Jimmy Zavala

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Jimmy Z
Jimmy Z (left), Dr. Dre (right) in the video for the single "Funky Flute"
Background information
Birth name	Jimmy Zavala
Also known as	Jimmy Z
Origin	Sacramento, California
Genre(s)	Rock, Funk
Instrument(s)	Flute, Harmonica, Saxophone (baritone, soprano, tenor)
Years active	1980-1991
Label(s)	IRS (1980s) Ruthless (1991) Boneyardsrecords (2003) (with the Ztribe) Zavala Songs, Inc. (2004) (with the Ztribe)
Associated acts	Dr. Dre, Rod Steward, Eazy-E, Eurythmics, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Website	http://www.ztribe.com/

Jim Zavala is an American musician. While still in his teens, the saxophonist (known in the music industry as Jimmy Z) frequented nightspots in his hometown of Sacramento, California, often sporting his trademark dark sunglasses. During this time, he was introduced to the mouth harp and harmonica music of Little Walter and Taj Mahal.

Zavala went on to become a favourite in many of those northern California clubs. When he took up sax during a three-year period with various blues bands, he entered the world of rock'n'roll. Influenced by Junior Walker and King Curtis, Zavala then began making a name for himself during a six-year stint of non-stop touring.

Zavala left roadwork behind when he moved to Los Angeles in 1980. His bandmembers wouldn't follow, so he set out on his own. While jamming at the Central Club on LA's Sunset Strip, he came to the attention of Rod Stewart bandmembers Robin Le Mesurier and Jim Cregan, who later suggested Zavala when Stewart required a horn player. Stewart was impressed with Jimmy Z's proficiency on harmonica and flute as well as saxophone, so he was instantly named one of the boys in the band. In addition to his work with Stewart's group, Jimmy teamed up with Kevin Savigar on a session for John Cougar. He has also worked with Les Dudek, ex-Knack guitarist, Douf Fieger, The Rockets and Ronnie Wood.

Zavala also performed onstage with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers for Sir Bob Geldof's Live Aid concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia in 1985, as well as the Southern Accents tour. Other artists Jimmy Zavala has performed and/or recorded with include Dr. Dre, Willy DeVille, Rick Springfield, Carole King, Eric Burdon, Rita Coolidge, Thomas Dolby, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Yes, Rick Price, Corey Hart and Shakespears Sister. He has played harmonica in the songs "Missionary Man" by Eurythmics and "Ghetto Cowboy" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

Jimmy Z's album Muzical Madness from 1991 was produced by hip hop producer Dr. Dre. Dre was also featured rapping on the album's single "Funky Flute".