This CD is marvelous. I teach at the International School Bangkok, Thailand, and my students have found Tournesol their favorite CD of the year. I am always searching for quality jazz music and it isn't easy living so far away. Greg' talent and passion shines through, vividly in this work. My students are from different cultures and they all agree, this is their favorite treasure found thus far! For them, it is a "mountain top" experience listening to Tournesol.

No professional reviewer here so all I can say is that this CD is wonderful. I listen to it all the time, while working or driving in the car or just relaxing at home. The samples that you can listen to give you a great idea of the whole CD but nothing does them justice but to hear each piece in its entirety.

“Tournesol” is a varied and very promising first commercial effort by pianist/composer Greg Jasperse, a Chicago-based musician, arranger, singer, writer, musical director, and teacher. Mostly jazz and smooth-jazz stylings, the thirteen pieces include ensemble work with and without “scat”-type vocals, and a couple of ballads. All of the pieces are original compositions. Overall, the mood of the album is very upbeat and joyous, and the musicianship is excellent. A few of the vocals are a bit too “perky” for my taste, but I can certainly appreciate the high level of spirit and energy embodied in those pieces. Along with piano and keyboards, the instrumentation includes guitar, bass, percussion, drums, strings, and woodwinds. “Joy Ride” features Grant Geissman on guitar and Gary Meek on sax along with Jasperse on piano. It has an easy, upbeat mood and infectious rhythm. “Arbor Drive” has a Celtic feel, and includes whistle, recorder, and violin - a charming piece. “B Natural” is one of my favorites. Played by a full ensemble, it has a slinky, smooth jazz feel. “Garden Waltz” is another favorite. With piano, bass, guitar, and percussion, the piece has a relaxed flow and a gentle mood. “Uncle John” is a gorgeous wordless ballad for piano, keyboard, oboe, and violin - bittersweet and gentle. The title track could easily become a smooth jazz classic. An ensemble piece for piano, flute, cello, bass, and percussion, it reminds me of some of Ira Stein’s “chamber jazz” compositions. “Child” is a lovely song with Jasperse doing vocals as well as piano. It is a simple love song to a child, full of love and wonder. “Tournesol” is an excellent beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Greg Jasperse takes us. He is obviously very comfortable with a wide range of musical styles and approaches, and does an exceptional job. Good stuff!