Brandon Bernstein (gtr); Putter Smith (bs); Kendall Kay (dms).
(Review by Lance)
Brandon Bernstein lists Jim Hall and Ed Bickert as being among his influences and it has to be said that those influences have been well absorbed albeit without dampening Bernstein's own creativity. But Beautiful is an apt title for this disc as, not only does he do justice to Jimmy Van Heusen's immortal tune, first heard crooned by Bing in Road to Rio (1945), but it also sums up the album - beautiful.
Well known titles such as That Old Feeling; Skylark; You Go To My Head; Nancy With the Laughing Face; I Should Care; Bud Powell's Celia; My Old Flame; I'll Be Seeing You; Warne Marsh's Background Music and But Beautiful make this the kind of album to play in the wee small hours whilst relaxing with a late night drink and/or a late night blonde although it would be equally appropriate with an afternoon cocktail and an accommodating waitress. But best of all would be to listen without any distractions at any time of the day.
The guitarist is, apparently, still in his thirties yet the maturity in his playing is that of a seasoned veteran. Smith and Kay combine to make this a well knit trio that deserves to reach out to more than just guitar buffs.
Lance.
1 comment :
that is one beautiful number, as you say Lance, an apt title...love his playing too.
Liz
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