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Review: Evolution - September 2011
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Evolution is the third solo outing from guitarist Jake Hertzog, Guitar Player Magazine contributor a...Evolution is the third solo outing from guitarist Jake Hertzog, Guitar Player Magazine contributor and member of the rock band, The Young Presidents. Although the album appears weighted towards jazz fusion, it is the rock-inflected phrases woven into the music that saves it from running into all-too-familiar jazz guitar footprints. The generational sound of this recording is only slightly more youthful than Marc Ribot or Nels Cline, its title referring, perhaps, to the advancement of an unapologetic brand of jazz-rock guitar that does not look back.
Hertzog does, however, rely on the traditionally experienced to assist with his message: producer Harvie S plays both electric and acoustic bass, along with some keyboards; and legendary jazz drummer Victor Jones plays very comfortably in the mix without even the slightest hint of being out of place. Hertzog benefits from multi-track overdubbing, working piercing lead lines smoothly over his smartly crafted jazz rhythm chords.
Things kick off, on "Don't Bother," with scraping strings, crunchy chords, and metallic runs. There is a sense of fun on "Timeline," with power chords sandwiched into the respite spots of its pumping, stop/start funk. Hertzog takes a pastoral and reflective approach on Bruce Springsteen's "Philadelphia," his sense of lyricism shining through. "Gloria" features a jittery single-note attack pattern that respectfully evokes the sensibilities of guitarist Joe Morris, while Hertzog's challenging range is demonstrated on the aptly titled "Renegade."
With familiarity breeding enough contempt in the jazz guitar market, newer sounds are always welcome. Not being shy about rock and experimentation gives Hertzog an edge in his composition and execution. Expectations have now been set from this guitarist's fresh voice, with Evolution easily one of the best jazz-rock guitar CDs of 2011.
Track Listing: Don't Bother; Firefly; Timeline; Streets of Philadelphia; Gloria; Forms; Renegade; Common Ground; Sleep Close; Solar Flare.
Personnel: Jake Hertzog: guitar; Victor Jones: drums; Harvie S: acoustic and electric basses, piano, Fender Rhodes.
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Review: Evolution - July 2011
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Jake Hertzog, now with a handful of recordings under his belt, is one of the very few prolific young...Jake Hertzog, now with a handful of recordings under his belt, is one of the very few prolific young guitarists to convincingly embrace the potential of blending a jazz and rock style of performing. What stands out in Hertzog's playing, aside from a comprehensive knowledge of his instrument, is a willingness, regardless of style, to put it all on the line. Hertzog doesn't hold back on Evolution, his third release with Buckyball Records. The recording has moments of jazz-infused exploration ("Don't Bother") and all-out rock with hard-driving, distorted rhythms ("Renegade," "Solar Flare"). Hertzog utilizes a variety of effects to illuminate rhythmic chord clustering and blistering single-note runs. Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Philadelphia," the disc's only cover, is given a plaintive acoustic rendering, bringing out the beauty of the tune's simplicity.
As with his previous trio releases, Hertzog wisely surrounds himself with veterans who can just as easily change course. Bassist Harvie S co-produces and contributes on both upright and electric bass. Drummer Victor Jones has an electrifying presence.
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Review: Evolution - July 2011
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The natural experimental guitar heir to Michael Hedges is back with another set that seems to round ...The natural experimental guitar heir to Michael Hedges is back with another set that seems to round off the rough edges and present him in more of friendly, accessible forum. Ready to leave the cult ranks behind, especially since racking up a load of awards and accolades and getting wider recognition, Hertzog is still very comfortable pushing the edge farther out in ways that would make Satch and Vai proud. He's well on his way to being the Coltrane of guitar and this latest set really blows the ears wide open. This is progressive jazz/rock for ears actively looking for new kicks that won't let them down. Well done.
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Hey Jazz Guy, July 2010
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Hey Jazz Guy,
Can you explain the difference between a “jazz blues” and a regular blues? How can I ...Hey Jazz Guy,
Can you explain the difference between a “jazz blues” and a regular blues? How can I make my blues playing more jazzy?
—Blue and Bored in Birmingham
Dear Blue and Bored,
This is a great question! There are many variations on the jazz blues, but this one is middle of the road and comes straight from bebop. Lets take a look at the chord changes. The first thing to notice about [Ex. 1] is that we’re still using a 12-bar form with the familiar harmonic shape. However here’s what we’ve substituted: In the 4th bar, we add a IIm-V to get to the IV chord. The 6th bar contains a #IV diminished as a passing chord up to the I. In the 8th bar, instead of I we go to VI which is really the V/II. Now the tricky part comes in the turnaround. Instead of VIV- I as B.B. King might play it, Wes Montgomery might play it like this; IIm-V7- I followed by a VI-II-V and back to the top.
