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Listen for John Altenburgh music on these wonderful Christmas Movies, December 2020 on the ION Channel!!
Live in concert Brand new 2020 release!!
John Altenburgh Live
At various concert venues throughout the US
with his jazz group and Johnny & The MoTones.
Click on Album Cover to open in Spotify!
At various concert venues throughout the US
with his jazz group and Johnny & The MoTones.
Click on Album Cover to open in Spotify!
John Altenburgh Solo Piano!
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New release by John Altenburgh "Solo Piano"
Just Piano this time for Altenburgh as he records 11 original compositions on piano. Available on Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, Apple Music and all other music sites! Click on Album Cover to listen on Spotify! |
The 2018 release by John Altenburgh
With the recent success of Altenburgh's Latin based music at Spotify, comes the new release, Sounds of Latin! Click on album cover to listen on Spotify!!
With the recent success of Altenburgh's Latin based music at Spotify, comes the new release, Sounds of Latin! Click on album cover to listen on Spotify!!
Old city
John Altenburgh's first release Old City, 1989
With this release, the career of Altenburgh's recording career and
Altenburgh Records begun!
With this release, the career of Altenburgh's recording career and
Altenburgh Records begun!
Vol. 2
The 1991 release, Vol. 2
by Michael G. Nastos
Pianist Altenburgh is a composer and arranger with broadly based taste, in and out of jazz. Influences derived from either pop or R&B creep into his zone of taste, and there's a bit of electronica as well. Varying in range and effectiveness, not to mention originalty, there's a lack of spark that makes some of the music less than compelling. Still, Altenburgh, tenor saxophonist John Greiner, bassists Jeff Eckels and Mark Farrell, drummer Mark Ladley, and select guests all play well on this 36-minute, eight-cut program. When they're at their best, a melodic swing á la the neo-bop strain of Chick Corea and Michael Brecker can be heard. "1960," for instance, shifts and downshifts from second & third gear, with vibes from Robert Stright adding to the brighter notes in the piece. "Herkimer County" starts a bit tentative but locks into a good swing with nice unison tenor-piano and vocal lines from Altenburgh -- an engaging sound. The quartet swings easily, but sounds rather bland and nonplussed on "Fran's Back." Altenburgh slips into a boogie on "The Scott Street Shuffle" with his solo piano, hand claps, and a vocal sextet. Drums and piano sound polite (rather than down and dirty), for a half-hearted New Orleans shuffle "Jim & Elly's Summer Vacation." A typical gospel blues waltz reminiscent of the Saturday Night Live closing theme with drums, guitar, and bass from members of the Petrified Alien Brain Blues Band codifies "Coastin' Home." Greiner's EWI woodwind synthesizer sounds squirrely during "Pete the Pontiac," while drummer Matt Mattioli joins Altenburgh's easy sea synth washes on "Indian Summer." Transcending influence is tough, much less creating truly original music and sound. At times, an attempt to play something that pleases everyone falls short on some musical level. Judging from this release, however, the talented Altenburgh comes closer than most.
by Michael G. Nastos
Pianist Altenburgh is a composer and arranger with broadly based taste, in and out of jazz. Influences derived from either pop or R&B creep into his zone of taste, and there's a bit of electronica as well. Varying in range and effectiveness, not to mention originalty, there's a lack of spark that makes some of the music less than compelling. Still, Altenburgh, tenor saxophonist John Greiner, bassists Jeff Eckels and Mark Farrell, drummer Mark Ladley, and select guests all play well on this 36-minute, eight-cut program. When they're at their best, a melodic swing á la the neo-bop strain of Chick Corea and Michael Brecker can be heard. "1960," for instance, shifts and downshifts from second & third gear, with vibes from Robert Stright adding to the brighter notes in the piece. "Herkimer County" starts a bit tentative but locks into a good swing with nice unison tenor-piano and vocal lines from Altenburgh -- an engaging sound. The quartet swings easily, but sounds rather bland and nonplussed on "Fran's Back." Altenburgh slips into a boogie on "The Scott Street Shuffle" with his solo piano, hand claps, and a vocal sextet. Drums and piano sound polite (rather than down and dirty), for a half-hearted New Orleans shuffle "Jim & Elly's Summer Vacation." A typical gospel blues waltz reminiscent of the Saturday Night Live closing theme with drums, guitar, and bass from members of the Petrified Alien Brain Blues Band codifies "Coastin' Home." Greiner's EWI woodwind synthesizer sounds squirrely during "Pete the Pontiac," while drummer Matt Mattioli joins Altenburgh's easy sea synth washes on "Indian Summer." Transcending influence is tough, much less creating truly original music and sound. At times, an attempt to play something that pleases everyone falls short on some musical level. Judging from this release, however, the talented Altenburgh comes closer than most.
