The vocal gymnastics Amy Lynn Zanetto can
pull off in a mini-dress and stilettos would have Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner,
and Mariah Carey on their feet by curtain call. As each of these women has
done before her, Amy Lynn brings her own unique flair to the diva tradition,
adding a quirky, down-to-earth humor to her frontwoman role that lands Amy
Lynn and Gunshow in a league of their own.
Born in Meriden, Connecticut to Cuban and Italian-American parents, Amy Lynn
was suckled on the stimulating sounds of Chicago, Gloria Estefan, and Motown.
Singing soon became her consuming passion, approached only by her love for
sports. An all-state setter in high school, Amy Lynn would cut her chops by
screaming Whitney Houston numbers for the entire neighborhood’s benefit
while hurling her volleyball against her bedroom wall. She pursued musical
theater with the same tenacious gusto, earning her BFA from the Hartt School
of Music, and thereafter demonstrated her versatility in a variety of roles,
from Mrs. Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to Janis Joplin at
the Kennedy Center.
In 2006, baritone saxophonist Alex Hamlin met Amy Lynn at a cast party during
the Zurich, Switzerland leg of the “Grease the Musical” European
tour. At some point between trading zany moves on the dance floor, the two
recognized a chemistry that would blossom both romantically and musically.
Alex was (and remains) in awe of Amy Lynn’s uncanny ability to deliver
a song with not only intense emotion but also stunning realism. Amy Lynn adored
(and still adores) how Alex’s sense of humor shone through his playing
and arranging. As they brainstormed potential joint projects, they both recognized
the 60s pop and soul sound—marked by powerhouse singers and infectious
horn licks—as especially fertile ground on which to showcase their combined
talents.
Not surprisingly, Amy Lynn and Alex wrote their first song, “Love, Sweet
Love” with The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go” in
mind. To fully realize “Love, Sweet Love,” as well as the slew
of originals they subsequently co-wrote, they assembled the 9-piece Amy Lynn
and the Gunshow. Selecting the band’s personnel was a no-brainer: for
the instrumentalists, Alex recruited his talented fellow Eastman School of
Music alumni, and Amy Lynn snatched up two of her longtime best buddies from
the musical theater circuit to be her gutsy backup singers. In 2008, Amy Lynn
and the Gunshow released their self-titled debut album, a five-track offering
featuring originals arranged by Alex. The next year, they followed up with
a four track EP, which includes a cover of singer Carla Thomas’ hit
Stax record “Comfort Me.”
The leading lovebirds strive to make Amy Lynn and the Gunshow the upbeat voice
they don’t hear on the radio: beyond the meticulous care the Gunshow
pours into their zestful choreography and full-bodied live arrangements, the
band exudes a levity befitting their 60s style repertoire. It stems lyrically
from songs such as “You Bring Me Joy.” But it also flows from
the perpetual motion Alex and his bari sax achieve onstage, and the way the
ever-spontaneous Amy Lynn will partner-dance with her mic stand or drop to
her knees to belt a high “C” at moment’s notice.
Given the Gunshow’s standout showmanship and feel-good energy, it’s
no wonder that their performances at NYC’s top venues, including the
Highline Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge, and Joe’s Pub, have met with
glowing reviews. Better stay tuned: they’ll soon be tearing up a stage
near you.
—Joy Hanson
Instrumentation
Amy Lynn-Vocals
THE GUNSHOW
James Jackson Jr.-Back-ups
LaDonna Burns-Back-ups
Alex Hamlin-Baritone Sax/Arranger/Co-writer
Jeff Hermanson-Trumpet
Michael Bomwell-Tenor Sax
Jared Schonig-Drums
Mike Chiavaro-Bass
Red Wierenga-Keys