Live Beauty

Guitarist John Stowell was a regular visitor to Louisville during the Bellarmine Jazz Guitar Festivals (RIP). Best known for his quietly elegant work, he is, in his own words, "playing with more energy" here with his friend, saxophonist Michael Zilber. They're joined by bassist John Shifflett and drummer Jason Lewis for just over an hour's worth of music, five originals from band members, plus "My Funny Valentine" and John Scofield's "Wabash III." Lewis contributes the opening number, "In the Park," which is a fun, slinky piece. Zilber's "Shot Through with Beauty" is next, a long, quiet ballad with warm solos by Shifflett, Stowell and the composer. "Quantum Theory," by Shifflett, is a fast-paced piece, Zilber's solo leading to a logically-constructed guitar solo which effectively utilizes space to create tension. Zilber's "Stowell What" references "So What" during its stop-time introduction, Stowell's unique comping setting up a challenge which fuels a striking Zilber solo. Oddly, "Cookie Monster Blue" features uncredited piano behind Stowell's solo. "My Funny Valentine" begins as an almost freeform guitar/sax duet, the theme not being stated until some two minutes into the song. The quartet closes with a funky rendition of Sco's "Wabash III," capturing the composer's edgy feel, with Lewis' drums setting up a funky New Orleans beat. The album sounds like it was fun to record (live, back in 2012), and makes me hope for more releases by this engaging lineup.