Violin Memory

Guitarist John Stowell is a respected jazz player, known for his creative (and often difficult-to-play) chord voicings. That technique is very much in evidence in this set, but the focus is on his compositions. Trombonist Dave Glenn noticed that their duo performances had a chamber music quality, which inspired him to incorporate string quartet arrangements in this program. The core sound is still the duo: Stowell on nylon string guitar (plus a bit of fretless baritone guitar) and Glenn's trombone. The string quartet mainly plays introductions to the duets, brief pieces that lay out the melodic themes and harmonies of Stowell's compositions. "Social Butterfly" begins with a sprightly contrapuntal feel. "Remembering Laura Frink" is a gentle waltz, while "Ghost In The Corner" breaks the pattern by using the strings as part of the duet arrangement. "I Wish" is a contemplative piece that gives Stowell about three minutes of unaccompanied space before the trombone joins in. "Nanti Glo" introduces the fretless baritone guitar, which Stowell uses to double the song's theme. He does the same thing in "Lonely Blue Angel" and "When Jasper Grows Up." It's a cool sound, so it's a shame that it isn't used as a solo voice. "Fun With Fruit Intro" distinguishes itself with extensive use of pizzicato, and the closer "Foundation's End" is a sprightly composition with string quartet accompaniment. Stowell is a striking player and composer. The electric guitar is his usual instrument, but his acoustic playing is equally strong. The addition of a string quartet makes this album a unique entry in his discography and a notable acoustic jazz guitar project.