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DUKE ROBILLARD, JAY GEILS & GERRY BEAUDOIN:
NEW GUITAR SUMMIT (STONYPLAIN) - 'New Guitar Summit' is an exquisite listen, the only regret
happens when it ends. The Summit consists of
Duke Robillard, Gerry
Beaudoin, and
Jay Geils: three master chefs
quite familiar to six-string guitar gourmets. All three players
are unified by more than a New England pedigree. Long-time
friends, who share a common love for that swinging hybrid of Jazz
and Blues, during several decades they've often played together in
impromptu gatherings, while often capturing their musical
camaraderie for posterity sakes. |
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Better late than never! These gentlemen trumpet an era when
the electric guitar was developing into a lead instrument. The pattern
was set by the legendary Charlie Christian (Benny
Goodman's guitarist), and would be mined by such
luminaries as Tiny Grimes, Herb Ellis, Tal
Farlow, Freddie Green, Irving Ashby,
and Johnny Smith. By no mere coincidence, 'Benny's
Bugle' and 'Seven Comes Eleven' are boppin'
tributes to Christian and Goodman. Swing heaven! The Blues
introduced 'Ain't Nobody's Business' to the world, yet
it's the jazzier
Billie Holiday version that's given the royal
treatment, with Beaudoin handling most of the guitar duties
(and also making a sterling debut as vocalist). Simply
unforgettable! Blues fans will quickly fall under the spell of
Beaudoin's unerring instinct for Soul, Swing, and Style. Only
two other tracks have any vocals, both featuring the 'Duke
of Robillard'. 'Never Say Never Again' is the
epitome of elegance, with Duke affording it a very
sophisticated reading, while "Back Door Blues"
(originally by Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson)
is touched by Blues grit. It's impossible to pick favorites
but 'Swing With Dr. Jake' must be mentioned with its
gorgeous melody and exquisite solos by Duke, Gerry, and Duke.
Guaranteed to cure what ails you! 'Perdido'--the Latin
Jazz standard--is another enticing by-product of this guitar
triage extraordinaire. 'Azzure Mineur' (another Beaudoin composition) has delicately classical phrasings, and
its intricate harmonies are so poignant and unforgettable.
Blissful auditory stimulation! Throughout 'New Guitar
Summit' you'll be totally entranced by the elegant playing
and the brilliant tone animating every glorious note, plus the
impeccable taste that's abundant. Sparkling solos leapfrog
upon each other, and the impact is riveting as each
individual's contributions mesh to yield a totally satisfying
unity. Everything came together so perfectly on that glorious
night this trio gathered to play their hearts out at Duke's
Mood Room in Rhode Island. 'New Guitar Summit' is
the very pinnacle of tasty guitar, and qualifies as a grand
addition to any Blues (and Jazz) connoisseur's library.
MP3-
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