Jango

Once you've listened to Dreamtown, the debut release from Jango, it will become clear that the band could only have emerged from Los Angeles - the city of dreams and disillusion, of soaring success and devastating despair. Lyrically and musically, Dreamtown paints a portrait defined both by darkness and light which, while obviously inspired by the city the band calls home, is ultimately universal.

Jango was formed in 1998 by two veteran L.A. songwriters, Steve Le Gassick and Michael Price, who also co-produced Dreamtown with Steve Barri, Vice President of A&R for Samson Music. The band grew out of an earlier aborted solo project on which the duo had collaborated with sax player/vocalist Steve Nieves. Joining Le Gassick and Nieves (Price plays a solely behind-the-scenes role) is an acclaimed aggregation of fellow session players: Nick Kirgo (guitars), Leon Johnson (bass), and Dave Beyer (drums). Collectively, the band's credits include work with artists ranging from Smokey Robinson to Melissa Etheridge to Jeff Lorber.

A blend of instrumental and vocal tunes, Dreamtown opens with a brief and airy intro, which segues into the jazz-tinged pop of "City of the Second Chance." Emphasizing Steve Nieves' dual abilities as a singer and a sax player, "City" offers up a pensive take on the nature of L.A. "The sort of L.A. theme emerged once we wrote that song," explains Price. "It wasn't really conceptual, just a little thread, but it turns out that even some of the instrumental tunes have references to L.A."

"With Your Love," Dreamtown's first radio single, layers Nieves' ethereal sax and Le Gassick's melodic keyboards to create a romantic effort that imagines a brighter perspective on the nature of life in Los Angeles. Written by contemporary jazz great Victor Feldman, "With Your Love" was originally included on Nieves' never released solo album, and ignited a flash of interest among radio programmers. The favorable reception awarded to the tune virtually insured its inclusion on Dreamtown.

Jango's version of the familiar "How Long" is a strong ensemble effort, highlighted by strong rock/funk guitar riffs courtesy of Nick Kirgo, whose versatility then takes the instrumental "7th Journey" on a jazz-induced improvisational trip. Dreamtown's title track once again emphasizes Price and Le Gassick's regard for the vocal styling of Steely Dan - "We don't deny it," affirms Le Gassick - yet doesn't detract in the least from the band's own strong musical identity. Later on Dreamtown "Sunset to the Sea" pays a slightly more obscure homage to Becker and Fagen. "Take sunset to the sea" is the opening line of 'Babylon Sisters,' explains Le Gassick.

Dreamtown continues with the aptly titled atmospheric "Driftin'," which further highlights Jango's synergy, as soprano sax, keyboard and guitar merge seamlessly. Nieves' wistful vocals on "Too Much Time" convey the songwriters' message of a love lost; his powerful sax interlude providing perfect symmetry to Kirgo's elegant guitar on the refined tune. Says Price, "Dreamtown allowed us to be a bit more creative because we weren't limited to writing simple pop ditties." The balance of the cheerful "Kings Road" and smooth "Message to Ramona" continue to offer evidence that Jango refused to be limited by standard musical constraints. "Golden Fool," Dreamtown's final L.A. chronicle codifies the CD with the band's signature blend of jazz and pop.

Although comprised of a stellar array of session musicians, Jango is not a soulless studio band. Once the project was signed to Samson Music - the Omaha, Nebraska label best known for the recent self-titled CPR release - Le Gassick and Price sought out the best players they knew. "Besides working with Steve Nieves on his debut record, he'd sung on a bunch of our demos," says Le Gassick, "and we knew he'd be great for these songs."

San Diego native Nieves was a founding member of the Motown band, Jakata, which released one CD before breaking up. He has also worked with Dave Mason, Abraham Laboriel and Jeff Lorber, among many others.

"I've lived next door to Nick for years, so I'd hear him playing at all hours of the day and night," he says of Jango's guitar player, who has recorded and toured with Billy Childs, Ronnie Laws and Victor Feldman. Drummer Dave Beyer, whose credits include performing and recording with Melissa Etheridge, Joan Osborne, Paula Cole, Jewel and Bryan Adams, was recruited by guitarist Kirgo. Bass player Leon Johnson, who has recorded and toured with Ronnie Laws, Smokey Robinson, Stephanie Mills and Jeff Lorber, has worked as Le Gassick and Price's engineer for the past five years.

Price and Le Gassick's potent songwriting skills provide the nutritious musical fodder that fuels these purebred players. The two collaborate equally on lyrics and music - "Between the two of us, we're like one totally competent person," laughs Price. "When you write for most other people, you have to compromise," he continues. "But here we weren't confined by any restrictions whatsoever."

L.A. may offer up its share of broken dreams for some, but bolstered by Dreamtown's unforgettable blend of pop and jazz, sultry groove and catchy melody, Jango is destined to make their mark among the city's stories of success.

For further information regarding the artists (Jango and Gold Circle Label Group):. Info@goldcircle.nl