Extremely Serious Business

John D. Thomas's band of the 1980s, Serious Business (heard on Serious Business (ESPDISK 5006CD)), focused on his fusion and "free funk" compositions played with an electric sound. Extremely Serious Business marked a turning point, a return to a more acoustic setting while remaining true to the pioneering spirit of "improvisation along the edges." Extremely Serious Business showcases Thomas's unique compositional skills and style while carrying on the long lineage of cutting-edge soloing "outside the changes." Headwall combines freedom in composition and conceptualization with a kickass groove to set a new standard in jazz guitar. This previously unreleased album features mostly a traditional acoustic jazz-guitar sound, but also includes two tracks with guitar synthesizer out front. All tracks were recorded with "live" musicians with the exception "Song for My Father," done in duo with drummer Tom Garner, with overdubbing. Mr. Thomas says, "Equally noteworthy is the incredible mix present throughout. Unlike previous recordings where the guitar sometimes appears either too far back or the sound too tinny and less full, this album exceeds previous mix attempts in achieving both balance and clarity." John D. Thomas: guitar, guitar synthesizer, keyboards, electric bass; Greg Burke: piano, synthesizer; Paul Beaudry: contrabass; Tom Garner: drums; Avi Rothbard: guitar on "Yesterdays."