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| Jonathan Ng, Sophomore Release - The Sphynx. A Swing Come True Jonathan Ng aims to get heads nodding and feet tapping with his sophomore release, The Sphynx. Jazz violinist, vocalist, and bandleader Jonathan Ng has spent the majority of his life making music that moves people. He specializes in the style of small group swing jazz, combining musical virtuosity with emotional expression.Jonathan also possesses a unique knowledge of swing dance bandleading founded on his expertise as a lindy hop, balboa, and blues dancer. Whether playing for a seated audience or a crowded floor of dancers, Jonathan seeks to share the spark which made him first fall in love with the recordings of Django Reinhardt and Count Basie. Jonathan's performances combine a musical acuity born from years of classical training with a captivating showmanship honed playing to countless packed rock clubs. As a member of the swing-ragtime band Ellis Dyson & the Shambles, Jonathan toured throughout the Eastern United States playing venues ranging from the Cat's Cradle in North Carolina to the Mercury Lounge in New York. Jonathan has performed with many of the foremost musicians of both the swing and gypsy jazz scenes, including Gordon Webster, Greg Ruby, Josh Collazo, Christiaan Van Hemert, and Katherine Whalen (of the Squirrel Nut Zippers). He has also performed as a part of both dance and music festivals including Djangofest Northwest, Hot Rhythm Holiday, and IBMA World of Bluegrass. Jonathan is currently based in Seattle, Washington. With a sound reminiscent of small group swing from the 30s and 40s, Jonathan Ng aims to get heads nodding and feet tapping with his sophomore release, The Sphynx. The arrangements on this 6-song EP pay homage to some of the foremost small group bandleaders of the swing era while showcasing sweeping violin-saxophone harmonies, acrobatic instrumental solos, and the infectious grooves of an all-star rhythm section. TRACKS, TIMES & COMPOSERS: 1. The Sphynx – Jonathan Ng, 2:20 2. Maelstrom – Chu Berry, 3:08 3. Rockhouse Pt. 1 & 2 – Ray Charles, 4:13 4. Gin Mill Special – Erskine Hawkins, 4:11 5. Embryo – Illinois Jacquet, 3:52 6. Stardust – Hoagy Carmichael, 4:18 PLAYERS & INSTRUMENTS: Jonathan Ng (pronounced "ing"): Violin Albert Alva: Tenor Saxophone Luca Pino: Guitar Chris Dawson: Piano Seth Ford-Young: Upright Bass Josh Collazo: Drums write your comments about the article :: © 2019 Jazz News :: home page |