Album Notes

RECENT REVIEWS

What? The Jack Pantazis Quartet

"These two disks allow a lovely start for Melbourne's new Jazz Play Records. Each is led by a knockout guitarist: Jack's debut as leader is sprightly, graceful bop with some nice lyrical passages; Peter's record is more free-flowing, wonderful modal post-bop with excellent contributions from Sam Keevers at the piano. Winners both; get rid of that fifty that's been taking up perfectly good space in your hip pocket and discover some superb Melbourne musicians."
Readings Monthly, March 2007

“The catchy choruses in the opening tracks of What? Are soon buzzing around the brain….”
“His Quartet….. play a jazz fusion that flirts with bebop riffs on What? And Key of Scarlette, while Ostrich Feathers could blow all the way to an LA soundtrack studio.”

‘Key Track: The 16 minute Suite in which Pantazis adds to the bright array of guitar stylings already on show…”

Derek Leather, The Age newspaper, Melbourne Jan 14th, 2007

“ All originals, the CD demonstrates the band leader’s talents as both a guitarist and composer. Of the 7 tracks, particularly impressive is the longest ‘Suite-Prelude, For Pat, Someone’s Song.’…”

“..The gutsy tone of the sax player, Andrew Jackson, adds a welcome touch of hotness. There is good solo work from the bassist Adam Spiegl and the drummer, Tim Coghill, delivers in an uncomplicated way with none of the busy, intrusive dominance which can spoil some contemporary recordings. It is the kind of CD you are likely to be drawn back to.”

John Sharpe, The Canberra Times newspaper, Dec 2006

BIOGRAPHY
Guitarist Jack Pantazis has been on the music scene for approximately 20 years. He has experience in many forms of music making and styles. His playing styles range from jazz, latin, rock, classical, pop, just to name a few.

His music making has been heard in solo, duos,trios and quartets outfits to large ensembles such as Philarmonic Orchestras to Jazz Orchestras ( Big Band ). Included in this is work in pit orchestras for musicals such as ‘Rent’ and ‘Mama Mia’ to a variety of CD recordings.

Some of the artists that Jack has backed include, Cristine Arnou, Nina Ferra, Bob Valentine, Normie Rowe, Mike Stern, Todd McNeny, Rachael Beck, Kate Ceberano,
James Morrison,Bill Watrous, Glen Shorrock,

Jack has also performed on a few television shows such as Bert Newtons ‘ Good Morning Australia’, ABC’s ‘The Art Show’ and has performed in the backing orchestra for the Australian Film Awards (AFI ).

Currently Jack performs regularly with The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra and his own group The Jack Pantazis Quartet.

In 2005 Jack taught music in Beijing, China at The Midi School Of Music. While there he performed at the main jazz club in Beijing, ‘CD Jazz Club’.
While Jack has guested on other albums, this is his first full length CD