New York based singer, songwriter and pianist Jon Regen has spent the better part of the last decade telling a singular musical story, with a steady stream of critically acclaimed albums and capacity concert appearances on both sides of the Atlantic. Now with the release of his new album Revolution, Regen returns to the recorded stage with yet another captivating chapter in his already auspicious career.
Featuring ten affecting originals, as well as guest appearances by some the world’s most acclaimed musical artists like Andy Summers of The Police and Benmont Tench from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Revolution is a tonal testament to Regen’s continued musical evolution – from instrumental jazz journeyman, to internationally-headlining pop artist. And much like Regen’s touring schedule itself, the album was recorded and produced in a myriad of cities around the globe.
“Revolution started at the Steinway grand piano in my New York City apartment,” Regen says of the album’s infectious title track. “The melody and lyrics came to me in a matter of minutes, and before long, I was recording them into my laptop. In fact, 90% of what you hear in that song – all the vocals and keyboards - even the song’s signature Casio drum machine, was recorded in my home studio. You just never know when a song will hit you.”
The recording of Revolution would turn into a truly global affair, with sessions scheduled in seven cities across two continents. “I was on-tour with my band across Europe,” Regen explains, “so we tracked a handful of songs on a day off between shows in London. In fact, some of the album’s most spirited playing comes from those sessions – we were literally running between airports!” Tracks for the album would also be recorded at studios in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Berkeley, California.
Revolution features a captivating cast of musical heavyweights, both in-front of, and behind the studio glass. From acclaimed artists like guitarist Andy Summers and keyboardist Benmont Tench, to ace engineers Michael Brauer (Coldplay/John Mayer) and John Porter (Ryan Adams/The Smiths), Regen would spend the better part of a year assembling the creative team that would ultimately complete the album.
“I came-up in the jazz world, where paying homage to your musical heroes was the norm,” Regen explains. “So for me, it was important for that kind of legacy to permeate Revolution.” Summers’ singular guitar sound on the hushed, string-laden ballad ‘Spirits of The Soul’ recalls his fabled guitar work on The Police’s classic track ‘Wrapped Around Your Finger.’ And Benmont Tench’s iconic Hammond B3 organ delights on Regen’s ode to misfit love ‘Delores.'
“Many of the guests on the album like Andy and Benmont, were heroes of mine when I was coming-up as a musician,” Regen continues. “So it was the thrill of a lifetime to have gotten the chance to record with them here.”
Other alluring artists also make cameos on Revolution, including Bonnie Raitt and Bruce Hornsby alum George Marinelli on guitar, along with fellow Raitt bandmates Ricky Peterson on organ, Hutch Hutchinson on bass, and Ricky Fataar on drums. “I’ve been listening to all four of them on their own and in Bonnie’s band for years,” Regen says. “Find me another group that grooves like they do!” Blues powerhouse Dana Fuchs joins Regen on the unabashed rocker ‘Fighting For Your Love,’ Regen’s nod to the music of his youth. “My father had Elton John’s Greatest Hits on perma-repeat in our family car when I was a kid,” Regen admits. “I think ‘Fighting For Your Love’ was almost an auto-immune response to hearing ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ for all those years!” And Regen’s co-producer, famed keyboardist Matt Rollings guests on organ and accordion on a number of key album tracks, including Regen’s haunting tale of a failed love affair ‘One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue.’ “We cut that one in one take – completely live,” Regen recalls. “When Matt started into his accordion solo, I almost lost it. He has a way of cutting right to the core.”
Regen also co-wrote three of the album’s tracks with storied songsmiths like Matchbox Twenty front man Rob Thomas (‘Just Waiting For Now’), and UK soul phenom David McAlmont (‘Spirits of The Soul’ and ‘Run Away’). “Rob and David pushed me into territory I couldn’t have found on my own,” Regen says. “They forced me to step outside my comfort zone.”
Jon Regen was raised in Maplewood, New Jersey. A protégé of the legendary pianist Kenny Barron, Regen began his career as a sympathetic sideman to renowned jazz artists like Jimmy Scott and Kyle Eastwood. Named Runner-Up in the 1996 Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Regen would jump-out on his own with a series of critically acclaimed instrumental jazz recordings; From Left To Right (1996), Live at The Blue Note (2000), and Tel Aviv (2001).
