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Tomas Janzon: Nomadic

By Jack Bowers
June 1, 2023
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Nomadic,

Tomas Janzon

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Tomas Janzon's sixth album as leader, is a pleasant, easy-going session that benefits greatly from the presence, on half a dozen tracks, of the superb vibraphonist

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Nelson who adds substance and color to what is essentially a quartet or trio session wherein Janzon's mellow guitar carries much of the weight.

There are eleven tracks in all, the first four and last four by Janzon, separated by

McCoy Tyner

piano
1938 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">McCoy Tyner's tranquil "Search for Peace,"

Sonny Rollins

saxophone
b.1930

" data-original-title="" title="">Sonny Rollins' no-more-than-lukewarm "Valse Hot" and

Lee Konitz

saxophone, alto
1927 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Lee Konitz &

Tadd Dameron

piano
1917 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Tadd Dameron's light- hearted "Subconscious Lee/Hot House." Nelson rounds out a quartet on five of his six numbers, with

Hilliard Greene

bass
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">Hilliard Greene on bass and

Chuck McPherson

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Chuck McPherson on drums. Janzon and Nelson comprise a duo on the former's "Letter from JSB," while the remaining trio tracks are played by Janzon, bassist

Jeff Littleton

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Littleton and drummer

Tony Austin

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Tony Austin.

After lighting a small but no less welcome fire on "Hothouse" and his own "Ascending" (again with Nelson), Janzon walks it back on "Blue Frog Return" and (to a lesser extent) on "Pressing Forward," which wraps up the smooth and generally likeable session. Littleton solos on that one, a rare instance wherein the spotlight strays from Janzon or Nelson—which is not displeasing, as each of them has a wealth of interesting ideas to impart. In sum, not an album that screams "wow!" but one that encompasses handsome music from end to end. Perfect for those quiet times when lights are low and repose is the order of the day.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Out Door Valley; Rob��s Piano; Night Watch; Letter from JSB; Search for Peace; Valse Hot; Subconscious Lee/Hot House; Ascending; Uncovering; Blue Frog Return; Pressing Forward.

Personnel

Tomas Janzon

guitar

Steve Nelson

vibraphone

Hilliard Greene

bass

Jeff Littleton

bass

Chuck McPherson

drums

Tony Austin

drums

Album information

Title: Nomadic | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Changes Music - Tomas Janzon

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