Customer Reviews

One Stolen Night

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John does it all, and no one does it better. He plays phenomenal and flawless acoustic gypsy jazz (and beyond) with his quintet as well as with the Orchestra Nashville (get Istiqbal Gathering - now) , blazing and dangerous electric telecaster with the Hellecasters, celebrity stadium rock with Elton John, country rock with the Desert Rose Band, and much, much more many more top-notch musicians. Oh, and he swings like Benny Goodman on the clarinet just for good measure. It's not fair to us mere mortal musicians, but it doesn't matter because Jorgy is also a generous and impassioned educator and all-around ambassador of good will wherever he goes as well as being a first rate composer of brilliant and original music. One Stolen Night is pure aural pleasure. I hope the King lives to be 150 years old and is touring into the 22nd century!

There's a reason that country superstar Brad Paisley lists John Jorgensen the "essential" guitar players in the introduction to his song "Cluster Pluck" on his top-selling guitar album "Play". (The other include Chet Atkins, Redd Volkaert and Bill Kirchen - all fabulous guitar pickers - who join Paisley on that instrumental) That's because Jorgensen has those magical fingers that fly across the strings at lightening speed. To see him in person is a joy, but he comes across just as good on "record". While most folks who know him, think of him as primarily a purveyor of "gypsy jazz" - the style created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli - the breadth of his repertoire is much wider. This album is just one example. Among the 13 tracks is just one Reinhardt composition, while Jorgensen composed eight others. There's even a nod to the classics, with the Quintet's take on Grieg's "Norwegian Dance". And 1920s American jazz is featured on the standard "Dr. Jazz". There are slower numbers here too - with other members of the Quintet being given space for some solos, but its when Jorgensen takes the lead on the "hot" numbers that this album really excels.

I've been a huge fan of Jorgensen since I discovered him at an Arts Presenters conference about five years ago. If you have seen him play in person, you are probably already a fan. If not, listen to some sample tracks on this CD and you're sure to become one soon. (Hey, obviously Brad Paisley is!)

Oh yes, check out the CD he did with Orchestra Nashville. You'll see a different side of John - just as wonderful, only different.

Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"

We saw this group in person and loved the music. The CD is every bit as good and I can take it with me. Good music for attentive listening, to appreciate the virtuosity, and as background...creates a quietly exciting atmosphere.

This album is one of the best demonstrations of gypsy music. The songs are diversified and easy to listen to. Makes you want to get more of his albums.