Continuum ’89, the latest independently produced and distributed album from Dallas-based guitarist Scot Jon Schwestka, boasts an impressive display of sidemen. Members of Geffen recording artists New Bohemians and local faves Ten Hands appear on this recording, but unfortunately, big names don’t guarantee impressive albums.
This 5-song progressive jazz EP, however, is impressive —and more. The stellar performances of his band members help each song come to life with a mood of it’s own. The compositions exist not as showcase of SJS’ talent, but more as a showcase for a group of players who are interested in creating a wave of tonal variations and grooves.
Schwestka’s playing on t his album is a study of textures, playing more for the song and not for his ego. His clean tones resonate with the clarity and crispness of a keyboard or synthesizer, adding to the mood of the piece while not standing out.
His technique is truly awe-inspiring when he decides to cut loose. He is in control of an amazing legato technique (very reminiscent of Allan Holdsworth), as well as a melodic sense that is quite pleasing to the ear.
Schwestka’s performance, and that of his band, is what really makes the album click. The compositions are of a typical progressive jazz structure and the typical rock ’n’ roll or pop listener may find this EP hard to listen to the first time through. Yet it’s the feeling with which these musicians play their music that makes the material more than interesting enough to catch the ear of those not familiar with jazz. Anyone with a taste for jazz, not to mention guitarists interested in texture and technique, should also give Continuum ’89 a listen.
—Bill Bush
Lone Star Beat
credits
released May 8, 2020
“Secret Sauce” by Scot Jon Schwestka
Scot Jon Schwestka Guitars
Brad Houser, Bass,
Matt Chamberlain, Drums
Mike Dillon, Percussion
“Darkness” by Scot Jon Schwestka
Scot Jon Schwestka Guitars
Brad Houser, Bass,
Matt Chamberlain, Drums
Mike Dillon, Percussion
“Continuum” by Scot Jon Schwestka
Scot Jon Schwestka Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion
Wade Johnson, Drums
John Bush, Percussion
“Tharsis Plateau” by Scot Jon Schwestka
Scot Jon Schwestka Guitars
Brad Houser, Bass,
Matt Chamberlain, Drums
Mike Dillon, Percussion
"In Full Cry"
Scot jon Schwestka, Keyboards, Percussion
“Perelandra” by Scot Jon Schwestka
Scot Jon Schwestka Guitars, Keyboards
John Bush, Percussion
Recorded Summer 1988 @ The CustomShop, Carrolton, Texas
Scot Jon Schwestka is a Composer, Multi-instrumentalist, Visual Artist and Educator from Des Moines, Iowa. Scot holds
degrees in Studio Art (BA) and in Art Education (MA). Scot has served as artist/musician/educator in residence with numerous colleges, universities, corporations, arts organizations and schools worldwide....more