ZIFFY ZARF "Relaxed But Still Hurting"

by jenny heying

Complete with a wooden porch stage, Ziffy Zarf sets the mood for a backyard jamming bluesy session. Opening with harmonica in mouth and guitar in hand, he jumped into “Big Boss Man” and the mood was complete. He looks every bit the part on his wooden chair with his guitar on his lap singing the blues competently.

He continued at Clyde’s with “Thinking & Worrying” and “Around & Around” showing that he can sing the blues while keeping it in a rocking kind of vain.

Ziffy is made for the blues and has a voice that suits it well. Well, not when he talks. His talking voice doesn’t sound like he’d be a blues man, but when he sings, he lets it all out. It’s just deep enough and while not gruff, it gets the job done.


I don’t know if I’d call Ziffy multi talented, as I don’t know much about his other talents, but he does add a nice harmonica touch to the guitar and it makes for a better atmosphere. I feel it would lose a bit with just a guitar.

Aside from the blues, Ziffy is a little nostalgic and hit us with “The Wanderer” to prove the point. He does it lightly and on this night with a few giggles thrown in. He provides a very relaxed setting for his audience and you drift away while he plays. Whether it’s “Hoochie Coochie Man” or “C.C. Ryder” you’ll fall back into your chair, close your eyes and relax to a smooth voice and sudsy harmonica delivering soulful blues.

My only complaint about Ziffy was that he might be a bit too relaxed. He seems to have no urgency and sometimes you wonder if he’s ever going to start playing. But nonetheless, that’s the mood he puts you in. Whenever, lol. He likes to whistle and does so while he’s getting ready for his next tune.

He’s sometimes lively, sometimes mellow but I think he’s best when he’s mellow. He excelled on “It Hurts Me Too” not only keeping the blues mood, but adding that hurtful side. He portrays it well.

I know Ziffy loves what he’s doing. You can tell because between songs he seems to strum forever and then drifts into conversation about whatever. But that’s good. He gives you enough info about what he’s playing and if he enjoys it, it transfers over to the crowd.

Ziffy runs the gamut through his set including “Bread and Butter”, “Blow Wind Blow” and “Some Sweet Day “. No matter what he plays and sings, you know it’s going to be fun and great. And if you’re hurting, he’ll relax you. It’s his way.

Overall, he’s a great singer, a good guitarist and a fantastic harp player. He sets the mood and gives you an entertaining show that will make you appreciate the blues if you didn’t before. I think he intends to convert everyone or at least make you aware that the blues are alive and well in Second Life®.

Running a little over his time, he finished with “Give Me Some Of It”, “Bright Lights Big City” and “Night Train” before calmly leaving the stage.