Ximo Tebar: Ximo Tebar Goes Blue

Valencian guitarist Ximo Tebar recruits heavyweights Dr. Lonnie Smith on organ and Idris Muhammad on drums for this smoking session. Tebar sounds very comfortable in the company of his elders, swinging with rhythmic assuredness and requisite grease, coupled with blazing Bensonesque technique. The trio burns a blue streak on Cole Porter’s “I Love You,” with Smith unleashing his inimitable B3 magic along the way, and they get down on Ximo’s shuffle-blues number “Goes Blue.”

Special guest alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson demonstrates his lyrical touch with a dramatic reading of “Laura,” then funks it up on his signature piece “Midnight Creeper.” Tebar further distinguishes himself with some beautiful chordal melody work on “Days of Wine and Roses.” And he displays down-home grit on his bluesy “Come to Me,” which has the Turbanator testifying with sanctified power on the B3. Stateside guitar fans should definitely check out this talented Spaniard.

Originally Published January 1, 2006