Andrea Sadia Sunday Stroll

Mark Whitfield was 28 years old at the time of this recording, but proves himself to be wise beyond his years in terms of his ability to improvise and interact with some of the best sidemen on the scene: Tommy Flanagan (piano), Dave Holland (bass), Al Foster (drums); Stephen Scott (piano), Christian McBride (bass), Gregory Hutchinson (ddrums). Whitfield's playing is always tuneful and tasteful. It is obvious that he has the technical capability to rip through the music and show off, but he is wise enough to lay back slightly and let the music swing and breathe rather than overpower the listener. He gets a beautiful, mellow, full sound out of his guitar, reminiscent of George Benson at his best. His style on this CD is a cross between early Wes Montgomery and non-commercial early George Benson.