Born: July 27, 1953 Primary Instrument: Harmonica
PT Gazell’s first release, “Pace Yourself”, (featuring Jerry Douglas and Ricky Skaggs as sidemen) set the gold standard for diatonic harmonica playing. This blast of sonic bluegrass was and is, ahead of its time.
His innovative work with the West Texas Music Company, (Johnny Paycheck's working band) from 1977 to 1980 opened up new musical possibilities for PT. His ability as a soloist and as an ensemble member of the band garnered him both critical and popular acclaim and made him one of the most sought after session players in the country.
With his new CD, “Swingin’ Easy…Hittin' Hard”, PT once again sets a standard for others to follow. Combining elements of Jazz, Swing, and Pop Standards PT Gazell has produced a classic American Recording that will keep your toes tappin’, your head boppin’ and your smile firmly in place.
From Jazz to Bluegrass, PT Gazell covers the musical waterfront as a bandleader, a recording artist and soloist. The one common denominator is the pure musical joy that emanates with each carefully considered note he plays.
Swingin’ Easy has Gazell at the front of a spacious jazz rhythm section, including local players Roger Spencer on bass, Chris Brown on drums and guitarist Andy Reiss. Vibe player Kirby Shelstad also adds colors and counterpoints on a few tracks. Gazell’s set of swing covers, mostly of tunes from the Great American Songbook, are guided by the warm, homey feel of his diatonic harp playing. Even though his solos reflect years of practiced techniques, his voice, tone and pacing come off as naturally as an end-of-the-workday jam. Bill Levin...The Nashville Scene
