Little Brown Brother

Little Brown Brother was formed in the summer of 2006 by Ben Luis and Carlos Zialcita. It takes what both of them have been doing individually and collectively and creates a new package designed specifically for the Filipino audience. The nucleus of this ensemble is a quartet, with the addition of Chris Planas or guitar and Mike Fernando on drums. While the rich African-American traditions of jazz and blues remains at the core of what this group represents musically, there are many other influences that add flavor to the mix. There is a definite worldbeat texture and attitude to the music – borrowing from the indigenous Filipino music and instruments and the heavily Spanish influenced traditional Filipino music of the Philippines.

Carlos Zialcita Duo/Trio

Carlos Zialcita is often called upon to perform in a Jazz Duo or Trio setting. These performances are generally at smaller, quieter venues, such as restaurants, cafes, art galleries, public libraries, conferences, banquets, and wine tastings. The guitar chair is usually has either Chris Planas or Tony Orbasido, and Ben Luis plays both the acoustic stand-up bass and an electric six-string bass. Recently, the Carlos Zialcita Duo featuring Chris Planas on guitar performed at the Fremont City Public Library as part of an event sponsored by FANHS that honored 100 years of Filipino-American History.

Carlos Zialcita Blues Band

Carlos Zialcita has always been in a working blues band. As a featured sideman, he has worked with the best, including Johnny Otis, Jimmie Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Chick Willis, Lowell Fulsom, Jimmy McCracklin, Percy Mayfield, Little Milton, Floyd Dixon, Johnny Rawls, Sonny Rhodes, Eddie Ray, Cool Papa, Country Pete McGill, and Sugarpie DeSanto. Zialcita has performed all over the United States and Canada, including the an Francisco Blues Festival where has performed with The Eddie Ray Rhythm & Blues Band (1981), his own band, The California Cadillacs(1986), and The Cottonfield Trio featuring Country Pete McGill and Robert “Big Bob” Deance (1996).

Carlos Zialcita Jazztet

In the spring of 2003, Zialcita formed the Carlos Zialcita Jazztet and began performing at the Island Lighthouse, a jazz club and restaurant in Alameda. During their six-month stay there the Jazztet quickly developed into an excellent ensemble of soulful, talented, and seasoned musicians. Sharing a common musical vision, the Jazztet has blended their jazz, blues, Latin, soul, and R&B roots to create a very special mixture that is both familiar and soothing as well as new - and helping to expand the definition of "West Coast Jazz".