Multi-Faceted Guitarist JIM WITZEL's "BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY," An Album of Originals

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Guitarist, composer, and educator JIM WITZEL, a mainstay on the Northern California jazz scene, is releasing his third album, BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY. The album follows Feelin' It (2022) and Give and Take (1993). L.A. Jazz Scene said, "Feelin' It is a fantastic jazz album, swinging and imaginative... Witzel dazzles." UK's Jazz Journal added, "Jim Witzel boasts the accessibility that is so vital to the connection of soul jazz with its audience. Though steeped in groove, Feelin' It is defined by tasteful melody lines and solos."

Witzel is joined on BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY by old friends and musical compatriots. He co-led the group Hyperion with Emmy-winning pianist PHIL AARON in Los Angeles for two and a half years. Aaron decamped to Minneapolis where he became the 'first call' pianist throughout the Twin Cities area. Besides leading his own trio, he continues to work as a sideman backing countless singers and other instrumentalists in the thriving club scene there. Phil also stays busy composing for film, television and advertising. DAN FEISZLI is a bass player and engineer who has appeared on and/or engineered dozens of albums including Witzel's Feelin' It. Drummer JASON LEWIS is a very busy musician who has performed with many well-known music acts across genres, including Gary Burton, James Moody, Mark Murphy, Norma Winstone, Larry Coryell, and Boz Scaggs, among many others.

BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY comprises three original compositions by Witzel, four compositions by Aaron, and one re-imagined Paul Simon tune. Witzel's music has a modern sensibility as he is particularly fond of the ECM sound and multiple artists recording for that label. On his latest album, Witzel switches musical gears. His previous recordings were more blues-based with a hard bop feel, but on BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY, he explores a more contemporary, lyrical sound. He opens the album with "My Compass, " an upbeat number that features his melodic and soulful solo. Following Witzel are spirited solos by Aaron and drummer Jason Lewis. Witzel's other compositions are "Abjohn" and "The Little Dragon."

"Abjohn" is dedicated to guitarist John Abercrombie; "a teacher, mentor and friend." Witzel says, "I didn't try to imitate John on this tune. I wanted to capture his whimsical and thoughtful spirit." "The Little Dragon" is an energetic up-tempo swing tune that features Witzel's nimble, fluid guitar stylings along with solos by Aaron and Lewis.

Aaron contributed "Firefly Waltz, " "The Celebration, " "Hello My Friend, " and the title track, "Breaking Through Gently." Witzel and Aaron have been playing "Firefly Waltz" for many years. It's a swinging, medium tempo jazz waltz. "Celebration" is an upbeat, cheerful tune with a funky, celebratory feel. The medium swing "Hello My Friend" opens with a lovely piano intro before Witzel and band join in with solos by Aaron, Feiszli and Witzel. The closing track, "Breaking Through Gently, " is the most contemplative composition and an apt closer to the album.

Witzel also includes the Paul Simon tune "Old Friends" in honor of his fellow musicians on the album. Witzel slows it down from the original version, giving even more heft to the forlorn sentiments of Simon's lyrics.

Jim Witzel's guitar playing is accessible and melodic but with a modern edge. It takes time to build a following, but as more musicians become acquainted with his and Phil Aaron's compositions, they will surely be appearing on more and more playlists. Witzel's previous album, Feelin' It, was met with positive reviews and introduced him to musicians and fans beyond Northern California. BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY, well worth multiple listens, should cement his reputation as a performer and composer.

About Jim Witzel

Witzel grew up in the northern California town of San Rafael. He began playing guitar at age 12 and began studying jazz guitar in high school with well-known Bay Area teacher and performer Dave Smith.

Witzel spent 10 years in Los Angeles, working clubs and concerts with saxophonist Dave Lefebvre's six-piece jazz-fusion group and freelancing with such notable players as Bob Sheppard, Scott Colley, Henry Butler, Richie Cole, and Clay Jenkins. Jim recorded the trio album Up Until Now with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Ralph Penland.

Witzel also hosted and performed on his weekly local cable television series called "Jazz After Midnight." He led a quartet with featured guest performers every week. He received a National Endowment for the Arts Travel Study grant, which allowed him to study with guitarists Jack Wilkins in New York and Howard Roberts in Los Angeles.

While living in Los Angeles, he also co-led the quartet Hyperion with pianist Phil Aaron, bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Tony Jones.

BREAKING THROUGH GENTLY will be available digitally on selected platforms on September 20, 2024. Jim Witzel's Breaking Through Gently and his prior CD, Feelin' It, are currently available at Ebay.com.

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