Guitarist
Stanley Jordan's innovative touch technique, often played in a solo setting at the beginning of his career in the mid-'80s, was a breath of fresh air. He has since been an explorer open to many styles, as heard on this collaboration with a number of different musicians. He is still very much a force as a soloist, yet not one to hog the spotlight with his formidable abilities.
Jordan is joined by
Kenny Garrett (on soprano sax), trumpeter
Nicholas Payton, bassist
Christian McBride, and drummer Kenwood Dennard for his blazing post-bop anthem "Capital J." The same lineup is used for the mellow contemporary ballad "Bathed in Light" with Dennard overdubbing on keyboard; the robust solos and crisp ensemble work keep things from degrading into run-of-the-mill smooth jazz.
Jordan collaborates with several different guitarists. Octogenarian
Bucky Pizzarelli, a master of seven-string guitar who is equally capable playing lead and rhythm, is on hand for a gently swinging, bluesy "Lil' Darlin'," while
Russell Malone joins the leader and
Pizzarelli for an explosive take of "Seven Come Eleven" (a tune
Pizzarelli doubtlessly played many times during his time with
Benny Goodman).
Mike Stern accompanies
Jordan for a brisk workout of "Giant Steps," with Dennard sticking to soft brushwork. Guitarist
Charlie Hunter is on hand for
Jordan's funky "Walkin' the Dog" and
Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," the latter in which the leader plays piano with one hand and guitar with the other. Perhaps the most unusual track is an adaptation of the "Romantic Intermezzo" from
Béla Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra, with
Jordan playing piano (his first instrument) accompanied by the brilliant violinist
Regina Carter, demonstrating
Jordan's love for a good melody regardless of the style of music. Jazz fans who have lost track of
Stanley Jordan since his early solo recordings will have their ears opened by this diverse, successful meeting with his many friends. ~ Ken Dryden