Bucky & Marty Workin’ Out

Nicolai Foss

It is a sad fact that arguably all the truly major innovators in classical jazz guitar playing — Eddie Lang, Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery — died much too young. Perhaps only bass players have been hit to the same extent (Jimmy Blanton, Paul Chambers, Scott LaFaro).

Luckily, Les Paul — who as you all know died on August 13 — made it to the age of 94. And there are quite a number of old timers among us who play with gusto and excellence. Case in point: Bucky Pizzarelli and Marty Grosz engaging in an impromptu duet, playing the great Dick McDonough 1934 number, “Stage Fright.” Bucky is 83 and Marty is 79 (and looks 10 years younger). (Apropos, anyone knows of tabs, charts, etc. of “Stage Fright”?).

Guitar Rarities, Vol. I and II (1933-1947)

Nicolai Foss

These two CDs (here and here) are a must for all lovers of post-Langian mainly chordal string wizardry carried out by virtuoso players like Albert Harris, Bert Thomas, Ivor Mairants, Bobby Sherwoord, George Smith, John Cali, and Tony Gattuso on their Epi Deluxes and Emperors or Gibson 400s, in addition to players more associated with the electric guitar, such as George Barnes and Mary Osborne (there is also a fun take with Ivor Mairants playing “In Charlie’s Footsteps” with the Geraldo Orchestra and indeed sounding like CC).

Only about 50% (or even less) of the takes can strictly speaking be classified as “archtop jazz.” The takes with George Smith and the Paul Whiteman orchestra (with Art Ryerson, Tony Gattuso or Alan Reuss in the guitar chair) are definitely pop music. Sirupy and often corny. But the guitar playing is still superb. Even on the more jazzy numbers, most of the music is 100% arranged. But then again, this is just excellent guitar music. I particularly enjoyed the John Cali-Tony Gattuso and Albert Harris-Ivor Mairants duets, completely unknown to me when I purchased these CDs about a year ago.

Michele Ariodante

Nicolai Foss

In my Eddie Lang bleg I asked who today is playing in the Lang/Kress/McDonough style. Italian guitarist, Michele Ariodante replied, saying that he does. Indeed he does — check out Michele’s beautiful rendition of Carl Kress’ “Sutton Mutton.” And here he is with Andy Stein, playing the Lang & Venuti classic, “Wild Cat.”

Noticed the archtop Michele is playing? This a Gretsch Synchromatic similar to the one I offer for sale (see here). Submit a bid!

Pizzarelli, Junior

Nicolai Foss

Here is the appropriately titled “Eps Frets“.

Here is “Seven on Charlie” (homage à Charlie Christian) with John quoting”Solo Flight”

Oh, while we are at it, here is another great instance of chordal playing, this time with Pizzarelli, senior and Frank Vignola.

Freddie Green

Nicolai Foss

I have never met a jazz guitarist or lover of jazz guitar who didn’t admire Freddie Green. Here is an excellent Freddie tribute site. Here is some info on Bucky Pizzarelli’s new tribute album, “5 for Freddie.”

A general problem for us Freddie admirers is actually hearing, rather than sensing, Freddie doing his thing. Some of the best and clearest examples of Freddie’s playing can be found on a DVD, namely the excellent Count Basie — Live in ‘62, which I strongly recommend not just because Freddie can be heard, but because the performances are just fantastic (in particular, Thad Jones and Sonny Payne shine here).

More Tiiiiight Chordal Playing

Nicolai Foss

Of course, with Bucky. But also with Lino Patruno. Check the clip here. And here are lots of clips with Patruno.

Four Youngsters and Sweet Georgia Brown

Nicolai Foss

Michele Ramo, Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Caiola and Jerry Bruno. Sweet chordal playing from Bucky and excellent single-string stuff from Caiola! Check it out.