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"PT Gazell's new CD "Swingin' Easy...Hittin' Hard" is truly a breath of fresh air. I think it's really SENSATIONAL. Great stuff, and a great selection of songs. I've listened twice and I'm ready to listen again. Congrats!"

-Charlie McCoy

One player who impressed a lot of people was PT Gazell, who has pioneered his own tasty swing jazz style on the half-valved Richter diatonic. He comes from a bluegrass background but got bored and gave up for 15 years when he couldn’t get the blue notes he needed for jazz. Then he picked up the half-valved harp and has mastered the valved bends in a way I’ve never heard before, giving himself a different way to achieve full chromaticism on the diatonic harp. It gives him an interesting new style that really works. Check out his recording... “Swinging Easy, Hitting hard”

-Brendan Power

Musicians who live in Tennessee are usually obligated to play Country music. Specializing on the diatonic harmonica, PT Gazell paid tribute to this American Style of Music, by dedicating his debut album to Bluegrass. But who’s to say that a musician from Tennessee cannot also love jazz—which, by the way, is also American Music. On his new album Gazell convincingly demonstrates his version of jazz on the diatonic harmonica.

The amount of time between his two works is considerable. Gazell’s visits to the studio are not what you would call frequent. But, in this case the saying " better seldom, than never” is justified. “Swingin ' Easy...Hittin’ Hard”, sounds as if it were specially made to illustrate the possibilities that are hidden in swing jazz. From the first track to the last, the album is very warm, very optimistic, and has a genuine jazz atmosphere. Playing on an instrument not widespread in jazz, and using other not so standard instruments to round out the quartet, (along with harmonica, the soloists are guitar and vibes,) PT Gazell has refused the safe route on all known and popular standards. For the most part, this project covers a wide range of material and songwriters, such as Wes Montgomery’s’ “The Thumb, to Kurt Weils “September Song” but doesn’t leave the listener worn out.

The performance level of PT and his colleagues is rather high, and for the most part extremely interesting. In particular, the combination of harmonica and vibes is unusual and fresh. Until now, the idea of “harmonica in jazz “ brings to mind only one name—that of the brilliant Belgian, Toots Thielemans. Now, one more name should be remembered: PT Gazell.

Leonid AUSKERN

PT Gazell, harmonica; Roger Spencer, bass; Chris Brown, drums; Andy Reiss, guitar; and Kirby Shelstad, vibes.

PT Gazell is an harmonica player from Tennessee who specializes in playing the diatonic harmonica rather than the full-scale chromatic harmonica. His previous CD focused on bluegrass, and on this new one he weighs in with matchless Jazz sensibility.

The opening cut, "Just You, Just Me," introduces Gazell's richness of tone on harmonica with light-hearted blowing accompanied superbly by the band. The Wes Montgomery tune "The Thumb" is delightfully explored with rhythmic complexity.

"Panhandle Rag" is a witty swinging session, and the guitar solo adds a nice relief. "If I Were a Bell" exquisitely displays Gazell's bending the notes to achieve an improvised bell-like quality.

"How High the Moon" has an emotional immediacy with Gazell shaping the phrasing, and the band kicks in just at the right moment on this enchanting offering. "September Song" is a masterpiece that is achingly beautiful with a steady stream of shapes that puts Gazell's command of control on harmonica at the top of any list.

This CD consisting of ten cuts is an innovative feat, and those who may not be fans of the harmonica, give it a try. Gazell and his ensemble will surprise and delight Jazz aficionados on this refreshingly creative effort.

- Dorothy Hill JAZZNOW

"PT Gazell's "Swingin' Easy...Hittin" Hard" CD not only establishes him as one of today's modern harmonica masters, but also his command of the instrument clearly puts him at the front of establishing the valved diatonic harp as a sweet, wonderful, swinging, and clear alternative to the chromatic harmonica, much the same way Howard Levy established the diatonic harmonica as a fully capable chromatic instrument with the over blow technique. So in short, PT is here to stay and so are his valved harps!"

- Jason Ricci

From a Harmonica Player's standpoint this new album covers some uncharted territory, PT is not using the Howard Levy style of 'Overblow' technique, but rather a regular diatonic harmonica that is 'half valved'. The valved technique allows him to execute the songs without switching harps. (certain reeds are fitted with a plastic wind valve similar to the valves on a chromatic harmonica.)

What I dig most about PT is that he approaches his instrument as a MUSICIAN first and secondly as a harmonica player. In doing so he completely frees himself from all the "predictable harmonica" clichés that we've all come to know too well. Most impressive for me is PT's tasty "Phrasing" that really assists in the swinging...but even cooler is the diverse and unique repertoire he has chosen for the CD. His Musicianship as well as his song choices are impeccable.

It's refreshing to hear great innovators on our instrument and PT always delivers, hopefully this will inspire other harp players to take chances and seek out material that works well on Diatonic. A must have for all serious players!

-Rob Paparozzi