Everyday Love
On his second CD, everyday Love, Tom Arntzen plots a new course in his musical development. Everyday Love, Tom Arntzen’s new album, is full of songs charting a journey of discovery. Join Tom as he sets sail on a travelogue of some of his stylistic influences; Pop, R & B, Jazz, Gospel, Country, and Folk. This 14-track pop album features all original compositions highlighting Tom’s soaring baritone voice, uplifting, positive lyrics, jazzy piano playing, tight harmonies and irresistible pop hooks. Tom’s superbly crafted pop gems envelope the listener with insistent, upbeat grooves while his lyrics provide warmth, spiritual growth and empathy to heal life’s hurts. Everyday Love is a fresh approach to inspirational music.
“I love switching gears with my music, playing different styles gives me great satisfaction. I’ve been writing tunes since I was 13. One of the first melodies I came up with made it onto the new album as “Giver and The Gift.” I’ve written jazz, blues, folk and R and B tunes, mainstream bebop heads and Sinatra-style “standards”. When the time came to create an album of jazz tunes in 1997, I wrote a bunch for that specific project. Soon after that, I started getting gigs singing and playing in “new thought” churches like Unity and the Centre for Spiritual Living. I sometimes found it difficult to find “spiritual” pop tunes with the message that was needed. So I found it quicker, easier, and more satisfying to come up with my own songs. The unexpected benefit of this process is that I have enjoyed incorporating these positive, uplifting messages into my writing, it’s a journey into a place of peace, calm and deeper understanding of how my world works. The unifying presence of the Creator is a powerful influence in this music. These three tunes are from the album.”
– Tom Arntzen
The Musicians
Tom Arntzen: Lead and background vocals, piano, keyboards, B3 organ, accordion, handclaps
Phil Robertson: Drums, percussion, keyboards (tracks 2, 6,14), sound effects (track 7)
Brian Newcombe: Bass
Andreas Schuld: Electric guitars, acoustic guitar (tracks 2, 10), mandolin (tracks 2, 4)
Evan Nigel Arntzen: Tenor, alto and soprano saxes, clarinet, bass clarinet
Arnt Jeffrey Arntzen: Lead guitar (track 8)
Jim Woodyard: Acoustic guitars (tracks 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14), nylon string guitar (tracks 6, 7, 10), banjo (track 11), mandolin (track 12)
Georgina Arntzen: Lead vocals (track 7), Background vocals (tracks 3, 5, 7, 9,11,13,14)
Nathen Aswell: Background vocals (tracks 3, 9,13,14)
Linda Kidder: Background vocals (tracks 3, 9,13,14)
Derry Byrne: Trumpet (tracks 5, 8)
Chris Startup: Baritone sax (tracks 5, 8)
Rod Murray: Trombone (tracks 5, 8)
Technical Production
All songs produced and arranged by Tom Arntzen
Tracks 2 and 6 co-produced by Phil Robertson
Recorded in June 2013 by Jim Woodyard at Creation Sound, Burnaby, BC
Overdubs recorded by Phil Robertson at Crawlspace Studio, Burnaby, BC
Hammond B3 Organ tracks recorded by Simon Kendall at Hammond Ave Studio, Vancouver, BC
Edited, Mixed and Mastered by Phil Robertson at Crawlspace Studio, Burnaby, BC
The Turning
On his debut jazz CD, The Turning, Tom Arntzen evokes a spirit of playful innocence. The combination of Tom’s inspired songwriting, rich vocals and masterful piano playing is stunning. This is an artist at the peak of his creativity offering 9 original jazz tunes and 4 standards. Tom is joined by some of Canada’s finest jazz musicians playing in the styles of Chet Baker and Nat King Cole. Producer Simon Kendall added his unique touch and the result is an album of compelling freshness coupled with exceptional musicianship.
“This album is about turning back to my musical roots. I have loved to play and listen to jazz since I was a kid. I believe a spirit of playfulness is essential to good jazz. Interaction and fun are ‘playing’ in the truest sense of the word. This approach is reflected in the way I chose to record the album. I knew I would get polished performances on the first or second take from these outstanding players. The freshness of the moment was captured as each cut was recorded live off the floor. I am deeply satisfied with this album.”
– Tom Arntzen
The Musicians
Tom Arntzen: Piano, Vocals
Bill Coon: Guitar
Miles Foxx Hill: Bass
Leif Arntzen: Trumpet
Craig Scott: Drums
Ron Thompson: Guitar
Kim Nishikawara: Tenor Sax
Technical Production
Produced by Simon Kendall
Arranged by Tom Arntzen
Recorded by Jim Woodyard
at Creation Studios, Vancouver, BC
“It’s an understatement to say Tom Arntzen comes from a musical family. His father Lloyd is a veteran of Vancouver’s Dixieland scene, and Tom is the youngest of six children who sing, write songs and play instruments.
Because of those melodious genes, I was interested in going to Arntzen’s Nov. 16 concert celebrating the release of his jazz CD, ‘The Turning.’ A few listens to the disc also confirmed that he’s a fine singer, decent piano player and capable songwriter.
I caught the first half of the show at the Norman Rothstein Theatre, where Arntzen showed his jazz chops on tunes including Miles Davis’ “All Blues” and an instrumental with guest tenor saxophonist Kim Nishikawara. Hopefully Arntzen will have more opportunities to develop those chops in smaller venues.”
In Sync
Chris Wong
THE VANCOUVER COURIER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1998
“Tom Arntzen is a wonderful pianist… and his talent as a singer is unquestioned. His interpretation of the lyrics and his emphathetic and relaxed style are delightful. His music is a “throw-back” and is full of the romance of another era, yet remains contemporary.”
Rick Cluff – Host,
Coastal Grooves, The Early Edition
C.B.C. Radio
Friday, November 13,1998
“We frequently receive. CD’s to review and sometimes they are just music to slit your wrists by, but not this time. As I sit here listening, and typing this up I find it one of the most enjoyable jazz CD’s I’ve heard in a while. With Tom Arntzen on piano and doing vocals, it’s mellow, laid back and some tracks are a bit of Miles Davis.
Tom Arntzen is not new to the Vancouver music scene, he was musical director of Cheating Hearts at the Arts Club, musical leader for Forever Plaid, at the Starlight Theatre, and has performed in many area musicals i.e.: Carousel at Theatre Under the Stars, Tommy in Brigadoon and Lt. Cable in South Pacific. The list goes on forever, we’re talking talent here.
Not since the recent Bill Beau’s Westside Jazz Trio have I heard such good chops. In the band we have Arntzen on piano, Ron Thompson on guitar, Miles Hill, bass, and Craig Scott on drums. In the traditional of artists like Chet Baker and Nat King Cole, you’re really going to enjoy this CD. Available in and around the lower mainland at most major music stores.”
CD Review
by Winston McKay
The Commercial Drive
April 1999, Vol 12 Issue 18