JFJO’s March 2010 European Tour Recap
(http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/konsertrecensioner/jacob-fred-jazz-odyssey-pa-fasching-stockholm-1.1061738)
The American quartet JFJO is both relaxed and precise.
JFJO, which shortens the band its name, consists of four men who play piano, drums, bass and lap steel guitar. The last instrument is of course closely associated with Americans in the style of Ry Cooder and the great JJ Cale - but hardly with jazz. Bill Frisell is the exception now are joined by JFJO. On Fasching play the most original material but also applies its special sound of Thelonious Monk and Louis Armstrong. It goes just fine, for the band’s popular image and sound manner hides not only the link to “western swing”, but also a jazz musicianship class.
JFJO calls its updated synthesis of old and new for “Red Dirt Jazz”. It holds groove, improvisation, waving to Frisell and Wayne Shorter, and even rock and parallels to the groups Tortoise. John Herndon, who plays drums in Tortoise, this has its counterpart in Josh Raymer. They have in common is at once relaxed and precise. The so-obvious feeling for the music’s dynamic and stylistic details. Something truly American, the best, musical sense.
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