Music in Focus: Pianist/Composer Jon Gold’s Guanabara Eyes

Pianist and composer Jon Gold’s journey began in the vibrant music scene of the San Francisco Bay Area. Influenced by his brother Jay Gold, who was deeply involved in music as the General Manager of Mushroom Records, Jon developed a passion for blues and jazz. He honed his piano skills through performances with the Palo Alto School District Jazz band and even had the honor of sharing the stage with Dizzy Gillespie for a special broadcast on KQED-TV in San Francisco. Jon furthered his music education by studying and performing with acclaimed musicians like tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, earning the nickname “Little McCoy” from respected critic Herb Wong of the SF Chronicle. Jon has since released several albums featuring renowned artists, and his album, “Bossa of Possibility” (BluJazz Records), received high praise with 4.5 stars from Downbeat magazine.

Jon Gold’s latest album, “Guanabara Eyes,” released by Azurea Records, showcases his diverse and genre-defying compositional talents. The album features a range of formats, from solo piano pieces to full bands with complete string orchestras. With a discography that has been well-received by both critics and the public, Jon Gold has created a remarkable series of compositions that will appeal to serious jazz listeners as well as casual audiences. His compositions demonstrate a maturity that allows for a high degree of sophistication and cleverness, woven into a tapestry of charming melodies and compelling arrangements. Many of the pieces draw from Gold’s life-changing experiences during his years working and living in Brazil, while others are inspired by his love for music from around the globe.

Guanabara Eyes also grew from a desire to honor many of the people that have been important to him musically and personally, two tunes are dedicated to his co-producers Luiz Ribeiro ((Ivan Lins, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil) and Mauricio Zottarelli (Eliane Elias, Ivan Lins, Paquito D’Rivera) while another is a tribute to Ivan Lins. As such the compositions are truly heartfelt and reflect Gold’s love for the interesting diasporas of the musical traditions he draws upon.

For further details on the artist, please visit the following links:

• Website
• Facebook

Images provided courtesy of TwoForTheShow

About Author

David Emmanuel Noel

David Emmanuel Noel is an avid blogger, film fanatic, art enthusiast, music lover, and theatergoer. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and PR consultant who has been involved in several music events and visual art exhibitions at venues such as the Kennedy Center Washington DC, Bernie Grant Arts Centre London, the Landmark Arts Building New York, and Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. He has worked closely with institutes, professional bodies, and agencies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, New York Mayor’s Office, CAMBA- the New York-based agency, the NSPCC, and several London Boroughs on projects supporting the environmental and therapeutic benefits of the arts. He is based in London and New York.

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