by Alan K. StoutMusic Columnist
Jeanne Zano continues to go country. She recently stepped out of her role as co-lead vocalist and keyboardist with longtime local favorites Flaxy Morgan and — as she began in 2008 — is moving forward into the world of country music. Still fresh off the release of her first country-flavored album, “Here I Am,” Zano is now spending more time promoting the CD and is playing shows with Rock-N-Horse, an all-country band.
Zano — who had two stints with Flaxy Morgan (1994-2001 and 2005-2009) — now performs with musicians Diamond Dave Baratta, George Stuscavage, Joe Partash, Dave Dixon, Brian McAndrew and Chuck Yarmey. We recently checked in with Zano to talk about the band, the CD, and, of course, reflect on her time with Flaxy.
Weekender: You’d mentioned, shortly after you started playing with Rock-N-Horse, that some of the members have pretty impressive resumes and have played in some of NEPA’s best country bands. What previous groups were they members of that people might recognize?
Zano: I think the most prominent country resume in the band is definitely “Diamond Dave” Baratta, who plays steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar — you name it. We call him “The Sound of Country” in NEPA. He was previously with Midnight Rodeo, X-Country and currently Iron Cowboy. Joe Partash was actually the sound man for X-Country and presently Iron Cowboy but is now on the other side, playing drums and singing, which is interesting. The guys, with the exception of Dave, previously played together in other bands like Se7en South, The Barlords, Eclectic Undertow, 3 Stewed Tomatoes, Gator Stew, Shivers, Revenge, Damn Neighbors, Pyeyed and Last Call.
Weekender: Your first CD, “Here I Am,” was recorded in Nashville and was released last year. People that know you from your time with Flaxy Morgan certainly know that you love classic rock, Top-40 and dance music, but have you always been a fan of country music as well?
Zano: Yes, I’ve always been a big fan. I think most Flaxy fans must have known that, because I brought in a lot of country covers to the band when I played with them, like Shania, Sugarland and Gretchen Wilson. I also just love Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. I was in heaven when I was in Nashville.
Weekender: You’ve indicated that Flaxy’s busy schedule — especially in the summer with all of the bazaar shows — made it hard to spend enough time with your children. Was that the main reason you left the band? Zano: The hectic Flaxy summer schedule was definitely a contributing factor in why I left. However, another very important reason is that I wasn’t allowing myself the time and focus to promote my CD. I was trying to do it all, and with a family and full-time job, that just wasn’t possible. Being that I’ve always enjoyed singing the country covers and identified with it, I decided to make the switch. Initially, the new band was just going to help me promote my CD, but once we started practicing together, it just clicked and became more.
Weekender: Roger Daltrey, when The Who first broke up, titled his solo album “Parting Should Be Painless.” Was parting from Flaxy Morgan painless for you? I suppose you have some nice memories.
Zano: It definitely wasn’t painless. Flaxy Morgan will always be very special to me, as well as all my bandmates that I’ve shared the stage with. I was one of the founding members, and it was an incredible ride. I’ve met so many great people. Of course, I’m still here and performing, so I hope to see all my Flaxy fans as well as new Rock-N-Horse fans out to create more long-lasting great memories. And of course, I wish the new Flaxy Morgan lineup all the best.
Weekender: Though some great Nashville session players played on your album, you’ve said that the guys in Rock-N-Horse really liked the material and enjoy playing it live. What it’s been like for you working with this band?
Zano: These guys as so great. They’re so humble, and I don’t think they realize what great musicians they are. They really embraced the CD and believe in it, which is what really floored and humbled me. They have been extremely supportive from day one and have been very diligent in learning not only my songs but also covers. It’s just been great working with them, and I’m so grateful to them for believing in my music.
Weekender: You’re on the bill for “Concert For A Cause 7: A Concert For Karen” later this month, and you’ve got four upcoming CD-release parties. For those that haven’t seen you yet, how would you describe the band’s live show?
Zano: Fun! We strive to perform and sound our best but also want to have fun with everyone in the crowd. Our last performance at Spurs was a great time. We had a huge crowd and the best feeling was when people started line-dancing to one of my originals. It made all the practicing and hard work pay off. I still love to go out in crowd and engage the people because that’s what they’re there for ... and you know me, I can’t resist getting out in the crowd to have a good time!
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Jeanne Zano CD-release parties: Saturday, April 4, Spurs, Pittston; Friday, April 17, Shadowbrook, Tunkhannock; Friday, May 1, Peppers, Berwick; Saturday, May 16, Honky Tonk, Dunmore. Info: myspace.com/jeannezano
