Article Contributed on: 4/3/2009 1:31:27 PM
Swallow Hill is pleased to welcome Gypsy jazz master John Jorgenson and his Quintet on their Daniels Hall stage for a performance on Friday, May 8 at 8 p.m.
John Jorgenson is a founding member of the Desert Rose Band (alongside
Chris Hillman) and the Hellecasters, and is six-year member of Elton John's band. Known as a pioneer in the American Gypsy jazz movement, artists ranging from
Barbra Streisand to
Bonnie Raitt and
Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson's guitar work. Jorgenson is a highly regarded and sought-after session musician whose resume includes numerous platinum-selling and Grammy-winning CDs. He was chosen to portray
Django Reinhardt in the feature film,
Head in the Clouds, and is a prominent instructor whose lessons have been featured in myriad well-respected guitar magazines.
At a John Jorgenson Quintet performance, audiences are amazed by his dazzling guitar work as well as his mastery as a clarinet player and vocalist. Whether playing his own accessible compositions or classic standards, Jorgenson and his band make music that is equally romantic and ecstatic, played with virtuosity and soul. John Jorgenson was awarded a Grammy this year in the Best Country Instrumental category for his participation in the recording of "Cluster Pluck," written by Brad Paisley.
Other members of the Quintet are guitarist
Kevin Nolan, violinist
Jason Anick, bassist
Simon Planting and drummer
Rick Reed. Nolan is one of the most highly-respected rhythm guitarists in Gypsy jazz. He spent 10 years as part of the acclaimed Robin Nolan Trio and has performed and given master classes worldwide. Anick is the latest addition to the Quintet, having joined in 2008. A prodigious graduate of the prestigious Hart College, he is quickly making a name for himself as an exciting jazz violinist. Planting is a world-renown bassist in the world of Gypsy jazz, known for his tenure with respected Gypsy traditionalist,
Fapy Lafertin, and the progressive Robin Nolan Trio. Reed spent many years in New York City playing jazz before relocating to Nashville, where he has performed with a diverse range of artists including
Shelby Lynn and
Ray Davies.
For tickets visit
www.swallowhillmusic.org or call (303) 777-1003 x2. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members. Buy in advance and save! Swallow Hill Music Association is located at 71 East Yale Avenue (just off Broadway) in Denver.