I was watching an old 70’s TV broadcast of a Benny Goodman concert in Poland and was reminded just how wonderful a guitarist Cal Collins was. For those who are not familiar with Cal he was a Jazz Guitarist out of Cincinnati who, in my opinion, never got the proper recognition he was due. I kind of think that was partly his own doing, not wanting to step into the spotlight as a “star”. But whatever the reason, when he did play in stellar company, like his tour with Goodman, he all but stole the show in my opinion, and he looked like he was having a whale of a time. I first discovered Cal back in the early 80’s when I bought an album titled “Cal Collins In San Francisco“. I immediately loved his playing and looked for more of his work. I couldn’t find anything of his as a leader at the time, but I did come across an album where he played sideman to sax great Scott Hamilton (Scott Hamilton 2), which I promptly picked up and loved as well. Cal came from the Charlie Christian school, as we all do directly or indirectly, but he also had some great Bop chops as well which made for a great blend of both styles. In a duet album with Herb Ellis (Interplay), both players pay homage to Christian with Cal’s boppish lines mixing nicely with Herb’s bluesier approach. A great album to just sit back and enjoy two fine players. So if you want to hear a wonderful Jazz Guitarist who can swing as hard as Joe Pass, Howard Roberts, and Charlie Christian, then check out Cal Collins. Unfortunately, he’s no longer with us but at least his legacy is.