Jimmy Bruno: Solo

The Philly native Jimmy Bruno flexes his virtuoso chops on Solo (Guitar Sessions), revealing a middle ground between the bop lines of Joe Pass and Django Reinhardt’s Euro-flavored gypsy voodoo. His skills will send young guitarists to the woodshed and cause older ones to consider hanging up the ax forever-Bruno’s that frustratingly great. His flights off the melodies of Ellington’s “Satin Doll,” Rodgers and Hart’s “Have You Met Miss Jones” and just about every other tune on this standards-heavy disc sound effortlessly conceived, as if he just can’t help devising unique twists for these fusty changes. The way he can daisy chain quirkily voiced chords and ascend toward ecstasy only to climb back down on a simple, quarter-note run never gets old, even though he does it over and over again. Guitarheads especially will drool over this one, which as part of a new series of discs from instructional behemoth Mel Bay also includes an interview with Bruno, a few videos, pictures of his gear and a discography.

Originally Published March 1, 2005