Master guitarist
Bucky Pizzarelli offers 20 short, patient solo pieces played on his seven-string, acoustic, Benedetto, plectrum, archtop, hollow-bodied, double f-hole instrument. They reflect the style and compositions of early pioneers
Carl Kress,
Eddie Lang, and
George VanEps, and emphasize that
Pizzarelli was, and still is in the company of these peers, mentors, and historic figures. A flamenco tinge is unmistakable on the first two numbers,
Kress' "Helena" and the
Lang written title cut. Then a classical, no-time feeling comes about on the regret filled three part
Kress suite "Afterthoughts." By "The End of a Love Affair"
Pizzarelli's guitar is weeping and moaning. George M. Smith is another figurehead in this tradition and he gets his due on "Slow Burning," as does
Django Reinhardt for "Tears." More classical sounding selections as
Kress' "Love Song" make way for tunes with some tempo, like the two beat
Pizzarelli original "Indy Annie," based on "Back Home Again in Indiana," the upbeat
Kress number "Sutton Mutton," and the slower
VanEps chestnut "Squattin' at the Grotto."
Pizzarelli tosses in a polka-like, cat quick single line with chordal accented tribute to bassist
Slam Stewart "Slamerino," a technical marvel. Concluding the program are more swinging displays like
Kress' "Peg Leg Shuffle,"
Bucky's hard driving "Stompin' for Boz," and the slicker "Silk City Blues."
Pizzarelli's sound should be put on the commodities market and sold as a public offering. This music is much more precious than bars of gold. Only the lack of a rhythm section might detract more listeners from getting next to this beautifully conceived work. Those who don't need bass and drums surely will treasure this regardless. ~ Michael G. Nastos