!

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