“It’s an understatement to say Tom Arntzen comes from a musical family. His father Lloyd is a veteran of Vancouver’s Dixieland scene, and Tom is the youngest of six children who sing, write songs and play instruments.
Because of those melodious genes, I was interested in going to Arntzen’s Nov. 16 concert celebrating the release of his jazz CD, ‘The Turning.’ A few listens to the disc also confirmed that he’s a fine singer, decent piano player and capable songwriter.
I caught the first half of the show at the Norman Rothstein Theatre, where Arntzen showed his jazz chops on tunes including Miles Davis’ “All Blues” and an instrumental with guest tenor saxophonist Kim Nishikawara. Hopefully Arntzen will have more opportunities to develop those chops in smaller venues.”
In Sync
Chris Wong
THE VANCOUVER COURIER
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1998
“Tom Arntzen is a wonderful pianist… and his talent as a singer is unquestioned. His interpretation of the lyrics and his emphathetic and relaxed style are delightful. His music is a “throw-back” and is full of the romance of another era, yet remains contemporary.”
Rick Cluff – Host,
Coastal Grooves, The Early Edition
C.B.C. Radio
Friday, November 13,1998
“We frequently receive. CD’s to review and sometimes they are just music to slit your wrists by, but not this time. As I sit here listening, and typing this up I find it one of the most enjoyable jazz CD’s I’ve heard in a while. With Tom Arntzen on piano and doing vocals, it’s mellow, laid back and some tracks are a bit of Miles Davis.
Tom Arntzen is not new to the Vancouver music scene, he was musical director of Cheating Hearts at the Arts Club, musical leader for Forever Plaid, at the Starlight Theatre, and has performed in many area musicals i.e.: Carousel at Theatre Under the Stars, Tommy in Brigadoon and Lt. Cable in South Pacific. The list goes on forever, we’re talking talent here.
Not since the recent Bill Beau’s Westside Jazz Trio have I heard such good chops. In the band we have Arntzen on piano, Ron Thompson on guitar, Miles Hill, bass, and Craig Scott on drums. In the traditional of artists like Chet Baker and Nat King Cole, you’re really going to enjoy this CD. Available in and around the lower mainland at most major music stores.”
CD Review
by Winston McKay
The Commercial Drive
April 1999, Vol 12 Issue 18