April 2008

Tom Guarna
Wingspan
SteepleChase

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

Guitarist Tom Guarna takes a breezily swinging tack in this set, combining strains of cool jazz and bebop. The title cut, one of two originals on the disc, has a fine propulsion that emphasizes Guarna’s bright tone and velvety style, while allowing saxophonist Joel Frahm to take off for a rapid-fire, slightly angular solo. Elsewhere on the disc, whether recasting Miles Davis’ “Half Nelson” as a 6/8 bounce or turning in a dreamy solo rendition of “I Should Care,” Guarna mixes old and new with satisfying results.