Janette Mason: ReWired
25th April 2025
Janette Mason: REWIRED
Album release (CD & digital): Friday 25 April 2025
“A band leader of pugnacious flair and genuine unpredictability.” The Guardian
ReWired is the new acoustic trio album by acclaimed pianist, composer and arranger Janette Mason with long-time collaborators bassist Tom Mason and drummer Eric Ford. Known for her bold improvisations, rhythmic shifts and signature reharmonisations, Mason reimagines classic pop and jazz tunes that hold a personal significance. “I wanted to reflect on what I’ve done – including some standards but twisting them as much as I can, alongside tunes that I’ve played in a pop context with their creators,” explains Mason.
Chosen from 1940s through to the present day, each track is carefully deconstructed and reassembled, resulting in a moving and innovative recording: ‘Cars’ (Gary Numan) – a nod to Mason’s early punk and electronic influences, with a bold harmonic reworking; ‘John, I’m Only Dancing’ (David Bowie) – a tribute to Mason’s collaborations with Tony Visconti, reimagined with Afro-Cuban swing rhythms; ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered’ (Rodgers & Hart) – a jazz standard reinterpreted with classical influences, highlighting its timeless melodic and harmonic beauty; ‘Good 4 U’ by Olivia Rodrigo, a contemporary pop anthem transformed into a striking jazz arrangement with Paul Booth on saxophone; ‘The Man With The Child In His Eyes’ – a lyrically and harmonically rich arrangement that mirrors Kate Bush’s vocal phrasing and emotional depth; ‘Eleanor Rigby’ (The Beatles) – a bold reinvention with a groove and intricate bass- driven twists; ‘Lullaby of Birdland’ – a tribute to George Shearing’s harmonic brilliance, influenced by Mason’s childhood connection to his music and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ – a deeply personal arrangement reflecting Mason’s time touring with Oasis. ReWired also features an original composition, ‘Prayer for the Planet,’ a heartfelt call for environmental awareness, enriched by the saxophone of Paul Booth and guest vocalists Roderick Lewis Frazier, Brendan Reilly and Natalie Williams.
Recorded in an intimate trio setting with minimal overdubs, ReWired captures the raw energy of live performance while offering a fresh perspective on beloved songs. “This album is a representation of the music I truly love,” says Mason. “I’ve had the honour of working with so many incredible artists, but ReWired is my way of honouring my own creativity.”
Live dates:
Thursday 1 May – Eastbourne, Bohemian
Album Release Concert – May 14 2025 – Pizza Express Soho – Book Tickets
Thursday 17 July – London, The Vortex
Thank you to ECN Music for sharing with us