Makes My Heart Sway (single) by Jason and The Jazzerknots
Jazz-Funk-Groove-Guitar
"Makes My Heart Sway" is a captivating instrumental, drawing inspiration from the funk jazz vibes of the 1960s. This vibrant piece was meticulously crafted during a live recording session at Sun Goose Studios in Oshkosh, WI. Featuring a dynamic ensemble of drum kit, upright piano, upright bass, and electric hollowbody guitar, each element contributes to the rich tapestry of sound.
Recorded in the expansive tracking room, the guitar, piano, and bass intertwine to establish a seamless sonic connection. To preserve the purity of acoustic elements, the drums found their place in an isolated booth, preventing cymbal interference with the nuanced tones of both piano and bass. The composition unfolds with a single-chord groove, paving the way for a piano and guitar solo, eventually evolving into a lush chord progression. A touch of Beatles-esque chord walk-down adds a delightful twist, enhancing the overall sonic journey of "Makes My Heart Sway."
Artist Statement:
"Makes My Heart Sway," the lead single from our eagerly anticipated sophomore album "Sittin’ on a Sunset" (coming Spring 2024), is a heartfelt creation that traces its origins back to the early days of my courtship with my now-wife, Kate Voss, in 2013. Originally composed with lyrics, the song exudes a timeless charm and was initially presented as the title track of Sundae + Mr. Goessl's 3rd album.
Our journey led us from Seattle to Oshkosh, where we planted roots, established a record label, and opened a studio in historic downtown. This album is the first of many recorded in our new studio and features Mike Malone on drums, Jeremy Boettcher on bass, and Josh Gallagher on piano. The Jazzerknots' version of Makes My Heart Sway has quite a different feel with a funk groove and exciting solos showcasing the instrumental chops of this killin band.
About Jason and The Jazzerknots:
Jason and the Jazzerknots formed to play original jazz compositions that appeal to listeners of all stripes. Led by guitarist and composer Jason Goessl, and featuring Josh Gallagher on piano, Jeremy Boettcher on upright bass, and Mike Malone on drums, the group sounds as if they are just getting started—as if you’ve wandered into a jazz performance in the middle of the first set. Their sound is grounded in the great tradition of jazz rhythm sections, from the Big Band Era to the present, and topped with Jason Goessl’s unique, horn-like approach to the guitar. Their debut album “The Shakedown” showcases the range of the Jazzerknots appeal and skill, featuring all original compositions by Jason Goessl that range from the pensive and evocative to the joyous and swinging.
About Jason Goessl:
A subtle aesthetic sensitivity and a veritable encyclopedic knowledge of the guitar have made Jason Goessl one of the most exciting musicians of recent vintage. His studies began on guitar in the small town of Maribel, Wisconsin and grew during his college years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he honed his jazz skills. After wrapping up his studies, he moved to Seattle, where he recorded and produced for a variety of styles, including indie rock and folk music, becoming a regular fixture of the local music scene. Now calling Oshkosh, Wisconsin home, Mr. Goessl divides his time between his record company, Sun Goose Records, his jazz duo featuring his wife, Kate Voss, on vocals, Sundae + Mr. Goessl, and various other musical projects that catch his attention. His most recent jazz recording as a leader serves as a retrospective, featuring compositions he created over the past 10 years, and serves as a love letter to the jazz guitar. Mr. Goessl’s unique style, which features striking patterns of articulation and technique, was developed not only through a thorough study of jazz guitar masters, but by studying tonguing patterns of clarinet and saxophone players as well.