Although
Like That was recorded in New York, many of the people involved with the project were Philadelphians. The pleasing hard bop date unites
Jimmy Bruno's Philly-based trio of the 1990s (which includes bassist Craig Thomas and drummer
Steve Holloway) with organist/trumpeter and Philly native
Joey DeFrancesco, while the liner notes were written by guitar great
Pat Martino (another Philadelphian). Producer
Allen Farnham, however, lived close to New York in northern New Jersey.
Bruno's guitar and
DeFrancesco's organ prove highly compatible on selections ranging from
Sam Jones' "Unit Seven" and
Jerome Kern's "The Way You Look Tonight" to
Bruno originals such as the sentimental "Waltz for Nancy," the angular "Raezer's Edge," and the mellifluous "Night Dreamer." Although
DeFrancesco plays organ on most of the 11 songs, he switches to the trumpet and favors a
Miles Davis-influenced mute on relaxed versions of "There Is No Greater Love" and "Stars Fell on Alabama."
Bruno's Concord output has been quite consistent, and this fine CD is no exception. ~ Alex Henderson