New Release on Origin/OA2 Records: "Shaw's Groove"

Joined by master guitarist, John Stowell, and four pillars of the Bay Area jazz scene, guitarist Jason Keiser dives into the music and aesthetic of trumpeter Woody Shaw's great recordings of the '70s. His most popular originals, "The Moontrane" "Zoltan," and "Katerina Ballerina," as well as his live repertoire standards "Obsequious," and "Organ Grinder," are orchestrated for the special grouping of the two guitars, Erik Jekabson on trumpet and Aaron Lington on baritone saxophone for the front line, with the powerful rhythm section of Dan Robbins and Jason Lewis providing a buoyant, churning momentum. Keiser offers his own "Shaw's Groove" as a coda and a nod to trumpet innovator's influence over generations.

1. Organ Grinder 4:42
2. Zoltan 7:07
3. The Moontrane 6:48
4. Katerina Ballerina 5:52
5. Blues for Woody 4:22
6. Obsequious 3:19
7. Jean Marie 4:53
8. Shaw's Groove 6:17

PERFORMERS:
Jason Keiser - guitar
John Stowell - guitar
Erik Jekabson - trumpet/flugelhorn
Aaron Lington - baritone saxophone
Dan Robbins - double bass
Jason Lewis - drums

PRODUCTION INFO:
Produced by Jason Keiser
Recorded by Steven Glaze at Highland Studios,
Los Gatos, CA on August 18th, 2022
Mixed by Steven Glaze at Tone Freq Recording,
San Jose, CA
Mastered by Ron Rice, Falls Church, VA
Photography by Walter Wagner & Marilyn Wagner
Cover design & layout by John Bishop

Order yourself a Limited Edition CD signed personally by Jason Keiser or digital copy via Bandcamp below!

​"Shaw's Groove" Record Reviews
April 24th-Present

May 24th, 2023: All About Jazz by Jack Bowers
"The "Shaw" in guitarist Jason Keiser's album Shaw's Groove is the late great Woody Shaw, one of the more innovative and influential jazz trumpeters of the twentieth century. Even though he lived only forty-four years (he died in May 1989), Shaw was an important role model whose sweeping influence remains strong to this day, both as a player and composer.

The first four songs on Shaw's Groove were written by Shaw himself, among the many he composed while performing and recording with such luminaries as Willie Bobo, Eric Dolphy, Bud Powell, Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, Horace Silver, Jackie McLean, Chick Corea, Booker Ervin, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Art Blakey, George Cables and many others. Played back-to-back, they prove that Shaw's writing was almost as admirable as his playing.

To undertake this earnest tribute, Keiser employs a sextet with a slightly unusual lineup: trumpet (of course), baritone sax, bass, drums and two guitars (Keiser and John Stowell). Erik Jekabson sits in for Shaw, baritone Aaron Lington shares the front line, and bassist Dan Robbins and drummer Jason Lewis keep the rhythm on course. As for Keiser and Stowell, they parcel out both melodic and rhythmic assignments. To unschooled musical ears, there are only two ways to play guitar: the right way and the wrong way (those who have been exposed to rock, heavy metal and the like will no doubt grasp the allusion). Keiser and Stowell have chosen the right way.

Keiser has also chosen several of Shaw's better tunes: "Organ Grinder," "Zoltan," "The Moontrane" and "Katerina Ballerina" (the last of which brings to mind the Gershwin brothers' "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess) to open the session, preceding Shaw and Ronnie Mathews' breezy "Blues for Woody," Larry Young's ill-defined "Obsequious," Matthews' ethereal waltz, "Jean Marie," and Keiser's strangely ponderous "Shaw's Groove." Each of them is respectable; Shaw's themes are simply more engaging.

What we have is an album that starts in high gear (Shaw), then stumbles on its stratagems (everything else). While everyone plays well enough and is no doubt committed to the enterprise, in the end Shaw's Groove is a step or so less engaging than it might have been. Worth a listen, though, if only for Shaw's admirable compositions." © Jack Bowers, All About Jazz.

JAZZ'HALO (BELGIUM) by GEORGES TONLA BRIQUET
"An ode to Woody Shaw with two guitarists in the ranks, a horn section with trumpet and baritone saxophone all propelled by a rhythm section of double bass and drums.

