Floating On The Silence
"The two work beautifully together on acoustic guitars, reading one another's moves like long-standing playing mates."
Tom Wolfe, guitar and Gene Bertoncini, guitar. Tom Wolfe is a new name to me, but Gene Bertoncini has been long admired in hip jazz guitar circles. The two work beautifully together on acoustic guitars, reading one another's moves like long-standing playing mates. Their impressive programm is made up of ten tunes in all; eight standards and one original composition from each guitarist. They begin with a animated and squeaky clean version of Tadd Dameron's “On A Misty Night.” “I'll Remember April” is taken at a relaxed, medium tempo, and Jobim's “ Corcovado ” is played to perfection. The title “For My Lady” may not ring a bell, but it's one of those ”you'll know it when you hear it,” charming melody lines from Toots Thielemans. “For Chet” is Bertoncini's tribute in waltz time to the trumpet champion Chet Baker. Dizzy's “Con Alma” here becomes a guitar tour de force, and “The Nearness Of You” takes on a bit more tempo than usual. “A Moment Alone” is Wolfe's thoughtful ballad entry, and “How Insensitive” is taken legato before achieving its usual Brazilian feel. Finally, there's “Like Someone In Love,” one of the great American ballads, but this time it's played in a bit more of a zesty treatment. Wolfe and Bertoncini work, somewhat miraculously, as nearly one voice. That's how together they are in executing their ideas. True guitar lovers, not the rock crowd, will both understand what a feat this is and will receive much pleasure from it. Summit , 2007 **** - Kyle O'Brien & George Fendel