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"Swingin' Easy...Hittin' Hard"
 
 
 
 

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 namethat of the brilliant Belgian, Toots Thielemans. Now, one more name should be remembered: PT Gazell.

 

Leonid AUSKERN

 

© 2005 Jazz-Square

 

Once every decade or so PT delivers a Masterpiece.
Reviewer: Gerry Webb
Prolific is not a word used in association with PT Gazell. He picks his spots. His last effort, "PACE YOURSELF", was mystifying in its brilliance. It was and is a Bluegrass tour de force. Then, he disappeared for a decade or two. Luckily for us he's crawled out of his hiding place long enough to record a brilliant Jazz Swing masterpiece. His playing is impeccable. I've never heard or heard of a diatonic harmonica player who could even attempt to play this stuff. Toots Thielemans comes closest, but he's playing a chromatic harmonica. Comparing them is to compare apples and tubas. PT's band, “the side effects”, is a tight jazz ensemble. PT's playing is clean and crisp. He doesn't indulge in the pyrotechnics of his youth like he did from time to time on his previous effort. It is our collective misfortune that he does not tour and that he does not record more often. His first recording made his legend in the Bluegrass and harmonica communities. This record should introduce him to a much wider audience. It swings its fun... It's musical. PT's playing is flawless. His band is rock solid. Jazz Guitar player Andy Reiss offers some tasty licks of his own and PT gives him plenty of room to shine. The combination of Roger Spencer on Acoustic Bass and Chris Brown on Drums is right on time. The occasional addition of Vibes adds just the right tone to this tasteful project. "Swinging Easy, Hittin’ Hard" is an example of a man at the top of his game. I cannot recommend anything more highly.

Many of them are songs you’ve known forever—the rest, you’ll be humming soon enough
Reviewer: Wayne Campbell
So I’m talking to a friend on the phone yesterday and I casually mention that PT Gazell has a new CD out. “Really?” he asks, “What’s it like.” I tell him it’s jazzy…and it’s great…and, again, I get the “Really?” treatment…followed by “On the harmonica?” For a brief moment, I contemplate explaining the not-so-revolutionary nature of such a proposition. Instead, I just assure my friend that he needs to buy the disc and then we’ll talk. Actually, there are two compelling reasons to buy a copy of “Swingin’ Easy…Hittin’ Hard.” The first is pretty obvious: The ten tracks on this CD are an unconstrained joy to the ear. Many of them are songs you’ve known forever—the rest, you’ll be humming soon enough after hearing PT’s fresh takes on standards like “How High The Moon” and “September Song.” Younger readers won’t appreciate this comment, but this is truly a compilation that makes you grateful for the CD format, lest you worry about playing a disc so much you wear down the grooves. The performances are flawless in that casual way that makes you tend to under appreciate the shear musicality of the performers. If you’re still looking for another reason to buy this disc, here it is: Opening the jewel case and removing the disc (a pre-requisite for maximum enjoyment) reveals a seldom seen sight—the inside of a harmonica. Much like my friend’s reaction to the idea of harmonica jazz, the inner workings—such as they are—are deceptively simple, but in the case of PT Gazell’s new CD, they yield a pleasing outcome.

Reviewer: Monkeytown Music
“Swingin’ Easy … Hittin’ Hard” – sure does. Throughout the ten songs on this album, PT Gazell & the side effects take us on a diverse and thoroughly enjoyable musical journey. But, aside from the adept musicianship, what strikes you are the song choices and the unique arrangements they’re given. Gazell and the group of musicians assembled to record this disc take on western swing tunes like the Leon McAuliffe penned “Panhandle Rag,” as well as jazz standards “How High the Moon” and “If I Were A Bell,” with a fresh tack. The opening track (“Just You, Just Me”) pretty much serves notice that what you’re about to listen to is different - harmonica, guitar and … vibes (?). You bet. But the real standout in this collection is “September Song.” Everyone from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to Chet Baker and Django Reinhardt has covered this Kurt Weill standard. PT Gazell’s interpretation will have you adding him to this list as well. And, as an aside, you may want to note that Gazell performs all of these tunes on a diatonic … not a chromatic harp. Don’t ask me, I don’t know how he does it either. It’s been 27 years since PT Gazell’s last album (“Pace Yourself”). Let’s hope we don’t have to wait around that long for the next one. But if we do, he’s given us a collection of tunes that ought to tide us over ‘til then.


 

 

"Pace Yourself"

AMG REVIEW

"Fans of harmonica players know Gazell and find him technically way ahead of the pack on the little instrument, able to expressively articulate each note in a rapid passage with feeling as well as skill, inviting comparisons with jazz masters such as the tenor saxophonists Wayne Marsh or Sonny Rollins. A "best" can be passed out in terms of harmonica playing that surely means something.

"Pace Yourself" is one of the best recordings highlighting the harmonica ever made, pure and simple. This includes performances in all genres that the harmonica has worked its way into — which with a bit of research is revealed to be just about everything including Indian raga"....

Eugene Chadbourne

FROM CD BABY

This is a great and timeless piece of American art.
Reviewer: Gerry Webb
"This disc contains virtuoso performances by three of the world's greatest and most accomplished musicians. It should be required listening for any aspiring musician in any format. You will not hear tighter ensemble playing anywhere. You will not hear pure, unadulterated joy or be more awed by the inventive, clean, pure, moving solos on this disc. There is not a single note out of place. There is not one musical corner that goes undiscovered. The music is out front, as it should be. There is no hiding behind gimmicks or technology. This is pure in every sense of the word. With this work, PT Gazell takes his rightful place among the world's finest and most inspiring musicians."

PT's PEERS

"I love the "PACE YOURSELF" CD.  Your sidekicks back then were pretty hot
too...!  Thanks"  
Peter "Madcat" Ruth

"Don't be surprised if you hear some of your licks, tunes,styles, etc at the
next convention. I've just sent you an order for your CDs and I intend on
stealing a lot from them!! Thanks for the inspiration. You rock!".....
Jim Conway

"It was a pleasure to see you and to hear you play again. I can't wait till
your new CD is out, please let me know when it is done. Take care and please don´t stop playing again!!!"...Mikael Backman, Sweden

"You blew away MANY harp players that had NO idea that could be done on diatonic so expertly & MUSICALLY....but then again, your a Pro!!"....Rob Paparozzi

"You have a beautiful sound; what comes through your harp is always sweet and
musical"....George Brooks

"...CD reissue of PT Gazell's classic country harp album from the late
70s, with a couple of previously unissued tracks thrown into the
bargain. If you've worn out your LP, you'll need a CD copy. If you
never had it on LP, you'll also need a CD copy."....Pat Misson 

"I remember hearing your album some time ago, and it inspired me to include an up tempo version of
Billy in the Lowground on my CD"...Tony Eyers

"Wholeheartedly recommended! This was one of my first harmonica LP's, he was a big influence for me. Bonus tracks on the CD also! Get Phil as a convention performer!"...Michael Peloquin

"Your album has always been a treasure to me because when I started playing 16 years ago there wasn't much available other than blues players '....Chris Michalek

 

 I set in on part of that class and really enjoyed hearing PT Gazell play.  What a smooth style and his demo on bending notes was great.  It was good to hear what a modern day master can do on the harp.  I had been working on playing Red Haired Boy and after hearing him I decided that I have a lot of work to do... Chris Otto

Bluesharp.org


 

 

 






 

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