Jon Gold

”Jon Gold is a wonderfully soulful pianist...I was delighted to hear how his music has grown and evolved in a very insightful and delicate direction that speaks directly and powerfully to the listener. Using interesting instrumental combinations, a wide compositional palette and featuring an all-star cast of American & Brazilian musicians,”Brazilian Confidential” will reward repeated listenings”. Tim Jackson Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival “...Intricate arrangements with a lively sense of rhythm, this recording of Jon Gold's music is attractive and full of a palpable joie de vivre.You will be entertained for sure.” Dave Liebman saxophonist “...a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex...His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band

Read more

”Jon Gold is a wonderfully soulful pianist...I was delighted to hear how his music has grown and evolved in a very insightful and delicate direction that speaks directly and powerfully to the listener. Using interesting instrumental combinations, a wide compositional palette and featuring an all-star cast of American & Brazilian musicians,”Brazilian Confidential” will reward repeated listenings”. Tim Jackson Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival “...Intricate arrangements with a lively sense of rhythm, this recording of Jon Gold's music is attractive and full of a palpable joie de vivre.You will be entertained for sure.” Dave Liebman saxophonist “...a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex...His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band. Gold boasts a special interest in writing for the audience...composing complex music that is readily accessible and enjoyable.” ”...It’s fascinating, all of it -- compelling because it presents a musical imagination that has been inspired by the culture of Brazil without superficially attempting to imitate it. And that’s a true rarity.” Don Heckman (jazz critic for Los Angeles Times) in IROM: http://irom.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/jazz-cd-reviews-luis-munoz-and-jon-gold/ “...landmark album from the truly talented Jon Gold.” AllAboutJazz.com (Raul d'Gama Rose, 2010) "Gold is not a Native Brazilian but lives the musical experience as brilliantly as any musician who is" Jonathan Widran, Music Connection, 6/2010 "Pianist and composer Gold plays music inspired by his adopted country of Brazil, and he captures the layered essence of that country's musical heritage well by combining elements of classical, jazz, multiple Latin styles and traditional folk sounds. It begins with a journey through the Brazilian landscape on "Alem Do Azul," highlighted by Gold's repeated keyboard phrases and Jorge Continentino's breathy flute. Anat Cohen joins in on several tracks, including the frenetic "Funky Jabour," where her soprano sax soars above the percussion. This disc travels from thick jungles to the breezy beaches evoked by "Carioca Da Clara." There is plenty of classical influence here too, as on the chamber-like "Janacek Suite No. 4." Gold has captured the country in a bottle, and his compositions don't lack for interest or color. This is Brazilian done right. 2010, ZOHO Music, 59:55." http://www.jsojazzscene.org/cdreviews.htm “The new release by Jon Gold “Brazil Confidential” it's the now connection between Bossa Nova and the New Brazilian music of the 21 Century. I play and the listeners love it.” Jassvan DeLima DJ, Producer and Host of Som do Brasil (WKCR - NY) “...Gold’s compositions are some of the best Brazilian-influenced music I have ever heard.” ThisIsBooksMusic.com “... this is very well-played, catchy, lively, ‘glass is completely full’ World music to make you smile.” JsoJazzScene.org/cdreviews.htm “...superb music that displays the kind of energy and talent you seldom hear these days. I'm high- ly impressed, and that takes some doing these days... I give this wonderful CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.” Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj zzaj.freehostia.com March 12, 2010All AboutJazz.com By C. Michael Bailey Moving north from Argentina to Brazil, the music becomes creamier, more richly nuanced. San Francisco cum NYC native Jon Gold takes a more impressionistic approach to Brazilian music on Brazil Confidential. Gold holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry which he combined with his interest in music, moving to Rio de Janeiro to teach at the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, woodshedding at night and making friends with the likes of composers A.C Jobim and Hermeto Pascoal. At the confluence of these circumstances lies a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex. Gold's music has many moving parts realized in such a way to give an overall impressionistic opacity where the instruments fade in and out of one another. His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band. The prominent voices here are Gold's, Jorge Continentino's soprano saxophone (particularly on “Rapadura”) and Andrew Sterman's flute. Bassist Harvie S, a Zoho mainstay, firmly grounds Gold's complex compositions and solos deftly on “Teresinha,” which also sports Continentino's soprano saxophone. Gold boasts a special interest in writing for the audience. He largely achieves this, composing complex music that is readily accessible and enjoyable. His embrace of Brazilian culture is potently evident in his music, making him a worthy addition to the ranks of Zoho Music. February 19, 2010 Midwest Record Volume 33/Number 110 By Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher Until the flutes kick in, this doesn’t really seem like a Brazil oriented record. Even then, it seems more like keyboard ace Gold is going for a supreme position in impressionistic, progressive chamber jazz. Rounding first and heading into the rest of the record, it comes together as a breezy, delightful adult set of Brazil flavored jazz/funk lite that just feels like closing up the home office Friday afternoon and putting the smart phone on vibrate as you get the weekend kicked off properly. This is a cat that knows how to get it done and surround himself with jazzbos that play like they do it for the fun of it above all else. Clearly an adult instrumental winner that’ll keep you coming back for more. March 2010 JazzChicago.net by Brad Walseth ”Pianist/composer AND chemistry professor Jon Gold's love of Brazilian music led to him living and teaching in Rio where he met and befriended many in the Brazilian music community including Jobim and Pascoal.That the classically trained jazz pianist absorbed the sounds of the land well as is very apparent on his new CD - Brazil Confidential. The opening track, “Alem do Azul (Beyond the Blue)” starts off with Harvie S.' bowed bass, and features Jorge Continentino's flute dancing above Gold's shimmering piano.The rhythm section of drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and percussionist Ze Mauricio are simply first rate - and violin- ist Zach Brock solos wonderfully at the end.You can feel the heat of the Rio streets when wood- wind player Anat Cohen joins the fun on “Funky Jabour” - she is on soprano - with Bryan Murray on tenor and Andrew Sterman on flute playing almost impossibly difficult intricate parts on this “funky indeed” number. Producer Scott “Scottinho” Anderson also provides excellent guitar work throughout - “Teresinha” is a prefect example of his exceptional nylon string work. Gold here adds B-3 color along with his piano, Harvie S. has a great bass solo, as does Continetino on alto and Mauricio propels everything with his berimbau. Meanwhile, catchy tracks like “Carioca Da Clara” and “Paraty” show Gold has not forgotten his love of the Sergio Mendes-flavored Brazilian-flavored pop. Tatiana Parra and Leah Siegal add some lovely vocals on a couple tunes (Parra on the haunting “Confissao” - which also features Luiz Ribeiro on guitar), Katie Scheele enhances “Singela” (and “Janacek Suite #4”) with her English horn, “Vitamin B” and the high energy “Parafuso a Menos” shows Gold's playful nature (while featuring stellar ensemble playing), while his “Janacek Suite No. 4” clearly shows his skills as a classical composer. The delightful “Rapadura” featuresToninho Ferrgutti on accordion and Gold on melodica and is one of several memorable tunes. As if that isn't enough instrumentation, Lauren Riley Rigby's cello combines with Anderson's guitar, Gold's tasteful piano and Siegal's wordless vocals on the album ending “Parazen.” Throughout the album, the compositions are colorful, deeply layered and impeccably structured with interesting changes and melodic verve. A delight for fans of Brazilian music (like me) many of the songs reference towns or regions of Brazil and will have your mind wandering to sandy beaches and blue sky over splashing waves.”” Philadelphia Daily News/Philly.com 5/25/2010 Jonathan Takiff http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20100525_Music_of_the_world__and_close_to_home.html#ixzz0oxiIQRwL “Gold has done a masterful job evoking the richly melodic and melancholy nature of this tropical jazz-pop. A-”

