Legends: Solo Guitar Performances

Smith/Van Eps, Johnny Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Concord Records
• ASIN: B0000006NE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,483 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two masters display their artistry of solo jazz guitar., March 5, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Long Island, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Legends: Solo Guitar Performances (Audio CD)

Taken from two separate sessions from legendary jazz guitar greats Johnny Smith and George Van Eps, this CD presents solo performances with unequaled technical mastery and harmonic sophistication. Johnny Smith plays a mixed selection of jazz standards, original tunes and classical pieces. His approach consistantly swings with spirit, precision and articulation. George Van Eps, arguably the father (grandfather?) of modern jazz guitar, reads through such tunes as 'A Foggy Day' & 'I Could Write a Book' before he completely (and amazingly) reconstructs them harmonically and melodically. For this disc to offer either of these two great players would have made it highly recommended, but to feature both, it becomes essential.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Van Eps is stellar, November 29, 2006

By 

M. Brown (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Legends: Solo Guitar Performances (Audio CD)

This is an excellent album. The first twelve tracks are Johnny Smith, and he is a powerful guitar player. That being said, when the first Van Eps track, Cheek to Cheek, comes on, I am in heaven. If you like a clean, electric guitar sound that is extremely rich and full thanks to an added seventh string, the second half of the album will do you well. Van Eps makes lush, intricate music, and I can't get enough of it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant surprise, August 4, 2006

By 

W. P. Wells (New Orleans) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Legends: Solo Guitar Performances (Audio CD)

As a guitarist, curiosity lead me to this recording. I have always been a fan of Johnny Smith. The surprise came when I discovered what a remarkable guitarist George Van Eps is. His style is so smooth and fluid and his use of the seven string adds a dimension few guitarists attain. The Johnny Smith half of the recording was a bit too neo-classical for my tastes but the George Vam Eps portion made up for it.