Moonglow

by Ken DrydenTwo of the modern masters of jazz guitar, Bucky Pizzarelli and Frank Vignola are a generation apart in age but of the same mind when it comes to their style of playing. Both lovers of memorable melodies, Pizzarelli has long favored a seven-string electric guitar and primarily sticks to playing inventive rhythm accompaniment behind Vignola's bright lead lines. This duo guitar date focuses on ballads, most of which were standards at one time, though many of them have unjustly fallen from favor at the dawn of a new century, including songs like "Moonlight Serenade" and "Deep Purple." Though both have tremendous chops and can show off when they desire to do so, their joint focus in on subtle lyricism throughout the date, seeking to please no one but themselves. The intimate sound makes the listener feel like an eavesdropper on a private session between two old friends. It is almost criminal to highlight just a few of this CD's 16 tracks, so it should be sufficient to say that this release provides a perfect background at the end of a busy day with someone special.