Joined by master improviser, John Stowell on guitar, and four pillars of the Bay Area jazz scene, guitarist Jason Keiser dives into the music and aesthetic of trumpeter Woody Shaw's great recordings of the '70s. His most popular originals, "The Moontrane," "Zoltan," and "Katerina Ballerina," as well as his live repertoire standards "Obsequious" and "Organ Grinder," are orchestrated for the special grouping of the two guitars, Erik Jekabson on trumpet and Aaron Lington on baritone saxophone for the front line, with the powerful rhythm section of Dan Robbins & Jason Lewis providing a buoyant, churning momentum. Keiser offers his own "Shaw's Groove" as a coda and a nod to Woody's influence over generations, often considered to be the last great trumpet innovator.
"Jason keiser is a masterful guitarist whose melodic improvisations and eloquent chord melodies reveal a prodigious and promising talent." - James Scott, Minor 7th Acoustic Guitar Webzine
"Jason Keiser blew me away when I first heard him play. He possesses an incredible guitar technique that encompasses everything from lightning fast runs to sensitive and nuanced chordal work. He is also a creative and sophisticated composer. But beyond these formidable gifts, Jason plays with a passion and vivacity that is both palpable and contagious." - Mimi Fox
"Once in awhile you encounter an artist who transcends mere technical wizardry and brings something extra to the table that can't be taught. Jason Keiser is just such an artist. Jason's playing is adventurous and exuberant, with a stylistic sense of whimsy anchored by a studied command of his instrument, enabling him to color outside the lines while bringing the listener full-circle, each solo a unique journey. An extremely accomplished young guitarist and composer whose reverence for, and expertise of Jazz and New Acoustic music will serve listeners well for a long time to come." - Mike Mullins
"Guitarist Jason Keiser is finding a unique and compelling voice both as player and composer. His eclectic tastes in music and capability to live in different genres are combining in a beautiful synergy when Jason plays and writes. I will be following his career with interest and I look forward to collaborating with Jason in the near future." - John Stowell
