Zack Brock

Playing Against the Grain

Modern Jazz violin players face a stigma that many of their peers do not. While saxophones or trumpets are seen as synonymous with Jazz, the violin remains the iconic reference to other musical art-forms. Think of folk, bluegrass, country and of course classical music, and violins come to mind. Jazz, not so much.

Welcome to Zach Brock's world.

Eager to transcend instrumental stereotypes as often as meaningless walls between genres, Zach’s poised to develop a body of work that represents the promise of the violin while continuing to be seen as one of the preeminent improvisers in Jazz.  Morphing into everything from an elegant accompanist along side pianist Phil Markowitz, to the searing soloist with the band Snarky Puppy, Zach has mastered the approach of honoring the music above the instrument he plays.

On their new album 'Wonderment', Zach is the a dynamic bridge between two long term collaborators, bassist Matt Ulery and drummer Jon Deitemyer.  Disciplined, agile and always seeking to go beyond cliches, Zach adds fire, levity and a glimpse of how the violin can be transformed in an ecclectic variety of settings.

After years of playing in just about every capacity the violin is already famous for, Zach is experiencing a personal and professional renaissance, helping to position the violin as one of the signature voices in Jazz.

Click on the featured albums below to hear or purchase any of Zach's music.