Rod Zakowski

Rod holds down the groove on the bass, backs up the vocals, and sings lead on occasion in Built For Speed. He's the backbone to the music while allowing space for all instruments to shine.
Influenced by a multitude of genres--swing, country, blues, R&B, zydeco and rockabilly--serves as the foundation for his emotion and smooth playing style.
Playing throughout the years with local artists such as Eddie and the Night Riders, the Faves, Bobby Hawkins Back Alley Blues Band and others gave him the opportunity to develop a diverse style. He especially enjoyed performing in opening acts for Dwight Yoakam, Buckwheat Zydeco and Queen Ida.

Now, Rod is thrilled to be performing with Built For Speed. He said that rockabilly can  grab the audience from the first beat!

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Favorite songs to play in the BFS setlist: "I enjoy performing the complete Built for Speed catalog, especially

performing the songs Ignition and Hello Mary Lou,"

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Favorite venues to play: "They are all great but some of my favorite
local venues Speal's Tavern, the Crafthouse and regional festivals. "

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Rod plays a1972 Fender Precision bass and Gallien Krueger amp.