Alden

This is the third of four studio dates featuring guitarists George Van Eps and Howard Alden together, except that they are both on seven-string instruments and without a rhythm section this time around. Alden's step up to the more versatile instrument enables him to use a bassline when needed while also enabling him to achieve chord voicings that weren't possible on a six-string instrument. Like their earlier collaborations, this CD concentrates on well-hewn standards that have great melodies which provide inspiration for lyrical improvisations, ranging from a relatively easygoing "Ja-Da" to a shimmering "Skylark." Van Eps goes it alone on his newly written "Salute to Basie" and a very soft "Last Night When We Were Young." Fans of jazz guitar should snap up this gem, along with all other dates by George Van Eps and Howard Alden (whether they're together or featured individually).

Heavy Artillery album by Howard Alden-Andy Brown Quartet was released Aug 20, 2013 on the Delmark label. New York guitarist Howard Alden and Chicago guitarist Andy Brown co-lead a swinging two-guitar quartet session. Playing a mix of standards, Brazilian tunes, and songs by fellow jazz guitarists, this recording documents a fifteen-year relationship between.

This is a remarkable record by the Howard Alden-Dan Barrett Quintet. Although the group has an instrumentation of guitarist Alden, trombonist Barrett, Chuck Wilson on alto and clarinet, bassist Frank Tate, and drummer Jackie Williams, its arrangements (some by Buck Clayton) often make the band sound a bit like the John Kirby Sextet, a classic unit comprised of trumpet, alto, clarinet, piano, bass, and drums. The delightful unit uplifts such tunes as "Lullaby in Rhythm," "I May Be Wrong," Charlie Shavers' "Dawn on the Desert," "Stompin' at the Savoy," and even Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica," revitalizing small-group swing. Highly recommended.