Buddy Zapata's first music experience as a musician began playing alongside Rich Ford (SWA, SST Records).

After many years off from playing music he fell in with his mentor and friend Pedro Wyant and spent a number of years in various Blues based bands, the longest running being The Flaming Payasos, which mixed Latin/Mexican rythms with blues standards to create a unique hybrid.

Later Buddy began playing with Los Angeles' own Charlie Chan Blues Messengers around the South Central Clubs. This is where Zapata really began to cut his teeth and learn a thing or two about playing the various forms of American music which fall under the heading of Blues.

After Charlie moved out of town the remaining members went on to continue performing as Zapatas' Experience adding a bend of Beefheart and Sabbath to the feel and sound.

Again after a few years break Buddy started exploring a duo format which included upright bassist Mark Goldberg (Floyd Dixon, Screamin Jay Hawkins, James Intveld).

Duo gigs became solo outings in which Buddy began writing his own material and venturing outside of the strict confines of blues.

Today Buddy Zapata creates a form of music he refers to as Nuevo blues or "Junk Shop Blues". A morphing of traditional blues with all the influences which have captivated him and continue to today. "It's not traditional blues by any means. I'll leave that for the guys in the Fedoras and Hawaiian shirts. I just play what feels right to me." PLaying a National Resonator Buddy Zapata manages to create textures that ride on the Roll side of Rock and Roll. Along with his trio Buddy turns up the heat and rocks with the best of em, yet can bring it down and play a subtle sweet melodic tones.

I had a dream once where I was in a very warm and turbulent swimming pool with Professor Longhair and my deceased father. Another friend sat poolside with a tropical drink of some sort in his hand. In the dream Professor Longhair a.k.a. Fess, is telling me "You've got to be yourself, you can't try and do it like me." My father who I'm sure in his lifetime didn't know who Fess was, kept nodding in agreement, arms crossed and eyebrows curled in approval.

I don't believe in Luck. I don't believe in Fate. I believe we make things happen by keeping focus. Bad shit can still happen but, at least I am not sitting around not getting some good shit done.

That's how music happens for me. Relax, focus, be honest and play it. I don't try and be something I am not. I've been real fortunate over the years to always have played with people far above my talent and experience which has forced me to play better, learn quicker and, expect nothing but my soulful best.

Growing up in L.A. the music I heard on the radio didn't cut it for me. This made me go out in search of something different. That's how I found Blues. That's how I found Punk. That's how I began collecting oddball 45s' and 78s'.

All of this music has had one thing in common. SOUL. Shot from the hip, honest music.

This is my influence. For me it's not about playing a cover tune just like the original but instead to see what I can squeeze out of it this time. Can I do it better? Probably not but, I'll turn it over a couple times and leave it mine in the end, that's for sure.

The same goes for my writing. If I'm writing it I better be able to believe it myself when I perform the song to a crowd of one or a packed house.

The very same musicians that have befriended me, have worked and played with some of Rock "n" Rolls great players and writers. The musicians have always told me the same thing over the years..."you may not have a thousand licks under your belt but, you know your music and you play with a lot of originality and soul."

I take that in like oxygen every time I pick up the guitar. I didn't grow up playing in my Mom's garage with the neighborhood kids. I haven't been paying with the same guys for over 30 years.

I have, however, played South Central Los Angeles clubs for people who really wanted to be there and who knew their music. That is a priceless musical experience.

The best lesson that I've learned in music and life is if I always treat people with the kindness and decency we all deserve, good shit and opportunity always make their way back like a boomerang.