Having paid his dues for xx years, guitarist Jimmy Bruno has returned to his roots of straight-ahead jazz inwards his hometown of Philadelphia.
After an auspicious debut on the album Sleight of Hand inwards 1992, Bruno continues to press forrad to the please of fans who are discovering for the get-go fourth dimension his intricate technique too melodic aptitude. On Like That, Bruno's regular trio teams upwards alongside Joey DeFrancesco to create a guitar/organ collaboration that brings out the best inwards both of them.
After learning guitar from his father, Jimmy Bruno, Sr. (who had a striking inwards 1959 alongside the "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" too who used to dorsum upwards Nat King Cole), Bruno, Jr. struck out on his ain at the historic menses of nineteen when he joined the Buddy Rich band. After solely a twelvemonth of touring, he moved to Las Vegas, solely to notice his jazz ambitions frustrated yesteryear the repetition of casino bands. He lay downwardly roots inwards Las Vegas, but his restlessness got the best of him, forcing him to deed to Los Angeles for operate on television set too cinema audio tracks. As he neared the historic menses of 40, Bruno chucked it all too moved dorsum to Philadelphia to start fresh inwards a jazz career.
He couldn't select made a meliorate move. Not solely does he select iv albums nether his belt, but likewise he's a professor at Philadelphia's University of the Arts, every bit is bassist Craig Thomas, too Bruno performs regularly at Chris' Cafe.
Along alongside the usual guitarists, Bruno lists his influences every bit John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker too Art Tatum—which makes feel when you lot realize that Bruno thinks inwards musical concepts instead of licks.
Most of the original compositions on the album—six yesteryear Bruno too i yesteryear Thomas—are constructed from fairly uncomplicated chord changes too a logical concept. But the things he too DeFrancesco practice alongside them!
DeFrancesco proves his adaptability every bit he responds to Bruno's explorations, too the "chatter" they educate at the culmination of Pat's House, a tribute to Pat Martino, is head-spinning too awe-inspiring.
Then for contrast, there's Waltz for Nancy, whose beautiful simplicity Bruno plumbs alongside unpretentious variations too effortless cascading of sixteen-note too hence triplet lines that look to evolve naturally from the theme.
While the tunes involving DeFrancesco's B-3 operate are the most satisfying, he plays muted trumpet on There Is No Greater Love too Stars Fell on Alabama for subtle effect.
While Les Paul isn't listed every bit i of Bruno's influences, the Les Paul audio seems to live referenced inwards the championship disclose called Like That, too indeed, Pat Martino mentions that Paul predicted he would write liner notes for Bruno someday. The usual admiration betwixt Bruno too Martino seems evident. Bruno records Pat's House, named after, of course, Pat Marino's house. And then, Martino remarks, "Jimmy's i of the most astounding players I've had the pleasance of knowing."
This album was a regain for me, too it's gratifying to larn nigh a novel jazz guitarist next a tradition of melodic revelation, compositional talent, too technical excellence.
Guitar master, Jimmy Bruno, is exceptional hither too demonstrates non solely how to smoothen without sounding forced or over the transcend but how to heighten the gifts of incredible playing partners.
From your stereo speakers when you lot hear to this extrordinary disc! Grooves too swings from start to complete alongside globe flat musicianship from Bruno, featured invitee Joey DeFrancesco too the musical rhythm section. Bassist Craig Thomas composition on the disc's opener "EV" is a neat swinging starter, every bit are other disc highlights; "Pat's House", "Unit Seven", the elusive chords of "The Iguana's Uncle", too Jimmy's vii string chord tune intro to "Waltz For Nancy". We fifty-fifty acquire a Miles muted trumpet outing from Joey D. on "There Is No Greater Love".
This disc is a neat collaboration betwixt these 2 artists too recommend it ALL jazz lovers!
I bought this album when it get-go came out too shelved it for a while. Now I'm giving it a bit hear too I dearest it! It's the best Jimmy Bruno album, showing a to a greater extent than serious too eclectic side of his playing. I solely want his keyboardist DeFrancesco played a few less notes.
If you're soul who loves a traditional jazz guitar, you lot volition non live disappointed. Bruno has the best chops inwards the the business.
I exactly late got this album, too all I tin state is that to me this is Bruno at his best. Having the neat Joey DeFrancesco every bit his melodic foil pushes him to play at the zenith of his abilities. There only is non a weak rail on this CD. I specially enjoyed the relatively relaxed experience of "Unit 7". And for sheer excitement, "Pat's House" is a blast. This rail reminds me of the McLaughlin/Coryell/Vitous collaboration "Spaces". However every bit neat every bit John too Larry are, Bruno is exactly inwards some other league.
They state that Jimmy Bruno is the greatest unknown modern jazz guitar player. This CD proves it. As a bonus, Joey DeFrancesco plays some neat B3 along alongside the tight groove of drummer Steve Holloway too Bassist Craig Thomas. This CD provides high octane difficult bop throughout, but "Unit Seven" lone is worth the price...WOW, I gotta encounter this guy live.
Track listing:
01. E.V. 4:39
02. Raezer's Edge 5:03
03. Waltz For Nancy 5:41
04. There Is No Greater Love 6:12
05. The Iguana's Uncle 4:24
06. Pat's House 5:23
07. Night Dreamer 6:15
08. The Way You Look Tonight 5:24
09. Like That 4:48
10. Stars Fell On Alabama 3:26
11. Unit Seven 8:08
Personnel:
Jimmy Bruno, guitar;
Joey DeFrancesco, organ, trumpet*;
Steve Holloway, drums;
Craig Thomas, acoustic too electrical bass
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