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"