Neither guitarist Dale Bruning nor composer Charles Eakin are likely well known to many jazz fans outside of Colorado, but they may be among the state's best-kept secrets. Bruning, who has been based in Boulder for most of a 40-plus-year career, is a master of melody and understatement, comparable to Canadian guitarist Ed Bickert. Eakin was active for decades as a music professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, a prolific writer of great melodies that are lovingly interpreted here by Bruning and his quartet, including multi-reed player Rich Chiaraluce (who plays tenor and alto saxophones, clarinet, and flute), bassist Mark Simon, and drummer Paul Romaine. Highlights of the set include "Easy Does It," which features a lyrical unaccompanied introduction by Bruning, and the playful "Blues for Mingus" (which hints at the late bassist's "Goodbye Porkpie Hat"), showcasing Chiaraluce's flute as the leader makes a delayed entrance. Recommended.
© Ken Dryden /TiVo