In 2004, Regen made an abrupt left turn and released the self-produced, singer/songwriter EP Almost Home. Universally acclaimed throughout the US, Europe and Asia, the EP would formally announce Regen’s arrival on the world stage, and would kick start a concert career that thrives to this day. Regen followed the EP up with his full-length 2008 release Let It Go, which featured appearances by Andy Summers of The Police, Martha Wainwright, and other iconic guests. The album would receive worldwide praise from critics and listeners alike, and go on to sell over 5,000 copies without a label or distributor attached. Regen would tour for nearly 3 years in support of Let It Go, with a steady stream of sold-out shows on both sides of the Atlantic.
On Revolution, Regen weaves an artful tale of humor and heartbreak across each of the album’s ten tracks. From the sardonic tenor of “She’s Not You (But Tonight She’ll Have To Do),” to the hushed resignation of “One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue,” Regen’s unique sonic stamp permeates with both both guts and grace. “I think it’s the most complete album I’ve ever made,” Regen says of his latest work. “Musically, lyrically, thematically - it’s the perfect amalgam of where I’ve been, and where I’m headed.”
“There’s a revolution inside my head,” Jon Regen sings to open his arresting new album. Spin it on your music player of choice, and you’re sure to join the Revolution too.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT JON REGEN'S REVOLUTION
Regen's voice is a pure expression, finding a soulful express lane on songs like "Just Waiting for Now" and "One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue." One foot is solid in the singer-pianist tradition while the other is feeling for new ground. With special guests Andy Summers, Benmont Tench, David McAlmont, and others, the musicality is well-covered. On everything else, Jon Regen has earned the spotlight. Let it shine.
Jon Regen is a man who knows his instrument. The piano isn’t great for rocking out unless you’re Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard, but it’s perfect for sophisticated, slightly retro pop songs. Regen writes his with the smart, jazzy feel of Ben Folds or Randy Newman, and on such tunes as “She’s Not You (But Tonight She’ll Have to Do)” and “One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue,” he gets to play his favorite character: the bemused, brokenhearted New York City night owl.
M MUSIC & MUSICIANS
With a deceptive simplicity at times Revolution needs further listening to reveal itself.
*** THREE STARS.
JAZZWISE
A wall-to-wall celebration of song and masterful musicianship. Jon Regen here emerges with a smart-as-hell pop album. The 10-song set opens with the titular track, one of several here that calls to mind the master craftsmanship of Marc “Walking in Memphis” Cohn but with elements that are more solidly and authentically fused to southern soul.
POPMATTERS
The title track of this jazz pianist turned singer/songwriter's latest album is actually a wry love song, at once bluesy and plucky.
USA TODAY
A jazz piano player with plenty of pop singer/songwriting skills, Jon Regen spent 17 months in seven cities and two continents working on this album. It’s an enjoyable set, laid down against an organic background with Regen’s soulful vocals at the forefront. The easy-going “Just Waiting for Now,” was co-written with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas, while other impressive collaborators show up along the way, especially guitarist Andy Summers who turns in some very tasty work on “Spirits of the Soul.”
THE REPUBLICAN/MASSLIVE.COM
Jon Regen is a skilled jazz pianist; he knows his way around advanced improv and has gigged extensively. But he has a yen for the power of lyrics, and is rolling through a career that’s based on pop songwriting. On the new Revolution (JRM), he makes his catchiest and most insightful disc so far. As one tune spills into another, a blend of Billy Joel and Randy Newman bubbles up, with romance and wit vying for equal room.
THE PROVIDENCE PHOENIX
With Revolution, Regen has shifted into a magnificent new gear that fuses the earlier components with the sort of material you'd expect of Harry Connick, Jr., and Donald Fagen. There's a wit and assurance on tunes like the title cut and "She's Not You (But Tonight She'll Have to Do)," and a gorgeous sense of melody on "Spirits of the Soul" and "One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue."
THE DAY.COM
Jon Regen is dripping with talent. While he’s perhaps most connected in people’s minds to the piano and keyboards, it’s Regen’s voice that ultimately sets him apart from his peers. Witness a song like “Delores,” which evokes the raw descriptive power of early Springsteen or Waits with a heady brew of piano and organ washing over the whole. Revolution really does feel revolutionary in its combination of craftsmanship and genuine soul.
