JOHN JORGENS0N

JOHN JORGENSON

[http://www.johnjorgenson.com]

Growing up in Southern California, John was playing both the piano and the clarinet by age 8.  At 12 he got his first guitar and practiced voraciously while continuing to study classical music on woodwinds.  By age 14, John was playing professionally.  Learning first to play rock guitar, John absorbed other guitar styles as quickly as he discovered them.  This broad musical  palette has enabled him to play with artists as diverse as Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, and Benny Goodman.  He is an “A-List” session player working in LA, Nashville, and London.  John has appeared on numerous Platinum-selling and Grammy-winning CD’s.

Although John is well-renowned in the pop, country, and rock world, gypsy jazz is the style of music closest to his heart.  Because of his international reputation as a gypsy jazz player, John was twice asked to recreate Django Reinhardt’s music for feature films, “Gattica,” and,  ”Head in the Clouds. “  The latter released in early 2005 and starring Charlize Theron and Penelope Cruz, features John on camera as Django Reinhardt, complete with a burned hand and gypsy moustache.  2004 also marked the release of Franco-American Swing on J2/JGM Records.  As  John Jorgenson’s latest creative work, the CD is full of infectious gypsy jazz music.  The Nashville Chamber Orchestra joins John in this collection of original  compostions and gypsy jazz classics, pushing the boundaries as it adds to the tonal palette of traditional gypsy jazz.  Beautiful melodies, and soulful virtuosity abound for playing.  Additionally, John released two gypsy jazz guitar instruction books and DVD’s, and a third instruction book is due to come out later this year.  Currently living in Nashville, John tours worldwide playing gypsy jazz with The John Jorgenson Quintet.  He also performs in the UK with his electric band, John Jorgenson &  Friends, and continues to collaborate with other artists live and in the studio.