Count
Paul Meyers among those relatively few jazz guitarists who concentrate on playing a nylon-string instrument. Assembling a terrific band for these sessions, including veteran bandleader and
Basie alum
Frank Wess on tenor sax and flute, bassist
Martin Wind (a leader as well and regular collaborator with pianist
Bill Mays), and drummer
Tony Jefferson,
Meyers includes a mix of standards, originals, and well-known jazz compositions. Oddly enough, the bluesy opener, "Snibor," is not one of
Billy Strayhorn's more widely played works (though
Duke Ellington fans will be familiar with it), but the light, swinging treatment with
Wind's intricate solo,
Wess' robust tenor, and the leader's subtle playing signals immediately that this is an impressive outing. All of the standards shine, including the breezy setting of "Just One of Those Things" with engaging features for
Meyers and
Wess; the warm rendition of "Lazy Afternoon" with guest vocalist
Andy Bey; and the gorgeous "My One and Only Love," which opens as a duo by
Wess and
Meyers with a delayed entrance by the rhythm section.
Wess contributed "Menage a Bleu," a tasty blues that sounds like the perfect wrap-up for a late-night club date.
Meyers penned a pair of originals, "Blue Lantern," a pulsating vehicle featuring
Wess' spirited flute and
Meyers' cooking guitar, and the choppy, infectious "One for Miss D."
The Paul Meyers Quartet Featuring Frank Wess is a delight from start to finish. ~ Ken Dryden