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Donny Brewer’s Trop Rock CD “Zimzala” Delivers Escapism

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Donny Brewer Zimzala CD

 

In November, Donny Brewer, from Austin, TX, attended his first Meeting of the Minds, and in my opinion, he took the event by storm. I think Donny’s name was the buzzword for the week, although the most fun word to learn how to pronounce was the name of his new CD, Zimzala! And Donny’s definition of that fun word is “a free-spirited person who finds peace with sand between their toes.” Yes! Let’s all be Zimzala!

This recording shows Donny’s mastery of “escapism” songs, many featuring the sounds of steel drums. The first song is titled “Hang Loose” and that could be a personal motto for most of us! Other songs that follow this trend on the album are “That’s All I Want to Do” and the catchy “Coconut Club.”  Take a moment and escape right now, listen to this snippet of “Jump Ship” where he encourages us to sail away:
 


 
The “Retirement Song” speaks to those of us who are at that certain age and we all “Coulda Been a Pirate” with a job of drinking rum all day! And speaking of spirits, tequila plays a big role in “Too Much Quetila” and “Vitamin T.”
Donny Brewer Zimzala at Pirates Ball in Austin Texas

Donny Brewer headlines at Pirates Ball in Austin, Texas.

There are also more serious songs on Zimzala. The sweet song “Keep Your Glow On” was inspired by Donny’s aunt, who lost a battle to breast cancer. All the proceeds from the downloads of this song are donated to the Komen organization. “Palapa Joe” came from the amazing Trop Rock fan Franklin Godowns. Franklin has an amazing recall of lyrics and songs and after playing a gig that Franklin attended, Donny was struck by his amazing recall. On Donny’s way home, the song came to him and he literally pulled over on the side of the road and recorded the first take of this tune.

Donny Brewer is not only a very talented songwriter, but he’s also a fabulous music. He recorded this entire CD at his home studio, called Cowpatty Studios, with him playing all the instruments by himself. There is acoustic bass played by Kerry Williams on “I Could Get Used to This,” but other than that, Donny is responsible for all the instruments, even the steel drum that is prominent on several songs. How much talent is that?

Donny has been writing many styles of songs for decades, but it’s Trop Rock that he feels flows from him the best. He says “the more you let songs write you, rather than the other way around, the better off you are.” He says this recording was the most fun that he’s created and he hopes the listeners find a little bit of Zimzala in everyone!

Find out more at: Donny Brewer

I live in Port Aransas, Texas and love all things Parrot Head and Trop Rock. I enjoy interviewing Trop Rock artists, attending events and always look forward to seeing Trop Rock friends from around the nation! Author of the Trop Rock lyric infused cozy mystery book "Schooled for Murder." Check out my website at www.CindyMuir.com

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