Scott Henderson – Karnevel! (self-release, 2023)
Renowned American guitarist and composer Scott Henderson is set to release his latest musical master work, Karnevel!, on February 2, 2024, marking a celebration of jazz-rock fusion for the New Year.
Henderson, a luminary in the progressive jazz-rock genre, presents his exceptional talent on the forthcoming self-released album. Karnevel! features a captivating mix of spectacular electric guitar solos, expertly executed overdubs that highlight seamless guitar interplay, and the contributions of two world-class musicians: Romain Labaye on bass and Archibald Ligonnière on drums.
After the live session, Scott spent plenty of time layering additional guitar tracks. He was happy he was able to come up with quite a few sounds he’s never used before. Additionally, Henderson emphasized the importance of variety and pacing in a record, noting that the album covers a broad spectrum, ranging from heavier (no metal) rock moments to very harmonic jazz. He also included a solo guitar piece, a departure from his previous albums.
In this recording, Henderson generously shares the spotlight with his colleagues. Labaye impresses with skillful bass lines and solos, while Ligonnière infuses the album with irresistible grooves. The result is a magnetic album that transcends the boundaries of jazz, rock, funk, and blues.
“Karnevel!” unfolds as a marvelous and shape-shifting collection of instrumental pieces, featuring Henderson’s signature style. The dynamic compositions seamlessly weave elements of contemporary jazz, progressive rock, addictive funk, and blues, providing a thrilling listening experience. Amidst the energetic tracks, the album also offers tranquil moments, providing a welcome respite from the intense musical energy.
Recorded live in the studio with Labaye and Ligonnière, the same talented musicians from Henderson’s previous album, People Mover, Karnevel! captures the essence of a vibrant and collaborative musical experience.
Regarding the title of the album and its concept, Scott indicates that it originates from his admiration for the Los Angeles Fair and carnivals in general. The source of joy stems from his experiences as a father. While Disneyland offers enjoyment, the fair has a distinct charm; eccentric, absurd, and consistently amusing. The ambiance is wonderfully chaotic, teeming with diversity, much like the essence found in his music.
Born in 1954, Scott Henderson gained prominence in the 1980s with his legendary jazz-rock fusion band, Tribal Tech. Over the years, he has solidified his position as one of the foremost guitar players and composers in jazz fusion. Henderson’s illustrious career includes collaborations with icons such as Chick Corea, Weather Report’s Joe Zawinul, Jean-Luc Ponty, and many others.
As a bandleader, he has toured extensively, covering over 70 countries and releasing more than 20 albums. Henderson’s contributions have been recognized with numerous Best Guitarist awards in prestigious publications such as Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines, and he has appeared on the covers of numerous international guitar magazines.
Without a doubt, Karnevel! is an album that you should definitely make an effort to explore.
Buy Karnevel!
Upcoming 2024 Tour dates:
February
Friday 16 – Jaworki, Poland – Muzyczna Owczarnia
Saturday 17 – Jaworki, Poland – Muzyczna Owczarnia
Monday 19 – Poznan, Poland – Blue Note
Tuesday 20 – Prague, Czech Republic – Jazz Dock
Wednesday 21 – Bamberg, Germany – Jazzclub
Thursday 22 – Passau, Germany – Café Museum
Friday 23 – Vienna, Austria – Porgy & Bess
Saturday 24 – Velden, Austria – Bluesiana
Sunday 25 – Bologna, Italy – Bravo Caffé
Monday 26 – Verona, Italy – Il Giardino
Tuesday 27 – Milano, Italy – Zio Live
Wednesday 28 – Chur, Switzerland – Streaminghall.ch
Thursday 29 – Geneva, Switzerland – eMa
March
Saturday 2 – Paris, France – Le Triton
Monday 4 – London, UK – Ronnie Scott´s
Tuesday 5 – Folkstone, UK – The Chambers
Wednesday 6 – Tilburg, Netherlands – Paradox
Thursday 7 – Bergheim, Germany – Medio Rhein Erft
Friday 8 – Hoofddorp, Netherlands – Poppodium C.
Saturday 9 – Hasbergen, Germany – Gaste Garage
Sunday 10 – Hamburg, Germany – Kent Club
Monday 11 – Kolding, Denmark – Godset
Tuesday 12 – Malmö, Sweden – Babel
Wednesday 13 – Karlskrona, Sweden – Sparresalen
Thursday 14 – Göteborg, Sweden – Pustervik
Friday 15 – Oslo, Norway – Cosmopolite
Saturday 16 – Sala, Sweden – Rockland
Sunday 17 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fasching
Tuesday 19 – Tampere, Finland – G Live Lab
Wednesday 20 – Äänekoski, Finland – Painotalo
Thursday 21 – Espoo, Finland – Sellosali
Friday 22 – Võru, Estonia – Võru Kultuurimaja Kannel
Saturday 23 Vilnius, Lithuania – Club Vakaris
Wednesday 27 – Gran Canaria, Spain – Teatro Perz
Thursday 28 – Tenerife, Spain – Teatro Leal
Friday 29 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Galileo Galilei
Saturday 30 – Athens, Greece – Athina Live
April
Tuesday 2 – Beijing, China – Blue Note
Wednesday 3 – Hangzhou, China – Meeting Jazz
Thursday 4 – Shanghai, China – Shanghai JZ Club
Friday 5 – Shanghai, China – Shanghai JZ Club
Saturday 6 – XiAn, China – Meeting Jazz
Sunday 7 – Chongqing, China – Meeting Jazz
Monday 8 – Guangzhou, China – Guangzhou JZ
Tuesday 9 – Shenzhen, China – Meeting Jazz
Friday 12 – Bangalore, India – Windmills
Saturday 13 – Bangalore, India – Windmills.
Happy Holidays
Use to live in Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks for quite some time!! Saw Tribel Tech
Quite a few times at LA vee la and baked potato. Outstanding always!!
Scott appeared to increase his technical playing abilities every time. Interestingly
I play guitar for almost 40 years have records out and teach and at apple 17years family of Ronnie Scott’s in London.
SO I appreciate the tech expertise of these guys!! Love and peace Always Micah