|
Jazz guitarists have a strong bond since they share a rare commitment to the mastery of the
instrument’s place within that context (as opposed to other “more popular" styles). In a century when
guitar became the most widely heard and played instrument--in non-jazz settings--jazz
guitarists’ dedication to their trade is admirable because they represent a handful of instrumentalists
who dare to delve head-on into the jazz idiom. If you think about it, only a handful of guitarists can
truly be called jazz legends, compared to the throngs of saxophonists, trumpeters, pianists, bassists,
and drummers out there who have received credit for contributed greatly to the music’s
development.
The German Jardis label prides itself on producing the finest in today’s jazz guitar. With a lineup
consisting of mostly unknowns, Royce Campbell, a star of Washington D.C.’s scene, recently
released his second effort for the label, A Tribute to Charlie Byrd. Campbell’s professional
connection to Byrd originated in 1998, when the two men and Gene Bertoncini (another DC name)
collaborated for a tribute to another six string master, Joe Pass.
When asked by Jardis to do the tribute album, Campbell thought it fitting that Bertoncini be on
the project. Having worked closely with the man who had greatly influenced the introduction and
acceptance of the Brazilian bossa nova and samba to the jazz world, Campbell appropriately chose
to do mostly bossa nova works by Jobim and songs out of the Duke Ellington songbook, tunes that
had been close to Byrd’s heart.
While the session's overall sound is highly predictable and laid back, the solo work is
magnificent and the
overall artistry of the musicians is masterful. Filling out the quartet is a “who’s who” of DC’s thriving
jazz scene. Drummer and vibist Chuck Redd displays tasteful stick and brushwork, very reminiscent
of the Charlie Byrd “feel” (not surprising since Redd had been Byrd’s own drummer for 19 years).
And finally, one of DC’s living jazz legends, Keter Betts, fills in on bass. You might recognize Betts’
name from several years as bassist for both Byrd and the “First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald.
Highly recommended.
~ Matt Merewitz
|
Track Listing: 1) Shiny Stockings (Frank Foster) / 2) Meditation (A.C. Jobim) / 3) The Days Of Wine And Roses
(Henry Mancini) / 4) Mood Indigo (Duke Ellington) / 5) How Insensitive (A.C. Jobim) / 6) Zing Went
The Strings Of My Heart (James Hanley) / 7) Desafinado (A.C. Jobim) / 8) In A Mellow Tone (Duke
Ellington) / 9) Prelude To A Kiss (Duke Ellington) / 10) One Note Samba (A.C. Jobim) / 11) Blues For
Charlie (Royce Campbell)
Personnel: Royce Campbell, electric guitar,
Gene Bertoncini, acoustic guitar,
Chuck Redd, drums,
Keter Betts, bass.
|
