Customer Reviews

Live at Birdland 2

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

 

 

The music is wonderful. While critics may say he's all technique, it's a pronouncement of frustration, no one else can match his playing. He is, simply stated, incomparable.

excellent guitar by Jimmy Bruno and the incomparable tenor sax work of Scott Hamilton.

I haven't heard all of Jimmy's albums but for me, this is the best one to date. Looking at the previous reviews it's obvious that his fans are enthsiastic. I suspect he is less well known than he should be for that much talent. He reminds me in certain aspects of Herb Ellis and of Bruce Forman, a San Francisco Bay area guitarist, who preceded Jimmy on the Concord label by about 3-4 years.

That said, this is one excellent cd that leads off with a couple of blues, a Clifford Brown bop standard, and "Poinciana" which precedes a solo outing of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love". On all of these, Jimmy displays some prodigious chops. The rhythm section enhances the feeling of cohesiveness of the entire group.

Scott Hamilton's cool laid back tenor sax blends well with the guitar setting ...and to both musicians'credit the focus is on creating excellent jazz culminating in a burning arrangement of an old swing standard, "I Want To Be Happy". I'm sure everyone left feeling happy with the evening's result.

This is great small group jazz which is impressive by its spontaneity and the virtuosity of the musicians. Well worth acquiring!!

Only if you love jazz! JImmy Bruno is a great artist and this is a fine example of his work. In the company of other great talents, he works his magic on a few old greats and some of his own creation. I've had the great pleasure of seeing Jimmy Bruno perform many times in Philadelphia, where is is the guitarist in residence at Chris's Jazz Cafe. Get this disk, enjoy it... and if you find yourself in Philly go see the master in person. It will be a night to remember!

Jimmy Bruno's a great player.

This is a live performance of Jimmy and guest.

If you dig Jimmy you'll dig this too.

Five of the 10 selections on this CD feature Bruno's guitar in a trio setting (Craig Thomas-bs and Vince Ector-dms). Clifford Brown's brilliant composition JOY SPRING is played up tempo and cooks nicely. The last 5 tracks add Scott Hamilton on tenor sax, all to good effect. I WANT TO BE HAPPY and BROADWAY swing beautifully. Bruno is in excellent form here - a good night at Birdland.

From the opening notes of this album the Jimmy Bruno Trio really burns. If you are a jazz guitar fan, this is an artist - as well as an album - that belongs in your collection. Bruno always seems to be in control of his music, and he knows exactly where he is going. His solos are brilliantly harmonized playing connecting chords while never losing the rhythm or the feel of the song. Even when the band drops out completely, you are not lost in just a dazzling display of notes, there is structure here.

The second half of the album, Scott Hamilton joins the trio on sax. Bruno plays off of Hamilton very well as he turns up his performance. Unfortunately, I don't believe that Hamilton's playing is up to the level that he is capable of as demonstrated by some of his other albums. Instead, it becomes a frame to really showcase Bruno's talent at the more.

Picking a favorite song off this album is like picking a favorite finger - you wouldn't get rid of any of them. The music is varied enough that you never feel like Bruno is in a rut. The band is rounded out with Craig Thomas on bass and Vince Ector on drums. Both are fine musicians, and support Bruno well.

Bruno was on fire this night, and played with every ounce of his soul. Each note he plays is dripping with it. Enjoy this one, it's worth it.