Song And Dance

This 10-tune CD, Bobby Broom's sixth recording as leader, finds the guitarist interpreting jazz and pop standards and contributing three originals with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins.

Broom's airy, mellow-sounding, mainly linear style allows his dynamic drummer to busy up with rim shots and cymbals work. But that doesn't overshadow Broom's brilliant interpretations of pop gems such as Lennon - McCartney's "Can't Buy Me Love," and older standards such as "Where Is Love" and "You and the Night and the Music." The guitarist approaches melody and improvisation with imagination on Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman."

Broom, a New York native (b. 1961) who relocated to Chicago at age 23, has been based since 1999 with his trio at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston, Illinois. Their familarity shows up in the way they address the wide-ranging fare on this outing. Inspired by Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Broom has been gaining fans since his 1981 recording debut. He spent most of the 1990s on the road with Dr. John before forming this trio.

Broom has absorbed Chicago blues (he's a member of the Deep Blue Organ Trio) and can excite a crowd with fiery playing at a live event. But you won't hear much of that on this CD. There are some stimulating moments, but they come well after the mid-point. Before then, Broom plays in a more pensive mode.