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Evocative, Guitar-Driven World Music
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A professional musician out of Arizona, Ronald Jean has recently released his second CD, entitled Blue Serenity - La Serenidad Azul. Filled with Jean's wonderful acoustic guitar work and loaded with guest musicians and soloists such as flautist Dan Pinson, violinist Devon Bridgewater, drummer Dan Tomlinson, marimbist Paul McDermand and pianist Beth Lederman, the album covers world music territory from Brazil ("Rio Day") and Africa ("Zimbabwe (The Calling)") to Latin American ("La Lluvia Vino"). Jean cites his chordal work and his chord melodies as his strong points, however his soloing is also quite impressive over the ten instrumentals. A dynamic and polished production, the CD was co-produced by Jean and Ken Mary and should hold strong appeal for fans of world music and the work of Acoustic Alchemy and Ottmar Liebert. Mix a pitcher of margaritas and prepare for an afternoon in the sun with Blue Serenity - La Serenidad Azul. Highly recommended.
Ronald is a self-taught musician, who has picked up a number of ideas from other players as well as creating ideas from his own musical vocabulary. He currently makes his living as a background guitarist. Ronald has been a local favorite in the Arizona Valley for many years, so he is attempting to expand his audience worldwide through the Internet. Although Ronald's music is inviting upon first listening, it also has an uncanny growth that seems to enchant and pull the audiences in. He has repeatedly been told, "Your music is relaxing and uplifting". Ronald's goal is simply to provide listening enjoyment. His first CD was melody based and was entitled "First Flight".
In the future, Jean would like to study film scoring and find a way to distribute his recordings in other countries. He also plans to continue to write new music.
Contact Information
Ronald Jean
Akira Music
1124 S. Doran
Mesa, AZ 85204
United States
E-mail:
Ronald Jean
Web site:
www.theguitarman.com
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St. Louis Instrumental Rock
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Guitarist Mike Krysl is circulating his mp3.com DAM CD-R entitled Next To Nothing, an eleven track opus of progressive instrumental rock. Krysl has been playing guitar for a long time, so he is a solid soloist, and he incorporates a host of creative ideas in his arrangements. Production-wise the CD-R is demo quality; here Krysl can improve things, specifically by using a cabinet simulator or miking the amp, hooking up with a human drummer, and modifying the tone on his guitar much more between (or within) tracks. The first half dozen tunes have basically the same overdriven guitar sound, which gets old halfway through track 3. A really nice acoustic guitar is introduced in track 7, "Heaven And The Deep Blue Sea Pt. 2", which gives the listener a welcome break, and leads into a nice solo piece, "The Road To Kingdom City". Compositionally, "Tango Luna" is a strong number, incorporating NASA sound clips into the composition, while the opener, "The Man On The Wall", introduces Krysl's ferociously catchy hooks to the new listener. Cover tracks include Santana's "Aqua Marine" and Paul Desmond's "Take Five".
Mike has been playing guitar for over 20 years, and has been in and out of countless bands. He considers himself primarily a rock player, although he enjoys playing in a variety of styles. Mike credits Edward Van Halen for blowing his mind back in 1978 and for providing the guitar he plays. Other influences include Steve Howe, Robin Trower, Django Reinhardt and Leonard Bernstein. He is focused 100% on composition at the present time, not performing live solo, or with a band. Mike prefers to channel all his energy into writing and recording.
Krysl hopes that, if he can generate enough interest in his music, assembling a live band will be the next order of business.
Contact Information
Mike Krysl
370 Nelda
St. Louis, MO 63122
United States
E-mail:
Mike Krysl
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
