Gulf Coast Records, revered for its commitment to nurturing genuine blues talent, is poised to drop a gem in the music industry. On February 23, 2024, brace yourselves for the release of “Life Is Hard,” the long-awaited album by multi-Blues Music Award-winner Mike Zito. This offering is set to take listeners on an unparalleled emotional journey through the heart and soul of blues music.

Crafted at the iconic Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, under the expert guidance of producers Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, “Life Is Hard” serves as a testament to Mike’s resilience and unparalleled musical prowess. Bonamassa and Smith, the brilliant minds behind the celebrated “Blood Brothers,” reunite with Mike to create an album that delves deep into the essence of blues and rock, promising an experience that resonates profoundly with every listener.

Reflecting on the creation of “Life Is Hard,” Mike Zito shares, “This album is a labor of love for me. It represents a journey of healing and expression following the loss of my beloved wife Laura to cancer. Working alongside Joe, Josh, and the incredibly talented musicians, we poured our hearts into every note, infusing each track with raw emotion. I’m immensely proud of this album, and I know Laura would be too.”

The album boasts twelve tracks, featuring a blend of Mike’s original compositions and soul-stirring renditions of blues classics by luminaries such as Tinsley Ellis, Walter Trout, Tab Benoit, and Fred James. “Life Is Hard” also pays homage to blues and roots legends including Little Milton, Stevie Wonder, Reverend Gary Davis, and a blues-infused rendition of The Guess Who’s timeless hit, “These Eyes.”

With “Life Is Hard,” Mike Zito and Gulf Coast Records invite audiences to immerse themselves in a musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and speaks to the depths of the human experience.

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Becky Anderson