Fat Mezz

When people say, “They don’t make music like they used to,” they aren’t talking about Fat Mezz. And if you hear someone say that you should tell them about Fat Mezz. 

This up-and-coming band of gifted musicians caught the eyes and ears of the community when they arrived on the scene four years ago and has only captivated more attention since. Creating an immediate buzz, word on the street was that four young men had come together with  charisma and a skill set on a Beatle-esque level. The undeniable potential and can’t-miss performances have ensured their continuous popularity in the South Jersey area.  

Fat Mezz’s instant popularity made people wonder who they were and where they came from. Kurt Foster on guitar, Billy Thoden on guitar and vocals, Corey Chodes on drums and vocals, and Dom Levy on bass and vocals all hail from various parts of South Jersey. The guys found each other in different ways but all on the foundation of playing music—from family members connecting them to responding to a craigslist ad for their drummer. 

They were all acquainted by 2016 and evolved from bandmates to buddies. We see their bond through light-hearted camaraderie and a humorous demeanor, balanced with the dead-serious talent and ambition applied to their musical approach.

Fat Mezz’s sound is cohesive and recognizable yet intricately layered with influences from significant musical pioneers. They honor these influences with exceptional covers of artists like The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash; even modern music from John Mayer or Sublime is included in their sets. Reawakening the essence of 1960s and 70s rock and roll has become their specialty, but they’re well-versed in the fundamentals of blues, jazz, folk, and soul. 

They often deviate from replicating records exactly—the songs are familiar but the unique improvisations they apply to iconic tracks offer a completely new experience each time. 

Bridging the gap of decades of music, they keep the classic sounds alive and relevant while exposing younger people in our community to songs that earn the title of being timeless. 

Their vocals are deep and distinct; powerfully reminiscent of the legends who inspire them. You can expect a focus on enduring and captivating riffs, fluently accomplishing that other language between musicians via their instruments. 

We must address the curiosity that the mere title of the band begs; what does “Fat Mezz” even mean? The band name references Milton “Mezz” Mezzrow, an iconic jazz clarinetist and saxophonist from the 1920s and 30s, who was also an outspoken civil rights advocate who tripled his service to the community as an infamous weed dealer in the New York City music scene. What a subtle and suitable nod. 

Trials with different projects and arrangements preceded the official formation of Fat Mezz in 2020; their earliest shows took place at Anglesea Pub in North Wildwood. “During Covid we could only play shows outside,” said Kurt. So, when winter rolled around, the gigs came to a halt. 

Other local venues where they performed early on include Ferry Park, Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May Brewery, and Exit Zero Jazz Fest. By their second summer they were picked up by booking agent Anthony Baker, who stumbled upon them playing at Anglesea Pub. “I was blown away from the very first time I saw them, and I get more impressed each time,” said Anthony. “They are an absolute pleasure to work with.” Anthony boasts about the band’s musical proficiency and professionalism beyond their years.

With Anthony on board, the band branched out to Sea Isle and Atlantic City and secured residency at venues like The Wharf, The Inlet, and Oar House Pub. You can view their full schedule on their website fatmezz.com or their Instagram @fat_mezz. 

Their covers earned them local acclaim, but they are only just beginning to breach their creative potential by shifting their focus to producing original songs. Although the crowd loves to sing along to their tremendous cover renditions of beloved tunes, soon folks will be singing along to Fat Mezz originals.

“We are trying to make the transition from regional covers to performing originals on a national scale,” Kurt told us. Fat Mezz released their two-track EP in 2023, Fat Mezz Loves Cooter, with two singles following this past year, “Sleepin’ With The Fish” and “Perfect,” posted across streaming platforms. They are slowly incorporating these original songs into their sets and have secured a few ticketed events primarily showcasing their originals. They plan to record a full-length album in Memphis, Tennessee at the end of this year. 

After playing and studying the music of their inspirations with such immersion, the old-school influences are embedded in their sound. Their high-energy original tracks have a strong presence of blues rock with jammy, funky riffing. Each track is something fresh, bursting with their individual talents, while harnessing their signature element of nostalgia.  

Keeping up with their own success has strengthened their musical muscles. “Our intense gigging schedule over the past few years has really got me in shape to be able to perform multiple nights a week,” said Billy. “My overall stamina and confidence have improved tremendously because of playing with Fat Mezz.”

Fat Mezz got their footing under the surreal and challenging conditions of the pandemic; four years later they’re only gaining momentum and expanding a loyal following. “All the people that dedicate their time and energy coming to see us truly means the world,” said Billy. 

This band is on the brink of great things—make sure to catch them live during such an exciting part of their journey. You are bound to be blown away. 

Inquiries & Booking
Please contact Anthony Baker
anthonybakerentertainment@gmail.com