There are many ways you could have heard about Zane Carney. If you haven’t, it’s time you did. If you're a fan (or closeted fan) of John Mayer, then you're probably familiar with Carney’s work as the Grammy-winning star’s guitarist. I urge you to see him as more than that, because he’s more ubiquitous than you think. Broadway enthusiast? You’ll find him rocking out in New York at “Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark” as the show’s lead guitarist. Maybe you spotted him opening for everyone from U2 to The Black Crowes to Fergie as part of CARNEY, the band he spearheaded with his brother. And yes, you’ve probably seen him on TV: on Kimmel, Leno or the CW, among others.
But please, momentarily dissociate him from this background. Because now, I introduce you to Zane Carney: one of the best up–and–coming guitarists and songwriters of our time. You should use his past gigs to understand how his solo tracks are a mixture of everything he’s learned, everywhere he’s been and everyone he's worked with. Growing up and working in New York and Los Angeles, he went from pupil (attending USC’s prestigious music school) to master (teaching music classes around the country). Coming from a musical family, his background plays an intrinsic part in his influences. And with that, you’ll find his albums worthy of their own title and status.
His first EP, Confluence, proves that. Released in September 2013, the debut album showcases blues and rock riffs mixed with slow lyrics about two of your favorite things: love and honesty. If you sit around on Sunday afternoons and contemplate, then “Cry Me A River” is the song for you. “Doesn’t Matter Where We Go” is the happy–go–lucky light tune for the optimists, while those who want more edge will enjoy “Fade To Black." The more mellow tracks suit any mood (and talk about devotion—check out “My Love For You”). Driving to grab beer? Blast “Talk To Me Baby," because Zane really wants you to call him back and he's sick of you ignoring his texts.
Now that you’re digging the familiar guitar twang, here’s a plot twist: the dude’s also fantastic at jazz. This is why he’s the epitome of a multi-faceted emerging musician, eager to showcase his talents and not necessarily stick to one genre. He's a good singer/songwriter, but he's an even better guitarist. Amalgam, his instrumental jazz record, is better-suited for Friday nights and multiple glasses of wine. There's something about the honeyed, loose tracks that make you feel like you're listening to a much older artist in the back room of a smoky bar. It’s only appropriate that the tracks be named “Bordeaux,” “In A Mellow Tone” and “Smoke And Mirrors”.
Ultimately, I’m pretty sure you should listen to this, whether at four in the afternoon or at four in the morning. The kid is talented—this is true sound. Plus, you probably need to chill out, and I guarantee this is the best way to do it.
