Background

John Gentry Tennyson made his professional debut with the Houston Symphony at the age of eleven and started doing regular gigs at fourteen. Seeing Oscar Peterson perform soon after helped Tennyson realize the wonders of traditional jazz as well, and he majored in Jazz Studies and Piano Performance while attending North Texas State University. His successes began early-from 1986-87, he played with the famous North Texas State One O'Clock Lab Band. During these formative years, Tennyson also played in Pop/R&B bands behind many famous performers passing through Texas. His career took off after moving to New York City and landing the gig with guitar legend, Al Di Meola. Once the door was opened, he began composing and recording his own music culminating in his first CD, John Gentry Tennyson and Real World Trio, featuring guest artists, Randy Brecker and Dewey Redman. Following this release, Tennyson toured with Sarah Brightman on a symphonic concert tour, Sophie B. Hawkins-as her Musical Director on the "Tongues and Tails" Tour and Pop flash in the pan, Martika. Soon after, Les Paul learned of Tennyson and he became a featured performer with Les at the Iridium Jazz Club for seven years. The list of artists after that gig grew to include many great artists-Will Lee, Rodney Jones, Hiram Bullock, Chuck Loeb, Chip Jackson, Tom Harrell, Jeff Hirschfied, Joe Morello, Terri Lyne Carrington, Billy Cobham, Terry Silverlight, Grady Tate, Jennifer Holliday, BJ Crosby, Diana Ross and Maurice White. As Tennyson's musical interests developed, he began composing more and realized a lifelong dream of returning to the classical form of piano and string quartet in the recording of, "Europa", an Angel/EMI release. This CD also featured Astor Piazolla's greatest heir to the bandoneon, Raul Jaurena, from Montevideo, Uruguay. In the last few years, other credits as Musical Director for Grammy Award-winning vocalist from "Smokey Joe's Cafe", BJ Crosby and Musical Director for the great vocal legend, Jennifer Holliday. Currently, two projects are in focus, Tennyson & Keiser-"POPJAZZ", (a new CD release following with a Summer Jazz Festival Tour in Europe/2004), and a new Latin jazz piano trio CD entitled, "Mi Rojita". If it's true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then the rich musical landscapes of John Gentry Tennyson's music works wonders in conveying the essence of his sensory and emotional experiences.

“Imagine Chopin and Chick Corea by way of a mélange of French, Spanish, and Italian influences, all played by a Texas jazzman and recorded in Monte Carlo. It could have been a mess - it’s anything but…” -Daedalus Books Online

“Introspective and ingratiating piano trio jazz that swings like Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett.” -Chuck Berg/Jazz Times

“This CD (Real World Trio) showcases acrobatic restraint, as each composition comes off subtly and beautifully, with solo sections that play outside and inside - with interesting and melodic choices during the improvisations. "The Last Good-Bye"-this final track has an accessible melody that is all its own, and reminds us in the air of the chords of the piano playing of Bruce Hornsby - although several layers deeper as it is still jazz, with dynamics that are not found in pop. This is some of the finest instrumental music, jazz or otherwise, available at earBuzz.com. Great, great CD.” -Don Kimenker/earBuzz.com

Location

New York

Occupation

Pianist/Conductor/Composer

Music That Inspires Me

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Films I'll Watch More Than Once

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