Practice the example below to get used to hearing the added harmony. The voice leading is important because your lines will have to include those notes. This will get you started, and next month we will solo hard on these chords.
[Example on URL]
Hey Jazz Guy Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roLubSkhDQg
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Hey Jazz Guy, June 2010
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Hey Jazz Guy,
Can you explain the basic concept of a IIm-V progression and why it’s so important? ...Hey Jazz Guy,
Can you explain the basic concept of a IIm-V progression and why it’s so important? —Chordless in Cleveland
Dear Chordless,
A IIm-V (two-five) is a basic progression that is taken from the cycle of 5ths. Root motion in 4ths or 5ths is motion around the circle and it is what we call the “tonic/dominant” relationship. When you listen to older music, such as baroque and classical, you hear this relationship very clearly. In jazz, it is often obscured a bit by more modern harmony, but the idea is the same. It’s the combination of root motion and the guide tone motion of these chords that makes the IIm-V work. The 7th of the IIm chord (C) becomes the 3rd of the V chord (B). The 3rd of the IIm (F) chord stays the same, but when the root note changes, the F functions as the 7th of the V chord. Notice how the same concept applies when the V chord moves to the I chord. For the chords in Ex. 1 (Dm7, G7, and Cmaj7), we only use the guide tones. Keep in mind you can invert them as well [Ex. 2]. To really hear the harmony, add the bass notes in Ex. 3 to get the full effect.
[Examples]
When you practice these, play them in all keys, with the proper voice leading. Then when you’re playing lines over this progression, like the one in Ex. 4, make sure your line reflects that voice leading and highlights the guide tone motion and you will be on your way to a much richer harmonic vocabulary. - JAKE HERTZOG
Jake Hertzog is the jazz ambassador to the non-jazz world. Send your questions to guitplyr@musicplayer.com. Jake’s latest release is Patterns [Buckyball].
Hey Jazz Guy Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vhlueUWGW8&feature=related
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Guitarist Jake Hertzog plays Nighttown
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Up-and-coming jazz guitarist Jake Hertzog is touring the Midwest in support of his new CD “Patterns....Up-and-coming jazz guitarist Jake Hertzog is touring the Midwest in support of his new CD “Patterns.” He’ll play at 7 and 8:30 on Sun., May 30, at Nighttown in Cleveland Heights, accompanied by legendary rhythm section Harvie S on bass and Victor Jones on drums.
At age 20 in 2006, Hertzog, who is Jewish, became the youngest musician to ever win the Grand Prize at the Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition in Switzerland. He is probably best known to the non-jazz world as musical director and lead guitarist for Nickelodeon’s The Naked Brothers Band stars Nat and Alex Wolff. With the Wolffs, he has played two national tours and performed on national television shows including “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards” and the “Today” Show.
Hertzog’s 2009 debut album “Chromatosphere” brought him critical acclaim for his unique technique and approach to modern jazz guitar. “Patterns” has been named Guitar Player magazine’s Editor’s Pick. Hertzog also writes for Guitar Player as a monthly contributor to its “Lessons” section under the alias Hey Jazz Guy.
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Review: Patterns
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"Excellent jazz and fusion album from guitarist Hertzog whose technique rivals that of Allan Holdswo..."Excellent jazz and fusion album from guitarist Hertzog whose technique rivals that of Allan Holdsworth without in any sense being a Holdsworth clone. This is creativity set loose and reveled in! A young player who obviously brings influences to the sound of a jazz guitar trio other than the usual jazz players and fusion icons. There is something here that hasn't been heard before! Of course, it is grounded well enough in jazz tradition that listeners who wish to approach his work as "jazz" will be satisfied to have another CD from a fine player to add to their collections, whereas people looking for a new take on the jazz tradition will also find a lot to love on "Patterns". Hertzog plays confident, even blistering solos without loosing sight of the tune and structure while throwing in enough left turns to keep us surprised and smiling! A fine sophomore release from a new force in the world of jazz. Adding Hertzog's name to the list of jazz fusion innovators like Metheny, Holdsworth, McLaughlin and Ray Russell might be a little premature but if that is going out on a limb then I'd confidently sit on that branch to watch the sunrise! Certainly a must-buy for fans of great fusion and jazz guitar!"
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Review: Patterns
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It's almost safe to say that this sounds like nothing you've heard before. To say that Hertzog is a ...It's almost safe to say that this sounds like nothing you've heard before. To say that Hertzog is a shredder that can't be stopped is just to get the conversation started. Playing somewhere between jazz and rock, this is what "Metal Machine Music" might have sounded like if Lou Reed had intended it to be something more than a pile of shit to get him out of his contract. Wanna hear young Al DiMeola on speed? What else can I say? This is the guitar record you play when you absolutely, positively need to have you mind melted. Yngwie Malmsteen and Charlie Christian rolled into one, all this kid has to do is not run so fast that he trips over himself and the world will be his oyster. Hot stuff for shredder ears.
