Tomas Janzon Quartet: Live In Stockholm (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: April 2, 2003

This brief session (18:22) was recorded for Swedish radio last year. It represents part of a concert that Sveriges Radio P2 broadcast live from the Jazzclub Fasching in Stockholm. To experience tracks from guitarist Tomas Janzon’s full-length album, visit tomasjanzon.com .

Live In Stockholm offers an adventurous Wes Montgomery style affair with quartet. Straight-ahead jazz fans within the radio station’s broadcasting radius can consider themselves fortunate to be able to enjoy this session. Janzon emphasizes the acoustic sounds from his instrument. “Six on Five” blends meters of six and five in an up-tempo romp with plenty of stretching from guitar, piano, and bass. Janzon and pianist Bobo Stenson share an appreciation for exciting improvised counterpoint. Montgomery’s “Full House” waltzes appropriately at a moderate tempo to infuse more effervescent action. Guitar and piano interact with bass and drums to stir things up. Janzon coolly weaves his melody around the trio’s action to interpret timeless music.

Originally from the Stockholm area, Janzon moved to the U.S. and continued his study of the guitar at both the Guitar Institute in Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. His master’s degree in classical guitar offers proof that Janzon has the right tools. And his recordings offer proof that the guitarist’s swinging jazz style comes straight from the heart.

Visit www.tomasjanzon.com

Track Listing: A Rose; Six on Five; Full House.

Personnel: Tomas Janzon- guitar; Bobo Stenson- piano; Christian Spering- bass; Petur Ostlund- drums.

Record Label: Changes Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream