CRITICAL
OBSERVATIONS
ZAN ZONE – THE ROCK IS STILL ROLLIN’ – INDEPENDENT
I must have had some sort of misspent childhood, because as soon as I saw this cover I thought of Sisyphus and his eternal punishment in Hades of pushing a rock up a hill only for it to roll back down every time he neared the top. Anyway, Zan Burnham (guitar, vocals), Marko Djordjevic (drums, vocals), Angela Watson (vocals), Philip Dessinger (vocals) and Saadi Zain (bass, vocals) plus new member Adrienne McKay (keyboards, vocals) are back with their latest release, which to my ears is their strongest yet.
As one may gather from the title this is a tribute to the first three decades of Rock ‘n’ Roll, although to my ears this is mostly rooted in the Seventies and is all the better for it. They actually kick it all off with an instrumental which has plenty of progressive tendencies, which is also the longest song here, and really sets the tone. One of the joys of this band is that they have multiple lead singers, with Phil and Angela both happy to front and provide support to the others, while Zan also takes a few lead roles himself. I thoroughly enjoyed the presence of Phil on this album and was planning to say what a huge impact he had, as he does, so it was something of a shock to read the press release and discover he passed away not long after this was recorded. He went out on a goodie, as this is an album which makes the listener smile from beginning to end whether the band are channelling Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Creedence, James Brown or any of the influences which have had such a major impact. This is an album which is designed for a party, where everyone playing it has a smile on their face, and “Rockin’ & Rollin’ on Down the Road” (which closes this album and appears to be a combination of a live recording and studio) is a blast with great performances from all. Every time I play this, I just keep turning it up as Chuck Berry is brought right up to date and everyone is jiving on the floor.
Zan Zone are a band I have long admired, and here they have definitely delivered their finest release to date as this is a blast and anyone who wants rock ‘n’ roll in its many forms need look no further. Losing Phil is undoubtedly a blow, but Zan Zone are still going strong and will be interesting to see what their future holds. 8/10 By Kev Rowland
This brilliantly affecting musical adventure kicks off with the triumphant instrumental rocker Born To Roll and the countrified rock of Have Some Fun Tonight and then we are given the languishing mid-tempo 70’s-hued cut Dog Days, the emotively-driven Double Life, the drum-led Hard To Get, before the laid back hipsway of Mama Was A Train Wreck is brought forth.
Along next is the pop-rocker fluidity of Ready To Say Goodbye and the folk-psych swirls and twirls of Friends and they are in turn backed seamlessly by the lushly sculpted balladry of She Left Me (The Love I Had), the effortlessly flourishing, harmonica-imbibed That Flame, the set rounding out on the elegant dance-floor, instrumental ambiance of Happy Go Lucky, closing on the countrified indie rocker Rockin’ n’ Rollin’ On Down The Road.
By Anne Carlini 2/2026. https://annecarlini.com/ex_cd.php?id=6644
ZAN ZONE –
The Rock Is Still Rollin’
East Coast dwellers spread happiness and sorrow all around the world to celebrate the past by boosting it to the present tense.
The image of Sisyphus pushing a boulder up a hill can hardly be synonymous with a musical genre it implies, because futility and effort didn’t informed any part of the things Chuck Berry or Little Richard used to do, yet if the picture suggests eternity, that’s exactly what these Brooklynites aim at on the album which emerges soon after their ensemble’s three-decade anniversary. The passage of time and emotional baggage accompanying temporal shifts play a pivotal role here, on the record steeped in merriment and drama in equal measure, where each histrionic snippet of vocal is perfectly counterbalanced with total instrumental abandon, as befits an array of songs rooted in the period when feelings were worn on a fringed sleeve and everything seemed much simpler. At least, such a concept should lure the listener into “The Rock Is Still Rollin'” before taking the audience on a rather adventurous trip.
The platter’s outset may sound a tad confusing, however, as proper good-time grooves don’t make their way to the fore until the second track, the tellingly titled “Have Some Fun Tonight,” delivers the goods right away by laying down a twangy rumble – but, preceding it, “Born To Roll” almost blows the punters’ expectations to pieces by offering, after a splash of chamber-boogie piano, a serious slice of prog rock. And why not if Zan Burnham’s guitars pile on tasty harmonies and catchy riffs which never veer too far from the band’s original intent to go wild and have a field day with their chosen genre’s essentials while many other art-minded performers break that lifeline very easily. When one of this epic’s six chapters distills the flow to acoustic strum and organ to prepare the ground for an electric six-string attack, strains of pure rapture start to reign supreme, revealing the album’s primal drive no arresting solemnity can disguise and explaining the absence of voices on the glorious eight-minute ride deserving of a separate context.
