Brooklyn based baritone saxophonist Jonah Parzen-Johnson presents his new work “Imagine Giving Up” on Helsinki’s We Jazz Records. The album, to be released on 17 January 2020 sees Parzen-Johnson move into new domains of sound as he uncovers newfound energy and pulse in his music. In addition to the sonically rich analog synth elements that accompany his earlier solo saxophone work, Jonah has layered heavily sound designed samples of his own saxophone to create truly one of a kind percussive snaps, reverberant basses, and warbling leads. At its core, the music remains deeply devoted to almost vocal sounding melodic lines and patiently developed compositional ideas.
A compact set of 6 originals, “Imagine Giving Up” is Jonah Parzen-Johnson’s most ambitious album yet. While taking a step away from the previous world of “ambient jazz”, his new music stems from the use of drone-like sounds for baritone saxophone, a style which is uniquely his own. Electronics are blended in for good measure, creating a coherent vision of abstract jazz with depth.
As with all of Parzen-Johnson’s releases, the music comes with a deeper narrative which he will continually explore in live performance. The manifesto for the album reads as follows:
“Only a few people can really start over. Everyone else is left to struggle down the path they were assigned. The option to give up, to choose your own path, is power, and, hopefully, a call to action: take a risk to help someone.”
"Imagine Giving Up" by Jonah Parzen-Johnson will be available via We Jazz Records on violet and black vinyl versions, CD and digitally.
JONAH PARZEN-JOHNSON / LIVE 2019
23 Nov Berlin, DE / XJAZZ Live
27 Nov Cologne, DE / Loft
28 Nov Paris, FR / Café De Paris
29 Nov Brugge, BE / KAAP
30 Nov Kortrijk, BE / Barcyclette
5 Dec Helsinki, FI / We Jazz Festival
credits
released January 17, 2020
Jonah Parzen-Johnson, Baritone Saxophone & Hardware Electronics
Composed by Jonah Parzen-Johnson
Produced by Jonah Parzen-Johnson & Matti Nives
Recorded & Mixed by Aaron Nevezie at The Bunker
Mastered by Alex DeTurk at Strange Weather & The Bunker
Design by Matti Nives
The excellent Barcelona label House of (S)PUNK is back with a five-song comp showcasing the local hardgroove scene. Bandcamp New & Notable May 1, 2024
supported by 14 fans who also own “Imagine Giving Up”
YES! The bass and the drums together with the horn section and a voice and message that goes straight through your spine. What an unbound force! Every track a gem. neltz