" data-original-title="" title="">Jon Dalton, a Los Angeles-based guitarist with roots in the UK and Native American descent, brings an intriguing musical background to Carousel. Having toured with hard rock and heavy metal bands among other genres, Dalton sharpened his jazz chops along the way, blending that grit with the fluidity of jazz. The result is a collection of strong, memorable compositions that weave contemporary jazz fusion with traces of pop-rock, making for an eclectic yet accessible sound.

Dalton first made waves as a leader with his 2003 release, The Gift (ODAP Music), which hit #1 on New York's CIM Jazz Chart and continues to enjoy sync placements and rotation worldwide. In Carousel, Dalton pushes his sound further, blending modern and traditional influences in a fresh but grounded way.

The album kicks off with "Spaceship Orion," a radio-friendly opener that hooks the listener from the start. The melody dances playfully yet purposefully, with Dalton's guitar work balancing technical finesse and heartfelt emotion. His riffs shimmer like the title's celestial reference, while John-Paul Gard's soul-drenched organ and Dalton's laid-back vocals warm the track's cosmic swing. It feels like the perfect setup for the album's overarching theme—an exploration of joy, movement, and discovery.

Next up is the title track, "The Carousel," which feels like stepping into a bright, sunny day. Dalton's mid-toned,