Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil + watch video

Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil is a new direction for modern jazz. It's rooted firmly in tradition, yet leaps forward by blending pop and rock in unexpected ways.

Respected by traditionalists and modern music fans alike, Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil has reawakened the revolution started by Miles Davis in the 60s and 70s. Whether paying respect to the standards or recreating modern songs from stylists like Death Cab for Cutie or Sting, Rachel Z and the D.O.G.E. is sweeping the nation by storm.

"The Department is about unity and breaking down barriers. Our music is about merging musical styles. We want to respect and expand the swing of Elvin, Miles, Gabriel, Joy Division, to name just a few," said pianist Rachel Z.

From Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke to Mike Mainieri, Rachel Z has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Along with preparing the arrangements and played on Wayne Shorter's Grammy winning 'Highlife' album, Rachel completed five world tours and two DVDs as a member of Peter Gabriel's band. Rachel's experience with each of these masters lend distinct musical depth to the D.O.G.E.'s musical agenda.

As a soloist, Rachel has recorded eight solo albums for Sony and GRP. The 2007 Department project is the first CD with Savoy Records.

The musicians assembled for the D.O.G.E. include: Bobby Rae (master drummer and arranger), Maeve Royce (gifted bass player in her early twenties) and from time to time - the legendary Tony Levin.

Watch video: Rachel Z and The Department of Good & Evil - "Saint of New Orleans":

"Pianist Rachel Z has emerged from the shadows of Peter Gabriel to form one of the most innovative trios to come along in some time. The trio made its greatest impact on "Angry Chair," a song by Alice in Chains. How many jazz trios have that kind of repertory?" - Pittsburgh Post Gazette

"[Department of Good and Evil] a compelling addition to her recent solo CDs...the rhythm section's vibrant drive, her improvisations are often so harmonically rich and multifaceted that "Dept. of Good and Intriguing" ultimately seems like a more apt billing." - Washington Post

For more information and tour dates, go to:

Rachel Z Official Website
Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil on Myspace