John Jorgenson: A Musical Journey Through Bluegrass and Jazz

Imagine a musician so versatile that he could be mistaken for different virtuosos across generations. Such is the story of John Jorgenson, a remarkable talent whose name has become a hallmark of musical diversity. With a Nordic name as familiar as his, music enthusiasts might be excused for thinking there were several John Jorgensons, each excelling in their own right. But in fact, there is just one multi-faceted artist behind the name.

One might recall the John Jorgenson who played the electric guitar, lending his skills to legends like Roy Orbison and Little Richard, and who even toured with Elton John. This same Jorgenson rocked the stage with a rockabilly band and provided the harmony and twang for the Desert Rose Band, which topped the country music charts twice and won him a Grammy alongside Brad Paisley.

Yet another facet of Jorgenson’s artistry is his admiration and emulation of Django Reinhardt, the Romani jazz guitarist who inspired countless musicians. In the realm of bluegrass, Jorgenson distinguishes himself as a gifted singer and mandolin player, who picked up influences from the legendary Earl Scruggs and continues to impress with his flatpicking technique reminiscent of Tony Rice.

Now at 68 years old, if Jorgenson had limited himself to just one genre or instrument, it's tempting to imagine how he might be heralded today. As a contemporary living tale of American music, he has graced many stages and genres with his extraordinary talent for half a century.

"It has always been normal for me to play different styles and different instruments," he remarks, reflecting on his musical journey. That journey began early, with piano at 4 and clarinet by 8, soon followed by the guitar. He played his first paid gig in his early teens, investing his earnings in a wah-wah pedal after performing in a church production of The Messiah.

Becoming a Colorado Dawg

Jorgenson's connection to Colorado extends back almost fifty years, beginning with a scholarship to the Aspen Music Festival in 1978. While mastering the jazz bass and bassoon with an orchestra, he also explored 'dawg' music, which deftly blends bluegrass, folk, and jazz. This early exposure to the genre sparked a love affair with the mandolin that led him to join a band that specialized in 'dawg' music.

Stepping into bluegrass music, Jorgenson took a backward path. He started with progressive artists before diving into the roots with bluegrass pioneers. When the time came to form his own band, he partnered with Herb Pedersen, a revered musician whose work with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris had already earned him acclaim. Pedersen's history with The Dillards and his storied career brought an invaluable dimension to the musical partnership.

The Desert Rose Band, with its country-rock flair, emerged from this collaboration, having recorded multiple albums and earned numerous hits. Their performances today still resonate, with Jorgenson noting how Pedersen's vocals enhance the sound, creating a harmonious blend that feels larger than life.

With the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, members like the renowned Mark Fain and Patrick Sauber join forces to create a dynamic sound that transcends simple categorization. Their performances are far from just quiet instrumentals; they showcase bluegrass with an energetic flair, mixing soulful ballads with vibrant, genre-bending instrumental pieces.

When Jorgenson switches from mandolin to guitar, the influence of Django Reinhardt is unmistakable. His passion for Reinhardt's style is not confined to bluegrass, as he also explores this genre further with the John Jorgenson Quintet. For Jorgenson, music is about exploration and pushing boundaries, blending different styles to create something uniquely his own.

music, bluegrass, jazz