Mike Zito Deliver a Soulful, Story-Driven Blues Set at City Winery
City Winery Nashville — Nashville, TN | May 9, 2021
Mike Zito delivered a deeply expressive, emotionally grounded performance at City Winery Nashville on May 9, 2021, leaning into the personal storytelling and blues authenticity that define his work. In the intimate, seated venue, Zito focused on connection and feel rather than volume, crafting a set that felt reflective, honest, and intentionally paced.
The strongest reactions came during standout selections like “Quarantine Blues,” “Resurrection,” “Make Blues Not War,” and “Little Red Rooster,” each underscoring Zito’s ability to blend traditional blues foundations with lived-in songwriting. His guitar work was expressive and restrained, favoring tone and phrasing over flash, while his vocals carried a weathered sincerity that resonated strongly in the close listening environment. Rather than projecting outward, Zito drew the audience in, letting songs unfold naturally.
Musically, the performance balanced grit and warmth. The band played with discipline and subtlety, keeping arrangements lean and supportive while allowing space for dynamic shifts. Solos were purposeful and song-driven, never overstaying their welcome, and transitions remained smooth, maintaining a steady emotional flow throughout the night. The City Winery acoustics amplified nuance, making even quieter passages feel substantial.
Additional selections included “Gone to Texas,” “First Class Life,” and “Damn Shame,” offering a broader look at Zito’s catalog while reinforcing the autobiographical thread running through the set. The pacing felt deliberate, moving between intensity and restraint without losing cohesion.
This City Winery performance captured Mike Zito in peak form—emotionally direct, disciplined, and fully committed to blues as both personal expression and shared experience.
