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 has quickly developed into an excellent ensemble of soulful, talented, and seasoned musicians. Sharing a common musical vision, the Jazztet has shared their jazz, blues, Latin, soul, and R&B roots to create a very special blend that is both familiar and soothing as well as new - and helping to expand the definition of "West Coast Jazz".

In addition to Carlos Zialcita on harmonica and vocals, the band features Eric Swinderman on guitar, Marty Williams on piano, Ben Luis on bass, and Tony Coleman on drums. This lineup is often augmented by vocalist Myrna Del Rio. The Carlos Zialcita Jazztet recently appeared at the 2003 Concord Fall Festival, closing the Saturday evening show to a very receptive crowd. In December 2003, the band played at one of San Francisco's premiere jazz venues, Club Jazz Nouveau, making it's San Francisco debut performance.