Jason and The Jazzerknots
Album Description:
Welcome to the world of Jason and The Jazzerknots, where each note tells a story and every melody dances its way into your soul. Their second album, "Sittin’ on a Sunset," is a vibrant collection of eight original tracks that showcase the boundless talents of this band. Led by bandleader and guitarist Jason Goessl, The Jazzerknots deliver a diverse range of styles and moods, from the joyous swing of "Sittin’ on a Sunset" to the funky groove of "Makes My Heart Sway," and the plaintive beauty of "2nd In Line." Each track is a testament to the group's cohesion and musical synergy.
Credits:
All songs written by Jason Goessl
Jason Goessl, guitar
Josh Gallagher, piano
Jeremy Boettcher, upright bass
Mike Malone, drums
Recorded at Sun Goose Studios, Eau Claire, WI
Engineered by Randy Darabosh
Mixed by Jason Goessl at Sun Goose Studio
Mastered by Doug Krebs, Fort Collins, CO
Cover Photo by Kaija Rea
Cover Design by Jason Goessl
Album Description:
A love letter to the many styles that fall under the jazz umbrella, the tracks that comprise “The Shakedown” consist of musical transliterations of the composer’s life experiences. From the skips and jumps of “Harper Dance” to the effusive meditation of “Black Cars and Taco Bars”, from the funky swagger of “Jazz Camp” to the walking swing of “Steppin on the Avenue”, Jason and the Jazzerknots evoke many moods and points of catharsis. Featuring inspired solos and melodies, “The Shakedown” uplifts listeners accessibly with its sonic appeal.
Credits:
All songs written by Jason Goessl
Jason Goessl, guitar
Josh Gallagher, piano
Jeremy Boettcher, upright bass
Mike Malone, drums
Recorded at Pine Hollow, Eau Claire, WI
Engineered by Evan Middlesworth
Mixed by Robb Davidson at Nels Motel, Seattle, WA
Mastered by Doug Krebs, Fort Collins, CO
Cover Photo by Kaija Rea
Cover Design by Jason Goessl
Review:
Guitar styles and fads come and go, but, like wardrobes, certain things remain classic and timeless. Like a navy blue sport jacket, guitarist Jason Goessl and his Jazzerknots Josh Gallagher/p, Jeremy Boettcher/b and Mike Malone/dr serve up small group jazz that fits any occasion and environment. Even better, the tunes are all originals, so while there is definite inspiration, there is no imitation. Goessl himself has a style and tone that carries the torch from the early days of Lang. There’s a dash of Les Paul and Chet Aktins in his swinging around Malone’s brushes on the nifty title tune while riding the tube like a longboarder over the cymbals on the snappy “Big Chart”. Goessl also has imbibed the tasty note selection of Oscar Moor, giving slinky chords to “Black Cars and Taco Bars” and strutting the blues out on “Steppin’ On The Ave”. The band takes a Wes Montgomery groove to the four on sixish “Harper Dance” while Gallagher goes Monk to the guitarist’s Wes on the clever “Don’t Crack Jack”, with some hip bass work by Boettcher to boot. Malone’s brushes are as deft as an umpire working the plate on the soft shoe of a Latinized “Can’t Get It Outta My Head” and the team gets into a funky 70s mood with Goessl wacka-wookaing to the backbeat of “Jazz Camp”. All throughout, the team is as clean and polished as the grill of a ’49 Buick, and cruises like one with a V8 engine. These guys thinking of touring around? ~George W. Harris @JazzWeekly
Artist Bio:
About Jason and The Jazzerknots:
Jason and The Jazzerknots is a dynamic quartet born out of a passion for crafting original jazz compositions that captivate audiences across the spectrum. Spearheaded by guitarist and composer, Jason Goessl, this quartet brings a fresh perspective to the jazz scene, with each member contributing their unique flair. Rooted in the rich traditions of jazz rhythm sections, spanning from the iconic Big Band Era to the contemporary, Jason and The Jazzerknots infuse their music with a distinctive touch.
Jason Goessl
A seasoned guitarist, Jason Goessl's musical journey began in Maribel, Wisconsin, transitioning to a professional career in St. Paul, Minnesota, before making a significant impact in Seattle's dynamic music scene. With a love for diverse genres ranging from jazz to country and surf to metal, Jason established himself as a prominent figure. Now based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Jason manages Sun Goose Records and performs in various musical projects, captivating audiences statewide and on national tours with his remarkable talent and unwavering passion for music.
Mike Malone
Hailing from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Mike Malone is a versatile performer and dedicated educator. His journey began at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, exploring classical and jazz percussion. Tours with The Glenn Miller Orchestra and jazz vocalist Ray Brown Jr. showcased his talent. Mike's prolific recording career includes his debut album, "Overalls & Airplanes," and he was honored as "Drummer Of The Year" at the 2021 WAMI Awards. He currently performs extensively, manages a teaching studio, and proudly represents Bosphorus Cymbals.
Jeremy Boettcher
Renowned bassist Jeremy Boettcher captivates audiences nationwide with his remarkable versatility. Touring extensively with icons like Sean Carey, his talents have graced prestigious venues like Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha and Shanghai. His rich musical contributions elevate the quartet's sound, bringing depth and groove to every performance.
Josh Gallagher
Born into a musically inclined family in Eau Claire, WI, Josh Gallagher's musical journey began early with classical piano studies. His passion for jazz led him to Berklee College of Music, where he studied under luminaries and earned a performance degree in 2007. Returning to Eau Claire, he's become a pillar of the local jazz scene, serving as a church organist since 2010. Gallagher's virtuosity on keys adds layers of harmony and melody to the quartet's sound, enriching their compositions with his deep musical understanding.
Together, Jason and The Jazzerknots blend their diverse backgrounds and musical influences into a vibrant tapestry of jazz that captivates and inspires. Their performances are a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft, and their music resonates with audiences far and wide.