Tribute to a TV Theme

TVTrio (Brux Records)

John Stetch

By Ronke Oyekunle

TVTrio by John Stetch twists the arrangements of 70's and 80's television show theme songs. Each song draws you back into that special time when you watched that "favorite" show. Stetch's jazzy tweak playfully, cleanly, and gently invites you to walk down memory lane.

Imagine the "Dallas" theme song being played slowly and softly by a piano with a light drum cadence in the background. Then, the album moves forward with Stetch's take on the "Star Trek" melody which does not "Boldly go where no man has gone before," but gently and methodically enters the scene with a deep dark musical style.

The "Love Boat" does not sound like the theme song, but contains remnants of the all too familiar melody, yet Stetch's additions are playful and charmingly played. "The Six Million Dollar Man" enters heavy on the piano and has a Calypso music sound.

Suddenly, one's ear hears the even more delightfully familiar tune from "The Price is Right;" Stetch's interpretation is not too heavy on the saxophone, but is rather heavy on the piano. It's a classic still today and Stetch's interpretation does not take away from the familiarity -- "The Price is Right" is just clean, classic, and clear.

"All My Children" plays short, peaceful, and somberly like a lullaby. The album ends with a song that sounds unfamiliar. It is playful and staccato as well as upbeat and then all of sudden the end plays the "Sanford and Son" theme song. This album creates a relaxing atmosphere where the listener can sit back and listen or work to the songs playing softly in the background.

Visit www.johnstetch.com for more information.