March 2004

Dan Faehnle
Ohio Lunch
HeavyWood

By Jim Ferguson

On Ohio Lunch (Heavywood), Dan Faehnle demonstrates that he's a player to be reckoned with. Moving from trio to quartet settings, he calls upon some fine talent for support and inspiration, including bassist Ben Wolfe and fellow guitarist John Stowell. Technically deft and fluid, Faehnle effortlessly weaves ideas that groove nicely, witnessed by his work on the title track, which begins as a lightly swinging waltz and then seamlessly segues into a bubbling bluesy four. Four of the disc's tracks are the leader's originals; other selections include Wolfe's "The Last Time I Saw You," Jobim's obscure but beautiful "Caminhos Cruzados" and "Brigas Nunca Mais" (both with Stowell) and an almost too-laid-back treatment of Earl Hines' "Rosetta." Exceptional work from a player worth keeping an eye on.