Customer Reviews

Solo

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

 

 

Jimmy Bruno is an exceptional guitarist. I own almost every CD he's recorded, from his albums on Concord to his duo with John Leitham. His technical facility on the instrument is phenomenal. And his lines aren't just fast -- they're also melodic. He's a true bop player, in the legacy of Jimmy Raney. I'm sure Bird and Diz would have loved to record with Jimmy Bruno.

Having said that, I have a hard time recommending this CD. If you're a guitarist, Bruno's technique is fascinating. Unfortunately, as often happens on guitar CDs, the technique obscures the music. Simply put, Bruno plays too many notes. He's got an incredible ear and hears unique harmonic possibilities, but he expresses them all using lines and arpeggios. The result is skeletal music. Imagine trying to have a conversation using only individual letters, rather than words and sentences. That's what happens here. [For contrast, listen to George Van Eps on "Legends."]

On the uptempo tunes, another problem arises. His lines are muddied by string noise. No engineer is credited, so I assume Bruno miked the guitar himself. Some guitarists insist that string buzz is part of the instrument's charm. I would answer that saxophonists don't mike their pads, and trombonists practice to quiet the sound of air from their tone. The aim when striking a note is to create pitch -- and here, the incidental noise is almost distracting.

It's worth noting that guitarists, by and large, won't care about these two objections. They'll buy "Solo" based on Bruno's reputation, expecting to hear an amazing technician. They won't be disappointed. Given that this CD was recorded for Mel Bay Records, it's possible that Bruno simply knows his audience and recorded to suit their expectations. If so, job well done.

"Solo" succeeds as a display of chops -- but if you're looking for serious music, look elsewhere. Bruno is unequaled as a bop guitarist. I recommend either of his "Live at Birdland" CDs, where he's joined by Bobby Watson and Scott Hamilton, respectively. Solo performance just isn't Bruno's bag.

Jimmy Bruno is a great musician and an entertaining player. But in the solo setting he's more of an entertaining player than a great musician. Aside from a few really memorable tracks on this one (Jimmy's take on "Joy Spring" is really something!), much of his playing on this disc lacks subtlety and taste. Some will also be turned off by string and pick noise throughout, and some of the playing lacks the clarity and articulation one would expect from a player of Jimmy's caliber. For my money, you can't beat Jimmy in a duet setting, but the solo setting just isn't his strongest card.

i thought this was like any other audio /video cd and purchased it...but was thoroughly disappointed when i came to know that it could not be played in any of my players except through the internet :(...yet what i saw through the internet....jimmy was just freaking out with his amazing techniques..god bless you jimmy!!

Jimmy is a spectacular jazz guitarist... He is a modern Joe Pass on
steroids. He is as quick as rocker Yngwie Malmsteen. I own every
Jimmy CD to date. I love his music and play those CDs frequently.
I bought this one the other day and I was let down. He seems lost
in many of the tunes played. His improvising/solos on the record
sway far from the initial melodies and themes of the tunes. For
solo jazz guitar, Joe Pass does it better (check out virtuoso #3).
The first three Jimmy records capture his unique tone. On Midnight Blue and this solo record, Jimmy's tone sounds less familiar. He should stick with his extremely well made Benedettos and Polytone Amplifiers. I would never buy a Roger Sadowsky guitarafter hearing this record.

This is a brilliant album that all can enjoy. Jimmy demonstrates such a masterful execution of standards on this CD that it will convince many guitarists to either woodshed (practice) or retire. Interestingly, the tone of his guitar on these recordings is not that of the traditional solo jazz guitar. It features a little of that Strat sound a la Tuck Andress or Martin Taylor.