All Entries in the "Reviews" Category
Rick Stone: “Fractals” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
Thanks to the Web, and in later years, YouTube, it seems that I’ve known Brooklyn based Jazz Guitarist Rick Stone for over 15 years. Given that time frame, it’s surprising that I’ve never met him in person, nor have I ever heard an album from this talented player…until now. With Fractals, Stone’s latest CD, I’m [...]
Joshua Breakstone: “No One New” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
After nineteen albums as a leader, and innumerable performances as an international and domestic artist, Joshua Breakstone is one of those great Jazz Guitarists you hear about throughout the Jazz Guitar community, but normally not through the mainstream Jazz press. This is a shame, because he’s a true Jazz artist committed to keeping the straight-ahead [...]
Joe Friedman: “Cup O’ Joe” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
I’m always amazed at how many young and talented Jazz Guitarists there are keeping the flame brightly lit, and of course, grateful for them. Case in point is St. Louis’ own resident Guitar slinger Joe Friedman. If his name is unfamiliar to you, ya gotta do yourself a favor and check him out, and I [...]
Rob Latner: “Thank You Joe: A Tribute To Joe Pass” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
It’s no surprise that the late, great Joe Pass has been an influence to countless Jazz Guitarists who have strived for a more inclusive understanding of their instrument as a complete musical outlet. Melody, harmony and rhythm, played as one, is for some, the Holy Grail of skill sets. As George Van Eps, the revered [...]
Frank Potenza: “Old, New, Borrowed, & Blue” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
Guitar, organ and drums, is, in my opinion, an exciting and inspired combination that can do no wrong, especially when the guitar player is Frank Potenza, alongside organist Joe Bagg and drummer Steve Barnes. Old, New, Borrowed, & Blue, Potenza’s latest release, is a wonderful testament to the long honored tradition of the Organ Trio [...]
Tomas Janzon: “Experiences” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
Tomas Janzon, Stockholm born, New York based, is a stimulating jazz guitarist in the style of Wes Montgomery, Sal Salvador and Kenny Burrell. And while steeped in the Jazz Guitar tradition, Janzon, at times, extends his improvisations towards a more modern flavor, employing subtle dissonant harmonies and more than mainstream melodic development. Check out the [...]
Mark Mosley: “TLC” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
Jazz Guitarist Mark Mosley, usually known for his straight ahead playing with the likes of Lou Donaldson, Gary Bartz and the late Keter Betts, has come out with a new CD that introduces the Baltimore native to a more popular music audience. TLC, Mosley’s latest release, is a radio-friendly set of twelve tunes that should [...]
Visions: A Personal Tribute to Lenny Breau – Jazz Guitar Life Book Review
Listening to any videos or recordings of Lenny Breau would give you an almost overwhelming feeling of if not despair, then discouragement for anyone trying to learn, absorb, and understand the amazing, dazzling techniques and musicality he displayed. Well, all is not lost. There are several good works on the market now about his playing [...]
Jack Wilkins: “Until It’s Time” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
The great Jack Wilkins is one of those iconic Jazz Guitarists, who has been around for at least four decades, yet, through no fault of his own, has not become a house-hold name, except amongst the legion of jazz musicians, guitarists and otherwise, who are in the know. With the release of Jack’s Until It’s [...]
John Acer: “Pure Jam” – Jazz Guitar Life CD Review
A devotee of the Jam scene in Montreal and elsewhere, Guitarist John Acer has come out with his first CD titled Pure Jam as documented proof that you can get literally make some great music with nothing but skill, experience and a bunch of great players. No lead sheets, no pre-arranged progressions, not even a [...]
