zen boogie

Singer/Keyboardist Robert Linden leads an infectious band that has four beats to the bar imbedded in their chromosomes. Similar in vibe to Brian Setzer's orchestra and Billy Vera, Zen Boogie brims over with deep grooves in a world-wise cracking set of originals. Compositions like "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" and "Too Hip For The Room" evoke images of Sam Butera and Louis Prima in the gum popping, hip '40s and'50s. On the funky side, saxophonist David Box wails on the Average White Band-ish "Seems It Never Lasts Forever." The rockabilly "Susan" features some great licks by guitarist Alan Schlaifer, while he gets into a Memphis soul mood on the bluesy "Hurt Me Bad." If this incredibly cool live disc is anything like the real thing, a lot of good times are guaranteed when Zen Boogie comes to a town near you. Buy the record and be the first in line.
~ George Harris
- All About Jazz

Robert Linden leads this lively band through nine of his songs, which they performed at local clubs in 2006 and other dates. He sings and plays a mean piano, while sharing the limelight with tenor saxophonist David Box, guitarist Alan Schlaifer, drummer Jeff Oliver and others. Box, who plays a lyrical soprano sax on "Madness," gives the band a melodic voice that wraps around the leader's vocals seamlessly.

Linden, who received his degree at USC after studying classical music and theater, loves to share a raw boogie piano style with his audience while romping forcefully on the bottom keys and carrying the bass line solidly. That driving rhythm is the best part of what Zen Boogie does on these live sessions; they give each song direction and the kind of powerful force that would fill a room. Linden's voice, however keeps each selection casual and easygoing, like a backyard wedding party.

He swings with throwback songs such as "Swing Shift," "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" and "Too Hip For The Room," allowing his piano to help create the band's mood. "Susan" presents a teary doo-wop state of mind, "Devil In Her Eyes" rocks with a serious thrill, and "Seems It Never Lasts Forever" revels in a fiery R&B adventure. The best song on this early album stands apart for the rest: a solid blues tune called "Hurt Me Bad" with tenor saxophone, walking bass, explosive guitar, expressive voice and plenty of driving action.

~Jim Santella - Southland Blues Magazine

Vocalist/keyboardist Robert Linden has assembled a bunch of boogie-crazy musicians to run through a varied program of nine tunes, all but one written by Linden. "Go Find Your Boogie Tonight" kicks things off immediately with a happy, good-time feel. Everyone is blasting along, having a ball. "Seems it Never Lasts Forever" calms things down with a lover's lament. "Madness" follows in somewhat the same vein. David Box uses a soprano sax which is very effective at conveying a sense of depth and sadness.
"Swing Shift" is a swing tune that moves well, with good lyrics. Linden's voice sounds a bit strained here. "Hurt Me Bad is a bluesy, down-home lament with a nice authenticity. Aland Schlaifer on guitar and David Box on sax add a lot of steam. Drummer Jeff Oliver keeps things moving along at a good pace throughout the entire CD. The tunes were recorded at live performances at various clubs around L.A. They have a certain rawness but also an immediate sense of excitement, especially when the audience response is heard. "Susan" is actually a pretty tune, done at a slow tempo, made nice by a sultry sax. Linden expresses his anguish in his vocals and it works well. "I Might As Well Be Dead" (Well, haven't we all said that a time or two?) Everyone digs in and swings this one out. Terry Braverman adds his husky harmonica for more flash. There are backup singers, who add so much to the tune. Suzi Oliver, Mechelle, Amber Weeks, and Aurora Jane are just terrific and I wish Linden has used their voices on more tunes. Alan Schaifer's moaning guitar sets the tone for "Devil In Her Eyes." Linden sings the lyrics with a quieter passion. Box takes an extended soprano sax solo that soars. Altogether a very good rendition. "Too Hip For The Room" is another barn-burner that closed out the CD. All hands are on board for a riotous celebration of swing-boogie heaven.
All the musicians are very good. I loved the brief appearance of the backup singers and wanted to hear more. Linden himself is a good writer, capturing different moods well. It's a fun recording, which would appeal to a wide audience.
~Myrna Daniels - L.A. Jazz Scene