John Jorgenson - Bio
Led by Grammy-winning guitarist John Jorgenson, the John Jorgenson Quintet creates a unique musical experience that equally enthralls the most discerning and the casual music fan. Each member of the group is a virtuoso, yet the music is very accessible, melodic and appealing. The group's style has been called "gypsy jazz" after the dynamic string-driven swing created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris, but Jorgenson's compositions draw in elements from Latin, Romanian, Classical, Rock, and Greek music, so "21st Century World Music" is perhaps a more apt description.
Guitarists (and folks who read liner notes) will be well-acquainted with John Jorgenson as his career has already spanned a few decades and many musical styles. First coming to national attention in the mid 80s as co-founder of successful country-rock act The Desert Rose Band, many diverse artists were drawn to add Jorgenson's artistry to their own recordings such as Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, and Barbara Streisand. In the 90s The Hellecasters gave audiences a chance to experience John's fretboard fireworks in an unrestrained venue and the trio's three original CDs remain favorites of guitarists everywhere. Having been a fan of the Desert Rose Band, Elton John invited Jorgenson to join his band in 1994 for an 18 month tour that stretched into a 6 year stint of touring, recording and TV appearances with the British superstar.
2010 marks the 100th birthday of the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. Since discovering Django in 1979, Jorgenson has become "the US Ambassador of Gypsy Jazz" which is quite an honor given the distinctly European slant of the music's heritage. The John Jorgenson Quintet is the only American act to ever headline the prestigious Django Reinhardt Memorial Festival in France, and has been featured at other "Djangofests" in the US, UK, Germany and Canada. For the films "Gattica" and "Head in the Clouds" Jorgenson was tapped to recreate Django's music, and in the latter he even appeared onscreen as Django with stars Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz.
Adding to the international nature of the Quintet are Dutch bassist Simon Planting, well-known and respected in the gypsy-jazz community from his tenure with legendary Belgian guitarist Fapy Lafertin, and British rhythm guitarist Kevin Nolan, who along with brother Robin and Planting made up the acclaimed Robin Nolan Trio. Filling out the Quintet are prodigious young jazz violinist Jason Anick (who is quickly making quite a name for himself), and veteran percussionist Rick Reed, renown for his intricate brush work and swinging drive. The combination of these five musicians creates a sound that is equally dynamic, romantic, driving, melodic and accessible.
Legends like Elton John, Earl Scruggs and Duane Eddy along with fellow guitarists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Peter Frampton and Brad Paisley will all sing Jorgenson's praises, but the best way to find out what they already know is to experience the magic of a John Jorgenson Quintet performance live yourself!
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