Professional guitarist/composer, recent Nashville transplant. I focus on the nuance, pocket and theme of the song. Currently on the road with Postmodern Jukebox, Ashley Campbell and my own project Campbell/Jensen. I spent 6 years in New York in the Stephane Wrembel band, immersed in early jazz and touring the world.
It's my goal to work with you and ultimately record a part that you didn't know you wanted to hear. I love harmony and texture and let the song guide me to the right parts to play, always in the pocket.
I can record to an mp3 of your song, and send along separate stems and/or a full mix down of everything I've recorded.
I specialize in all things under the banner of American roots music: Americana, country, jazz, blues, and it can be electric guitar, acoustic or both. I also play slide.
I'm a full time touring/session guitarist with experience covering a lot of ground from early pre-war jazz to rootsy Americana.
You can find some videos on Instagram @thorbobby
Send me a message, lets start a conversation and make some music.
Send me a note through the contact button above.
Languages
- English
Interview with Thor Jensen
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: "Christine's Daughter" from Megg Farrell is a record I'm quite proud of. We made it in Nashville during the pandemic and I got to really dig in and spend time crafting all of the guitar parts, taking my ear and my playing to new places.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I'm currently writing and starting pre-production for the sophomore album of my group Campbell/Jensen.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: There's no wrong answer.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I get to play music!
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That its easy, and it relies on talent. Everyone who does this has put in countless hours to become good at what they do, it takes time and it takes hard work.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What's the song about?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Easy. Telecaster, my '64 Guild T-100, my Lowden, and a Fender Princeton.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Deep in the pocket, and playful.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to work with May Erlewine. I absolutely love her voice and she's a wonderful songwriter.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't overthink it and let the song do the heavy lifting.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Usually stuff in the wide net of Americana. Classic roots instrumentation, 4/4 time, etc. I feel at home there.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I think my strongest skill is my musicianship. I put a lot of time into my craft, and I take a lot of pride in being a great team player. I love collaborating and that starts with being able to bring something to the table.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I listen, listen, listen. I like to really know a song before I hit the record button. I'll make and have a coffee while I listen, then I'll make a chart, read the lyrics. Then I'll start to play along and sketch out a part to try and fit the theme as close as I can. Then, I'll hit record. Start with rhythmic and chordal parts, before moving onto anything melodic.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Its very simple, in the spare room of my flat. My amps are to my left (a 1979 Fender Champ and a Round Sound Bulldog which is a Fender Princeton Reverb clone) and my guitars are to my right. On my desk is my MacBook Pro and Apollo twin, and sometimes my HX Stomp so I can record direct and use the plethora of amp modelers and effects the Stomp has to offer. Best of all is the window looking over the buildings behind my flat. The window faces east so I can watch the sunrise as I work (I'm an early riser).
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I'm a huge Daniel Lanois fan and the way he creates texture through harmony. He's got a real way of inspiring the direction of a record.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Textured rhythm parts and guitar solos, for sure. I'm a very confident improviser and nothing makes me happier then playing over a tune.
- Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
- Electric GuitarAverage price - $100 per song
- Bass ElectricAverage price - $100 per song
One rounds of revisions, $50/revision beyond that, Tracks completed within the week, unless otherwise discussed.
- Wilco
- Django Reinhardt
- Tom Waits
- Logic Pro X
- Universal Audio
- Fender guitars
- boutique amplifiers
- Lowden and Martin acoustic guitars
- Strymon pedals
- Lewitt Microphones
