Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Capozzi.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Started on the clarinet in the 4th grade, then picked up the sax in 8th grade. played in concert band and jazz ensemble in high school then started professional in college in original projects, cover bands, studio work as a horn for hire and even some guest appearances at Club Med Cancun and Disney World. After college I worked for Carnival Cruise Lines for a few years as a pit orchestra musician, playing clarinet, soprano, tenor and baritones saxophones. This gave me the opportunity to really develop my chops and just practice all day & gig every night. After Carnival I joined Boston’s reigning funk kings, Rippopotamus. We toured the country and performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1998.
In 2001 I heard a DJ spinning some really smooth beats at a lounge in Boston. I thought it would sound amazing if there were some sax solos over the top of the grooves. So, I bought 2 Technics 1200 turntables on Ebay and taught myself how to DJ. Then I proceeded to earn residencies at Boston’s hottest night spots 4-5 nights per week, spinning vinyl and blowing sax lines at the same time. It was a blast, very forward thinking and unlike anything else in Boston’s club scene.
People starting asking me to play private events and due to the demand, C-Zone Entertainment was formed on January 1, 2003. It started with just me, a few milk crates of records, my sax, along with my drummer and guitarist. We pitched a live cocktail set with the trio and then a bumpin’ dance party with the DJ set. Since then we’ve grown to boutique company booking close to 400 events per year with 12 DJs on staff, as well as about 75 musicians, 4 photo booths and enough lighting to do 5 events on one night. We’ve earned over 1,200 5-star reviews and have one of the best reputations around. Every day I pinch myself that my passion has grown into a thriving business. I never take it for granted and a so grateful to have such an incredible team, consisting of some of my best friends who feel more like family.
Please tell us about your art.
As a musician, I play the sax and jazz is my main passion. However not everyone can relate to the complexity of jazz, we take songs in other styles like motown, pop, reggae, classic rock, r&B at top 40, and put our own jazzy twist on it. It makes for a hip atmosphere and sets the tone for the party to come.
As a DJ, I strive to take the guests on a musical journey throughout the night, encompassing decades from the 50s to today. I love playing a wide variety of styles like oldies, rock, top 40, Latin, reggaetón, dancehall, 80s pop, 90s club hits, and the list can go on forever. What’s inspiring about playing private and corporate events is that its open format. Anything goes, so it’s a blast juggling different genres all night. By presenting material that’s familiar to the crowd, i.e. stick to the hits, yet doing it in a way that’s unfamiliar to them, that’s what creates fun, unique and truly memorable parties. Not every DJ can play a disco record then mix right into a 90s throwback hip hop classic and have grandma dancing to both.
Being a musician, I know how songs are constructed and that really helps when creating seamless mixes. Guests are caught up in the euphoric moment and have no idea who I am. That’s so inspiring because it’s the power of music that brings them together — not some cheesy emcee on the mic who tells jokes, does gimmicks or brings props. At the end of the night everyone will have the time of their lives, and I’m able to create that experience all the while flying under the radar. That’s impactful, that’s inspiring and that’s what I want people to take home as they sing the words to the last song, at the top of their lungs on the way out the door.
What do we make or create? We make people happy and we create unforgettable moments at each event. Be it a unique trio playing Sinatra to Bruno Mars, or a DJ spinning Stevie Wonder to Dr. Dre, we know how to read that room and cater the atmosphere and energy to that unique demographic. Our slogan is “It’s not our show, It’s your event”. That’s our philosophy and being 16 years in business, it’s still working like a charm!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Surround yourself with artists that are better than you. Sit in at jam sessions, get out there a network in the areas where you want to participate. By playing with other musicians or creating with other artists that are better than you, its humbling but it forces you to rise up to the challenge and grow as a person and as an artist. Keep a positive attitude and vibe and keep company with others who have that same personality. It will only propel you to the next level. Being an artist requires a lot of alone time in the “shed” working on your chops. But if you don’t get out there and make yourself known, nobody will ever know who you are and nobody will ever experience your unique talent.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Since we play mostly private and corporate events, it’s hard to come check us out live. We do sometimes play a local jazz brunch so please keep up with our Instagram for upcoming gigs. You can also follow our YouTube channel for new music videos and recording. We recently posted our jazz trio cover Camila Cabello’s “”Havana”. Pretty fun and keeps it spicy at the gigs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.czonemusic.com
- Phone: 617.320.0723
- Email: djczone@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czonemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czonemusic
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/djczone1
Image Credit:
Shannon cronin photography, city point films, brigham & company photography, shawn black photography.
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