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Review: Patterns
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I reviewed a fantastic CD from Jake in issue # 93... this one is even better (& that's hard to belie...I reviewed a fantastic CD from Jake in issue # 93... this one is even better (& that's hard to believe, because the first one was miles above all the other jazz guitarists)... the opener, "Mcjazz", is killer! Pumping & full of life-giving energy, it will propel you through the outer edges of the galaxy at near light-speed... Jake's guitar leads the exploration, of course! You'll fall in love with "Joining Hands" from the opening bar... mighty mellow strings here, with solid bass lines and a pattern that will stick in your ears (& your head) for years to come. It was track #5, though, "Not Blues", that gets my pick as favorite... particularly poignant snatches of what it's "not" slide in & around your ears, but the jazz influence is heavy & totally original! His pace here & throughout the album, is totally gentle, yet filled with groove! I'm once again highly impressed - and knowing I have an album my ears will listen to over & over & over again, as will yours (unless you're totally a traditionalist, with no sense of adventure in your ears). I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as my "PICK" of the issue for "best guitar jazz". "EQ" (energy quotient) rating is a smashing 4.98.
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Ellnora Interval - Jake Hertzog Trio with Harvie S and Victor Jones
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ELLNORA INTERVAL: JAKE HERTZOG TRIO WITH HARVIE S AND VICTOR JONES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009, ...ELLNORA INTERVAL: JAKE HERTZOG TRIO WITH HARVIE S AND VICTOR JONES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2009, AT 1PM | STAGE 5
ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival | “Wow! factor.”
—Boston Globe
Homegrown right here in Champaign, Jake Hertzog has influences that pivot from Mike Stern and Wayne Krantz to Ted Greene and Lenny Breau, but his own voice has broken out clearly and strongly. This is a star on a rapid ascent. Soaring toward the lofty heights of the international jazz scene, he won the Montreux Jazz Guitar Competition’s grand prize a year before he graduated from the Berklee School of Music.
He’s jammed with locals Chip McNeill and Rocky Maffit, and Hertzog’s knack for original tunes led to appearances with The Naked Brothers Band on Good Morning America and NBC’s Today show. He’s “sure to blow your ears wide open” (Midwest Records), so don’t miss your chance to show your love to one of our most gifted native sons!
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Bring on the noise (and alum Jake Hertzog): A preview of the Ellnora Guitar Festival
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[Tag of Jake at The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland]
Caption: Uni grad Jake Hertzog, shown he...[Tag of Jake at The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland]
Caption: Uni grad Jake Hertzog, shown here at Montreux in 2007, will perform at the Ellnora Guitar Festival this weekend.
BY WILL FERNANDEZ
PUBLISHED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 - 8:52PM
TAGS: A&E CONCERTS ELLNORA GUITAR FESTIVAL JAKE HERTZOG KRANNERT CENTER MUSIC VIDEO
URBANA — One of the biggest and most ambitious music fests in the Champaign-Urbana community will begin on Thursday: Ellnora | The Guitar Festival, which will last through Saturday at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
Ellnora, previously known as the Wall to Wall Guitar Festival, has been an every-other-year extravaganza with performances from some of the most diverse and talented guitarists in the world.
Showcasing virtually every genre of music that involves this amazing instrument, from classical and rock to folk, jazz, and blues, the festival has highlighted virtuosos such as Kaki King (whose music was the inspiration for the movie "August Rush"), Los Lobos, and the legendary bluesman Buddy Guy.
This year the Krannert Center will bring to town another slate of celebrated artists, even shining a light on Jake Hertzog, a Uni High alum from the Class of 2003.
Hertzog, who just finished a national tour with The Naked Brothers, a Nickelodeon hit group, is returning to C-U with all of his guitar brilliance for Ellnora. The Jake Hertzog Trio will perform with Harvie S and Victor Jones at 1 p.m. Saturday on Krannert's Stage 5; the show is free.
Upon graduating from Uni, Hertzog received a scholarship to study jazz guitar at the esteemed Berklee School of Music in Boston. Ever since then Hertzog has been on the fast track to success, releasing his first major album, "Chromatosphere," this year to critical acclaim.
“It’s amazing to have the guitar festival in my home town,” Hertzog said in an interview with the Gargoyle. “Taking all the guitarists that I love and appreciate and bringing them back to my hometown, that’s awesome!
