In his illustrious 25-year career as a guitarist, Ricky Z. (Zahariades) has worked with a number of legendary acts. Ricky Z.’s career has included recording or performing with artists such as BTS, JPEGMAFIA, Josh Groban, Steven Tyler, John Fogerty, Paul Anka, Alan Parsons and Latin Grammy winners Juan Gabriel and Beto Cuevas. Ricky Z. has also spent time working in musical theater with the acclaimed Center Theater Group in Los Angeles, and in film, television, and video games. Back to the Truth is Ricky Z.’s sophomore solo album, a return to his roots in the Americana traditions of Blues, Rock N’ Roll, Cajun, Gospel, and Jazz. “Congo Square” is a rip-roaring blues rocker about American music history replete with a smokin’ climactic solo from Ricky Z. “Time Served” is an aching tale of love’s longing accompanied by Ricky’s impassioned vocals and wailing Blues guitar. The instrumental title track sees Ricky showing off the skill that earned him his place as an in-demand player, soloing up and down the neck with taste and technique.
Ricky shows off his bayou influences on the Louisiana-inflected “We Make a Good Gumbo,” featuring accordionist Teddy Andreadis (Guns N’ Roses). Ricky’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is a worthy addition to the canon of covers of the song, the instrumental sparse and tasteful. After a long career of supporting a line of influential artists, Ricky returns to his original voice, he ventures Back to the Truth. Personnel: Drums: Chad Cromwell, Jimmy Branly, Herman Matthews, Larry Mitchell, Bass: Jimmy Earl, Larry Kimpel, Ricky Z. Accordion: Teddy Andreadis, Piano: Ed Roth, Ricky Z. B3 Organ: Billy Steinway, Carey Frank, Ed Roth, Ricky Z. Vocals: Teresa James, Carol Hatchett, Ricky Z., Percussion: Ricky Z.
