Guitarist, composer and educator Jim Witzel, a fixture in the Northern California jazz scene, has released his third album. The album follows ‘Feelin’ It’ (2022) and ‘Give and Take’ (1993). On this new album, he is joined by Phil Aaron (piano), Dan Feiszli (bass) and Jason Lewis (drums). It consists of three original compositions by Witzel, four compositions by Aaron and one reinterpretation by Paul Simon. Witzel’s music has a modern sensibility, as he is particularly fond of the ECM sound and several artists who record for that label. On his latest album, Witzel shifts into a different musical gear. His earlier recordings were more blues-based with a hard bop feel, but on ‘Breaking Through Gently’ he explores a more contemporary, lyrical sound. He opens the album with ‘My Compass’, an upbeat number with his melodic and soulful solo. Witzel is followed by lively solos by Aaron and drummer Jason Lewis. ‘Firefly Waltz’ is by Aaron, a jazzy waltz that he has been playing with Witzel for years. ‘The Celebration’ follows that, a cheerful number with a somewhat funky touch. ‘Abjohn’ is dedicated to guitarist John Abercrombie, a teacher, mentor and friend. ‘Hello My Friend’ opens with a piano intro, after which the others join in with solos. The energetic, up-tempo ‘The Little Dragon’ swings like crazy. And ‘Old Friends’ is a cover of Paul Simon. The closing track is also the title track, a contemplative composition. Witzel grew up in the Northern Californian town of San Rafael. He started playing guitar at the age of 12 and began studying jazz guitar in high school with the well-known Bay Area teacher and artist Dave Smith. He spent 10 years in Los Angeles, working clubs and concerts with saxophonist Dave Lefebvre’s six-piece jazz fusion group and freelancing with such notable players as Bob Sheppard, Scott Colley, Henry Butler, Richie Cole and Clay Jenkins. Jim recorded the trio album ‘Up Until Now’ with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Ralph Penland. Witzel also hosted and performed on his weekly local cable series ‘Jazz After Midnight’. He led a quartet each week with guest artists. He was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Travel Study Scholarship, which allowed him to study with guitarists Jack Wilkins in New York and Howard Roberts in Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, he also led the quartet Hyperion with pianist Phil Aaron, bassist Eric Von Essen and drummer Tony Jones.
		Website Jim Witzel Tracks: My Compass Firefly Waltz The Celebration Abjohn Hello My Friend The Little Dragon Old Friends Breaking Through Gently