…………
As a one-man operation, if you would like to support all the work I do on Jazz Guitar Life, please consider buying me a coffee or two. Your support helps me to focus on Jazz Guitar Life so that I can continue to bring you great interviews, reviews, podcasts and other related Jazz Guitar content. Thank you and your patronage is greatly appreciated regardless if you buy me a coffee or not. Or if you prefer PayPal 🙂 – Lyle Robinson
…………
Tomas Janzon, Stockholm born, New York based, is a stimulating jazz guitarist in the style of Wes Montgomery, Sal Salvador and Kenny Burrell. And while steeped in the Jazz Guitar tradition, Janzon, at times, extends his improvisations towards a more modern flavor, employing subtle dissonant harmonies and more than mainstream melodic development. Check out the Janzon compositions “Float” and “Blue Bee” from his recent Experiences album for a peek into his musical mind, no doubt influenced in part by his associations with Joe Diorio and Ken Filiano.
That being said, deep down, Janzon is a stone hard-bopper whose captivating swing and blues/bop based lines captures a sound and vibe that harkens back to a time when Jazz Guitar was all the rage and Montgomery was King! Which may be why there are at least four tunes on Experiences associated with Wes himself: “Here’s That Rainy Day”, “Polka Dots & Moonbeams”, “Billie’s Bounce” and Wes’s own “Full House”. Whether this was part of the overall design, or more of a sub-conscious play, Janzon makes no apologies as he dives into these tunes with soulful aplomb. And while it’s obvious that Janzon digs Wes, his playing is anything but a rehash of the same old, same old.
Case in point is Janzon’s solo intro to “Here’s That Rainy Day” as he descends slowly down the fretboard creating a sonic shimmering of dissonant counterpoint before stating the acclaimed melody in octaves ala you know who with the rest of the band. A few tunes down, Janzon sets up “Polka Dots & Moonbeams” with a corresponding musical “double-take” as he plays a succession of chord shots that make you wonder how he’s ever going to establish the oh so memorable melody. But rest assured, he does so, nicely!
For the most part, these are the only harmonically intrepid revelations on the CD as Janzon and company play the remaining nine tunes within the spirit of Jazz cool. Along with the above mentioned tunes, classic compositions like “Theme From Mr. Broadway”, “Messin’ Around” and the ever swinging “Moanin'”, get a real work-out from everyone concerned, as they stay true to the era that spawned them in the first place. Janzon’s swinging solos, fluid lines and deft comping showcase his breadth of the Jazz language, while his fondness for a more down to earth bluesy approach lends a maturity to his style. I would certainly rank him up there with the likes of Randy Johnston, Jack Wilkins, Russell Malone and the aforementioned Wes Montgomery, although I feel that Mr. Janzon would be too humble to accept such an accolade.
And speaking of accolades, one of the scene’s most well-established drummers, Albert “Tootie” Heath, lends his inimitable style to the CD’s eleven tracks with a fervor that keeps heads a boppin’ and toes a tappin’. What a dynamic ride he brings us on as he snaps, crackles and pops his way through the charts as only “Tootie” can!
The remaining players, pianist/organist Art Hillery and bassist Jeff Littleton, are no less stellar, bringing with them a musical resume that includes playing alongside the greatest names in Jazz. Which is why I believe Janzon titled the CD Experiences. Whether it is a quartet, organ trio, or guitar trio, the individual experiences each player brings to the table makes for a dynamic CD that transcends personal egos and marquee status aspiration. Bravo guys…bravo!
I must admit that even though Experiences is Janzon’s third official CD to date, I had not heard of him until I had received this CD. I’m glad I now know of another great player deserving of much wider recognition. Janzon’s Experiences is sure to enhance YOUR listening experience and I hope you add him to your collection of must listen artists. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
…
Please consider spreading the word about Tomas and Jazz Guitar Life by sharing this review amongst your social media pals and please feel free to leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you 🙂
If you would like to support all the work I do on Jazz Guitar Life, please consider buying me a coffee or visiting the Jazz Guitar Life sponsors. Thank you and your patronage is greatly appreciated regardless if you buy me a coffee or not. Or if you prefer PayPal 🙂
Leave a Reply