Jeff Gaeth
Hilo, Hawaii, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | SELF
Music
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Hawaii saxophonist Jeff Gaeth has just released his new CD, “Shoestrings” from Puna Records. The smooth jazz recording features Gaeth on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones as well as flutes and keyboards. He is accompanied by Frank Musacchio, fretless bass, trombone; Ryan Teanio, guitar; Joshua Conneran, percussion. Additional musicians Steven Ryan, Carol Hocker and Neil Anderson round out the cast on “Shoestrings.”
Gaeth opts for the tenor saxophone as the lead voice on the opening cut Whether You Care as on the third track Breakout. One of my favorite moments on “Shoestrings” is the unison between Frank Musacchio on bass and Gaeth on tenor saxophone during the later part of Breakout. Gaeth’s tenor sound in this lower register has both a fullness and edge that pair well with the fretless bass of Musacchio. The two share a similar moment about 1/3 of the way into Three In The Morning.
You Know The Way features Gaeth on the alto saxophone above a wonderful smooth-Latin groove. It is somewhat reminiscent of the earlier recordings of the pre-smooth jazz group Spyro-Gyra. Gaeth’s alto sound fits the tune well, yet seems to possess a bit more edge than the sound of Jay Beckenstein’s alto.
Jeff Gaeth picks up the soprano saxophone only one time on the pop-ballad Legacy. Perhaps the two most intriguing cuts are the title track Shoestrings and what follows in Still The Same. The tenor sax, bass and banjo (Steven Ryan) unison is truly unique combination of instruments. Somehow the odd orchestration which later adds fiddle to the mix maintains the smooth jazz quality and presumably marketability.
Still The Same’s up-tempo samba harkens back to the sound of Chick Corea’s hit Spain. Here it is Gaeth on alto sax along with Musaccio’s trombone.
One might guess that Gaeth’s favorite saxophone voice is that of the tenor. It is interesting to note that the sound of his alto saxophone shows a contrast between Wherever You Are (for Denni) and Undecided. The sound of his alto on Undecided is smoother with less edge. I’m curious as to what may have contributed to that fact. It is possible the answer lies in micing technique, studio hardware/software set up, reeds or mouthpieces. Whatever the case, it is clear from the production throughout “Shoestrings” that Jeff Gaeth has his studio chops together and has produced a high quality, enjoyable recording for fans of smooth jazz.
Thanks to Jeff Gaeth for sharing this recording with SaxShed.com.
You can find out more about Jeff Gaeth and Puna Records at jeffgaeth.com
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- Skip Spratt
Discography
Shoestrings - 2011
Paradise Park - 2008
Trade Secrets - 2005
Photos
Bio
Jeff began playing music at the age of 14 in high school. In addition to private lessons in saxophone, harmony, theory, arranging and composition, he also played in numerous bands in and around L.A; studied with legendary saxophonist Bill Green and attended the University of California at Los Angeles UCLA.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1974 Jeff began his professional career working as a sideman with many "big" names in the music industry and spent a number of years as a "session man" in many L.A. studios contributing to everything from commercials to sound tracks.
Jeff has lived in and contributed to the music scenes in Denver, Colorado Springs, Los Angeles and San Diego.
A native of western New York, Jeff now makes his home with his wife, Denni on the Big Island of Hawaii.
In 2005 Jeff released his first solo album ‘Trade Secrets’. "It was a collection of tunes I wrote through the years that just had to be recorded". The album has been well received especially in Europe.
Jeff's 2008 CD release ‘Paradise Park’ has found a rewarding common ground through his love for jazz, latin and smooth melodies. "Paradise Park was a satisfying step forward, a musical reflection of my life and personal experiences".
Jeff’s 2011 CD release ‘Shoestrings’ received a Na Hoku Hanohano award nomination in 2012 and winner of the Big Island Music Award.
Today, Jeff concentrates on new musical projects with his band in Hawaii. He has just release his 4th CD 'Portrait' in August 2014. "In the past few years my style has developed and I’ve incorporated other sounds and genres which have all made their way into ‘Portrait’."
Those influences have definitely found their way into Jeff’s music. Whilst his grounding came in a more traditional style of contemporary Jazz music...he was always keen to bring something unique to a traditional sound. Jeff refuses to restrict his influences to one genre. Instead, he has been influenced by numerous artists and genres of music from across the globe.
"Portrait is a reflection of those influences over the years and the changes that I’ve experienced recently in my life.”
After dazzling audiences with his live performances over the years, Jeff proves his sound still holds center court.
"My music is the true essence of what I am about...I sincerely hope the listener will be moved".
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