[BuffaloNews.com / Jeff Miers] – When Zuri Appleby was picked up by Nick Jonas for his new touring band last year, few of us who follow the Buffalo music scene closely were surprised. It was by that point common knowledge around town that Appleby had the goods – the chops, the feel, the ability to groove impeccably, and the unerring capacity to dig into the deepest of pockets. Everyone in town wanted her for their own band. Most would grudgingly admit that they were both incredibly happy for her and a touch annoyed with Jonas for spiriting her off to the grand stages of the world.
One of the highlights of the Jonas experience for Appleby has been the blossoming of her musical and personal friendship with Jonas Band guitarist Arianna Powell, a fiery player with abundant rock, soul and funk chops. (You can find a video of Powell crushing Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” on YouTube.) The two musicians bring a strong female presence and a distinct organic edge to the Jonas Band, and it seems only natural that, during their down time from the ongoing Jonas tour – which comes to First Niagara Center on July 17 – Powell and Appleby would want to do some woodshedding of their own.
Hence, the formation of #A2Z, the Appleby/Powell-fronted funk-rock powerhouse that also features erstwhile Najee/Alissia sidemen Rod Bonner (keys) and Daniel Powell (drums). The band will make its Buffalo debut at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in Buffalo Iron Works (49 Illinois St.). Admission is $15.
Here’s the video of Arianna mentioned above:
Zuri & Arianna on the American Music Awards with Nick Jonas: