| Jazz |
Some musicians have had surprising careers before becoming musicians, such as airline pilot, restaurateur, or, as in this case, a long career as a psychologist and teacher. However, a lover of jazz and music, part-time trumpeter and pianist, as well as composer, now offers us a sumptuous album in the form of orchestral jazz, “Time Takes Odd Turns.” The artists on this album are recent graduates of Indiana University and members of the state’s music scene, with extensive experience in ensemble music, which gives this album a unique vitality.
It would have been a shame if Tom Johnson hadn’t released this album, because although I didn’t know this musician, I was quite impressed by his compositions. Indeed, to write a work as contemporary as this one, which draws so much from classical music as well as various styles of jazz, usually requires an immense cultural background to achieve such a feat. Furthermore, Johnson takes us into his universe, with a style deeply marked and recognizable once one has delved into his music. Nothing is left to chance; a multi-layered writing organizes the brass and rhythm sections into truly phenomenal arrangements. Not to mention the deeply poetic passages, worthy of a supercharged Éric Satie.
Often, the rhythms are borrowed from progressive jazz or soul/funk music, with an overlay of classical music codes and purely jazz arrangements. This is the Tom Johnson style, which could even allow him to tackle film music or work for contemporary ballets, as he knows how to handle the romantic and expressive form. We must therefore congratulate, hoping not to forget anyone, The Tom Johnson Jazz Orchestra composed of Brianna Martinez – Flute & Piccolo, Noam Niv – Flute & Piccolo, Ana Nelson – Clarinet, Garrett Fasig – Soprano & Alto Sax, Kyle Brooks – Alto Sax, Chance Davis – Tenor Sax, Andrew Kreitner – Tenor Sax, Joseph Trahan – Baritone Sax, Clark Hunt – Lead Trumpet, Jack Kurtz – Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Nick Recktenwald – Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Sam Butler – Trumpet, Andrew Danforth – Lead Trombone, Marcel Penzes – Trombone, Leah Warman – Trombone, Matt Acosta – Bass Trombone, Joel Tucker – Guitars, Guitar Synth, Alex Wignall – Piano, Electric Piano, Brendan Keller-Tuberg – Electric and Acoustic Bass, Francis Bassett-Dilley – Drums, as well as the excellent guest artists: Michael Stricklin – Flute Solo on “Bossa Monday Suite,” Jake Buckner – French Horn on “One More Time,” Tom Johnson – Yamaha S-80, Moog Voyager, Valve Trombone, Samba Whistle, Tambourine, Michael Johnson – Yamaha S-80 on “Book One” and “Simply, Stuff and Nonsense,” Joe Galvin – Congas & Percussion, because in addition to the compositions, they are also responsible for the overall high quality of this album.
Let’s note that all the works on this album are composed by Tom Johnson, except for *”One More Time,”* co-written by Tom Johnson & Cindy Formella. We are particularly pleased to talk to you about this album, which we know you will certainly enjoy, and for which we give our “Essentials” rating.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 21st 2024
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