Z-Star

Z-Star

Z-Star is the project of UK singer-songwriter Zee Gachette. Based in the United Kingdom, she makes blues, jazz, rock and soul music under the Z-Star name, and releases music on Muthastar Records. Her sound is rooted in self-written songs and often draws on a mix of rock-soul, improvisation and dance-orientated elements.

Background

Zee Gachette is born in East London to Trinidadian parents. Music is a family connection in her story: her father is a bass musician, her late mother Schultzi buys her first piano and teaches her the basics, and her uncles Michael Timothy and Steve Nichol are both musicians in Loose Ends. Her grandfather, Al Timothy, writes the Shirley Bassey hit “Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me”.

Recording history

Z-Star’s first three albums are Voodoo Dragon Risin on VDR Records, Who Loves Lives on EMI, and Masochists & Martyrs on Muthastar. Her songs are described as self-penned, and her work is noted for its deep, raspy vocal style and theatrical, improvisatory approach.

Live performances and collaborations

She performs with an energetic live presence and appears at venues and festivals including the Royal Albert Hall, Radio City Music Hall, the Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s, Roskilde, WOMAD and Glastonbury, as well as MTV Live and Temple Bar LA. She has recorded, supported and performed with Nigel Kennedy, Terry Callier, Max Sedgely, Los Chicharrons, Bluey Maunick, Natacha Atlas, Omar, George Benson, Ciccio Merolla, Gabin, Keziah Jones, Richie Havens and Roachford.

Radio and influences

Z-Star’s music is played by BBC Radio 1 in the UK, KCRW in Los Angeles, Radio Nova in Paris and Radio DJ in Italy. Her influences include Meshell Ndegeocello, Miles Davis, Joan Armatrading, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Keziah Jones, Johnny Cash, The Doors, Shuggie Otis, Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Alice Coltrane, Chris Pierce, Cat Stevens, Terry Callier, 4 Hero, Zero 7, Massive Attack, Thomas Dybdahl, Shadow, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Belo Veloso.