Customer Reviews

Burnin

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are a serious jazz fan, you've probably heard this many times. If you are a casual jazz fan, new to jazz, or god forbid, not familiar with the genre (especially guitar trio) or even burnt out on it, then this (or any Bruno recording) could very well change your life. *No Joke*. Rarely a day goes by that I haven't played some or all of this CD since I bought it over a year ago, and many of my previous favorite guitar CDs are now covered in dust. This is a fun recording, swingin' and boppin' with Jimmy's unmistakable restless energy and staggering precision, speed, and above all, melody. A mixture of standards, originals, and ripping hard-bop, there is even a high-voltage version of Coltrane's Giant Steps, which on any other CD might be the showcase - on "Burnin", it's just one of a dozen "Wow!"-inducing tunes. Do yourself a favor and buy this one now !

Bruno (g) Craig Thomas (b) Steve Holloway (d). Bruno is an excellent guitar player with terrific chops. A Philly guy, he is being hailed as a respected new talent on guitar. That talent is on display in force here, especially on the title track (a blues) and THE ETERNAL TRIANGLE, which swings mightily. And Jimmy can play a pretty ballad, too, as witness Coltrane's CENTRAL PARK WEST. Recommended.

If you read the liner notes in this album there is a line that says something like "If you ever wondered how good jazz guitar can get, this is it". Nothing could be closer to the truth. Jimmy Bruno is not only the greatest living bebop guitarist, he ranks at the top of the all time list, along with Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, and George Benson. And for sheer technical ability, he is above all of them.

His playing on this album at times is so overwhelming, it will have you questioning how any human being can play with such technique and precision. "Eternal Triangle" smolders all the way through. "One for Amos" and "Burnin" show how he can get down in the blues alley one moment and then just blow your mind in the next. Coltrane's "Giant Steps" is a challenge for any jazz musician, and few guitarists even attempt it. Bruno's version will just leave you speechless. And the albums final tune "That's All", says it all. Bruno's diatonic explorations at the speed of light are nothing short of jaw dropping. The thing that is so amazing about him is that he plays with such incredible speed and precision,and yet his playing drips with beautiful melodicism and pure soul. Can I give this 10 stars?

This album has some really great tracks on it. The opening Sonny Stitt piece, Eternal Triangle, really "burns", as the title suggests. But, after the pyrotechnics of Bruno's amazing technique smolders like cinders in a pile of ash(and his technique, if nothing else, is amazing), there isn't a lot to this album. It is a completely listenable and enjoyable piece, but it is lacking in that special something that makes a legendary jazz work of art. Maybe it's the chemistry between the players, which is a bit stale at times, or maybe it is the solos, which can be a bit by the numbers, but this album can only be "good", not "great."

Burnin' says it all. Jimmy will be recognized one day as one of the greats. He's capable of blinding speed , and can be sensitive and lyrical too. One of the best chord soloists.Period.He's incredible live.I've seen him at Chris's in Phil. a half dozen times .He's better every time. Get this album. And if you ever have the chance se him live.

This is the finest hard bop jazz guitar I have heard in quite some time. From the opening "Eternal Triangle", Bruno establishes this album as a major force to be reckoned with. He is capable of playing as deftly as major heavyweights like Montgomery and Green in the big toned electric tradition. His choice of material shows a fine sense of intelligence (Witchcraft by Sinatra, indeed!) and his version of Giant Steps preceded by Coltrane's Central Park West is a tour de force. Some may see this music as a throwback to an earlier era, but this CD is brilliant in an era where players like Frisell, Scofield, and Mike Stern are changing the notion of "jazz guitar" for better or worse. Not to be excluded, the rhythm section of Craig Thomas and Steve Holloway complements Bruno perfectly. This album should be in any serious jazz collection.

Jimmy Bruno is the best jazz guitarist I have ever heard, period. That's a mighty strong claim, but listen to this CD and you might find yourself singing the same sort of praise. "Moonlight in Vermont" is worth the price of this CD alone, but take a listen to the interpretations of Coletrane's "Central Park West" and "Giant Steps" if you need further convincing. The man can burn, and he can also chill with achingly melodic lines. If you like jazz guitar of any flavor, but especially of the bop school, then you ought to buy this one.

Jimmy Bruno's playing on this album is the most impressive I think I have ever heard. His technique and speed are remarkable. When I heard the first track for the first time, I sat in awe with my mouth open. The overall group is a little shaky at times, but Bruno's many melodic and rythmic ideas keep this album interesting. Great Buy. Especially if you like people who play fast AND melodic!

I have seen Jimmy live at the Deerhead Inn in Delaware Water Gap, Pa. He is without a doubt, the best jazz guitar player that I have personally ever heard. Randy Shumaker

is Jimmy Bruno. This CD is a terrific introduction, and the Giant Steps tracks is worth the price of admission alone. Everytime I listen to him play I find myself whispering "Wow" under my breath.