It was guitarist Jason Keizer who had the idea to pay tribute to the trumpeter who is considered one of the last great innovators of classic jazz. Erik Jekabson was given the task of following in Shaw's footsteps and he does so with verve thanks to a solid framework.

Baritone saxophonist Aaron Lington clearly has the right record collection with work by Leo Parker and Harry Carney, among others. Double bassist Dan Robbins and drummer Jason Lewis are unmistakably present in the right mode and especially with the appropriate groove every time. Regarding the latter, Keizer himself and fellow guitarist John Stowell excel in the same classical style.

The set list includes standards from Shaw's repertoire, including of course 'Organ Grinder', 'The Moontrane' and 'Katerina Ballerina'. Not surprising that a composition by Larry Young is also reprized ('Obsequious') since Shaw played on his reference work 'Unity'. They close with an appropriate title by Keizer himself, 'Shaw's Groove'. A time warp to a golden era when swing and bebop helped define the jazz canon." © Georges Tonla Briquet

April 24th, 2023: Jazz Weekly: by George Harris
"Guitarist Jason Keiser leads a two guitar team alongside John Stowell with the horns of Erik Jekabson/tp-fh and Aaron Lington/bs and a rhythm section of Dan Robbins/b and Jason Lewis/dr for an album focusing on material written by the late great Woody Shaw, along with some material from the pen of Ronnie Matthews, Larry Young and himself.

While known as an inspiring trumpet player, Shaw’s compositions hold up well in the unorthodox setting, as Jekabson is clear  and the guitars steer well through “Organ Grinder” while Lington’s deep sax sounds comfortable swaying through “Zoltan”. The guitars bopp through “Moontrane”  and are gentle on the easy “Katerina Ballerine” while “Blues For Woody” is a muscular setting for the baritone saxist and “Obsequious” has Jekabson in a fluffy mood". Keiser’s own “Shaw’s Groove” has the horns swaying , and Jean Marie is a soulful strut. An overdue salute to a neglected double threat giant." © George Harris

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May 2022: The Axe Axis featuring Rick Vandivier & John Stowell

The Axe Axis brings into focus the area of jazz music that Jason is most inspired by; modal jazz.

The record features Jason Keiser in solo guitar arrangements of 3 tunes, and features special guests jazz guitarists Rick Vandivier & John Stowell on 9 other compositions and tunes.

All tunes were arranged by Jason Keiser
Tracks 3, 5, 6, 8 were composed by Jason Keiser
Tracks 9 & 12 were arranged by Jason Keiser & Rick Vandivier
Tracks 11-12 were arranged by Jason Keiser & John Stowell

"Jason Keiser is emerging as a jazz guitarist and composer to take notice of. His improvisations are spontaneous, in the moment, compositional and melodic. His songs are informed with a strong melodic sensibility, combined with some unusual harmonies that make for compelling listening... It will be interesting to see where Jason’s musical journey will take him next. We’ll be watching and listening."
John Stowell
Portland, Oregon, February 2022

Guitars & Gear used as well as info:

Jason Keiser uses a 1977 Ovation Legend; Model 1117, previously owned by legendary bluegrass guitar virtuoso; Wyatt Rice. Strings: Elixir 13 gauge Phosphor Bronze strings & custom tortoise shell pick by David Welch, Florida, USA. Microphones Jason uses included Neumann KM-184 Condenser & Royer Lab R10 Ribbon Microphones.

Rick Vandivier uses a Ibanez GB 10. George Benson signature model. Made in 1983. Rick used a Music Man '210-HD one hundred thirty' amp.

John Stowell uses a custom Wright Guitar Soloette: Hybrid Maple. For amps and effects, John uses: VSA amps, AER Acousticube 120, Acoustic Image 10/2, Henriksen Jazz Amp. John also uses Tonehunter pedals and Evidence Audio speaker and guitar cables. 

creditsreleased May 6, 2022
Jason Keiser (Guitar, composer, primary artist) tracks 1-12
Special guests:
Rick Vandivier (Guitar, special guest) tracks 9, 12
John Stowell (Guitar, special guest) tracks 2-3, 5-6, 8-11
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Steven Glaze at Tone Freq. Recording Studios & Tone Freq. Mastering, San Jose, CA.