Show less

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Bethlehem

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

”Jon Gold is a wonderfully soulful pianist...I was delighted to hear how his music has grown and evolved in a very insightful and delicate direction that speaks directly and powerfully to the listener. Using interesting instrumental combinations, a wide compositional palette and featuring an all-star cast of American & Brazilian musicians,”Brazilian Confidential” will reward repeated listenings”. Tim Jackson Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival “...Intricate arrangements with a lively sense of rhythm, this recording of Jon Gold's music is attractive and full of a palpable joie de vivre.You will be entertained for sure.” Dave Liebman saxophonist “...a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex...His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band

Read more

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Bethlehem

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

”Jon Gold is a wonderfully soulful pianist...I was delighted to hear how his music has grown and evolved in a very insightful and delicate direction that speaks directly and powerfully to the listener. Using interesting instrumental combinations, a wide compositional palette and featuring an all-star cast of American & Brazilian musicians,”Brazilian Confidential” will reward repeated listenings”. Tim Jackson Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival “...Intricate arrangements with a lively sense of rhythm, this recording of Jon Gold's music is attractive and full of a palpable joie de vivre.You will be entertained for sure.” Dave Liebman saxophonist “...a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex...His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band. Gold boasts a special interest in writing for the audience...composing complex music that is readily accessible and enjoyable.” ”...It’s fascinating, all of it �” compelling because it presents a musical imagination that has been inspired by the culture of Brazil without superficially attempting to imitate it. And that’s a true rarity.” Don Heckman (jazz critic for Los Angeles Times) in IROM: http://irom.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/jazz-cd-reviews-luis-munoz-and-jon-gold/ “...landmark album from the truly talented Jon Gold.” AllAboutJazz.com (Raul d'Gama Rose, 2010) “The new release by Jon Gold “Brazil Confidential” it's the now connection between Bossa Nova and the New Brazilian music of the 21 Century. I play and the listeners love it.” Jassvan DeLima DJ, Producer and Host of Som do Brasil (WKCR - NY) “...Gold’s compositions are some of the best Brazilian-influenced music I have ever heard.” ThisIsBooksMusic.com “... this is very well-played, catchy, lively, ‘glass is completely full’ World music to make you smile.” JsoJazzScene.org/cdreviews.htm “...superb music that displays the kind of energy and talent you seldom hear these days. I'm high- ly impressed, and that takes some doing these days... I give this wonderful CD a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.96.” Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj zzaj.freehostia.com March 12, 2010All AboutJazz.com By C. Michael Bailey Moving north from Argentina to Brazil, the music becomes creamier, more richly nuanced. San Francisco cum NYC native Jon Gold takes a more impressionistic approach to Brazilian music on Brazil Confidential. Gold holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry which he combined with his interest in music, moving to Rio de Janeiro to teach at the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, woodshedding at night and making friends with the likes of composers A.C Jobim and Hermeto Pascoal. At the confluence of these circumstances lies a music that is at once tunefully melodic and harmonically complex. Gold's music has many moving parts realized in such a way to give an overall impressionistic opacity where the instruments fade in and out of one another. His piano style is expansive and orchestral, providing a deep harmonic base to the remainder of his band. The prominent voices here are Gold's, Jorge Continentino's soprano saxophone (particularly on “Rapadura”) and Andrew Sterman's flute. Bassist Harvie S, a Zoho mainstay, firmly grounds Gold's complex compositions and solos deftly on “Teresinha,” which also sports Continentino's soprano saxophone. Gold boasts a special interest in writing for the audience. He largely achieves this, composing complex music that is readily accessible and enjoyable. His embrace of Brazilian culture is potently evident in his music, making him a worthy addition to the ranks of Zoho Music. February 19, 2010 Midwest Record Volume 33/Number 110 By Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher Until the flutes kick in, this doesn’t really seem like a Brazil oriented record. Even then, it seems more like keyboard ace Gold is going for a supreme position in impressionistic, progressive chamber jazz. Rounding first and heading into the rest of the record, it comes together as a breezy, delightful adult set of Brazil flavored jazz/funk lite that just feels like closing up the home office Friday afternoon and putting the smart phone on vibrate as you get the weekend kicked off properly. This is a cat that knows how to get it done and surround himself with jazzbos that play like they do it for the fun of it above all else. Clearly an adult instrumental winner that’ll keep you coming back for more. March 2010 JazzChicago.net by Brad Walseth ”Pianist/composer AND chemistry professor Jon Gold's love of Brazilian music led to him living and teaching in Rio where he met and befriended many in the Brazilian music community including Jobim and Pascoal.That the classically trained jazz pianist absorbed the sounds of the land well as is very apparent on his new CD - Brazil Confidential. The opening track, “Alem do Azul (Beyond the Blue)” starts off with Harvie S.' bowed bass, and features Jorge Continentino's flute dancing above Gold's shimmering piano.The rhythm section of drummer Mauricio Zottarelli and percussionist Ze Mauricio are simply first rate - and violin- ist Zach Brock solos wonderfully at the end.You can feel the heat of the Rio streets when wood- wind player Anat Cohen joins the fun on “Funky Jabour” - she is on soprano - with Bryan Murray on tenor and Andrew Sterman on flute playing almost impossibly difficult intricate parts on this “funky indeed” number. Producer Scott “Scottinho” Anderson also provides excellent guitar work throughout - “Teresinha” is a prefect example of his exceptional nylon string work. Gold here adds B-3 color along with his piano, Harvie S. has a great bass solo, as does Continetino on alto and Mauricio propels everything with his berimbau. Meanwhile, catchy tracks like “Carioca Da Clara” and “Paraty” show Gold has not forgotten his love of the Sergio Mendes-flavored Brazilian-flavored pop. Tatiana Parra and Leah Siegal add some lovely vocals on a couple tunes (Parra on the haunting “Confissao” - which also features Luiz Ribeiro on guitar), Katie Scheele enhances “Singela” (and “Janacek Suite #4”) with her English horn, “Vitamin B” and the high energy “Parafuso a Menos” shows Gold's playful nature (while featuring stellar ensemble playing), while his “Janacek Suite No. 4” clearly shows his skills as a classical composer. The delightful “Rapadura” featuresToninho Ferrgutti on accordion and Gold on melodica and is one of several memorable tunes. As if that isn't enough instrumentation, Lauren Riley Rigby's cello combines with Anderson's guitar, Gold's tasteful piano and Siegal's wordless vocals on the album ending “Parazen.” Throughout the album, the compositions are colorful, deeply layered and impeccably structured with interesting changes and melodic verve. A delight for fans of Brazilian music (like me) many of the songs reference towns or regions of Brazil and will have your mind wandering to sandy beaches and blue sky over splashing waves.”” Philadelphia Daily News/Philly.com 5/25/2010 Jonathan Takiff http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20100525_Music_of_the_world__and_close_to_home.html#ixzz0oxiIQRwL “Gold has done a masterful job evoking the richly melodic and melancholy nature of this tropical jazz-pop. A-”

Show less