Search - Jimmy Bruno :: Solo

For Guitarists Only

Stephen A. Smith | Boston, MA | 05/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Jimmy Bruno is an exceptional guitarist. I own almost every CD he's recorded, from his albums on Concord to his duo with John Leitham. His technical facility on the instrument is phenomenal. And his lines aren't just fast -- they're also melodic. He's a true bop player, in the legacy of Jimmy Raney. I'm sure Bird and Diz would have loved to record with Jimmy Bruno.



Having said that, I have a hard time recommending this CD. If you're a guitarist, Bruno's technique is fascinating. Unfortunately, as often happens on guitar CDs, the technique obscures the music. Simply put, Bruno plays too many notes. He's got an incredible ear and hears unique harmonic possibilities, but he expresses them all using lines and arpeggios. The result is skeletal music. Imagine trying to have a conversation using only individual letters, rather than words and sentences. That's what happens here. [For contrast, listen to George Van Eps on "Legends."]



On the uptempo tunes, another problem arises. His lines are muddied by string noise. No engineer is credited, so I assume Bruno miked the guitar himself. Some guitarists insist that string buzz is part of the instrument's charm. I would answer that saxophonists don't mike their pads, and trombonists practice to quiet the sound of air from their tone. The aim when striking a note is to create pitch -- and here, the incidental noise is almost distracting.



It's worth noting that guitarists, by and large, won't care about these two objections. They'll buy "Solo" based on Bruno's reputation, expecting to hear an amazing technician. They won't be disappointed. Given that this CD was recorded for Mel Bay Records, it's possible that Bruno simply knows his audience and recorded to suit their expectations. If so, job well done.



"Solo" succeeds as a display of chops -- but if you're looking for serious music, look elsewhere. Bruno is unequaled as a bop guitarist. I recommend either of his "Live at Birdland" CDs, where he's joined by Bobby Watson and Scott Hamilton, respectively. Solo performance just isn't Bruno's bag."

Not one of Jimmy's best

T. Pencak | OC, CA | 10/04/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Jimmy is a spectacular jazz guitarist... He is a modern Joe Pass on

steroids. He is as quick as rocker Yngwie Malmsteen. I own every

Jimmy CD to date. I love his music and play those CDs frequently.

I bought this one the other day and I was let down. He seems lost

in many of the tunes played. His improvising/solos on the record

sway far from the initial melodies and themes of the tunes. For

solo jazz guitar, Joe Pass does it better (check out virtuoso #3).

The first three Jimmy records capture his unique tone. On Midnight Blue and this solo record, Jimmy's tone sounds less familiar. He should stick with his extremely well made Benedettos and Polytone Amplifiers. I would never buy a Roger Sadowsky guitarafter hearing this record."