Zakk Jones is an Ohio based guitarist, bandleader, composer and educator. He holds an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Bowling Green State University and a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Capital University.
Currently, he is an adjunct professor in the Conservatory of Music at Capital University, leading the big band, small jazz combos, and teaching applied lessons. In addition, he is the coordinator of the guitar area at Truman State University. Since his emergence in the Midwest scene, he has played and toured all over the country and world at such venues as the Amsterdam Blue Note, Bar Next Door (NYC), Bop Stop (CLE), Cliff Bell’s (Detroit), the Troubadour (LA), Bluebird Theatre (Denver), the Newport (Columbus) and many more. He can be seen frequently with Doc Robinson, the Tony Monaco Trio, Hoodoo Soul Band, Third Shore Collective, and the Zakk Jones Trio. In addition, he has played with The Coasters, The Midtown Men, Lou Marini Jr, Ryan Keberle, Jaleel Shaw, Dwight Adams, Olivia van Goor and Bobby Floyd. In mid-2019 he released his debut trio record “Mise-en-scène”, produced and mixed by Grammy-winning professionals Jeff Ciampa and Rob Griffin, known for their long standing work with Wayne Shorter. His latest release is the EP “In My Life”, released in late 2022.
As an educator, Zakk has previously been on faculty at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, and Bowling Green State University, and hosts online masterclasses for students from around the world. Outside of his busy gigging and teaching schedule, Zakk is an avid composer/arranger, writes educational articles for JazzGuitarToday.com and hosts the podcast “Beyond The Frets”.
Zakk proudly endorses Eastman Guitars and Kopp String Instruments
What is one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with most strongly?
“Practice makes perfect”. Not at all! Is perfection really the goal? It’s something we, as humans, can’t ever achieve, so why do we obsess over it? To me, the goal is to make the most beautiful music I can in any given situation and scenario. This allows me the space to accept mistakes as part of the process. Of course, I still have to practice, but now it’s all in service of an attainable level of musicianship.
How do you generate new ideas?
The older I get, the more I realize that simply living life can be the greatest source of inspiration. I can be influenced by any number of activities–traveling, reading, watching movies, playing with my cats, cooking, meditating, playing music, and talking with friends. If I’m ever “stuck” in the artistic process, sometimes the best thing is just to take a break and soak life in.
Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit from?
Definitely my dad! He is in the film industry, working as a self-employed producer for his whole career. I learned from him the importance of networking, not staying idle, and never accepting less than what you’re worth. Having a parent in the arts/entertainment thankfully gave me the courage and desire to pursue that path for myself.
What makes your business different from any others doing a similar thing?
I approach music and guitar education with a very open, honest, and humanistic approach. It’s important to remember that fostering your inner artist takes a lot more than sitting down and practicing your instrument. I focus on building my students’ confidence in themselves, allowing them to learn from their mistakes, finding their inner artist, and learning to never throw out any idea no matter how unconventional it may be.
Can you tell me one favorite humorous story from your career?
The best part about my life is that I have FUN every time I play music. I’ve surrounded myself with like-minded friends, colleagues, and bandmates that all agree music doesn’t have to be either serious or funny. It can be both! A number of years ago I was playing in a band that played all video game music. This gig happened to be on my birthday, so I dressed up as Pikachu and got to rock out over Mario, Zelda, Pikmin, and Final Fantasy music…those are the moments that make me remember how lucky I am!
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
He may not be on my bed anymore, but I still have my beloved “Simba” doll from the original Lion King movie. I used to hold him everywhere by the tail, which is now just hanging by a thread from the rest of the body. I may be a grown man, but I sure do love that little guy!
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
I just finished up the first season of “The Last of Us”…one of the best shows I’ve ever seen!!! As a huge fan of both of the video game installments, this is a truly masterful series that pays close attention and homage to the game while creating its own unique telling of this post-apocalyptic universe.
What makes you nostalgic?
So many things. I’ve always considered myself an introvert–prone to daydreams of bygone memories, ruminations, and pensiveness. Generally, the fall and winter seasons always put me in a nostalgic mood. So does a LOT of music. Anything from Chopin to John Coltrane to Opeth to Hank Williams can take me back to a specific memory or time in my life. Some of my favorite music in the world is from Brazil, and in Portuguese, they have a very important word, “Saudade”. This is generally a feeling or nostalgia, longing and melancholy, which is a core element of the Brazilian ethos. I’ve always connected with this, and am never afraid to embrace my inner “saudade”.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Back when I was younger and skinnier, I could genuinely lick my elbow. Nowadays, I have about 4 or 5 magic tricks I can pull out at any time to regale small audiences.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
I think the world would be better off if Dumbledore was real.
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthefrets/
https://www.youtube.com/c/zakkjones
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-frets/id1547206387