ROLL MAGAZINE
Singer-songwriter and pianist Jon Regen has an original jazz-soul style onRevolution (JRM) that leverages the introspective Saturday-night spirit of Billy Joel and Leon Russell. Regen's approach on his album's originals is smoky, with a gentleness that's missing from many new albums today. Regen's quite a songwriter. And singer. And keyboard player.
JAZZWAX
Regen’s beguiling new album Revolution exudes cool sophistication without sacrificing catchy accessibility, with guest appearances by Andy Summers of the Police and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers.
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
**** FOUR STARS. Revolution is Jon Regen’s second straight great album. “She’s Not You (But Tonight She’ll Have to Do)” has strong hooks and should be a hit.
BLOOMBERG
Now, with Revolution, he delivers his most accomplished album to date. Its 10 tracks are uniform testament to Regen’s richly fulfilling maturation as both singer and songwriter (who also remains a top-drawer pianist). Summers returns for “Spirits of the Soul,” superlative among these ten excellent pieces, its haunted deconstruction of a vanquished relationship as potent as anything crafted by the guitarist’s Police-mate, Sting.
JAZZTIMES
Regen’s exceptional new album Revolution features guests a-plenty like Benmont Tench from Tom Petty's Heartbreakers, Andy Summers of The Police and Rutle Ricky Fataar, not to mention a co-write with Grammy winner Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20.
NY EXAMINER
On his suave and soulful new album, Revolution, you can still hear some of his jazz background, but mostly what you hear is someone who has developed into a supremely accomplished pop artist. Think Harry Connick Jr., or maybe Billy Joel without the bombast. Regen may not be as well-known as some of his accompanists - Andy Summers, Benmont Tench - but this album shows he deserves to be.
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
Revolution is often strongly reminiscent of Steve Winwood, Randy Newman and Bruce Hornsby’s undersung post-Range sets (“Harbor Lights,” “Hot House”). Regen won’t show off the way Hornsby does, but when he squeezes a solo into his compositions, it’s always thoughtful and inventive enough to broadcast his training. He’s gathered a stellar cast of accompanists, but the spotlight is on Regen, and the genial pianist makes the most of it. An adult-pop winner.
NJ STAR-LEDGER/NJ.COM
“One Part Broken, Two Parts Blue,” and “Spirits of the Soul” reflect the sensitive side of Regen’s creativity, and are the kind of songs that are destined to become pop standards.
SOUNDS OF TIMELESS JAZZ
On Revolution, Regen builds on his strengths, recording 10 original songs that expertly straddle the fence between jazz and pop. One of the album's best tunes, "She's Not You (But Tonight She'll Have to Do)," is easily one of the catchiest pop songs I've heard in a while. Add in appearances by such music luminaries as Andy Summers and Benmont Tench, and you have a seriously solid release.
CHARLESTON POST & COURIER
Revolution effortlessly straddles the lines of commercial viability, legit authenticity, and indie. In short, it's the album that breaks and marks the beginning of Jon's musical legacy. By the end of 2011, we will be claiming joint custody of the musician, if not declaring him one of our own outright.
LA EXAMINER
JON REGEN - SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
2011
Jon Regen
REVOLUTION
JRM 215956
2008
Jon Regen
LET IT GO
JRM 100089/Sandfish 6003 (JAPAN)
2004
Jon Regen
ALMOST HOME
HiTone 5851
2003
Jimmy Scott
ALL OF ME - LIVE IN TOKYO
Venus Records TKGV-1004
2003
Various Artists
STORMY WEATHER
Sony Classical SK87888
2001
Jon Regen
TEL AVIV
HiTone/Q&W 1004
2000
Jon Regen Trio
LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE
(with Ray Drummond & Yoron Israel)
Half Note 4909
1996
Jon Regen Trio
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
(with Earl May & Sunny Jain)
UNRELEASED
Jon Regen is a STEINWAY ARTIST and uses:
Neumann Microphones
Nord Keyboards
Hohner Melodicas
Yamaha Digital Pianos
Vocalzone Throat Pastilles