Oakland, California jazz guitarist David Widelock to release his first trio album since Too Many Vitamins (1985) on August 24, 2009. Accompanied by Bay Area stalwarts Fred Randolph on acoustic and fretless electric bass, and Jim Kassis on drums, the album features originals by David plus covers of Tom Waits’ “Sixteen Shells from a 30-06” and Leadbelly’s “Black Betty”.

Skating on the Sidewalk is a colorful collection of compositions that explores multiple sonic pathways. As the title suggests, the album approaches the songs in a playful mood that is balanced with serious musicianship. The CD is evidence that Widelock has immersed himself in and mastered an incredible array of musical styles and colors. The listener will find the musical walkways lead from Django-inspired swing to diverse passages that traverse many sonic colors-just travel from “Black Betty” to “Chitchat” to explore the shifting paths. “Skating on the Sidewalk” builds on brash harmonic structures as the foundation for the new pathways that Widelock’s thoughtful lines wind through. Listen to the chromatic passages just before bassist Fred Randolph traverses the path for his solo.

Skating on the Sidewalk pushes a spirit of fun and exploration, while asking that we feel connections between contrasting styles of music. This stimulating mix of swing, rock, funk, blues, and ballads keeps the musical traveler on accessible yet exciting terrain. To confirm this for yourself, trek to “Peeling the Magic Onion,” a mixture of Monk, road house blues, and Kenny Burrell. For all its musical diversity, Skating on the Sidewalk, speaks with one main idea. It is a distinct vision that suggests that these diverse styles are not that far apart.