Jon Zeeman

Jon Zeeman - Zeeland - 2007 - Membrane

Jon Zeeman is an enthusiastic and highly regarded six-stringer currently based in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts (U.S.A.) who reveals his playing style as blues/jazz/rock/fusion, as a listener can readily experience on his most recent album, "Still Life". His most utilized guitars include a Sadowsky and a '63 Brown Deluxe. Zeeman has been playing guitar since 1969, and with no holds barred declares his career aspiration, "To make some more discs that people get to hear." When requested to divulge his one essential effect for the guitar, Zeeman came back with, "Amp distortion," and then pointed out his musicial goals, "I've got no specific goals at this time." He fervently hopes to one day study er... nothing, and is presently listening to Errol Garner, Storyville and Jimmy Bruno. His primary fulfillment? "Creating new music," he declares categorically. Zeeman concludes by listing current and approaching undertakings succinctly, by saying, "Playing jazz piano." © 1996-2013 Guitar Nine All Rights Reserved http://www.guitar9.com/bio/jonzeeman.html

What would it sound like if the Allman Brothers jammed with avant garde guitarist David Torn? It may turn out something along the lines of the delirious new release from guitarist/composer Jon Zeeman - Zeeland. Zeeman, who has played with both the aforementioned musician/groups offers up a jazz-blues-funk-fusion style that is simply a delight. "Mr. Head" is funky/groovy and Zeeman plays killer riffs with abandon, while "Surfside" shows the guitarist's more melodic side on a modern take on surf/lounge music. Credit needs to be given also to the shifting cast of backing musicians, like bassist Phil McArthur on the first number, and pianist Tom Regis on the soaring "Surfside." Bob Taylor's organ adds much to the flavor, while Randy Ward brings tasteful fretless bass (Ilken Deniz handles bass on two tracks as well). Drummers Keith Cronin and George Lily alternate numbers, and saxophonist John Michaelak appears to enhance "Kingsize." Lest the funkery fool you, this is some pretty jazzy stuff, with sophisticated changes and masterful musicianship. The rock and blues elements permeate but don't overwhelm and the results are quite satisfying. In fact I can't imagine anyone listening and not tapping a toe of bobbing their head to the addictive rhythms presented here. Zeeman's guitar work is hard to describe because he really has his own unique sound. There are flavors seeping in from all directions - one minute you think you hear Roy Buchanan blues and the next it's searing David Torn style, but he can bring it old school jazz style as well. But it is a mistake to say "sound," because this a is a guitarist of 1,000 tones. And all of them are good, very good. Zeeman's experiences with his own Studio Z has obviously given him an exceptional ear, and this album is very well balanced and eminently listenable. The players chosen for the particular songs suit the styles perfectly and there is a nice Miami Beach feel coloring the NYC and southern blues rock influences. Finally Zeeman's chops are incredible, but he still plays within (or just out) of the song structure well, enhancing rather than detracting like fast, but incoherent players often do. The soulful groove of "Coral" is the centerpiece, but guitar fans will love "Hard Roll" as well. Of course Zeeman really seems at home on the blues and his "D.A. Blues" will please fans of that genre. There really is no filler on this strong release either as even a buried album track like "Y" has one wondering why Zeeman is not more well known. Pick up a copy of Zeeland today if you are in the mood for awesome grooving guitar sounds. - Review by & © Brad Walseth © http://www.jazzchicago.net/reviews/2008/zeeman.html

Great album of instrumental melodic and groove-driven blues and funky jazz fusion by an artist that should really be more widely known outside New York, Florida, and Scandinavia. Jon has toured, recorded and performed with some great musicians including Susan Tedeschi, Janis Ian, Chris Spedding, and the Allman Brothers Band, and despite receiving some acclaim for his recordings, he has remained largely unnoticed in the music world. A great shame considering the amount of trash out there masquerading as music. “Zeeland” is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Please buy Jon’s great "Still Life” album. Support real music and genuine talent [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 121 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Mr. Head 3:52
2. Surfside 6:09
3. Zeeland 5:33
4. Slow Night Blues 4:49
5. Kingsize 6:02
6. Coral 4:18
7. Hard Roll 6:12
8. Get It 3:4
9. DA Blues 3:56
10. Y 6 22
11. Mr. Head (Reprise) 3:30

All tracks composed by Jon Zeeman

MUSICIANS

Jon Zeeman: guitars, keyboards (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9)
Phil McArthur: bass (1-3, 5, 7, 10, 11)
Ilken Deniz: bass (6, 9)
Randy Ward: fretless bass (2, 11)
Bob Taylor: organ (2, 5, 7, 10, 11)
Tom Regis: piano (2, 5, 7, 10, 11)
Keith Cronin: drums (2, 5, 7, 10, 11)
George Lily: drums (1, 3, 6, 9)
John Michaelak: saxophone (5)

SHORT BIO

From the age of 8, Jon Zeeman has been obsessed with guitars, amplifiers, wah-wah pedals, power tubes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Growing up outside NYC, he studied classical piano and decided on a career in music at the ripe age of 13. Early jobs at IHop and other occupations taught him that the business world, or anything that required waking up early was not for him, and so he spent his high school years practicing more and more and doing less and less homework. After studying music at Ithaca College for 2 years, Jon left school to play on the road. In the mid 80's Jon moved to New York City and became involved in producing, session work and song writing, working at his "Studio Z" in a downtown loft. The New York years were punctuated by many trips to Scandinavia, where he toured and recorded with several groups. Jon began performing his own music in the mid 90's working regularly at the "55" Club and other downtown venues. Leaving NYC at the birth of his daughter, Zoe, Jon now resides in Martha's Vineyard and West Palm Beach Florida, where he performs regularly. He has toured, recorded and performed with such notables as Susan Tedeschi , Janis Ian, The Burns Sisters Band, Chris Spedding , and the Allman Brothers Band. His first CD, "Still Life," was released in Europe in 2003 to much acclaim and was followed by "Zeeland" in 2008. Jon is excited to announce the 2013 release of "Down On My Luck." © 2013. jonzeeman. All rights reserved http://jonzeeman.com/Portfolio.html