Album Review of
On Time

Written by Joe Ross
October 20, 2021 - 3:09pm EDT
Review Rating Star Review Rating Star Review Rating Star Review Rating Star Review Rating Star

Guitarist Ross Hansen displays masterful chops with an eclectic repertoire of eleven originals ranging from inventive smooth jazz (“Sidran”) to jazz rock fusion (“Stratcat”). Hansen’s electric and acoustic guitars offer a seamless mix of jazz-oriented panache. Hansen also displays his skill with funk (“On Time”), Latin (“Here to Stay”), and songs that channel Carlos Santana (“El Viaje”). Hansen also tracks bass and keyboards on the project. Born in 1959, Hansen was immersed in music (his father a music teacher), and he studied jazz at the University of North Texas before performing professionally with such diverse artists as Bob Hope, LeAnn Rhimes, Don Rickles, Bill Tillman Band, and Soul Vaccination.

Relocating to Oregon in 2004, Hansen obtained a Master’s degree in teaching at the University of Portland. As an educator, Hansen inspired and influenced countless young music students. A couple former students assist him On Time – nephew Nate Hansen (drums, percussion) and Lindsey Denzer (trombone). On “What I Need to Know,” the elegant keys of Richard Theisen and fluid flugelhorn lines from John Gronberg color the tune’s sweetly moving arrangement. “Mr. Bizmark” is another standout track with Gronberg’s muted trumpet. He holds an advanced degree in music from Washington State University and has played in orchestras for Nevada performers and touring Broadway musicals.

As we listen to Ross Hansen’s meditative penultimate closer, “Until Forever,” we can’t help but be sad as we think of Hansen’s courageous battle with cancer that he succumbed to in 2021. An indisputably top-tier guitar-slinger, Hansen leaves us with music full of solid grooves, precision, intonation and technique. As the album draws to a close with “The Lick,” raise your glass to Ross Hansen, a fine guitarist and educator who always presented his effervescent music with direction, definition and discipline. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)