Customer Reviews

Legends: Solo Guitar Performances

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4 star:		(2)
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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.

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.

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.

This albumm is another vintage GREAT PERFORMANCE by Johnny Smith who easily is the greatest guitar player of all time. Frankly, I hardly ever listen to the other half of the album but I do listen and thoroughly enjoy the GREAT Johnny Smith. If you love guitar YOU WILL LOVE THIS ALBUM!!!

GREAT CD GOT THIS TO LET GRANDSON HEAR SOME GREAT GUITAR MUSIC AS HE IS LEARNING TO PLAY THE GUITAR HIMSELF.