Too Many Zooz
At the 2016 CMA Awards one sound burst from the stage like a thunderquake. As Beyoncé performed “Daddy Lessons” accompanied by Dixie Chicks and Too Many Zooz — the New York City trio which originally recorded the song on the star’s Lemonade album — TMZ brought the sound of the street to Beyoncé’s glittering musical declaration. Glued to their smart phones, tablets, and TVs, America beheld Too Many Zooz’ innovative polyglot style.
Beyoncé and Dixie Chicks sashayed the song’s verses in a rollicking country vibe, but as the performance neared midpoint, a tall, burly baritone saxophonist with a luminous white pompadour took the stage like a bar-walking gladiator. TMZ’s Leo P danced, shimmied, and shaked, matching Beyoncé move for move, while blowing growling saxophone notes that infused urban funk to “Daddy Lessons”‘ two-beat country jig. TMZ trumpeter Matt Doe and drummer King of Sludge performed on the stage’s backline as a blaring brass line raised “Daddy Lessons”‘ intensity, followed by Beyoncé and Dixie Chicks slamming song’s political theme home.
Too Many Zooz’s saxophonist Pellegrino, trumpeter Matt Doe, and drummer King of Sludge held Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena stage for mere minutes, but the same talent that moved Beyoncé to have the group record both “Daddy Lessons” and “Formation” on Lemonade has seen TMZ sell thousands of CDs and downloads, and inspired viral videos.
Too Many Zooz’s manic music, dubbed “BrassHouse” by drummer King of Sludge, is an irresistible rocket that combines styles more diverse and far-flung than any international space station. As heard on the group’s EPs — F NOTE, Fanimals, Brasshouse Volume 1: Survival of the Flyest, The Internet, and the LP, Subway Gawdz — Too Many Zooz creates a visceral smack-to-the-senses. TMZ’s BrassHouse summons EDM, house, techno, and glitch, paired to the indigenous punch of Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and Brazilian Carnival rhythms. TMZ’s music is further heightened by the dancing and saxophone soloing prowess of Pellegrino, virtually a bionic Pepper Adams. Like Nortec Collective mashed with Daft Punk by way of a mad sonic scientist, Too Many Zooz has conquered New York City — your headset’s resistance is futile.