We are absolutely digging several jazz recordings recently released by Mel Bay Records. Like a quadruple shot of espresso, potent quality Jazz Guitar in its most concentrated form, this music is virtual documentary of some of the most influential legends of the guitar currently playing. We were thrilled last Spring with senior editor Corey Christiansen's own project, "Awakenings," but so much more has been produced by the label since this release.

In particular, the MB3 Jazz Hits CD of Corey, Jimmy Bruno, and Vic Juris has been a steady chart buster in Jazz Week Jazz Charts throughout North America (over six weeks at #1!!!), and we hear why. There's a fine line between preserving the "architectural" integrity of a good jazz standard and offering fresh "experimentation," and these three have calculated precisely where to draw it. The selections include "Solar," "Peace," "Green Dolphin Street," "Impressions," and an outrageously creative Dobro-driven rendition of "All Blues." Never abandoning tradition, they breathe new life into these timeless treasures.

John Pisano's "Guitar Nights" is another must-have. Imagine the likes of Herb Ellis, Ted Greene, George Van Eps, Anthony Wilson, and over a half dozen other monsters of jazz guitar on the same two-disc compilation. These were all recorded live at the renowned Spazios in Sherman Oaks, CA, where the food (and the jazz!) is to die for. (We know for fact, having sent a specially designated team of JazzMando research assistants there to investigate both, recently...)

We've also accumulated in the JazzMando library Dave Stryker's, "The Chaser," Bruce Saunders "8X5" and Rick Haydon and John Pizzarelli's, "Just Friends." No mandolin content here, but if you are a perpetual student of string jazz phrasing and improvisation, these are a terrific study.

All these and more can be purchased from your favorite Mel Bay retailer or directly off the Mel Bay Records website.

Purchase Information

Corey Chrisiansen at Jazz in June

Posted by Ted at February 12, 2007 2:35 PM