Sampling — Karl Weismantel

KARL WEISMANTEL
IN HAND
Self-released, 2008

By Nick McGregor

Usually when you think of jazz music, the first thing that comes to mind is horns – trumpets, saxophones, trombones, clarinets. But horns aren’t essential to produce quality jazz. Gainesville native and guitar connoisseur Karl Weismantel proves that point with his excellent self-recorded and self-released 2008 album In Hand. With a horn-less backing band (Peter Miles and Von Barlow on drums, Jason Davis and Paul Creel on bass), Weismantel skillfully glides through an hour’s worth of jazz treasures, touching on early standards, mid-century piano landmarks, and post-bop experimentation. And although In Hand tends toward the quieter side of the jazz spectrum, Weismantel injects the 11 covers and one original on the album with a hip 21st century swing.

Opener “Old Devil Moon” has a sophisticated feel, backed by rollicking snare hits that give the track a toe-tapping vibe. A suave glimpse of Frank Sinatra shows up on the 1966 Ol’ Blue Eyes hit “Summer Wind,” and Weismantel lends his own male-crooner stamp to “Until The Real Thing Comes Along.” That soothing voice luxuriates on the languid Southern classic “Stars Fell On Alabama,” and adds layers of emotion to the cheerful Duke Ellington ballad “I’m Just A Lucky So And So.” And Weismantel adeptly translates the Disney piano masterpiece “Someday My Prince Will Come,” turning it into a complex and warm showcase of his far-ranging guitar skills.

Graduating from the University Of North Florida in 1991 under the tutelage of celebrated guitar teacher John Petersen, Weismantel then spent a decade honing his live chops on cruise ships, at the Amelia Island Ritz Carlton, and in Atlanta, where he logged 700 sideman gigs in three years. Returning to Florida in 2002, Weismantel returned to school for a Masters in Jazz Studies from FSU, also teaching himself recording and engineering techniques. That experience allowed full control over In Hand, which was recorded in Weismantel’s home recording studio. The result is a warm, rich tone emanating from Weismantel’s celebrated Gibson L-4, with the backing band sounding spot-on throughout, as well. And lest you think Weismantel is just another jazz musician dwelling on the past, his stated musical philosophy speaks volumes about his craft: “It is the duty of musicians to strive for the highest levels of creativity … the purpose of studying music from the past is to create new and exciting music in the future.” Spoken like a budding jazz genius.

Karl plays frequently around the St. Augustine, Gainesville, and Jacksonville areas. Check out his website www.klouis.com for upcoming gigs.