If some folks just seemed destined from birth to pursue a career in music, then Southern California native John Jorgenson, a three-time winner of the Academy of Country Music award for Guitarist of the Year, is clearly one such person.
As the product of a musical family – his father conducted for the Benny Goodman Orchestra – the classically trained musician demonstrated enormous talent early on. Jorgenson idolized Goodman and often played with various members of the band while his father was leading the way. After graduation from high school Jorgenson took a job as a member of the onsite jazz and bluegrass group at Disneyland, a “temporary” gig that ended up lasting eight years. While there Jorgenson relentlessly perfected his skill, mastered the mandolin and guitar while also playing saxophone and clarinet.
As evidence of his astounding versatility he was, at one point, the featured bassoonist for the Camerata of Los Angeles, a highly respected city symphony. But it was through guitar that Jorgenson found the greatest level of expression, reaching a degree of expertise that led to work with the 1980s reunited Byrds, as well as extensive sessions for artists ranging from Roy Orbison to Bob Dylan, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Dan Fogelberg, and Michael Nesmith.
In 1986, complimenting his hectic schedule as a musician in demand, Jorgenson teamed up with Byrds co-founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chris Hillman in Hillman’s latest adventure, to be tabbed The Desert Rose Band. Along with noted session player (and longtime Jorgenson friend) Herb Pedersen, the three, supported by members Bill Bryson, Steve Duncan, and Jay Dee Maness, achieved nearly instant critical and commercial success.
By 1988 they’d been named the Academy of Country Music’s Touring Band of the Year, an honor they repeated in 1989 and 1990. Yet despite their success the group amicably parted ways in 1992; Jorgenson was restless to tackle new projects and Hillman wanted to cut back on the touring life. Jorgenson briefly assembled an instrumental band dubbed The Hellecasters, and while they achieved only limited success (recording two albums) the seeds for an instrumental outfit were planted.
From 1995 through 2002 Jorgenson was a featured member of Elton John’s touring band. While continuing with various side projects, including a pair of bluegrass albums with Rose Maddox, he began delving into the lucrative world of film scoring. During the early 2000s, his interest in gypsy swing became evident; he portrayed Django Reinhardt in a film (Head in the Clouds), and formed a quintet including rhythm guitarist Doug Martin, violin player Jason Anick, bassist Simon Planting, and drummer Rick Reed.
Their debut album, American Music appeared in 2004, followed by Ultraspontane three years later. Their two most recent efforts, Istiqbal Gathering, and the live recording One Stolen Night, continued Jorgenson’s fascination with Gypsy Jazz; both were favorably reviewed in Rapid River Magazine and are well worth seeking out.
With a pair of new studio albums and an in concert DVD in the works, Jorgenson remains as busy as ever. His praises are sung by the likes of Billy Joel (with whom he toured), and guitarists as far ranging as Duane Eddy and Peter Frampton. But, the best way to discover what they already know is to see firsthand an artist who is leaving a lasting legacy in the art of guitar performance, a virtuoso whose lofty status is not only well deserved, but perhaps under estimates his amazing talent.
If You Go: The John Jorgenson Quintet, Sunday, March 29, 2015. Doors open at 7 p.m. for this 8 p.m. all ages seated show. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 day of. The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville. Call (828) 232-5800 or visit www.thegreyeagle.com
