John Gentry Tennyson

A native Texan, John Gentry Tennyson made his professional debut with the University Of 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 quickly 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 Tennyson's, "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 Icon, 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 greats-Rodney Jones, Will Lee, Hiram Bullock, Chuck Loeb, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jeff Hirshfield, Joel Rosenblatt, Terry Silverlight, Tom Harrell, Grady Tate, Eddie Gomez, Mel Lewis, Bucky Pizarelli, Mark O'Connor and Monty Alexander. 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, as he was signed by Angel/EMI Records for his release, "Europa".

Real World Trio Reviews:

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

"Relaxing graceful jazz by seasoned pianist, John Tennyson and his trio. The record is a relaxing and impressive collection of eight jazz instrumental pieces - it is not light jazz - Tennyson's trio has the technical ability to reek havoc on the keys, strings, and skins. "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

"Piano trio jazz with tinges of Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and Ahmad Jamal." -CDBaby.com

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