Jazz Guitar Breaking The Traditional Barriers

The Concord Jazz Guitar Collective was a 1995 project that united Howard Alden with fellow guitarists and Concord artists Jimmy Bruno and Frank Vignola. For Concord, a three-guitar date was hardly unprecedented; back in 1974, the label had brought Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, and Herb Ellis together as the Great Guitars. Despite the fact that they all play the same instrument, Alden, Bruno, and Vignola prove compatible on this outing, which also employs Jim Hughart on upright bass and Colin Bailey on drums. Although Bruno tends to be more aggressive and forceful than Alden, he can be quite lyrical when he wants to; and while Alden isn't as hard a player as Bruno, he definitely swings. The two have a strong rapport on uptempo numbers like Charlie Parker's "Ornithology," Sam Jones' "Bittersweet," and Benny Goodman's "Seven Come Eleven," as well as on more relaxed performances like Django Reinhardt's "Song D'Autumne"…

Trijntje Oosterhuis works on this album, also her return to the Blue Note label, together with the Jazz Orchestra Of The Concertgebouw. Together they have provided a number of Christmas classics with completely new arrangements.

This star studded compilation features the top hitmaking guitarists in Smooth Jazz at their very best. Romantic solos and melodies by icons such as George Benson, Earl Klugh, Peter White and Norman Brown make this collection a must have for the Smooth Jazz fan!