Guitarist
Tuck Andress of
Tuck & Patti went off on his own temporarily to record this CD, a solo electric guitar outing utilizing no overdubbing and just a bit of editing on "Grooves of Joy." Jazz standards literally alternate with newer material (except "Louie, Louie"), three of which are
Tuck's compositions. Not too surprisingly,
Tuck's guitar playing is quite self-sufficient, a group unto itself. He is respectful on the standards (which include "Over the Rainbow," "Body and Soul" and "Manha de Carnaval") and a bit more adventurous on the other material.
Tuck's style at times hints a little at
Stanley Jordan (although without the tapping) and
Joe Pass (on "Stella by Starlight") but he is original enough to be distinctive. Other than the overlong and episodic "Grooves of Joy," every track is quite rewarding. ~ Scott Yanow