Surprises don’t end here, because the airily robust “Dog Days” draws on spiritual country only to ignite Burnham’s fingerwork, “Double Life” marries heavy figures and stunning fretboard to burnished singalong, and “Friends” unexpectedly opts for middle-of-the-road, orchestral balladry. Still, once lyrics begin to bounce between Philip Dessinger – who, sadly, died close to the record’s release – and Angela Watson, different kinds of delight fill the ether via a series of foot-stomping numbers, including the infectiously shuffling, slider-oiled “Mama Was A Train Wreck” borrowed from fellow New Yorker Karen Hudson’s repertoire, and “Hard To Get” which brings sax into a solid jive that Marko Djordjevic’s drums propel beyond the Bo Diddley beat’s animalism. And though “Ready To Say Goodbye” reaches for a quasi-sleazy vibe, and “She Left Me (The Love I Had)” serenades the past in the most charming chamber, albeit cynical, manner, the harmonica-helped “That Flame” leaves innuendos behind in favor of trad Americana, and “Happy Go Lucky” relies on lounge jazz to soothe the nerves.
This calm will be derailed for the ensemble to deliver a concert romp through “Rockin’ n’ Rollin’ On Down The Road” which serves up a memorable finale, and that’s a great place to wrap up the unevenly riveting record: that’s the gist of creative continuity and the warranty of longevity in the genre many dabble with yet precious few dig. ****1/2 Stars. By - Dmitry M. Epstein
From: The Sea of Tranquility.org
Zan Zone: The Rock Is Still Rollin’
Brooklyn native Zan Burnham honed his guitar chops in the New York City music scene playing live in joints like CBGBs and The Bitter End. Which reminds me, on a visit to NYC three years ago on a night on the town we ended the night at The Bitter End. A great night it was. Now, back to Zan Zone. The band has just released their sixth effort titled The Rock Is Still Rollin’.
This is an excellent rock album with its roots buried deep in the ‘70s, ‘60s, and ‘50s starting with the adventurous “Born To Roll”, an instrumental beginning with a wonderful piano melody and when the rest of the band kick in the mood is joyous and fun. From there the band ventures forth into edgier territory, verging on progressive rock, with the emphasis on ‘rock’. The organ is particularly effective. Next is the up-tempo, old timey rock and roll of “Have Some Fun Tonight”, and as the title suggests this is a super fun listen with its Chuck Berry-like guitar and CCR vibes. On “Dog Days” the band opt for a country rock sound with fine lead vocals courtesy of Angela Watson. There are six band members and all of them add vocals, which has always been a high point for me. “Double Life” includes some off kilter guitar riffs, a killer lead vocal and a ripping organ solo to flesh out the sound. Another fun retro rocker is the catchy “Hard To Get” with its sing along chorus and wonderful saxophone solos. The bluesy southern rock charm of “Mama Was A Train Wreck” and the smoothed out mid-tempo rock of “Ready To Say Goodbye” are more great tunes. Chalk full of catchy melodies, excellent vocals, and fine musicianship, The Rock Is Still Rollin’ is another winning platter from Zan Zone. This isn’t flashy or heady, it’s just plain feel good music for people who remember why the ‘60s and ‘70s were so great. Thank you Zan Zone for keeping the music alive. Highly recommended! By Jon Neudorf
https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=25520
https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=25520
By Michael Popke
How have I not heard about this band? Six albums in, Zan Zone makes classic-sounding music that’s a mix of prog, rock, roots and feel-good fun. When an album opens with an eight-and-a-half-minute, six-part instrumental that sounds like an Americanized Yes, you know you’re in for a treat. My fellow SoT-er John Neudorf hits on the highlights above, so let me simply say The Rock Is Still Rollin’ lives up to its title and proves that the best music doesn’t have to bounce anywhere near the charts. With catchy melodies, clean production, multiple vocalists and powerful harmonies, I love everything about this album -- other than the fact that vocalist Phillip Dessinger passed away shortly after recording sessions ended. May he rest in peace, and may Zan Zone keep rollin’.This is one of my favorite albums of 2026. 4& 1/2 Stars
Yesterday, I listened to Zan Zone and picked a pair of favorites:
Dog Days - very Jefferson Airplane-like and wrote this one down as a possible contender for my year-end Fabulous 100 Songs of 2026 article
Double Life - rock opera/Foreigner/Meat Loaf - an interesting combination that sounds like my family favorites.