“I’ve always wanted to bring my New York trio back home, and this is definitely the best way to showcase it. We are so lucky to have a place like the Krannert Center; it just goes to show you the appreciation for the arts in our small town.”
This time around the Krannert Center has brought together a mesh of artists spanning numerous genres, from blues sensation Keb’ Mo' to the alternative band The National. Other well-known musicians on the schedule include slide guitarist Derek Trucks and folk legend Ani DiFranco.
“The amount of talent we have this year is amazing,” said Krannert Director Mike Ross. “I just can’t wait to see all the sets and performances. These artists bring such a passion to their work that it’s impossible to say who is better than the other.”
Trucks, named one of the next "Guitar Gods" in a 2007 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, is known for his unique style of slide guitar. Ever since age 9 this prodigy has worked with the cream of the crop in the guitar business and is now one of the very best himself. The Derek Trucks Band will play in the Krannert lobby at 9 p.m. Thursday as part of the opening night party.
Keb' Mo', a talented blues guitarist and winner of three Grammys for best contemporary blues album, will bring his rich soulful music to Krannert's Tryon Festival Theatre for a 10 p.m. Friday show. Always a charismatic entertainer, Keb' Mo' is one artist who should not be missed for lovers of the blues.
DiFranco has been one of the most prolific women in folk music over the past two decades, releasing more than 20 albums and earning four Grammy nominations. Her combination of creative guitar techniques and sophisticated lyrics are sure to draw a large crowd to her 7 p.m. Saturday show at Krannert's Colwell Playhouse.
The National, a Brooklyn-based indie rock band, has been a critically acclaimed group whose latest album, "Boxer," was named the No. 1 album of the year in 2007 by Paste Magazine. On the strings of brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner, The National is sure to please. The band will perform 10 p.m. Saturday at the Tryon.
But don't think all the action happens at night. Saturday morning rings in Ellnora's Bachfest featuring Nigel North, Paul Galbraith, and the Brazilian Guitar Quartet — all giving props to Johann Sebastian Bach. The program begins 10 a.m. at the Foellinger Great Hall.
Along with the regular concerts in different settings around the Krannert Center, this year's festival sees the addition of the “Not So Silent Film” series — instrumental acts supplemented by slideshows and films that are sure to be a delight to the ears and eyes. On top of this, while waiting for the next concert to begin, you can stop into the Krannert coffeehouse and enjoy one of the free concerts from a number of artists.
Ellnora Krannert, the festival's new namesake, was one of the Krannert Center's founders and a thoughtful benefactor of the arts.
“Ellnora’s gift and philosophy runs through our institution's DNA,” says Ross. “Her generosity and interest in the arts is in the backbone of what the Krannert Center is today. She wanted a place where people of all different walks of life and interests could come to see something and then interact with others with a true sense of community.”
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Review: Chromatosphere
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Twenty-two year old guitarist Jake Hertzog, a native of Champaign, Illinois, delivers a truck-load o...Twenty-two year old guitarist Jake Hertzog, a native of Champaign, Illinois, delivers a truck-load of youthful energy for his power trio release, Chromatosphere. The Berklee College of Music Graduate is helped out on the self-produced, chops-heavy session by bassist Harvie S and drummer Victor Jones. Pianist Michael Wolff joins in on three tracks.
Hertzog's music moves through heavy jazz-fusion, instrumental progressive rock and straight-ahead bebop, all with an explosive, effects-driven edge. Tunes such as the opening "California Hills" and the smooth jazz sounding "Back," have clever, catchy melodies followed by demonstrative, wild guitar solos. The angular "Bonding," "Nectarine" and "Monkey Stuff" have a strong jazz sensibility with Monk-like phrases and open-ended solo sections. The latter features some of the discs more inspired playing from Hertzog, Harvie S and Jones.
Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" finds Herzog experimenting with adventurous chord- melody voicings. The easy swing groove gives the guitarist plenty of space to fill with his otherworldly clusters. Here, Harvie S is featured on an extended upright solo showcasing his technical mastery. The Rodgers and Hart standard "Falling in Love with Love" is a brief solo guitar rendition with satisfying results.
The disc closer, "Oberon" is an odd-metered mellow rocker, with Hertzog doubling acoustic guitar strumming and clean-toned lines. The tune, much like the entire recording, is an interesting mix of styles and grooves, heavy on improvisation without losing an accessible appeal. Hertzog is a tremendous guitar talent with a developing voice sure to garner widespread recognition.
Track listing: California Hills; Almost Like being in Love; Bonding; Back; Lullaby for a dreamer; In Your Own Sweet Way; Monkey Stuff; Nectarine; Falling in Love With Love; Oberon.
supersonic
