We've been enjoying the latest release of New Jersey guitarist John Carlini, Further Adventures. Featuring a familiar rhythm section of Chicago area bassist Jim Cox and drummer Phillip Gratteau who played strong support roles in recent collaborations with premier jazz mandolinist Don Stiernberg in Angel Eyes and By George, Carlini's 6 and 7 string guitar artistry and compositional mastery dazzle. His gift for voicing standards as well as some original music has been honed by years of varied roles, including a stint with the David Grisman Quintet, tour conductor and arranger with the Ice Capades, and of course our favorite, three years of partnership with Don Stiernberg. No mandolin on this CD, but the Don does play some rhythm guitar on some tracks.

Such classics as "Autumn in New York," "Days of Wine and Roses," and "You Must Believe in Spring," Carlini also struts some Pop treasures, including "Both Sides Now," and "Mona Lisa." Favorite cut has to be perennial Bebop challenge, "Donna Lee," capably fast-paced but never road-hazard busy.

Of course we would have like to hear Stiernberg's mandolin on this one, but any connoisseur of smart acoustic string jazz will enjoy this CD.

More info: Blue Night Records
Preview and purchase: Further Adventures

Posted by Ted at August 20, 2007 6:17 AM