Torrie Zito RIP

Ed Fuqua · #1 12-08-2009, 01:53 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/08/ar...%20Zito&st=cse

The only reason I really know his playing is because of a Helen Merrill record, I didn't even know that he was married to Merrill.

http://www.amazon.com/You-Night-Musi.../dp/B000006P6K

Paul Warburton · #2 12-08-2009, 02:05 PM

Did you read some of my posts about when I went to L.A. to hook up with Red Mitchell when I was just out of High School?
Red played bass, piano and jazz cello that one night at "Sherries" in Hollywood. I sat in on bass (Red's fiver) and jazz cello.
The drummer was really encouraging to me and played really great. It was Ron Zito...Torrie's brother.
Small world.
Sounds like Torrie had a very fullfilling life though.

bribass · #3 12-09-2009, 10:22 AM

Ronnie Zito is a friend of mine and GREAT drummer and human. When he was 16 performing at a club in Rochester he was heard by Bobby Darin and he was hired on the spot. He toured w/ Darin for years after that. Ronnie now lives not far from me in N. NJ and has had the drum chair in Chicago on Broadway since it opened like 11 yrs ago. He takes off to do Jazz gigs and often hires me and Ron Afif (gtr). He's definitely at least 65 or so and plays w/ the enthusiasm and modern approach of a young lion. I met Torrie while playing the wedding of Ronnie's son about 3 or 4 yrs ago. Helen was there too. He was very friendly and complimentary about the music. Thnx for posting this. I'll have to call Ronnie and send my condolences.

BG

Paul Warburton · #4 12-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Man, if you do talk to him, tell him that he really helped a young kid from Denver who had to get up and play
Red Mitchell's bass with Red, Bob West, Joe Maini, and about five other L.A. heavyweights listening. Please tell him I'll never forget that, though I'm sure he won't remember.
Thanks.