generations
The 1993 release, Generations
by Scott Yanow
Pianist John Altenburgh shows off his versatility on this early release from his Altenburgh label. He is heard on piano, electric keyboards, guitar, organ, and occasional vocals, performing nine of his originals. The music is funky and contemporary but also boppish in spots, with his compositions often paying tribute to some aspect of his life up to that point. The instrumentation differs from song to song, with John Greiner's tenor, flute, or soprano being a strong asset on five of the nine selections. The pieces hold together quite well as a sort of suite, with highlights including "Generations," "GJ," "Cold Storage Blues" (a feature for Altenburgh's organ), and "Down on the Avenue."
by Scott Yanow
Pianist John Altenburgh shows off his versatility on this early release from his Altenburgh label. He is heard on piano, electric keyboards, guitar, organ, and occasional vocals, performing nine of his originals. The music is funky and contemporary but also boppish in spots, with his compositions often paying tribute to some aspect of his life up to that point. The instrumentation differs from song to song, with John Greiner's tenor, flute, or soprano being a strong asset on five of the nine selections. The pieces hold together quite well as a sort of suite, with highlights including "Generations," "GJ," "Cold Storage Blues" (a feature for Altenburgh's organ), and "Down on the Avenue."
heartland '95
The 1995 release, Heartland '95
by Steven McDonald
A superior jazz set from keyboardist Altenburgh, whose main support here consists of sax player John Greiner, drummer Mark Ladley, and bassist David Dunn; an assortment of others fill in the blanks where needed. Altenburgh took the risk of starting his own label in 1989, and it's nice to note that the recordings he produces and releases are, in the main, excellent efforts that stray a little from the beaten path. This set, for example, does not pander to the 1990s apparent conception of jazz as soothing mood music, instead providing the music with some degree of muscle and mind without diving into the free jazz and dissonance pools. Altenburgh's decision to use organ prominently in his music is another nice factor, one that offsets the more typical synthesizer washes and the odd bit of too-frilly piano (though, again, Altenburgh generally stays far from this.) While unlikely to win Altenburgh awards for innovation, this is good stuff to hear.
by Steven McDonald
A superior jazz set from keyboardist Altenburgh, whose main support here consists of sax player John Greiner, drummer Mark Ladley, and bassist David Dunn; an assortment of others fill in the blanks where needed. Altenburgh took the risk of starting his own label in 1989, and it's nice to note that the recordings he produces and releases are, in the main, excellent efforts that stray a little from the beaten path. This set, for example, does not pander to the 1990s apparent conception of jazz as soothing mood music, instead providing the music with some degree of muscle and mind without diving into the free jazz and dissonance pools. Altenburgh's decision to use organ prominently in his music is another nice factor, one that offsets the more typical synthesizer washes and the odd bit of too-frilly piano (though, again, Altenburgh generally stays far from this.) While unlikely to win Altenburgh awards for innovation, this is good stuff to hear.
legends of keelerville
The 1996 release, Legends of Keelerville
Review by Scott Yanow
Keyboardist John Altenburgh contributed all eight selections to this intriguing, if occasionally commercial, release. The music ranges from fine straight-ahead pieces to a couple selections that sound as if radio airplay were their main objective. Altenburgh is at his best on organ, though he also plays piano and electric keyboards; on "Falls City" he also overdubs a muted cornet and guitar. Of the supporting cast, trumpeter Bob Kase and especially tenor saxophonist John Greiner have their spots, and on the better pieces the ensemble sound is quite appealing. Although a bit of a mixed bag, there are enough strong jazz moments to make this disc (which features musicians from the Midwest) recommended.