Recording tracking sessions were on 1/14/22 featuring Jason & Rick, & 2/10/22 & 2/17/22 featuring Jason & John.

"The Axe Axis" Record Review 

Minor 7th Acoustic Guitar Webzine Autumn 2022 Review by James Scott
"Jason Keiser's current release The Axe Axis contains an eclectic blend of original compositions and thoughtfully chosen standards played on an Ovation steel string acoustic.

Keiser is a multi-instrumentalist holding an undergraduate degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music from East Tennessee State University and a Masters in Jazz Studies from San Jose State University. He currently divides his time by teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area and performing in various ensembles across the continental United States.

The recoding begins with Keiser's ambitious interpretation of John Coltrane's "Africa," featuring percussive harmonics, dramatic chordal movements, and sophisticated improvisations. Throughout the impressive arrangement the guitarist replicates McCoy Tyner's signature quartal voicings, paying homage to the original quartet, within the parameters of his unaccompanied acoustic. The ethereal reading of "Stella By Starlight," finds Keiser joined by his former teacher Rick Vandivier on electric guitar. Together the two elegantly swing as they seamlessly navigate through the altered harmonies and challenging chord changes of this seminal standard. The captivatingly dissident "A Fox Trot" is a latin tinged tribute to the late trumpeter Freddie Hubbard featuring John Stowell. The piece contains modal chord changes with dueling acoustics interchanging incendiary single note runs. As the piece ends the two continue to improvise, generating beautifully conceived spontaneous dialogues. Keiser's "Wheeler's Waltz" is a heartfelt tribute to Kenny Wheeler featuring inspired, compassionate soloing by the leader and Stowell. The intricate and intuitive interplay between the musicians on the duets brings to mind the pivotal collaborations between Ralph Towner and John Abercrombie. The jaunty reading of "All the Things You Are" illustrates the leaders extraordinary command of his instrument showcasing elaborate chord melodies and dazzling solos. The recording ends with Keiser's reflective arrangement of Kenny Wheeler's "Gentle Piece," marking an appropriate conclusion to a recording of remarkable performances.

​Jason Keiser is a masterful guitarist whose melodic improvisations and eloquent chord melodies reveal a prodigious and promising talent. The Axe Axis is an exceptional musical sojourn and is highly recommended for all listeners of contemporary improvised music."
© James Scott, Minor 7th Acoustic Guitar Webzine.

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September 2022: The New Acoustic Collective
"Amor en Ritmo" featuring Thomas Cassell, Melissa Garay, Jim Kerwin, & Mike Mullins!

"Amor en Ritmo" by The New Acoustic Collective is the newest upcoming record from that blends and fuses bluegrass, jazz, latin, and world music in a unique instrumentation of strings and brass featuring some of the top up and coming musicians in the Bay Area!

"Amor en Ritmo" features special guests Thomas Cassell (Mandolin), Melissa Garay (vocals), Jim Kerwin (Double Bass), & Mike Mullins (Mandolin).

"Amor en Ritmo" showcases The NAC's love of latin music and its unique fusion with bluegrass, world music, and jazz that brings the listener back to The David Grisman Quintet's 95 release; "Dawg A Nova".

Mixing by: Steven Glaze; Tone Freq. Recording Studio
Mastering by: Ron Rice LLC
Produced by: Jason Keiser

creditsreleased September 3, 2022

Jason Keiser (Guitar/Primary Composer/Producer tracks 1-10)
Rodrigo Ruiz (Arco/Pizzicato Double Bass tracks 1-6, 9-10)
Nathaniel Grohmann (Cello tracks 1-6, 8-10)
Jacob Jackman (Trumpet tracks 1-6, 8-10)

Special Guests:
Thomas Cassell (Mandolin tracks 1-6, 8-10)
Melissa Garay (Vocals tracks 4 & 6)
Jim Kerwin (Double Bass track 8)
Mike Mullins (Mandolin track 7)

Composers:
Jason Keiser (Tracks 1, 3, 5-6, 8)
Wyatt Rice (Track 2)
Luiz Bonfá (Track 4)
John Carlini (Track 7)
Tony Rice (Track 9)
Paco de Lucia (Track 10)

Lyrics:
Melissa Garay (Track 6)
Luiz Bonfá (Track 4)

Buy your digital copy here today or find it on all platforms!