From Grover Washington, Jr. and Pieces of a Dream to Jeff Lorber and Gamble & Huff, Philadelphia has always been a hotbed for exciting and groundbreaking R&B and jazz. Life Records recording artists ZOÉ (dzo-ay’), with their smooth yet funky grooves have incredible energy that flows just as powerfully as those legendary influences.

The group is comprised of five talented musicians whose melodic compositions produce extraordinarily compelling music. Currently, members of ZOÉ include: saxophonist, Reggie Harris, keyboardist Cleveland Belin, Jr., drummer David Ferebee; bassist H. Maurice Fonville and percussionist/trumpeter Bolivar “Chico” Guadalupe - all of which contribute to the original songwriting and vocals. 

Their newly released third CD, aptly titled Let’s Fly, is a high spirited project with instantly compelling melodies over tight rhythms. The smooth balance of lead instruments draws the listener in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. 

This lively group quickly became an integral part of the Philadelphia jazz scene thanks to the intense interest by Michael Tozzi, founder of ijazzglobal.com and PD of the former Philly smooth jazz station, WJJZ. Tozzi has paired the group with national musicians at the popular jazz hot spot, Warmdaddy’s in Philadelphia. ZOÉ has performed with or opened for: Mindi Abair, Keb Mo, Phil Perry, Jeff Kashiwa, jazz flautist Sherry Winston and numerous notable, inspirational speakers. ZOÉ has captivated audiences beyond the Philadephia/South Jersey area with their infectious rhythms that roll from smokin’ funk to supremely sensual. 

From the Beginning

ZOÉ in January 2001 under the leadership of Reginald “Reggie” Harris along with four other musicians: Ron Segers, Cleveland Belin, Dave Ferebee, and Bill Williams. The five talented men, with common goals and objectives decided to explore their creative potential. The result was incredible. The lineup has changed only slightly over the years and the addition of bassist H. Maurice Fonville and percussionist/trumpeter Bolivar “Chico” Guadalupe proved to be a winning combination.

ZOÉ undertook its first recording endeavor in April 2001. Self producing and self promoting their first CD entitled Long Time. Two songs from Long Time were added to a compilation project called The Pneu Crew, Itz All Brand Pneu, which is a collection of new gospel artists from up & down the east coast, produced by Mountain Top Records. The second CD from the Philadelphia/South Jersey based group, entitled Heaven Bound was released in 2004 and earned the group recognition in media with interviews in several publications including Jazz Review Magazine, on Milo’s TV program, and various radio interviews. In 2008, ZOÉ performed “Heaven Bound” for the Cumberland County’s Got Talent contest and walked away with two honors: the People’s Choice award and the top prize!