Warren Kurtz - Editor - Goldmine Record Collector Magazine
Written by Robert Silverstein
March 5, 2026 - 11:28pm UTC
Following the triumph of 2019’s It’s Only Natural and 2022’s Start Where You Stand, Brooklyn’s best Rock & Roll band Zan Zone is back with their most diverse and intriguing album yet. The 2026 CD release of The Rock Is Still Rollin’ features a number of newly penned compositions from Zan Zone’s creator and guitar maestro Zan Burnham. It’s the same Zan Zone we’ve come to know and love yet there are some new chapters added to the mix.
For one thing, it’s sad to note that in September 2025, just after The Rock Is Still Rollin’ recording sessions were completed, Zan Zone’s long time lead-singer Phillip Dessinger passed away. In light of such sad news, Phil’s vocal contributions to The Rock Is Still Rollin’ are quite noteworthy, leaving one to ponder who will be able to fill his estimable shoes. Returning from Start Where You Stand are Angela Watson (vocals) and the talented rhythm section of Marko Djordjevic (drums, vocals) and Saadi Zain (bass, vocals).
A new name added to the Zan Zone lineup of musicians, performing on The Rock Is Still Rollin’, Adrienne McKay adds her keyboards and backing vocals to the album while a number of other guest musicians bring in some vital new sounds to the album, including a 4-piece string section, additional vocalist Emily Isaac and more.
Superbly produced by Zan Burnham and Chris Benham, The Rock Is Still Rollin’ features some of the most diverse and colorful songs in the Zan Zone repertoire. The album kicks off with the nearly 9-minute “Born To Roll”. A six-part rock instrumental suite filled with grandeur and stimulating tension, the “Born To Roll” suite shows off the progressive fusion aspect of Zan Zone and overall is a great showcase for both Zan’s electric guitar expertise and the keyboards of newcomer Ms. Adrienne McKay. Firing on all cylinders without vocals, “Born To Roll” shows off another side of Zan Zone that will satisfy prog-rock and fusion fans.
Despite having passed away on September 1st 2025, on track two, “Have Some Fun Tonight”, Phil Dessinger confirms why he is/was one of the most expressive lead singers in recent memory. With Zan channeling the spirit of Chuck Berry’s classic rock & roll guitar style, the track combines vocal expertise of both Phil and Angela Watson with the added kick being Zan’s Chuck Berry / Keith Richards guitar styles. Overall, the song is a fun-filled romp.
Penned by longtime Zan Zone confidant Jera Denny way back in 1988, “Dog Days” is another catchy 1960s flavored track combining the dual vocals of Angela Watson and Zan. Mixing rock and psychedelia with traced Indian music motifs, Zan describes the song as “female empowerment brought to the forefront.” There are also elements of folk-rock in the mix yet, with the harder edges, Jera’s composition is a highlight of The Rock Is Still Rollin’.
The harder rockin’ aspects of the Zan Zone sound are perfected on both “Double Life” and “Hard To Get”. Both are superb showcases for lead vocalist Phil Dessinger. A rock diatribe, written in 2025 and credited as a Dessinger / Burnham composition, the track exposes the double life of a musician trapped in a 9 to 5 job while living for “rockin’ under the lights”. “Double Life” has a cutting edge to it and it almost sounds perfect for a James Bond soundtrack. Penned by Phil and Zan in 1985, “Hard To Get” is revived as a full-bodied Zan Zone classic, the subject matter exposing the foibles and misconceptions of stuck relationships.
“Mama Was A Train Wreck” is where the rubber meets the road in the Zan Zone catalog. A zealous musicologist, Zan has a knack for digging out Zan Zone related rarities and on The Rock Is Still Rollin’ the band revives this back number written in 2013 by Karen Hudson. A train-of-thought track filled with Beatle-esque “Come Together” vibes and a little Motown groove, the tune is a great showcase for Zan’s slide guitar, Adrienne’s organ and Angela’s smokin’ R&B flavored vocals, “Mama” is a left field hit out of the blues that crosses genres like a possessed roadrunner.
Another powerful hit is “Ready To Say Goodbye”. The track is a good example why Zan Burnham is best described as a triple threat – a world class singer-songwriter, guitar ace and a confident performer / bandleader.
Another example of the vocal finesse Phil Dessinger brought to Zan Zone is apparent on track 8 “Friends”. A superb showcase for Phil’s lead vocals, this near orchestral pop classic, composed by Zan Burnham is reminiscent of Todd Rundgren’s stirring ballads and overall the song has a solid NYC vibe to it. “Friends” is further enhanced by the saxophone of Keith Gurland.
