Search - Garrison Fewell :: Birdland Series

Great CD

jimboturbo | Ohio | 12/27/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Established Boston musicians' often have to travel no further than NYC, since Europe is so accessible, and they frequently remain underappreciated by the rest of the USA. Garrison Fewell is an artist, to my mind, that should be better known than he is here in the states. He often receives the label of "bebop" guitarist, which doens't really tell the whole story. His style is personal, but to my ears, exhibits the influences of Jim Hall and Jimmy Raney, among others.



For "Birdland Sessions", he uses Jim McNeely, Steve LaSpina, and Jeff Williams, a burning rhythm section by any standards, and the interplay is wonderful. Compositionally, "Dance of the Moroccan Veil" remains a stand-out to my ears, along with "The Wheel Turning King"; I also very much enjoyed his take on Sam River's "Beatrice".



I have enjoyed everything that Garrison has done to date; if you enjoy this recording, I also recommend "Blue Deeper Than Blue"."