Frank Zona - click on images to make larger

Frank Zona and the Urban Edge joined by Mike Minjarez

Packed house at Sunland Park's Franklin Lounge

It was yet another great performance that makes one wonder about the high level of talent in this little far west town. The lounge was packed with patrons eagerly anticipating some hot jazz and r&b, and they were not disappointed. Frank’s group and his music are the stuff of Las Vegas type entertainment. Very tight, very cool, and this writer would have gladly layed down some coin to hear them play. The miracle is Tuesdays’ performance was free! Urban Edge is Frank Zona on sax, John Brock on drums, Daniel Becker on bass, Mike Minjarez on keys/vocals, and Greg Gonzales on guitar. Sitting in was Paul Deemer on trombome. This group worked their magic on tunes such as “Ribbon in the Sky”, “Sunny”, “Groovin’”, “Tequila”, “Summertime”, “I Wish”, and “Soul Sax”.. They also played three original tunes: Greg Gonzalez’ “Still Workin On It”, and Frank’s “Industrial Light and Magic”, and “Punta Mita”. Each of these guys are talented musicians in their own rights, but it’s how they all come together that makes their performance so cool. Highlights of this performance were Frank’s awesome sax, Mike Minjarez’s vocals on “What You Won’t Do For Love”, and some pretty hot guitar licks from Greg Gonzalez. It was a very happy crowd that jumped to their feet and delivered a standing ovation at the end of a fine evening of jazz.

Thank you Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, Dos Lunas Tequila, and Jazz El Paso for sponsoring this great performance.

See Photo Gallery for more pics of the event.

Ken Vaughan