Frank Sinatra lives. So does Dean Martin. In fact, Sammy Davis, Jr. is alive and well. This is no imaginary tale; rather, those Rat Pack legends can still be found in one person, New York-based entertainer Shell Zimet. For listeners of online jazz radio stations, the name should be familiar as Zimet was No. 1 on the Roots Music Report's Internet Radio Airplay Chart for jazz for over 26 weeks.
Zimet's chart success with his new album Now and Forever is a shock to a system that often rewards major-label acts with such an impressive standing. But Zimet was able to accomplish this on his own, the old-fashioned method of relying on his own talent to boost his career forward. And for Zimet, the road to stardom has been calling to him since he was 13-years-old. At the time, Zimet's passion was for folk music, which had him briefly hooked in his early teens. “I only liked folk for about a year or so," Zimet recalled. “Then one day my father brought home a Music Minus One LP, the forerunner of karaoke. It featured Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, Gershwin, American standards."
Zimet started covering those vintage jazz songs at a young age, sometimes bashful about the adult content in the lyrics. “I was singing 'Love for Sale' even though it embarrassed me—it's about prostitution!" Zimet revealed. Throughout the years Zimet continued to polish his jazz repertoire while expanding his stylistic reach into blues, classic rock, R&B, disco, soul, and country. Zimet's live act is a highly energetic and witty affair, combining swinging jazz and the aforementioned musical styles with the Las Vegas charm of Tony Bennett. “I'm never nervous onstage; in fact, it's the only time that I am totally relaxed," Zimet explained.
Those wishing to see Zimet perform live can catch him for free at Symphony Space in New York on Thursday, May 5th for a taping of his Las Vegas show. [For more information, visit http://www.symphonyspace.org or for free reserved tickets contact Shell Zimet at (888) 737-2789 or via e-mail at [email protected]].
Zimet's chart success with his new album Now and Forever is a shock to a system that often rewards major-label acts with such an impressive standing. But Zimet was able to accomplish this on his own, the old-fashioned method of relying on his own talent to boost his career forward. And for Zimet, the road to stardom has been calling to him since he was 13-years-old. At the time, Zimet's passion was for folk music, which had him briefly hooked in his early teens. “I only liked folk for about a year or so," Zimet recalled. “Then one day my father brought home a Music Minus One LP, the forerunner of karaoke. It featured Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, Gershwin, American standards."
Zimet started covering those vintage jazz songs at a young age, sometimes bashful about the adult content in the lyrics. “I was singing 'Love for Sale' even though it embarrassed me—it's about prostitution!" Zimet revealed. Throughout the years Zimet continued to polish his jazz repertoire while expanding his stylistic reach into blues, classic rock, R&B, disco, soul, and country. Zimet's live act is a highly energetic and witty affair, combining swinging jazz and the aforementioned musical styles with the Las Vegas charm of Tony Bennett. “I'm never nervous onstage; in fact, it's the only time that I am totally relaxed," Zimet explained.
Those wishing to see Zimet perform live can catch him for free at Symphony Space in New York on Thursday, May 5th for a taping of his Las Vegas show. [For more information, visit http://www.symphonyspace.org or for free reserved tickets contact Shell Zimet at (888) 737-2789 or via e-mail at [email protected]].
