|
Just
Jazz Guitar Magazine 8/2002
Karl Schloz
- "A Smooth One"
While
the trio combination of guitar, piano and bass is nothing new, it
only is effective when musical personalities and styles are carefully
matched. Karl Schloz has surrounded himself in this CD with high-caliber
players who are up to the task, and who perfectly complement each
other's individual voice. It is a pleasure to hear experienced players
Tony Monte (piano), Steve LaSpina (bass) and Harry Allen (tenor
sax) together, and the recording is fun from beginning to end.
The
CD begins with the Benny Goodman classic, "Wholly
Cats", and Schloz and Allen effectively recreate the original
feel of this tune while taking over the center stage with their
own personalities. "Moonglow,"
with its George Shearing-style harmonization and presentation, also
offers a remarkable recreation. LaSpina's solo is of the high-quality
that he has maintained in his other performances, and he and Monte,
the perfect partner for Schloz in terms of chordal support and improvisational
interplay, seem to think as one. Allen's sound moves from resembling
Stan Getz in "Recado
Bossa Nova" to a beautiful personal tone and vocalistic approach
in "In Love In Vain."
Schloz
is a fine player with an approach to the instrument not unlike that
of Herb Ellis and the "Western Swing" school of phrasing and note
selection. Chord changes always are present in his single lines,
and his statements are very clear in their direction and resolution.
This
well-ordered collection of standards offers interesting musical
variety and definitely merits a listen.
Vince Lewis, Guitar Instructor (Liberty University)
|