“She Left Me” is a teary-eyed look back at a long lost relationship that hit the ropes. Compared to most of the album, “She Left Me” is Zan alone on voice and guitar, with just the right touch of reverb. This song also features the string quartet mentioned in the album liner notes. The CD booklet includes liner notes and complete lyrics and discography information. Perhaps the song lyrics offer a tribute to Zan’s late wife, yet it’s also a universal vibe of all doomed relationships where we live through our memories.
Zan digs out another Zan Zone curio; this one from 2009. “That Flame” is a stellar showcase for Angela Watson, who brings out the vocals in a confident, strong performance. A hopeful song with universal lyrics given a new lease on life with a new vocal, the song further relates a Bob Dylan influence, enhanced by the harmonica of Ernesto Gomez.
That underrated instrumental prog-rock side of Zan Zone was fully explored on the lead off track and yet another instrumental side is fleshed out again on the NYC vibes of track 11, “Happy Go Lucky”. Sax master Keith Gurland echoes the late ‘70s spirit of the late great David Sanborn and Zan rises to the occasion once again on a track that is bound to surprise and delight long-time Zan Zoners.
To say Phil Dessinger’s great vocal command will be missed is an understatement. Yet, at least on record, Phil goes out with a bang on the album closer “Rockin’ n’ Rollin On Down The Road”. Angela and Phil take the song to Rock ‘n’ Roll heaven. There’s a trace of foreboding in the lyrics as Zan Zone rolls into the rock ‘n’ roll sunset as Phil croons, “Let me say goodbye, can’t stay forever, It makes me sigh, we’ve been so happy together, But you know I must be on my way…”
Despite Phil Dessinger’s departure, there’s a newfound sense of accomplishment on The Rock Is Still Rollin’. Angela’s vocals have steadily improved since her debut on 2022’s Start Where You Stand and the inclusion of Adrienne McKay’s keyboards are welcoming as are the guest appearances by a number of guest musicians.
Zan Zone devotees and fans of their vintage, classic new NYC rock and pop sounds will eat up the smorgasbord variety of tracks on The Rock Is Still Rollin’. After the storms, the future seems bright once again for Brooklyn’s best band Zan Zone.
Zan Burnham and company have taken on a major challenge for their sixth album, which is trying to wrap up the first three decades of rock and roll into a single album across twelve songs. It’s not a concept album, per se, but more of a tribute, though not exactly that either; the songs are definitely influenced by all that went down in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but everything here is outstandingly original, as only Zan Zone can do. The band this time out is a six-piece, with Burnham on guitar and vocals, and the rhythm section of Marko Djordjevic (drums, vocals) and Saadi Zain (bass, vocals) returning from the previous album Start Where You Stand, as well as the lead singers Angela Watson and the late Phillip Dessinger who passed away in late 2025 after the album sessions had completed. New this time out, from New Zealand, is keyboardist and singer Adrienne McKay, adding another dimension to the group’s sound.
Opening the album is an eight-and-a-half minute, six part instrumental opus, seemingly influenced by some of the progressive rock of the late 60s and early 70s, each section with its own subtitle; it’s original enough that one can’t say “oh, that sounds like Yes or Kansas or Crimson,” but one can hear all of the stylistic tendencies, the sudden shifts in power and mood, and the focus on instrumental virtuosity. Of course, that’s this writer’s favorite cut, but there are plenty more superb songs across this disc.
Watson sings lead on the southern, swampy “Mama Was a Train Wreck,” a powerful piece that sports plenty of slide guitar soloing. Beginning with a catchy drum figure leading into a Bo Diddley type sound, “Hard to Get” pulls in some early rock and roll influences without sounding at all retro, with a blazing sax solo from guest player Keith Gurland. “Dog Days” features Watson prominently among some strong vocal harmonies, a hook-laden rhythm, and a powerful guitar solo. Zan sings on the memorable torch song “She Left Me,” the latter half embellished with a string section.
Like harmonica? There’s plenty to be found on “That Flame,” sounding a bit like a meeting between Judy Collins and Bob Dylan's raspy early harmonica sound. The late 50s spirit and energy of rock and roll comes through loud and clear on “Have Some Fun Tonight,” as Watson and Dessinger trade off leads and harmonize; if there was a candidate for airplay on the album, this would be the one, at least back in 1960! The Rock Is Still Rollin’ is a most diverse album, almost like twelve songs by twelve different bands, but approached with that knowledge, and given a few listens, the listener should find plenty herein to enjoy.
By Peter Thelen - Expose Online - 5/20/2026 - http://expose.org/index.php/articles/display/zan-zone-the-rock-is-still-rollin-3.html