John Pisano: Conversation Pieces

This follow up to 1995’s Among Friends again finds Pisano, jazz guitarist par excellence, in the company of a host of distinguished Los Angeles-based colleagues.

Four of the 12 tunes are pure guitar duets; Pisano and Gene Bertoncini delicately mingle their nylon-string instrumental voices on “Just Friends,” while “When I Fall In Love” features Pisano and Ted Greene generating lush harmonies and beautiful counter lines. The remaining numbers feature a variety of veteran rhythm sections. Joe Diorio and Pisano swing mightily on “Blues For Joe,” a grooving jazz waltz. Phil Upchurch gets down on “Ribbit,” a slow funky blues that provides a nice contrast to “Jo-Wes,” a forum for Lee Ritenour’s slippery uptown octaves and single-note lines. “Captain Bacardi” closes the set, with Dori Caymmi and Pisano locking into a tight samba groove that takes on a life of its own. Throughout the album, Pisano gives his guests generous allotments of solo space, which subtly demonstrates not only his selflessness, but also his vast versatility. A guitar lover’s dream.

Originally Published May 1, 1998