Zingo is a new release from Renegade Sounds that might slide under the radar of many visiting these pages. This is an outfit from the 70s and the 12 tracks within are sourced from the only remaining original sources – that is some from multi-track, others from quarter inch tape, some from cassette and even original vinyl. But it’s been nicely worked out to maintain a pretty consistent sound quality.
What’s remarkable about Zingo is that it’s the first recording band for legendary Bryan Adams guitarist Keith Scott.
Anyone that knows me knows that I’m an absolute sucker for Keith’s tone and his essential role in making Adams the icon he is.
So my interest in hearing this was immediate. It’s not all to my personal taste – I’m not an overly 70s kinda guy, but the songs here are well worth the effort to upgrade and compile.
These are rock/pop and pomp friendly radio tunes with typically 70s groove. Think Early Journey, Boston, ELO.
This is a must have for fans of Scott. There are some tunes here that showcase the origins of his sound perfectly and give a taste of where he came from as a guitarist and there are some moments where you can hear early Bryan Adams in the delivery.
And there’s even two tracks produced by Jim Valance for that extra Adams tie-in factor. Keith left Zingo to join Adams for his Cuts Like A Knife album and has remained with him ever since.
Packaging is a little minimal – it’s housed in a slimline jewelcase with no tray card, but the disc is a proper manufactured silver CD and there is a booklet.
The label apparently wanted to keep their overseas customers' shipping costs down, and this reduced the weight in half. They are however offering a free tray card if buyers want to put it in a standard jewel case.
There are a couple of songs where Keith really goes to town and that makes it all the more worth it as far as I’m concerned. An interesting archival record that’s up to its neck in the 70s.
Sadly vocalist Vince Nardulli passed away in 1989.
