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5.0 out of 5 stars
Leitch best one......, July 31, 2001
This review is from: A Special Rapport (Audio CD)
I can see that noone has reviewed any of Leitch records, itis a shame..... Leitch must be one of the most underrated guitarists ever. For mu money he is by far the most interesting bebopguitarist out there.... he is approaching a tune the same way as a hornplayer....he swings more than most guitarists...he has moved out a bit from the pure beboptradition as he has incorporated ideas from Mc Coy Tuner both "modewise" and rhytmically... yeah he sure reminds quite a bit of McCoy is his approach too. Leitch choice od sidemen is excellent,, John Hicks on piano is awesome same thing goes for Ray Drummond on bass... I could have bought this one just to hear Drummonds basslines..that man knows how to lay down a groove. All songs are very well performed... Perhaps Leitch version of Ahmad Jamals "New Rhumba" is one of the highlights or,.. is it John Hicks "Naimas Song"?? with a piano solo that just kills you. If you read this.. give Peter Leitch the credit he deserves by buying this record. you will not be disappointed.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
The Title Really Sums It Up!, February 23, 2008
This review is from: A Special Rapport (Audio CD)
Not only does Peter Leitch have a rapport with his instrument, he and his musical associates definitely have rapport with each other in this set making it one really enjoyable experience. I've had this for a few years, along with some of his other cds, and while listening to it the other day, it occurred to me that I should find out what he has done lately.
This is an excellent album which features a variety of tempos, styles and different composers as well as two originals by the leader and one by the late John Hicks, probably his most well known. The group really cooks from the start, Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' At Camarillo", to the closer, John Coltrane's "Lazy Bird".
Too many highlights to mention.....Smith's fantastic drumming throughout...Ray Drummond ending his solo at the conclusion of Ahmad Jamal's "New Rhumba" with a few notes of "That Old Devil Moon"....the imaginative guitar artistry displayed on a beautiful treatment of Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye" .....excellent comping and a really thoughtful solo by John Hicks on the same track.....the excellent blues selection "Blues On The West Side"...catchy rhythm with Smith doing some rim work on "Avenue B" .....one of the best renditions of Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" that I've heard .....and a beautifully tasteful tribute to Billy Strayhorn.
The entire cd is a winner and will please any straight ahead bop enthusiast and particularly those who appreciate excellent guitar and quartet jazz.
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