musicmaven
12 November 2009, 22:55
MacKenzie & Johnston Play Jazz Violin and Piano Using Old Style In A New Way
DAVID MACKENZIE AND JOSH JOHNSTON
NOTES HOME
SHANDON RECORDS
www.davidandjosh.com
When the violin was turned into a jazz instrument by Stephane Grappelli and Joe Venuti 80 years ago, it was a momentous occasion, especially since their style of swing-jazz thrilled virtually everyone who heard it. And although the violin has never left the jazz world (both mainstream jazz and smooth jazz), few violinists, especially since Grappelli died in 1997, have played in that classic swing-jazz style. Until now.
Take a listen to the David MacKenzie and Josh Johnston CD, NOTES HOME, because it does two things. It captures and recreates that swinging violin style from so many years ago, AND it updates it with some new contemporary variations.
There are upbeat numbers and slow, soft ones. And while Mackenzie’s Grappelli-styled violin playing is predominant, there are plenty of other solos by Johnston on piano and Stephen McFarlane on guitar (and a couple by bassist Andrew Csibi). MacKenzie wrote most of the material with a couple by Johnston.
If you like that old-style, swinging, bouncy, jazz violin sound, you will love this CD. If never heard any of the old recordings by Grappelli or Venuti, you are missing some great history. If you don’t check out this MacKenzie and Johnston CD, you are missing the revival, and you might not get a second chance. This is education that is FUN.
Available at amazon.com, cdbaby.com and itunes.com.
DAVID MACKENZIE AND JOSH JOHNSTON
NOTES HOME
SHANDON RECORDS
www.davidandjosh.com
When the violin was turned into a jazz instrument by Stephane Grappelli and Joe Venuti 80 years ago, it was a momentous occasion, especially since their style of swing-jazz thrilled virtually everyone who heard it. And although the violin has never left the jazz world (both mainstream jazz and smooth jazz), few violinists, especially since Grappelli died in 1997, have played in that classic swing-jazz style. Until now.
Take a listen to the David MacKenzie and Josh Johnston CD, NOTES HOME, because it does two things. It captures and recreates that swinging violin style from so many years ago, AND it updates it with some new contemporary variations.
There are upbeat numbers and slow, soft ones. And while Mackenzie’s Grappelli-styled violin playing is predominant, there are plenty of other solos by Johnston on piano and Stephen McFarlane on guitar (and a couple by bassist Andrew Csibi). MacKenzie wrote most of the material with a couple by Johnston.
If you like that old-style, swinging, bouncy, jazz violin sound, you will love this CD. If never heard any of the old recordings by Grappelli or Venuti, you are missing some great history. If you don’t check out this MacKenzie and Johnston CD, you are missing the revival, and you might not get a second chance. This is education that is FUN.
Available at amazon.com, cdbaby.com and itunes.com.