Review by Scott Yanow
Keyboardist John Altenburgh contributed all eight selections to this intriguing, if occasionally commercial, release. The music ranges from fine straight-ahead pieces to a couple selections that sound as if radio airplay were their main objective. Altenburgh is at his best on organ, though he also plays piano and electric keyboards; on "Falls City" he also overdubs a muted cornet and guitar. Of the supporting cast, trumpeter Bob Kase and especially tenor saxophonist John Greiner have their spots, and on the better pieces the ensemble sound is quite appealing. Although a bit of a mixed bag, there are enough strong jazz moments to make this disc (which features musicians from the Midwest) recommended.
Christmas at buzz's restaurant
The 1998 release, Christmas at Buzz's Restaurant
by Al Campbell
Pianist and vocalist John Altenburgh's Christmas collection combines nine traditional holiday favorites with four originals. The jazzy renditions of seasonal music make for pleasant additional listening alongside the tried and true classics. Several of the tracks incorporate saxophone, drums, bass, and organ while others feature Altenburgh solo. Christmas at Buzz's Restaurant (great title!) is available on Altenburgh's own label appropriately titled Altenburgh Jazz, based out of Mosinee, WI
by Al Campbell
Pianist and vocalist John Altenburgh's Christmas collection combines nine traditional holiday favorites with four originals. The jazzy renditions of seasonal music make for pleasant additional listening alongside the tried and true classics. Several of the tracks incorporate saxophone, drums, bass, and organ while others feature Altenburgh solo. Christmas at Buzz's Restaurant (great title!) is available on Altenburgh's own label appropriately titled Altenburgh Jazz, based out of Mosinee, WI
Bad habit "in concert"
John Altenburgh's rock band, Bad Habit of the 1970's reunites for the Summer of 1999. Fun, Raw and LIVE!
Special order only, contact Altenburgh Records records@altenburgh.com 715 693-2230
Remnants of the 20th century
The 2000 release, Remnants of the 20th Century
4 cd box set, includes The Best of, Far From River Road, It Sings and Altenburgh Live (by special order, contact Altenburgh Records, at 715 693-2230 or email records@altenburgh.com for availability)
4 cd box set, includes The Best of, Far From River Road, It Sings and Altenburgh Live (by special order, contact Altenburgh Records, at 715 693-2230 or email records@altenburgh.com for availability)
a wisconsin christmas "in concert"
The 2001 release, A Wisconsin Christmas, In Concert
Recorded at The Grand Theater, Wausau WI and The Grand Opera House, Oshkosh, WI
Featuring Janet Planet, Otis McLennon, Tom Theabo, Tom Washatka, Chris O'Keefe and
John Greiner
Recorded at The Grand Theater, Wausau WI and The Grand Opera House, Oshkosh, WI
Featuring Janet Planet, Otis McLennon, Tom Theabo, Tom Washatka, Chris O'Keefe and
John Greiner
The best of
THE BEST OF........ 2005
Includes John's solo work and songs from Johnny & The MoTones
Includes John's solo work and songs from Johnny & The MoTones
Far from river road
Far From River Road.....2006
Featuring Altenburgh on guitar playing Latin Jazz
Featuring Altenburgh on guitar playing Latin Jazz
A wisconsin christmas "a return to the grand"
The 2007 release, A Wisconsin Christmas "Return to The Grand"
3 cd box set (by special order, contact Altenburgh Records, at 715 693-2230 or email records@altenburgh.com for availability)
Featuring Janet Planet Chris O'Keefe Randy Sabien Otis McLennon Tom Theabo Tom Washatka
Mitch Viegut Tuck Pence John Greiner and many others!
3 cd box set (by special order, contact Altenburgh Records, at 715 693-2230 or email records@altenburgh.com for availability)
Featuring Janet Planet Chris O'Keefe Randy Sabien Otis McLennon Tom Theabo Tom Washatka
Mitch Viegut Tuck Pence John Greiner and many others!
See more of John's work with Johnny & The MoTones
Visit The Johnny & The MoTones Page! www.johnnyandthemotones.com
