"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
Leonard Bernstein

Socially Distanced Scores
January 30, 2021

With the catastophic effects of the pandemic on the arts, and performing ensembles in particular, John has been working on a series of arrangements of large scale orchestral works for a smaller ensemble.

Inspired by the chamber arrangements created for Schoenberg's Verein für musikalische Privataufführungen, and following his highly acclaimed operatic rescorings, John has arranged several major scores by Bartók, Mahler, Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Debussy, Ravel, Holst and Shostakovich for an ensemble of 14 players. More are in preparation, and specific requests will be considered.

The size of the ensemble enables social distancing in both rehearsal and performance, and provides the opportunity for performing groups to broaden the range of works available for performance in these difficult social and economic times.

The works are all scored for the same forces. Standard doublings are called for in the woodwind parts, and percussion requirements are light. There are no timpani, nor any brass instruments, beyond two horns. The concept of "chamber" music is retained throughout. More details on the works available can be found here.

Back

JJ working on Julian Stringle's new album
March 18, 2015

Julian Marc Stringle and the Dream Band are recording a number of John's arrangements for their next album. Already in the can are John's arrangements of Lennon & McCartney's Yesterday, Jobim's Samba de Uma Nota Só, Gershwin's Walking the Dog and Julian's own composition Song for Claude. And currently nearing completion is a large scale suite for the band arranged from Bernstein's West Side Story.

Release date is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be in late 2015.

www.julianmarcstringle.com

Back

Rave reviews for Lazy Afternoon
March 2, 2015

John's arrangement of the Morross/LaTouche song Lazy Afternoon that appeared on Tina May's highly acclaimed recent album My Kinda Love has been attracting particular attention:

There have been many fine versions of the atmospheric Lazy Afternoon but [this version] is definitive, with a superbly evocative arrangement by John Jansson.
In Tune

Lazy Afternoon, arranged by John Jansson, complete with its Satie-esque piano introduction, is languorous and heartfelt
London Jazz News

the delicious string quartet-cushioned Lazy Afternoon
The Herald Scotland

One of the highpoints of the album is ... 'Lazy Afternoon'
Jazzviews

John Jansson's arrangement of 'Lazy Afternoon' was sublime
London Jazz News

Lazy Afternoon ... is a gorgeous performance with a compelling Jansson arrangement.
Jazz Journal

www.tinamay.com

Back

JJ charts for Julian Stringle Released
March 30, 2019

Julian Stringle's latest album, It's Clazzical, featuring several of John's charts, was launched with a performance at the Chicken Shed in London on March 24th.

You can listen to extracts from the album here.

Back