For those unaware, in his career, Tomas Janzon, born in Stockholm, Sweden, has consistently created music that is tasteful, lyrical, and subtle but unpredictable except in its excellence.

Nomadic (his sixth release as a leader) was born during the pandemic and is described by the guitarist as a snapshot of what went on during 2020-21.

For this intimate project, the guitarist teams up with vibraphonist Steve Nelson on six numbers, five of which also include bassist Hillard Greene and drummer Chuck McPherson. The other five selections showcase Janzon in a sparse trio with bassist Jeff Littleton and drummer Tony Austin.

1. Out Door Valley (4:41)
2. Rob’s Piano (6:11)
3. Night Watch (4:56)
4. Letter from JSB (3:50)
5. Search for Peace (3:47)
6. Valse Hot (3:15)
7. SubconsciousLee-Hot House (3:35)
8. Ascending (3:37)
9. Uncovering (3:14)
10. Blue Frog Return (3:36)
11. Pressing Forward (4:07)

This beautifully-curated and wholly heartfelt new recording opens on the playfully flirtacious Door Valley and the low slung, finger-snapping, blues hipsway within Robs Piano and then brings us the more calculated rhythms and melodies within Night Watch, the organically-sculptured, Latin guitar-hued Letter from JSB and the lushly plush Search for Peace.

Along next for our enjoyment is the frolicsome, yet cultured Valse Hot and my own personal favorite from thus new set, the upbeat, joyous and simply divine SubconsciousLee-Hot House, and they are in turn backed by the melodically charming Ascending, the quietly articulate balladry within Uncovering, the album rounding out on the light blues swing of Blue Frog Return, closing on the finger-snapping, toe-tapping Pressing Forward.

Nomadic is Tomas Janzon’s latest accomplishment, a set of accessible yet consistently inventive music that grows in interest with each listen.

Musicians:
Tomas Janzon - guitar
Steve Nelson - vibrapone
Hilliard Greene - bass
Chuck McPherson - drums
Jeff Littleton - bass
Tony Austin - drums

www.tomasjanzon.com