Paradise by John Pedersen

With all of its songs flowing together seamlessly in a current of continuity, "Paradise" is an enjoyable ride. In April 2006, it started receiving airplay on smooth jazz radio eventually receiving airplay on 58 radio and internet stations. On Washington, DC station WJZW, Al Santos played "Themes of Love" so frequently that it ended up being the number 7 song on Al's "Smooth Jazz Brunch" Top 100 tunes list for 2006. The most popular song from "Paradise", in terms of radio airplay, was "City Lights Below" followed by "Soul Mates". Even now, in 2009, "City Lights Below" is getting airplay on such internet radio stations as SmoothJazz.com, FAIRnet.com and Valiant Radio. "Soul Mates" and "Along the Path" have recently been featured on CHILL-OUT-LOUNGE specialty shows, such as Sandy Shore's "Smooth Lounge.com" and WRFN's "The Future of Jazz". Last summer, "Along the Path" and "Slippery Slide" were added to the playlist at Groovera's "Jet City Lounge" show. "Along the Path", fast becoming a timeless anthem of chilled-world-fusion, was also added to the lounge playlists of Mystic Age Radio, Dave's Lounge and XtraChill. For the solo piano lovers out there, "Marina Sunset" and "Sherri" were both added to Piano World Radio. In early 2009, a remixed version of "Marina Sunset" with additional production and keyboards will be released.

To promote this album, John first performed two concerts at Escondido's Westfield Mall #San Diego, California area# in May, 2006. Playing on a full concert grand piano, Mr. Pedersen won over many new fans. In September, 2007, a number of tunes from PARADISE were played at another concert in the San Diego area, this time at The Hot Java Cafe. PARADISE won over even more people at BORDERS shows in 2008.

During the recording of this album, John used a Baldwin Grand Piano, Korg Triton LE, Akai S-2000 sampler, Roland JV-1010, Alesis Nano Synth and the Alesis Nano Bass Synth.

As a developing musician, John became proficient in a number of genres from classical to rock, which is why his albums display such diversity. Working as a church organist for 29 years honed his ability to accompany choirs and singers, but a number of rock and country bands counterbalanced that by helping John develop a very upbeat and interesting style. It should be mentioned, that there is a continuity that prevails throughout his work in the form of clever and compelling melodies, as well as lush soundscapes that pad those melodies featuring piano, organ and state of the art synthesizers. Guest musicians on guitar and drums add another dimension to the mix.